When WCW was bought by WWE in 2001, many wrestlers chose to sit out the remainder of their lucrative contracts. But not Diamond Dallas Page. On Six Feet Under, DDP revealed he left $487,000 on the table to jump to WWE early—against the advice of Dusty Rhodes.

“Dusty told me, ‘Don’t do it. Take the money.’ But I was 45, my body was breaking down, and I didn’t have time to sit around,” DDP said.

At the time, top WCW stars like Kevin Nash and Goldberg had contracts that allowed them to be paid in full while staying home. WWE offered them a fraction of that to start working immediately, and most declined.

“I could have sat at home, done nothing, and still made nearly half a million dollars,” he admitted. “But I wasn’t 35 anymore. I wasn’t even 40. If I sat out for another year, my window might’ve closed.”

DDP explained that while money was important, he had a deep love for wrestling that made the decision easy.

“Kevin Nash is one of the smartest businessmen in wrestling history. He told me, ‘Dude, take the money.’ And if I listened to him, I probably would’ve had a couple million more in my account today. But I had to bet on myself.”

Unfortunately, DDP’s WWE run didn’t go as planned. Despite how things unfolded, the master of the Diamond Cutter wouldn’t change a thing.

“Looking back, would I make the same choice? Hell yeah. Because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t have learned the lessons that made me who I am today.”

Before Scott Hall became the legendary Razor Ramon, he was struggling to find his place in the wrestling world. But thanks to Diamond Dallas Page, his entire look and career trajectory changed forever.

On Six Feet Under with The Undertaker, DDP shared the untold story of how he helped Hall completely reinvent himself.

“Scott said, ‘I’ve had this mustache since I was 15!’ And I said, ‘Another reason to shave it!’” DDP recalled with a laugh.

Hall had returned from a run in Germany, unsure of his next move. DDP saw potential in him but knew he needed a new look. That’s when inspiration struck.

“I was watching MTV and George Michael came on. He had this patent leather outfit, that brush-cut beard, that five o’clock shadow. I thought, ‘That’s a smaller version of Scott Hall!’”

DDP immediately called Hall at 2 a.m. to pitch the idea.

“I said, ‘Dude, walk outside right now. I got an idea. You gotta shave the mustache.’ He goes, ‘What?!’ I said, ‘You have to shave it and grow out a five o’clock shadow. Trust me, this is gonna work.’”

Reluctantly, Hall agreed. But it wasn’t just the facial hair—DDP had a full makeover planned.

“I dyed his hair jet black, gave him a full-length lambskin coat, baggy pants, tank top, sunglasses—told him not to take them off. When we walked into WCW, nobody recognized him.”

The final piece of the puzzle? The infamous toothpick.

“We were at Waffle House, and I grabbed a toothpick. I said, ‘At the end of every promo, we both flick these into the camera.’ Right in the middle of talking, mine falls out of my mouth. I was pissed, but Scott? He nailed it. And that became his thing.”

Hall later took that entire persona to WWE, where it evolved into Razor Ramon. Looking back, DDP takes pride in seeing how one simple idea changed a career.

“Scott didn’t drink back then, but he sure as hell loved to roll a joint and quote Scarface. That was just him naturally. He was already Razor before WWE even knew it.”

A wedding reception recently took an electrifying turn when newlyweds made their grand entrance to WWE Superstar Jey Uso’s “Main Event Ish” theme song. As the iconic “YEET” catchphrase played, guests raised their phone lights in the darkened reception hall, just like a WWE crowd.

The wedding party preceded the couple in pairs, building anticipation. When the DJ finally announced the newlyweds, the room erupted with guests performing Jey Uso’s signature “”YEET handwave” gesture.

TikTok user @playwithjambo shared the video with the caption,

“my cousin and his wife walked into their wedding reception to jey uso’s intro and the entire reception yeeted for them ?”

Guests enthusiastically participated in “YEET” chants as the couple made their way through a sea of phone lights, creating an unforgettable moment.

If you can find a partner that supports your love of professional wrestling, you’re in good shape. If they’ll agree to something like this, you’ve hit the jackpot!

Elektra Lopez, recently released from WWE in February 2025, may soon find a new home in TNA Wrestling. The former NXT competitor was spotted backstage at TNA’s iMPACT tapings on February 21 at Full Sail University, fueling speculation about her next move.

