Tonight’s NXT Vengeance Day premium live event serves as a pivotal event for the brand, featuring several championship matches and potentially career-altering confrontations. The event is headlined by a triple threat match for the NXT Championship, while the NXT Women’s Championship will be defended in a fatal four-way contest.

How to Watch

Vengeance Day is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM (ET) local time. Start times in select regions include:

• Pacific US Time (PST): 3:00 PM
• UK (GMT): 11:00 PM
• Saudi Arabia (AST): 2:00 AM (next day, Sunday)
• India (IST): 4:30 AM (next day, Sunday)

Streaming Platforms

The event streams live around the globe on Netflix and Peacock:.

• Netflix: For fans outside the U.S., this will be the first-ever NXT premium live event to stream on Netflix following WWE Network’s integration into the service.
• Peacock: Fans in the United States can watch exclusively on Peacock.

The event takes place at the CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C.

Matches

• NXT Championship Triple Threat Match: Oba Femi (c) vs. Austin Theory vs. Grayson Waller
• NXT Women’s Championship Fatal Four-Way: Giulia (c) vs. Bayley vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Cora Jade
• NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley vs. Stephanie Vaquer
• NXT Tag Team Championship: Nathan Frazer & Axiom vs. Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura
• Singles Match: Je’Von Evans vs. Ethan Page
• Strap Match: Eddy Thorpe vs. Trick Williams

Vengeance Day could mark significant changes in thelandscape, with potential surprises and debuts expected. There are strong rumors of Jordynne Grace making an appearance to challenge the winner of the women’s championship match. Additionally, this could be Roxanne Perez’s final NXT appearance as she prepares for a main roster transition.

The show is expected to deliver high-quality in-ring action, particularly in the tag team championship match which features contrasting styles between the high-flying duo of Frazer & Axiom against the powerful combination of Briggs & Inamura.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for complete coverage of NXT Vengeance Day as the event unfolds tonight on Peacock.

The Undertaker has never been one to sugarcoat things, and his recent comments about WWE newcomer BJ Ray prove just that. In an interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, The Phenom weighed in on a heated moment from WWE LFG, where Bubba Ray Dudley clashed with the young talent over his approach to the business.

The Undertaker, who serves as a coach on the show, made it clear that BJ Ray still has a lot to learn, despite being a Duke wrestling alum.

“He’s got a ton of personality, but I think he’s going to outwork himself,” he said. “He’s one of those people who thinks they have all the answers and doesn’t know one of the questions.”

The Deadman didn’t question BJ Ray’s ambition, but he did warn that confidence without humility can be a dangerous mix.

“I think he just believes, ‘I’m going to garner attention and people are going to notice me.’ But what ends up happening is he rubs people the wrong way. He’s a minnow swimming with sharks, and it’s not pretty.”

The Undertaker’s words reflect a long-standing truth in WWE—star power alone isn’t enough. To make it in the industry, talent must be paired with respect, patience, and a willingness to learn from veterans.

WWE LFG offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at this challenging journey, premiering February 16th at 8/7c on A&E. The show follows aspiring superstars as they navigate the grueling world of WWE, featuring exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage, and the return of WWE Rivals immediately afterward.

For decades, The Undertaker has been a cornerstone of WWE, witnessing the rise and fall of countless superstars. In a recent interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, he reflected on the competitive nature of WWE’s main event scene and what it takes to truly stand out.

Looking back at the Attitude Era, The Undertaker acknowledged that breaking through to the top has never been easy.

“Stone Cold had that number one spot—nobody can deny that,” he said. “And it is what it is. It was what it was. But that was still motivation for everybody underneath him. Everybody was reaching for that brass ring.”

He emphasized that frustration is part of the journey, but sitting back and complaining won’t change anything.

“Sometimes you have to wait, but you have to be prepared. You can’t sit back and say, ‘Oh man, I got overlooked.’ You have to look at what you’re doing, be able to evolve, take chances, and never be content.”

