Logan Paul has shut down speculation that he was flirting with WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, clarifying the situation on his Impaulsive podcast.
Speaking with guest Michael Cole, Paul explained that the rumors originated from a lighthearted comment by WWE producer Michael Hayes, which was then misinterpreted by her boyfriend, WWE star Ludwig Kaiser.
Paul, who is married to model Nina Agdal, emphasized that his conversation with Stratton was strictly professional, as he had been offering her advice on improving her in-ring moves, including the moonsault and frog splash. However, Hayes jokingly suggested Paul was flirting, leading Kaiser to believe Paul was making advances toward Stratton.
The misunderstanding escalated backstage, where Kaiser allegedly confronted Paul with a chair.
“This is the dumbest narrative. I don’t even want to feed into it,” Paul stated.
“I’m not here to cause drama. I don’t want any problems. I’m here to win.”
As one of WWE’s most skilled self-promoters, Paul has built a reputation for finding ways to stay in the spotlight. Some may view this latest situation as another example of his ability to insert himself into conversations surrounding WWE’s rising stars, including Stratton, whose popularity has surged in recent months.
Paul is set to compete in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match alongside John Cena, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Damian Priest, and Seth Rollins. The winner will earn a shot at Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41.
Several champions from TNA Wrestling will compete on next week’s special episode of WWE NXT, live from Cincinnati, Ohio.
TNA X-Division Champion Moose will face Lexis King in singles competition. Moose made a surprise appearance on this week’s broadcast to confront NXT Champion Oba Femi. Later in the show, King approached Moose backstage and challenged him to a match next week.
TNA World Tag Team Champions Matt and Jeff Hardy will defend their titles against the No Quarter Catch Crew. After NQCC issued a challenge to the legendary team, The Hardys responded via social media, accepting the match and confirming their NXT appearance next week.
Adding to the intrigue, Matt and Jeff invited NXT Tag Team Champions Axiom and Nathan Frazer to watch from ringside as they demonstrate why they’re the greatest tag team in space and time.
NXT Preview: February 25, 2025
Ricky Saints and Je’Von Evans vs Wes Lee and Ethan Page
During a pivotal moment on WWE NXT, Ricky Starks officially signed his contract under a new name – Ricky Saints. The new moniker pays homage to his hometown, New Orleans, Louisiana.
The “Absolute” superstar made it clear that he sees himself as the future of the brand, declaring that his arrival marks the beginning of a revolution. As General Manager Ava Raine presided over the signing, Ethan Page interrupted, questioning Starks’ rapid rise and suggesting he was following his own blueprint for success.
Their tense exchange was cut short when Je’Von Evans stormed in, attacking Page and igniting a chaotic brawl.
Once order was restored, Wes Lee confronted Starks, demanding respect and challenging him to a match. Ava Raine made it official for next week, but before the confrontation could escalate further, Starks blindsided Lee with a strike.
Finally, he put pen to paper, and the camera zoomed in to reveal his new identity—Ricky Saints—marking a fresh chapter in his NXT career.
TNA star Moose made a surprise appearance on Tuesday’s WWE NXT on The CW.
The show opened with NXT Champion Oba Femi coming out to address the crowd at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
Femi was addressing the mystery attackers who laid him out last week before he was interrupted by theme music we hadn’t heard before on NXT television.
Out came TNA X-Division Champion Moose. The giant athletes stared each other down in a surreal moment presented by WWE’s new talent exchange relationship with TNA.
“I’m the one man you can’t reign over” and “This has to happen. Oba Femi vs Moose,” Moose said.
Femi replied:
“Don’t worry, it will.”
An intense stare-down followed as both men held their titles high. Stay tuned for news on when this blockbuster inter-promotional battle of the giants takes place.
Michael Cole’s dedication to WWE is legendary, but on Impaulsive, he revealed just how rare it is for him to miss a show—only three times in 28 years.
“The first was in 2001 when my wife had a kidney transplant,” Cole said. “The second was my son’s wedding, and the third? A family vacation last year—our first real one in decades.”
One of those absences came under extraordinary circumstances. Cole’s wife was originally scheduled for surgery on September 11, 2001.
“We were in the hospital that morning when everything happened,” he recalled. “Obviously, everything shut down, and her procedure got delayed by three weeks.”
Despite his near-perfect attendance record, Cole’s family has never pressured him to step back.
“My wife’s always known me as a guy who travels. She’s been with me through all of it.”
The longtime announcer also credits his marriage’s longevity—30 years and counting—to his frequent travel.
“That’s why we’re still together,” he joked. “When I am home, I’m not trying to start arguments. Those days are too valuable.”
His dedication to WWE remains unwavering.
“I love this business. I signed a new contract, and I’ll be here for a while. I don’t know how to do anything else!”
With nearly three decades under his belt, Michael Cole’s commitment to WWE is unmatched.
Tessa Blanchard will compete on TNA Impact this Thursday, marking her second match since rejoining the promotion.
Last week, TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella informed Blanchard that she must wrestle on the upcoming live episode from Full Sail University or face repercussions. TNA officially confirmed her participation on Tuesday, though her opponent remains undisclosed.
Blanchard’s return match took place at TNA Genesis last month, where she defeated Jordynne Grace in her first bout for the company since March 2020. She also recently wrestled at a VIP Wrestling event in Texas on January 31, losing to Alejandra Quintanilla (aka Alejandra Lion).
In addition to Blanchard’s match, TNA Impact has announced several other bouts for the February 20 show, including Rosemary vs. Lei Ying Lee. The Northern Armory are also set to appear.
Announced Lineup for TNA Impact (February 20):
TNA World Champion Joe Hendry – Special concert appearance
Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe vs. The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz)
No DQ Match: JDC vs. Leon Slater
Lei Ying Lee vs. Rosemary
Tessa Blanchard in action
Segment featuring The Northern Armory
Blanchard’s return continues to generate interest as she looks to reestablish herself in TNA’s competitive Knockouts division.
Joint Status Report was filed regarding the lawsuit against TKO Group Holdings, WWE, Vince McMahon, and Linda McMahon over allegations of abuse of underage ring boys in the 1980s and 1990s.
The lawsuit is before the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore).
Key Updates from the Status Report
Maryland Supreme Court Ruling:
The Child Victims Act (2023), which removes time limits for lawsuits filed by survivors of child sexual abuse, has been upheld.
This means there is no statute of limitations on civil cases related to child sexual abuse in Maryland.
The parties are now waiting for the Court to lift the current stay on the lawsuit.
Agreed Legal Timelines:
Once the lawsuit is active again:
Defendants have 45 days to respond or file motions to dismiss.
Plaintiffs then have 21 days to reply.
If the lawsuit is amended, defendants will have 14 days to respond to the new version.
Case Background:
The lawsuit was filed by five former ring boys who worked for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as minors in the 1980s and 1990s.
They allege that WWE and the McMahons failed to protect them from abuse by Mel Phillips, a former ring announcer and ring crew supervisor.
Logan Paul has expressed interest in expanding his role in WWE beyond wrestling, proposing to assist talent in developing their personal brands.
Paul, who officially signed with WWE in 2022, has competed in high-profile matches on Raw and SmackDown, winning the United States Championship in 2023. However, with his experience in business and brand-building outside the ring, he now sees an opportunity to contribute in a different capacity.
On the latest episode of Impaulsive, WWE commentator Michael Cole discussed the company’s evolving approach under its new leadership. He highlighted how WWE has shifted from previous restrictions, encouraging wrestlers to grow their own brands with dedicated support from company offices.
“The company was so restrictive for so many years. We had a big controversy over Twitch streams a few years ago. Now, everything’s opened up. Go be a brand,” Cole explained.
“We want you, as a performer, to develop your brand. We have people in place in our offices helping our talent grow their brand.”
In response, Paul expressed enthusiasm about potentially joining WWE’s branding team, leveraging his entrepreneurial background to assist fellow wrestlers.
“I feel like I should be on that team. I’m definitely going to reach out about that,” he said. “Everyone should be thinking about how to not just build yourself, but how to build businesses. It’s the next level of conversation.
Use the vehicle you’ve been given. I think every talent in WWE should be thinking like that, and it would be cool to be on that team to help build that.”
While Paul remains an active competitor, his interest in WWE’s branding strategy suggests he could take on a dual role within the company, blending his in-ring persona with his expertise in business and marketing.
Logan Paul didn’t hold back in a recent conversation with Michael Cole on his Impaulsive podcast, taking shots at CM Punk and continuing to make his case that he was using “Yeet” long before Jey Uso popularized it in WWE cannon.
Reflecting on his time in the ring with some of WWE’s biggest stars – including John Cena, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Jey Uso – Paul exuded his signature over-the-top confidence.
WWE Elimination Chamber 2025
While many might have felt out of place in such legendary company, The Maverick insists that wasn’t the case. When asked if he questioned his own place in the match, he scoffed at the idea and threw in a dig at CM Punk.
“Not at all, not at all,” Paul said. “I honestly was like, how the hell is CM Punk still here?”
The jab at Punk is especially notable given the former WWE Champion’s polarizing reputation. Punk returned to WWE in late 2023 after nearly a decade away, and Paul’s comment suggests he’s not entirely sold on the veteran’s staying power.
But Punk wasn’t the only target of Paul’s comments. He also laid claim to the popular wrestling catchphrase “Yeet,” which has become synonymous with Jey Uso.
“I was the original Yeet, by the way,” Paul declared, before adding that he had believed the phrase was “put in a bulletproof coffin” years ago.
Taking the joke further, Paul revealed he was “sending a cease-and-desist” to Jey Uso over the catchphrase.
While it’s clear Paul was speaking in jest, his comments are sure to stir conversation among wrestling fans. His rising presence in WWE continues to be a talking point, and whether it’s roasting veterans like Punk or claiming iconic catchphrases, Paul still knows how to keep himself at the center of attention.
Veteran WWE announcer Michael Cole recently discussed Corey Graves’ controversial demotion during an appearance on Impaulsive, admitting that he still doesn’t fully understand the circumstances surrounding the decision.
“I love Corey,” Cole said. “Beside McAfee, he’s probably the best partner I’ve ever had. But I still don’t understand all the dynamics of what happened.”
Graves was reportedly removed from a key commentary position after making critical remarks about WWE on social media. According to Cole, the intent behind Graves’ comments may have been misunderstood.
“He put something out there,” Cole explained. “He said he was just trying to generate interest in a storyline, but I don’t think the company saw it that way.”
Endorsement and Uncertainty
Michael Cole and Corey Graves (Photo: WWE, Illustrated)
Cole did not confirm whether Graves’ demotion was permanent but hinted that ongoing discussions might be taking place.
“I think he and the company are working it out,” Cole said.
While WWE has embraced more personality and creative freedom among its announcers, Cole acknowledged that boundaries still exist.
“We’re given more freedom now, but that doesn’t mean you can say anything you want,” he noted.
Despite the situation, Cole remains a strong supporter of Graves’ work.
“He’s an unbelievable commentator,” he said. “I hope he stays with us, because he’s one of the best.”
For now, Graves’ future with WWE remains uncertain, but Cole’s remarks confirm that the situation was not part of a scripted storyline.
Watch Michael Cole’s full interview on Impaulsive with Logan Paul:
Veteran WWE announcer Michael Cole recently shared his thoughts on WWE’s leadership transition during an appearance on Impaulsive, revealing to Logan Paul that under Vince McMahon, he never had the freedom to fully express himself.
Cole explained that during McMahon’s tenure, every aspect of WWE’s presentation adhered strictly to his vision.
“I was never really able to break out,” he admitted. “Vince was very hands-on, and everything had to fit his vision. It was his sandbox.”
Now, with Triple H and WWE President Nick Khan at the helm, Cole says the culture has shifted dramatically.
“We’re allowed to have bigger personalities now,” he noted. “You’re seeing the real Michael Cole—the guy who crowd surfs, who gets on tables, who jokes around. That would’ve never happened under Vince.”
Feeling Valued Like Never Before
Beyond creative freedom, Cole emphasized that WWE’s new leadership has made him feel truly appreciated.
“For the first time in my career, I really felt like I was important to this place,” he shared.
“The paycheck was part of it, but the way the new regime treats us… it’s night and day.”
This shift in philosophy extends across WWE, with talent now enjoying greater creative control.
“Before, Vince controlled everything,” Cole said. “Now, wrestlers are delivering promos in their own voices, and it’s making the product better.”
Cole also revealed that the company’s evolution played a key role in his decision to continue his career.
“I was considering stepping away, but my wife told me, ‘This is your legacy.’ And she was right.”
With nearly three decades in WWE, Cole is embracing this new chapter, proving that even a longtime voice of the company can still evolve alongside it.
Watch Michael Cole’s full interview on Impaulsive with Logan Paul:
Veteran WWE announcer Michael Cole revealed on Impaulsive that having PRIME’s logo on the WWE ring mat would have been unimaginable under Vince McMahon’s leadership.
“Vince thought the mat was sacred,” Cole explained. “But it’s 2025 now, and the world has changed.”
Logan Paul, whose PRIME brand is now a WWE sponsor, responded enthusiastically. “For me, it’s fantastic. It’s the future,” he said.
Cole noted that WWE’s business strategy, particularly under Triple H and Nick Khan, has shifted significantly from McMahon’s traditional approach.
“We always used to say, ‘Oh, the mat has to be clean,’ but now? You’ve got multiple logos on there.”
The discussion highlighted WWE’s evolving approach to revenue generation and brand partnerships. Paul, who has leveraged his influencer status to merge social media and professional wrestling, pointed out how this shift benefits both sides.
“It’s gotta be the right brands,” Paul added. “But let’s be real, you’re gonna get your head smashed in over a Wingstop logo? That’s amazing.”
Cole agreed that WWE’s mindset has evolved dramatically, creating new opportunities for crossover branding.
“This would’ve been unheard of five, ten years ago,” he said. “But it makes sense—this is a multi-billion-dollar entertainment business now.”
With PRIME’s growing presence in WWE, it’s clear the company’s leadership is embracing modern marketing strategies in ways McMahon never did.
Watch Michael Cole’s full interview on Impaulsive with Logan Paul:
According to an official announcement from WWE ID on social media, these championships will be unique in WWE’s ecosystem, as they will be defended exclusively on the independent wrestling circuit rather than on WWE programming.
The tournament structure and participating independent promotions will be announced in the coming weeks, establishing a new competitive division that operates primarily outside of WWE’s traditional venues.
When Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper clashed at Madison Square Garden on MTV 40 years ago today, they didn’t just settle a score – they revolutionized professional wrestling. The February 18, 1985 event, “The War to Settle the Score,” marked a pivotal moment where sports entertainment crashed headfirst into mainstream pop culture, forever changing both industries.
The Night Wrestling Invaded MTV
In the heart of New York City, Madison Square Garden was electric as WWF Champion Hulk Hogan defended his title against his bitter rival, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. But this wasn’t just another wrestling match – it was the culmination of the groundbreaking “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection,” a revolutionary partnership between the World Wrestling Federation and MTV that would help transform wrestling from a regional attraction into a national phenomenon.
Pop icon Cyndi Lauper, who had already made waves in the wrestling world through her association with Captain Lou Albano, sat ringside as two of wrestling’s biggest stars collided. The atmosphere was more rock concert than wrestling show, exactly as WWF promoter Vince McMahon had envisioned.
Chaos Erupts in the Garden
The match itself devolved into beautiful chaos when Piper’s allies, Paul Orndorff and Bob Orton Jr., stormed the ring. Hollywood tough guy Mr. T, who had been watching from ringside, leaped into action to defend Hogan. In the ensuing mayhem, Piper kicked Lauper in the head – a shocking moment that would make mainstream headlines and set the stage for an even bigger event.
In an unscripted moment that perfectly captured the collision of worlds that night, pop art legend Andy Warhol accidentally wandered into a live interview area. Rather than creating an awkward moment, Warhol improvised a passionate endorsement of the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection, adding another layer of mainstream credibility to the spectacle.
The Birth of WrestleMania
The War to Settle the Score did more than deliver ratings for MTV – it laid the foundation for WrestleMania. The wild brawl between Hogan, Mr. T, Piper, and Orndorff would continue six weeks later at Madison Square Garden in the main event of the first WrestleMania, establishing a template for celebrity involvement that WWE follows to this day.
Four decades later, the impact of this revolutionary broadcast continues to resonate. The successful fusion of wrestling, music, and mainstream entertainment that night created a blueprint that transformed a regional wrestling promotion into a global entertainment empire. As WWE now streams on Netflix and collaborates with today’s biggest stars, it’s worth remembering the night on MTV that started it all.
The War to Settle the Score wasn’t just a wrestling show – it was the moment sports entertainment truly became entertainment for everyone. Forty years later, its influence can still be felt every time wrestling crosses over into mainstream culture, proving that sometimes the biggest victories in wrestling happen outside the ring.
The War to Settle the Score Results
Here are the complete match results from WWF War to Settle the Score on February 18, 1985 from Madison Square Garden in New York City:
Johnny Rodz defeated Jose Luis Rivera by pinfall
Hillbilly Jim pinned Rene Goulet
Don Muraco defeated Salvatore Bellomo via pinfall
Moondog Spot and Rick McGraw fought to a draw
David Sammartino secured a victory over Moondog Rex by pinfall
Nikolai Volkoff pinned Swede Hanson
Leilani Kai defeated Wendi Richter to win the WWF Women’s Championship
The U.S. Express (Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo) retained their WWF Tag Team Titles by defeating The Assassin & The Spoiler
Paul Orndorff defeated Tony Atlas via pinfall
Jimmy Snuka pinned Bob Orton Jr.
Hulk Hogan retained the WWF World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Roddy Piper by disqualification
WWE executive Paul “Triple H” Levesque has provided a first look at new championship belts that will be used as part of the WWE ID program.
In a social media post Tuesday afternoon, Triple H wrote:
“The top independent wrestling prospects have been ID’d… and now, we’re ready to spotlight the best of the best. Here’s your first look at the Men’s and Women’s @WWEID Championships.”
Tournaments will be held to crown the inaugural WWE ID Men’s and Women’s champions. The titles will be defended at independent wrestling shows. More on that here:
The WWE Independent Development (ID) program is WWE’s talent development initiative that partners with wrestling schools to identify and nurture promising independent wrestlers. Selected prospects receive financial benefits, training facility access, and mentorship while maintaining their ability to compete in independent promotions. The program includes a right of first refusal clause – if another major promotion offers a contract to a WWE ID prospect, WWE can either match the offer or allow the talent to sign elsewhere.
McKenzie Mitchell is officially returning to TNA Wrestling, signing a contract to become the company’s new full-time ring announcer. The move marks a homecoming for Mitchell, who began her broadcasting career with TNA in 2016 before making a name for herself in WWE as an NXT host and backstage correspondent.
TNA Wrestling announces the signing of McKenzie Mitchell as its new ring announcer
Mitchell’s return to TNA comes just over a year after she was unexpectedly released by WWE in December 2023 during corporate layoffs. Reflecting on the transition, she described the sudden career shift as a learning experience.
“My release came at a very unexpected time… but it helps you grow,” she told Sports Illustrated.
Mitchell recently made her TNA ring-announcing debut at Genesis in January, calling Joe Hendry’s TNA World Championship victory. Now, she steps into the role permanently, replacing Jade Chung.
While she has years of on-screen experience, she acknowledges ring announcing requires a different skill set.
“It’s a different tone, a different conversation,” she said. “I’m excited to make it my own.”
Her return aligns with TNA’s new partnership with WWE, a connection made even more personal by her husband, NXT commentator Vic Joseph.
“In a kind of weird way, we’re working together again,” Mitchell noted. “It’s really special.”
For Mitchell, this next chapter is more than just a job—it’s a full-circle moment. “It’s for sure a homecoming.”
McKenzie Mitchell’s Work in WWE and TNA
Mitchell’s career spans nearly a decade in professional wrestling broadcasting. Her initial TNA run from 2016-2019 saw her serve as both backstage interviewer and social media manager. She then joined WWE in August 2019, working as an NXT correspondent, digital content host, and premium live event kickoff panelist until December 2023.
After departing WWE, Mitchell returned to TNA at the Genesis event on January 19, 2025, taking over ring announcing duties from the departing Jade Chung. Her full-time signing solidifies TNA’s broadcast team heading into 2025.
WWE World’s roster continues to expand with six major additions to its inaugural fan experience. The latest announcement confirms appearances by former champions Kevin Owens, Charlotte Flair, and Drew McIntyre at the Las Vegas Convention Center event running April 17-21.
The new lineup additions also include “The EST” Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, and current Judgment Day member Damian Priest. These superstars join the previously announced talent roster for the five-day convention, expanding the opportunities for fans to meet their favorite WWE performers.
Attendees will have access to these superstars through various experiences including Superstar Row, which is open to all General Admission ticket holders. The event will also feature exclusive photo opportunities and autograph sessions, with specific scheduling details to be announced.
Beyond meet-and-greet opportunities, WWE World promises an interactive experience complete with live interviews and podcast recordings featuring the expanding roster of talent.
For additional information on WWE World Las Vegas (April 17-21, 2025), visit Fanatics Events.
Posted February 18th, 2025 in WWE. Tagged: WWE World.
During WWE’s darkest days in the Monday Night Wars, when WCW was dominating for 83 straight weeks, many top stars jumped ship for bigger paydays and lighter schedules. By late 1997, the “Hart” of the World Wrestling Federation had been ripped out and discarded, but the “Soul” never left.
Speaking on Busted Open, The Deadman revealed that despite tempting offers, he refused to abandon WWE—even when things looked bleak.
“I knew that man [Vince McMahon] gave me an opportunity… there was no way in hell I was going there [WCW], no matter the money,” he said.
Taker recalled a particularly sobering moment when he walked out to a WWE event and saw a near-empty arena.
“I couldn’t see a soul. We had to pack everyone on the hard camera side to make it look full. I remember thinking, ‘What the hell is going on?’”
Despite WCW stars like Kevin Nash personally calling him with massive financial offers, Undertaker remained loyal to WWE. His frustration with WCW stemmed from the fact that the company once told him he’d never draw money. Even in WWE’s worst years, his pride wouldn’t let him return.
In a surprising twist, Taker admitted that if he had an amateur wrestling background, he might have considered trying his luck in MMA instead.
“UFC was coming up big at the time. If I had a wrestling base, I probably would have tested those waters.”
But in the end, The Undertaker chose to stick with WWE—and as history shows, things worked out just fine for the Dead Man his his legacy.
CM Punk’s return to WWE has been one of the most talked-about stories in wrestling, but perhaps the biggest endorsement yet comes from The Undertaker himself. Speaking on Busted Open, the WWE legend praised Punk’s growth, noting a significant change in his demeanor since his earlier run with the company.
“He’s actually very pleasant to be around… it’s like a different guy. It’s like a weight has been lifted off of him,” The Undertaker said.
Punk, known for his outspoken nature and past backstage tensions, was often seen as difficult to work with. However, Taker now sees him as someone who is engaged, personable, and willing to share his knowledge with younger talent.
