Wrestling legend Ric Flair has opened up about a previously unknown health scare that may have contributed to his quiet departure from AEW last summer. Speaking on Gabby AF, the 16-time world champion revealed he recently discovered he had suffered a heart attack—without realizing it.

“I went in for a test, and the doctor told me, ‘You’ve had a heart attack in the last two years.’ I didn’t even know,” Flair admitted.

The revelation came after Flair underwent a calcium test on his heart, which detected past damage. The Nature Boy, who famously survived a life-threatening medical crisis in 2017 that led to multiple heart surgeries, was shocked by the news but remains defiant about his health.

“For some reason, I don’t hurt anywhere… I could wrestle again, but I won’t,” he said.

Ric Flair’s Exit from AEW

Flair also confirmed that his time with AEW has officially ended, clarifying that he is no longer under contract following the collapse of his Wooooo! Energy drink sponsorship in mid-2024.

While many assumed his exit was tied to creative direction, Flair indicated that his health was also a factor.

“There really isn’t anything for me to do there right now,” he said, adding that AEW owner Tony Khan “didn’t realize I was on blood thinners” when initially bringing him in.

Flair’s last AEW appearance was at Revolution 2024, where he was part of Sting’s retirement match. He recalled that Khan was adamant about him avoiding any in-ring physicality, repeatedly warning him against blading.

Now, with AEW in the rearview, Flair is focused on staying healthy—though he admits the wrestling bug never truly leaves. WrestleMania 41 is fast approaching and Charlotte Flair is primed for a top match on the biggest show of the year. WWE find a way to bring The Dirtiest Player in the Game back for another moment in the spotlight?

WWE broadcaster Jackie Redmond will not be appearing on Monday Night RAW this week as she fulfills her NHL coverage duties for TNT Sports.

Redmond, a backstage interviewer and on-air personality for WWE, also covers the National Hockey League for TNT. She is currently reporting from Montreal, where the NHL’s All-Star Weekend has transitioned into the new 4 Nations Faceoff tournament, which runs through February 20.

When asked by a fan on social media whether she would be absent from RAW this Monday, Redmond confirmed. “You assume correctly. No RAW for me this week. Got myself a #4Nations DOUBLE HEADER on TNT”

The tournament continues at Montreal’s Bell Centre through Saturday before shifting to Boston’s TD Garden next week. Monday’s matchups will feature Canada vs. Finland and Sweden vs. the United States.

Several of WWE’s top announcers hold jobs outside of professional wrestling, which creates scheduling conflicts. WWE Raw commentator Pat McAfee missed a recent episode due to call college football. Joe Tessitore will miss this week’s SmackDown to call the action for ESPN boxing from Madison Square Garden (Denys Berinchyk vs. Keyshawn Davis).

Unlike many WWE stars released on February 7, Sonya Deville wasn’t outright cut—her contract simply won’t be renewed when it expires later this month. This allows her to bypass the standard 90-day non-compete clause, meaning she can sign with any promotion or pursue other opportunities immediately.

Deville, whose real name is Daria Rae Berenato, has already begun distancing herself from her WWE persona. She recently changed her Twitter name back to her real name and has shared cryptic messages hinting at her next move.

After attending the Cobra Kai premiere, she posted, “…. See what’s next,” further fueling curiosity among fans. She also updated her bio to read, “To be continued …,” leaving her future open-ended. Here she is at the premiere along with AEW star Britt Baker, who has appeared in the series.

Since joining WWE in 2015 via Tough Enough, Deville transitioned from an in-ring competitor to an authority figure before winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship with Chelsea Green in July 2023. However, an ACL injury cut her title reign short, keeping her out of action for much of her final WWE run.

Now that she’s officially leaving, speculation is growing about her next move. With her MMA background, strong mic skills, and mainstream appeal, Deville could fit well in AEW, TNA, or even a return to MMA. She also has ties to Hollywood, having appeared in reality TV and advocacy work, making acting another potential path.

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Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade insist they’re still best friends—but if history has taught us anything, that may not last long.

The two have been inseparable since their early days in WWE, even winning the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships together in 2022. But that partnership didn’t last, as Jade famously turned on Perez, trashing her title belt and ending their reign.