According to Sportskeeda’s Backstage Pass reporter Chris Featherstone, TNA Wrestling is in active discussions with Lopez, with sources indicating a “very high interest” in signing her once her 90-day non-compete clause expires.

While other promotions have reportedly shown interest in acquiring Lopez, she appears to be leaning toward TNA. Given the strengthening partnership between WWE NXT and TNA, a move to the promotion could be a natural transition.

Lopez’s WWE Journey and Potential Future in TNA

Lopez first appeared in WWE in 2018, returned in 2019, and officially signed with the company in 2021, becoming a key figure in NXT. With her WWE chapter recently closing, TNA could offer a fresh opportunity for her wrestling career.

If finalized, Lopez’s signing would further bolster TNA’s growing roster while continuing the talent exchanges between WWE NXT and TNA Wrestling.

Tonight, February 24, 2025, WWE Raw is set to deliver an exciting show live from the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, airing at 8 PM ET on Netflix. With the Elimination Chamber event looming, here’s what’s on tap based on the latest announcements and developments:

Matches

• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Bianca Belair and Naomi will defend their titles against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. This match stems from a heated rivalry, sparked by video evidence linking Morgan and Rodriguez to an attack on Jade Cargill. The personal stakes are high, and a title change could shake up the women’s division heading into WrestleMania season.
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match: Lyra Valkyria puts her newly won title on the line against Dakota Kai, who earned her shot by defeating Ivy Nile last week. Valkyria beat Kai in the tournament final to claim the inaugural championship, so this rematch promises to be a fierce battle as Kai looks to reclaim her momentum.
• Triple Threat Match: Penta vs. Ludwig Kaiser vs. Pete Dunne: After a chaotic brawl last week, these three hard-hitting competitors will collide in a triple threat match. It’s a chance for each to prove their dominance, with no alliances likely to hold in this unpredictable showdown.
• The New Day vs. LWO: Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods of The New Day take on Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde of LWO. This feud intensified after The New Day’s brutal attack on Rey Mysterio, prompting LWO to seek retribution. Expect a fast-paced, emotionally charged tag team clash.

Segments

• CM Punk, Seth “Freakin” Rollins, and Logan Paul Appear: Just days before they step into the Elimination Chamber, these three larger-than-life personalities are slated to be in the building. Expect some intense verbal sparring and maybe even a physical preview of what’s to come, given their history of backing up their egos in the ring.
• Rhea Ripley’s Message: Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley returns with a message for IYO SKY ahead of their anticipated title match next week. After SKY’s warning last week, this segment could set the tone for their showdown.

What Else to Expect

• Jade Cargill Return Rumors: There’s chatter about Jade Cargill making a comeback after her recent assault, possibly confronting Belair and Naomi or Morgan and Rodriguez to settle the score.
• Gunther Buzz: The World Heavyweight Champion is rumored to appear, likely addressing his ongoing tension with Royal Rumble winner Jey Uso. Their heated exchanges have been a highlight, and tonight could escalate their road to WrestleMania.

With Elimination Chamber qualifiers wrapped up last week, it’s full speed ahead to Saturday’s premium live event from Toronto!

The Hardys are set to make their in-ring return to WWE television on the February 25 episode of NXT, marking their first tag team match in the company since 2019. The TNA World Tag Team Champions accepted a challenge from Tavion Heights and Myles Borne of the No Quarter Catch Crew, setting up a must-see showdown.

Beyond their long-awaited return, Matt Hardy will achieve a historic milestone. His appearance on NXT will set a new record for the longest gap between matches in the brand’s history. Hardy last competed on the very first season of NXT in March 2010, meaning his upcoming match marks a 15-year hiatus from the brand. This surpasses Carlito’s previous record of 13 years and nine months between NXT appearances.

The Hardys’ return to WWE adds another chapter to their storied careers, bringing veteran experience to the NXT tag team division. Their match against the rising stars of No Quarter Catch Crew will be a clash of generations, giving fans an exciting mix of nostalgia and fresh competition.

NXT Preview for 2/25/25

This Tuesday, February 25, 2025, WWE NXT airs live from The Andrew J Brady Music Center in Cincinnati at 8 PM ET on The CW.

• Stephanie Vaquer defends the NXT Women’s North American Championship against Karmen Petrovic
• Moose puts the TNA X-Division Championship on the line against Lexis King
• The Hardy Boyz faces No Quarter Catch Crew
• Ricky Saints teams with Je’Von Evans to take on Ethan Page and Wes Lee

Logan Paul has revealed that he will no longer be performing a specific move in WWE, despite recently adding it to his in-ring arsenal.

