Archive for the ‘WWE’ Category

Tiffany Stratton Teases Stunning WrestleMania 41 Attire

As WWE Women’s Champion, Tiffany Stratton will have a crucial role at WrestleMania 41, with a showdown with Charlotte Flair expected. Speaking to Grind City Media, Stratton shared plans to dress to impress this April in Las Vegas.

“Having WrestleMania in Vegas, I think it would only be fitting if I did a showgirl theme. I feel like that could be really cool—feathers and stuff like that.”

Stratton encouraged fans to “stay tuned” for more on her WrestleMania attire as she wants to make her debut at WWE’s biggest event one to remember. The reigning Women’s Champion also shared how her attire for the Showcase of the Immortals will fit in with her established look.

I’m trying to find a goodtheme and consistency throughout all my years, so I try to go with like the girly girl—pink, blues, yellows, like bright colors.”

Stratton will be on tonight’s SmackDown where she’ll come face to face with Charlotte Flair, the winner of the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match. While Flair’s ornate robes often make her stand out, Stratton is ready to go toe-to-toe with Charlotte, both in the ring and in the fashion world.

Tiffany Stratton Spills on Nia Jax, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ludwig Kaiser Love

Did Kevin Owens Just Reveal His New WWE Contract?

Former WWE Winged Eagle Champion Kevin Owens may have just revealed his future in the company in a unique way—through a Girl Scout cookie fundraiser.

In a tweet posted on Friday, Owens encouraged fans to support his daughter’s Girl Scout troop by purchasing cookies. Owens’ daughter Élodie, a Junior Girl Scout, sells cookies to fund troop activities and community projects while learning communication, money management, and build confidence.

In return, he jokingly promised to continue wrestling for “at least 4 years, 11 months, and 22 days more.” The oddly specific timeframe sounds like Owens is hinting he’s signed a new five-year contract with WWE running through February 2030.

Owens, a former Universal Champion and one of WWE’s most reliable performers, has been with the company since 2014. His current contract was reportedly set to expire in 2024, making a renewal at this time plausible. While WWE has not officially announced an extension, Owens’ tweet strongly suggests that he’ll be staying with the company for the foreseeable future.

If true, this would be a major commitment from both sides, keeping Owens as a key figure in WWE’s plans for the next half-decade. Whether he continues his main-event run or helps elevate the next generation, fans can seemingly count on five more years of “The Prizefighter” in WWE.

Lyra Valkyria on Her Royal Rumble Wardrobe Malfunction: “I’ve Never Been So Happy to Be Hit in the Face”

Lyra Valkyria had a standout moment at the WWE Royal Rumble, but not for the reason she expected. During the match, the first-ever WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion faced an unexpected wardrobe malfunction, leading to a split-second moment of panic. Thankfully, Liv Morgan was there to lend a helping hand—literally.

Speaking on the Battleground Podcast, Lyra addressed the viral incident with humor and composure.

“Of course, it would be in the Royal Rumble—my biggest show ever. Why not? My top just had to fall off,” she joked. “I’ve never been so happy to be hit in the face.”

Here’s a look at the champion’s gear in question:

“It was completely out of my control, so I just handled it the best way I could,” she said. “You can’t let stuff like that throw you off. At the end of the day, I got to run that ramp as the Women’s Intercontinental Champion—pretty cool moment.”

Morgan’s quick thinking helped defuse the situation, knocking Lyra down just long enough for her to adjust her gear. Despite the hiccup, Lyra remained focused, making the most of her first Rumble appearance as champion.

With WrestleMania season in full swing, Lyra has bigger things to focus on, including a crucial Elimination Chamber qualifying match against Bayley this coming Monday on WWE Raw. But if one thing is clear, it’s that she’s proven she can handle any challenge—wardrobe malfunctions included.

Lyra Valkyria’s Full Circle Showdown: From Bayley Fan to Opponent

Penta Recalls Emotional First Meeting With Rey Mysterio

Penta has revealed an emotional incident that made his first meeting with Rey Mysterio even more special.