Now, the two have reunited, but fans can’t help but wonder if another betrayal is coming. Their upcoming Fatal 4-Way match at Vengeance Day for the NXT Women’s Championship adds another layer of tension.

On the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast, Perez dismissed the idea of issues between them—but not without hesitation.

“I think we’re fine… I don’t know about her,” Perez said. “She seems a little upset, but I’m fine.”

Jade, however, may not see it that way. When Perez recently pointed out that Jade was the one who got pinned in a recent match, the tension was obvious.

“I was just stating facts,” Perez said.

In WWE, “best friends” rarely stay best friends for long. And with a title on the line at Vengeance Day, it wouldn’t be a surprise if this partnership once again implodes.

WWE Vengeance Day 2025 will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., featuring matches including a Fatal 4-Way NXT Women’s Championship match between Giulia, Bayley, Roxanne Perez, and Cora Jade.

For Roxanne Perez, the 2025 Royal Rumble wasn’t just a career milestone—it was a childhood dream realized. Nearly a decade before she became the longest-lasting competitor in the Women’s Rumble, a young Perez stood outside a wrestling event, waiting to meet her hero, Nikki Bella.

In a resurfaced video, a teenage Perez excitedly tells Bella, “In five years, you’re going to need a tag partner.” But when Bella playfully suggested the idea, Perez had a different vision. “I’d rather wrestle you,” she replied.

Fast forward to this year’s Royal Rumble, and that’s exactly what happened. In a surreal full-circle moment, Perez found herself face-to-face with Nikki Bella in the ring, even engaging in a push-up contest before tensions boiled over. During an appearance on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast, Perez recalled:

“Ten years later, I’m in the ring with Nikki Bella… and I almost slapped her!”

The moment encapsulates just how fast Perez has risen in WWE. The former two-time NXT Women’s Champion has already broken records, headlined pay-per-views, and now gone toe-to-toe with one of the biggest female stars in WWE history.

While she may not have won the Royal Rumble, her performance—including being one of the final two competitors—cemented her as a future main event player. And if history is any indication, it won’t be long before Perez’s next dream turns into reality.

Social media star IShowSpeed made waves at the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble earlier this month, where he made his in-ring debut in the annual 30-man battle royal match. Naturally, his appearance produced a viral video clip – Speed getting nearly speared out of his boots by Bron Breakker, followed by a bone-crunching announce table slam from Otis.

Following the event, IShowSpeed made bold backstage comments, promising a return at the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He also called out several WWE superstars, including Roman Reigns, Rey Mysterio, Dominik Mysterio—and Hall of Famer Mark Henry.

Mark Henry Threatens IShowSpeed

Henry, who last competed in WWE at the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018, responded to IShowSpeed’s challenge on Busted Open Radio. In a clip shared on his Twitter account, the former World Heavyweight Champion issued a warning:

“Speed, you might want to be careful mentioning my name. You better ask your friends about me. I ain’t the one.”

The interaction adds intrigue to IShowSpeed’s potential WWE future, as reports indicate he was well-received backstage, with WWE officials reportedly open to further collaborations.

DJ Mark Henry

Meanwhile, Mark Henry is set to visit the UK from March 21-29, where he will be DJing at the Sweet Chin Disco events in cities including Manchester, Belfast, Nottingham, Glasgow, London, and Birmingham.

As WWE continues its road to WrestleMania 41, this week’s episode of SmackDown promises high-stakes action with the Elimination Chamber event fast approaching (3/1). However, regular announcer Joe Tessitore will be absent from the February 14 edition of the show due to prior commitments with ESPN.

Tessitore’s Absence and Possible Replacement

Tessitore, who has been a key part of the SmackDown commentary team alongside Wade Barrett, will instead be covering a live boxing event for ESPN, featuring Denys Berinchyk vs. Keyshawn Davis at Madison Square Garden. This scheduling conflict leaves WWE searching for a temporary replacement.

While no official announcement has been made, long-time WWE commentator Michael Cole is widely expected to fill in for Tessitore. Given Cole’s extensive experience in WWE broadcasting, he would be a natural choice to step in for the night. Tessitore is expected to return to his regular duties the following week.