“Before he left the first time, he was very aloof, sometimes combative. One of those guys that wanted to fight for every hill, even if it wasn’t in a good way,” he explained. “Now, he’s cutting up with people, engaging in conversations. It tells me that’s probably a consistent thing for him now.”
Punk recently appeared at the WWE Performance Center to mentor up-and-coming talent, further showcasing this newfound maturity. Undertaker believes that if Punk chooses to, he could become a respected veteran who helps shape the future of WWE.
As Punk prepares for his Elimination Chamber match, his in-ring abilities remain top-tier—but perhaps his biggest transformation has been behind the scenes.
The Undertaker and CM Punk
The Undertaker and CM Punk’s rivalry culminated during their WrestleMania 29 program in 2013, following Punk’s victory in a fatal four-way match to challenge Undertaker’s undefeated streak. Their relationship had started years earlier, with Undertaker mentoring Punk on WWE’s dress code policies, maintaining a generally positive working relationship despite occasional tensions.
The storyline intensified following the real-life passing of Paul Bearer, Undertaker’s longtime manager. Punk incorporated Bearer’s death into the narrative, stealing his symbolic urn and using it to taunt Undertaker, culminating in a controversial segment where Punk poured the urn’s ashes over his opponent. Their WrestleMania match featured Living Colour performing Punk’s entrance theme and several dramatic near-falls before Undertaker secured victory with two Tombstone Piledrivers.
The match received widespread acclaim, earning 4½ stars from Dave Meltzer and ranking as WrestleMania 29’s highest-rated contest. Paul Heyman later revealed he had suggested Punk break the streak to potentially prevent his WWE departure. Both performers have expressed mutual respect, with Undertaker praising their match and dismissing rumors of backstage animosity.
Raw will feature the final qualifying matches for the Men’s and Women’s 2025 Elimination Chamber matches. The winner of the Women’s Chamber match goes on to battle Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania, so can be sure sure “Mami” will be keeping tabs on the results.
British Olympic boxer d has revealed that WWE approached him with a contract offer, even inviting him to their Performance Center in Florida before he ultimately decided to continue his boxing journey.
Speaking with IFL TV, Orie shared details of his experience with WWE, which first reached out to him during the Olympic Games.
“They contacted me during the Olympic Games to come down and see what it’s about,” Orie explained. “I got offered a contract … you build up a name for yourself, a character, choose whether you’re a babyface or a heel … then, over time, you can be confident enough to get on SmackDown or Raw.”
Orie was impressed by the professionalism and confidence of WWE’s athletes but ultimately chose to pursue his boxing career instead.
“When I went out there, it was just fantastic. I got to meet so many amazing wrestlers,” he said. “The biggest thing I took away was confidence—how to express yourself and your feelings to the mass audience.”
Despite the opportunity, Orie took time to reflect on his future and concluded that boxing remained his true passion.
“I was thinking to myself, what do I want out of life? What do I want to look back on when I’m 50 or 60? Boxing, I believe, will really do that for me,” Orie stated. “Wrestling is always there—the door is always open—but my main purpose in life is to do it in the boxing ring.”
Now signed with Queensbury Promotions, Orie is set to make his professional debut, choosing to chase championship glory inside the ring rather than the squared circle.
WWE’s first Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Lyra Valkyria, has made an impressive impact since joining the main roster in 2024. After reaching the Queen of the Ring tournament finals and capturing the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Championship, she now sets her sights on WrestleMania 41.
In a recent interview with Pubity, Valkyria expressed her desire to face Asuka at the upcoming event in Las Vegas this April.
“A match that got away from me would be facing Asuka,” Valkyria revealed. “That would be pretty massive. When I was first debuting on Monday Night Raw, I was supposed to face her at Backlash in France, but she got hurt. Instead, I wrestled Dakota Kai, which was poetic since we later had a history-making moment together. But facing Asuka is definitely a match I’d love to circle back to.”
WWE’s biggest event of the year will take place across two nights on April 19-20 at Allegiant Stadium, where Valkyria hopes to make her WrestleMania debut memorable.
Valkyria’s impressive run includes victories over prominent stars like Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane, and Becky Lynch. Her NXT Women’s Championship victory against Lynch in 2023 proved to be a career-defining moment.
Lynch, a future Hall of Famer, has been instrumental in Valkyria’s development. “Becky has always made it clear that she’s there for me,” Valkyria shared. “She told me to never doubt what I bring to the table because it’s more than I realize. Betting on myself is the best advice she’s given me.”
With Lynch’s rumored return to the ring, speculation has grown about a potential all-Irish championship clash at WrestleMania.
Jake “The Snake” Roberts has had one of the most tumultuous careers in professional wrestling history. On Six Feet Under with Mark Callaway, Roberts revealed how a WCW contract dispute triggered his worst personal spiral—and ultimately fueled his cocaine addiction.
In 1992, Roberts had negotiated a multi-million dollar deal with WCW’s Kip Frye. However, before he could sign, Vince McMahon enforced a 90-day no-compete clause as part of his WWF exit. When Roberts’ non-compete expired, Frye was gone, and Bill Watts had taken over WCW.
Watts discarded Roberts’ original contract and offered him a fraction of the deal, telling him:
“You and I both know you can’t go back. You’re gonna take what we give you.”
Roberts accepted, but WCW then stripped him of his signature gimmick by banning his snake.
“They took my gimmick away. Now I’m back to zero. What the f*** can I do?” he recalled.
That was the breaking point. “That right there pushed me off the deep end, brother. I really dug into the coke after that.”
Roberts acknowledged that his subsequent 20-year cocaine addiction nearly killed him, but at the time, he was just trying to cope with the loss of his career.
“Not many people have a 20-year cocaine career… by the grace of God, I’m not dead.”
His exit from WCW triggered years of struggles with substance abuse, financial problems, and personal demons. Looking back, Roberts recognizes that wrestling politics and addiction were his greatest adversaries.
“Jealousy in wrestling has killed more people than war ever has,” he said.
Roberts’ story illustrates how a single career setback can have devastating personal consequences—and how the wrestling industry has often failed to protect its biggest stars.
The wrestling gaming community’s long wait is nearly over, as the complete roster reveal for WWE 2K25 will take place on Monday, February 17, during IGN Fan Fest. This announcement follows several weeks of partial roster reveals that have already-confirmed 140+ wrestlers for the upcoming title.
The latest installment in the WWE 2K franchise is promising its most extensive roster yet, with over 300 playable characters – a substantial increase from its predecessor’s 250 wrestlers. Among the confirmed additions, 24 superstars will make their video game debuts, including fan favorites Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Naomi.
During the full roster reveal, fans can expect to learn the remaining unannounced characters, complete wrestler ratings, and the confirmation of additional legends and NXT talent. Currently, only a select number of superstar ratings have been made public.
WWE 2K25 launches on March 14, 2025, though Deadman and Bloodline Edition purchasers will gain early access starting March 7. Pre-order customers will receive the exclusive Wyatt Sicks Pack, featuring five additional playable characters.
The situation gained attention when Matthews briefly posted, then deleted, a social media message suggesting his injury was connected to AEW’s ring size controversy.
“#AEWGrandSlamAustralia – If it wasn’t a 16×16 SHT wrestling ring!” he wrote. “1: Wouldn’t have destroyed my ankle on my entrance due to holes in the padding. 2: Okada wouldn’t have been able to put his foot on the rope & I’d be champion. Sht happens…”
His wife, WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley, has acknowledged the injury on social media, and recent photos show Matthews using crutches during their honeymoon celebrations.
The timing is particularly unfortunate as Matthews and Ripley are currently celebrating their recent marriage. Despite the injury, the newlyweds are continuing with their honeymoon plans, though Matthews is now navigating the festivities with mobility assistance.