The Undertaker believes this relentless mindset is what separates legends from those who fade away.

“Regardless of whether I ever achieved the top spot while Steve was there, my goal was always to get there. That’s the mindset you have to have. You just can’t let frustration overtake you.”

As WWE continues to evolve, The Undertaker sees a hunger in today’s roster that reminds him of the past. For rising stars, his message is clear—work harder than everyone else and seize every opportunity.

Fans can watch WWE’s next generation put this philosophy to the test in WWE LFG, premiering February 16th at 8/7c on A&E. The series takes viewers inside the world of WWE’s rising talent, featuring exclusive content, interviews, and never-before-seen footage.

WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque has received official recognition from the Connecticut State General Assembly ahead of WrestleMania 40. The legislative body honored the wrestling legend with an official citation on February 6, 2025, acknowledging his upcoming WWE Hall of Fame induction and contributions to the sports entertainment industry.

The Connecticut Black and Puerto Rican Caucus specifically recognized Levesque, a longtime Connecticut resident, for his “extraordinary legacy as a legendary competitor and visionary executive.” The citation celebrates his role in revolutionizing the professional wrestling industry.

Responding to the honor on Twitter, Levesque expressed his gratitude: “An honor to receive…Thank you to all in the Connecticut State Assembly for the recognition and the excitement around this year’s #WrestleMania.”

Certificate Details:
The official citation, signed by the President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House, and Secretary of State, was presented at the State Capitol in Hartford. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives and recognizes Levesque’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The document acknowledges his dual impact as both a performer and executive, highlighting his ongoing influence in the professional wrestling industry.????????????????

WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus is set to make her return to in-ring competition at the upcoming Elimination Chamber premium live event in her hometown of Toronto, Canada.

The announcement came during Friday Night SmackDown, where Stratus revealed she will team with current WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton.

The seven-time Women’s Champion, who is celebrating her 25th anniversary in professional wrestling, has been making waves since her surprise return at the 2025 Royal Rumble.

On SmackDown, Stratus came to Stratton’s aid following a chaotic championship match involving Nia Jax and Candice LeRae. Later in the evening, she officially extended an invitation to Stratton to form what Stratton is already dubbing “Tiffy and Trishy Time” and battle Jax and LaRae.

The WWE Elimination Chamber event takes place on March 1, 2025, at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, marking Stratus’s first official match since her brief return in 2023.

In a hard-fought WWE Women’s Championship match on SmackDown, champion Tiffany Stratton’s defense against Nia Jax came to an abrupt end when Candice LeRae interfered, causing a disqualification. The match had been an impressive display of power and athleticism from both competitors until LeRae’s sudden intervention.

The drama continued to unfold as WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus rushed to Stratton’s aid, only to fall victim to Jax’s devastating offense. The situation took another dramatic turn when Charlotte Flair made her entrance, methodically walking to the ring with a steel chair in hand. In a moment dripping with intensity,

Flair positioned herself above the fallen champion and delivered a chilling message:

“The Queen chooses you. I’ll see you at WrestleMania”

With those words, the stage was set for what promises to be an explosive WrestleMania showdown between Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair.

A mysterious Wyatt6 glitch disrupted SmackDown during a backstage reunion between former tag team partners Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax, alongside Candice LaRae.

The broadcast was interrupted by the Wyatt6 logo and a series of cryptic imagery, including footage of Bliss from the 2023 Royal Rumble – her last appearance before returning at the 2025 event.

The glitch also featured a “HEAL” glove, an enigmatic riddle, and a silhouette of Uncle Howdy, accompanied by the haunting message “Do you feel in charge?” – the same question Howdy posed to Bliss in their last encounter.

While the group has yet to make their physical debut on the blue brand, this supernatural interruption suggests that long-rumored plans for Bliss to align with the Wyatt6 are finally materializing.

The broadcast briefly displayed the ominous message “Do you feel in charge?” – the same question Uncle Howdy posed to Bliss in their last encounter two years ago.

The incident has fueled speculation about an imminent confrontation between Bliss and the Wyatt6 faction on SmackDown.

WWE Superstar Kevin Owens has officially accepted Sami Zayn’s challenge for a match at Elimination Chamber in Toronto. In an emotionally charged video recorded from his car, Owens addressed Zayn’s recent comments about his struggles, suggesting his former friend “doesn’t know what real pain is.”

Owens referenced his own recent hardships, including being betrayed by three former allies he considered brothers. “You want to go again? That’s perfect, let’s do that,” Owens declared, noting the significance of Toronto as the birthplace of their long-standing rivalry.

The confrontation ended with Owens ominously inviting Zayn to “come find me. Then you’ll know pain.”

Sami Zayn’s Challenge

Owens’ video was in response to this message from Sami Zayn released earlier in the evening. “Kevin, we both know that wasn’t about getting ahead or sending a message, that was trying to end my career.”

“When I’m cleared, me & you are gonna go again, and it’s not gonna be fun.”

The match is set to take place at WWE Elimination Chamber, adding another chapter to one of wrestling’s most compelling feuds.

During WWE SmackDown at Washington D.C.’s Capital One Arena (February 14, 2025), Trish Stratus appeared and announced her attendance at WWE Elimination Chamber in Toronto on March 1. In a segment with Wade Barrett, she discussed her Royal Rumble appearance before making the announcement.

WWE Elimination Chamber 2025 will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada. The event will start at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT for US viewers. This will be WWE’s first event at Rogers Centre since WrestleMania X8 in 2002.

Trish Stratus has recently been active and open to wrestling again. After her appearance at the 2025 Royal Rumble, she expressed excitement about the fan reaction and mentioned it “felt really good” to be back in the ring.

Current Match Card

• Men’s Chamber Match: John Cena, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Logan Paul, and 2 TBD participants
• Women’s Chamber Match: Liv Morgan, Alexa Bliss, Bianca Belair, Bayley, and 2 TBD participants

The winners of both Chamber matches will earn world title matches at WrestleMania 41.

Would you like me to make any other refinements?

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star Mercedes Moné appears to be addressing WWE’s recent talent acquisitions in a candid social media exchange. During a Q&A session, when asked about potential AEW recruitment targets, Moné responded:

“If I listed the people I wanted in AEW The other place would sign them.”

The comment appears to reference a pattern of WWE securing talent and collaborations that were reportedly in AEW’s sights. Two notable examples stand out: WWE’s recent signing of Stephanie Vaquer following her acclaimed match with Moné at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, and their collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, who was reportedly in talks with AEW before WWE announced her “Neva Play” as SmackDown’s new theme song.

These developments have sparked discussion within the wrestling community about the competitive dynamics between the two major promotions in their pursuit of both wrestling and mainstream talent.

Moné’s tweet garnered significant engagement with over 183,000 views, suggesting widespread interest in her perspective on the industry’s talent acquisition landscape.

Mercedes Moné defends the AEW TBS Championship against Harley Cameron this Saturday at AEW Grand Slam Australia.

As John Cena embarks on his farewell tour, WWE Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker suggests the 16-time world champion might want to think twice about one final challenge.

Speaking with Muscle Man Malcolm on Muscle Memory, Breakker delivered an unambiguous message regarding any potential matchup with Cena.

“I just don’t think it’s very wise for John Cena,” Breakker said. “A lot of things have changed since SummerSlam. I know this is his farewell tour, and everyone’s celebrating the last year of John Cena, but if he wants to make it to the end of that year or make it to the end of this run, he probably should just stay away from me.”

When Malcolm acknowledged this bold statement, Breakker emphasized his point by highlighting the age difference between them.

“I wouldn’t want to face me if I was him,” he continued. “If I was 47 years old, I would not want to face me.”

Following his Intercontinental Championship victory at SummerSlam, Breakker initially challenged Cena directly. However, his recent statements have evolved from a simple challenge into what appears to be a calculated warning. While Cena has remained silent on the matter, speculation grows among WWE fans about whether this could set up one final significant challenge before the veteran superstar retires.

The wrestling world now watches with anticipation: Will the legendary Cena accept this implicit challenge, or will he opt to avoid what Breakker suggests would be a dangerous confrontation? Whatever the outcome, the Intercontinental Champion has successfully captured the WWE Universe’s attention.

Potential Challengers for John Cena in 2025

Several other wrestlers have expressed interest in facing John Cena during his 2025 retirement year:

• Matt Cardona, who previously shared screen time with Cena in 2012
• The Miz, hoping for one final match after their WrestleMania 27 main event in 2011
• RVD, who is ready for a rematch following their ECW One Night Stand 2006 encounter
• CM Punk, who hopes to team with Cena after their acclaimed previous matches.
• Zilla Fatu, who has expressed his desire to wrestle Cena before the legend retires.

Kurt Angle, despite his storied history with Cena, has confirmed he will not participate in any matches during the retirement tour due to health concerns.

WWE fans may have just gotten a glimpse of a future WrestleMania showdown.

Bron Breakker and Jacob Fatu came face-to-face in a tense moment on Raw, and the Intercontinental Champion wasted no time fueling speculation about a potential match between the two powerhouses. In an interview with with Muscle Man Malcolm on Muscle Memory, Breakker said:

“I think Jacob Fatu and I—that’s a match for WrestleMania. I think everyone will agree with that.”

Fatu, a dominant force with deep ties to WWE’s famed Anoa’i family, has long been considered a dream opponent for Breakker, who comes from his own legendary lineage as the son of Rick Steiner and nephew of Scott Steiner. The staredown on Raw was brief, but it sent the WWE Universe into a frenzy, with many hoping WWE will capitalize on the moment and book the match for WrestleMania.

While Breaker didn’t reveal any official plans, his confidence in the matchup suggests that it’s more than just a fantasy booking scenario. If WWE pulls the trigger, this could be a clash of two of the most intense competitors in the company today.

And if fans needed another reason to believe in Breaker’s dominance? The guy has his post-show routine down to a science. When asked about his go-to Waffle House order, Breaker served up:

“All-Star special, eggs over medium, sausage, white toast, blueberry waffle,” he said. “Sometimes scrambled eggs with cheese, but I don’t know—Jay’s been trying to get me to switch it up lately. I don’t know if I trust him.”

Whether it’s in the ring or at the Waffle House, Braun Breaker knows exactly what he wants. Now, it’s just a matter of whether WWE makes the match happen. Please?

Catch WWE Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker’s appearance on Muscle Memory:

Gunther, the reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion, is gearing up for a challenging road to WrestleMania 41, with multiple steel cage title defenses scheduled before his showdown with 2025 Royal Rumble winner Jey Uso.

Steel Cage Match vs. Seth Rollins in Germany

As part of WWE’s European tour in March, Gunther will defend his championship in Germany against Seth Rollins inside a steel cage. The announcement was made via WWE Germany’s social media, adding another high-stakes battle to Gunther’s schedule.

CM Punk to Challenge Gunther in Austria

Gunther will also put his title on the line against CM Punk in Austria, marking a rematch from a previous live event main event. This matchup will take place in Gunther’s home country, making it a highly anticipated showdown for Austrian fans.

WrestleMania 41 Title Match Still Set

Despite these upcoming defenses, Gunther is still scheduled to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41. However, with two major challengers ahead, his path to the grand stage remains uncertain.

Rock band Downstait has released “Hart Won’t Quit,” a new song that will serve as Indi Hartwell’s entrance theme.

Hartwell (Samantha De Martin) was released by WWE in late 2024 after approximately five years with the company. During her time there, the Australian star held the NXT Women’s Championship and the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Candice LeRae.

In a video on her new YouTube channel, Hartwell revealed she was blindsided by WWE’s decision to release her. “I didn’t see it coming at all, especially since I’d been on TV pretty regularly,” she said.

Despite the shock, Hartwell expressed gratitude for her WWE journey, saying, “It’s a bit bittersweet, but I’m choosing to focus on the good memories.”

She remains committed to professional wrestling and will feature Downstait’s “Hart Won’t Quit” as part of her presentation in the next chapter of her career.

Johnny Gargano Shares Heartfelt Farewell to Indi Hartwell

A new WWE docu-series may be coming to Netflix next year, according to a report from WWE insider Wrestlevotes. While neither WWE nor Netflix have officially announced the project, the report suggests that the series—described as a “modern-day vlog show”—will premiere in Spring 2025. The alleged focus will be WWE’s transition to Netflix and an inside look at the lives of its superstars, both in and out of the ring.

WWE recorded hours of behind-the-scenes footage at the Intuit Dome during the first weekend of January, potentially for use in this project. Additionally, current Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green is reportedly among the featured talent.

WWE’s collaboration with Netflix began earlier this year with Monday Night RAW moving exclusively to the platform in the U.S., while international markets gained access to WWE’s content library. If accurate, this rumored docu-series would expand that partnership further.

As of now, WWE and Netflix have not publicly commented on the project. We have reached out to Netflix for confirmation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Veteran wrestler Mickie James has responded to NXT star Roxanne Perez naming her as a dream WrestleMania opponent, hinting that she may step back into the ring.

While James hasn’t competed in WWE since the 2022 Royal Rumble, she has made multiple backstage appearances at recent shows. Speaking with No Contest Wrestling, Perez listed several wrestling legends—AJ Lee, Lita, Trish Stratus, Chyna, and Mickie James—as her dream opponents. She specifically noted that matches against Stratus and James could be possible in 2025.

James acknowledged the mention on Twitter, playfully responding:

“You gonna make me dust off my working boots @roxanne_wwe ?”

The six-time WWE Women’s Champion last wrestled in September 2024, appearing for IWR on September 12. Meanwhile, Trish Stratus recently made her in-ring return at the 2025 Royal Rumble, where Perez delivered an impressive iron-woman performance.

With both Stratus and James potentially available for a future match, a high-profile showdown with Perez could be on the horizon.

TNA has storyline-suspended Nic Nemeth for four weeks without pay after he accidentally superkicked Director of Authority Santino Marella during TNA iMPACT!.

Last night, Joe Hendry successfully defended his TNA World Championship against Jake Something. Following the match, Nemeth entered the ring to assist Hendry, but in the ensuing chaos, he inadvertently struck Marella with a superkick.

Backstage Apology Falls Short

After the incident, Nemeth and his brother Ryan Nemeth met with Marella backstage, where Nic immediately apologized. He insisted that the kick was accidental and reminded Marella of their long history together in OVW.

“Hey, hey, hey, you okay buddy? I am sorry, man. Listen, listen, that wasn’t meant for you. You know that was an accident. Look at me, we go way back. OVW, we were there together. You know that was an accident… I’m sorry. From the bottom of my heart, you know I did not mean that. I’m sorry,” Nemeth said.

Ryan Nemeth also defended his brother, stating that mistakes happen. However, despite their explanations, Marella remained firm in his decision.

Marella’s Verdict: Four-Week Suspension

.@milanmiracle just SUSPENDED @NicTNemeth for 4 weeks! @ryrynemnem

Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/EkIqqcvwIi pic.twitter.com/062nePqwxI

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 14, 2025

Marella acknowledged their history but emphasized that he had to protect the integrity of his authority in TNA.

“Look, you know I have the utmost respect for you and your family. And we do go back. At least 20 years. That’s why, this is going to be a difficult decision, okay? I can’t have this kind of behavior flying all around. You almost broke my jaw. That’s why…

It’s not even about me, okay? It’s about this… I have to protect and respect the authority. I’m going to have to suspend you for four weeks, I am sorry, without pay. Okay? Before I decide to press the charges, just leave it at that. Okay?” Marella stated.