SmackDown Preview: Feb. 14, 2025

Even without Joe T on the call, SmackDown at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, is shaping up to be destination viewing.

Some of the night’s major matches include:

• WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton defends her title against former champion Nia Jax. Charlotte Flair has expressed interest in the outcome as she considers her WrestleMania opponent.
• Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Braun Strowman, Jacob Fatu, and Damian Priest will compete in a triple-threat match for a spot in the Elimination Chamber.
• Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Naomi takes on Chelsea Green, with the winner advancing to the upcoming match.

Winning a WWE championship is the dream of every wrestler, but for Tiffany Stratton, the moment was a blur.

The current WWE Women’s Champion reflected on her title victory in a recent interview on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez, revealing that she wasn’t sure if her Money in the Bank cash-in would work as planned.

“That night was high stress. I didn’t know if it was the perfect moment or not…

I ran out there and I was just on autopilot. I had no idea if the fans were even going to bite on anything,” Stratton admitted.

Stratton’s cash-in, which saw her seize the championship in dramatic fashion, could have easily gone wrong.

While the Money in the Bank contract is a powerful tool, failed attempts have happened before—something she was keenly aware of in the moment.

“There was always that ‘what if?’ Like, I could have failed. It could have been unsuccessful,” she explained.

Luckily for Stratton, everything fell into place. The match-ending moonsault connected perfectly, securing her first WWE title.

“The moment I hit my moonsault and it landed perfectly and it was 1-2-3, I finally felt like I could really relish in the moment. It was so amazing, so surreal.”

Stratton’s championship reign is still in its early stages, but with her confidence growing and WWE’s biggest season ahead, it’s clear she’s just getting started.

Roxanne Perez isn’t just making history—she’s rewriting it. At the 2025 Royal Rumble, the two-time NXT Women’s Champion lasted a record-breaking 67 minutes, outlasting WWE’s top stars before being eliminated by Charlotte Flair in the final moments. Now, Perez has her sights set on something even bigger: WrestleMania.

Speaking on the No Contest Wrestling Podcast, Perez laid out an ambitious roadmap to the biggest show of the year.

“I’m going to go to Vengeance Day, I’m going to beat all three of those women and become a three-time NXT Women’s Champion,” Perez declared.

“Then, I’m going to go to Raw with my title and beat Raquel Rodriguez, win the Elimination Chamber, and go to WrestleMania to become double champion.”

It’s a bold plan, but Perez has a track record of turning dreams into reality. From becoming the youngest Ring of Honor Women’s Champion at 19 to winning the first-ever NXT Iron Survivor Challenge, she has consistently proven she belongs among WWE’s elite.

Her Royal Rumble performance cemented that. Entering early, she survived attacks from former champions and found herself face-to-face with Charlotte Flair in the final two. Though she came up short, the moment was a glimpse into the future.

“I don’t think the main roster girls are ready for me,” she said with confidence.

First, she’ll need to get past Vengeance Day on February 15, where she faces NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria, Bayley, and Cora Jade in a Fatal 4-Way match. But if Perez continues her rapid rise, her WrestleMania dream might not be far off.

WWE Superstar Big E has always been known for his infectious energy and larger-than-life personality, but in a recent interview on X-Pod 97 with Mega Ran and Marcos, he opened up about the importance of community, resilience, and the overwhelming support he received after his severe neck injury in 2022.

For many, a career-threatening injury would be an isolating experience. But for Big E, the outpouring of love from friends, fans, and colleagues made all the difference.

“I had so much love, man. I never felt alone, never felt depressed, because I had this constant barrage of love and support from strangers, from friends, from people I’d never met.”

“I Got So Much Love”

Reflecting on what got him through such a challenging time, Big E emphasized the power of leaning on others.

“When I was going through my mental health struggles in college and beyond, I so often felt like a burden. I didn’t want to lean on others. But we need each other. We forget how much we need each other.”

He pointed out that simple gestures meant the world to him during recovery.

“Every text message, every call—I got so much love. I had so many people reaching out. Even Mustafa Ali sent me a Lego Seinfeld set. The IIconics sent me Edible Arrangements. It didn’t matter what it was—it was the thought that meant everything.”

