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Pres. Trump Names Linda McMahon In Efforts to End Dept. of Education

Thomas Lowson
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U.S. President and WWE Hall of Famer Donald Trump has planns to dismantle the Department of Education, an act that would have profound effects on the education of children throughout the country. Speaking from the Oval Office this week, Trump named former WWE CEO and his pick to lead the Department Linda McMahon as a key player in his plans.

“I want Linda to put herself out of a job… We spend more per pupil than any other country in the world and we’re ranked at the bottom of the list… What I want to do is let the states run schools.”

McMahon’s Unlikely Appointment

Linda McMahon’s appointment to lead the DOE spawned controversy from the moment the former WWE CEO’s name was announced. McMahon has no formal training as an educator. In 2010, McMahon stepped down from the Connecticut Board of Education. Shortly after, it was shared that McMahon had falsely claimed to have a degree in education from East Carolina University in 1969, when her degree was actually in French.

Trump’s plans to dismantle the DOE has been met with criticism by some. Currently the Dept. of Education distributes federal funding to state and local education agencies, supports special education, and ensures equal access to education, among other tasks.

Despite being a WWE Hall of Famer, Trump’s political leanings have been ignored by the wrestling juggernaut for the most part. However, the McMahons were present at Trump’s New Year’s Eve celebration, showing the family’s connection to the President. After being booed during Raw’s debut on Netflix, Hulk Hogan has blamed the response on his support for Trump and his past as part of the NWO.

Jey Uso’s Royal Rumble Triumph: Behind the Scenes Details

Thomas Lowson
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Jey Uso’s Royal Rumble Triumph: Behind the Scenes Details

Jey Uso stunned the world by winning the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match, earning himself headline spot at WrestleMania 41. Uso’s victory was particularly surprising as he eliminated John Cena in the WWE icon’s final Royal Rumble match to clinch the win.

In a recent interview with Daniel Cormier, Jey reflected on the biggest win of his career to date. Jey shared that he only learned of WWE’s plans for him to win the day of the Royal Rumble match.

“I was humbled, man. As soon as they told me it was me—yeah, they told me like halfway through the day on Saturday—I was like, ‘Man, really?‘”

Jey learned of his victory in a meeting of the final four in the match, himself, Cena, Logan Paul, and CM Punk. After learning of his impending victory, Jey shared the news with his brothers and was pleased that he’d surprise fans later in the day.

When asked, Jey revealed that he’s not gone out of his way to watch his Rumble victory, but hasn’t escaped seeing clips of his moment on X. The 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble shared that though the monumental victory has yet to set in, he believes that will come soon enough.

“It hasn’t locked in yet. I think, when I go home tomorrow and then everything calms down, I’m back home with the family. I feel like that’s when I’ll be sitting in my living room and you know, just, yeah.”

Jey was confronted by World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER during Raw, and will travel to SmackDown to speak with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on February 7. ‘Main Event’ Jey has a golden opportunity ahead of him, with fans excited to see what’s to come.

“It’s a Shoot” – CM Punk Sets the Record Straight on WWE Press Conferences

Michael Reichlin
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“It’s a Shoot” – CM Punk Sets the Record Straight on WWE Press Conferences

CM Punk is making it clear – WWE’s post-show press conferences are as real as they get. Since his return in November 2023, Punk has been a regular presence at these media events, and he’s shutting down any speculation that they’re scripted. During a recent appearance on ESPN’s Good Guy / Bad Guy podcast with Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, Punk discussed his Royal Rumble loss and the authenticity of WWE’s post-show pressers.

After being one of the final four in the 2025 Royal Rumble match, his WrestleMania dreams took a hit when Logan Paul eliminated him. However, Punk remains focused on securing a marquee spot at WrestleMania 41. Punk knows a thing or two about post-PPV press conferences. When asked whether WWE’s press conferences are scripted, he dismissed the idea entirely.

“Well, I think in the press conferences, you’re just sitting out there in real-time fielding and asking and answering questions.

So yeah, it’s a shoot because there’s nobody telling you what to say. There’s no writer, you don’t got a script. Somebody asks and you answer.”

For Punk, these media scrums provide an unfiltered look at WWE’s biggest stars. Unlike the scripted nature of WWE television, press conferences allow wrestlers to speak freely without a writer feeding them lines.

cm punk press conference

WrestleMania 41 Plans: A Major Shakeup?

Meanwhile, WWE’s WrestleMania 41 main event picture is evolving. Reports suggest that CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins are being considered for a high-stakes triple-threat match. This potential shakeup comes amid concerns over Reigns’ health following his unexpected Royal Rumble exit.

On the February 3 episode of WWE RAW, Michael Cole provided an update, stating that Reigns is “out of action for the foreseeable future,” though he did not disclose specifics about the injury.

Reigns’ elimination at the Royal Rumble left fans puzzled, especially after backstage footage surfaced showing him looking disoriented. WWE has not commented further, fueling speculation about his condition and possible changes to WrestleMania plans.

