WWE is set to return to Perth, Australia, in 2025 for a series of events following the success of the 2024 Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event held at Optus Stadium.
According to The West Australian, TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE and UFC, has signed a deal with the Western Australian Government to host five events over the next 18 months.
This includes a weekend of WWE programming at RAC Arena, featuring Friday Night SmackDown, a Premium Live Event, and Monday Night Raw.
WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth (2024)
This agreement highlights Perth’s growing reputation as a hub for major international events. The 2024 Elimination Chamber was a significant success, drawing global attention and boosting the local economy.
The upcoming events are expected to further enhance Western Australia’s profile as a destination for large-scale entertainment and sports.
WWE has revealed a schedule of upcoming RAW and SmackDown events set to take place across the United States from April through June. Fans in multiple cities will have the opportunity to experience live WWE action, with RAW and SmackDown stopping at various arenas nationwide.
Monday, April 28 – RAW – T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO
Monday, May 12 – RAW – KFC Yum Center, Louisville, KY
Friday, May 16 – SmackDown – First Horizon Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
Monday, May 19 – RAW – Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, SC
Friday, May 23 – SmackDown – EnMarket Arena, Savannah, GA
Friday, May 30 – SmackDown – Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, TN
Monday, June 2 – RAW – BOK Center, Tulsa, OK
Friday, June 13 – SmackDown – Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
Monday, June 16 – RAW – Resch Center, Green Bay, WI
Friday, June 20 – SmackDown – Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
Monday, June 23 – RAW – Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Monday, June 30 – RAW – PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
With major stops in cities like Kansas City, Pittsburgh, and Lexington, WWE is gearing up for an exciting few months of action-packed shows. RAW will continue to air live on Monday nights, while SmackDown takes over Fridays, giving fans plenty of opportunities to witness their favorite WWE Superstars in person.
For years, WWE fans knew Roman Reigns as “The Big Dog,” a powerhouse babyface who headlined WrestleMania multiple times and dominated the ring with his signature Superman Punch and Spear. But in a recent interview with IGN to promote the release of WWE 2K25, Reigns made it clear: that version of him is gone for good.
“There is no Big Dog. He’s dead now… It didn’t happen.”
The remark came during a lighthearted segment where Reigns and his on-screen advisor, Paul Heyman, reviewed internet memes about himself. When presented with a meme contrasting his “Big Dog” era with his current “Tribal Chief” persona, Reigns dismissed it entirely, emphasizing that only one version of him matters now.
It’s a telling statement, considering Reigns’ massive transformation since returning to WWE in 2020. Under the guidance of Heyman, he rebranded himself as “The Tribal Chief,” a ruthless and calculating champion who has held the WWE Universal Championship for over 1,200 days. His reinvention turned him from a divisive figure into one of WWE’s most compelling characters.
This wasn’t the only time Reigns made headlines during his IGN appearance. While reviewing another meme about the NFL, he didn’t hesitate to take a shot at two major wrestling cities:
“Cleveland sucks. Pittsburgh sucks. Niner Gang.”
Given WWE’s deep ties to those cities—Pittsburgh is home to Kurt Angle, while Cleveland produced The Miz—his comment is sure to spark debate among wrestling and football fans alike.
Reigns also reacted to AI-generated memes, acknowledging the rise of artificial intelligence in online culture. Looking at an altered image of himself, he quipped:
“The advancements in AI… we were talking about that last night. This ain’t real. This is a five. An AI five.”
From erasing his past to dismissing entire cities, Reigns continues to embrace his role as WWE’s most dominant figure. One thing is clear—The Big Dog is gone, and The Tribal Chief isn’t letting anyone forget it.
Wrestling brothers Dustin and Cody Rhodes recently shared heartfelt tributes to their late father, The American Dream Dusty Rhodes, celebrating his lasting influence on their lives and careers.
Dustin, a 37-year veteran of the industry, took to social media on February 26, expressing how much he wished their father could be there to witness their success. “I know he’s there with us, but I mean here,” he wrote, emphasizing how proud Dusty would be of his family.
Cody, WWE’s reigning main event star, responded with a vivid recollection of Dusty’s daily habits—his love for a Wheatley Vodka hoodie, an RWA baseball cap, and his passion for film and classic wrestling storytelling. He humorously described how Dusty would quote Anthony Hopkins to young talent and recommend must-watch movies before they could consider themselves true wrestlers.
Picture it everyday love
Wheatley vodka hoodie he got for free, RWA baseball cap, approaching talent telling them Anthony Hopkins quotes and telling them what movies they need to watch before they can call themselves a wrestler, asking for his own golf cart at the big shows
Dusty Rhodes, a WWE Hall of Famer, was not only a legendary performer but also an influential booker, trainer, and broadcaster. His legacy continues to shape professional wrestling, with his sons carrying on his impact in their own ways.
Dusty Rhodes’ contributions to WWE extended far beyond his legendary in-ring career, with his work as a trainer and mentor at WWE’s developmental system, NXT, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Known as “Dusty’s Kids,” the roster of talent he helped shape includes some of the biggest names in wrestling today, such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Kevin Owens, and Sasha Banks.
Photo: WWE
Dusty was instrumental in helping these young performers find their voices, hone their characters, and develop their promo skills—a craft he himself had mastered. His unique ability to inspire confidence and creativity in his students has been widely celebrated, with many crediting him for their success. The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament, introduced in NXT after his passing, serves as a lasting tribute to his mentorship and influence.
This legacy has even been woven into WWE’s storytelling. During the feud between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes leading up to WrestleMania 39 and 40, Paul Heyman emphasized Dusty’s role in mentoring Reigns, referring to him as “the son Dusty always wanted.”
This narrative added emotional depth to the rivalry, highlighting Dusty’s dual impact on both his biological sons and the broader wrestling world. Cody’s journey to fulfill “The American Dream” by capturing the WWE Championship—a title Dusty never held—has been deeply tied to his father’s legacy.
WWE’s incorporation of Dusty’s influence into this storyline not only honors his memory but also underscores the profound way he shaped the careers of those around him.
TNA Wrestling has officially announced the signing of Elijah, the wrestler formerly known as Elias in WWE. This move comes after his WWE release in September 2023 and a brief run of appearances in Ring of Honor. While there were reports that he had signed with ROH/AEW, those turned out to be inaccurate.
Elijah has already made an impact in TNA, appearing alongside TNA World Champion Joe Hendry.
With his unique in-ring charisma and musical persona, his addition to the roster adds another dynamic performer to the company’s growing lineup.
TNA expressed excitement about Elijah’s signing, stating that his presence will bring a fresh energy to the promotion. Fans can expect to see more of the guitar-strumming competitor as he carves out his next chapter in professional wrestling.
Posted February 28th, 2025 in TNA. Tagged: Elijah.
Tonight, WWE SmackDown goes live from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at 8 PM ET on the USA Network. With WWE Elimination Chamber just one day away, here’s what’s happening:
WWE United States Championship Match: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. LA Knight
Nakamura has been playing mind games since winning the title from Knight at Survivor Series: WarGames. After weeks of attacks and taunts, Knight is determined to reclaim his gold.
Chelsea Green vs. Mystery Opponent
In her home country of Canada, our Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green faces an unknown challenger hand-picked by General Manager Nick Aldis. Green is eager to shine in front of her hometown fans, but will her mystery opponent spoil the moment?
Cody Rhodes Appearance
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is set to address the crowd just one day before his confrontation with The Rock at Elimination Chamber. Last week, The Rock challenged Rhodes to abandon his principles and become the “corporate champion.” Will Rhodes provide any hints about his decision tonight?
Trish Stratus Returns to Toronto
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus will appear in front of her hometown crowd. Ahead of her tag team match at Elimination Chamber alongside Tiffany Stratton against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae, Stratus is expected to deliver a message. Could this segment escalate into a physical altercation?25
What Else to Expect
The final build for Elimination Chamber matches, including potential appearances from Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest, who are set to compete in the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match tomorrow night.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest WWE news all weekend as we head towards Elimination Chamber 2025.
WWE NXT personality Mr. Stone dusted off his old Jersey Shore-inspired Robbie E persona in a humorous skit released on social media.
The video portrays Mr. Stone arriving at Full Sail University, the venue for recent TNA iMPACT tapings, accompanied by his children. Intent on reconnecting with his TNA roots, Stone faces an unexpected hurdle when security denies him entry. In a comedic twist, he channels Robbie E to gain access.
With the dream partnership between TNA/NXT thriving I decided it was time to show my kids a glimpse of my past.
With TNA back in Orlando tonight at Full Sail, I figured I’d reconnect w/ old friends and remind myself just how great I am.
Despite his enthusiastic transformation, Stone’s efforts are thwarted. He receives a video message from his former tag team partner, Rob Terry, who revokes Stone’s TNA VIP status. It culminates with Stone awakening from what is revealed to be a dream.
This playful homage not only showcases Mr. Stone’s versatility and willingness to engage with his wrestling history but also highlights the collaborative spirit fostered by the WWE-TNA partnership.
As WWE gives its talent more latitude to explore creatively, everybody wins. The talent gains additional outlets to develop their characters and reach a broader audience, while the fans get more content to enjoy.
Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins recently met up with Naoto Inoki, the grandson of Japanese wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer, Antonio Inoki.
Lynch, a seven-time women’s world champion, has been on a hiatus since May 2024. Her departure followed a series of intense matches, culminating in a title loss to Liv Morgan at the King and Queen of the Ring event.
Subsequent reports indicated that her WWE contract expired on June 1, 2024, rendering her a free agent. Despite this, in January 2025, Fightful confirmed that Lynch had signed a new contract with WWE, though her return date remains TBD.
Naoto Inoki, following in his grandfather’s illustrious footsteps, has been making strides in the wrestling world as he looks to embark on his own career.
WWE NXT talent Dani Palmer has reportedly sustained an injury during a recent EVOLVE taping. This incident adds to WWE’s current challenges, as NXT Women’s Champion Giulia is also dealing with an injury.
Dani Palmer, 26, transitioned from a career as a fitness instructor and tumbler to professional wrestling, signing with WWE in 2022. Over the past 18 months, she has showcased her skills primarily at live events and on NXT Level Up. In 2023, Palmer participated in the NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament.
The EVOLVE brand, known for its role in developing emerging wrestling talent, is set to premiere its new series on March 5. The show will be available on Tubi in the United States and will air on YouTube for international audiences.
To date, two EVOLVE tapings have been completed, with notable occurrences such as a WWE referee wrestling under a mask during one of the shows.
Osamu Nishimura, a revered figure in professional wrestling and a master of the technical “MUGA” style, passed away on February 28, 2025, at the age of 53 after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.
Known for his grace in the ring and his dedication to preserving the art of classic wrestling, Nishimura leaves behind a legacy that spans decades and continents.
Debuting in 1991 for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Nishimura quickly established himself as a skilled technician, drawing inspiration from legends like Antonio Inoki and Dory Funk Jr.
His career highlights include two reigns as IWGP Tag Team Champion and memorable matches across Japan, Europe, and North America. Nishimura also held titles such as the GWF Light Heavyweight Championship and the NKPWA World Heavyweight Championship, showcasing his versatility on the global stage.
Despite facing significant health challenges, including two battles with cancer, Nishimura’s resilience was unparalleled.
After overcoming his first diagnosis in 1998, he returned triumphantly to the ring in 2000. Even during his second fight with cancer in 2024, he wrestled twice, including a barbed wire explosion match alongside Dory Funk Jr., exemplifying his indomitable spirit.
Outside the ring, Nishimura served four terms in the Tokyo Bunkyo Ward Assembly, advocating for food education and preventive health measures inspired by his own experiences. He is survived by his wife and young son.
Osamu Nishimura’s contributions to wrestling and his unwavering determination will be remembered by fans and peers alike. Rest in peace, Osamu Nishimura.
As WWE fans gear up for Elimination Chamber 2025 from Toronto this Saturday, WWE Shop has unveiled two exclusive collectibles: a Replica Briefcase and a Replica Championship Title Belt. These limited-edition items are available now and will ship no later than Friday, March 14, 2025.
This collectible briefcase is designed in the style of WWE’s Money in the Bank briefcase, featuring double-sided printed graphics for an authentic look. It also includes a combination lock and key, making it a functional and stylish addition to any fan’s collection.
For fans looking to showcase their love for WWE, this full-size replica title belt is a must-have. Crafted with zinc alloy front and side plates and a polyurethane strap measuring 50.39″ x 11.02″, the belt fits waist sizes up to 46 inches. The detailed design captures the grandeur of WWE’s championship gold.
Both items are available now, so fans eager to own a piece of Elimination Chamber 2025 history should act fast before they sell out.
Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon’s nomination for Secretary of Education has moved to a final Senate confirmation vote following a 12-11 party-line approval from the Senate HELP Committee. McMahon, who previously led the Small Business Administration (2017-2019), was selected by President Trump to head the Department of Education.
During her confirmation hearings, McMahon addressed Trump’s criticism of the department, acknowledging that its abolishment would require congressional approval. She outlined her vision to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucracy while committing to maintain funding for crucial programs including Title I for low-income schools, Pell Grants for college students, and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
McMahon also pledged to enforce Trump’s executive orders on transgender athletes in school sports, antisemitism policies, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in educational institutions.
Republican senators have praised McMahon’s business experience and leadership qualities. Senator Bill Cassidy, HELP Committee chairman, noted her “extensive experience in managing large organizations will be invaluable in streamlining the Department of Education and improving outcomes
In anticipation of their upcoming tag team match at WWE Elimination Chamber, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Hall of Famer Trish Stratus have incorporated partner yoga into their training.
The alliance between Stratton and Stratus has generated significant buzz among fans, with hopes that the duo will continue their collaboration into WrestleMania 41.
This tag match at Elimination Chamber marks a significant return for Stratus, who last competed at the Royal Rumble on February 1, where she eliminated LeRae before being ousted by Jax.
Don’t miss WWE Elimination Chamber, streaming live from Toronto’s Rogers Centre on March 1 at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT on Peacock in the United States and Netflix internationally.
Stephanie McMahon is stepping into the podcasting world with her own official WWE series, set to debut this spring. The news was first reported by Wrestlevotes, sparking excitement among wrestling fans eager to hear insights from one of the most influential figures in WWE history.
As the daughter of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and a former executive herself, Stephanie has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s success. From her on-screen authority figure persona to her behind-the-scenes contributions in business development, talent relations, and brand strategy, she has been a key figure in WWE for decades.
While details about the podcast’s format and content aren’t yet known, fans can expect in-depth discussions on WWE’s history, behind-the-scenes stories, and personal experiences from Stephanie’s career.
Given her extensive knowledge and firsthand involvement in some of WWE’s biggest moments, the series would undoubtedly provide a unique perspective into the professional wrestling industry.
This move comes as WWE continues expanding its digital content offerings, following the success of previous company-backed podcasts featuring WWE legends and current superstars. With Stephanie McMahon at the helm, her upcoming podcast could become a must-listen for wrestling fans worldwide.
WWE is making WrestleMania 41 Week festivities in Las Vegas even bigger with the addition of a live WWE NXT television broadcast on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. This event will follow the already-scheduled NXT Stand & Deliver, slated for April 19 at the T-Mobile Arena.
While the exact venue for the April 22 broadcast has not been officially confirmed, there is speculation that it may take place at the UFC Apex, a venue previously utilized by NXT for events like Battleground 2024.
Traditionally, WrestleMania week encompasses a series of WWE events, including SmackDown, the Hall of Fame ceremony, NXT Stand & Deliver, the two-night WrestleMania spectacle, and concludes with Monday Night Raw. The addition of the Tuesday night NXT broadcast not only extends the lineup but also underscores WWE’s commitment to delivering continuous entertainment to its global audience.
Thursday, April 17, 2025: WWE World Fan Experience begins at the Las Vegas Convention Center (runs through April 21).
Friday, April 18, 2025: WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony (expected to air after SmackDown).
Friday, April 18, 2025: Friday Night SmackDown at T-Mobile Arena.
Saturday, April 19, 2025: NXT Stand & Deliver at T-Mobile Arena (afternoon event).
Saturday, April 19, 2025: WrestleMania 41 Night One at Allegiant Stadium.
Sunday, April 20, 2025: WrestleMania 41 Night Two at Allegiant Stadium.
Monday, April 21, 2025: Monday Night RAW at T-Mobile Arena.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025: Potential NXT TV taping at the UFC Apex (subject to final approval).
In related developments, discussions are underway regarding the scheduling of the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. Historically held post-SmackDown on the Friday before WrestleMania, there are considerations to move the ceremony to Thursday night to allow for a more dedicated timeslot, ensuring the event receives the prominence it deserves without the constraints of a packed Friday schedule.
As WrestleMania 41 approaches, anticipation continues to build, with fans eager to partake in the expanded array of events and experiences that WWE has meticulously planned for this monumental week in Las Vegas.
With WWE Elimination Chamber 2025 just days away, preparations are in full swing at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, where the event is set to take place on March 1. Excitement is building, and now a first glimpse at the production setup has emerged.
We’ve obtained an image of the construction process, showing the iconic Elimination Chamber structure being assembled. The photo also captures early entrance tests, with Drew McIntyre among those seen rehearsing:
Over 30,000 WWE fans will be in attendance this Saturday night for WWE’s final premium live event before WrestleMania.
The double main event features Men’s and Women’s Elimination Chamber matches to determine Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley’s challengers at WrestleMania 41.
Additionally, WWE has confirmed that rapper Travis Scott will make an appearance during the Premium Live Event, adding a high-profile celebrity presence to an already highly anticipated night.
WWE’s decision to schedule a double championship match between Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer at NXT Roadblock in two weeks appears to be driven by one of the competitors needing time off.
According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live, one of the two wrestlers is dealing with an undisclosed injury and requires a break from in-ring competition.
“Without spoiling it, because if I spoil it I spoil the match, one of these women is banged up, needs time off. And so they’re doing the match and then she’s taking time off. So that’s what happened,” Alvarez stated.
Keep reading if you want to know which of them is injured. We’ll put the info below the embedded video.
While the specifics of the injury remain unclear, WWE’s decision to book the match now suggests an effort to adjust plans accordingly.
NXT Roadblock is set to take place in two weeks, with Giulia and Vaquer facing off in a high-stakes double title bout.
NXT Women’s Champion Giulia is dealing with a hand injury and will be taking time off next month.
For years, fans have debated the origins of the New World Order’s (NWO) iconic swagger—but now, WWE legend X-Pac has finally set the record straight. In a recent interview on No-Contest Wrestling with O’Shea Jackson Jr. and TJ Jefferson, the two-time Hall of Famer revealed that the NWO took heavy inspiration from Ice Cube and Westside Connection during their rise in the Monday Night Wars.
“We stole that sh*t from Westside Connection,” X-Pac admitted. “Bow down when we come to your town—all that sh*t. The attitude, everything, we jacked it.”
During the late ‘90s, both the NWO and Westside Connection embodied an unapologetic, rebellious energy that resonated with fans.
Whether it was Kevin Nash rocking FUBU, Scott Hall throwing up the “Too Sweet,” or the group’s overall streetwise bravado, their presentation mirrored the defiant confidence that Westside Connection brought to hip-hop.
Jackson Jr., whose father Ice Cube founded Westside Connection, immediately recognized the parallels. The moment led to a deeper discussion about how wrestling and hip-hop have been connected for decades—well before the days of WWE collaborating with Bad Bunny or Snoop Dogg.
“You could tell there was a heavy hip-hop influence,” TJ Jefferson added. “The bandanas, the Jordans, the ‘thug life’ attitude—y’all were basically rap stars in wrestling gear.”
X-Pac even recalled a house show at The Forum in Inglewood, CA, where he took that influence to the next level.
“I came out to ‘Gangsta, the Killa, and the Dope Dealer’ at a show in Inglewood,” he said. “When I got backstage, they chewed me out because of the lyrics, but I didn’t care. We were in L.A. It was perfect.”
The NWO’s impact on wrestling is undeniable, but this revelation cements their place in hip-hop history as well.
Without Ice Cube, WCW’s biggest faction might not have had the same edge—a surprising connection that makes both the rap and wrestling worlds even more intertwined.
Last week’s AEW Dynamite featured an unusual moment involving Thunder Rosa, who ran in with a chair to help Kris Statlander but hesitated, creating an awkward pause. The segment was later heavily edited for AEW Collision, leaving fans wondering what went wrong.
Why did the heels not back away? This made Thunder Rosa look so stupid and it's not even her fault. pic.twitter.com/JmmNWD59ng
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Rosa acknowledged the mishap, explaining that she refrained from swinging the chair out of concern for safety. She emphasized the importance of communication in wrestling and reaffirmed her passion for the business.
Addressing speculation about potential backstage tensions, Rosa dismissed any notion of drama. She stated that she, Statlander, Penelope Ford, and Megan Bayne had a positive discussion afterward and took the situation as a learning experience. Rosa made it clear that mistakes happen, but the focus remains on growth and teamwork within AEW.
TKO Group, the parent company of WWE and UFC, held an investor call on February 26, 2025, to discuss financial performance and strategic plans.
Key topics included WWE’s expanding global events, media rights negotiations, and financial outlook.
WWE Premium Live Events and Media Rights
• TKO CFO Andrew Schleimer revealed that Saudi Arabia will host three WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs) in 2026, including the Royal Rumble. One PLE is also scheduled for Saudi Arabia in 2025.
Photo: WWE
• WWE’s media rights deal with Peacock is set to expire in March 2026. TKO executives are evaluating new distribution opportunities.
Viewership Growth and Content Expansion
• Since moving from USA Network to Netflix in early 2025, Monday Night Raw has seen a 13% increase in viewership. NXT has also experienced strong audience growth on The CW Network.
• WWE President Nick Khan stated that Netflix is actively exploring additional WWE programming.
• WWE reported $1.398 billion in revenue for 2024, though Q4 revenue declined by $33 million year-over-year to $298.3 million due to transitional media deals.
• Adjusted EBITDA for WWE in Q4 was $114.3 million, reflecting a 19% decrease from the previous year.
• TKO Group’s overall Q4 2024 revenue was $642.2 million, with UFC helping to balance WWE’s decline.
Cash Dividend and Future Projections
• TKO announced its first quarterly cash dividend of $0.38 per share, totaling $75 million, payable on March 31, 2025.
• The company projects total revenue between $2.93 billion and $3 billion for 2025, with adjusted EBITDA estimated between $1.35 billion and $1.39 billion.
TKO’s investor call highlighted WWE’s continued international expansion, growing streaming presence, and strategic efforts to secure long-term media rights deals amid revenue fluctuations.
In a groundbreaking announcement, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque revealed that Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott will make a special appearance at the highly anticipated WWE Elimination Chamber 2025.
The event, set to take place on March 1 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, marks the final stop on the road to WrestleMania 41.
Scott, who has been collaborating with WWE on various projects, including providing the theme song for Monday Night Raw on Netflix, is expected to bring his unique energy to the wrestling world.
This partnership continues WWE’s trend of integrating pop culture into its programming, appealing to both wrestling fans and music enthusiasts alike.
While details of Scott’s role at the event remain under wraps, his involvement is likely to add an extra layer of excitement to an already stacked card featuring stars like John Cena, CM Punk, Bianca Belair, and more.
Fans can expect a fusion of music and wrestling entertainment as WWE continues to innovate its live events.
TKO Group Holdings is finalizing an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to establish a new boxing league, according to TKO COO Mark Shapiro.
During the company’s 2024 earnings call, Shapiro detailed the structure of the potential deal, confirming that TKO would oversee production, promotion, and daily operations without providing financial capital. Instead, the company would receive a minimum $10 million annual fee and could earn equity over a five-year period, contingent on meeting performance benchmarks.
A TKO delegation, including CFO Andrew Schleimer, WWE President Nick Khan, and UFC COO Lawrence Epstein, recently met with Saudi representatives in London to advance negotiations. Shapiro indicated that while an official announcement is pending, discussions are nearing completion.
Additionally, TKO would promote and produce four major boxing events, with two expected to take place in 2025 and two in 2026. These may operate independently from the new league but would still involve TKO as the event operator.
UFC President Dana White has previously voiced interest in entering boxing promotion, while Saudi Arabia has solidified itself as a major boxing hub, hosting high-profile fights such as Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk.
Posted February 26th, 2025 in News. Tagged: TKO Group.
TKO Group has announced its first “TKO Takeover” event series featuring WWE, UFC, and PBR at Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center from April 24-28, 2025. TKO Press Release
The series will begin with Professional Bull Riders on Thursday (April 24), continue with UFC FIGHT NIGHT on Saturday (April 26), and conclude with WWE Raw on Monday (April 28).
VeChain, UFC’s Official Blockchain Partner since 2022, will be the inaugural presenting partner. An all-in-one ticket bundle will be available starting March 3.
Peter Dropick, TKO Executive VP, called it, “a unique opportunity to showcase these three premier properties in one city.”
Kathy Nelson of the Kansas City Sports Commission noted these events “will generate significant economic impact for our hotels and local businesses.”
The three organizations have a long history in Kansas City, collectively bringing more than 60 events to the city over the past two decades. Money in the Bank 2010 remains its most notable PPV/PLE at the T-Mobile Center.
Posted February 26th, 2025 in WWE. Tagged: TKO Group.
Four WWE superstars are stepping into the world of tabletop role-playing as Dimension 20: Titan Takedown brings professional wrestling to the realm of Dungeons & Dragons.
Streaming platform Dropout has unveiled the first trailer for the highly anticipated crossover season, featuring WWE stars Bayley, Chelsea Green, Xavier Woods, and Kofi Kingston.
The five-part series, led by Dimension 20’s game master Brennan Lee Mulligan, debuts on April 2—just weeks before WrestleMania.
A Clash of Wrestling and Mythology
Set in ancient Athens, Titan Takedown transforms the WWE stars into “righteous wrestlers” battling for glory in an epic in-universe event. Each performer will step into a new fantasy persona:
Bayley portrays Thea Kitterloo, a powerful minotaur barbarian.
Chelsea Green takes on the role of Tabatha, a cunning tabaxi rogue.
Xavier Woods, a longtime D&D fan, plays Julia Mortem, a disciplined monk.
Kofi Kingston embodies King Adonis Thanaformus, adding royal flair to the adventure.
A New Frontier for Dimension 20
While Dimension 20 has featured guest players from Critical Role and The Adventure Zone, this marks the first time the series has enlisted professional athletes as players. The crossover follows the success of Dungeons and Drag Queens, the show’s first season to feature non-D&D players, which recently wrapped its second installment.
Release Date and Streaming Details
Dimension 20: Titan Takedown premieres exclusively on Dropout on April 2, with new episodes releasing every Wednesday for four weeks.
Veteran Wrestler Jazz Takes on New Role in TNA Wrestling
Former WWE Women’s Champion Jazz, a standout in the early 2000s, has returned to the ring and taken on a backstage role in TNA Wrestling. She recently wrestled for the first time in over three years, competing in a Knockouts No. 1 Contender Battle Royal on the February 6 episode of TNA iMPACT.
Beyond her in-ring return, Jazz has also been working behind the scenes as an agent. According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, she contributed at the latest iMPACT tapings at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida.
With her extensive experience, Jazz brings valuable knowledge to TNA’s women’s division. As the company continues to strengthen its Knockouts roster, her presence could play a crucial role in mentoring younger talent.
Whether she remains backstage or steps back into the ring, her involvement marks an exciting development for TNA and its fans.
