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WWE 2K25: First Official Gameplay Trailer

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WWE 2K25’s gameplay trailer gives a first look at many of the new additions, including the Bloodline showcase mode, Intergender gameplay, Bloodline Rules, and Underground matches.

Pre-order WWE 2K25 now at Amazon.com to get the Wyatt Sicks Pack featuring Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan.

The gameplay trailer showcases new features including:

  • Enhanced brawl environments like NXT Parking Lot and WWE Archives
  • Intergender matches and new high-flying moves
  • 2K Showcase: The Bloodline’s Dynasty, featuring matches with Roman Reigns, The Rock, Yokozuna, and Jacob Fatu
  • New match types: Underground and Bloodline Rules
  • MyRISE Mutiny with unified male/female storylines
  • MyGM online and MyFACTION World Tour
  • The Island – a new game environment (PS5® and Xbox Series X|S only)

Penta’s WWE Hit List: John Cena, CM Punk & Cody Rhodes

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Now that Penta El Zero Miedo has arrived in WWE, the question on every fan’s mind is: Who’s next?

In an interview with Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Penta revealed a stacked list of dream opponents—including some of WWE’s biggest names. While he’s ready to take on anyone, two matches stand out as personal goals: a showdown with John Cena and a rematch with CM Punk.

“I had one match with CM Punk. He won. I need revenge,” Penta declared. “The rematch with him, with Cody [Rhodes] too. But for me, a special dream match is Penta versus John Cena or Penta versus Finn Balor.”

The luchador also named Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu, and Bron Breakker as potential opponents, proving he has his sights set on WWE’s top stars. But beyond individual matchups, Penta has one goal above all else: championship gold.

“No matter who is in the ring, no matter what he won—I want to win everything in WWE,” he said.

With Cero Miedo as his battle cry, Penta is ready to take on the best WWE has to offer. Now, it’s just a matter of who steps up first.

https://podcast.chrisvanvliet.com/penta-on-his-wwe-debut-rey-mysterio-dream-opponents-cero-miedo

Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes Match is in the Works

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Drew McIntyre has been making headlines following the WWE Royal Rumble, and WWE reportedly has significant plans for him, including a match with Cody Rhodes.

According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that there is currently a plan to set up a Rhodes vs. McIntyre feud. However, it remains unclear when the rivalry will take place or whether it will be for the Undisputed WWE Championship. This feud was originally scheduled for 2023, but plans changed after Rhodes did not win the WWE Title at WrestleMania 39.

For now, McIntyre is set to move to SmackDown and will enter a feud with Damian Priest. Additionally, reports indicated that McIntyre expressed frustration backstage at the Royal Rumble over a wrestler prioritizing their moves over the match’s overall storytelling. His elimination was initially planned to happen earlier, but due to timing issues, adjustments had to be made.

The original plan was for McIntyre to be eliminated before Logan Paul entered the match, following a face-off with Priest. He was also supposed to tease eliminating Jey Uso before Priest ultimately eliminated him, setting up their WrestleMania feud. However, these plans were disrupted by the timing issues. Reports suggest that the wrestler McIntyre was frustrated with was LA Knight.

Cero Miedo: How Penta’s Catchphrase Became a Wrestling Phenomenon

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Penta El Zero Miedo’s signature catchphrase, “Cero Miedo” (Zero Fear), has become one of the most recognizable phrases in professional wrestling. But according to Penta, its origins are rooted not in wrestling, but in Mexican music.

In his recent interview with Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Penta shared that the phrase comes from corridos, a popular Mexican music genre known for its storytelling. Specifically, he credits the band Los Buitres De Culiacan Sinaloa, whose songs frequently use the phrase “Cero miedo, mi compa”—which translates to “No fear, my friend.”

“The truth is, I love the Corridos,” Penta explained. “In my first interview in Triple A in Mexico, I needed to do a promo, and I was like, how do I finish it? Cero Miedo! Just like that. It was my reaction. And after that, everyone started saying it to me.”

Since then, Cero Miedo has become more than just a wrestling taunt—it’s a mindset. Fans around the world throw up Penta’s signature hand gesture and chant it in unison, while others have told him that the phrase has helped them overcome personal struggles.

“To be honest, Cero Miedo isn’t just a lucha thing anymore—it’s a lifestyle,” Penta said. “People have told me, ‘Penta, thanks for Cero Miedo. I conquered cancer.’ That’s when I realized the responsibility on my shoulders.”

With Penta now in WWE, Cero Miedo is poised to reach an even wider audience. And as the luchador himself puts it,

“I need to improve every day—my body, my mind, my soul—because I know I inspire a lot of people.”

Kurt Angle Defends Hulk Hogan: “He’s An Incredible Human Being!”

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The WWE Raw Netflix premiere on January 6, 2025, was a historic night for the company, marking the beginning of its partnership with the streaming giant. However, one of the biggest talking points from the event was the unexpected reaction Hulk Hogan received from the Los Angeles crowd. When the WWE Hall of Famer made his appearance, he was met with a chorus of boos, a stark contrast to the hero’s welcome he typically received in decades past.

Wrestling legend Kurt Angle weighed in on the incident during an interview with legendary wrestling journalist Bill Apter for WrestleBinge. Angle, a former Olympic gold medalist and WWE Champion, acknowledged Hogan’s legacy while addressing the crowd’s reaction.

Kurt Angle’s Perspective

Angle didn’t seem surprised by the reaction but made it clear that Hogan’s status in the industry remains undisputed. He stated:

“Let the fans do what they want to do. I mean, Hulk Hogan is a legend. You can’t take that away from him. He’s probably the most popular pro wrestler of all time. He’s an incredible human being, but sometimes politics gets in the way. That’s what happened.”

Angle’s comments suggest that Hogan’s reception may have been influenced by factors outside of wrestling, possibly referring to past controversies that continue to affect the way fans perceive him.

Wrestlers React to Hogan Getting Booed

Kurt Angle isn’t the only one who has spoken about the incident. Several prominent wrestlers have shared their thoughts on why the Los Angeles crowd reacted the way they did.

Seth Rollins’ Response

Seth Rollins didn’t hold back when discussing the reaction to Hogan’s appearance. He expressed satisfaction with the crowd’s response, stating that people ultimately get the reaction they deserve when facing a live audience. While he acknowledged Hogan’s contributions to wrestling, Rollins emphasized that past actions have consequences and that Hogan has yet to fully take responsibility for some of the controversies surrounding him.

The Undertaker Reacts

Former The Undertaker joked about the backlash against Hogan, stating “things come back” and implying that karmic justice may be at play.

Kevin Nash’s Perspective

Kevin Nash, a long-time friend of Hogan, was surprised by the intensity of the boos. He noted that Hogan’s approach to the event may not have resonated with the Los Angeles audience. Nash also pointed out that Hogan’s physical condition made the appearance more challenging, as he has been dealing with severe back pain in recent years.

Rob Van Dam’s Analysis

Rob Van Dam took a different approach, questioning why the reaction became such a major talking point. He suggested that the situation gained traction because it seemed unplanned and went against WWE’s expectations. Van Dam also noted that Hogan has experienced multiple cycles of popularity and controversy throughout his career, indicating that this is just another phase in his storied legacy.

Final Thoughts

Hulk Hogan’s appearance at the WWE Raw Netflix premiere was meant to be a celebratory moment, but the reaction from the crowd highlighted the complicated relationship he has with today’s wrestling audience.

While legends like Kurt Angle continue to respect his legacy, the strong reaction from fans and the varied responses from fellow wrestlers indicate that Hogan remains a polarizing figure in the industry.

More from Kurt Angle about the Hulkster:

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes Shares Recovery Update

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WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has shared an update on his condition after sustaining multiple injuries in his brutal ladder match against Kevin Owens at Royal Rumble 2025.

Rhodes emerged victorious on February 1, securing both the WWE Championship and the Winged Eagle belt. However, WWE later confirmed that The American Nightmare suffered several injuries during the high-risk contest.

With speculation surrounding his health ahead of WrestleMania 41, Rhodes reassured fans via Instagram that he spent two days recovering in bed but is now feeling well and prepared to appear on SmackDown in Memphis on February 7.

cody update

“2 days in bed essentially, but feeling good and ready for Memphis! Also, since I got through it in one piece, I got to keep the best promise…” Rhodes wrote, sharing photos of himself with his wife Brandi and their daughter Liberty, who was dressed as Spider-Woman.

As WrestleMania 41 approaches, Rhodes is set to defend his championship against either Royal Rumble winner Jey Uso or the victor of the upcoming Elimination Chamber match, depending on Uso’s decision.

Inside Kismet: Tony Khan Talks Living Life On His Father’s Superyacht

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Shad Khan made a grand entrance at the Super Bowl when he arrived in Kismet, his stunning 400-foot, $360 million superyacht that embodies luxury. On SportsGrid, Tony Khan was asked about his father’s yacht, a place the AEW President now calls home.

“It’s fantastic, that’s where I’m living. My father is a spectacular person… And yes, I’m also living with him on a boat.”

The boat in question boasts many luxeries that set it apart from a standard yacht. Passengers and guests can enjoy seeing the world from six decks or perhaps one of the three pools. The ismet also boats four fireplaces, two fire pits, a full spa with a Turkish bath, a sauna, a cryotherapy chamber, plus a gym, a basketball court, a pickleball court, and even a helipad.

Khan has never shied away with being close to his father, who made his AEW on-screen debut in 2024 after the Elite took out the younger Khan. In the interview, Khan highlighted how his father’s success is a story that all can be inspired by.

“The embodiment of the American dream. He came here with nothing, and everything he has built is a true success story. Thanks to him, we’ve been able to accomplish so much.”

Tony Khan’s efforts arent only with AEW, as he also plays a key role in the management of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham FC. With both teams and AEW proving to be commerical hits, the Khans are enjoying the perks of their success on their superyacht.

Jimmy Jacobs On How Tony Khan & AEW Re-Shaped Pro Wrestling

Asuka Still Facing “Troubling” Advances Despite Plea to Fans

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On January 29, 2025, Asuka took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to ask fans not to have romantic feelings for her, describling it as “meaningless” and “100% pointless.” The former Women’s Champion also shared that police had been contacted to deal with ‘advances’ from fans that had left her feeling in danger.

Unfortunately, Asuka’s request has fallen on deaf ears. In an update on X, Asuka shared that there are people who are still making advances and asked them to stop immediately.

Asuka’s update spawned plenty of responses, many of whom sympathized with the Japanese Superstar. When one shared their hope that the people advancing on her leave Asuka alone, the WWE star called the matter “troubling.”

WWE and TKO have stepped in to protect Asuka, the Superstar recently stated, and her situation has renewed talks about the nature of the fanbase’s relationship with talent. In 2024, many WWE Superstars spoke up against fans pressuring them for several autographs in a public setting, with Asuka being among those who were hounded.

Asuka has been out of action since May 2024 though recent reports have suggested that her return to action could be coming sooner than later. While Asuka is an internationally recognized star, she, like anyone else, has a right to privacy. One can only hope that those with advances against the Damage CTRL member eventually stop given the now-multiple requests from Asuka.

Asuka’s Home Targeted by Package Thieves During WWE Injury

WWE Stars Frustrated with Def Rebel’s Entrance Music

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WWE theme songs by Def Rebel often get a bad wrap among fans, many of whom believe they are generic or unrecgonizable. Now, it’s not just fans who feel this way, as many Superstars are wanting a change.

According to Fightful Select, multiple wrestlers have voiced concerns over their current themes, with some even attempting to revert to their previous entrance music. Talent reportedly has little to no creative input when working with Def Rebel, and there’s no direct collaboration on the final product.

While some superstars have managed to keep or regain their original themes, others haven’t been as fortunate. Incoming wrestlers prefer using their own established music rather than adopting a Def Rebel-produced theme. Jordynne Grace for example is using the theme fans already know her for now that she’s part of WWE.

Sheamus: I’m Tired Of Asking For WWE To Bring Back My Theme Song

The issue of Def Rebel themes has once again come up given the 2025 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. The show saw a total of 60 entrants across the two Rumble matches, but many fans didn’t know who was coming out when their generic theme song hit.

Def Rebel is the latest group to work with WWE and follows on from the likes of CFO$ and the much-acclaimed Jim Johnston. Given that a great entrance theme can do big things for a wrestler’s career, fans and talent remain hopeful that WWE’s time partnering with Def Rebel will oversee major changes, if not come to an end very soon.

Jimmy Jacobs On How Tony Khan & AEW Re-Shaped Pro Wrestling

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n an exclusive interview with Mark O’Brien for Bodyslam.net, wrestling veteran Jimmy Jacobs reflected on Tony Khan’s leadership and AEW’s influence on the industry. He credited Khan with reshaping professional wrestling, improving pay standards, and creating new opportunities for talent.

Tony Khan’s Leadership and AEW’s Growth

Jacobs highlighted Khan’s deep commitment to AEW, emphasizing his awareness of how company decisions impact wrestlers and staff. He praised Khan for fostering an environment where talent can thrive and for significantly expanding job opportunities within wrestling.

“Tony takes that seriously—so many people’s jobs revolve around what he does.”

Jacobs noted that AEW’s rise has made it one of the best times to be a pro wrestler, with more opportunities and better financial stability than in decades past.

AEW’s Influence on Wrestler Pay and Competition

According to Jacobs, AEW’s presence in the industry has contributed to higher pay for wrestlers. He suggested that WWE adjusted its salary structure in response to AEW’s emergence, indirectly benefiting talent across both promotions.

“WWE raised their pay rates right around the time AEW started… I’d guess AEW had something to do with it.”

By providing a viable alternative to WWE, AEW has increased competition, pushing both companies to offer better contracts and more financial security for wrestlers.

Tony Khan’s Creative Direction

Jacobs described Khan as having a clear creative vision while allowing his team to refine ideas and execute them effectively. He stressed the importance of controlled information flow in AEW’s creative process, preventing leaks and ensuring well-planned storytelling.

“Tony has ideas, and I help organize them so the right people get the right information at the right time.”

AEW’s Lasting Legacy

Jacobs believes AEW’s impact extends beyond its own success, crediting Khan with transforming the wrestling landscape by offering wrestlers more financial and creative freedom.

“Tony really pushed AEW into being a place where talent could actually thrive.”

He sees Khan’s leadership as a key factor in making AEW a true alternative to WWE, giving wrestlers more control over their careers and fans a fresh, competitive product.

Tiffany Stratton Spills on Nia Jax, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ludwig Kaiser Love

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In just one year, Tiffany Stratton has gone from a fresh face on WWE’s main roster to the reigning WWE Women’s Champion on SmackDown. In an interview with DS from Ring the Belle, the WWE Women’s Champion weighed in on her feud with Nia Jax, the internet comparing her to pop star Sabrina Carpenter, and the LGBTQ+ community’s fascination with Ludwig Kaiser.

Stratton on Nia Jax: ‘She Should Have Seen It Coming’

Stratton’s title victory came at the expense of Nia Jax, her former ally, who Stratton cashed in Money in the Bank on in January 2025. In the interview, Stratton was surprised that Jax had been surprised that her goal was to become WWE Women’s Champion.

“She basically handpicked me to be her bestie… She should have seen it coming.”

The Sabrina Carpenter Comparison: ‘She Better Sing My Entrance Music’

With her blond bombshell locks, many have compared Stratton to singer Sabrina Carpenter. When a meme placing Stratton alongside Carpenter and J-Lo on a tiered rank of ‘divas’ went viral, Stratton saw the funny side of things.

“That was hilarious. She better sing my entrance music or something!”

Ludwig Kaiser: WWE’s Next Heartthrob?

Stratton is in a relationship with Ludwig Kaiser, who has become something of a hearthrob among fans of all genders. Speaking about her man, the WWE Women’s Champion was hardly surprised by the affection fans have shown the German.

“He’s a beautiful man! Have you seen his abs?”

Kaiser has been gaining momentum on WWE Raw while Stratton is set to firmly establish herself as the top woman of SmackDown. With a massive WrestleMania match reported for Stratton, fans can expect for the WWE Women’s Champion to remain one of WWE’s most talked-about stars.


Seth Rollins On Hulk Hogan Boos: People Get What They Deserve

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Hulk Hogan, one of wrestling’s most iconic figures, was met with a chorus of boos from the live crowd when WWE Raw premiered on Netflix in January 2025. Despite Hogan’s best efforts to win over fans, even bringing up Randy Savage and Andre the Giant, the crowd inside Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome made their views loud and clear on the Hulkster.

Seth Rollins was also part of that night’s event, as he faced CM Punk in the long-awaited one-on-one showdown between the two. Speaking on Good Morning Football, Rollins argued that Hogan got exactly what he deserved.

“I am all for people getting what they deserve. That’s how I feel about Hulk Hogan getting booed. If you are getting booed by the masses, there is a reason for it.”

Rollins admitted that Hogan was the person who got him into wrestling and acknowledged that the two-time Hall of Famer is one of wrestling’s most significant stars, if not the most significant. Despite this, Rollins believes that Hogan has failed to suitably address the source of the backlash against him.

“There’s some responsibility that he needs to own up to that he hasn’t yet. Maybe when he finally figures that out, might be able to move forward with our fans.”

Hogan was fired from WWE in 2015 for racist remarks coming to light, but brought back three years later. At the time, it was reported that the Hulkster had a meeting with talent to address what had happened. Sources at the time said that Hogan’s main takeaway from the scandal was that talent should be careful about what they say, as they may be recorded.

The Undertaker Laughs At Hulk Hogan Getting Booed: “Things Come Back”

Hogan has yet to appear for WWE since his disastrous Raw appearance, which he has blamed on politics and his past in the NWO. For now, it seems Hulk Hogan’s presence in wrestling will continue to elicit mixed emotions—if not outright boos—from the WWE Universe.

Tiffany Stratton Backs ‘Strapley,’ Wants Rhea Ripley In Pink

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Strapley, the fan-created ship of Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley, has proven popular with audiences. During a recent interview with Ring The Belle, Stratton endorsed the term for herself and ‘Mami’ created by fans.

“The internet did [come up with the term.] Someone said ‘Strapley,’ and I was like, that’s kind of cool!”

Stratton doesn’t just love the name, but is ready to team with Ripley again, if the Australian enters the world of glam. “I would love that… Pink goth!” she said, suggesting Ripley embrace her signature pink aesthetic.

Stratton and Rhea Ripley teamed on the October 7, 2024, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw, defeating Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez via DQ. With WWE having a history of leaving into fan-driven pairings, and the current creative team being especially receptive to audiences, fans shouldn’t count out seeing more of Strapley on TV.

TBS Cancels Wipeout Reboot Co-Hosted by John Cena

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TBS has pulled the plug on its Wipeout revival, co-hosted by John Cena, as part of a broader programming shift, according to Deadline. The announcement came from TNT & TBS president Jason Sarlanis during a keynote presentation at the Realscreen Summit in Miami, Florida While Sarlanis confirmed that “a few more episodes” will still air, the show will not return for another season.

High Costs and Programming Changes Led to Cancellation

During his remarks, Sarlanis acknowledged that shows like Wipeout and The Cube—another recently canceled TBS game show—are costly to produce. Instead, the network is focusing on sports-adjacent programming and potential spinoffs of Impractical Jokers, which has been a staple for TBS.

“These shows are expensive,” Sarlanis admitted. “Wipeout is inherently comedic and a joy to watch. But we have to be realistic in terms of the entire environment. We have to recalibrate.”

The End of a Short-Lived Revival

The Wipeout reboot, based on the original ABC series, premiered on TBS in 2021 and ran for two seasons. The show will conclude with more than 30 episodes, though it’s unclear how long it will remain available for streaming on Max.

Despite the cancellation, Cena remains active within the Warner Bros. Discovery family. His hit DC series Peacemaker is set to return for its second season on Max in August 2025.

TBS has not announced a specific date for the final Wipeout episodes, and Cena has yet to publicly comment on the show’s cancellation.

Tiffany Stratton Hits Back At Mandy Rose’s Accusations: ‘A Little Sad’

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Tiffany Stratton is in the camp that it’s “Tiffy Time” and no longer “Mandy Rose’s Minute.”

On a recent episode of WWE SmackDown, Stratton used the term “put some respect on my name,” something former NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose happened to use while she was on the rise for the black and gold brand. After Rose caught wind of Stratton’s similar slogan, Rose took exception on her podcast, even calling Stratton a “b*tch.” However, Stratton had her retort while speaking with ‘Ring The Belle’ who expected such a conversation to be had.

“Honestly, I think it’s a little sad that she felt the need to go on her podcast and say something like that, but I wish her the best honestly.”

Rose had a historic reign as NXT Women’s Champion, holding the title for over 400 days before dropping it to Roxanne Perez on December 13, 2022. She was then released from WWE the following day due to the company discovering she had a FanTime account and was posting salacious content behind a paywall.

Tiffany Stratton Starts 2025 Off Hot

Since entering the NXT and WWE fold, Stratton has certainly picked up where Rose left off and has become an even bigger name in the WWE ecoscape. On the January 10 episode of WWE SmackDown Stratton cashed in her Money In The Bank briefcase to become the new WWE Women’s Champion.

It’s currently unknown what may be the WrestleMania plans for Stratton, but with Charlotte Flair winning the women’s Royal Rumble match, ‘The Queen’ very well could put ‘Tiffy Time’ on the clock.

Samantha Irvin: “My Wrestling Career Has Barely Even Begun”

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Samantha Irvin is getting back into the music business, and it all really kicks off for her on Valentine’s Day.

Irvin officially left her ring announcing duties from WWE four months ago. She revealed to USA Today that while there was nothing specific for her exit, a major motivator was that she wanted to return to singing.

“It just became more and more sad as time went on, because it’s like, ‘Wow, am I just not a singer anymore? Like, what am I doing?’” she said. “I know that I am a performer and being a ring announcer on WWE, it was the performance of a lifetime.

But then when people stopped calling me for singing gigs, and now they’re asking me to announce everything, I said, ‘Oh no, I took it too far.’

Now Irvin has a new single lined up, titled “Make Me,” which she describes as a “personal little love letter to everyone.” She and WWE left matters amicably. The speculation was that Irvin could head to AEW, considering she is in a relationship with Ricochet, but that wasn’t in the cards for her. She does hope the wrestling fan base will continue with her as she gets back to an original passion.

“Hopefully the fans that were touched by my vocal performance in WWE will give the music and everything else I do a chance, because it’s the same thing that I’ve always done, and everything that I do, I try to pour as much emotion into it and make people feel something.”

However, if fans were worried she is leaving wrestling for good, fear not.

“My wrestling career has barely even begun. I think it would be an absolute waste of everything that I’ve done so far to not continue the story. I gotta finish my story.”

Alexa Bliss is Latest WWE Star to Sign with Paradigm

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Alexa Bliss has broadened her career by signing with Paradigm Talent Agency, signaling an expansion beyond professional wrestling.

Deadline first reported the news, noting that Bliss joins a growing roster of wrestling stars represented by Paradigm, including CM Punk, Liv Morgan, Drew McIntyre, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, Damian Priest, and Jade Cargill, among others.

One of the most decorated women in WWE history, Bliss is a three-time Raw Women’s Champion and a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion, making her the first woman to achieve this dual accomplishment. She has also held the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship twice.

Beyond wrestling, Bliss has ventured into acting and voice acting. Her credits include appearances in Peacock’s Punky Brewster revival, Apple TV+’s Carpool Karaoke, and FOX’s The Masked Singer. She currently voices ‘Obiguro’ in the Netflix anime series Sakamoto Days, which debuted in Netflix’s global Top 10 (January 13-19, 2025). She also voices ‘Maki Ueda’ in the Netflix series The Queen of Villains.

Bliss’s WWE Royal Rumble return was a well-kept secret as she arrived at the arena around 3 PM local time, having flown from Florida to Indianapolis earlier that day, and was kept hidden until close to the match. She signed her new WWE deal that day after being in contract talks with the company. She received one of the biggest pops of the night. 

Joe Hendry ‘Believes’ In A Potential Fortnite Appearance

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Do you “believe” that Joe Hendry could appear as a character in Fortnite? Some gamers have apparently been saying his name and the TNA World Champion has been taking notice.

Many pro wrestling fans have been clamoring for Hendry to appear in the 2025 Royal Rumble and sure enough, Hendry did, sharing the ring with the likes of The Miz, Sheamus and ‘The Tribal Chief’ himself, Roman Reigns. Now the next move for Hendry could be as another entry in a different type of ‘Battle Royale.’

Gamers of both Fortnite and Player Unknown Battle Ground have been making a play to have Joe Hendry become a playable character in either game and Hendry took to his X account to thank the fans and also, give them a little hope.

“Thank you to the @FortniteGame and @PUBGM_Europe fanbases for the support recently.

“If enough people say my name, maybe I’ll appear….”

Other WWE Stars (Not Named Joe Hendry) In Fortnite

If Hendry did indeed happen to pop up in Fortnite, he’d be joining some very notable names in WWE. John Cena, Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, and even The Rock have all been featured skins to use on Fortnite. This potential gaming crossover would be particularly significant as it would make Hendry one of the first non-WWE wrestlers to appear in Fortnite, marking a major milestone for TNA Wrestling’s mainstream visibility.

People have particularly noted how perfect a Joe Hendry “clapping” emote would be to use in the game. With how unique the Hendry persona is, he’d certainly fit the wild pop culture playground that the Fortnite game has become. It’s currently unknown as to if Joe Hendry would be a playable character in the forthcoming WWE 2K25, but a lot of news has been released regarding the game this week.

Nikki Bella Teases Doing More With WWE After Royal Rumble Appearance

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Nikki Garcia, formerly known as Nikki Bella, made a surprise appearance at this year’s WWE Royal Rumble match on Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. Entering at #30, she mixed it up with several top stars in her first match since the 2022 Royal Rumble.

This return came after Nikki had previously teased a WWE comeback. She and her sister, Brie Bella, left WWE in 2023 to focus on their business ventures and have not been involved in wrestling since.

Speaking on The Nikki & Brie Show, Nikki addressed her future in the ring.

“Is this a one-off, or is she here to stay? Keep tuning in. You will see another ‘Fearless’ Nikki appearance sooner rather than later, that is for sure. I’m definitely doing more than what I just did on Saturday,” she said.

She also hinted at a possible return for sister Brie, who last appeared for WWE when the twins competed in the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble match.

“Hopefully, Brie Mode will be by my side soon. More on that to come.”

The Bella Twins gained mainstream popularity through their appearances on the reality TV shows “Total Divas” and “Total Bellas,” which offered a glimpse into their lives inside and outside the ring. Nikki emerged as a dominant force in the women’s division, capturing the WWE Divas Championship twice.

The Bella Twins were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021.

Bayley’s Mexico City Surprise: A Lucha Mask, Rey Mysterio, and Tequila

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  • Bayley had a custom Lucha mask made by former WWE star Lince Dorado for WWE’s trip to Mexico.
  • She sought Rey Mysterio’s approval before wearing it, ensuring it was a respectful gesture
  • Rey Mysterio reassured her that the fans would love it, encouraging her to go for it

Bayley made a memorable impression during WWE’s trip to Mexico City by embracing the country’s rich wrestling heritage—complete with a custom Lucha mask. But before stepping out in front of the crowd, she sought approval from none other than Rey Mysterio himself.

Speaking with Adrian Hernandez during Unlikely at Royal Rumble 2025 weekend, Bayley shared the story behind her special moment. Wanting to show respect to the Lucha tradition, she reached out to former WWE star Lince Dorado, who designed a mask that matched her ring gear.

However, despite the thoughtful gesture, she wasn’t sure how the fans would react.

“I was like, ‘Is it weird and disrespectful if I wear a mask?’” she recalled.

Dorado reassured her—“Hell no, I got you!”—but Bayley wanted the final word from a true legend.

Rey Mysterio and Bayley in a Lucha Mask Mexico City

That’s where Rey Mysterio came in. Backstage before the event, she asked him directly: Would the fans appreciate this? His response was immediate: “Hell no, they’re going to love it. Do it! Do it!”

Taking Mysterio’s advice, Bayley stepped out in her Lucha-inspired look, and the reaction was undeniable. “I felt extremely awkward,” she admitted. “But I could feel the excitement from the fans—like, holy crap, she did this for us!

The night became even more special when she got to celebrate the moment with Mysterio himself.

“Being able to take that picture with Rey…we may have had a little tequila,” she laughed. “It was very special.”

For Bayley, it wasn’t just about wearing a mask—it was about honoring the culture, the fans, and the moment. And with Mysterio’s blessing and the crowd’s energy behind her, it’s a night she won’t forget.

Trish Stratus Prepared for WWE Return with TNA’s Jody Threat

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WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus made a high-impact return at the 2025 Royal Rumble, proving that even after 25 years, she remains a dominant force. Ahead of her comeback, Stratus trained with TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Champion Jody Threat to prepare for the match.

The former WWE Women’s Champion shared a behind-the-scenes video on Twitter, showing her training with Threat at Santino Marella’s Battle Arts Academy in Mississauga. In the clip, Stratus emphasized her commitment to giving fans her absolute best.

“I’m not gonna give 60%, 100% or I’m not gonna do it. Check out @JodyThreat helping me get Rumble ready!!”

Stratus entered the Women’s Royal Rumble match at No. 25, sharing the ring with stars like Jordynne Grace and Candice LeRae. While she was eventually eliminated, her return thrilled fans who hadn’t seen her compete in months.

With Elimination Chamber 2025 set for March 1 in Toronto, speculation is growing about another appearance from Stratus. Given her deep connection to the city and her milestone WWE anniversary, a return at the event would be fitting.

Trish Stratus Teases More WWE Appearances

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WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus made a shocking return at the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, entering the Women’s Royal Rumble match as the 25th entrant—fittingly marking her 25-year anniversary with WWE. Her appearance reignited speculation about her future in the company, and recent reports suggest that Stratus may not be done with in-ring competition just yet.

Trish Stratus Teases More WWE Appearances

Stratus, who had been absent from WWE since her steel cage match against Becky Lynch at Payback 2023, had an impressive showing in the Rumble match. She faced off with names like Jordynne Grace and Candice LeRae before ultimately being eliminated. After the match, Stratus pointed the finger at Nia Jax for her elimination—potentially hinting at an ongoing storyline.

Backstage Insight

During Fightful’s The Hump, wrestling insider Sean Ross Sapp was asked about Stratus’ future in WWE. He revealed that she is expected to remain involved in some capacity and that she frequently pitches ideas for potential storylines.

With WWE releasing 25-year anniversary merchandise in her honor and an upcoming Toronto event at the end of February, Sapp expressed confidence that she would be featured in some way.

“I had heard that Trish would be involved in some capacity for a while moving forward and that she often pitches things. Now, Trish has the 25-year merch and has a Toronto show coming up at the end of the month, so I would be shocked if she wasn’t.”

Possible Appearance at Elimination Chamber 2025

WWE Elimination Chamber 2025

With Elimination Chamber 2025 set to take place in Toronto on March 1st, speculation is growing that Stratus could make an appearance at the event. Given her deep connection to the city and her long history with WWE, a return in some form—whether as a competitor or in a special role—seems likely.

Stratus’ recent Royal Rumble appearance and her post-match comments suggest she still has unfinished business in WWE. Whether she pursues a rivalry with Nia Jax or gets involved in another storyline, fans may not have seen the last of the legendary superstar just yet.

Logan Paul Accuses John Cena of Betrayal After Royal Rumble Loss

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Logan Paul was determined to win the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match, but his hopes were dashed when Jey Uso emerged victorious. Now, Paul is expressing his frustration – specifically targeting John Cena, whom he accuses of betraying him during the match and costing him the win.

Logan Paul’s Reaction to His Elimination

In his latest vlog, Paul opened up about his disappointment with how the Rumble played out. Cena eliminated him before the final showdown with Jey Uso, a move that Paul took personally. Having admired Cena for years, he felt hurt by the elimination, especially after spending time together filming What Drives You?, where they shared a car ride for three hours.

“I feel betrayed by John Cena, if I’m being honest,” Paul said. “I’ve looked up to him my whole life, and then he just tossed me out of the ring like I’m trash. I did his show, bro. We drove around in a car for three hours together, and he throws me over the rope?”

Paul’s Post-Match Antics

Following his elimination, Paul made headlines by taking a hat from a young John Cena fan at ringside. This unexpected move led many to speculate whether Paul is setting the stage for a future feud with the 16-time world champion.

With Cena’s rumored retirement tour on the horizon, fans are eager to see if this incident will lead to a marquee matchup between the two. A bout with Cena could be a defining moment for Paul, further solidifying his status in WWE.

The Maverick is just one of countless wrestlers who have expressed their desire to be one of John Cena’s final opponents this year, but there’s a good chance this marquee showdown will take place.

Chris Jericho Denies Holding Down Talent: “Name One!”

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In AEW, Chris Jericho has feuded with several wrestlers, but some fans have taken issue with how these programs have played out. Whether it be Hook, Eddie Kingston, or his extended rivalry with Ricky Starks, many believe that Jericho does little to elevate his opponents. Some even argue that these wrestlers might have fared better if they had never worked with him at all.

The idea of talent being ‘sucked’ into feuds with Chris has been dubbed the ‘Jericho Vortex’ a term the Canadian filed to trademark for merchandise in April 2024. On the Insight podcast, Jericho fired back at the notion he’s dragged down talent.

“Name one. Name one person that got dragged down from working with me. Maybe afterwards they didn’t go higher, but that’s not up to me. I’m not in charge of booking the entire company.”

Jericho added that he can only do what is asked of him, and referenced AEW success stories like MJF and Sammy Guevara as proof he doesn’t drag down others. Today, fans can find Jericho leading the Learning Tree, which he cited as more evidence against the ‘vortex.’

“Big Bill and Bryan Keith have grown by leaps and bounds from working here with me… I definitely know what my intentions are, and it’s not to bury anybody. It’s to build as many people as I can.”

Jericho is confident that his intentions in AEW is to help others, no matter what some fans may believe. Ultimately, Jericho will continue to work with talent both fresh and established in AEW as one of the company’s leading stars.

Why Chris Jericho Isn’t Sweating Fans’ “Please Retire” Chants

Why Chris Jericho Isn’t Sweating Fans’ “Please Retire” Chants

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Chris Jericho is an established legend of the ring, but in recent years, many fans have grown tired of the 54-year-old Canadian wrestler. This resentment has led to fans calling for Jericho to retire from the ring, opening up his spot for a younger, fresher talent.

On the Insight podcast, Jericho chalked up the chant to being “one of those things” and has even considered making merch with the two-word demand. The first-ever AEW World Champion added that fans calling for him to retire wouldn’t be saying so to his face.

“If I saw them on the street they’d probably say hi. Whenever I do a convention or something like that, my lines are down the street.”

Ever a music fan, Jericho compared himself to the Rolling Stones and their Steel Wheel Tour of 1989. While some at the time felt the bandmates were too old, Jericho was pleased to see “one of the best bands in the business” live last year.

The response to Jericho has sparked a debate about whether he has genuine heat from fans wanting to see him beaten, or ‘go away’ heat from fans who are sick of him. Ultimately, as long as fans are booking, Jericho is confident he’s done his job.

“This is a job where the idea is to elicit emotions, positive, negative, anything in between. When you sign up for it, you have to understand that people are going to respond.”

Currently in his second reign as ROH World Champion, Jericho holds another title that some believe would be better suited for a rising star. But with no signs of stepping away, fans can expect Jericho to remain a fixture in the ring for the foreseeable future.

Chris Jericho Dismisses WWE Hall of Fame: “I Don’t Think It’s Real”