On February 10, Paul competed in his first-ever match on WWE Raw, securing a victory over Rey Mysterio to qualify for the men’s Elimination Chamber match on March 1. During the bout, he debuted several new moves, including a finisher dubbed the “Paulverizer” by commentator Pat McAfee, which he used to pin the WWE Hall of Famer.

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Paul also executed the Moonsault & Battery, a maneuver popularized by Shane Mercer. The move drew an enthusiastic reaction from both the crowd and the commentary team, with Michael Cole giving Mercer a shoutout during the broadcast. However, despite its impact, Paul has decided to retire the move immediately.

Sharing a clip of the move on Instagram, Paul captioned it,

“Never doing that again.”

Following his victory, Paul will appear on the February 24 edition of Monday Night Raw, where he joins CM Punk and Seth Rollins, both of whom have also secured spots in the Elimination Chamber match.

The competition on WWE LFG (Legends & Future Greats) has intensified as the 16 aspiring superstars have been divided into four teams, each mentored by a WWE Hall of Famer. With The Undertaker, Booker T, Bubba Ray Dudley, and Mickie James leading the charge, the pressure is on for these competitors to earn a potential NXT contract.

Official WWE LFG Teams

Team Undertaker

Guided by The Deadman himself, this team features a strong lineup of competitors:

• Bayley Humphrey
• Elijah Holyfield
• Tyra Mae Steele
• Shiloh Hill

Team Bubba Ray Dudley

Under the mentorship of a hardcore tag team specialist, this team includes:

• Zena Sterling
• Tatyanna Dumas
• Drake Morreaux
• Brayden “BJ” Ray

Team Booker T

With a five-time WCW Champion at the helm, these hopefuls will look to make an impact:

• Anthony Luke
• Leigh Laurel
• Jasper Troy
• Penina Tuilaepa

Team Mickie James

The former Women’s Champion leads this diverse and determined group:

• Dani Sekelsky
• Chris Island
• Sirena Linton
• Troy Yearwood

With limited spots available in NXT, every competitor must prove they have what it takes to stand out. As the competition progresses, the stakes will only get higher, making every moment inside the ring crucial.

Former TNA X-Division Champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey is officially headed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Bailey, who departed TNA Wrestling in late 2024, has been confirmed as the latest acquisition for Tony Khan’s promotion. A vignette hyping his arrival aired during tonight’s episode of AEW Collision.

The highly acclaimed Canadian wrestler, known for his dynamic striking ability and innovative offense, is currently finalizing his work visa requirements to perform in the United States.

Bailey’s impressive resumé includes three reigns as TNA X-Division Champion and a victory in the prestigious Battle of Los Angeles tournament in 2023. Many regarded him as one of the best wrestlers in the world during his 2023 run.

While awaiting visa approval, Bailey has been competing in select independent promotions across North America, including GCW, DEFY, and Pro Wrestling REVOLVER.

The wrestling world eagerly anticipates Bailey’s arrival in AEW, where he will undoubtedly bring his unique style and high-energy performances to an already stacked roster.

In the main event at QPW Super Slam III, Matt Cardona emerged victorious against Nic Nemeth to claim the QPW Middle East Championship at the Ladies Hall in Aspire Zone, Doha.

The match, which headlined the second night of the two-day wrestling extravaganza, had the audience on their feet throughout.

Cardona, who has been reinventing himself across various promotions since his WWE departure, adds another accolade to his growing collection of championships.

The victory marks a significant milestone in QPW’s history, as the promotion continues to establish itself as the premier wrestling organization in the Middle East.

The match served as the finale to Super Slam III, which featured over 30 international wrestling superstars across 12 matches and 2 nights.

Former WWE superstar Nixon Newell, previously known as Tegan Nox, recently revealed the creative constraints she faced during her time with the company.

Speaking during a Highspots Sign-it-Live session on Facebook, Newell discussed how her on-screen persona differed significantly from her authentic self.

“This is me down to a T. I’m very emo pop-punk,” Newell explained, referring to her current appearance and style.

“The ‘Tegan Nox’ was so far removed from me, that I was trying to get this through but I just wasn’t allowed. They preferred me to be the ‘girl next door’ instead of tattooed-up punk kid.”