With uncertainty surrounding Reigns and Punk’s determination to secure his spot, WWE’s road to WrestleMania is shaping up to be unpredictable.

AEW Grand Slam: Australia Branded a ‘Scam’ by Frustrated Fans

Thomas Lowson
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AEW Grand Slam: Australia will mark the promotion’s first event in the country, though feelings on the show remain mixed. What AEW had intended to be a massive event in Suncorp Stadium, will instead be a much smaller affair in the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. With just two matches confirmed at time of writing, it remains to be seen what kind of show awaits fans down under.

On the subreddit r/squaredcircle, one user shared that they were “feeling scammed” by the changes to the show given how much they have already paid.

“I feel totally ripped off and scammed. What went from a 4 hour event with finales to feuds and insane matches has just become a weekly TV taping? This is absolutely shameful.”

Their post led to several fans sharing their backlash to the event. One fan had hoped that the previously-promised massive event would have won over their non-wrestling friends.

“I convinced a bunch of non-wrestling friends to come with me and some to FLY here from across the country… until the recent announcement that the SHOW HAS BEEN DOWNGRADED TO A TV TAPING. From a 4-hour PPV to a 2-hour Collision. That is absolutely such a kick in the balls.”

One fan who is set to attend the show revealed they wouldn’t mind seeing their first time attending an AEW event be cancelled.

“Honestly if they cancelled the show I’d be so bummed out but also would sort of be happy to get my $750 back. Obviously don’t want that to happen but it’s been such a drag that if they did it I’ve already been beat down enough where I’d not care that much.”

One fan said the experience had made them swear off attending any future AEW events, if the company ever returns to Australia at all.

“I hate travelling, money’s tight right now but I figured at least I’d get to see AEW put on a huge show… I’d never go see an AEW show again but honestly I doubt they’ll come back anyway after how this debacle went.”

One of te commenters was in a similar boat and similarly was through paying to attend AEW events after their debacle with Grand Slam: Australia.

“I’ve spent $4,500 for tickets, hotel and flights for the weekend. Only my wife and I going. I honestly wouldn’t go to another AEW show, the amount of money spent on this one show wouldn’t even be worth it with a PPV, let alone what we’re being dished up.”

The move of location, reportedly due to poor ticket sales, has added an extra cost for one commenter on the thread:

“Between tickets, flights & accommodation I spent over $1,000 and now I still have to pay for a 30 minute Uber because the Brisbane Entertainment Centre is no where near Suncorp Stadium and PT isn’t running out to the Entertainment Centre that weekend.”

While one would assume moving to a smaller venue would guarantee fans a better look of the action, one commenter said they’ve been moved to “crap seats at the back of the venue.” They added that AEW Grand Slam: Australia has been a disappointment every step of the way.

“They picked the worst location, did practically zero marketing for it, f****d over fans with the relocation and now cut the show into half of what it’s supposed to be. Unless this event ends up making all this s*** worthwhile, I will not bother attending an AEW event in the future if this is how poorly they handle things.”

AEW saw massive success with its All In events in the UK, but that excitement hasn’t translated over to Australia. With Grand Slam just over a week away, it remains to be seen what can be done, if anything, to win over disgruntled fans.

Update On Jade Cargill, Plans for WWE WrestleMania 41

Thomas Lowson
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Update On Jade Cargill, Plans for WWE WrestleMania 41

Jade Cargill has been off WWE television since the backstage attack on the November 22 episode of SmackDown, with fans eager to see her back in the ring. Now, her return could be looming, with a match at WrestleMania 41 a real possibility.

According to PWInsider, Cargill was recently spotted at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, training on both Monday and Tuesday. The belief within WWE is that she’ll be ready to compete in time for the two-night supershow this April. The report does not specify if WWE has an opponent or opponents in mind for Cargill at the event.

The nature of Cargill’s injury has faced much speculation with conflicting reports stating that she is both hurt and that this is all part of a storyline. While PWInsider previously reported that Cargill was never actually injured and that the entire scenario was scripted, sources claim WWE continues to list her as injured internally.

Questions have run rife as to who was the one to take out Cargill. Suspects include:

  • Chelsea Green – Cargill’s backstage assault led to Bianca Belair leaving her Women’s U.S. Title qualifier to check on her friend. Without the EST around, Green would win the match and go on to become the first Women’s United States Champion.
  • Naomi – The woman who has directly benefitted the most from Cargill’s absense, Naomi has replaced the Storm as Bianca Belair’s tag partner and fellow tag team champion.
  • Bianca Belair – Many have pointed the finger of suspicion at Belair, who has been an ally of Cargill since early 2024. Fans have long predicted a feud between the two.

Belair made her WrestleMania debut last year, where she, Belair, and Naomi defeated Damage CTRL. Now, fans could be seeing the former AEW star step back in the ring in time for this year’s Showcase of the Immortals.

Fandango Comments On WWE Return Ahead of NXT Heritage Cup Match

Thomas Lowson
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Fandango Comments On WWE Return Ahead of NXT Heritage Cup Match

Close to four years after his release from WWE, JDC (fka Fandango) made a surprise appearance on the February 4 episode of NXT, stepping up to challenge NXT Heritage Cup Champion Lexis King. Their showdown will take place next week with JDC hoping to take the trophy to The System and TNA.

In an NXT digital exclusive, JDC opened up on what his return means to him.

“NXT means the world to me, to have me back tonight. Just goosebumps, man. I can’t get over it. I’m grateful, that’s exactly what I am.”

Looking ahead to his future showdown with King, JDC shared that fans “couldn’t predict what would happen” when the pair face off one-on-one. The pair has quickly become one of the most talked about aspects coming out of this week’s WWE NXT with fans interested at the prospect of the TNA star winning the NXT Heritage Cup.

JDC’s role on this show further highlights the multi-year partnership between WWE and TNA Wrestling that promises plenty of crossover. Natalya and Cora Jade have both shown interest in becoming TNA Knockouts World Champion, while the NXT Tag Team Titles will be on the line this Thursday on iMPACT! Fraxiom will put the gold on the line against Nic and Ryan Nemeth and the Hardys have also shown interest in NXT tag team gold.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the WWE-TNA partnership as fans are awaiting to see who will be next to ‘cross the line.’

CM Punk Responds to Jey Uso’s Royal Rumble Win & Criticism

Thomas Lowson
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CM Punk Responds to Jey Uso’s Royal Rumble Win & Criticism

Jey Uso’s victory in the Men’s Royal Rumble has proven to be divisive, with some backing the popular star while others believe it should have gone to a bigger name. CM Punk was considered one of the favorites going into the Rumble match, and on the Good Guy/Bad Guy podcast, Punk expressed his delight in Jey’s surprising victory.

“Jey winning is fantastic. When you have somebody in there like John Cena that everyone is going to immediately assume, ‘LOL Cena is going to win.’“

Punk also brought up Charlotte Flair’s victory in the Women’s Royal Rumble, noting how many fans had predicted the Queen would become a two-time winner. Once again sharing that he is pleased that a surprise took place in the Men’s Rumble match, Punk acknowledged that pleasing everyone with a Royal Rumble win would’ve proven impossible.

“When there are 30 people in the Rumble, male or female, that is 30 fanbases, at least 29 fanbases, that are going to converge and hate whoever wins the Rumble.”

Whether fans love it, hate it, or are indifferent, Jey Uso is set to challenge for a World Championship at WrestleMania 41. As for CM Punk, his quest for a title match at WrestleMania 41 will see him enter next month’s Elimination Chamber match. With John Cena already announced and four spots left to fill inside the Chamber, Punk’s quest to a title match and a potential WrestleMania main event remains a tall order.

Jey Uso On Royal Rumble Critics: “You Don’t Strap My Boots”

H/T – Fightful

Charlotte Flair Hints at Holding Off WrestleMania Announcement

Thomas Lowson
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Charlotte Flair Hints at Holding Off WrestleMania Announcement

Charlotte Flair earned another Women’s Championship opportunity at WrestleMania 41 by winning the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match, becoming the bout’s first two-time winner. While fans know Flair will be in a high-profile match this April, The Queen is keeping everyone guessing about her WrestleMania plans.

Flair appeared on NXT to confront NXT Women’s Champion Giulia, Roxanne Perez, and Bayley during the Vengeance Day Championship Summit. In a WWE NXT digital exclusive, Flair made clear the decision she makes will be on her terms.

“WrestleMania’s not until April, so I’ve got all the time in the world. So I’m just gonna take my time while you guys wait it out. It’s on my time. I might not even pick until the night before WrestleMania.”

Giulia, Bayley, and Perez will meet at NXT Vengeance Day this week with the NXT Women’s Championship on the line. While Flair respects the skills of all three women, she sarcastically added that “they’re not me, but they will get there.”

Flair’s return to the ring comes after she spent over a year out of action with a leg injury. Now that she’s back, the two-time Women’s Royal Rumble winner is grateful to have had the opportunity to visit NXT this week.

“To come back where I’m homegrown, where my first match was, where my coaches are, it’s always surreal to come back, to remember your roots.”

Charlotte will be on this Friday’s WWE SmackDown where she will confront Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton. Though a match between the two has already been reported, fans may be left waiting a long time before Flair confirms her WrestleMania 41 plans.

LA Knight On Celebrity Involvement In Wrestling: Some People Just Don’t Belong In A Ring

Anutosh Bajpai
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LA Knight On Celebrity Involvement In Wrestling: Some People Just Don’t Belong In A Ring

LA Knight has revealed his stance on celebrity involvement in wrestling.

Wrestling has a long history of embarrassing celebrity involvement. While recent crop of talents like Pat McAfee, Logan Paul, and Bad Bunny have done a lot to change this perception, caution is still needed while allowing famous people to get involved in the physical side of the business.

The WWE star was asked about his stance on the matter during an interview with Battleground podcast. LA Knight explained that not everyone has an athletic bone in their body so you’ve got be a picky about which names you allow to experience the physical side of things:

“Not everybody can do this. That’s my one qualm with having too many celebrities do this, it gives people the idea that anybody can do this. Not anybody can do this, very few people can do this and do it well. I will give credit to Logan Paul, he’s a hell of an athlete and can do a whole lot of crazy things that I wouldn’t even dare do.”

Some People Just Don’t Belong In A Ring: LA Knight

Knight also talked about Snooki as an example of someone who should have never been in the ring. The reality TV star wrestled in a six-person mixed tag team match at WrestleMania XXVII:

“That’s one of the great examples. No offense to my sweet Snooki out there, never met her in my life, but look, that’s another example of like, I understand the idea, I understand the reasoning, we’re going cross promotion but some people just don’t belong in a ring if I’m honest.”

The match saw Snooki teaming up with John Morrison and Trish Stratus to face off against Dolph Ziggler and LayCool. The bout lasted only 3 minutes 15 seconds with Snooki pinning Michelle McCool to get the victory for her team.

New Faction Debut Teased For NXT Vengeance Day

Anutosh Bajpai
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New Faction Debut Teased For NXT Vengeance Day

The debut of a new faction has been teased for the upcoming NXT Vengeance Day special set for Saturday, February 15, 2025.

The main event of this week’s episode of the Black & Silver show saw Oba Femi and Trick Williams teaming up to take on A-Town Down Under. The duo of Greyson Waller and Austin Theory won the match thanks to an argument between the two NXT stars and interference from Eddy Thorpe.

Thorpe, who had brought in a leather strap with him continued attacking Williams after the match as Femi headed to the back. The producer’s graphic appeared as Eddy stood tall but right before the show went off air, it cut to a screen with colored bars and a message reading ‘Vengeance Day.’

The message was similar to the one seen last week but this time it cut to a new screen showing four mysterious figures standing in the dark:

This new vignette all but confirms the debut of a new faction at the upcoming show from Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington DC.

The show will also see Oba Femi defending his NXT Championship against both members of A-Town Down Under in a triple-threat match while Giulia will defend the NXT Women’s Championship against Roxanne Perez and Bayley.

Alexa Bliss’ WWE Return Sparks Hollywood Interest

Thomas Lowson
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Alexa Bliss’ WWE Return Sparks Hollywood Interest

Alexa Bliss’ shocking return at the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble was a major moment for WWE and the Goddess, who hadn’t competed for WWE in over two years before the event. Now, it turns out her return also caught the attention of Hollywood insiders.

According to PWInsider, Bliss’ massive reaction at the event put her on the radar of entertainment executives who are actively scouting WWE talent for potential film and TV roles. With WWE’s Netflix deal boosting the company’s visibility, industry sources are paying closer attention to WWE superstars, looking for crossover potential in mainstream entertainment. Bliss’ return stood out not only because of the secrecy surrounding it but also due to the explosive fan reaction when her music hit as the 21st entrant.

Bliss is no stranger to roles in the media outside of the ring. They include:

  • Punky Brewster (2021) – Bliss made a guest appearance as her wrestling persona alongside Charlotte Flair.
  • The Masked Singer (Season 9, 2023) – She competed as the character “Axolotl” and was eliminated during “Country Night.”
  • Uncool with Alexa Bliss (Podcast) – She hosted this podcast, sharing personal stories and insights into her life outside of wrestling.
  • Sakamoto Days (2025) – Bliss voices the character of Obiguro in the English dub of this popular manga adaptation.
  • Alexa Bliss (2020) – Bliss appeared as herself in a Bowling For Soup music video for ther track that bears her name.

WWE has already secured her future with a new five-year contract, signaling that she will remain a key part of the company’s plans. Whether this leads to Hollywood offers similar to those received by John Cena and Batista, or if she chooses to stay focused on wrestling, remains to be seen.

Watch: Referee Overturns NXT Match Outcome In Unique Decision

Anutosh Bajpai
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Watch: Referee Overturns NXT Match Outcome In Unique Decision

A unique decision was made on NXT tonight when a referee reversed the outcome of a match because of a post-match attack.

The latest episode of the Black & Silver show featured a match between Kelani Jordan and Karmen Petrovic. Ashante Adonis was in the latter’s corner for the bout.

The ending of the bout saw Jordan hitting not one but two Split Legged moonsault. She then locked her opponent in a sleeper hold, which forced Petrovic to tap out.

Jordan however, was not done even after this and she went back to attacking Karmen immediately after the referee raised her hand. The post-match attack led to an interesting consequence, as the referee decided to turn the match outcome and Karmen Petrovic was then declared the winner.

So far Kelani has not reacted to her win being overturned but the decision is sure to play a part in her future storyline.

Apart from this the show featured an appearance from the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair. She put Giulia on notice, reminding the NXT Women’s Champion that she previously cashed in a Royal Rumble victory on the then NXT Champion Rhea Ripley.

We also saw the surprise return of a former WWE star as part of the company’s partnership with TNA. You can check out more about it here.

Wild Samoans & Alundra Blaze ‘94 Confirmed For WWE 2K25

Andrew Ravens
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Wild Samoans & Alundra Blaze ‘94 Confirmed For WWE 2K25

More characters have been confirmed for WWE 2K25, the latest installment in the WWE 2K video game franchise. The Wild Samoans, Captain Lou Albano, and Alundra Blayze (1994 version) will be included in the game.

The Wild Samoans—Afa and Sika Anoa’i—were a legendary tag team known for their savage in-ring style, unorthodox tactics, and primal energy. As members of the Anoa’i wrestling family, their influence extends beyond their own careers, having trained and mentored future generations of WWE stars, including Roman Reigns, The Usos, Rikishi, and Yokozuna. They were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

Alundra Blayze was a trailblazer in women’s wrestling, competing in AWA and All Japan Women’s Pro Wrestling before joining WWE. She revitalized the women’s division in the 1990s, becoming the first Women’s Champion in several years and engaging in a memorable feud with Bull Nakano. In 1995, she made headlines when she left WWE to go to WCW while still WWE Women’s Champion, famously dropping the title into a trash can on live television. This was a moment that became an iconic one of the Monday Night War. She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015.

WWE 2K25 is set to launch on March 14, 2025, with the Standard Edition. Fans who purchase The Deadman Edition or The Bloodline Edition will receive early access starting on March 7, 2025. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Roman Reigns is the cover star of the Standard Edition, while The Undertaker graces the cover of the Deadman Edition.

https://twitter.com/thesdhotel/status/1886826138967626217

Fandango Returns To WWE NXT

Andrew Ravens
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Fandango Returns To WWE NXT

WWE fans were treated to an unexpected return on Tuesday night as Fandango made a surprise appearance on NXT. He interrupted a promo by NXT Heritage Cup Champion Lexis King.

While his familiar Fandango theme played, he introduced himself as JDC, representing TNA Wrestling’s The System. He then declared his intention to capture more championships, officially challenging Lexis King for the NXT Heritage Cup on the February 11 episode of NXT.

Fandango originally signed with WWE in 2006, spending several years in developmental territories such as Deep South Wrestling and Florida Championship Wrestling. Competing under the name Johnny Curtis, he won the fourth season of NXT in 2011.

In 2013, he debuted on the main roster as Fandango, a flamboyant ballroom dancer. He later formed a tag team with Tyler Breeze, known as Breezango. The duo captured the NXT Tag Team Championships in 2020 before his release from WWE.

This marks Fandango’s first NXT appearance since 2021 when he last teamed with Breeze.

Natalya Calls Out Masha Slamovich: I’m Coming for Your Championship

Michael Reichlin
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Natalya Calls Out Masha Slamovich: I’m Coming for Your Championship

During Royal Rumble weekend, WWE’s Natalya made headlines by issuing a bold challenge to TNA Knockouts World Champion Masha Slamovich, setting the stage for a potential inter-promotional clash. Speaking with Contralona at the WWE 2K2 event, she declared,

“Masha, I’m coming for your championship,” signaling her interest in stepping into the TNA ring.

This challenge comes as WWE’s NXT and TNA Wrestling continue their growing partnership, which has already seen crossover appearances by top talent. Natalya spoke highly of this collaboration, calling it “amazing” and emphasizing how it provides wrestlers from both promotions with new career-defining opportunities.

“The fact that they’re collaborating and working together is amazing because you look at so many talented men and women that are going to get the chance to work in WWE and have that platform,” she said.

She also acknowledged TNA’s resurgence, noting its consistently sold-out events and strong roster.

“I saw Tommy Dreamer the other day, and I was like, ‘I’m watching, I’m looking at TNA; all their shows are sold out, the crowds look amazing, and they have a stacked roster like Masha Slamovich.’”

With increasing crossover between the two brands, Natalya’s challenge could be the latest sign of bigger inter-promotional matches to come. Whether this leads to an official showdown between her and Slamovich remains to be seen, but fans of both WWE and TNA will be watching closely to see how this rivalry unfolds.

Update On Jordynne Grace’s WWE Contract & Brand Status

Andrew Ravens
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Update On Jordynne Grace’s WWE Contract & Brand Status

Jordynne Grace made a surprise appearance in the Women’s Royal Rumble, entering at #19. During the broadcast, Michael Cole confirmed that Grace is now officially signed with WWE.

Despite previously stating she would be unavailable due to her mother’s 50th birthday, Grace made her presence felt in the match and had a strong showing.

According to Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, Grace has signed a five-year contract with WWE, keeping her with the company through 2029. She is set to join NXT initially, though expectations are that her time there will be brief before moving to the main roster. Reports indicate that she is already under a main roster-level deal. 

As part of her agreement, Grace retains the rights to her name and entrance theme, as she owns them. This multi-year deal follows her departure from TNA Wrestling after completing her commitments at Genesis.

She is not expected to appear on tonight’s episode of NXT. Grace previously made her first WWE appearance as a surprise entrant in the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble. Her performance impressed WWE officials, ultimately leading to her signing with the company.

Apollo Crews Undergoes Surgery After Tearing His Pec

Andrew Ravens
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Another name has been added to WWE’s injury list, as Apollo Crews is now sidelined following surgery.

Crews was last seen in action on the January 25 episode of SmackDown, where he defeated Johnny Gargano in a singles match. However, he has since undergone surgery for a torn pectoral muscle.

The WWE star took to Instagram to share the news, writing:

“Heading into surgery today. A few weeks ago on SmackDown, I tore my pec—an unfortunate situation. Sometimes, you do everything right, but there are just some things beyond your control. I’m looking forward to the road ahead, attacking it with a positive and unstoppable mindset.”

Crews has had a career filled with highs and lows in WWE. After debuting in NXT in 2015 with significant hype, he quickly became a fan favorite and was seen as a future star. He was challenged for the NXT Championship during this time, but did not win the title.

He moved to the main roster in 2016, but his momentum stalled. However, he found success in 2020, capturing the United States Championship. In 2021, he embraced his Nigerian heritage and aligned with Commander Azeez. This character shift led to his Intercontinental Championship victory at WrestleMania 37 in a Nigerian Drum Fight against Big E.

In 2022, Crews returned to NXT before being drafted to the main roster in 2023. We wish him a speedy recovery.

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A post shared by Apollo Crews (@apollowwe)

Bayley to Compete in 2025 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

Thomas Lowson
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Bayley to Compete in 2025 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

WWE Superstar Bayley is set to showcase her athletic prowess outside the wrestling ring as she joins the roster for the 2025 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. The event will take place on Friday, February 14 at 7 PM ET, airing live on ESPN.

One of WWE’s top female stars in recent history, the Role Model will represent Team Rice, coached by NFL legend Jerry Rice and social media star Khaby Lame. She’ll be sharing the court with a diverse lineup of celebrities, including former NBA player Matt Barnes, comedian Druski, and country singer Walker Hayes. While Bayley will be the only wrestler involved, Kai Cenat, who appeared at the 2025 Royal Rumble team will be a part of Team Bonds (coached by Barry Bonds.)

image 1

Bayley’s participation adds a unique flair to the game, blending the world of professional wrestling with basketball. Fans will be eager to see how Bayley’s in-ring endurance translates to the hardwood as she competes against Team Bonds. The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, adding a hometown twist for Bayley, who hails from nearby San Jose.

Bayley won’t be the first WWE Superstar to compete in the NBA Celebrity All-Star game. The Miz put on quite the show back in 2023 and nearly won the game for his team. The two-time WWE Grand Slam Champion nailed an incredible half-court shot over Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf, but failed to get it off ahead of the buzzer.

In WWE, Bayley recently came up short in the Women’s Royal Rumble, though next week’s Elimination Chamber qualifier could bring the Role Model one step closer to a title match at WrestleMania. Whatever comes, fans can look forward to seeing Bayley on the court as the WWE staple explands her role in sports entertainment.

Bayley on WWE’s Women’s Division: “We Have Too Much Talent”

Update On John Cena’s WWE Schedule Following Royal Rumble

Andrew Ravens
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Update On John Cena’s WWE Schedule Following Royal Rumble

John Cena made his second appearance as part of his WWE retirement tour at the Royal Rumble, competing in the Men’s Royal Rumble match. Although he reached the final two, he was ultimately eliminated by Jey Uso. Now, the fan-favorite star is set to challenge either World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER or Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41.

Following the event, Cena confirmed that he would compete in next month’s Men’s Elimination Chamber match. If he wins, he will earn the opportunity to challenge the champion that Uso does not select.

According to PWInsider, Cena has already returned to Budapest, Hungary, where he is filming Matchbox, a movie based on the iconic toy brand. As of now, he is not scheduled to appear on WWE programming again until the Elimination Chamber event.

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The film, produced by Apple Studios, Skydance Media, and Mattel Films, is described as an “action-packed, globetrotting adventure.” While specific plot details remain under wraps, Matchbox follows a group of childhood friends who must work together to prevent an impending worldwide disaster.

Cena leads a cast that includes Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Arturo Castro, Teyonah Parris, Randeep Hooda, Danai Gurira, and Corey Stoll. Filming began in Budapest in January 2025, with additional production planned in Slovakia and Los Angeles.

Why The Undertaker Opposes John Cena Winning A 17th WWE World Title

Thomas Lowson
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Why The Undertaker Opposes John Cena Winning A 17th WWE World Title

John Cena has made it clear that he wants to win one last WWE Championship before retiring in 2025. While Cena hopes that a win in the upcoming Elimination Chamber match will take him one step closer to that elusive 17th World Title reign, The Undertaker believes that’s not the right move.

Why The Undertaker Doesn’t Want Cena to Win a Championship

During his Six Feet Under podcast, The Undertaker was asked if he hopes Cena achieves his goal of winning a world title in his retirement year. Though countless fans believe the record-breaking reign would be a fitting end for Cena, The Undertaker kept his response blunt. :

“I hope not. I know that sounds bad… You’ve already showed that you’d rather be in Hollywood instead of here… He needs to put other people over at this point.”

The Undertaker’s comments come at an interesting time, as Cena has yet to win a singles match since 2018 and has been putting others ‘over’ ever since. Later in the show, the Deadman clarified that while John should have huge moments on his farewell tour, taking a title reign from somebody else shouldn’t be among them.

“He needs to get some key wins, but in the big matches, he probably should pass the baton on.”

Undertaker’s stance aligns with WWE’s long-standing tradition of veteran stars helping establish younger talent on their way out. Interestingly though, The Undertaker’s own final match, the much-acclaimed Boneyard Match with AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36, saw the Phenom get the win.

Cena’s Legacy and WWE’s Changing Landscape

Cena’s contributions to WWE are undeniable, but The Undertaker believes the focus should remain on the full-time performers who carry the company forward. Speaking as WWE as a whole, the Deadman was pleased to see how things have changed under the guidance of former in-ring rival Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque.

“He’s doing amazing… It’s crazy for me—Monday night used to be chaos, now everyone is so chill backstage.”

Cena and Levesque will work closely to craft a final year fitting for WWE’s Greatest of All Time. However, if The Undertaker has his way, Cena’s story won’t end with another championship reign, but rather with him paving the way for the next generation.

The Undertaker on Women’s Wrestling: “More Grit Than the Men”

Thomas Lowson
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0
The Undertaker on Women’s Wrestling: “More Grit Than the Men”

On his Six Feet Under podcast, WWE legend The Undertaker recently shared his thoughts on the evolution of women’s wrestling, highlighting its significant growth and impact on the industry. The WWE Hall of Famer had big praise for names like Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley, as well as storylines that have surpassed the men’s division in intensity.

Becky Lynch’s Breakout & Star Power

After her transformation into ‘The Man’ in 2018, Becky Lynch became one of the most popular women in wrestling history. As fans eagerly await the return of Lynch, The Undertaker had nothing but praise for the former WWE Women’s World Champion.

She blew up quick, super talented… she’s got the full package.”


Women’s Division Gaining Respect

WWE’s handling of women has changed dramatically throughout the Undertaker’s career, as for years, the female roster were treated as little more than eye-candy. Now, The Undertaker is pleased to see women not only be taken serious, but in some cases, are showing more intensity than their male counterparts.

“[There is] a little bit more grit than the men did... I think they kind of figured that out too and were like, ‘We got to step up our games.’”

Current Storylines & Rhea Ripley’s Role

The Undertaker’s most recent appearance for WWE came on Raw’s Netflix debut where he shared a moment with Rhea Ripley after her title victory over Liv Morgan. On the podcast, the Phenom pointed at Rhea Ripley’s feud with Liv Morgan, calling it one of WWE’s strongest rivalries, just behind The Bloodline. The Undertaker also had praise for Ripley, who’s dominance in the ring has helped her grow increasingly important in the company.

The Future of Women’s Wrestling

The future of WWE’s women’s division also looks to be in strong hands with names like Roxanne Perez, Giulia, Cora Jade, Stephanie Vaquer, Zaria, Kelani Jordan, and more tearing it up in WWE NXT. As for The Undertaker, his comments reflect the division’s transformation from an underappreciated attraction to a legitimate main-event staple.

Carlito on Judgment Day Pairing & What He Likes About WWE Today

Scott Fishman
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When Carlito saw his WWE run end 14 years ago, there was wonder if we’d ever seen “Caribbean Cool” again. Thankfully for fans the answer would be yes. The popular performer returned for a few appearances including the Royal Rumble in 2021, but the seeds for his current run were planted in 2203 during Backlash in Puerto Rico. 

Carlito brought the electric crowd to his feet when he made a surprise appearance during the Bad Bunny and Damian Priest San Juan street fight. The live reaction coupled with the social media buzz and the fact Carlito was still in tremendous shape certainly caught the attention of WWE officials. Fast forward to today and Carlito has been signed full-time and a part of the Judgment Day. 

“It was a weird pairing at first,” he said. “Everyone was asking what is Carlito doing with the Judgment Day. It’s kind of like a little family. We fight and have little in-fights but at the end of the day we love each other. At the end of the day, that’s the dynamic you see on TV.” 

Despite having a short segment or two some weeks, he maximizes his minutes. Something the second-generation talent learned to do as the well-traveled veteran. The 45-year-old takes pride in lending a hand to emerging members of the WWE roster. 

“The locker room is great,” he said. “I’m one of the elder statesmen now, which is weird. WheN I was first here, I was the younger guy. I’m one of the older guys, so it’s cool to help out and guide the new crop of talent.” 

Carlito has also appreciated the diversity across the board on the shows. Not to mention the true global reach. 

“I feel it’s an actual world company now,” he said. “We have talent from all over the place. We’re visiting more parts of the world now. Doing PLEs [all over]. I think it truly encompasses what [WWE] envisioned a long time ago. A world company.” 

At this stage of his career he has appreciated the little things like being in WWE video games. He notices the advancement, especially compared to when he first started with the company. 

“The graphics got a lot better,” he said. “My character looks a lot better these days. Definitely, a lot of advancement in that part.” 