Big E’s words serve as a reminder that no one has to go through hard times alone.

“We are meant to lean on each other. Life is not always going to be like this. It comes in waves—ups and downs. But when we’re down, having people there to pick us up makes all the difference.”

As Big E continues to explore new ventures in entertainment, including his work with Marvel and WWE’s Raw Classics on Netflix, his message remains clear: Strength isn’t just about muscle—it’s about the community that surrounds and uplifts you.

TNA Wrestling underwent significant internal changes today. According to PWInsider, Anthony Cicione, who became President of TNA in February 2024, has departed from his position. At this time, no successor has been announced.

Additionally, a new executive has been appointed to oversee production and other aspects of the company.

As part of these changes, Josh Mathews, Senior Producer and Senior Director of Digital Media, and Christy Hemme, head of social media, have both left TNA.

Mark Brown is the new TNA Director, according to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful. Brown held a similar position previously for Ring of Honor.

These developments follow recent contract news within TNA. Former TNA World Champion Josh Alexander’s contract is set to expire othis weekend, making him a free agent.

Additionally, Jordynne Grace confirmed that TNA allowed her to exit her contract early, with her departure effective in January 2025. 

• Lawsuit Filed: An Ohio woman is suing Hulk Hogan, Real American Beer, and a local bar after being struck in the head by a thrown beer can at a promotional event, suffering a severe injury.
• Negligence Alleged: The lawsuit claims the event organizers created an unsafe environment by tossing full beer cans into the crowd, leading to medical expenses, pain, and permanent scarring for the victim.

Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan and his beer company, Real American Beer, are facing legal trouble after an Akron, Ohio, woman was injured at one of the brand’s promotional events.

Akron’s Fox 8 reports that Michelle Harlukowicz has filed a lawsuit against Hogan, his company, and a Medina, Ohio, bar after being struck in the head by a sealed beer can thrown into the crowd during an event on August 19, 2024. The lawsuit, filed on February 10, 2025, alleges negligence, arguing that Hogan and other event promoters created an unsafe environment by tossing full cans of beer to attendees.

Severe Head Injury from Thrown Beer Can

According to her attorney, Eric Tayfel, Harlukowicz suffered a deep wound on her forehead, requiring nearly 10 stitches and leaving permanent scarring.

“She had an open wound to her forehead,” Tayfel stated. “It was pretty big. She ended up needing a number of stitches to her head, and she’s going to have some permanent scarring from that.”

The lawsuit claims that Hogan or another event promoter threw the can from an estimated 50 feet away, striking Harlukowicz while she stood near the back of the venue. She reportedly had no warning and no chance to avoid being hit.

Lawsuit Alleges Negligence by Hogan, Venue

Medina Township Police responded to the incident, but no charges were filed as officers were unable to determine who threw the beer. However, the lawsuit holds Hogan, Real American Beer, and Thirsty Cowboys—along with its owner, Aaron Lind—responsible for failing to ensure guest safety.

“How does a responsible company allow full cans of beer to be thrown into a crowd of its guests?” Tayfel questioned.

Harlukowicz is seeking damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

“First of all, we want some accountability,” Tayfel added. “He is still touring around hocking his beer. We certainly don’t want to have this happen to anyone else.”

Fox 8 reached out to Real American Beer and Thirsty Cowboys for comment, but neither responded.

Real American Beer and WWE Partnership

In January 2025, WWE and Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer entered into a multi-year partnership, expanding the brand’s presence within the wrestling industry. As part of the deal, WWE acquired a minority stake in the beer company, which launched in June 2024 and is now available in 20 U.S. states.

The partnership includes extensive branding integration, with the Real American Beer logo displayed on ring mat corners during Monday Night Raw on Netflix. Additionally, WWE provides promotional support across its digital platforms, which reach over 700 million users worldwide. WWE trademarks and Superstars also feature in retail promotions and point-of-sale displays, further solidifying the connection between the beer brand and professional wrestling.

Joe Hendry doesn’t just dream big—he delivers. The TNA World Champion has made a career out of setting seemingly impossible goals and making them happen.

From calling his shot on a WWE Royal Rumble appearance to setting his sights on a match with John Cena, Hendry’s approach is simple: go bigger than anyone expects and put in the work to get there.