Her comments shed light on WWE’s character development process and their preference for certain character archetypes, particularly in their women’s division.

Newell’s revelation highlights the ongoing discussion about creative freedom and authentic representation in professional wrestling.

WWE today announced that WrestleMania 42 will take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, 2026. The announcement was made during Friday Night SmackDown by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

The two-night premium live event will mark WrestleMania’s return to New Orleans, where the Caesars Superdome has previously hosted several historic WWE events. The venue, a cornerstone of major sporting and entertainment events in the Southeast, offers state-of-the-art facilities and can accommodate over 70,000 attendees.

Additional details about WrestleMania Week events, including WWE Hall of Fame, SmackDown, and Monday Night Raw, will be announced in the coming months.

Drew McIntyre revealed on Instagram that he had fluid drained from his knee ahead of the February 21st episode of WWE SmackDown. Despite the setback, he competed in an 11-minute match against Jimmy USO.

The bout featured key moments, including Jimmy landing a suicide dive and a spear for a near fall. The match ended when Jimmy countered McIntyre’s attempted reverse Alabama Slam into a victory roll for the pin.

Following the loss, McIntyre attacked Jimmy in frustration, declaring that he meant nothing to him. He attempted to slam Jimmy’s head into the ring post before being stopped by officials, but later returned to deliver a Claymore Kick while laughing at his fallen opponent. While the match was solid, its post-match chaos overshadowed the in-ring action.

McIntyre is now set to compete in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match on March 1 at WWE Elimination Chamber, where his physical condition will be closely watched.

WWE Hall of Famer and boxing legend Mike Tyson will be a special guest at WWE World in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 20, as part of WrestleMania weekend festivities.

WWE World, a five-day fan experience, offers attendees the chance to meet WWE Superstars, participate in autograph sessions, and enjoy exclusive photo opportunities. Tyson’s appearance adds to an already exciting lineup, with more announcements expected in the coming weeks.

General admission tickets are available now, while tickets for premium experiences, including meet-and-greets with Tyson and other WWE stars, will be released soon.

With WrestleMania weekend promising non-stop action, WWE World is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans in Las Vegas.

Former WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella is no longer under contract with WWE following the expiration of her deal, marking the end of her 12-year tenure with the company. The 37-year-old wrestler had been inactive since March 2023 due to severe medical complications after childbirth, which ultimately prevented her from making a return to the ring.

Medical Challenges Hindered Comeback

Carmella, whose real name is Leah Van Dale, faced significant health issues following the birth of her first child with WWE commentator Corey Graves in November 2023. She suffered from nerve damage and foot-related complications that made an in-ring return impossible.

In a recent update, she shared that she had been consulting with neurologists and spine specialists in hopes of recovering. However, despite more than 14 months of rehabilitation, she was unable to compete again before her contract expired.

Carmella’s WWE Legacy

During her time with WWE, Carmella achieved several major milestones. She became the first-ever Ms. Money in the Bank, held the SmackDown Women’s Championship for 131 days, and captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Queen Zelina. Her last active period in WWE was in 2022 before taking maternity leave.

Carmelo Hayes is making it clear—he’s coming for John Cena. During an interview with MuscleManMalcolm for Muscle Memory, the former NXT Champion reflected on his brief but memorable interaction with Cena in NXT. While it was a huge moment, Hayes sees it as just the beginning.

“Cena, you know, as all of us… you’re about the same age as me… we looked up to him. He was our superhero,” Hayes said. “Getting to do that thing with John Cena was really cool.”

But Hayes isn’t just satisfied with a backstage moment—he’s looking to step into the ring with the 16-time world champion. He knows John Cena is busy man with a long line of people eager to be one of his final opponents. However, Melo isn’t going to be left out.

“Even at that time, I said, ‘I’m going to be seeing you.’ Most people can’t [see him], but I will. I’ll be seeing you across the ring, and tomorrow might be the day. And if it ain’t tomorrow, it’ll be the day after that. So we’re going to make it work.”

Hayes’ confidence is undeniable, and with Cena’s in-ring career winding down in 10 months, a potential match could be a passing-of-the-torch moment for the young star.

If the 16-time champ is looking for a fresh challenge in his final year as an active Superstar, Hayes is more than ready to step up.

Mark Henry’s journey to the top of WWE wasn’t a straight path—it was filled with setbacks, pain, and resilience.

Henry joined WWE on a ten-year contract after the 1996 Olympics, but broke his leg in his first year. Through the 2000s, he became a dominant force, capturing the ECW Championship in 2008 at Night of Champions by defeating Kane and Big Show, making him the fourth African-American world champion in WWE history.

However, plans for him to win the more-prestigious WWE World Heavyweight championship were sadly derailed due to another injury.

Speaking with Monopoly Events’ Jamal Niaz at the For The Love of Wrestling 2025 convention, the former World Heavyweight Champion revealed that he was originally slated to win the World Heavyweight title three years before his 2011 reign, but an untimely injury derailed those plans.

“I was supposed to be Champion three years earlier, but I got injured… It was good that I was still relevant and talented enough to get another opportunity.”

Despite the delay, Henry’s Hall of Pain persona became one of the most dominant and memorable runs in WWE history, proving that persistence pays off.

Henry also discussed one of the most physically punishing moments of his career—the infamous 2011 ring collapse during his match against The Big Show at Vengeance.

“The weight of both of us made it faster for whatever reason, and when it hit, it was just really explosive… My teeth clattered together, it felt like lightning struck me.”

Moments like these remind fans just how brutal professional wrestling can be, even for powerhouses like Henry. His story is a testament to perseverance and the physical toll that comes with the pursuit of greatness.

Today, Mark Henry’s legacy continues to grow through his son Jacob, who recently signed with WWE’s NIL program. Jacob will compete as a heavyweight for the University of Oklahoma’s prestigious wrestling team while pursuing his WWE dreams.

The father-son duo recently appeared together on RAW in Austin, Texas, marking Mark’s return to WWE programming after a three-year absence.

With Jacob’s impressive high school wrestling record and his aspirations to main event WrestleMania, the Henry family’s impact on professional wrestling is poised to continue for another generation.

WWE has strengthened its position in Nevada by engaging Carson City-based lobbyists Bill Gregory and Lesley Pittman, as the company prepares for WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas this April.

The strategic move sees WWE tapping into Gregory and Pittman’s extensive experience in Nevada’s entertainment and combat sports sectors, notably through their existing relationship with UFC. Both organizations now operate under the TKO Group Holdings banner following their September 2023 merger.

Gregory and Pittman’s dual representation of WWE and UFC could prove particularly valuable as WWE navigates Nevada’s regulatory landscape. Their expertise spans various areas crucial to large-scale entertainment events, including venue operations, broadcast rights, and compliance with state athletic commission requirements.

The timing of these hires is significant, coming just months before WrestleMania 41, WWE’s flagship event, makes its second appearance in Las Vegas. The two-night spectacle, set for April 19-20 at Allegiant Stadium, is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors and generate substantial economic impact for the region.

Industry analysts suggest the lobbyists could help WWE optimize its regulatory compliance and business operations in Nevada, particularly as the company explores opportunities for expanded presence in the entertainment capital. Their work might include facilitating permits for future events, addressing regulatory requirements, and ensuring smooth operations for broadcasts and live performances.

The move also indicates TKO Group Holdings’ broader strategy to consolidate its influence in Nevada, a key market for both WWE and UFC operations. With both organizations now sharing the same lobbying representation in Carson City, TKO can present a unified approach to state legislators and regulatory bodies.

WWE’s investment in local government relations underscores Las Vegas’s growing importance in the company’s live event strategy, as well as Nevada’s significance to TKO Group Holdings’ overall business objectives.

Source: Based on reporting from The Nevada Independent

Chelsea Green has never been one to follow a conventional path in her career, but even she couldn’t have predicted where her journey would take her. As the inaugural WWE Women’s United States Champion, Green is making history every time she steps into the ring—something she admits she never saw coming. During a recent conversation with YouTube personality Conman167, Green said:

“I could have never even put that on a vision board. I could have never imagined that not only would we have this Championship, but that I would be the inaugural Champion.”

Green’s wrestling career has been full of twists and turns. From her time on the independent scene to making a name for herself in TNA and eventually WWE, her goals have constantly shifted. She admitted that when she first started wrestling, she didn’t have a clear vision of where she wanted to end up.

“As I’ve gone through the years of my career, I’ve changed the goalpost, I’ve changed the goals,” she explained. “Now, ten years in, and there’s this beautiful United States Championship sitting in front of me.”

Being the first-ever holder of the title is a milestone she doesn’t take lightly. Green understands the legacy she’s creating and the impact it will have on future generations of wrestlers.

