There has perhaps never been a better time to be a woman in the world of professional wrestling, according to WWE SmackDown Superstar Naomi. 

The treatment of women in WWE has made leaps and bounds over the past ten years after decades of female talent being seen as an afterthought at best or titillation for male fans at worst. Nowadays, the women of WWE can be found headlining Premium Live Events and being part of complex storylines that revolve around more than a man or a title. 

• Rhea Ripley Retains in Homecoming Elimination Chamber Main Event

Naomi On Today’s Era for Women

A 15-year veteran of the industry, Naomi has certainly seen the wrestling world change its stance on women dramatically. Speaking to Fault Magazine, Naomi discussed how the industry has changed. 

“I think now is the best the business has ever been for a female wrestler thanks to women over the decades continuously breaking down barriers. I’ve seen a lot of growth and change in the industry since I started my career in 2009 with the way women are represented and treated in the business!

“Slowly but showly women wrestlers have and are continuing to prove that we are draws, deserve the tv time and wages equal to the men. 

Naomi has been a part of that change in the wrestling industry. In 2022, Naomi and Mercedes Mone walked out of WWE, unhappy about the creative plans for the then-Women’s Tag Team Champions. The plan had been for both to enter (and likely lose) singles title feuds, a storyline that wouldn’t have been made for the men’s tag champions at the time. 

Upon joining TNA Wrestling in 2023, Naomi (who went by Trinity) would be featured as one of the company’s top stars, a position that until recent years was rarely held by a woman. Now back in WWE, Naomi remains focused on showing what women can do in the ring and demonstrating why success in the industry should not be defined by sex. 

Bill Goldberg feels that fans have quickly forgotten just how much of a beast he was in WCW, perhaps thanks in part to his run in the ring in recent years. 

During his WCW tenure, Goldberg flattened opponent after opponent to rack up a (contested) undefeated streak of 173-0. It was only thanks to Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and a stun cane that this streak was eventually ended at WCW Starrcade 1998. The Hall of Famer would rack up a similar (albeit shorter) winning streak upon joining WWE in March 2023 before being bested by Triple H (again with help) at that year’s SummerSlam. 

• Kevin Nash Explains WCW’s Motivations Behind Ending Goldberg’s Streak

Goldberg On Today’s Morons

Despite his impressive career, Goldberg’s legacy has taken a battering of its own in recent years, thanks in part to his booking during his most recent WWE run. Racking up losses to Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, and Drew McIntyre, as well as an error-laden showdown with The Undertaker, would lead to a consensus among many fans that Goldberg was a ‘has been’ who was no longer able to go in the ring.

 Speaking on the Von Erich podcast, Goldberg hit out at this consensus and argued that many today wouldn’t hang with him in his prime. 

“People forgot about me and the fact that I’d go out there and absolutely smashed people and then leave. Now, the audacity to think that any of these morons could stand two seconds with me? It’s funny that people’s identities get wiped away quite quickly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XorCt9arfzc

Goldberg On Bret Hart

Part of Goldberg’s legacy in wrestling is tied to Bret Hart as it was a kick from Goldberg that resulted in the concussion that would ultimately end Hart’s career. While Goldberg has apologized for years, Hart has never shied away from mocking Goldberg and his skills. In the interview, Bill made reference to the Hitman. 

“I’m not even gonna mention his name, the moron I kicked in the head, but unfortunately, things like that happen. It’s a rough business. As long as there’s not malicious intent, I mean, hey bro, you’re in the wrong business if you b***h and moan about getting slapped or getting punched errantly.”

Ultimately, Goldberg will continue to share how he feels about the wrestling world and his past with Bret Hart. While Goldberg has said he hopes to have one final match before he hangs up his boots for good, it was said in April 2024 that such a retirement match isn’t in the works anymore.  

Much more has come to light regarding Jordynne Grace who made a shocking appearance on the May 28, episode of WWE NXT. 

The reigning TNA Knockouts World Champion was revealed as the opponent for WWE NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez at the upcoming NXT Battleground show. This marked Grace’s second appearance for WWE after being part of this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble match. Grace will compete at next week’s WWE NXT against Stevie Turner. 

• Jordynne Grace Vs. Roxanne Perez For NXT Women’s Title At Battleground

Keeping Jordynne Grace A Surprise

WWE did all they could to keep the arrival of Jordynne Grace a surprise, PW Insider reports. In the rehearsals for the show, Lita’s theme was played to throw any potential leakers off the scent that the TNA Knockout would appear, Similarly, in the run-down for the show, the segment was listed as having Alexa Bliss confront Perez instead of Grace. 

What’s To Come? 

The belief in WWE is that some NXT involvement will take place at the upcoming TNA Against All Odds event in Chicago, IL. Grace is set to defend her title in an open challenge at the event and naturally, some believe that a WWE NXT Superstar will answer the call. There is also speculation that there could be a crossover for TNA Slammiversary in Montreal this July. The hope within TNA is that the association with NXT will see a lift in ticket sales for upcoming events. 

As for Grace, her contract with TNA will expire in the first quarter of 2025. The reigning TNA Knockouts World Champion has not given any indication as to what she has planned. This week’s TNA iMPACT had to be adjusted late in the editing process to include a recap of Grace at WWE NXT.

NXT Superstar Brooks Jensen may have shared his contact information for non-WWE bookings, but don’t expect to see him competing at your local independent show. 

Jensen shared a contact e-mail for promoters interested in working with him on his Twitter account this week as well as the message “You know how this goes.” Naturally, this led many to believe that Jensen had left WWE, either through his own volition or as a result of being released from NXT. 

• Brooks Jensen Tweets Out Booking Info To Signify WWE Departure

Latest On Brooks Jensen

Jensen may be teasing a departure from WWE but that hasn’t happened, Fightful Select reports. Sources in NXT were admittedly uncertain about his future with WWE NXT given his recent behavior. A creative source made clear that Brooks’ social media posts have been a storyline and that Brooks has been present at several tapings in recent weeks. 

Jensen, the son of WWE alum Bull Buchanan, sneaked into the crowd for a recent WWE NXT Level Up taping, which was shared on social media by fans. One WWE talent told Fightful they hope that Jensen’s attitude must be a storyline as he is one of the most hardworking wrestlers they had come across in the industry.

Brooks Jensen At WWE NXT Live

Despite his ‘exit’ from WWE NXT, Jensen appeared in the crowd at the May 31 NXT live event in Tampa, Florida. Jensen had a sign reading ‘Bret Would Book Better,’ a nod to The Hitman’s long-time rival Shawn Michaels being the Head of NXT. Jensen was confronted by security at the event and the matter escalated to the point that Jensen was removed from the venue. 

https://twitter.com/BrooksJensenWWE/status/1796687228388905329

What’s to Come? 

This is certainly an interesting way for WWE to build Brooks Jensen up. Fans can expect the story to become a part of NXT programming soon and has been compared to Grayson Waller’s previous storyline with Shawn Michaels. Given the success of the Aussie Icon in WWE since then (including a current reign as WWE Tag Team Champion) this angle may be exactly what Jensen needs to take his career to the next level. 

WWE could soon be hosting a Premium Live Event in Mexico if Hall of Famer and former World Champion Rey Mysterio gets his wish. 

In recent years, WWE has become much more open to the idea of hosting Premium Live Events outside of the United States. Speaking with Graham “GSM” Matthews for Bleacher Report, Mysterio addressed the idea of a PLE being held in Mexico. 

“I’m hoping that it happens in the next three years. I think my people deserve something as good as a PLE. I’m truly hoping. We have a huge stadium over there, Estadio Azteca, which I believe is being remodeled this year. I think the fans would go crazy.

“Mexico has always been an incredible crowd for wrestling and what better than to pay it off with WWE coming over there and giving them something as special as a PLE?”

Events Outside the U.S. 

WWE currently has four confirmed Premium Live Events that are scheduled to happen outside the U.S. Later this month, WWE will host Clash At The Castle: Scotland in Glasgow before WWE Money in the Bank comes to Toronto, Canada. In August WWE Bash In Berlin will mark the promotion’s first PLE in Germany while the next Saudi Arabia show will be the Crown Jewel show on November 2. 

As for whether a PLE comes to Mexico, that will be a decision WWE higher-ups will have to make. But with Mysterio’s time in the ring winding down and Mexico being a nation rich with wrestling history, it’s possible that the Hall of Famer will get his Mexico PLE before hanging up his boots and mask for good. 

New AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone received a special case of Tequila from George Clooney following her victory at AEW Double or Nothing 2024. 

In one of three advertised main events of the show, Mone captured the title from Willow Nightingale, a year on from their NJPW Resurgence encounter. This title win was also Mone’s first match since joining AEW at the Big Business: Dynamite in March 2024. Double or Nothing would go from bad to worse for Nightingale who was also betrayed by Kris Statlander following her title loss.

• Mercedes Mone: Coming Here To AEW Has Saved My Life

George Clooney’s Gift to Mone

On social media, Mone shared that she had received a case of Clooney’s Casamigos Tequila from the Ocean’s Eleven and Batman And Robin star. Mone explained that since she already had plenty of celebratory Tequila after her victory at Double or Nothing, she wanted ‘the boys’ to enjoy some of Clooney’s brand Tequila. This was good news for Orange Cassidy who was able to enjoy a drink with the new AEW TBS Champion. 

https://twitter.com/PuroresuFlow/status/1796342803980840975

What’s to Come? 

On the May 29, edition of AEW Dynamite, Mone made her first successful title defense when she retained against Skye Blue. The young wrestler had been revealed as the woman behind a recent attack on Mone that set up their title match. 

After that match, Mone was confronted by CMLL’s Stephanie Vaquer. In addition to appearing for CMLL, Vaquer is the reigning NJPW Strong Women’s Champion. It appears that a match between the two is being set up between the two at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door. 

WWE Tag Team Champion Grayson Waller isn’t interested in a UK-based WrestleMania and believes such a show would be “very depressing” for fans. 

The Aussie Icon was at WWE Money in the Bank 2023 when John Cena shared his intention to bring WWE’s flagship show to the UK. At London’s O2 Arena, Waller argued that WWE’s first international WrestleMania should be in his native Australia and ate an Attitude Adjustment for his troubles. 

Given what transpired in London, Waller has taken a staunch anti-UK stance when it comes to the possibility of an international WrestleMania. Speaking to the UK’s Daily Star newspaper, Waller shared why he thinks a UK-based WrestleMania is a bad idea. 

 “I just don’t think it’s something that I want to do, that most of the wrestlers want to do. I’ve been to London. it’s a depressing place, and I think WrestleMania in London would be a very depressing WrestleMania. We don’t want that. So, its Sadiq, right? [referring to London Mayor Sadiq Khan being in favor of WrestleMania.]  Well, I think you’re an idiot and WrestleMania in Australia is going to be much better!”

UK WrestleMania: Is It Possible? 

There are obvious logistics WWE will have to consider when deciding whether a WrestleMania in the UK will be viable. Perhaps the most obvious will be the timezone difference. If WrestleMania began at 8 pm local time, that would be a 4 pm ET start in the United States. 

Triple H has said that anything is possible when it comes to WrestleMania taking place in the UK. With that said, WWE President Nick Khan has reportedly said that WWE’s ‘Big Four’ events will remain in North America for the foreseeable future. WWE will return to the UK very soon for its upcoming WWE Clash At The Castle: Scotland event and a well-performing show could make WWE seriously consider WrestleMania in the UK. 

A lawsuit against WWE, John Laurinaitis, and Vince McMahon has been put on pause at the request of the United States Department of Justice. 

Janel Grant is suing the three parties over allegations she was sexually abused and trafficked during her time working for WWE. Grant had been a part of the company’s legal department and worked closely with McMahon during her time under his employ. 

• Vince McMahon’s Former Allies in WWE Have Given Up Defending Ex-CEO

Janel Grant Lawsuit Delayed

While Grant’s allegations were enough to see Vince McMahon step down from WWE and TKO in January, it will be longer than planned before the two sides face off in court. Grant has agreed to delay the lawsuit at the request of the U.S. Department of Justice. A statement from Grant’s legal representative Ann Callis reads: 

“Ms. Grant has consented to a request by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York to stay her case against Mr. McMahon, WWE and Mr. Laurinaitis, pursuant to a pending non-public investigation. We will cooperate with all appropriate next steps.”

Callis does not give the reason why the U.S. Department of Justice has made this request. In a sealed filing today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District Of New York presented material to the federal court of a probe they have opened into McMahon. The 78-year-old billionaire’s business operations will be under the microscope as part of this probe. 

• Vince McMahon Memorandum Claims He Was Janel Grant’s “Best Friend”

Team McMahon Responds

McMahon is being represented in proceedings by Kasowitz Benson Torres. Ironically, the firm recently settled a lawsuit against WWE that saw Major League Wrestling receive $20 million. A statement from Jessica Rosenberg, a partner of Kasowitz, Benson Torres, reads: 

“We remain confident the evidence will prove Ms. Grant’s allegations are false and her complaint is nothing more than a fabricated, vindictive narrative from a disgruntled former girlfriend.”

McMahon has denied all allegations against him and has claimed that Grant’s lawsuit is “rife” with fabrication and inaccuracies. Rosenberg has stated that Grant was in love with McMahon and that her “false allegations are slowly unraveling.”

WWE Superstar Sonya Deville knew something was wrong after suffering an ACL injury in the ring after a midnight trip to the bathroom went awry. 

The injury in question occurred during the July 28, 2023, edition of WWE SmackDown which saw Deville and Chelsea Green face Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair. Deville would undergo surgery in August and has not competed since. 

• Sonya Deville Marries Toni Cassano in WWE Guestlist Wedding

Sonya Deville On Her Injury

On the Insight podcast, Deville discussed her injury with host Chris Van Vliet. The former MMA fighter and WWE authority figure admitted that at first, she did not know how bad the injury would be but suspected things were bad as she wrestled the remainder of the match. 

“The whole time I’m like ‘Oh my God, I hope I don’t fall flat on my face.’ Sure enough, we made it to the end, I limped back and I got in my rental car, went to my hotel and tried to pretend it didn’t happen. Because in this business nobody wants to be injured and out of play. 

Fearing the worst, Deville did not want those at the show to see how bad the injury was. It was only after a trip to the bathroom didn’t go as planned that the seriousness of the situation became clear. 

“I told myself it’s fine, it’s a sprain, I’ll just wrap it. Long story short, [I] woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and I fell face-first into the wall. And I was like ‘Oh I think something’s wrong.'”

The injury ended Deville’s time as a WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, her first title reign in close to a decade with the company. Understandably, Deville was frustrated with how her first serious injury in wrestling changed all plans for her. 

“I was so devastated. I had been with the company for nine years and of course, part of being in the WWE is to one day grab that brass ring and get gold around your waist. And that’s what I had been striving for of course. So I finally got that first championship and I was so happy. I was so elated, I was ready to make those titles mean more than ever before and then the injury came.”

Deville recently returned to WWE programming in a backstage segment with Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark. It remains to be seen how Deville will factor into plans for the tag team which also have a guaranteed title opportunity at Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. 

The Nepal Women’s Wrestling will go down in the record books after hosting a wrestling match at the highest elevation in history. 

On Wednesday, May 29, the promotion hosted a match between Dani Mo and Yunika at the Kala Pathar in the Khumbu Rural Municipality of Solukhumbu, Nepal. The match itself was held at an altitude of 5,644 meters (18,517 feet) above sea level at the base camp of Kala Patthar in the Nepali Himalayas. The area is in close proximity to Mount Everest. 

Mo, from the United States, had been in Nepal for a week leading up to the match and has had a BBC team documenting her journey. While this match was her (literally) highest match, she has also worked for several high-profile promotions. From October 2021 to November 2022, she made a handful of appearances for AEW where she lost to Tay Melo, Thunder Rosa, Serena Deeb, and Athena. She has also competed for Ring of Honor and appeared in a six-woman tag-team squash match during an August 2022 edition of WWE Monday Night Raw. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOQe_u5WIUM

Yunika (aka Bhagawati Khadka) is a local of Nepal and is described by Tribune Live in Pittsburgh as “a beloved national celebrity in her country.” This match isn’t Yunika’s first time in the spotlight as she has previously appeared in the Nepalese version of ‘Dancing With The Stars.’ 

Wrestling fans and moviegoers alike have caught their first glimpse of Disney’s Moana 2 starring WWE’s very own Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. 

Moana 2 follows on from 2016’s Moana and sees Johnson return as the voice of Maui, a legendary demigod who works alongside Moana (Auli?i Cravalho) to recover a missing relic that she believes will save the people of her island. Much like its predecessor, Moana 2 takes inspiration from Polynesian myths. 

This week, a teaser trailer for Moana 2 was shared online. Maui appears in the closing moments of the trailer and shows off his shapeshifting abilities, transforming from a shark into a bird and eventually into his human guise. The demigod converses with Moana and teases eating her pet pig and the returning chicken HeiHei (Alan Tudyk.)

The Rock’s Very Different Project

Moana 2 isn’t the only big project in the works for Dwayne Johnson. The Final Boss of WWE is also currently working on The Smashing Machine which will tell the tale of MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Johnson will play Kerr in the film which will delve into his career as well as his personal struggles with substances. 

The Smashing Machine is certainly a change from the norm for Johnson, who typically sticks to family-friendly films (Moana, The Jungle Cruise) or high-end blockbusters like The Fast and the Furious franchise. Currently, there’s no confirmed date for when fans can expect The Smashing Machine in cinemas. 

The WWE Universe will get much more than just wrestling shows on Netflix once Monday Night Raw joins the streaming juggernaut in 2025. 

In January, it was announced that Raw will move to Netflix as part of a $5 billion deal with the streaming giant. Fans in the U.S. will have access to Monday Night Raw each week, while those outside of the States will receive Raw, SmackDown, WWE NXT, and Premium Live Events. Netflix will not cover monthly PLEs in areas where deals are already in place with other distributors, such as India. 

• News On WWE Monday Night Raw’s Netflix Deal

More WWE Shows On Netflix

Now, more WWE-licensed shows are set to join Netflix as part of this massive deal. Speaking at the JPMorgan Global Technology, Media, and Communications Conference, TKO COO Mark Shapiro shared plans for “a lot of ancillary shoulder programming” connected to the WWE. This will include both reality shows and documentaries. 

Reality shows, giving a behind-the-scenes look, are hardly a new venture for Netflix. The streaming giant already teams with Formula 1 racing to present Formula 1: Drive to Survive. The show gives fans an in-depth look at the sport as well as the lives of drivers of the race track. 

Now, wrestling fans can expect something similar when WWE moves to Netflix. WWE has its own litany of reality shows including past examples like Total Divas and Total Bellas and current projects including Miz and Mrs and Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez.

WWE has a long history of producing high-quality documentaries. In addition to self-produced docs, the promotion has teamed with A&E for the popular Biography series. Now fans can look forward to more productions from WWE with the high-quality production team at Netflix also involved. 

The end of MJF’s AEW World Championship reign could have been much different had injuries not derailed the promotion’s initial plans. 

MJF’s record-breaking reign came to an end at AEW Worlds End in December 2023 at the hands of Samoa Joe. The night went from bad to worse for the ‘Scumbag’ of AEW as after the match he was attacked by the Devil’s henchman, revealed to be Wardlow, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, and Roderick Stong. The Devil was revealed to be Adam Cole who due to his leg injury did not get physical on the night. 

• Adam Cole & More React to The Devil Reveal at AEW Worlds End

MJF and Adam Cole

There had been plans for Cole and MJF to wrestle each other in late 2023, Fightful Select reports, with the reveal of the Devil obviously planned to happen earlier than it did. Cole had even been considered for a possible title victory over MJF but that did not happen due to his injury. The two did face off in the main event of AEW All In inside Wembley Stadium in a match where MJF retained. 

A Future Match? 

At AEW Double or Nothing 2024, MJF returned to TV and confronted Cole with both men getting physical in their segment. While this led many to speculate that a match would be happening soon, Fightful reports that a match is far from a reality. Cole is “not near” an in-ring return and all those involved wanted a way to blow the feud and turn off in the meantime until that can happen.

The creative plans shared with those in AEW are said to be “out of left field” but they are confident things will work out very well. At Double or Nothing, MJF made clear he’s staying with AEW and has cemented his status with the company with a tattoo. 

AEW President Tony Khan has a lot of respect for WWE Superstar Becky Lynch but isn’t ready to discuss bringing her to the All-Elite promotion just yet. 

Lynch’s contract with WWE is set to expire within a matter of days and while talks are ongoing, a deal is not expected to be reached. On this week’s Raw, Lynch unsuccessfully challenged WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan in the show’s main event. Lynch was visibly emotional after the show as she waved to the fans, which some have taken as a sign that ‘The Man’ is leaving WWE.

Watch: Becky Lynch Waves Goodbye to WWE Fans After Raw

Tony Khan on Becky Lynch

With Lynch’s time with WWE coming to an end, many fans are naturally hopeful that she will join AEW and its blossoming women’s division. The All-Elite promotion is already home to notable ex-Superstars including ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm, Saraya, and Mercedes Mone. Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, Tony Khan was asked about possibly bringing WWE talent on board. 

“I don’t want to try to tamper and do those things. I try to keep it classy and I really have a reputation for honesty and I really want to be a fair businessman. The wrestling business is a really cutthroat business.”

When Lynch’s name was brought up, Khan again brought up tampering and isn’t going to discuss signing somebody who for now remains under a WWE contract. With that said, the AEW President agreed with Eisen’s co-host TJ that Lynch is a “great star.”

Becky Lynch’s Future

Lynch has been telling those in WWE that she does not plan on joining AEW imminently. The former Women’s Champion is expected to take a break from wrestling for the time being. Despite this, WWE sources are confident a new deal will be reached when the time is right. Whatever comes next, fans will remain intrigued to see what the highly popular WWE Superstar does next. 

Chris Jericho can’t say for sure whether Becky Lynch will soon be ‘All-Elite’ but is pleased that there’s a viable alternative for the departing WWE Superstar. 

Lynch’s contract with WWE is set to expire within a matter of days and while talks are ongoing, a deal is not expected to be reached. On this week’s Raw, Lynch unsuccessfully challenged WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan in the show’s main event. Lynch was visibly emotional after the show as she waved to the fans, which some have taken as a sign that ‘The Man’ is leaving WWE.

Watch: Becky Lynch Waves Goodbye to WWE Fans After Raw

Chris Jericho On Becky Lynch

Once she becomes a free agent, it’s virtually guaranteed that Lynch will receive offers with a deal likely from AEW. Speaking to TMZ Sports, Chris Jericho was asked about Lynch and was pleased that ‘The Man’ has an option. 

“Five years ago, Becky would have no other options. [I’m] not saying that she’s coming but there is an option and who knows what could happen? No one thought that Jericho would come to AEW. No one thought that Moxley would come or Bryan Danielson or Adam Cole or any of these guys that have come over. So it’s exciting for the fans. It’s exciting for the wrestlers, the talent, because now suddenly if there’s a bidding war that just benefits us. So I think it’s it’s very important.” 

Becky Lynch’s Future

Lynch has been telling those in WWE that she does not plan on joining AEW imminently. The former Women’s Champion is expected to take a break from wrestling for the time being. Despite this, WWE sources are confident a new deal will be reached when the time is right. Whatever comes next, fans will remain intrigued to see what the highly popular WWE Superstar does next. 

Adam Copeland’s Brood-themed entrance may not be the last fans see of the gothic faction when it comes to AEW programming. 

During AEW Double or Nothing 2024, Copeland retained the TNT Championship against Malakai Black. The match was contested in a barbed wire Steel Cage and had Black won, Copeland would have had to ‘bend the knee’ to the House of Black. 

Adam Copeland And The Brood

Copeland arrived at AEW Double or Nothing 2024 with an entrance reminiscent of The Brood from his Attitude Era days. Not only that but Gangrel, another Brood alum, aided Copeland in the match. The Vampire Warrior helped even the odds when it appeared that the House of Black was going to interfere on behalf of the group’s leader. 

• Watch Adam Copeland’s Brood Entrance At AEW Double Or Nothing

Fans may be seeing much more Brood-related antics in AEW going forward. Copeland now owns the rights and trademarks to the term, PW Insider reports. Other Brood alum include Christian Cage as well as Matt and Jeff Hardy. On the go-home Dynamite before AEW Double or Nothing 2024, Black fell victim to a ‘blood bath,’ another stape of the gothic faction. 

Adam Copeland Injured

Brood or no Brood, fans shouldn’t expect to see Adam Copeland in the ring for some time. The WWE Hall of Famer suffered a fractured tibia during the match with Black that will require surgery. It’s unclear what this will mean for his reign as AEW TNT Champion. In the past AEW has used interim champions for short-term injuries while champions out for longer have been stripped of the gold. 

Former NXT Superstar Amari Miller hopes to make her presence felt in TNA Wrestling following her exit from WWE. 

Miller shared in February 2024 that her time with WWE’s developmental brand had ended. Miller said at the time that she was grateful for the opportunities she had received and that she would be working as Cameron Clay moving forward. She had been with WWE since 2021. 

• Amari Miller No Longer With WWE, Calls Out Haters Who Wanted Her To Fail

Miller And TNA Wrestling

Although Miller’s time with WWE NXT is over, she isn’t planning on moving on from professional wrestling. Speaking with Julie Cutler for Title Match Network, Miller shared her aspirations to be a part of TNA. 

“I do want to go to IMPACT/TNA. That is just my heart. Honestly, I’m good to wrestle anywhere.”

Miller didn’t just share where she wants to go next but made clear that she hopes to face TNA alum Kylie Rae when the time is right. 

“Kylie Rae, Smiley Kylie. I met her at SHIMMER years ago, and I’ve always wanted to have a match with her but then, she got signed to AEW, and then broke her collarbone. So I haven’t been able to wrestle her. So that is definitely a person.”

There is some irony to Miller wanting to be a part of TNA now that her time with WWE NXT has concluded. On the May 18, edition of WWE NXT, Jordynne Grace was revealed as the next challenger for NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez. More crossover is expected between TNA Wrestling and WWE NXT moving forward. 

Jordynne Grace is set to compete for WWE NXT very soon but she may not be the only example of a wrestler working in another company. 

The reigning TNA Knockouts World Champion made an ‘impact’ during the May 28, episode of WWE NXT. Grace was revealed as the challenger for WWE NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez for the upcoming NXT Battleground event in June. Grace will also be in action on next week’s WWE NXT when she faces off against Stevie Turner. 

• Jordynne Grace Vs. Roxanne Perez For NXT Women’s Title At Battleground

More Crossover Matches?

With Grace set to compete for the WWE NXT Women’s Championship, more wrestlers are hoping to test their skills in the other promotion. On Twitter, WWE’s Cedric Alexander was curious if Grace’s arrival means he will soon have a chance to compete for the TNA X-Division Championship. 

So does this mean I can finally challenge for the #XDivision title @MustafaAli_X https://t.co/WnRUhg5HL5

— PRYME Alexander (@CedricAlexander) May 29, 2024

This tease caught the attention of TNA X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali who was open to the match and reflected on a previous encounter between the two. 

i had a shot at your cruiserweight title.

i should return the favor… https://t.co/zOyEU1Qm9X

— Mustafa Ali (@MustafaAli_X) May 29, 2024

‘Dashing’ Chris Bey of TNA tag team ABC was also open to competing in NXT as a TNA representative if WWE’s gold brand wants “one of the best tag teams in the world.”

#WWENXT yall need one of the best tag teams in the world or?? ??? pic.twitter.com/xolMlDDLv9

— Chris Bey (@DashingChrisBey) May 29, 2024

Former TNA World Champion Josh Alexander was also interested in facing some WWE NXT Superstars after Grace’s appearance. 

Just saying…

If this swings both ways the gatekeeper of TNA will be waiting.

? pic.twitter.com/jT60BpsTjC

— Josh Alexander (@Walking_Weapon) May 29, 2024

Alexander will seemingly get his wish as NXT stars are expected to make appearances for TNA Wrestling. Audiences will no doubt be excited to see more from NXT and TNA as both brands prepare to do much more together to deliver high-quality wrestling and entertainment.

Fans can expect to see much more of Ethan Page in WWE following his shocking debut on the May 28, edition of WWE NXT. 

Page appeared in the closing moments of the show to attack  Trick Williams. The reigning WWE NXT Champion had been accused of attacking Meta Four’s Noam Dar and Oro Mensah but Page made clear he was the one behind these attacks. WWE NXT went off the air with Page holding aloft the NXT Championship, making it clear he wants a shot at the gold. 

• Ethan Page Makes WWE NXT Debut Weeks After AEW Departure

Latest On Ethan Page

Page has signed a contract with WWE, PW Insider reports, after attending the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida last week. Page’s arrival at the PC was “under the cover of extreme darkness” and a contract between the two parties was signed within the past few days. 

Page had been with All Elite Wrestling and Ring of Honor until earlier this month. The details surrounding his exit remain unclear though he was removed from the company’s roster page ahead of his exit. At the time, it was said that his departure from AEW was a “formality” as it was clear he would be leaving. On WWE NXT, Vic Joseph made reference to Page’s ‘All-Elite past’ by asking “Wasn’t he in AE–” but was cut off before he could deliver the final letter. 

OH. MY. GOD. @OfficialEGO just took out @_trickwilliams ?#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/KcI1bRKc5J

— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2024

Page joined AEW in 2021 at that year’s Revolution pay-per-view and he joined Ring of Honor in late 2023. His final match under Tony Khan came at the February 10, 2024, taping of ROH TV where he defeated Anthony Henry. Now, Page will have an opportunity to prove himself as part of WWE and NXT. 

The Elite’s Jack Perry may have been cooked during AEW Double or Nothing 2024 but that likely won’t keep the ‘Scapegoat’ out of action for long. 

The spot in question took place during the show’s ‘Anarchy in the Arena’ main event match that saw The Elite defeat Team AEW (FTR, Bryan Danielson, and Darby Allin.) Amid the chaos, Allin used a flamethrower to burn Perry in one of the most violent spots of the show. 

• The Elite Victorious In Anarchy In The Arena At AEW Double or Nothing 

Update on Jack Perry

Perry was “100% OK” after the Anarchy in the Arena match despite the highly dangerous stunt, PW Insider reports. The former FTW Champion had done the same stunt in the past and AEW “jumped through every hoop” to make sure the stunt was done correctly and safely. 

To pull off the stunt, Perry needed to cover himself in a flammable gel that would quickly burn up before the flames had a chance to burn him. The spot where he ‘knocked himself out’ crashing the bus was to take Perry off camera so he could gel himself up for the fire stunt.

What’s to Come? 

Perry not only recovered from his burning but also got the win for his team by pinning Bryan Danielson. This is arguably the biggest win of Perry’s career and comes after a unique period of time ever since his suspension at AEW All In: London 2023. Fans can expect the Elite to be celebrating on tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite, though Perry may not be ready to get back in the ring with Darby Allin and his flamethrower anytime soon. 

Fans of WWE and TNA Wrestling can expect to see more collaboration going forward following what transpired on the May 28, edition of WWE NXT. 

On the show, NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez was determined to find out who her opponent will be for the upcoming NXT Battleground event in June. WWE NXT General Manager Ava shocked fans by revealing that Jordynne Grace will be challenging Perez at the show. The reigning TNA Knockouts World Champion previously made a surprise appearance during the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble match. 

• Jordynne Grace Vs. Roxanne Perez For NXT Women’s Title At Battleground

Grace’s role at WWE NXT Battleground won’t be the only example of the crossover between the gold brand and TNA Wrestling, PW Insider reports. The belief among sources is that there will be some sort of representation of WWE NXT at future TNA events and programming as well. It is unclear how much representation of NXT there but it could be anyone beyond Roxanne Perez. 

It is not known when NXT talent will appear for TNA but it could be at the upcoming tapings at Cicero Stadium. On June 14, TNA will host its Against All Odds pay-per-view and there will be a subsequent TV taping the next night. There are no other TNA events planned before this series of tapings. 

After decades of their ‘don’t play with others’ mentality, WWE’s embracing of the proverbial ‘Forbidden Door’ has been refreshing for fans. Audiences will no doubt be excited to see more from NXT and TNA as both brands prepare to do much more together to deliver high-quality wrestling and entertainment. 

Shelton Benjamin’s days as a WWE Superstar may not be over just yet as he’s more than open to a return to the company. 

The former Intercontinental and United States Champion was among those released in September 2023 as part of the first wave of talent cuts following the launch of TKO Group Holdings. Benjamin had returned to WWE in 2016 and became a 24/7 Champion and Raw Tag Team Champion during this run. 

• AEW Talent Hoping for Shelton Benjamin to Be Signed

Benjamin is, to many fans, near the top of the proverbial list of talent who have gone underutilized by the WWE machine. Speaking to the Daily Star, however, Benjamin said he’d gladly return to the promotion if they want him.

“I think I’d be a fool to not look at the opportunity. If they ask me to come back, I would definitely go back. I would be a fool not to.”

Benjamin is well aware that his career didn’t go as far as many hoped for him, but in the interview, he encouraged anyone with a chance to be in WWE to sign up. 

“I think of it as a marketing company. If you get a chance to go there, I say to anyone, ‘Go.’ Yes, it’s going to be frustrating at times. Leave your feelings at the door. WWE doesn’t care about your feelings, much like any other job.”

Benjamin is open to a comeback but made clear he’s not actively pursuing such an endeavor. The Gold Standard made his return to the ring post-release in March at an event for WWC in Puerto Rico and he has also wrestled in the UK. Time will tell if Shelton ever returns to WWE but he knows not to count anything out in his career. 

Jade Cargill didn’t see herself being in a tag team with Bianca Belair when she joined WWE but the ‘Storm’ isn’t mad that this is exactly what has happened. 

Cargill isn’t just in a tag team with Belair but the pair are the reigning WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. This reign marks Belair’s first tag title reign in WWE and Cargill’s first reign of any kind since joining WWE in September 2023. 

• Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair Win WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles At Backlash

Speaking to the Title Sports Network, Cargill spoke about teaming with the EST and how such a pairing wasn’t initially in her plans. 

“It wasn’t something that was in my cards or my deck. Came out the blue. But teaming with the EST, we’re unstoppable. Who’s going to beat us? Like, let’s really think about that right now. No one. So we knew it was coming. We knew that, you know, we had phenomenal. The Kabuki Warriors are great. You know, they held the belts down, but it’s our time.”

What’s to Come? 

While Cargill and Belair have impressed as a tag team, many fans are waiting to see the two feud. Even before Jade joined WWE, she and the EST had been compared to one another as both are athletic, successful black women. So far, WWE have yet to give a tease of a feud though many expect it’ll eventually come. 

In the meantime, Cargill and Belair will look to keep their title reign going for as long as possible. On last week’s Raw, Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark earned the right to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. It is unclear when this title match will take place. 

Matt Cardona is the latest name in wrestling to turn to stem cell therapy to help with his recovery from a torn pectoral injury. 

The self-professed Indy-God has been out of action since April 2024 with the injury in question that is expected to keep him away from in-ring action for months. Despite this, Cardona has been appointed the GM of GCW and used his power to make a dramatic change to the GCW World Championship picture. 

• Matt Cardona Strips Blake Christian of GCW World Title

This week, Cardona took to social media to share an update on his recovery. The former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion revealed that he was undergoing stem cell therapy to help heal his pec. As you can see and hear in the video below though, Cardona hardly enjoyed the treatment. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C7hAL3CONeU

Stem Cell Therapy in Pro Wrestling

Several notable names in wrestling have been aided with stem cell therapy. This list includes WWE Hall of Famers Rob Van Dam, Rey Mysterio, and Kevin Nash. This month, MVP shared that he was undergoing stem cell treatment in Mexico and made clear that he isn’t finished in the ring yet.

• MVP Hopes Stem Cell Therapy Will Extend His Wrestling Career

WWE Superstar Shotzi is also undergoing stem cell therapy which she believes will help her deal with back pain she has been working through for years. Shotzi is currently out with an ACL injury which she says has given her time to focus on her back issues. 

• More on Shotzi Undergoing Stem Cell Therapy to Undo Years Of Back Pain

In 2019, shortly before his return to the ring, Adam Copeland said he had been looking into stem cell therapy. At the time Copeland was optimistic that he COULD return to the ring within five years but as we all know, he returned far sooner than that 2024 prediction. 

More has come to light about the contract situation of Becky Lynch as the future of the former Women’s Champion in WWE remains unclear. 

Lynch’s contract with WWE is set to expire on June 1, and while the two sides are said to be negotiating, a new deal isn’t believed to have been reached. On this week’s Raw, Lynch lost in the main event to WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan. Lynch was visibly emotional after the match and bowed to the fans, leading some to speculate this was her final match in a WWE ring. 

• Becky Lynch Waves Goodbye to Fans After 5/27 WWE Raw

Becky Lynch’s Future

Lynch has not renewed her WWE contract at this time, PW Torch reports, but fans should not expect to see her in another promotion just yet. Contrary to what some have claimed, Lynch does not plan on joining AEW imminently and has made this clear to those in WWE. 

Multiple sources state that Lynch does indeed to take a hiatus. It is unclear whether this break will be to spend more time at home with her family or if it is out of frustration with her contract situation with WWE. Lynch became a mother to her daughter Roux in late 2020. 

A colleague of Lynch told PW Torch that the former Women’s Champion will return to WWE someday and is confident that a deal can be worked out. This belief is galvanized by the fact that Lynch’s husband Seth Rollins competes for WWE and her re-signing would keep the couple together on the road. With all that said, Lynch is of the view that her body and mind could use a break right now.