Speaking with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, Hendry shared the philosophy that fuels his relentless pursuit of success.

“Your goals better scare you. They better be so big that they scare you,” Hendry said. “They have to be something no one else has done before. It has to be scary, and scare you on a daily basis.”

For Hendry, that mindset has paid off time and time again. He told his students after last year’s Royal Rumble that he’d be in the next one—and he was. He declared he’d win the TNA World Championship—and he did. Now, he’s targeting a match with Cena, and he’s fully committed to making it happen.

Beyond just setting goals, Hendry believes constant improvement is the key to longevity in wrestling.

“I get better every month that I do this,” he said. “The match I had with Nick Aldis at Genesis was vastly superior to the one I had at Bound for Glory.

My performance in the Royal Rumble was miles ahead of my last multi-man match. I am not in my prime yet. Not even close.”

Whether it’s in TNA, WWE, or beyond, Joe Hendry’s confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s the product of years of backing up his words.

Watch Joe Hendry’s full interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri:

Ricky Starks has withdrawn from a scheduled independent wrestling appearance following his debut on this week’s WWE NXT.

Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling (TCW), based in Atlanta, announced that Starks will be unable to appear at Saturday’s live event due to “circumstances beyond their control.”

“Important Announcement: Due to circumstances beyond our control, Ricky Starks will not be in attendance on Saturday, February 15th, at the Tannery Row Ale House. However, you can still expect the same incredible evening of Georgia’s premier star-studded, action-packed, family-friendly independent professional wrestling that TCW Live has to offer! We will see you at the matches!”

Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling was founded in 200 by the late “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. The concept was to present old school Southern style professional wrestling on a local level, while serving as a training ground for wrestlers climbing the ranks in the business. After a 20-year hiatus, the promotion was relaunched in 2024 by QT Marshall and Dusty’s daughter Teil Rhodes, who serves as an authority figure.

If Starks is having to withdraw fro scheduled independent dates, that does not bode well for his reign as the new Defy World Champion which began a few days ago.

In a stylish social media reveal, Karyn Best has announced her WWE persona as “Summer Sorrell,” accompanied by professional photos and Jay-Z’s iconic line “Allow me to reintroduce myself.”

The announcement marks the latest milestone in Best’s transition from track and field star to WWE-contracted professional wrestler. She’s set to be featured on the new WWE Evolve series, coming to Tubi starting March 5.

Before joining WWE, Best dominated high school track and field, setting 16 school records and collecting multiple titles including a state championship in the 300-meter hurdles and two USATF Youth National Championships in the 400-meter hurdles. She continued her athletic career at Cal State Fullerton, competing in events including the 60-meter hurdles and 400-meter dash.

Best’s journey to WWE began at tryouts during SummerSlam weekend in August 2024, leading to her joining the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida as part of the company’s new recruitment class.

The newly-minted Summer Sorrell is engaged to fellow WWE performer, Kale Dixon.

WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair believes AEW star Mercedes Moné will eventually return to WWE and wrestle again as Sasha Banks.

Moné left WWE in 2022 due to creative differences with Vince McMahon. After a stint in NJPW, she signed with AEW, where she has remained undefeated since her debut in March 2024. She currently holds four championships and boasts a 15-0 record.

However, while speaking on Busted Open, Flair expressed doubts about AEW being the right long-term home for Moné. The Nature Boy argued that AEW lacks the world-class competition she’ll require to remain driven.

“Right now, I do think WWE is a better fit, yeah, because she doesn’t have that many good opponents over there in AEW.

Everybody’s good. To be in the business, you’ve got to be good, but to be great, that encompasses a whole different word. ‘Great’ and ‘good’—you know what I mean? And I truly believe she’ll end up over there back in WWE.”

Despite Flair’s prediction, Moné has downplayed any possibility of returning to WWE. She has previously stated that she is happy in AEW and does not envision a WWE comeback anytime soon.

Flair’s daughter, Charlotte Flair, recently made history by becoming the first woman to win the Royal Rumble twice and is now headed to WrestleMania 41. Given their legendary rivalry in WWE, Flair seems convinced that Moné and Charlotte will share the ring again.