“When kids go through the history books of WWE, they’re going to see me next to this title for the rest of time,” she said proudly.

With her reign still ongoing, Green is focused on proving why she deserves to be the face of the division. While she may not have envisioned this moment at the start of her journey, there’s no doubt she’s ready to embrace it—and make sure the world remembers her name.

Check out the full interview here:

For all the battles Mark Henry endured in his legendary career, none shook him quite like his WrestleMania 22 casket match against The Undertaker. Henry, who suffers from claustrophobia, describes the experience as overwhelming and terrifying.

Speaking with Monopoly Events’ Jamal Niaz at the For The Love of Wrestling 2025 convention, the “World’s Strongest Man” gave a terrifying glimpse into what it’s like to get sealed into a casket by WWE’s legendary Phenom:

“It was like people putting tape over your mouth and nose. You can’t breathe.”

Henry even compared the sensation to the infamous buried-alive scene from Kill Bill, starring Uma Thurman.

“That’s the same way I felt when I was in that coffin… It made me feel the same identical way. I had to walk out of the movie when I saw it.”

Despite the fear, Henry delivered a hard-hitting performance against The Undertaker on the grandest stage of them all. But the mental battle he fought inside that casket remains one of the most intense challenges of his career.

This revelation sheds new light on the psychological toll that wrestlers endure beyond the physical pain—showing that even the toughest competitors have their breaking points.

More on the Undertaker vs Mark Henry Casket Match at WrestleMania 22

The Undertaker and Mark Henry spoke extensively about their Casket Match at WrestleMania 22 during a recent episode of Taker’s Six Feet Under podcast. Henry called it a defining moment in his career, revealing that their clash was the culmination of a two-year learning experience, during which he wrestled The Undertaker at house shows and international tours.

“I had wrestled already eight years and I still was learning,” Henry admitted. “I can wrestle anybody now after being there with him.”

One of the key lessons The Undertaker imparted was the importance of pacing and creating space. “Let me sell what you’ve done to me already,” The Undertaker explained. “You are watching me helpless, and now it’s just a matter of time before you go in for that final bite.”

The Undertaker also revealed that he personally chose Henry as his WrestleMania opponent, explaining that finding credible challengers for his near-mythical character was difficult.

“Trying to find legitimate opponents… well, why not the World’s Strongest Man?” he said.

Their match made history as the only casket match ever held at WrestleMania, further cementing The Undertaker’s legacy. “To be a part of that… that’s kind of a cool thing,” Henry said, before jokingly adding, “And to get a WrestleMania Main Event paycheck? Nice.”

One of the most infamous matches in WWE history is still etched in JBL’s memory—his brutal Judgment Day 2004 clash with Eddie Guerrero. Speaking with Monopoly Events’ Jamal Niaz at the For The Love of Wrestling 2025 convention, the former WWE Champion revisited the unforgettable bout and its shocking level of violence.

“I knew there was a lot of blood, but watching it back—it was just puddles of blood. It was unbelievable how much Eddie lost that night,” JBL recalled.

The match, which saw Guerrero bleed profusely after an errant chair shot, remains one of the most graphic displays of bloodshed in WWE history. Despite fan speculation over the years, JBL clarified that Guerrero never went into shock but did require medical attention.

“People have said all kinds of things—that he went into shock and all that. He did not. He lost a lot of blood, he did go to the hospital, but it was unbelievable to witness,” JBL explained.

JBL also credited Guerrero as the key reason his main-event run took off, saying the late WWE Hall of Famer made him a legitimate star.

“If it hadn’t been Eddie Guerrero, it would’ve been a one-off. You wouldn’t be interviewing me now,” JBL admitted.

JBL and Eddie Guerrero’s Classic Rivalry

The rivalry between JBL and Eddie Guerrero in 2004 stands as one of WWE’s most intense and personal feuds of the Ruthless Aggression era. Following JBL’s transformation from his role in the APA tag team, he targeted WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero in a storyline that pushed boundaries.

The feud became notably controversial, particularly during segments involving Guerrero’s family and a staged storyline where his mother suffered a kayfabe heart attack.

The rivalry reached its peak at Judgment Day 2004, where their match became infamous for its brutality, particularly after Guerrero sustained a severe cut that led to significant blood loss during the bout.