With Nemeth now sidelined, the suspension introduces uncertainty regarding his future in TNA. Fans will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds when he eventually returns.

Legendary WWE tag team Demolition, consisting of Ax (Bill Eadie) and Smash (Barry Darsow), is finally returning to WWE after decades of estrangement.

According to PWInsider, the fearsome duo has officially signed Legends contracts. These deals will provide the groundbreaking tag team with financial benefits for years to come and open up licensing opportunities that will see Demolition represented through WWE’s video games, action figures, and merchandise.

This signing marks a significant reconciliation between WWE and one of its most dominant tag teams from the 1980s. Previously, Eadie and Darsow were involved in legal battles with WWE, including a CTE lawsuit and a dispute over the Demolition name in the mid-90s.

This mending of fences is expected to culminate with a long-overdue WWE Hall of Fame induction for the face-painted powerhouses.

The CW Network has appointed Michael Perman as Senior Vice President of Sports, where he will oversee all sports programming, including WWE NXT. Perman, a veteran sports media executive, will manage strategy, programming, and media rights as The CW continues expanding its live sports lineup.

Leading WWE NXT on The CW

With NXT now airing on The CW following its October 2024 debut, Perman’s leadership will be key in growing WWE’s presence on the network. The CW has committed to nearly 400 hours of annual sports content, featuring NXT, NASCAR, college sports, and Inside The NFL.

“Mike Perman is the perfect leader to help shape CW Sports as we continue building NXT and other premier live events,” said Brad Schwartz, President of The CW Network.

Perman, formerly with NBC Sports and the NBA, expressed excitement about delivering top-tier sports entertainment and further cementing NXT as a marquee attraction on The CW.

WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has weighed in on Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show during an appearance on Fox News. Lamar received a mixed response

While discussing the performance, Hogan admitted he struggled to understand the rapper’s lyrics.

“Bro, I couldn’t understand a word that was being said, man,” Hogan said. “I had my volume turned up. I had a bunch of people yelling and screaming at the house, and I really didn’t know what was going on, man. I was waiting for Willie Nelson to come out, man, and sing America the Beautiful or something.”

When asked if he would like to see Nelson perform at a Super Bowl halftime show now that Donald Trump is president, Hogan responded, “Yeah, that would be great!”

The Hulkster and his beer company are being sued by an Ohio woman who claims to have suffered a severe injury after being struck in the head by a thrown beer can at a promotional event. Where is Mark Yeaton when you need him?

In a moving social media post on his 29th birthday, professional wrestler Chris Bey shared his inspiring journey of recovery following a life-threatening injury that occurred during a TNA wrestling event in Detroit on October 27, 2024.

During a match with Ace Austin and The Hardys, Bey suffered a severe neck injury that left him temporarily paralyzed in the ring. He underwent emergency surgery for spinal cord fusion (C6-C7 and C6-T1) and spent a week in ICU, followed by 50 days at a spinal cord rehabilitation facility in Detroit.

“Will I ever wrestle again? Never say never. I’m just so grateful to be alive.”

Initially given only a 10-25% chance of walking again, Bey has defied the odds. After three weeks of intensive rehabilitation, he reports being able to leave his wheelchair and take steps independently. Throughout his recovery, he received support from the wrestling community, his family, TNA colleagues, and his girlfriend Brittnie Brooks.

In his message, Bey expressed profound gratitude to his supporters and medical team, crediting them with helping him maintain hope during his darkest moments. While acknowledging that his recovery journey continues with ongoing pain and challenges, he remains optimistic about his future, though uncertain about returning to wrestling.

“Nothing is impossible, you just have to believe and do the work,” Bey wrote, concluding his message with characteristic determination and gratitude for being alive.

The news is particularly poignant as Bey celebrates this milestone on his birthday, marking both his survival and remarkable progress in just a few months since the injury.

Chris Bey’s Statement

Here’s the complete transcript of Chris Bey’s message:

“Today I turn 29… Blessed to see it

On October 27th, 2024 I suffered a life altering injury in Detroit at a TNA event while sharing the ring with my partner Ace Austin and some of my idols, The Hardys. This would be the scariest moment of my life as I’d try to get up to my feet and finish the match only to realize I couldn’t move. I was laid out paralyzed in the middle of the ring. I was ashamed for not being able to finish the match, I was embarrassed and I was scared. Thanks to our incredible ringside doctor and team at TNA I was rushed to a nearby hospital and quickly underwent a surgery fusing my neck c6-c7 and a spinal cord fusion c6-t1. If it weren’t for TNA and their quick reaction to the accident I may not be here today. They’ve been so helpful throughout this entire journey.

When I woke up the next day I was overwhelmed with the amount of love around me and the amount of love from the wrestling community. I was devastated with the idea that my lifelong dream and 8 year wrestling career was over. I sat there paralyzed from the neck down with no promises of ever walking again. Specifically I was told it wouldn’t be likely with a 10-25% chance. I also had no usage of my hands which is why I didn’t post or respond to anything. I spent about a week in the ICU, then 50 days in a spinal cord rehab facility in Detroit doing therapy 6 days a week for 3 hours a day, sometimes longer. December 28th I was able to go home.

Since I’ve been home I’ve been in therapy working as hard as I can. I’ve had an incredible support system. There’s so many people I want to thank but if I can narrow it down to a few I must thank my family, my TNA family, the dedicated staff in Detroit, my brother Ace Austin for never leaving my side, and my amazing girlfriend Brittnie Brooks for being there every single step of the way while I was at my absolute lowest. If you’ve reached out, donated, bought merch, said a prayer, or did any little thing even as simple as sharing a thought about me, thank you. I’m eternally grateful for every single one of you. Because of you even on my hardest days I’ve never given up. Because of you I’ve lived my dream and in my opinion helped inspire others to do the same. There’s so much more to the story and I will be telling all the details soon, but please allow me the time to get there.

Today you see me celebrating life and taking the steps they said would be unlikely. For 3 weeks I’ve been out of my wheelchair learning to walk again. Nothing is impossible, you just have to believe and do the work. I thank god every second. I thank you every second. Will I ever wrestle again? Never say never. I’m just so grateful to be alive. I don’t know what my purpose is, but I know there’s something meant for me to do. For now I just hope to continue to heal as my body is still in a lot of pain. It’s going to be a long road, but I will not give up. This will be the Greatest Story Ever Told. I love you all.

– Chris Bey”

Samantha Irvin became one of WWE’s most recognizable voices, but she recently admitted that ring announcing was never her passion. Speaking on Busted Open, Irvin revealed that announcing was just a way to break into the company, and she had ambitions to take on other roles—including refereeing and writing.

“When I said, ‘I don’t like announcing. That’s not really what I want to do,’ it’s hard… it’s a real job that I’m honestly not good at,” Irvin admitted.

“Because I’m gonna cry if Shawn Michaels comes out, so I’m not good at this.”

She expressed appreciation for WWE allowing her creative freedom but always wanted to explore different opportunities.

“I just wanted the opportunity to challenge if maybe it wasn’t just the ring announcing people loved. Give me a chance to see if maybe it’s just Samantha. Put me in some other positions.”

Irvin even pitched the idea of becoming a WWE referee but was turned down.

“At one point, I asked if I could referee, and they were like, ‘No!’” she recalled with a laugh.

She was also interested in writing for the company, revealing that before she officially took the ring announcer job, she had been interviewing for a different department within WWE.

“I wanna be an old lady, an old, smart lady who knows everything and makes sht happen.”*

One of the few people who recognized her ambitions was Michael Hayes, who saw her drive to learn.

“He was like, ‘You wanna learn everything don’t ya?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah.’”

While Irvin didn’t get the chance to transition beyond announcing in WWE, she’s now returning to her first love—music. She will release her debut single “Make Me” on February 14, marking the start of a new chapter in her career.

Samantha Irvin had one of the most memorable calls in WWE history when she announced Cody Rhodes as the new Undisputed WWE Champion at WrestleMania XL. However, she now looks back on that moment with regret, saying she let her emotions take over and felt she failed as an announcer.

“I was not there for work. I was literally there, like, just as me, just Sammie,” Irvin admitted on Busted Open.

“I started crying before the finish. I started crying when The Undertaker came out. And then Cody winning… it all just came crashing down. Every sad thing, every crazy thing, all the stuff in wrestling that you can’t talk about. It just all came out in that moment.”

Irvin felt so overwhelmed that she immediately questioned whether she belonged in the role.

“I felt absolutely terrible. I said—okay, I have to leave now, obviously. I’m done. Because I’m a terrible announcer. Because I prioritized being a fan in that moment.”

Her emotional delivery resonated with fans, making her one of WWE’s most beloved voices, but for Irvin, it was a sign that her future lay elsewhere.

Having moved on from WWE, she’s returning to her roots in music, with her debut single “Make Me” dropping on February 14.

WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair offered candid thoughts on the women’s division during a recent appearance on Gabby AF, placing his daughter Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley in a class of their own.

“She’s so much better than… and that’s not to say the other girls aren’t good, but she and Rhea right now are the two best in the business,” Flair stated, highlighting Charlotte’s elite status.

While acknowledging former WWE star Sasha Banks (now Mercedes Moné), Flair maintained that with her departure, Charlotte and Rhea have emerged as the division’s clear standouts.

A two-time Royal Rumble winner and decorated champion, Charlotte made her return to WWE in January after recovering from injury. Flair revealed he watched her comeback match from a sports bar, overcome with emotion at seeing his daughter back in action.

Ric Flair Shocked to Learn He Suffered a Recent Heart Attack

“The Match to Make”

The Nature Boy particularly praised Charlotte’s WrestleMania 39 encounter with Ripley, declaring:

“They haven’t had a match like that in the women’s division that I’ve seen on TV anywhere since that match.”

Looking ahead to WrestleMania 41, Flair advocates for another Charlotte-Rhea confrontation, calling it “the match to make.” He also expressed interest in potential matchups with Bianca Belair and the long-anticipated showdown with Becky Lynch.

As WWE’s premier event approaches, the question remains whether the company will capitalize on Charlotte and Rhea’s proven in-ring chemistry.

WWE is gearing up for WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas on April 19–20, 2025, but attention is already shifting to the location of WrestleMania 42 in 2026. While Minneapolis was initially considered for WrestleMania 41, WWE ultimately awarded the city SummerSlam 2026 instead.

According to WrestleVotes, WWE plans to host WrestleMania 42 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This would mark the third time the stadium has hosted the event, following WrestleMania 30 (2014) and WrestleMania 34 (2018). WWE is expected to officially announce the 2026 location before WrestleMania 41 takes place.

Long-Term Planning for New Orleans WrestleMania

A report from Fightful Select indicates that New Orleans has been in WWE’s long-term plans for WrestleMania 42 since Vince McMahon’s tenure leading the company. However, given the unexpected shift in plans for WrestleMania 41, some speculated whether this decision might change.

Additionally, WWE has reportedly informed some of its business partners about its 2026 plans. the The UK and Saudi Arabia are both eager to host WWE’s biggest spectacular of the year, but fans in those regions shouldn’t expect anything before 2028.

Meanwhile, WrestleMania 41 will feature Jey Uso challenging Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship after his Royal Rumble victory, while Charlotte Flair, the winner of the women’s Rumble, will also compete for a championship. The event will also mark John Cena’s final WrestleMania as an in-ring competitor before his planned retirement at the end of 2025.

With an official announcement expected soon, WWE looks set to bring WrestleMania back to one of its most iconic venues in 2026.