For now, Moné remains focused on AEW, where she is scheduled to defend the TBS Championship against Harley Cameron this Saturday at Grand Slam Australia.

After years of estrangement, legendary WWE tag team Demolition appears to be mending fences with the company, potentially paving the way for their long-awaited Hall of Fame induction.

The iconic duo of Ax (Bill Eadie) and Smash (Barry Darsow), who dominated WWE’s tag team division in the late 1980s and early 1990s, held the Tag Team Championships for a combined 698 days across three reigns, including a remarkable 478-day stretch that stood as a record for nearly three decades.

The relationship between Demolition and WWE became complicated following legal disputes, including a 1997 lawsuit over the rights to the team’s name and gimmick, and their involvement in a 2016 class-action lawsuit regarding concussion-related injuries. However, recent developments under Triple H’s leadership suggest a significant improvement in relations.

Barry Darsow revealed that WWE extended an invitation to the team for last year’s WrestleMania and Hall of Fame ceremony, though prior commitments prevented their attendance.

Bill Eadie has expressed optimism about their future with WWE, noting that while past politics under Vince McMahon’s leadership may have blocked their Hall of Fame induction, the new regime offers fresh possibilities.

With their profiles now restored to WWE’s Alumni section and improved communication between both parties, Demolition’s long-overdue recognition may finally be on the horizon.

WWE Superstar Julius Creed has been named to Daniel Cormier’s coaching staff for The Ultimate Fighter 33, where Cormier will lead a team against fellow MMA veteran Chael Sonnen.

A former two-time NCAA All-American wrestler at Duke, Creed previously trained with Cormier ahead of his UFC 214 bout against Jon Jones.

Creed will now be part of a coaching team that includes Bob Cook, Rosendo Sanchez, Michael Chiesa, Tiago Beowulf, and John Wood.

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Ricky Starks made his debut in WWE NXT on the February 11, 2025, edition of the show.

He appeared in the crowd and announced his arrival with a statement emphasizing his status as a free agent and his intention to impact the future of NXT.

”It’s obvious you know who I am. If NXT is the future of professional wrestling, well guess what? You need an absolute superstar of the future.

If this is the hottest brand, well you need the hottest free agent right now, baby. Do not let the handsome face and the expensive fragrance fool you. I am here to turn this place upside down.”

This debut takes place just one day after he was released from his AEW contract following a lengthy dispute. He also just won the DEFY World Championship.

Toni Storm has never been one to hold back, and her latest interview with Renee Paquette for AEW Close-Up was no exception. With her highly anticipated AEW Women’s Championship match against Mariah May at Grand Slam: Australia this Saturday, Storm made her intentions brutally clear.

“I’m finally going to get my hands on that broad. I’m going to rip her tits off—it’s as simple as that,” Storm declared, leaving no doubt about the personal nature of their rivalry.

Storm and May’s history is deeply intertwined, with May once idolizing Storm before ultimately betraying her. The betrayal sent Storm into a spiral, forcing her to reevaluate everything—including her persona.

Now, as she reclaims her identity as “Timeless” Toni Storm, she’s ready to settle the score once and for all.

“No more trauma—we finally get to move on,” Storm added, suggesting that this showdown will be the definitive end of their bitter feud.

AEW Grand Slam: Australia promises to be a landmark event, and with Storm fighting in front of her home country’s fans, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether or not she can reclaim the title, one thing is certain—Mariah May is in for a fight.

AEW star Keith Lee has responded to recent speculation regarding his presence at AEW events. A report from PWInsider suggested that Lee was backstage at a recent episode of AEW Dynamite in Athens, Georgia, fueling rumors of his potential return. However, Lee took to social media to clarify the situation.

“For the record… this isn’t true,” Lee wrote. “I was at Collision in Houston. But I was at Dynamite in Austin briefly. I do live in Texas after all.”

Lee has been out of action since December 2023, after being pulled from his scheduled match against Swerve Strickland at AEW Worlds End due to lingering health issues.

WWE fans won’t have to wait long to see Jordynne Grace, a multi-time TNA Knockouts World Champion, make her presence felt in NXT.