Despite their heated on-screen rivalry, JBL and Guerrero maintained a close friendship behind the scenes, with Guerrero even serving as a groomsman at JBL’s wedding.

Tragically, Guerrero passed away on November 13, 2005, at the age of 38. His legacy endures as one of professional wrestling’s greatest performers, with contemporaries like Kurt Angle considering him the second-greatest wrestler of all time, behind only Shawn Michaels.

WWE has structured its creative team with multiple lead writers overseeing Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown.

SmackDown

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, SmackDown is now led by Brian “Road Dogg” James and John Swikata, as the workload required more than one head writer.

James spoke about his role with WWE during his recent interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet. Road Dogg he described himself as a “creative consultant” working across WWE. He also noted the increased creative freedom under WWE’s current leadership. More on that at the end of this article.

WWE Raw

Meanwhile, Raw is managed by Ryan Ward and Jon Baeckstrom, with Ed Koskey overseeing and editing scripts.

Leadership Structure

Bruce Prichard, WWE’s Executive Director of Creative Writing and Talent, serves as the liaison between the writing team and WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

Subscribe to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter at F4Wonline.com.

During the heated Monday Night War, WWE and WCW went to extreme lengths to outmaneuver each other, including secret meetings and aggressive talent poaching behind the scenes. Over 20 years later, new information is still coming out about the tactics employed by each side.

Former WCW star Buff Bagwell has revealed a secret meeting he had with WWE’s McMahon family while still under contract with WCW. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Bagwell shared how Vince McMahon personally invited him to discuss a potential jump to WWE in 1998 or 1999. At the time, Bagwell had just signed a new WCW contract while recovering from a broken neck.

“Vince McMahon calls me up and asks if I want to fly up and talk about future business,” Bagwell recalled. “I thought, ‘This would be heat, but I’ve got a three-year deal, so it wouldn’t be that bad.’”

However, when he arrived for the meeting, Vince McMahon was nowhere to be found. Instead, he was greeted by Shane McMahon at a Holiday Inn conference room.

“Looking back, I really believe this was during the time Vince was getting the rumbles of buying WCW,” Bagwell speculated.

Despite the conversation with Shane, nothing materialized because Bagwell’s contract was too restrictive. Vince later called him personally to break the bad news.

“Vince told me, ‘Your contract is ironclad. There’s no way you’re getting out,’” Bagwell revealed.

Ultimately, WCW folded in 2001, and Bagwell became one of the wrestlers brought into WWE under the new regime—but his tenure was infamously short-lived. Looking back, he wonders if a different contract could have changed his entire career trajectory.

Would Buff Bagwell have thrived in WWE’s Attitude Era if things played out differently? Fans can only speculate on what might have been.

Former WWE performer Elijah, previously known as Elias, has signed with TNA Wrestling and made his first appearance on the February 20 edition of Impact.

Elijah debuted during TNA World Champion Joe Hendry’s “Encore Championship Concert” segment. The segment began with Hendry in the ring before being interrupted by The Colons (Carlito and Eddie Colón).

Elijah then made his entrance and joined Hendry for a musical performance. The segment also included TNA authority figure Santino Marella. During his appearance, Elijah took time to address the TNA audience directly.

Fightful Select first reported Elijah’s signing with TNA Wrestling earlier today.

Elijah spent several years with WWE, where he developed his musical performer character and competed across various programs including Raw and SmackDown. His signing continues TNA’s recent talent acquisitions as the company moves forward under its restored TNA branding.

A panel discussion at The City College of New York will analyze Linda McMahon’s nomination for Education Secretary following her advancement by the Senate HELP Committee. The committee approved her nomination in a 12-11 party-line vote on February 20, 2025, sending it to the full Senate for final consideration.

“Understanding Linda McMahon: Secretary of Education in an age of TrumpMania” will examine McMahon’s proposed policies, including her support for reducing federal education oversight and emphasizing state control.

The event features Staten Island Technical High School Principal Mark Erlenwein, The City Tutors Executive Director Garri Rivkin, and journalist Brian R. Solomon, with S Jay Levy Fellowship Managing Director Lavie Margolin moderating.

The free forum takes place Tuesday, March 11, 3:30-4:45pm EDT in Shepard Hall (Room SH-350) at City College, 160 Convent Avenue. Registration is available through Eventbrite. Panelists will explore McMahon’s background as WWE co-founder and her vision for federal education policy, as her nomination currently awaits Senate consideration.