Following WWE’s acquisition of Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide in April, the creative structure for the Mexican promotion has been solidified with a three-person team leading the company’s creative direction under WWE’s oversight.
According to PWInsider, AAA Creative going forward will be led by Jeremy Borash, Konnan, and newly-signed Hector “Moody Jack” Melendez. The announcement comes as both promotions prepare for their first joint event, WWE x AAA: Worlds Collide, streaming live on YouTube this Saturday from Los Angeles’ Kia Forum.
Konnan has long been a booker for AAA, while Borash was brought in as a WWE representative on the creative team. Borash, who serves as WWE’s Vice President of Content and Development, brings extensive wrestling production experience from his tenure at TNA Wrestling and his current role overseeing WWE content initiatives.
The addition of Melendez represents a strategic hiring to bridge both companies’ creative visions. Speaking to Contralona, Melendez confirmed his new role, stating: “Being part of the creative with WWE & AAA is the crowning moment of my life after everything I’ve gone through”. The Puerto Rican announcer and producer has extensive experience with both AAA and TNA Wrestling, having previously worked alongside Borash during their TNA tenure.
WWE announced its acquisition of AAA in partnership with Mexico-based entertainment company Fillip during WrestleMania 41 weekend, with the transaction expected to close in Q3 2025. The creative team appointments signal WWE’s commitment to maintaining AAA’s cultural identity while integrating the promotion into WWE’s global operations.
Both Konnan and Melendez are expected to be present at this weekend’s Worlds Collide event, with Melendez having visited the WWE Performance Center earlier this week alongside fellow Puerto Rican wrestling veteran Savio Vega.
The Saturday event will feature matches blending WWE’s NXT brand with AAA talent, including Chad Gable challenging El Hijo del Vikingo for the AAA Mega Championship and a Fatal Four-Way match for the NXT North American Championship.
Industry observers view the creative team structure as WWE’s approach to preserving AAA’s lucha libre traditions while leveraging WWE’s production capabilities and global reach to expand the Mexican promotion’s audience.
AEW’s MVP recently discussed his issues with WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, stating in a recent interview with BetIdeas that he has “zero respect” for him.
According to a report from Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, one past instance of issues between them involved a storyline where Triple H pitched an angle for MVP to be mesmerized by Eve Torres.
MVP reportedly pushed back, arguing his “million-dollar athlete” character wouldn’t act that way, a response Levesque “wasn’t happy with at all.” MVP has also stated that Triple H turned down a reformation of The Hurt Business in WWE. The group has since reformed in AEW as The Hurt Syndicate.
Despite his critiques of WWE’s booking, MVP clarified in the interview that the problems are personal, not racial. MVP used his former Hurt Business stablemate Bobby Lashley as an example of his booking concerns under Triple H.
“Let’s just say this, Bobby Lashley was a two-time WWE Champion, and after he took over, Bobby Lashley was reduced to the mid-card.”
When addressing fans who think he’s just “griping,” MVP said, “Okay, well just watch the program. Who were the people in the top spots under his leadership? Who were given the opportunities?… I’m talking about the main show.”
However, MVP made it clear his core issues are personal. “I’ll be honest with you, my issues with him have nothing to do with race. My issues have to do with him as a person and our personal interactions and things that he said and did that caused me to have zero respect for him,” MVP stated, promising to detail these issues on his own show.
The 29-year-old is one of the most famous and successful pro wrestlers not only in AEW but all of wrestling. With the fame however, comes jealousy of peers, especially because of his young age. So it’s not a surprise that the Salt of the Earth has been involved in a number of backstage incidents since joining the company in 2019. Though latest reports suggest that things have changed recently.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select recently provided an update on the former AEW Champion’s stature behind the scene. He revealed that the wrestling star has worked hard on his image among his co-workers in the last few months:
“It’s improved a lot over the last nine or ten months, and he’s worked hard at that. There were times when it wasn’t great and the perception of him backstage wasn’t great. I think a lot of that comes with being the top singles act, top tag act, and the main guy getting promo time all at once.”
MJF had been off TV recently filming Happy Gilmore 2 featuring Adam Sandler in the title role. The movie interestingly also features a cameo from WWE star Becky Lynch and both the wrestling stars have shown respect for each other after working on the same project.
Since returning to AEW TV in March, Maxwell has been involved in a storyline with The Hurt Syndicate. He had been trying to join the group and Friedman was officially accepted into the faction during the May 14 episode of Dynamite.
Tomorrow presents an unprecedented challenge for select WWE superstars. The marathon Saturday features Worlds Collide at 3 PM followed by Money in the Bank at 7 PM. For Chad Gable and Stephanie Vaquer, this means wrestling twice in four hours.
The Physical and Mental Gauntlet
Wrestling twice in one day demands extraordinary conditioning. The physical toll extends beyond typical match fatigue. Recovery time becomes compressed, injury risk multiplies, and performance quality faces inevitable scrutiny. Mental focus presents equal challenges as performers must switch between different character presentations and storylines while maintaining peak concentration.
The logistics alone create complexity. Travel between the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, costume changes, and character transitions all occur under time pressure. Medical staff faces increased responsibility ensuring wrestler safety between appearances.
Chad Gable’s Career-Defining Day
Gable confronts the ultimate double challenge. At 3 PM, he faces El Hijo del Vikingo for the AAA Mega Championship as Chad Gable. Four hours later, he climbs a ladder as El Grande Americano in the Men’s Money in the Bank match.
Can Gable maintain peak performance in a dangerous ladder match after a championship bout? The narrative genius lies in how WWE uses this exhaustion as a plot device—does fatigue expose his masked identity or fuel desperate determination?
Success in both matches would create an unprecedented achievement.
Stephanie Vaquer’s Breakout Opportunity
Vaquer’s double duty carries different stakes. Her 3 PM tag team match with Lola Vice against Dalys and Chik Tormenta serves as a showcase for WWE’s women’s division integration with AAA. The 7 PM Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match could launch her main roster career into overdrive.
Recent call-up status adds pressure. Vaquer must prove she belongs on WWE’s biggest stages while managing the physical demands of two matches. Her Worlds Collide performance could generate momentum or drain energy needed for the ladder match’s chaos.
The women’s Money in the Bank maintains a perfect success rate—every winner has successfully cashed in their contract. Vaquer entering this match after earlier competition creates an intriguing variable in this historic pattern.
Historical Precedent
Double duty performances carry rich wrestling history. WrestleMania events featured multiple-match performers like Daniel Bryan and Seth Rollins, who demonstrated that exhaustion can enhance storytelling. Their successes proved that modern athletes can handle expanded workloads when properly motivated.
Iron man performances from earlier eras provide context. Wrestlers like Ric Flair and Harley Race routinely worked multiple matches during territory days. Today’s controlled environment and medical support theoretically make double duty safer, though the athletic demands have intensified.
WWE’s acquisition of Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide sent shockwaves through professional wrestling in April 2025. The WrestleMania weekend announcement caught industry observers off guard, marking WWE’s most significant international expansion in decades. Tomorrow’s Worlds Collide event at the Kia Forum serves as the proving ground for this unprecedented partnership.
A Different Worlds Collide
This iteration of Worlds Collide breaks new ground. Unlike previous editions featuring NXT UK or internal brand warfare, tomorrow represents genuine inter-company collaboration—the first since 2022’s brief experiments. WWE’s integration with a Mexican promotion hasn’t been attempted at this scale since limited AAA partnerships in the 1990s.
The stakes extend beyond WWE’s typical premium live event concerns. AAA’s reputation, cultural identity, and operational independence face their first major test under WWE’s umbrella. Success could validate the merger’s potential. Failure might expose fundamental incompatibilities between sports entertainment and lucha libre tradition.
Chad Gable’s Moment of Truth
Chad Gable’s double life reaches its climax at Worlds Collide. As El Grande Americano, he earned a Money in the Bank qualification through AAA competition. Tomorrow, wrestling as himself, he challenges El Hijo del Vikingo for the AAA Mega Championship.
The unmasking speculation adds intrigue. Will Gable maintain his dual identity, or does WWE plan a dramatic revelation on this international stage? An American capturing AAA’s most prestigious championship would mark a historic moment, potentially reshaping the promotion’s identity within WWE’s structure.
Cross-Cultural Card Analysis
The event’s match lineup reflects careful cultural consideration. Ethan Page defends the NXT North American Championship in a Fatal Four-Way featuring Rey Fenix, Laredo Kid, and Je’Von Evans—a blend of established AAA talent and WWE’s rising stars.
Legado del Fantasma faces AAA legends in a compelling generational clash. Santos Escobar’s faction confronts El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr., Pagano, and Psycho Clown, merging WWE storytelling with lucha libre legacy.
Women’s wrestling receives prominent placement through Stephanie Vaquer and Lola Vice facing Dalys and Chik Tormenta. This match tests whether WWE can successfully showcase AAA’s female talent within its presentation framework.
The Latino World Order’s participation brings full-circle storytelling. Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro, and Joaquin Wilde return to their lucha roots, representing successful WWE integration while honoring their origins.
Worlds Collide Poster (Credit: WWE)
Integration Challenges
Roster balance presents immediate concerns. WWE must incorporate AAA talent without overwhelming its existing structure or marginalizing either company’s wrestlers. The long-term integration strategy remains unclear, creating uncertainty about career trajectories.
Style differences pose another challenge. Traditional lucha libre emphasizes different pacing, move sets, and storytelling than WWE’s sports entertainment approach. Finding common ground without compromising either style’s integrity requires delicate handling.
Language barriers affect more than commentary. Storyline development, character work, and fan engagement all require bilingual consideration. WWE’s Spanish-language commentary team gains unprecedented importance in bridging cultural gaps.
The Kia Forum’s intimate setting contrasts with WWE’s typical stadium productions. This venue choice suggests recognition that Worlds Collide requires different presentation than standard premium live events.
Measuring Success
Fan reception becomes the primary success metric. WWE Universe’s acceptance of AAA wrestlers will determine future integration depth. Early reactions on social media and crowd responses will guide booking decisions for months ahead.
Match quality must prove lucha libre can thrive within WWE’s production framework. Technical excellence alone isn’t sufficient—the matches must engage WWE’s broader audience while respecting lucha tradition.
Storyline continuation extends beyond single matches. Tomorrow’s event must establish narratives that carry forward, creating reasons for continued AAA talent appearances on WWE programming. Isolated success means little without sustainable integration.
Cultural respect remains paramount. WWE must demonstrate that AAA’s acquisition enhances rather than erases Mexican wrestling tradition. Any perception of cultural insensitivity could damage both brands’ credibility.
Long-Term Ramifications
Roster expansion possibilities depend on tomorrow’s reception. Successful integration could see regular AAA talent rotation through WWE programming. Key performers might transition to full-time WWE contracts, while others maintain AAA-primary status with crossover appearances.
International growth strategies gain new dimensions through this merger. Success opens doors for similar acquisitions or partnerships globally. Failure might prompt WWE to reconsider its approach to international expansion.
Competition will respond to this merger’s outcome. AEW’s relationship with AAA becomes more complex. Other promotions must evaluate whether WWE’s expansion threatens their international partnerships or creates new collaborative opportunities.
The Verdict
Worlds Collide represents more than a single event—it’s a glimpse into professional wrestling’s potential future. Best-case scenarios see seamless integration that enriches both companies while respecting their distinct identities. Cultural exchange elevates the entire industry.
Potential pitfalls remain numerous. Cultural misunderstandings, style clashes, and integration failures could transform the merger from opportunity to cautionary tale. WWE’s track record with international expansion provides both encouraging precedents and warning signs.
The wrestling world watches closely as two distinct cultures attempt unprecedented fusion. Success could revolutionize professional wrestling’s global landscape. Failure might entrench existing boundaries. Tomorrow, at the Kia Forum, the experiment begins in earnest.
John Cena’s 17th WWE Championship reign was supposed to be his victory lap. Instead, it’s become his most controversial storyline ever. Tomorrow’s tag team match at Money in the Bank isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about legacy, retirement, and whether Cena can truly “ruin wrestling” as promised.
The “Ruin Wrestling” Campaign
Cena’s heel turn before WrestleMania 41 shocked the wrestling world. Defeating Cody Rhodes for his record-breaking 17th title at the event marked more than a championship victory—it launched his vow to “ruin wrestling” and retire as champion at the end of 2025.
The storyline escalated dramatically at Saturday Night’s Main Event XXXIX. Cena’s interference to help Logan Paul backfired when a returning Rhodes emerged from his sabbatical to even the odds. This confrontation set the stage for Saturday night’s high-stakes tag team encounter at Intuit Dome.
Stakes Beyond Championships
This tag match carries weight that surpasses any title defense in Cena’s storied career. With heightened attention on his every move in the final chapters of his career, Cena’s legacy hangs in the balance. Will his retirement year be remembered as a masterful heel run or a failed experiment?
Cody Rhodes’s return from sabbatical specifically to challenge Cena demonstrates the personal nature of this conflict. The American Nightmare represents wrestling’s conscience, standing against Cena’s cynical farewell tour.
World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso joins Rhodes as Cena’s primary obstacle to “ruining” wrestling. The Yeet Movement leader embodies everything Cena claims to despise about modern wrestling—authentic fan connection and organic momentum.
Logan Paul remains the wildcard. His partnership with Cena could either validate the veteran’s master plan or expose its fundamental flaws. The social media mogul’s unpredictability adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
Match Dynamics
Photo credit: WWE
The contest pits wrestling’s integrity against corporate invasion. Rhodes and Uso represent tradition and authenticity, while Cena and Paul embody the celebrity-driven future Cena claims wrestling deserves.
The four competitors bring vastly different styles to the ring. Cena’s power game, Rhodes’s technical excellence, Uso’s high-flying arsenal, and Paul’s athletic unpredictability create intriguing matchup possibilities. Their chemistry—or lack thereof—will determine the match’s flow.
Multiple outcomes could reshape WWE’s landscape. A Cena/Paul victory establishes their dominance heading into SummerSlam season. A Rhodes/Uso triumph might force Cena to reassess his retirement timeline. The possibility of double turns adds another dimension, with any combination of these stars capable of switching alignments based on the match’s dramatic peaks.
The Retirement Year Factor
Every match matters more when time runs short. Cena’s final year creates urgency that elevates routine encounters into must-see events. This tag match represents a crucial checkpoint in his farewell tour.
The result directly impacts SummerSlam planning. Victory strengthens Cena’s position as the villain determined to leave wrestling worse than he found it. Defeat could trigger desperation, making him more dangerous as his retirement deadline approaches.
Historical context adds weight to Cena’s journey. Unlike Ric Flair’s emotional farewell or Shawn Michaels’s graceful exit, Cena chose confrontation over celebration. This decision transforms his final year into uncharted territory for a retiring legend.
Implications and Predictions
A Cena/Paul victory cements their alliance and validates the “ruin wrestling” narrative. It positions them as SummerSlam’s primary antagonists while potentially setting up title defenses against fresh challengers drawn by their controversial tactics.
Rhodes and Uso triumphing creates different possibilities. It could spark dissension between Cena and Paul, force Cena to escalate his tactics, or even prompt a strategic retreat before a more calculated assault on wrestling’s foundations.
Each participant’s trajectory through 2025 hinges on this result. Rhodes could reclaim his position atop WWE. Uso might transition from champion to legend-killer. Paul’s role could expand from part-time attraction to full-time menace. Cena’s path—hero’s redemption or villain’s vindication—remains unwritten.
This weekend’s tag match represents a referendum on Cena’s controversial farewell, a test of wrestling’s values, and a preview of the battles that will define 2025. The wrestling world watches, wondering if John Cena’s promise to ruin everything will become prophecy or punchline.
WWE Superstar The Miz is reportedly taking time off from Friday Night SmackDown to take on a significant television hosting role. The Miz will be hosting the new incarnation of the classic competition show, American Gladiators.
According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Miz will be leaving for London soon to film the show. This new version is set to feature a team of elite athletes competing in classic games like “Gauntlet” and “Hang Tough,” as well as new events.
This hosting opportunity explains recent on-screen tension between The Miz and his new tag team partner, Carmelo Hayes, on SmackDown, likely serving as a storyline reason for his temporary departure from WWE programming.
The Miz has previously hosted shows like “Cannonball” and starred in the reality series “Miz & Mrs.” alongside his wife, Maryse. His return date to WWE is currently unknown.
There has been speculation that The Miz may be exiting WWE soon after the recent talent cuts and him removing all mentions of WWE from his social media accounts. Fightful Select confirmed earlier this week that Miz is still under contract with WWE.
The full broadcast team for tomorrow’s WWE x AAA Worlds Collide special event on Saturday, June 7, 2025, has been kept quiet, but details have come out about who will—and who won’t—be involved.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE had internal discussions about bringing in a classic voice for the inter-promotional event. There had been discussion of Mike Tenay regarding announcing the show.
That is because he started his announcing career doing When Worlds Collide in 1994. However, he clarified Tenay’s current status: “But I can’t confirm if he was contacted. But as best as I can tell, he’s not at this point scheduled to do the show.”
Longtime WWE announcer Lillian Garcia will be doing the ring introductions for the show in Los Angeles. Meltzer noted that the former English-language announcers for AAA, Joe Dombrowski and Larry Dallas, are also not doing the show.
AAA Mega Championship: El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Chad Gable is expected to headline the show that airs on YouTube.
AEW personality Rebel, the long-time on-screen ally of Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D., has broken her silence regarding her extended absence from television. Rebel revealed she recently underwent surgery to remove a tumor.
Rebel has not been part of AEW programming since an episode of AEW Dark in August 2022, an absence of over two years. She took to Instagram to share the health update.
She posted a photo from a hospital bed and using a classic movie reference to bring some levity to the serious situation. Quoting “Kindergarten Cop,” Rebel wrote, “It’s not a Tumah ~ Kindergarten Cop. Ok, it is, but it’s out now ??.” She added, “Still healing from when I was hospitalized last May 2024.”
This news comes after Rebel had previously shared that she was hospitalized in May 2024 with what was initially an unidentified lung mass, later diagnosed as pneumonia. Though she remains under contract with AEW, there is currently no timetable for her return to television as she continues to recover. We wish her a speedy recovery.
Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown is the highly anticipated go-home show before Money in the Bank 2025, broadcasting live from the Dignity Health Arena in Bakersfield, California. The show promises high-stakes confrontations, major star power, and final momentum shifts ahead of Saturday’s premium live event.
Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, John Cena & Logan Paul Face-Off
Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso will be under the same roof as Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena and Logan Paul, just 24 hours before their blockbuster tag team clash at Money in the Bank.
Tensions are expected to run high, with last week’s confrontations suggesting that tonight could erupt into chaos as all four men share the ring.
All Money in the Bank Ladder Match Participants Present
All 12 participants in both the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches will be present, setting the stage for possible confrontations and last-minute mind games.
Men’s MITB contenders: Seth Rollins, Solo Sikoa, El Grande Americano, Penta, LA Knight, Andrade.
Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, and Stephanie Vaquer will team up to face Naomi, Roxanne Perez, and Giulia.
This match serves as a preview of the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match, with all six competitors looking to gain momentum and send a message to their rivals.
Tag Team Division Turmoil
The Wyatt Sicks have been targeting the SmackDown Tag Team Division, leaving teams like The Street Profits, Fraxiom, #DIY, and the Motor City Machine Guns on high alert. Uncle Howdy has promised their onslaught will continue until their demands are met, with the Tag Team Championships clearly in their sights.
Additional Appearances
WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair are both advertised for the show, adding even more star power to an already stacked lineup.
How to Watch
USA Network: 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT (United States)
Netflix: 8 PM ET (Canada), 1 AM BST (UK/Ireland), 5:30 AM IST (India), 3 AM AST (Saudi Arabia), 10 AM AEDT (Australia)
Giulia was also surprised by the speed of her main roster call up.
The female star officially made her debut for the company at the NXT No Mercy PPV in September last year and she immediately found herself in the title picture.
After initially failing to win the NXT Women’s title at the brand’s CW premiere in October, the young star captured the belt only a few weeks later at the January 7 New Year’s Evil special. Even more surprising was her main roster call up in April this year, only 7 months after Giulia first arrived in the promotion.
The now SmackDown star talked about being fast tracked to main roster during an interview with MeraWrestling. The former Champion noted how at first, she wanted to achieve everything quickly, but she now regrets not getting the chance to learn English properly before being called up:
“I already thought WWE’s pace was incredibly fast to begin with but I’m truly surprised by this speed of moving up to the Main Roster in just eight or nine months. I’m like ‘Oh no, I still haven’t properly learned English.’ [laughs]
So I’m like ‘I’m sorry I haven’t learned English’ At first of course I had the feeling of ‘I want to go quickly, I want to go quickly.’ But as I wrestled in WWE, every single day, every single match, every single show. Everything was new to me. So time just flew by in an instant until today. There’s definitely a feeling of ‘Already?’ It all feels like it happened incredibly fast.”
[English subtitles] Giulia talks being surprised at the speed with which she moved up to the WWE main roster and wishing she had learnt more English before then.#SmackDown#????pic.twitter.com/TpLWx2jJyM
Giulia is set for the biggest match of her career when she competes in the Women’s Money in The Bank at the namesake PPV this Saturday. She also discussed the potential of winning the briefcase and noted that she will go after Tiffany Stratton if she wins the contract.
Goldberg has revealed the difficulties of preparing for a wrestling return at his age.
The 58-year-old has confirmed that he will be having a retirement match in 2025. Gunther is expected to be his final opponent following their confrontation at the 2024 Bad Blood PPV, but a date has not yet been revealed for this bout.
The former Universal Champion provided some updates on the preparations for his final match during a recent appearance on the CarCast pod. Goldberg mentioned how getting in ring shape at his age is very difficult:
“It’s been really tough. I gotta tell you. I’m a bitch to deal with anyway, but you know I know the date (of the retirement match) No one else knows the date, public wise.
At my age you obviously have to do a lot of different things to get yourself prepared for what I’m about to embark upon. It’s uncharted water because not many people my age have done that.
Not just showing up to show up, I need to show up and be me. I’ve tapped into me a little bit more as of late. My training, with all my injuries and with my age, you know, it makes it extremely difficult to get prepared without going overboard.”
The WCW veteran went into detail of things like the strict diet plan he has to follow and what kind of training he is doing. Even with all the hard work, however, it’s very hard for Goldberg to get into the shape he desires, because of all the ‘mileage’ he has put on his body over the years:
“I’m terrified to put those trunks on again. I may even go with different kind of trunks. I’m extremely limited because of my left knee. I can’t run. Hell, I’m working around my shoulder that I haven’t been able to use for five years.”
WWE is set to return to Saudi Arabia for the Night of Champions PPV on June 28. Though many fans believe that the next edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event set for July 12 from Atlanta, Georgia will be a better choice to hold the wrestling veteran’s final match.
TNA Against All Odds could be the final night that Santino Marella serves as Director of Authority should he be on the losing end of a crossover match. During the June 5, episode of TNA iMPACT, Marella announced that he’ll face WWE NXT’s Robert Stone at Against All Odds.
The winner will assume full control as TNA’s Director of Authority, a role Marella has served in for the past year. As for the loser, not only will they not be in the Director of Authority role, but they must leave TNA Wrestling.
Stone, who has been appointed to oversee Marella’s handling of WWE talent in TNA, interrupted Marella with Victoria Crawford by his side. The pair had a tense exchange with both promising victory in this high-stakes encounter.
TNA Against All Odds airs live on Friday, June 6, 2025, from the Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona. The show will stream on TNA+ at 10 PM ET.
“I lost the TNA World Championship to Trick Williams and it’s hard for me because this last year has just been a whirlwind… I just felt we were taking TNA to new heights… and now the World Championship is in the hands of someone that does not work here.”
Hendry admitted that he “dropped the ball,” despite being the ‘team captain’ of TNA while as champion. Saying that he’s left his fans and peers down, Hendry believes there’s only one thing that can make this right.
“I want nothing more but to get another shot at Trick Williams… but I understand that’s not my spot right now. Elijah is next and he deserves it and I support him against all odds.”
For Hendry, holding the TNA World Championship wasn’t just a goal in his wrestling career. Holding the title meant a full-circle moment for the man who grew up watching TNA.
“I started watching TNA in 2002, back when I was in high school. I did not feel that I was going to amount to much… Pro wrestling inspired me to be better and that’s carried on through my adult life.”
Now, Hendry is hungry for his second title reign, but recognizes that Elijah will have the next shot at Williams. Will either man bring the TNA World Championship back to TNA, or will it be Williams who holds the gold hostage for a long time to come?
Monty Brown is stepping back into the spotlight during AEW All In week, making one of his first official wrestling appearances in nearly two decades. Brown, a former TNA and WWE star, has been confirmed for Starrcast.
According to Fightful Select, the deal to bring Brown to Starrcast was finalized in late May. Brown was part of TNA’s formative years in 2004 and 2005 before leaving for WWE. In the revived ECW, Brown competed as Marcus Cor Von. His final match came on the June 19, 2007, episode, where he was defeated by CM Punk.
18 years removed from his final match, appearing at Starrcast is a huge deal. Despite receiving multiple offers over the past 18 years, Brown’s upcoming appearance at Starrcast marks his first confirmed deal in a very long time.
Starrcast will be just one part of a stacked week that will culminate with All In: Texas this July. With AEW’s first stadium event drawing near, expected a packed week in the Lone Star state.
R-Truth has been released from WWE, in a major shock to fans given Truth’s longevity and popularity within the promotion. Speaking on the Road Trip After Hours podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long said that Truth is happy despite losing jis job.
“I talked to Truth, and he’s happy with it. I saw his statement that he made after the release. So you know, it’s like this with me. If Truth is happy, I love it.“
Long believes that this change “may be the best thing to ever happen” to R-Truth, as it’ll provide him opportunities outside of WWE. Joking that Truth needs to discuss his future with Lil’ Jimmy, Long is excited to see what’s to come.
While Truth is allegedly happy, wrestling fans are anything but. Fans remain outraged over WWE’s decision, resulting in loud ‘We Want Truth’ chants during Raw. After the show, CM Punk addressed the backlash, poking fun at fans who chanted for him during his break from WWE.
Questions remain about Truth’s future post-WWE but it appears he is remaining positive despite this setback. Stay tuned for the latest on Truth and his next steps in the ring.
Fresh off her WWE debut, Mariah May is already making moves beyond the ring. Deadline reports that May has signed with the Paradigm Talent Agency, laying the groundwork for expansion into film, television, branding, and digital ventures.
May debuted on the June 3, edition of WWE NXT during a segment involving several women on the roster. The Glamour made her intentions clear, declaring that she will be the one to dethrone new NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne.
May enters the company with major momentum after a standout run in AEW. The London-born 26-year-old won the AEW Women’s World Championship in front of over 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium during All In: London 2024, and held the gold for months before losing it back to Toni Storm. May’s final AEW appearance came at AEW Revolution 2025, where she lost to Storm in their ‘Hollywood Ending’ match.
May now joins a stacked Paradigm roster alongside Tiffany Stratton, Liv Morgan, Jade Cargill, and Alexa Bliss. With this signing, fans may soon be seeing much more of The Glamour, both in and out of the ring.
Some more details have come out about Kamille’s AEW absence.
The former NWA Women’s World Champion has not been on AEW programming for over 6 months. She broke away from Mercedes Mone during one of her last appearances and was attacked backstage in a segment during the November 30 episode of Rampage.
Not only has the company not mentioned Kamille on TV since then, but the officials purposefully excluded her from the Queen of the Ring promotional video, suggesting that not everything is right between the two parties.
Now, Fightful Select has provided an update on the missing star, suggesting that she won’t be back on TV anytime soon. They previously reported that Wardlow, who has been on a hiatus even longer, had a meeting with Tony Khan. The heavyweight star is set for a TV role this year, and both parties apparently agreed that bringing him back before that would not be the right move.
The new report reveals that Kamille also has an upcoming TV product she’s working on. The role is expected to keep her busy through part of the Summer, potentially affecting her AEW status. Though there is no word on whether she had a similar meeting with Khan to discuss her future or if it’s the reason behind her absence. People within the company are effectively ‘in the dark’ about her hiatus.
In regards to the end of her partnership with Mercedes Mone, it’s said that the AEW President didn’t feel like the partnership was working. The TBS Champion herself was willing to work with Kamille and do a match after their breakup which obviously did not end up happening.
The female star still has plenty of time left in her AEW deal, so her absence does not appear to be similar to Mariah May. The former AEW Women’s champion was taken off TV after she made her intention of leaving the company for WWE clear. May made her NXT debut earlier this week.
Mark Nash joined WWE earlier this year as the newest ring announcer for SmackDown, following in the footsteps of legends like Howard Finkel, Tony Chimel, Samantha Irvin, and others. In an interview with You Know I’m Right, Nash shared the surprising way his WWE journey began—with a text from Triple H that he initially thought was a scam.
“I almost didn’t pay attention to it because I thought it could’ve been like a political solicitation—like, ‘Give me $50 for this politician.’ But I read the whole text, and I was like, ‘What? All right, cool.’”
The message arrived at a pivotal moment, just as Nash’s role with Top Rank Boxing was ending. Within days, he transitioned from boxing to a new chapter as a WWE announcer.
“They told me, ‘You’re going to take the final SmackDown in London.’ To host anything, let alone a SmackDown at the O2 with such an iconic fan base—was something special.“
Like many, Mark Nash uses a stage name in WWE, but wanted to use his real name of Mark Shunock. After being told that wasn’t an option, Nash’s name didn’t come from a certain Diesel-powered WWE Hall of Famer, but from closer to home.
“My mother’s maiden name is Nasser, and my father’s last name is Shunock. So I took the first two letters from my mother’s maiden name and the last two letters from my dad’s surname and put them together.“
The name received the approval of Nash’s family who have been supporting his WWE journey every step of the fan. Now fans can look ahead to many more calls from WWE’s newest announcer.
Former WWE star reveals struggle with imposter syndrome despite lengthy tenure with company
Former WWE wrestler Kacy Catanzaro has opened up about a surprising internal struggle during her eight-year run with the company – despite her lengthy tenure and championship success, she never truly felt like she belonged in the wrestling world.
In a candid interview on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, Catanzaro (who performed as Katana Chance in WWE) revealed that her unconventional path to professional wrestling left her feeling perpetually like an outsider, even after nearly a decade with the company.
“No matter how long I was in wrestling, I always felt like no matter what, I was the newer person there. Like I because I had never wrestled before. Like when I walked into the performance center, I’d never wrestled. And no matter how long I was at the PC or, you know, in the company, I always felt like wherever I was like, oh, I’m I’m the new like I’m still the newer person here, even though it had been almost a decade that I worked there.”
The revelation sheds light on the unique challenges faced by athletes who transition into wrestling from other disciplines. Unlike most of her peers who had wrestling backgrounds spanning years or even decades, Catanzaro came to WWE directly from her success on American Ninja Warrior, with zero wrestling experience.
When she arrived at WWE’s Performance Center in January 2018, the contrast was stark. “Just to give you an example of who I started with who was in my class, like I walked in with like Candace LaRae, which at that time I think she had been wrestling for like over 10 years. War Raiders was in my group, you know, people who their entire life for a decade like had already been wrestling and then it was me,” she recalled.
This feeling of not belonging persisted despite significant accomplishments during her WWE tenure, including winning both NXT and main roster tag team championships alongside partner Kayden Carter, and creating one of the most memorable Royal Rumble saves in recent memory with her handstand walk along the apron.
When asked whether this was about having a beginner’s mentality or struggling to pick up the craft, Catanzaro clarified: “I think an in between, not so much trouble picking it up as much as it was trouble feeling like I belonged there. I think so. Like no matter how much work I put in or I felt like I’m I’m doing what I’m supposed to, I’ve been here. I’m putting the work in in a room, I still always felt like I don’t like I don’t know if I’m like supposed to be here. I just always felt a little bit out of place.”
The struggle became particularly acute because of wrestling’s deeply rooted culture and traditions. “It’s also such a sacred thing which I understand where like when you know you want to be a wrestler your whole life and then you work really hard specifically at wrestling to get there. I understand why it’s so sacred,” she said. “And my journey being different I felt like really really stuck out in that time of how it was compared to now.”
This experience highlights how WWE’s recruitment strategy has evolved significantly. What was rare when Catanzaro joined – bringing in athletes from other disciplines without wrestling backgrounds – has now become much more common at the Performance Center.
The psychological impact of feeling like an outsider may have contributed to a career crisis Catanzaro faced in 2019, just one year into her WWE run. After suffering a back injury at the Royal Rumble and struggling mentally at the Performance Center, she seriously questioned whether to continue wrestling.
“There was a period where I was dealing with this injury and really like can I come back from this? The injury wasn’t that serious that I wouldn’t be able to come back but in my head being like do I really want to do this and kind of having this crisis about it like is this something I’m going to continue to do?”
Despite these internal struggles, Catanzaro persevered and found success, particularly in her tag team partnership with Kayden Carter. However, her recent release from WWE on May 2, 2025 has reignited questions about her wrestling future.
“I don’t know if I’m done performing. I do have more to give. I’m just not sure where that is,” she said, adding that her unconventional path makes the decision more complex than for traditional wrestlers who can return to the independent scene.
“I think part of it is because I didn’t wrestle beforehand. I never like got those experiences that people who did are like, ‘Okay, I’m going to go back to that. I know that I I want to do that.’ And for me, I feel like I my whole adult life, I’ve always really gone right from one challenge to the next.”
Catanzaro’s story offers a unique perspective on the challenges of breaking into wrestling’s tight-knit community and the lasting psychological impact of feeling like an perpetual outsider, even when achieving success at the highest levels of the industry.
Mariah May arrived in WWE during the June 3, edition of WWE NXT, and Natalya could not be happier. Appearing on Busted Open Radio, Natalya shared her excitement for the former AEW Women’s World Champion.
“I’m excited for her and I think this is going to be a fun chapter for her... I’m excited to see the stories that she’s going to tell with the women at NXT. I’m excited to see her.”
May is the latest high-profile woman to join WWE, following the likes of Giulia, Zaria, Jordynne Grace and Stephanie Vauqer. Focusing on the latter, Natalya acknowledged the similarities between Vaquer and May.
“Mariah has a similar journey where, like, you know, she went out and explored the world before coming to WWE. She was a fan. She loved it. She… wanted to pursue this. Then she moved to Japan and she, like, basically became a student of the game.”
Mariah may be known as ‘The Glamour’ but she’s not afraid to get down and dirty (and bloody) when needed. While blood in women’s matches remains a massive rarity in WWE, Natalya is aware that May isn’t afraid to get messy.
“If you get busted open in the ring… she’s shown she can work through it. I remember Trish Stratus… she broke her nose in a match and then she just kept wrestling… I think Mariah May has that grit about her.”
Natalya went as far as to call May the “total package” who succeeds in wrestling ability, talking, presentation, and other vital components. The Queen of Harts signed off, not with admiration for May, but a challenge.
“I would not be against facing her, I just wanted to put that out there.”
On WWE NXT, May declared herself the next NXT Women’s Champion. It remains to be seen if May can mirror her AEW success now as a WWE Superstar.
Despite working for WWE for nearly eight years, Kacy Catanzaro says her release from the company came as a genuine shock – until she began retracing the warning signs that, in hindsight, pointed to her departure.
In a revealing interview on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, the former Katana Chance detailed the series of subtle changes and cancelled plans that preceded her release on May 2, 2025, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how WWE departures actually unfold.
“I actually was very surprised. I just it wasn’t on my radar. And then as I was telling like the story of kind of how it led up to it, at first I was like, ‘Yeah, I really like didn’t have any notice, you know?’ And then as I told the story, I was like, ‘Oh, wait. Maybe I could have taken some of those as signs that like something could have been coming.'”
The warning signs began with what seemed like a positive development – being moved from Raw to SmackDown during February 2025’s transfer window. While initially trying to view it optimistically, Catanzaro noted the timing was suspicious.
“We got moved from Raw to Smackdown and originally you’re like, ‘Oh man, like Raw just got moved to Netflix. That’s really big.’ And now they’re like taking us off of it. Is that bad? But then, you know, people are like, ‘Well, there’s more time on Smackdown. Like, we want more storylines for you guys.’ Cool. I’m like, ‘Okay, cool. That’s believable. I love that.'”
However, once on SmackDown, promised opportunities failed to materialize. A planned six-woman tag team match involving Catanzaro, Kayden Carter, and Zelina Vega against Chelsea Green, Piper Niven, and Alba Fyre kept getting postponed.
“Things keep changing where it just keeps getting pushed. So like they had a singles the next week was supposed to be the six woman then it didn’t happen and we were like oh well will there be a backstage but then it didn’t happen,” she recalled. The cancellations continued through WrestleMania season, with the match ultimately being scrapped entirely.
The most telling sign came through an unexpected source – a charity event. Catanzaro regularly participated in a non-WWE charity event that the company typically allowed. When an NXT wrestler scheduled for the same event was suddenly told she couldn’t attend, speculation began.
“One of the NXT girls that was invited had messaged me and said something to the effect of they said that I can’t do it and they’ll like let me know why soon. And I was like, sounds weird, but like people are weird. Who knows?”
The speculation intensified when multiple people began connecting the dots. “My boyfriend says I wonder if it’s because they’re going to do releases. And I was like, but that wouldn’t really make sense because it’s not a WWE event, so they wouldn’t care. It wasn’t like being posted anywhere. It was just, you know, for a good cause. And I’m like, that’s weird. Then the person doing the charity event messaged me and said, another wrestler was like, oh, I wonder if releases are happening.”
Despite the mounting speculation, Catanzaro tried to maintain her characteristic optimism. “I actually made a joke to my boyfriend when he said it. I was like, if I get released, will you still love me? You know how girls are crazy. And he was like, yes, of course. But I I only made that joke because I didn’t actually think that it was happening.”
The final warning sign was the absence of travel that week. “We didn’t travel that week. Another sign, but I was like, okay, it’s we don’t have a story yet. No big deal.”
When the call finally came while she was working out in her garage, Catanzaro said the surreal nature of the moment left her unprepared. “I’m working out in my garage and I get a phone call and it’s not a 203 number [Connecticut area code]. So I ignore it cuz I’m working out. Then it calls again… It called a second time and I was like, ‘Okay.’ And I look and it said, ‘Might be so and so.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, no.’ I knew right away.”
The actual conversation was brief and disorienting. “I picked up the phone and I was like, ‘Hello.’ And then I was like, ‘Oh, this is it.’ And like I’ve thought about that moment so many times that when it happened, it was just like I felt like I like I felt like I wasn’t in my body. Like I was on the phone and answering and then when I hung up, I was like, I feel like I should have said more or like asked more questions. And I think I was just like, ‘Okay, okay, bye.'”
Reflecting on her WWE tenure, Catanzaro acknowledged the precarious nature of employment in the wrestling industry. “I feel like when you work there there is a joke of like you you could literally be fired at any time. Like we’re like nervous about it often. Not like oh I’m sitting there upset every day but like enough that someone will make a random joke every now and then like oh like something happened. Oh, well, what if we get fired? You know, it it is in the back of your mind because it does happen and you know how the business works.”
Ironically, Catanzaro had survived multiple previous rounds of releases, including the major cuts during the pandemic era, making this departure even more unexpected.
Her first call back to WWE after the release? Asking about fixing her twice-broken nose. Her second priority? “Hey, I need my Instagram name back.”
Now, as she contemplates her future, Catanzaro remains uncertain about whether she wants to continue wrestling. “I’m bummed because I know that I have a lot more potential that I could have shown that I didn’t get to,” she said, while also expressing gratitude for her nearly eight-year run with the company.
Seth Rollins has launched a verbal attack on CM Punk, noting that Punk is “not good for what we do” and stating, “I want him gone.” Rollins made these remarks during a recent appearance on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams.
Rollins said, “Punk is not good for what we do. He’s a bad dude. He’s not a good dude. I’ve dealt with CM Punk for far too long.” He continued with a blunt demand: “This guy shouldn’t even be in my windspace. I want him gone. I want him out of here.”
This comes as Rollins has a negative history with Punk stemming from the way Punk handled his 2014 WWE exit. The two are also in a storyline together.
Rollins leads a new heel faction on Raw, which includes Paul Heyman – who recently betrayed CM Punk – along with Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. Punk, meanwhile, recently returned hiatus, but failed to secure a spot in the Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Rollins has landed a spot in the match.
CM Punk has transformed his body into a living memoir, and in the latest episode of WWE’s “Tattooed” series, “The Second City Saint” finally opened up about the deeply personal stories behind his extensive ink collection. The nearly 15-minute video reveals how each piece serves as both a tribute and a reminder of the relationships, mentors, and values that have shaped his legendary career.
Family First: The Most Personal Ink
Behind his left ear sits one of Punk’s most meaningful tattoos: the number “31” surrounded by four stars. The number represents his younger sister’s soccer jersey, while the stars symbolize each of his siblings. Notably absent is a fifth star – a painful reminder of his estranged relationship with a brother who embezzled money from their backyard wrestling promotion early in Punk’s career.
“It’s one of those things where family comes first,” Punk explained, touching on how the tattoo keeps his loved ones close even when they’re apart.
Wrestling Legends Immortalized in Ink
Harley Race: The Peacock Tribute
On his left leg, Punk sports a peacock adorned with a crown—a tribute to the late, great Harley Race. The wrestling legend had a profound impact on Punk’s career and philosophy, with Punk often asking himself “What would Harley do?” in moments of doubt.
“Harley was more than just a wrestler to me,” Punk shared. “He was a mentor, and I have stories about drinking shots of milk with him on his birthday. That peacock represents everything he stood for—royalty, strength, and authenticity.”
Ace Steel: Four Aces for a Wrestling Father Figure
The four aces tattooed on Punk’s left arm tell the story of his entry into professional wrestling. They honor Ace Steel, the man who trained him at Steel Dominion Wrestling School in Chicago and helped launch his career.
“I don’t even believe in luck,” Punk noted with characteristic honesty. “Those aces aren’t about gambling—they’re about the man who gave me my shot in this business.”
Chris Candido: “No Gimmicks Needed”
Perhaps the most poignant tribute is the “No Gimmicks Needed” text on his left hand, honoring his late friend Chris Candido, who passed away in 2005. The phrase perfectly encapsulated Candido’s natural wrestling ability and authentic personality.
“Chris didn’t need anything extra to be great,” Punk reflected. “He was just naturally gifted, and that phrase represents everything he was as a performer and as a person.”
Straight Edge Identity Worn Proudly
Punk’s commitment to his straight edge lifestyle is permanently displayed across his body. “DRUG FREE” spans his knuckles, while “Straight Edge” is emblazoned across his abdomen—tattoos that have become synonymous with his wrestling persona.
“These aren’t just words,” Punk emphasized. “They’re my identity. They represent who I am and what I stand for, both in and out of the ring.”
Personal Touches and Beloved Companions
Even his pets earn their place in Punk’s tattoo gallery. A paw print accompanied by a banner spelling “Callee” honors his beloved dog on his left forearm—another example of how Punk uses his body art to keep cherished memories alive.
Punk Rock Roots Run Deep
True to his name, Punk’s musical influences are permanently etched on his skin. The Operation Ivy logo on his left calf pays homage to the influential punk rock band that later evolved into Rancid, with whom Punk eventually became friends.
His love for comic books also shines through with various Marvel references, including Spider-Man imagery integrated into other designs, showcasing his self-described “comic nerd” side.
The Pepsi Story Gets Deeper Context
While explaining his famous Pepsi logo tattoo, Punk provided additional context about its connection to his straight edge beliefs and the punk rock culture that shaped him. The tattoo represents far more than brand loyalty—it’s a symbol of authenticity and staying true to one’s values, inspired by Minor Threat guitarist Brian Baker’s simple honesty about his own Coca-Cola tattoo.
A Canvas of Contradictions
Interestingly, Punk’s “good luck arm” tells a contradictory story. Despite claiming he doesn’t believe in luck, his left arm features a rabbit’s foot, four-leaf clover, horseshoe, and Japanese koi fish—all traditional symbols of good fortune.
“I know it’s contradictory,” Punk acknowledged with a laugh. “But each piece has its own story and meaning beyond just luck.”
The Living Museum Continues
With 52 tattoos covering most of his upper body, Punk’s collection represents nearly three decades of experiences, relationships, and personal growth. From his first piece at age 17 to his most recent additions, each tattoo serves as a chapter in his ongoing story.
“Tattoos are like wearing your heart on your sleeve,” Punk explained. “It’s about showing who you are on the inside by showing it on the outside. Each tattoo should have some deep, deep meaning.”
As Punk continues his WWE return journey, his body art remains a constant reminder of where he’s been and the people who helped shape “The Best in the World.” In a business often criticized for its artificiality, CM Punk’s tattoos stand as permanent proof of what’s real—his relationships, his values, and his unwavering commitment to authenticity.
Professional wrestler Jordan Williams, 34, known in the ring as Jayden Steele, has been charged with felony kidnapping and multiple assault charges. His alleged victim reportedly left a desperate note begging for help in a Jersey Mike’s restroom in Navarre, Florida, on May 27, 2025, according to NBC 15 News.
Authorities state Williams has a history of domestic violence. An employee, Eleanor Coffee, found the note, which pleaded: “Please help me… I need you to call the police… He controls my phone… Please help get me home! HELP!”
The note provided an address and warned that Williams’ parents might alert him if police approached directly. Investigators used this information and surveillance footage to locate the victim at a residence on file for Williams.
She was found with visible injuries and hospitalized for suspected broken bones. The alleged victim reported months of isolation, repeated assaults, and threats involving weapons.
Williams reportedly faces charges including felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, felony kidnap, and felony battery strangulation. He pleaded not guilty at his first court appearance on May 29th and is being held without bond in Santa Rosa County Jail.