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Grace is set to begin working with the NXT brand in the near future. She is currently in Orlando, the location of tonight’s WWE NXT broadcast on The CW.

Grace’s potential involvement in WWE’s developmental brand has generated significant buzz among fans, as she has built a strong reputation through her work in TNA. Her in-ring ability and accomplishments have made her one of the most recognizable names in women’s wrestling outside of WWE.

Her presence in Orlando suggests that her debut could happen sooner rather than later.

Jordynne Grace on Letting Her TNA Contract Expire: ‘It Was Time to Move Forward’

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Jacob Fatu’s WWE arrival has already sent shockwaves through the locker room, and if you ask Nia Jax, everyone should be on high alert.

In an interview with Muscle Man Malcolm on Muscle Memory during Royal Rumble weekend, Jax didn’t mince words when discussing her cousin’s impact on WWE.

“You should be scared of Jacob. I am,” she said, before calling him “one of the most talented human beings I’ve ever seen step into a ring.”

Fatu, a dominant force in MLW before signing with WWE, has been tearing through the competition since his debut. Jax shared a personal story about his journey, revealing that before making it to WWE, Fatu had to overcome significant personal struggles.

“When he was going through his troubles, he was watching the boys on TV and changing his life around,” Jax recalled. “Look at him now—he had the opportunity, and he took it upon himself to get better. Now he’s almost at the top.”

Her words only add to the mystique surrounding Jacob Fatu, whose intensity and in-ring ability have made him an instant threat in WWE. Given his history of dominance and the backing of the legendary Anoa’i family, it seems only a matter of time before he re-claims championship gold.

Joe Hendry’s surprise appearance in the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble was one of the most talked-about moments of the night. But for the TNA World Champion, the biggest takeaway wasn’t just the massive crowd reaction—it was the fact that WWE and TNA even made it possible in the first place.

Speaking with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, Hendry reflected on how rare a moment like this is in pro wrestling.

“TNA and WWE did not have to do this. Any of them could have said no at any point,” Hendry said. “I’m just very grateful because I think both parties knew they were really giving me a special moment there.”

Hendry noted that while he hasn’t yet had a full debrief with TNA management, those he has spoken to have been thrilled with the exposure. On WWE’s side, the most important feedback came directly from the fans.

“Ultimately, when we go out there, our job is to get reactions,” Hendry said. “I was welcomed with open arms backstage. I got great advice from some of the biggest names in the business and had a very warm reception. It was a really special moment in my life.”

The significance of Hendry walking into a WWE ring with the TNA World Championship wasn’t lost on him either. He compared it to AJ Styles’ legendary WWE debut in 2016, calling it “a ridiculous notion” to think he’d one day follow in those footsteps.

With TNA and WWE’s working relationship continuing to evolve, Hendry’s Royal Rumble moment may be just the beginning.

Catch Joe Hendry’s full thoughts on the Rumble and more in his interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri:

Joe Hendry has set his sights on the biggest match of his career, and John Cena has thrown down the gauntlet. Following his surprise appearance in the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble, the TNA World Champion told CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri that Cena has left it up to him to generate the momentum needed to make their match a reality.

“John laid down the challenge and said it’s on me to make it happen, and I accept that challenge,” Hendry said.

“If I can generate enough buzz where the right people want that match to happen, he’ll be there for it. So, it’s very much on me.”

For Hendry, this isn’t just another dream match—it’s personal. He recalled how Cena was the first wrestler he ever spoke to when he was just 15 years old. Now, two decades later, he’s doing everything he can to turn that moment into a full-circle showdown.

Viral Popularity

Hendry is no stranger to viral marketing and grassroots fan engagement. He has already hinted at “publicity stunts” and has even considered putting up a billboard outside WWE events to keep the hype alive.

“I don’t think I’ve done anything too crazy yet,” Hendry admitted. “But the publicity stunts may get more interesting as it goes on. I might overstep the line, but I’m willing to take that risk because I think it’s the right thing to do.”

If the match happens, it could be one of Cena’s final bouts before retirement. Hendry’s next challenge isn’t just in the ring—it’s making the world believe in him enough to get Cena to say yes.

Watch the full interview with Joe Hendry on CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri: