WWE is set to return to Perth, Australia, in 2025 for a series of events following the success of the 2024 Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event held at Optus Stadium.
According to The West Australian, TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE and UFC, has signed a deal with the Western Australian Government to host five events over the next 18 months.
This includes a weekend of WWE programming at RAC Arena, featuring Friday Night SmackDown, a Premium Live Event, and Monday Night Raw.
WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth (2024)
This agreement highlights Perth’s growing reputation as a hub for major international events. The 2024 Elimination Chamber was a significant success, drawing global attention and boosting the local economy.
The upcoming events are expected to further enhance Western Australia’s profile as a destination for large-scale entertainment and sports.
WWE has revealed a schedule of upcoming RAW and SmackDown events set to take place across the United States from April through June. Fans in multiple cities will have the opportunity to experience live WWE action, with RAW and SmackDown stopping at various arenas nationwide.
Monday, April 28 – RAW – T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO
Monday, May 12 – RAW – KFC Yum Center, Louisville, KY
Friday, May 16 – SmackDown – First Horizon Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
Monday, May 19 – RAW – Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, SC
Friday, May 23 – SmackDown – EnMarket Arena, Savannah, GA
Friday, May 30 – SmackDown – Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, TN
Monday, June 2 – RAW – BOK Center, Tulsa, OK
Friday, June 13 – SmackDown – Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
Monday, June 16 – RAW – Resch Center, Green Bay, WI
Friday, June 20 – SmackDown – Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
Monday, June 23 – RAW – Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Monday, June 30 – RAW – PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
With major stops in cities like Kansas City, Pittsburgh, and Lexington, WWE is gearing up for an exciting few months of action-packed shows. RAW will continue to air live on Monday nights, while SmackDown takes over Fridays, giving fans plenty of opportunities to witness their favorite WWE Superstars in person.
For years, WWE fans knew Roman Reigns as “The Big Dog,” a powerhouse babyface who headlined WrestleMania multiple times and dominated the ring with his signature Superman Punch and Spear. But in a recent interview with IGN to promote the release of WWE 2K25, Reigns made it clear: that version of him is gone for good.
“There is no Big Dog. He’s dead now… It didn’t happen.”
The remark came during a lighthearted segment where Reigns and his on-screen advisor, Paul Heyman, reviewed internet memes about himself. When presented with a meme contrasting his “Big Dog” era with his current “Tribal Chief” persona, Reigns dismissed it entirely, emphasizing that only one version of him matters now.
It’s a telling statement, considering Reigns’ massive transformation since returning to WWE in 2020. Under the guidance of Heyman, he rebranded himself as “The Tribal Chief,” a ruthless and calculating champion who has held the WWE Universal Championship for over 1,200 days. His reinvention turned him from a divisive figure into one of WWE’s most compelling characters.
This wasn’t the only time Reigns made headlines during his IGN appearance. While reviewing another meme about the NFL, he didn’t hesitate to take a shot at two major wrestling cities:
“Cleveland sucks. Pittsburgh sucks. Niner Gang.”
Given WWE’s deep ties to those cities—Pittsburgh is home to Kurt Angle, while Cleveland produced The Miz—his comment is sure to spark debate among wrestling and football fans alike.
Reigns also reacted to AI-generated memes, acknowledging the rise of artificial intelligence in online culture. Looking at an altered image of himself, he quipped:
“The advancements in AI… we were talking about that last night. This ain’t real. This is a five. An AI five.”
From erasing his past to dismissing entire cities, Reigns continues to embrace his role as WWE’s most dominant figure. One thing is clear—The Big Dog is gone, and The Tribal Chief isn’t letting anyone forget it.
Wrestling brothers Dustin and Cody Rhodes recently shared heartfelt tributes to their late father, The American Dream Dusty Rhodes, celebrating his lasting influence on their lives and careers.
Dustin, a 37-year veteran of the industry, took to social media on February 26, expressing how much he wished their father could be there to witness their success. “I know he’s there with us, but I mean here,” he wrote, emphasizing how proud Dusty would be of his family.
Cody, WWE’s reigning main event star, responded with a vivid recollection of Dusty’s daily habits—his love for a Wheatley Vodka hoodie, an RWA baseball cap, and his passion for film and classic wrestling storytelling. He humorously described how Dusty would quote Anthony Hopkins to young talent and recommend must-watch movies before they could consider themselves true wrestlers.
Picture it everyday love
Wheatley vodka hoodie he got for free, RWA baseball cap, approaching talent telling them Anthony Hopkins quotes and telling them what movies they need to watch before they can call themselves a wrestler, asking for his own golf cart at the big shows
Dusty Rhodes, a WWE Hall of Famer, was not only a legendary performer but also an influential booker, trainer, and broadcaster. His legacy continues to shape professional wrestling, with his sons carrying on his impact in their own ways.
Dusty Rhodes’ contributions to WWE extended far beyond his legendary in-ring career, with his work as a trainer and mentor at WWE’s developmental system, NXT, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Known as “Dusty’s Kids,” the roster of talent he helped shape includes some of the biggest names in wrestling today, such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Kevin Owens, and Sasha Banks.
Photo: WWE
Dusty was instrumental in helping these young performers find their voices, hone their characters, and develop their promo skills—a craft he himself had mastered. His unique ability to inspire confidence and creativity in his students has been widely celebrated, with many crediting him for their success. The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament, introduced in NXT after his passing, serves as a lasting tribute to his mentorship and influence.
This legacy has even been woven into WWE’s storytelling. During the feud between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes leading up to WrestleMania 39 and 40, Paul Heyman emphasized Dusty’s role in mentoring Reigns, referring to him as “the son Dusty always wanted.”
This narrative added emotional depth to the rivalry, highlighting Dusty’s dual impact on both his biological sons and the broader wrestling world. Cody’s journey to fulfill “The American Dream” by capturing the WWE Championship—a title Dusty never held—has been deeply tied to his father’s legacy.
WWE’s incorporation of Dusty’s influence into this storyline not only honors his memory but also underscores the profound way he shaped the careers of those around him.
Tonight, WWE SmackDown goes live from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at 8 PM ET on the USA Network. With WWE Elimination Chamber just one day away, here’s what’s happening:
WWE United States Championship Match: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. LA Knight
Nakamura has been playing mind games since winning the title from Knight at Survivor Series: WarGames. After weeks of attacks and taunts, Knight is determined to reclaim his gold.
Chelsea Green vs. Mystery Opponent
In her home country of Canada, our Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green faces an unknown challenger hand-picked by General Manager Nick Aldis. Green is eager to shine in front of her hometown fans, but will her mystery opponent spoil the moment?
Cody Rhodes Appearance
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is set to address the crowd just one day before his confrontation with The Rock at Elimination Chamber. Last week, The Rock challenged Rhodes to abandon his principles and become the “corporate champion.” Will Rhodes provide any hints about his decision tonight?
Trish Stratus Returns to Toronto
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus will appear in front of her hometown crowd. Ahead of her tag team match at Elimination Chamber alongside Tiffany Stratton against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae, Stratus is expected to deliver a message. Could this segment escalate into a physical altercation?25
What Else to Expect
The final build for Elimination Chamber matches, including potential appearances from Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest, who are set to compete in the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match tomorrow night.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest WWE news all weekend as we head towards Elimination Chamber 2025.
Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins recently met up with Naoto Inoki, the grandson of Japanese wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer, Antonio Inoki.
Lynch, a seven-time women’s world champion, has been on a hiatus since May 2024. Her departure followed a series of intense matches, culminating in a title loss to Liv Morgan at the King and Queen of the Ring event.
Subsequent reports indicated that her WWE contract expired on June 1, 2024, rendering her a free agent. Despite this, in January 2025, Fightful confirmed that Lynch had signed a new contract with WWE, though her return date remains TBD.
Naoto Inoki, following in his grandfather’s illustrious footsteps, has been making strides in the wrestling world as he looks to embark on his own career.
Lex Luger has reflected on one of his most memorable moments in wrestling.
The retired wrestling star recently had an interview with Chris Van Vliet. He talked about things such as working on his recovery with DDP, being responsible for the death of Ms. Elizabeth, potential Hall of Fame induction, and more.
During the interview, the former WCW World Champion also discussed potentially his most famous moment in wrestling – the time when he body slammed Yokozuna. Lex Luger revealed that he was actually really nervous before the spot and it was Yoko who calmed him down:
“We’re supposed to be trash-talking, but I’m telling Yoko we can’t do it. I was panicking. I got no footing. Yoko actually was a cool as ice Samoan. We call him the dancing bear. He was so agile for a guy at 600 pounds. He looks at me and goes ‘No problem, brother. Just get a wide stance, I’ll do the rest.’”
Widely considered Lex’s star-making moment in wrestling, the spot happened in 1993 after the departure of Hulk Hogan. WWE was looking to replace Hulk with Lex and they tried to recreate the famous Hogan slamming Andre The Giant moment from WrestleMania III.
The whole thing took place aboard USS Intrepid where the nearly 600-pound Yokozuna challenged people to body slam him. After a number of WWF wrestlers as well as athletes from NBA and NFL failed to do so, The All American arrived on the deck by helicopter and finally did the impossible.
The Total Package revealed that they had done a walkthrough before but not practiced the actual spot. At the time of the actual performance however, Yokozuna took care of things:
“We did a walk through, but I’ve never slammed him. They didn’t want me in the walk through to hurt Yoko. I go hurt Yoko? What about me? I’m going to get double hernia trying to slam the guy. But we did it live first time in that ring, so I was really nervous. With no footing. Yoko just pushed himself around me.
I had to help turn him and that ain’t easy, so I played a part. I go, Yoko basically slammed himself. He was that agile. He flipped himself off of me by getting a wide stance. Unbelievable athlete. One of the best big men ever. He doesn’t get credit for one of the best.”
Apart from this, Lex Luger also talked about other memorable moments from his wrestling career including becoming the co-winner of the 1994 Royal Rumble with Bret Hart and much more.
Malakai Black’s return to WWE isn’t a question of if, but when, according to some fans, especially after a post by the Dutch wrestler on Instagram. On his Instagram Stories, Black shared a fan-created video, highlighting some of his best matches and moments from his tenure as a WWE Superstar.
Black’s post is the latest that fans have seen from the Dutch wrestler that has seemingly hinted at an impending WWE return. Ahead of the 2025 Royal Rumble PLE, Black shared footage of himself watching a previous Royal Rumble, leading fans to speculate on an appearance at this year’s event. On social media, many have predicted a Black return to WWE sooner than later, both before, and after this post on Instagram.
Would love to see Malakai/Aleister Black return to WWE now his AEW contract has expired however as I’ve always said as long as he’s happy then that’s most important. Under Triple H I think just in NXT he’d be an absolute star. #WWE#WWERawpic.twitter.com/QbY1NVX73l
#WWE should bring Malakai Black back and make him the leader of Judgement day. Have Balor start a faction of him, Karrion Kross & JD Mcdonagh to take on JD. Kross needs more TV time and could work either in JD or a faction to oppose them.
Black parted ways with AEW earlier this year, alongside Miro and Ricky Saints, the latter of whom has since joined WWE NXT. With Black’s wife Zelina Vega a part of WWE, a return would allow the couple to spend more time together. Black fared much better in WWE under Triple H’s leadership in NXT, and with the Game now running all of WWE’s creative, a return certainly seems plausible.
Tyrese Haliburton would’ve loved the chance to compete in the Men’s Royal Rumble match, but it wasn’t meant to be thanks to Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque. Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, the Indiana Pacers star shared that he had hoped to be in the 30-Man contest with a World Title opportunity at WrestleMania 41 on the line.
“Me and Triple H talked about it. He was like, ‘A lot of people are asking if you’re going to be in the Rumble. I just laughed in their face.’ ‘What the f**k?’”
Haliburton speculated that Triple H was “a little scared” about letting him get physical, especialy in the middle of the NBA season. The NBA star referenced Jalen Brunson’s appearance in 2024 with a broken hand, to which “Triple H kind of had a heart attack.” While Haliburton didn’t compete this year, the Rumble did see celebrity involvement from IShowSpeed, who had a brief, painful, and viral interaction with Bron Breakker.
Though Haliburton didn’t appear in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble, his WWE standing can’t be denied. The Indiana Pacer has already appeared for WWE NXT and WWE SmackDown, meaning fans can’t count out a future role at a WWE PLE. With plans already in place for the 2026 Royal Rumble, a show IShowSpeed is already preparing for, perhaps Haliburton will get his spot in the iconic match stipulation next year.
Jey Uso knows he has a lot to prove at WrestleMania 41.
The Bloodline member received mixed reactions online after winning the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match. Many people questioned the decision to put him ahead of other participants of the bout like CM Punk, John Cena and Drew McIntyre.
Uso acknowledged his doubters during a recent interview with CBS Sports. He noted that a lot of fans don’t believe him to be the right choice for the world title picture heading into Mania and Jey is determined to prove them wrong:
“This is do or die for me, I feel like I am doubted a lot. A lot of people are doubting me right now, Uce. I’m not supposed to be in this position. I know that. They know that. But I’m going to shut them all up.”
One of the big arguments against Jey Uso’s opportunity against World Champion Gunther is the lack of memorable singles performances. The Yeet Man got a chance to prove himself last year when he squared off against brother Jimmy Uso at WrestleMania 40 in what many considered a dream match.
The bout, however, ended up being a disappointment after time was cut from the match. After the debacle of his last Mania performance, Jey is definitely feeling the pressure to redeem himself:
“I always thought we put on great matches. If you look at it, we had great matches with The Wyatt Family, The Shield, The New Day. Now, I feel like I’ve had a couple of good matches but not ones that stick in people’s minds. This is redemption time on the big stage. The pressure is on.”
Though it’s not all bad for Jey Uso. Despite the online negativity, he continues to garner strong reactions from the crowd in arenas. Per the former IC Champion, people are rooting for him because they know where he comes from and he has grown in front of them.
WWE United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura has confirmed the passing of a Japanese wrestling legend.
The current WWE star took to X late on Thursday. He paid tribute to wrestling veteran Osamu Nishimura on his passing, saying that Nishimura was like an older brother to him:
“Rest in peace, Osamu Nishimura. You were as kind as an older brother and taught me so many things?”
Rest in peace, Osamu Nishimura. You were as kind as an older brother and taught me so many things🍷 pic.twitter.com/jgCC9yQls1
Nishimura began his wrestling training in 1990 while still in high school when he joined New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo. He made his official debut after a year’s training, losing to Takayuki Iizuka in his first match. He then went on a foreign excursion to US.
The wrestling veteran would continue traveling between Japan and other countries throughout his career, primarily wrestling for different promotions in the US. He wrestled for many NWA territories in the 90s and also unsuccessfully challenged Shane Douglas for the ECW World Title.
In Japan, he had long runs with both NJPW and AJPW, even wrestling Ric Flair in a high-profile match that he lost back in 1996.
The late star was diagnosed with stage-four esophageal cancer in March 2024. Despite the struggles, he kept his spirits high and even teamed with Dory Funk, Jr. for the latter’s retirement match in August 2024.
As WWE fans gear up for Elimination Chamber 2025 from Toronto this Saturday, WWE Shop has unveiled two exclusive collectibles: a Replica Briefcase and a Replica Championship Title Belt. These limited-edition items are available now and will ship no later than Friday, March 14, 2025.
This collectible briefcase is designed in the style of WWE’s Money in the Bank briefcase, featuring double-sided printed graphics for an authentic look. It also includes a combination lock and key, making it a functional and stylish addition to any fan’s collection.
For fans looking to showcase their love for WWE, this full-size replica title belt is a must-have. Crafted with zinc alloy front and side plates and a polyurethane strap measuring 50.39″ x 11.02″, the belt fits waist sizes up to 46 inches. The detailed design captures the grandeur of WWE’s championship gold.
Both items are available now, so fans eager to own a piece of Elimination Chamber 2025 history should act fast before they sell out.
Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon’s nomination for Secretary of Education has moved to a final Senate confirmation vote following a 12-11 party-line approval from the Senate HELP Committee. McMahon, who previously led the Small Business Administration (2017-2019), was selected by President Trump to head the Department of Education.
During her confirmation hearings, McMahon addressed Trump’s criticism of the department, acknowledging that its abolishment would require congressional approval. She outlined her vision to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucracy while committing to maintain funding for crucial programs including Title I for low-income schools, Pell Grants for college students, and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
McMahon also pledged to enforce Trump’s executive orders on transgender athletes in school sports, antisemitism policies, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in educational institutions.
Republican senators have praised McMahon’s business experience and leadership qualities. Senator Bill Cassidy, HELP Committee chairman, noted her “extensive experience in managing large organizations will be invaluable in streamlining the Department of Education and improving outcomes
Randy Orton is reportedly set to make his WWE return as early as next month, according to PWInsider’s sources within WWE’s creative team. The current plan calls for Orton to be back in action in time for the company’s European tour, which takes place in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania 41.
Orton, a 14-time world champion and one of WWE’s most decorated superstars, has been absent from in-ring competition for an extended period due to injury.
While details regarding his storyline direction remain unclear, Orton’s return will likely play a significant role in WWE’s Road to WrestleMania 41. Given his history with top stars and his established legacy, fans can expect him to be a key figure in the upcoming months.
WWE’s European tour is set to take place ahead of the biggest event of the year, and Orton’s involvement could add further excitement to the international shows. With anticipation building for WrestleMania 41, his return could set up major rivalries heading into the marquee event.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for more updates on Randy Orton’s official return date and potential feuds as WWE finalizes its plans.
In anticipation of their upcoming tag team match at WWE Elimination Chamber, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Hall of Famer Trish Stratus have incorporated partner yoga into their training.
The alliance between Stratton and Stratus has generated significant buzz among fans, with hopes that the duo will continue their collaboration into WrestleMania 41.
This tag match at Elimination Chamber marks a significant return for Stratus, who last competed at the Royal Rumble on February 1, where she eliminated LeRae before being ousted by Jax.
Don’t miss WWE Elimination Chamber, streaming live from Toronto’s Rogers Centre on March 1 at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT on Peacock in the United States and Netflix internationally.
Stephanie McMahon is stepping into the podcasting world with her own official WWE series, set to debut this spring. The news was first reported by Wrestlevotes, sparking excitement among wrestling fans eager to hear insights from one of the most influential figures in WWE history.
As the daughter of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and a former executive herself, Stephanie has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s success. From her on-screen authority figure persona to her behind-the-scenes contributions in business development, talent relations, and brand strategy, she has been a key figure in WWE for decades.
While details about the podcast’s format and content aren’t yet known, fans can expect in-depth discussions on WWE’s history, behind-the-scenes stories, and personal experiences from Stephanie’s career.
Given her extensive knowledge and firsthand involvement in some of WWE’s biggest moments, the series would undoubtedly provide a unique perspective into the professional wrestling industry.
This move comes as WWE continues expanding its digital content offerings, following the success of previous company-backed podcasts featuring WWE legends and current superstars. With Stephanie McMahon at the helm, her upcoming podcast could become a must-listen for wrestling fans worldwide.
WWE is making WrestleMania 41 Week festivities in Las Vegas even bigger with the addition of a live WWE NXT television broadcast on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. This event will follow the already-scheduled NXT Stand & Deliver, slated for April 19 at the T-Mobile Arena.
While the exact venue for the April 22 broadcast has not been officially confirmed, there is speculation that it may take place at the UFC Apex, a venue previously utilized by NXT for events like Battleground 2024.
Traditionally, WrestleMania week encompasses a series of WWE events, including SmackDown, the Hall of Fame ceremony, NXT Stand & Deliver, the two-night WrestleMania spectacle, and concludes with Monday Night Raw. The addition of the Tuesday night NXT broadcast not only extends the lineup but also underscores WWE’s commitment to delivering continuous entertainment to its global audience.
Thursday, April 17, 2025: WWE World Fan Experience begins at the Las Vegas Convention Center (runs through April 21).
Friday, April 18, 2025: WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony (expected to air after SmackDown).
Friday, April 18, 2025: Friday Night SmackDown at T-Mobile Arena.
Saturday, April 19, 2025: NXT Stand & Deliver at T-Mobile Arena (afternoon event).
Saturday, April 19, 2025: WrestleMania 41 Night One at Allegiant Stadium.
Sunday, April 20, 2025: WrestleMania 41 Night Two at Allegiant Stadium.
Monday, April 21, 2025: Monday Night RAW at T-Mobile Arena.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025: Potential NXT TV taping at the UFC Apex (subject to final approval).
In related developments, discussions are underway regarding the scheduling of the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. Historically held post-SmackDown on the Friday before WrestleMania, there are considerations to move the ceremony to Thursday night to allow for a more dedicated timeslot, ensuring the event receives the prominence it deserves without the constraints of a packed Friday schedule.
As WrestleMania 41 approaches, anticipation continues to build, with fans eager to partake in the expanded array of events and experiences that WWE has meticulously planned for this monumental week in Las Vegas.
There are a lot of people who had the best match of their career against Bret Hart and Sean Waltman is one of them.
The WWE Hall of Famer recently appeared on the No Contest Wrestling podcast. He talked about things such as DX invading WCW, the effect of the Curtain Call on the wrestling world, and more.
They also talked about Waltman’s famous 1994 match with Bret Hart. Waltman who was very new to the business still, challenged Hart for the WWF World Heavyweight Title. While he did not win the match, Sean gave an incredible performance and many believe the bout to be his star-making moment.
Sean Waltman, known as The 1-2-3 Kid at the time noted how Bret Hart worked the match as a heel despite being a babyface at the time to make sure the fans got behind him:
“Bret was so giving in that match man. I mean he didn’t turn heel, but like he was the heel in that fucking match. He was on me. He made sure that people were behind me. That was like, you know, I mean he’s the top babyface in the company so it’s like – thank you.”
The former WWE star discussed how despite being a veteran by that point, Bret Hart took all the offense Sean Waltman threw at him. Per the former DX member, it was the greatest match he ever had:
“He let me do all my shit man. He put it in the proper place but yeah, he let me do everything I wanted to do. Some of that shit I never even used to…like I jack-knifed him and yeah. That’s the greatest match I’ve ever had. For sure. There’s like seven minutes missing from the actual match itself. They chopped it up a little bit to fit it into, to fit it into that segment.”
Sean Waltman had recently revealed that he was also diagnosed with diverticulitis in 2024 and noted that Kenny Omega helped him through the disease. You can check out his comment on the matter here.
With WWE Elimination Chamber 2025 just days away, preparations are in full swing at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, where the event is set to take place on March 1. Excitement is building, and now a first glimpse at the production setup has emerged.
We’ve obtained an image of the construction process, showing the iconic Elimination Chamber structure being assembled. The photo also captures early entrance tests, with Drew McIntyre among those seen rehearsing:
Over 30,000 WWE fans will be in attendance this Saturday night for WWE’s final premium live event before WrestleMania.
The double main event features Men’s and Women’s Elimination Chamber matches to determine Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley’s challengers at WrestleMania 41.
Additionally, WWE has confirmed that rapper Travis Scott will make an appearance during the Premium Live Event, adding a high-profile celebrity presence to an already highly anticipated night.
The wrestling veteran recently had an interview with Chris Van Vliet. He talked about things such as the passing of miss Elizabeth, his relationship with Eric Bischoff, making his debut on the very first WCW Nitro and more.
During the interview, Luger went into depth describing his health issues and revealed the moment he finally asked for DDP’s help. The former World Champion discussed being present for Sting’s retirement match at Revolution 2024 in Greensboro, North Carolina:
“I saw DDP back at Sting’s retirement match that we both were able to go to, which was awesome. I just said, ‘Hey, D. You think we could do maybe a little bit of work on getting a little more movement? I’m pretty much in this chair full time, I’m having trouble just doing everyday stuff and brushing my teeth and to shower, my quality of life’s dropped quite a bit, my energy levels, everything.’”
Lex Luger discussed how he had actually regained a lot of mobility following his original 2008 spinal cord injury after spending 2 years in a rehab center. After he fell down a few times, the doctors convinced him to start using mobility devices to avoid further damage. This change however, led to him losing his confidence and he became dependent for even the most basic day to day tasks.
Revealing how DDP reacted to his request, the former WCW star said that he was more than willing to help and their friendship has only grown strong since then:
“You know DDP, all you got to do is tell him that he goes, ‘Brother, I’ve been waiting for you to come to me on this.’ So we went to work, and we made amazing progress that we were going to reveal to everybody for his incredible partner, Steve and him are documenting, kind of filming it and the progress, and it’s going to be pretty cool. I’m real excited and thankful for what he’s doing with me. Our friendship was always there, but our friendship is growing. So he’s a special guy.”
Lex Luger seems to be making great progress in his recovery with DDP. A recent video showed that the wrestling veteran is able to stand up on his own and move his body a lot freely than he did before. During the talk, Luger noted that he is able to do the basic tasks like brushing his teeth or getting into the bathroom by himself once again as well.
Fans in England and Italy will have their chance to see Roman Reigns live as part of the European road to WrestleMania 41. On February 27, WWE confirmed that the OTC will be live at SmackDown from Bologna, Italy on Friday, March 21. Reigns will also be live at the following week’s edition of SmackDown from London, England.
WWE’s Road to WrestleMania 41 will travel through Europe with several tapings planned across the continent. The full tour is as follows:
March 14
WWE SmackDown
Barcelona, Spain
March 15
Live Event
Dortmund, Germany
March 16
Live Event
Hannover, Germany
March 17
WWE Raw
Brussels, Belgium
March 21
WWE SmackDown
Bologna, Italy
March 22
Live Event
Belfast, N. Ireland
March 23
Live Event
Nottingham, England
March 24
WWE Raw
Glasgow, Scotland
March 28
WWE SmackDown
London, England
March 29
Live Event
Vienna, Austria
March 30
Live Event
Amsterdam, Netherlands
March 31
WWE Raw
London, England
Reigns’ role at WrestleMania 41 remains unclear, though there have been rumors of a triple-threat showdown with CM Punk and Seth Rollins. However, with Punk and Rollins both being Monday Night Raw talents, it remains to be seen how Reigns’ SmackDown fits into plans.
Whatever the case, fans in Europe will have their chance to acknowledge Reigns live and in person in March 2025.
BREAKING: #OTC@WWERomanReigns will be LIVE on #SmackDown from Bologna, Italy, on Friday, March 21 and London, England on Friday, March 28! ☝️
Booker T was one of the first six Superstars to compete inside the Elimination Chamber, a match that the Hall of Famer was not looking forward to. Speaking on WWE’s YouTube channel, Booker recalled his reaction to seeing the Chamber for the first time.
“I was sitting there with Hunter. I’m looking at the structure, and the first thing I say is, somebody’s gonna get f***** up tonight, really bad… I was looking at the structure and I was frightened. I was scared.”
Booker was “timid” throughout the match’s debut at Survivor Series 2002, as he was afraid to fall on the steel grating surrounding the ring. Booker was wisely wary that the Chamber could prove to be just as dangerous as the five other Superstars in the match.
“If you hit an elbow, it’s split open. You drop a knee on it [the steel floor.] you’re going to be busted open. You’re going to be cut up.”
Despite the combined decades of in-ring experience between Booker and his opponents, Kane, Rob Van Dam, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, and Triple H, nothing could prepare the six for the first Elimination Chamber. In Booker’s words “We’re all pretty much flying by the seat of our pants on this thing.”
Booker’s days in the Elimination Chamber are long behind him, but his protege Roxanne Perez will take her first steps inside the structure at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025 from Toronto this Saturday, March 1.
Bianca Belair and Naomi are ready to get their hands on ‘Dirty’ Dominik Mysterio after losing the Women’s Tag Team Championships on the February 24, edition of WWE Raw. In the show’s main event, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez kicked-off their record-breaking third reign with the titles by defeating Naomi and Belair, thanks in part to Dominik’s interference.
Now, Belair and Naomi have payback in mind. When a fan shared their hope that the former champions will teach ‘Dirty Dom’ a painful lesson, Belair made clear she wants a match with Mysterio.
Naomi is also ready to face Dominik Mysterio. Not only does she want to throw down with the Judgment Day member, but is eager to give him a painful makeover.
It remains to be seen if either the Glow or the EST will face Mysterio, but such matches will be possible in WWE 2K25. The upcoming game will mark the return of intergender matches as a playable feature, in a sharp turn from WWE’s usual stance on male vs. female contests. With over 300 playable characters, WWE 2K25 will be the literally biggest wrestling game ever, giving fans plenty of opportunities for intergender matches and more.
Belair and Naomi will be a part of the Women’s Elimination Chamber match on March 1, a match that will also feature Morgan. While the Chamber should in theory keep Dominik at bay, Belair and Naomi know to not count out cheating from Liv and her ‘Daddy Dom.’
Drew McIntyre had a nasty reply ready for CM Punk during their infamous promo battle referencing Vince McMahon last year.
The name of the former Chairman has essentially been banned from WWE programming after ex-employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against McMahon accusing him of sexual trafficking among other things.
This didn’t stop CM Punk from referencing his former boss during a promo battle with McIntyre on the March 25, 2024 episode of Raw. Punk startled his rival by asking him about being ‘The Chosen One,’ a nickname given to Drew by Vince during his first WWE run.
On the March 25, 2024, edition of RAW, CM Punk asked Drew McIntyre who gave him the nickname "The Chosen One."
During a recent interview with Inside The Ropes, Drew McIntyre revealed that he wanted to respond to CM Punk by saying the man [Vince McMahon] "that fired you on your… pic.twitter.com/1CdvbEWZpV
The Scottish Warrior opened up about what was going through his mind at the time during a new interview with Inside the Ropes. He revealed that he had an equally bold response that he refrained from saying out loud:
“What’s going through my mind is: ‘The same person that fired you on your wedding day.’ But I’m a professional.”
CM Punk infamously got the papers of his WWE firing after his 2014 walkout on the day of his wedding with AJ Lee. In an interview with Steve Austin, Vince McMahon later claimed that the whole thing was an accident and apologized to Punk.
Drew McIntyre claimed that the whole promo battle was off the cuff with two guys who genuinely disliked each other going at it. Still, he refrained from the retort for the benefit of the company:
“It was a choice for me to make. Do I go back and then we see where we end up? Or do I bite my tongue and say OK, this round belongs to you. I’ll be a professional. I’ll do it for the company as well as the de facto babyface, even though I’m really the real babyface of the situation. So I let him have it. For the company, not for him.”
Drew McIntyre will be competing in the Elimination Chamber match this Saturday. This comes only days after the former champion had to get his knee drained. You can check out what McIntyre said about his knee before the PPV here.
WWE will be making a change to their Saudi schedule this year to accommodate bringing Royal Rumble to the Kingdom next year.
The company has held two PPV events on Saudi soil since the beginning of its 10-year deal with the country in 2018, with the exception of the COVID years in 2020 and 2021.
During the 2024 TKO fourth quarter earnings call this week, however, CFO Andrew Schleimer revealed that the company will only hold one event in the Middle East this year, and make up for it in 2026:
“Our guidance for 2025 includes one PLE in Saudi Arabia, compared to two PLEs in 2024. This results in an unfavorable impact to our 2025 plan of approximately $55 million of total company revenue. We expect to host three PLEs in Saudi Arabia in 2026, including Royal Rumble,”
WWE has already announced the 2026 Royal Rumble event from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of Riyadh Season. So far, the company has not confirmed the date for the 2025 Saudi event.
TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE is expanding its partnership with the Saudi government in other ways as well. Their other major promotion UFC held their second big Saudi event in UFC Fight Night 250 earlier this month.
Apart from this, the company is also nearing an agreement to start a brand-new combat sports league with the help of the country’s Public Investment Fund. You can check out more details on the matter here.