As far as what he sees for his WWE career, for him, it’s about having fun. “I want to enjoy the years I have left,” he said. “Have a good time and hopefully ride off into the sunset.” 

Given his mindset and conditioning, Carlito is far from his last WWE apple. Speaking of which, if you’ve ever wondered what brand of the fruit the Raw superstar likes best, he isn’t picky. 

“They all work. They all spit pretty good. It doesn’t matter what color or brand.” 

Preorder “WWE 2K25” here. 

The Undertaker on Goldberg Match: It Was Ugly, I Stunk

Thomas Lowson
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The Undertaker on Goldberg Match: It Was Ugly, I Stunk

In a recent episode of his Six Feet Under podcast, WWE legend The Undertaker (Mark Calaway) candidly discussed his infamous 2019 match against Goldberg at Super Showdown. The match is considered one of the worst bouts in the career of both men, and served as a reminder that age was wearing down the legacy of both legends.

WWE had promoted the match as a massive occasion, as one of WWE’s biggest ever stars fought one of WCW’s top performers in their first (and ultimately last) collision. Despite WWE hyping up the match, The Undertaker admitted that he failed to deliver in Saudi Arabia.

“That Saudi thing was a little ugly… I stunk the joint out, man.”

Challenging Conditions

Competing in a different country can prove to be a logistical nightmare for wrestlers who may be jet-lagged when they step in the ring. For The Undertaker, it was extreme heat in Saudi Arabia that made the challenging match even tougher.

“It was 9:00 at night and 98 degrees outside… You could chew the air it was so thick.”

Goldberg’s Reputation & Circumstances

The match did not help the reputations of either man, as fans who had loved the pair during their respective hey-days felt pity or embarrasment to see the in-ring farce. Despite the match’s failure, The Undertaker defended Goldberg, stating he was “thrust into something” and praising him as a “good dude.” At nine minutes long, this match was the longest Goldberg had spent in the ring since his 2016 WWE return, and a concussion early into the bout only made things more difficult.

Reflection on His Career

On the podcast, the 59-year-old Undertaker also reflected on the evolving nature of professional wrestling, admitting that he wouldn’t physically survive some of today’s high-impact moves. As for his one-and-only showdown with Goldberg, the match remains a low point in the Deadman’s career, and fans would see both men back in the ring soon after, hoping to wash the taste of this match away.

Ex-WWE Star Played Key Role In Alexa Bliss’ Royal Rumble Return

Thomas Lowson
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0
Ex-WWE Star Played Key Role In Alexa Bliss’ Royal Rumble Return

Alexa Bliss made her stunning return to WWE as part of the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match, over two years after her previous appearance for the promotion. As the #21 entrant, Bliss lasted eleven minutes in the match but didn’t score any eliminations before being thrown out by Liv Morgan.

Bliss’ return came after reported conflict between herself and WWE which had led some to believe that an agreement between the two sides would never be reached. Fans pleased to see Bliss back have Dean Muhtadi (fka Mojo Rawley) to thank, as Wrestling Observer Radio reports that he helped Bliss and WWE make amends, culminating in Bliss’ new contract.

Bliss had wanted a new contract but WWE had hoped for her to continue on her previous deal with time added. On X, Muhtadi, who represents Bliss as part of the Paragon Talent Group, shared his congratulations after her Royal Rumble return.

With Bliss back in the ring, fans are excited to see what’s next for The Goddess. Before her contract issues with WWE, there had been plans for Bliss to return on the January 13, Raw and do something with The Wyatt Sicks. Now that Uncle Howdy’s faction has been moved to SmackDown, it remains to be seen what brand Bliss will land on and who she’ll work with first.

Backstage Reason Behind Duke Hudson’s Release from WWE NXT

Thomas Lowson
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0
Backstage Reason Behind Duke Hudson’s Release from WWE NXT

Duke Hudson’s time with WWE NXT has come to an end, with the Chase U star reportedly being let go in January 2025. Now more has come to light about the abrupt exit of the former Tag Team Champion.

WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque made the call for Hudson to be cut, the Wrestling Observer Radio reports, as decisions like these are one of Levesque’s many roles. WWE’s Chief Content Officer did not see Hudson as a main-roster talent, despite having been under contract for six years. At 34 years old, time was also not on his side, resulting in Hudson’s WWE tenure coming to an end.

Duke Hudson in WWE

Hudson joined WWE in February 2019 and would debut at an NXT live event the following month under real name Brendan Vink. In March 2020, he began appearing on Raw as an associate of MVP, but their partnership would disband shortly after and Hudson would return to NXT.

Highlights of Hudson’s WWE career include facing Cameron Grimes in a hair vs. hair match at NXT WarGames 2021, a match that Hudson would lose. The Australian’s sole title reign in WWE saw himself and Andre Chase hold the NXT Tag titles for three weeks in late 2023.

Now, Duke Hudson will have to find a role for himself in wrestling outside WWE. As an NXT release, fans will have to wait for Hudson’s 30-day non-compete clause to expire before they see the Australian powerhouse back in the ring.

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