Home Blog Page 80

Former WWF Women’s Champion Set For Final Wrestling Appearance

0

A former WWF Women’s Champion & sister of WWE Hall of Famer is set to make her final wrestling appearance at an upcoming convention in July.

TMart Promotions recently sent out a press release regarding their upcoming The Gathering VI convention from Hilten University Palace in Charlotte NC. They announced that former WWF star Rockin Robin will be making her last wrestling appearance at the event from July 30 to August 3:

“This talent has informed me that this will be the Final Appearance of her career. So this will be your last opportunity to get your Autographs or Photo ops.. We welcome her for the first time ever to the Hilton and her final Appearance. Former WWF Women’s World Champion Rockin Robin”

Robin is a retired professional wrestler who was active in the business from 1986 to 1992. Real name Robin Denise Smith, the wrestling veteran is the half-sister of legendary Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts.

Hailing from Charlotte itself, she had a stint with the then-WWF between 1987 and 1990, after the company restarted its women’s division. Rockin Robin defeated Sensational Sherri in October 1988 to win the WWF Women’s World Title. She held on to the title for the remainder of her WWF stint and the belt was retired upon her exit from the company in 1990.

After leaving the company, Robin had multiple stints in Japan and she even formed a tag team with Wendi Richter before retiring from in-ring action in 1992. She was inducted into the Women’s Wrestling Hall of Fame last year.

Jordynne Grace Confirms WWE NXT Return After Vengeance Day

0

Jordynne Grace will be at Tuesday’s WWE NXT on The CW, following her surprise appearance NXT Vengeance Day.

Grace made a dramatic entrance at the conclusion of the event, confronting both NXT Women’s Champion Giulia and NXT Women’s North American Champion Stephanie Vaquer in the ring. The moment came after Giulia successfully defended her title in the main event against Bayley, Roxanne Perez, and Cora Jade.

In a backstage video posted by WWE following her confrontation with Giulia and Vaquer, Grace simply stated, “See you on Tuesday.”

Jordynne Grace Makes Surprise Appearance, Confronts Champions at NXT Vengeance Day

0

Jordynne Grace made a dramatic surprise appearance at WWE NXT Vengeance Day on February 15, 2025. She emerged at the conclusion of the event to confront NXT Women’s Champion Giulia and NXT Women’s North American Champion Stephanie Vaquer.

The confrontation took place following the main event, where Giulia successfully defended her NXT Women’s Championship in a fatal four-way match against Bayley, Roxanne Perez, and Cora Jade. Earlier in the night, Vaquer had captured the NXT Women’s North American Title from Fallon Henley in the opening contest.

As both champions were in the ring, Grace’s music played and she made her way to the ring. The show concluded with all three women facing off, setting up potential future matchups in NXT’s women’s division.

IMG 2080

Grace’s appearance marks another chapter in the ongoing partnership between WWE and TNA. Her transition from TNA to WWE has been significant, particularly following her reign as TNA Knockouts Champion prior to signing with WWE.

The moment concluded NXT Vengeance Day, with Grace’s presence adding new possibilities to both women’s championship pictures.

Ricky Starks’ Next WWE TV Appearance Announced

0

Former AEW star Ricky Starks made his WWE NXT debut during the second hour of this past Tuesday’s show. Now, he has confirmed that he will be appearing again this week.

In a video shared on Twitter, Starks announced that he would be signing his official NXT contract on the February 18th edition of NXT.

“The hottest free agent shocked the world last week when I appeared on NXT. And tonight, it’s Vengeance Day, and I’m going to be watching on Peacock. And I know you probably are wondering what’s next? Well, I got the answers for you. This Tuesday, live on NXT, in the middle of that ring, I’m going to be signing my official NXT contract, and then you’re going to have the absolute truth from the man himself.”

Starks made his debut by appearing in the crowd, where he was instantly recognized by fans. Acknowledging their reaction, he stated that it was clear they knew exactly who he was. He then declared that if NXT represents the future of wrestling, it needs a superstar of the future. He added that if NXT is the highest brand, it requires the highest free agent, vowing to turn the place upside down.

Previously, Starks had requested his release from AEW, but CEO Tony Khan reportedly refused to grant it. It was widely believed that he would have to wait out the remainder of his contract before pursuing other opportunities. However, that situation recently changed when Starks was officially granted his release.

Charlotte Flair vs. Tiffany Stratton Has Been Planned For A While

0

WWE officially announced on this week’s episode of SmackDown that Charlotte Flair will challenge Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 41.

The match was set up after Stratton retained her title by disqualification against Nia Jax on SmackDown when Candice LeRae interfered. A brawl broke out involving Stratton, Jax, LeRae, and Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, who was ringside. Jax and LeRae ultimately left both Stratton and Stratus laid out.

As the Women’s Champion was down in the ring, Flair entered and declared that she had chosen Stratton as her opponent for WrestleMania 41.

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Flair’s Royal Rumble victory and her selection of Stratton as her opponent had been planned for some time. In fact, the plan for Charlotte vs. Tiffany Stratton has reportedly been in place since December.

Flair earned her title shot by winning the 2025 Royal Rumble. This is a major match for both competitors—Charlotte is a 14-time Women’s Champion and a seasoned WrestleMania veteran, while Tiffany Stratton is a rising star who won the title earlier this year.

WrestleMania 41 will be a two-night event, taking place on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Chad Gable Embraces Mentor Role: “When Did I Become the Old Guy?”

0

WWE RAW Superstar Chad Gable has embraced a new chapter in his career as a mentor to younger talent, particularly within his stable, American Made. In a recent appearance on The Jay Ferruggia Show, Gable reflected on his evolving role within WWE.

“When these younger guys come to me for advice, I know I need to give them my full attention,” Gable explained. “People did that for me when I was coming up, and now it’s my turn to pay it forward.”

The transition to mentor has brought unexpected growth in Gable’s own approach to teaching.

“What’s really special about these relationships is how they’ve changed me,” he noted. “When they come with questions, I find myself being more thoughtful and deliberate with my responses, moving beyond just giving the expected answers.”

The shift in his status became apparent to Gable over the past year and a half, as he found himself increasingly sought out for guidance.

“There was this moment when I realized more of the roster was coming to me for advice, and I thought, ‘Wait – when did I become the old guy?'”

While the realization caught him by surprise, Gable has found fulfillment in his role as a mentor. His experience exemplifies WWE’s tradition of veteran performers helping to develop the next generation of talent, continuing a cycle that has long been vital to the company’s success.

Seth Rollins in Early Talks for WWE Creative or Leadership Role Post-Retirement

0

Seth Rollins, a mainstay in WWE for over 14 years, is beginning to think about his long-term future beyond the ring. While still performing at a high level, Rollins has revealed that he is in the early stages of discussions about a potential backstage role in WWE, whether in an executive or creative capacity.

During an interview with Bloomberg’s Kim Bhasin at Super Bowl LIX Radio Row, Rollins discussed his post-wrestling aspirations.

“Someone’s gonna have to run that place eventually… I like to fancy myself as someone who might be interested in that,” he said, acknowledging that he wants to learn more about the business side of WWE.

However, he clarified that these conversations are still in their early stages.

At 38 years old, Rollins believes he is in his prime but is beginning to see the wrestling industry from a new perspective.

“My mental and my physical are kind of locked in right now where my physical hasn’t declined too much, and my mental side is really on the rise,” he explained.

While he remains focused on his current role as an in-ring competitor, he is open to exploring opportunities within WWE management in the future.

Beyond WWE, Rollins also has aspirations in sports media. A passionate football fan, he expressed interest in working as an NFL commentator, particularly for the Chicago Bears.

“My ultimate goal is to be in the broadcast booth and call Chicago Bears games on Sundays,” he shared.

For now, Rollins’ focus remains on competition. His next match takes place on the February 17 episode of Monday Night Raw, where he will face Finn Bálor. The winner will claim the final spot in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match at the upcoming Premium Live Event, joining a stacked field that includes John Cena, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Logan Paul, and Damian Priest.

While his in-ring career is far from over, Rollins is already looking ahead, ensuring that when the time comes, he remains a key figure in WWE’s future.

Booker T Names 3 NXT Stars as Future Main Roster Standouts

0

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has established himself as a keen talent evaluator through decades of experience, his successful Texas-based Reality of Wrestling school, and his current role as a coach on WWE LFG.

In a recent interview with TV Insider‘s Scott Fishman, Booker identified two NXT performers he believes are ready for WWE’s main roster.

Jacy Jane

Jayne has impressed throughout her NXT tenure, from her work with Toxic Attraction to her ongoing singles career. According to Booker T, she possesses all the necessary tools to make an immediate impact on either Raw or SmackDown.

“I think Jacy Jayne has been such a role player in NXT for quite some time. I’ve always thought she was main roster ready,” Booker T said. “I do feel like she is like a player-coach at the same time.”

Fallon Henley

The WWE legend also highlighted Fallon Henley as another NXT talent primed for advancement.

“Fallon Henley is someone else who could be on the main roster,” he noted. “I think if we lose her… man, do we want to lose her right now? It’s one of those type of things.”

This assessment carries significant weight given Booker T’s proven eye for talent. He has mentored numerous successful performers, including Roxanne Perez, whom he considers his “star pupil.”

Roxanne Perez

Speaking about Perez, Booker said,

“She has excelled and exceeded all expectations. She’s a household name now. She is a star.”

Beyond his work with NXT talent, Booker T is currently featured on WWE LFG, A&E’s new developmental competition series premiering February 16.

The show offers viewers an inside look at the demanding journey to becoming a WWE superstar, with Booker T joining fellow legends The Undertaker, Mickie James, and Bubba Ray Dudley as mentors.

Given his extensive experience and demonstrated ability to identify future stars, Booker T’s endorsements of Jayne and Henley deserve serious consideration from both fans and WWE management.

The Undertaker Calls Out Rising WWE Talent: “He Thinks He Has All the Answers”

Road Dogg Named Co-Lead Writer of SmackDown

0

WWE has made another significant change to its creative team, with former D-Generation X member Road Dogg (Brian James) stepping into the role of co-lead writer for SmackDown. According to PWInsider, James will work alongside John Swikata, who was promoted to lead writer in June 2024.

This marks another chapter in James’ evolving role within WWE’s corporate structure. After serving as a producer from 2014 to 2022, he had previously held the position of lead writer for SmackDown. He briefly departed the company in 2022 due to the demanding schedule under then-CEO Vince McMahon, but returned later that year as Senior Vice President of Live Events.

In his SVP role, James has been responsible for overseeing the creative direction of WWE’s live events, maintaining a biweekly office presence while visiting selected live shows monthly. This latest appointment suggests a further expansion of his creative influence within the company.

smackdown logo 2024

The writing team’s leadership now combines James’ veteran wrestling experience with Swikata’s proven track record as a longtime member of WWE’s creative staff. Swikata, who replaced Ryan Callahan, has worked his way up through the ranks, moving from senior writer to his current position as lead writer.

Gran Hamada, Pioneering Japanese Wrestler, Dies at 74

0

Hiroaki Hamada, better known as Gran Hamada, has passed away at the age of 74. The Japanese wrestling icon was a trailblazer in both his home country and Mexico, where he helped bridge the gap between lucha libre and puroresu.

A Legacy Spanning Japan, Mexico, and the U.S.

Hamada began his wrestling career in 1972 as one of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s first dojo trainees. After spending three years with NJPW, he moved to Mexico, where he adapted to lucha libre’s fast-paced style. His ability to blend Japanese and Mexican wrestling led to the creation of his own promotion, Universal Lucha Libre, which was the first Japanese company to fully integrate the lucharesu style.

Hamada’s influence extended beyond Japan and Mexico. He briefly competed in the U.S., making appearances in ECW against notable names like Justin Credible and Jerry Lynn. He also had a historic partnership with WWE, which resulted in him and Perro Aguayo becoming the first—and only—WWF Intercontinental Tag Team Champions, a title created during a short-lived collaboration between WWE and Hamada’s promotion.

A Revered Figure in Lucha Libre

Throughout his career, Hamada shared the ring with some of the biggest names in lucha libre history, including René Guajardo, El Perro Aguayo, Aníbal, and Los Villanos. His contributions to the industry helped shape the modern crossover between Japanese and Mexican wrestling.

Gran Hamada’s impact on professional wrestling will be remembered by fans and wrestlers alike, particularly for his role in pioneering the lucharesu style that influenced future generations.

Tiffany Stratton Wants a ‘Freaky Friday’ Style Swap with Rhea Ripley

0

Tiffany Stratton is fully embracing the WWE Universe’s excitement over her dynamic with Rhea Ripley, as fans have dubbed them “Strapley.” The reigning WWE Women’s Champion recently spoke about the pairing and even floated the idea of a style swap with Ripley, imagining the dark and dominant Women’s World Champion in her signature pink.

Stratton on the ‘Strapley’ Phenomenon

Stratton discussed the growing buzz around “Strapley” during interviews with DS for Ring The Belle and Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez. She acknowledged that fans created the name, and she immediately found it appealing.

“The internet did! Someone said ‘Strapley,’ and I was like, that’s kind of cool!” she shared on RTB.

Stratton’s chemistry with Ripley gained attention when the two shared the ring before the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. Their contrasting personas—Ripley’s dark, intense presence and Stratton’s glamorous, self-proclaimed “Center of the Universe” energy—have intrigued fans.

img 2074 1

Freaky Friday: Ripley in Pink and Stratton in Back

Taking things a step further, Stratton suggested a “Freaky Friday” scenario where she and Ripley swap aesthetics. She firmly believes Ripley could pull off her signature pink, while she has already shown she can rock all black.

“I definitely see that in our future,” Stratton said on Unlikely. “I feel like pink would look so good on Rhea. And I feel like I can rock black. Like, I’ve rocked it before. I actually rocked it this past Friday. And I feel like I looked pretty good in black. So, I definitely see that in our future. You have to stay tuned for that as well.”

WWE has a history of incorporating social media-driven pairings into its programming. The contrast between Ripley’s dominant, goth-inspired character and Stratton’s ultra-glam persona makes for a compelling on-screen dynamic.

AEW Grand Slam Australia: Preview, Matches, How to Watch

0

All Elite Wrestling makes history this Saturday with its first-ever event in Australia as Grand Slam emanates from the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Three Australian stars will have the opportunity to capture championship gold in their home country, while the event marks AEW’s first Grand Slam outside of New York City.

How to Watch

Start Times

The event begins Saturday, February 15 at the following times:

  • 10:30 PM Eastern Time (ET)
  • 7:30 PM Pacific Time (PT)
  • 2:30 PM AEST (Sunday, Australia)
  • 1:00 PM India (IST)

Broadcast Details

  • United States: TNT (airing after NBA All-Star Saturday Night)
  • International: Max streaming service

Match Card

AEW Grand Slam Australia Poster

AEW Women’s World Championship Mariah May (c) vs. “Timeless” Toni Storm

The eccentric Hollywood starlet returns home seeking her fourth reign as champion against her former protégé in what promises to be an emotionally charged main event.

TBS Championship Mercedes Moné (c) vs. Harley Cameron

Brisbane native Cameron looks to capture gold in front of her hometown crowd, just 30 minutes from where she grew up.

Brisbane Brawl Death Riders (Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli) vs. Cope & Jay White

A violent clash awaits as the Death Riders take on the unlikely alliance of “The Rated R Superstar” and “Switchblade”.

AEW Continental Championship Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Buddy Matthews

Sydney’s own Matthews challenges “The Rainmaker” in a battle of Australia versus Japan.

Tag Team Match Kenny Omega & Will Ospreay vs. The Don Callis Family (Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita)

Former rivals unite against the manipulative Don Callis and his family.

NXT Vengeance Day Preview: Final Card, How to Watch

0

Tonight’s NXT Vengeance Day premium live event serves as a pivotal event for the brand, featuring several championship matches and potentially career-altering confrontations. The event is headlined by a triple threat match for the NXT Championship, while the NXT Women’s Championship will be defended in a fatal four-way contest.

How to Watch

Vengeance Day is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM (ET) local time. Start times in select regions include:

  • Pacific US Time (PST): 3:00 PM
  • UK (GMT): 11:00 PM
  • Saudi Arabia (AST): 2:00 AM (next day, Sunday)
  • India (IST): 4:30 AM (next day, Sunday)

Streaming Platforms

The event streams live around the globe on Netflix and Peacock:.

  • Netflix: For fans outside the U.S., this will be the first-ever NXT premium live event to stream on Netflix following WWE Network’s integration into the service.
  • Peacock: Fans in the United States can watch exclusively on Peacock.

The event takes place at the CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C.

Matches

  • NXT Championship Triple Threat Match: Oba Femi (c) vs. Austin Theory vs. Grayson Waller
  • NXT Women’s Championship Fatal Four-Way: Giulia (c) vs. Bayley vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Cora Jade
  • NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley vs. Stephanie Vaquer
  • NXT Tag Team Championship: Nathan Frazer & Axiom vs. Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura
  • Singles Match: Je’Von Evans vs. Ethan Page
  • Strap Match: Eddy Thorpe vs. Trick Williams

Vengeance Day could mark significant changes in thelandscape, with potential surprises and debuts expected. There are strong rumors of Jordynne Grace making an appearance to challenge the winner of the women’s championship match. Additionally, this could be Roxanne Perez’s final NXT appearance as she prepares for a main roster transition.

The show is expected to deliver high-quality in-ring action, particularly in the tag team championship match which features contrasting styles between the high-flying duo of Frazer & Axiom against the powerful combination of Briggs & Inamura.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for complete coverage of NXT Vengeance Day as the event unfolds tonight on Peacock.

Baron Corbin Reveals Immediate Reaction To WWE Release

0

Baron Corbin has revealed his issue with the way his WWE release came about.

The former US Champion was one of the surprise departures from the company in recent months. He was considered the ultimate utility player so people were shocked when the officials decided not to renew his deal at the end of 2024.

The 40-year-old opened up about the end of his 13-year run with the company during a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio. Revealing his immediate reaction to the release, Baron Corbin said that he did not panic:

“I was always smart with my money, so I didn’t hit the panic button of like, ‘Oh no, how am I gonna pay my bills?’ It was like, I clicked right into, I think in November is when they told me, ‘Hey, we’re not gonna renew.’

And I was like, ‘All right, let’s go. Next step. Let’s see what I got.’ I’ve been trying to create other stuff whether it be in the food world, I want to get in horror movies. I want to do some fun stuff with that. So I was excited, like right out the gate. I didn’t have the panic.”

My Feelings Were Hurt: Baron Corbin

This is not to say that Baron Corbin was not upset with his release. He has previously implied that there is a particular person behind the scenes who wanted him gone. During the interview, Corbin confirmed that the person in question was not Triple H. Though he was bummed that the news was given to him by Talent Relations, instead of it coming from the current creative head:

“I was bummed. I think my feelings were hurt a little bit sadly enough because of everything I’ve given to the company for 13 years. Getting called on a Thursday, ‘Hey, we need you here tomorrow. We know you were supposed to be off this weekend.’ or leaving for my family vacation, eight months ago when we were in Spain on a family vacation, to fly to Scotland to do a match.

I was always a company guy and put them first. Then to get a call from TR that we’re not gonna do it. I think it would have hurt my feelings less maybe if Hunter had called and been like, ‘Hey man, this is where we’re at’ or whatever. But again, I don’t think he played that much of a role in it. So I don’t know. I think that was my issue.”

The Undertaker Calls Out Rising WWE Talent: “He Thinks He Has All the Answers”

0

The Undertaker has never been one to sugarcoat things, and his recent comments about WWE newcomer BJ Ray prove just that. In an interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, The Phenom weighed in on a heated moment from WWE LFG, where Bubba Ray Dudley clashed with the young talent over his approach to the business.

The Undertaker, who serves as a coach on the show, made it clear that BJ Ray still has a lot to learn, despite being a Duke wrestling alum.

“He’s got a ton of personality, but I think he’s going to outwork himself,” he said. “He’s one of those people who thinks they have all the answers and doesn’t know one of the questions.”

BJ Ray
BJ Ray (Photo: WWE)

The Deadman didn’t question BJ Ray’s ambition, but he did warn that confidence without humility can be a dangerous mix.

“I think he just believes, ‘I’m going to garner attention and people are going to notice me.’ But what ends up happening is he rubs people the wrong way. He’s a minnow swimming with sharks, and it’s not pretty.”

The Undertaker’s words reflect a long-standing truth in WWE—star power alone isn’t enough. To make it in the industry, talent must be paired with respect, patience, and a willingness to learn from veterans.

WWE LFG offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at this challenging journey, premiering February 16th at 8/7c on A&E. The show follows aspiring superstars as they navigate the grueling world of WWE, featuring exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage, and the return of WWE Rivals immediately afterward.

The Undertaker on WWE’s Ruthless Competition: “You Can’t Sit Back and Say You Got Overlooked”

0

For decades, The Undertaker has been a cornerstone of WWE, witnessing the rise and fall of countless superstars. In a recent interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, he reflected on the competitive nature of WWE’s main event scene and what it takes to truly stand out.

Looking back at the Attitude Era, The Undertaker acknowledged that breaking through to the top has never been easy.

“Stone Cold had that number one spot—nobody can deny that,” he said. “And it is what it is. It was what it was. But that was still motivation for everybody underneath him. Everybody was reaching for that brass ring.”

He emphasized that frustration is part of the journey, but sitting back and complaining won’t change anything.

“Sometimes you have to wait, but you have to be prepared. You can’t sit back and say, ‘Oh man, I got overlooked.’ You have to look at what you’re doing, be able to evolve, take chances, and never be content.”

The Undertaker believes this relentless mindset is what separates legends from those who fade away.

“Regardless of whether I ever achieved the top spot while Steve was there, my goal was always to get there. That’s the mindset you have to have. You just can’t let frustration overtake you.”

As WWE continues to evolve, The Undertaker sees a hunger in today’s roster that reminds him of the past. For rising stars, his message is clear—work harder than everyone else and seize every opportunity.

Fans can watch WWE’s next generation put this philosophy to the test in WWE LFG, premiering February 16th at 8/7c on A&E. The series takes viewers inside the world of WWE’s rising talent, featuring exclusive content, interviews, and never-before-seen footage.

The Undertaker Explains How John Cena’s Retirement May Change Wrestling Farewells

0

The Undertaker has opened up about John Cena’s retirement tour.

The Dead Man recently had an interview with Shakiel Mahjouri to promote the new WWE LFG show. He talked about things such as the current main event scene in WWE, the future of stars such as Gunther and Jacob Fatu and more.

The experience of Taker on the last leg of his career was very different than Cena as he went back and forth on retirement for multiple years before finally calling it a career. During the interview, the wrestling veteran was asked what are some of the signs that wrestlers should look for to make the decision at the right time. The Phenom explained that you have to regularly assess your physical condition and love for the business:

“You have to constantly assess where you’re at physically. Although we have the ability to push through pain, you have to realize ‘How important is this still to me?’ There’s a time period that Cena did everything. He was on every house show. He was on every pay-per-view. He did every meet and greet. He did all the make-a-wish. And he wanted it. He was like ‘I want it all’ and now he’s had this 20-year run or however long his run was.

Now he is trying to branch out and to do other things. So you have to, you can’t mail it in. You can’t do this business the way it needs to be done if you’re not 100% committed. I think that’s where he’s at. Like I know in John’s soul he loves this business, just like Rock loves the business but there’s this thing – you want to test the water to different things and challenge yourself in a different way.”

This Might Be The Prototype: The Undertaker

The Undertaker had multiple WrestleMania matches which he considered to be the end of his in-ring career but he was always convinced by Vince McMahon to come back. The WWE Hall of Famer finally hanged his boot after competing in the highly praised boneyard match against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36.

Speaking about the approach of John Cena who is spending the whole of 2025 going to different places one last time, The Last Outlaw expressed the belief that it’ll become a prototype for other wrestlers who want to retire:

“I think it’s great that they’re doing this tour the way they are. I don’t think everybody deserves that. I think Cena definitely does because of the workhorse that he was for so long. I think it’s great because people will have an opportunity to know where he’s going to be and you’re going to get one last opportunity maybe to see him live. I think that’s pretty cool.

I think John gets to get his flowers the way he should. I think this might be the prototype for certain wrestlers to do their Swan Song and leave. But your original question I mean you have to be 100% committed to making this everything. Your whole career has to evolve or revolve around the wrestling part of it.”

WWE Exec Triple H Honored by Connecticut General Assembly

0

WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque has received official recognition from the Connecticut State General Assembly ahead of WrestleMania 40. The legislative body honored the wrestling legend with an official citation on February 6, 2025, acknowledging his upcoming WWE Hall of Fame induction and contributions to the sports entertainment industry.

img 8197 1

The Connecticut Black and Puerto Rican Caucus specifically recognized Levesque, a longtime Connecticut resident, for his “extraordinary legacy as a legendary competitor and visionary executive.” The citation celebrates his role in revolutionizing the professional wrestling industry.

Responding to the honor on Twitter, Levesque expressed his gratitude: “An honor to receive…Thank you to all in the Connecticut State Assembly for the recognition and the excitement around this year’s #WrestleMania.”

Certificate Details:
The official citation, signed by the President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House, and Secretary of State, was presented at the State Capitol in Hartford. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives and recognizes Levesque’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The document acknowledges his dual impact as both a performer and executive, highlighting his ongoing influence in the professional wrestling industry.????????????????

Watch: Tony Khan Booed In Australia After Grand Slam Venue Debacle

0

Fans were not happy with Tony Khan after the sketchy venue change for Grand Slam Australia and they voiced their displeasure to the AEW President without hesitation.

The company taped the special program from Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Saturday, February 15. Khan came out at the start of the taping to greet the crowd and he was met with audible boos from the fans:

Despite the unfavourable reaction, Khan claimed that it was a dream come true to do a show in Australia. He promised a return to Brisbane and later in the evening, it was confirmed that AEW is planning the comeback for 2026.

The company’s Australia debut was originally supposed to be held in Suncorp Stadium with a listed capacity of over 50,000. After discouraging ticket sales, however, the show was moved to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, which is a much smaller venue.

A lot of fans had voiced their displeasure at this change. Many who had paid stadium prices for premium seats were especially unhappy as their redistributed tickets were not of the same value and there was no option for a refund.

Regardless, the company has touted the show as one of the most successful events in the history of the promotion and their third biggest international gate of all time.

The show following Khan’s promo featured a number of big matches and a huge title change as well. You can check out the complete spoilers for the event here.

AEW Grand Slam Spoilers From Brisbane, Australia: Title Change And More

0

AEW taped the Grand Slam special of Collision from Brisbane, Australia today. The show featured a number of stars belonging to the country as well as big names such as Adam Copeland, Will Ospreay, and more. Here are the complete spoiler results for the show:

Tony Khan Promo: The AEW President was introduced by Arkady to a mixed reaction after changing the venues for the show. He claimed that this was a dream come true and promised a return to Brisbane in future.

Tag Team Match: Will Ospreay & Kenny Omega def. Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher – Don Callis and Mark Davis were at the ringside and the crowd was hot for the bout. Callis interfered in the bout in Favor of Takeshita and Fletcher but in the end, the babyfaces picked up the victory.

TBS Championship Match: Mercedes Mone def. Harley Cameron – Hometown star Cameron got a huge reaction from the crowd coming off the entertaining build for this title match using the Mone Puppet. Harley brought out the Mone puppet at one point to distract the champion but it was Mercedes who picked up the victory in the end.

The Brisbane Brawl: Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli def. Jay White & Cope – The match was a no-holds-barred brawl with the contestants fighting through the crowd from the start. Various weapons such as trash cans and tables were used and Mox even used a barbed wire chair during the match. The fight ended controversially after Mox choked Cope out following interference from Wheeler Yuta and Marina Shafir. The crowd chanted bullshit at the ending but later gave a standing ovation to Cope.

Backstage Segment: Will Ospreay challenged Fletcher to a steel cage match at Revolution and Kenny Omega called out Takeshita for an International Title shot at the upcoming PPV.

Continental Championship Match: Kazuchika Okada def. Buddy Matthews – The local star Matthews showed a lot of resilience leading to multiple unexpected kickouts. Okada retained in the end with a low blow and Rainmaker. Matthews brought out the Australian flag post-match to cheer the crowd.

AEW Women’s Championship Match: Toni Storm def. Mariah May: The crowd was alive for the bout and Australia’s own received a huge ovation upon her grand entrance with a returning Luther the Butler. After an intense battle, Storm hit Storm Zero but May somehow kicked out. The defending champion then hit multiple Maydays but Storm kicked out at the last second. Toni landed another Storm Zero but May rolled out onto the floor. In desperation, Mariah May attempted her own version of Storm Zero but the Timeless one escaped and finally hit the Storm Zero for pin. Toni Storm cut an emotional promo following the match.

Matt Hardy Reveals Unthinkable Gift He Once Received From Wild Fan

0

Matt Hardy has revealed the strangest gift he has ever received from a fan.

People being obsessed with celebrities is not a new phenomenon. Sometimes these fans, however, cross the line and do something that feels like a wild dream.

The Attitude Era star recalled one such incident that left him stunned during the latest episode of his podcast. Matt Hardy was talking about the days when The Hardy Boyz first rose to stardom in WWE. The wrestling veteran noted how they used to receive a lot of gifts from fans at the time but one exceeded all others:

“Well, they sent it to my PO box. We had a PO box. There was a young lady who sent me a vial of her blood and it wasn’t a small. It was a big vial, a big vial of her blood.”

It Was Wild: Matt Hardy

The madness didn’t end there as the fan not only wanted Matt Hardy to have their blood as a souvenir but they wanted the wrestling star to actually inject it into his veins:

“She said in the note, she said, ‘We’ve met and I know you don’t know me well, but we are connected. We are linked. I need you to take this blood, put into a syringe and put it into your own blood vessels.’ She said and if you put my blood into your blood vessels, then give me a vial of yours. This is my return address.

She said, and we’ll always be linked. We can always feel one another. I mean it sounded like a script out of True Blood. It was wild. That’s probably the most wild fan interaction I’ve ever had. She was at least, I’ll give it to her, she was committed to the bit.”

Former TNA X-Division Champion Confirms 2025 End of 3 Decade Wrestling Career

0

John Cena is not the only former champion who is ending his multi-decade wrestling career in 2025 as former TNA star Homicide has confirmed his retirement as well.

The former TNA X-Division champion recently spoke to the Counted Out podcast and discussed his recent health struggles. During the interview, the wrestling veteran noted that even his close friends are urging him to call it a career now and explained that his current work is his retirement tour:

“This is my tour if you want to call that. My end days physical, yeah, I’m done because my life is more important. My health is more important. I got a daughter. I need to pick her up and right now I’m not feeling good. So I need to end it and be a full-time producer.”

Homicide’s Wrestling Career

Making his in-ring debut in 1994, Homicide has been active in the business for over 3 decades now. During this time, he has had runs with promotions such as ROH and NJPW, wrestling legendary names such as Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe and more.

He is probably best known for being part of the TNA roster during the company’s rise to prominence from 2005 to 2010. He was part of a tag team with Hernandez in the promotion and the duo had multiple tag title reigns during this time.

The 47-year-old has been wrestling for GCW, ROH and New Japan in recent months and he has also been working behind the scene with NWA.

Booker T Discusses Working With Corey Graves After Recent Controversy

0

Booker T has opened up about working with Corey Graves in NXT after the recent controversy.

Graves who is the second longest-tenured commentator in WWE after Michael Cole found himself in a discouraging situation after WWE made changes to their commentary team earlier in the year. The broadcast star who had been working on SmackDown was sent down to NXT when his partner Cole was moved to Raw on Netflix to join Pat McAfee.

The retired wrestling star was unhappy with this perceived demotion and he had to be taken off TV for a week after an outburst on social media.

Booker T who has been part of the NXT commentary team since 2022 was asked about working with Graves in a new interview with TV Insider. He first joked that he ‘hates’ Corey Graves before claiming that they’re all team players:

“That’s what people want me to say. We’re team players. We felt like last week we got into a groove. We see the vision of where we can go and take this thing. I’ve always been a team player.”

Working With Corey Is Cool: Booker T

Booker T who previously criticized Graves for venting his frustrations publicly discussed how he started his broadcast stint working with the announcing veteran on pre-show panels. He expressed the belief that with Vic Joseph directing traffic, the three of them can become the best team in all of WWE:

“For me, that’s where I started. Working with Corey during the kick-off shows down in Connecticut. We used to go to the Capital Grille every week and get that sea bass. Working with Corey is cool.

Working with Vic [Joseph], being that guy in the middle who can direct that traffic the way he does. I really think we can turn this into something really cool where people may say, “Wow, this team may be the best team in all of WWE.”

While Corey Graves has not made any more public comments since being reinstated on NXT, WWE officials don’t seem to have forgotten his previous remarks. When Joe Tessitore missed this week’s episode of SmackDown due to an ESPN commitment, it was Joseph who was brought in as a replacement instead of Graves.

Charlotte Flair Confirms Pick For WrestleMania 41 Opponent

0

Charlotte Flair has made her choice.

The Queen made her triumphant return to WWE after a year-long injury at the Royal Rumble event this month. She re-established herself as the top competitor of the Women’s Division by winning the Women’s Battle Royal and earning the right to yet another WrestleMania title match.

Fans had been speculating who Flair would choose as her Mania opponent since then. Charlotte even teased going the NXT route once again instead of choosing one of the main roster champions.

This week’s episode of SmackDown saw one of the two main roster women’s champions Tiffany Stratton defending her title against former friend Nia Jax.

Charlotte Flair Picks WrestleMania Opponent

The title match ended in disqualification after Candice LeRae attacked the Women’s Champion just as she was setting Jax up for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus who was in the arena tried to make the save for Stratton but couldn’t get the job done.

Charlotte Flair who was at the ringside watching the bout closely then strolled into the ring and announced that she’ll be challenging Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania 41 from Las Vegas.

This will be The Queen’s first WrestleMania match since 2023 after she missed the show last year due to her injury.

For Stratton, this will be her first WrestleMania match ever. She’s following in the footsteps of Flair herself who 9 years ago made her Mania debut as a champion as well. Charlotte entered the WrestleMania 32 bout as the Divas Champion and walked out with the Women’s Championship that replaced the old title.

WWE’s Bayley Shows Off Skills at NBA Celebrity All-Star Game

0

WWE Superstar Bayley was able to show her skills on the court as part of this year’s NBA All Star Celebrity game. Playing as part of Team Jerry Rice, Bayley took to X (fka Twitter) before the big game to share her excitement.

Before the game got started, Bayley had quite the entrance and introduction. The former WWE Women’s Champion came off the bench in the first half and started in the second half.

On the court, Bayley showed off her driblling and her athleticisim, honed by years as a WWE Superstar.

Despite a strong effort, Bayley didn’t score any points and her team would lose 66-55 to the team coached by Barry Bonds. On X, Bayley shared one aspect of the game that’ll haunt her for the rest of the week.

With her NBA debut in the rear-view mirror, Bayley now looks towards WWE NXT Vengeance Day where she will challenge Giulia for the NXT Women’s Title in a match that’ll include Roxanne Perez. With an Elimination Chamber match also in the Role Model’s future, Bayley is certainly being kept busy back in her home of professional wrestling.