The Master of 619 has been one of the top Luchadors competing in the wrestling world for over three decades. With his unprecedented success and popularity, there is no luchador of the new generation who hasn’t grown up watching the WWE Hall of Famer and considers the former World Champion his idol.

The newest WWE signee is no different, and for him, Rey has been a hero since his childhood. During his recent Interview with Chris Van Vliet, Penta talked about his admiration for the legendary wrestler. He recalled an incident from before he entered the wrestling world himself where he and his younger brother Rey Fenix attended a meet & greet event in hopes of meeting Mysterio in person:

“I don’t remember what year, but Rey Mysterio would go to Mexico for a meet and greet. But brother it is five blocks long for the line to see Rey Mysterio in Mexico City. Me and my brother are in the line for two hours, three hours, when somebody say, hey, Rey Mysterio is going to leave. Me and my brother running behind the car.

I want a picture with that, with him, but never. My brother is crying in this moment because my brother is six years younger than me. So after that, my brother is crying, ‘Hey, I want to see Rey.’ I say ‘Maybe one day, no worry.’ Because I’m older, no worry.”

It Was Magic For Me: Penta

The dream of meeting Mysterio in person would finally come true for the brothers year later when the WWE veteran came to a PWG show where both Penta and Fenix were competing:

“But my first time with Rey Mysterio was, I remember in PWG, in LA, Battle of Los Angeles, the tournament. Konnan came with Rey Mysterio to the show. I remember that I was in the locker room I see Rey. I go Rey! He speaks Spanish too. This is my first time, it was amazing and magic for me. I never forget that.”

The former AEW star also discussed the comparison to Mysterio after his Raw debut. He repeated his previous remarks saying that Rey is his role model but he wants to be remembered as the first Penta because their style is very different.

Penta’s WWE Hit List: John Cena, CM Punk & Cody Rhodes

Now that Penta El Zero Miedo has arrived in WWE, the question on every fan’s mind is: Who’s next?

In an interview with Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Penta revealed a stacked list of dream opponents—including some of WWE’s biggest names. While he’s ready to take on anyone, two matches stand out as personal goals: a showdown with John Cena and a rematch with CM Punk.

“I had one match with CM Punk. He won. I need revenge,” Penta declared. “The rematch with him, with Cody [Rhodes] too. But for me, a special dream match is Penta versus John Cena or Penta versus Finn Balor.”

The luchador also named Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu, and Bron Breakker as potential opponents, proving he has his sights set on WWE’s top stars. But beyond individual matchups, Penta has one goal above all else: championship gold.

“No matter who is in the ring, no matter what he won—I want to win everything in WWE,” he said.

With Cero Miedo as his battle cry, Penta is ready to take on the best WWE has to offer. Now, it’s just a matter of who steps up first.

https://podcast.chrisvanvliet.com/penta-on-his-wwe-debut-rey-mysterio-dream-opponents-cero-miedo

Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes Match is in the Works

Drew McIntyre has been making headlines following the WWE Royal Rumble, and WWE reportedly has significant plans for him, including a match with Cody Rhodes.

According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that there is currently a plan to set up a Rhodes vs. McIntyre feud. However, it remains unclear when the rivalry will take place or whether it will be for the Undisputed WWE Championship. This feud was originally scheduled for 2023, but plans changed after Rhodes did not win the WWE Title at WrestleMania 39.

For now, McIntyre is set to move to SmackDown and will enter a feud with Damian Priest. Additionally, reports indicated that McIntyre expressed frustration backstage at the Royal Rumble over a wrestler prioritizing their moves over the match’s overall storytelling. His elimination was initially planned to happen earlier, but due to timing issues, adjustments had to be made.

The original plan was for McIntyre to be eliminated before Logan Paul entered the match, following a face-off with Priest. He was also supposed to tease eliminating Jey Uso before Priest ultimately eliminated him, setting up their WrestleMania feud. However, these plans were disrupted by the timing issues. Reports suggest that the wrestler McIntyre was frustrated with was LA Knight.

Cero Miedo: How Penta’s Catchphrase Became a Wrestling Phenomenon

Penta El Zero Miedo’s signature catchphrase, “Cero Miedo” (Zero Fear), has become one of the most recognizable phrases in professional wrestling. But according to Penta, its origins are rooted not in wrestling, but in Mexican music.

In his recent interview with Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Penta shared that the phrase comes from corridos, a popular Mexican music genre known for its storytelling. Specifically, he credits the band Los Buitres De Culiacan Sinaloa, whose songs frequently use the phrase “Cero miedo, mi compa”—which translates to “No fear, my friend.”

“The truth is, I love the Corridos,” Penta explained. “In my first interview in Triple A in Mexico, I needed to do a promo, and I was like, how do I finish it? Cero Miedo! Just like that. It was my reaction. And after that, everyone started saying it to me.”

Since then, Cero Miedo has become more than just a wrestling taunt—it’s a mindset. Fans around the world throw up Penta’s signature hand gesture and chant it in unison, while others have told him that the phrase has helped them overcome personal struggles.

“To be honest, Cero Miedo isn’t just a lucha thing anymore—it’s a lifestyle,” Penta said. “People have told me, ‘Penta, thanks for Cero Miedo. I conquered cancer.’ That’s when I realized the responsibility on my shoulders.”

With Penta now in WWE, Cero Miedo is poised to reach an even wider audience. And as the luchador himself puts it,

“I need to improve every day—my body, my mind, my soul—because I know I inspire a lot of people.”

Kurt Angle Defends Hulk Hogan: “He’s An Incredible Human Being!”

The WWE Raw Netflix premiere on January 6, 2025, was a historic night for the company, marking the beginning of its partnership with the streaming giant. However, one of the biggest talking points from the event was the unexpected reaction Hulk Hogan received from the Los Angeles crowd. When the WWE Hall of Famer made his appearance, he was met with a chorus of boos, a stark contrast to the hero’s welcome he typically received in decades past.

Wrestling legend Kurt Angle weighed in on the incident during an interview with legendary wrestling journalist Bill Apter for WrestleBinge. Angle, a former Olympic gold medalist and WWE Champion, acknowledged Hogan’s legacy while addressing the crowd’s reaction.

Kurt Angle’s Perspective

Angle didn’t seem surprised by the reaction but made it clear that Hogan’s status in the industry remains undisputed. He stated:

“Let the fans do what they want to do. I mean, Hulk Hogan is a legend. You can’t take that away from him. He’s probably the most popular pro wrestler of all time. He’s an incredible human being, but sometimes politics gets in the way. That’s what happened.”

Angle’s comments suggest that Hogan’s reception may have been influenced by factors outside of wrestling, possibly referring to past controversies that continue to affect the way fans perceive him.

Wrestlers React to Hogan Getting Booed

Kurt Angle isn’t the only one who has spoken about the incident. Several prominent wrestlers have shared their thoughts on why the Los Angeles crowd reacted the way they did.

Seth Rollins’ Response

Seth Rollins didn’t hold back when discussing the reaction to Hogan’s appearance. He expressed satisfaction with the crowd’s response, stating that people ultimately get the reaction they deserve when facing a live audience. While he acknowledged Hogan’s contributions to wrestling, Rollins emphasized that past actions have consequences and that Hogan has yet to fully take responsibility for some of the controversies surrounding him.

The Undertaker Reacts

Former The Undertaker joked about the backlash against Hogan, stating “things come back” and implying that karmic justice may be at play.

Kevin Nash’s Perspective

Kevin Nash, a long-time friend of Hogan, was surprised by the intensity of the boos. He noted that Hogan’s approach to the event may not have resonated with the Los Angeles audience. Nash also pointed out that Hogan’s physical condition made the appearance more challenging, as he has been dealing with severe back pain in recent years.

Rob Van Dam’s Analysis

Rob Van Dam took a different approach, questioning why the reaction became such a major talking point. He suggested that the situation gained traction because it seemed unplanned and went against WWE’s expectations. Van Dam also noted that Hogan has experienced multiple cycles of popularity and controversy throughout his career, indicating that this is just another phase in his storied legacy.

Final Thoughts

Hulk Hogan’s appearance at the WWE Raw Netflix premiere was meant to be a celebratory moment, but the reaction from the crowd highlighted the complicated relationship he has with today’s wrestling audience.

While legends like Kurt Angle continue to respect his legacy, the strong reaction from fans and the varied responses from fellow wrestlers indicate that Hogan remains a polarizing figure in the industry.

More from Kurt Angle about the Hulkster:

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes Shares Recovery Update

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has shared an update on his condition after sustaining multiple injuries in his brutal ladder match against Kevin Owens at Royal Rumble 2025.

Rhodes emerged victorious on February 1, securing both the WWE Championship and the Winged Eagle belt. However, WWE later confirmed that The American Nightmare suffered several injuries during the high-risk contest.

With speculation surrounding his health ahead of WrestleMania 41, Rhodes reassured fans via Instagram that he spent two days recovering in bed but is now feeling well and prepared to appear on SmackDown in Memphis on February 7.

cody update

“2 days in bed essentially, but feeling good and ready for Memphis! Also, since I got through it in one piece, I got to keep the best promise…” Rhodes wrote, sharing photos of himself with his wife Brandi and their daughter Liberty, who was dressed as Spider-Woman.

As WrestleMania 41 approaches, Rhodes is set to defend his championship against either Royal Rumble winner Jey Uso or the victor of the upcoming Elimination Chamber match, depending on Uso’s decision.

Asuka Still Facing “Troubling” Advances Despite Plea to Fans

On January 29, 2025, Asuka took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to ask fans not to have romantic feelings for her, describling it as “meaningless” and “100% pointless.” The former Women’s Champion also shared that police had been contacted to deal with ‘advances’ from fans that had left her feeling in danger.

Unfortunately, Asuka’s request has fallen on deaf ears. In an update on X, Asuka shared that there are people who are still making advances and asked them to stop immediately.

Asuka’s update spawned plenty of responses, many of whom sympathized with the Japanese Superstar. When one shared their hope that the people advancing on her leave Asuka alone, the WWE star called the matter “troubling.”

WWE and TKO have stepped in to protect Asuka, the Superstar recently stated, and her situation has renewed talks about the nature of the fanbase’s relationship with talent. In 2024, many WWE Superstars spoke up against fans pressuring them for several autographs in a public setting, with Asuka being among those who were hounded.

Asuka has been out of action since May 2024 though recent reports have suggested that her return to action could be coming sooner than later. While Asuka is an internationally recognized star, she, like anyone else, has a right to privacy. One can only hope that those with advances against the Damage CTRL member eventually stop given the now-multiple requests from Asuka.

Asuka’s Home Targeted by Package Thieves During WWE Injury

WWE Stars Frustrated with Def Rebel’s Entrance Music

WWE theme songs by Def Rebel often get a bad wrap among fans, many of whom believe they are generic or unrecgonizable. Now, it’s not just fans who feel this way, as many Superstars are wanting a change.

According to Fightful Select, multiple wrestlers have voiced concerns over their current themes, with some even attempting to revert to their previous entrance music. Talent reportedly has little to no creative input when working with Def Rebel, and there’s no direct collaboration on the final product.

While some superstars have managed to keep or regain their original themes, others haven’t been as fortunate. Incoming wrestlers prefer using their own established music rather than adopting a Def Rebel-produced theme. Jordynne Grace for example is using the theme fans already know her for now that she’s part of WWE.

Sheamus: I’m Tired Of Asking For WWE To Bring Back My Theme Song

The issue of Def Rebel themes has once again come up given the 2025 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. The show saw a total of 60 entrants across the two Rumble matches, but many fans didn’t know who was coming out when their generic theme song hit.

Def Rebel is the latest group to work with WWE and follows on from the likes of CFO$ and the much-acclaimed Jim Johnston. Given that a great entrance theme can do big things for a wrestler’s career, fans and talent remain hopeful that WWE’s time partnering with Def Rebel will oversee major changes, if not come to an end very soon.

Tiffany Stratton Spills on Nia Jax, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ludwig Kaiser Love

In just one year, Tiffany Stratton has gone from a fresh face on WWE’s main roster to the reigning WWE Women’s Champion on SmackDown. In an interview with DS from Ring the Belle, the WWE Women’s Champion weighed in on her feud with Nia Jax, the internet comparing her to pop star Sabrina Carpenter, and the LGBTQ+ community’s fascination with Ludwig Kaiser.

Stratton on Nia Jax: ‘She Should Have Seen It Coming’

Stratton’s title victory came at the expense of Nia Jax, her former ally, who Stratton cashed in Money in the Bank on in January 2025. In the interview, Stratton was surprised that Jax had been surprised that her goal was to become WWE Women’s Champion.

“She basically handpicked me to be her bestie… She should have seen it coming.”

The Sabrina Carpenter Comparison: ‘She Better Sing My Entrance Music’

With her blond bombshell locks, many have compared Stratton to singer Sabrina Carpenter. When a meme placing Stratton alongside Carpenter and J-Lo on a tiered rank of ‘divas’ went viral, Stratton saw the funny side of things.

“That was hilarious. She better sing my entrance music or something!”

Ludwig Kaiser: WWE’s Next Heartthrob?

Stratton is in a relationship with Ludwig Kaiser, who has become something of a hearthrob among fans of all genders. Speaking about her man, the WWE Women’s Champion was hardly surprised by the affection fans have shown the German.

“He’s a beautiful man! Have you seen his abs?”

Kaiser has been gaining momentum on WWE Raw while Stratton is set to firmly establish herself as the top woman of SmackDown. With a massive WrestleMania match reported for Stratton, fans can expect for the WWE Women’s Champion to remain one of WWE’s most talked-about stars.


Seth Rollins On Hulk Hogan Boos: People Get What They Deserve

Hulk Hogan, one of wrestling’s most iconic figures, was met with a chorus of boos from the live crowd when WWE Raw premiered on Netflix in January 2025. Despite Hogan’s best efforts to win over fans, even bringing up Randy Savage and Andre the Giant, the crowd inside Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome made their views loud and clear on the Hulkster.

Seth Rollins was also part of that night’s event, as he faced CM Punk in the long-awaited one-on-one showdown between the two. Speaking on Good Morning Football, Rollins argued that Hogan got exactly what he deserved.

“I am all for people getting what they deserve. That’s how I feel about Hulk Hogan getting booed. If you are getting booed by the masses, there is a reason for it.”

Rollins admitted that Hogan was the person who got him into wrestling and acknowledged that the two-time Hall of Famer is one of wrestling’s most significant stars, if not the most significant. Despite this, Rollins believes that Hogan has failed to suitably address the source of the backlash against him.

“There’s some responsibility that he needs to own up to that he hasn’t yet. Maybe when he finally figures that out, might be able to move forward with our fans.”

Hogan was fired from WWE in 2015 for racist remarks coming to light, but brought back three years later. At the time, it was reported that the Hulkster had a meeting with talent to address what had happened. Sources at the time said that Hogan’s main takeaway from the scandal was that talent should be careful about what they say, as they may be recorded.

The Undertaker Laughs At Hulk Hogan Getting Booed: “Things Come Back”

Hogan has yet to appear for WWE since his disastrous Raw appearance, which he has blamed on politics and his past in the NWO. For now, it seems Hulk Hogan’s presence in wrestling will continue to elicit mixed emotions—if not outright boos—from the WWE Universe.

Tiffany Stratton Backs ‘Strapley,’ Wants Rhea Ripley In Pink

Strapley, the fan-created ship of Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley, has proven popular with audiences. During a recent interview with Ring The Belle, Stratton endorsed the term for herself and ‘Mami’ created by fans.

“The internet did [come up with the term.] Someone said ‘Strapley,’ and I was like, that’s kind of cool!”

Stratton doesn’t just love the name, but is ready to team with Ripley again, if the Australian enters the world of glam. “I would love that… Pink goth!” she said, suggesting Ripley embrace her signature pink aesthetic.

Stratton and Rhea Ripley teamed on the October 7, 2024, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw, defeating Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez via DQ. With WWE having a history of leaving into fan-driven pairings, and the current creative team being especially receptive to audiences, fans shouldn’t count out seeing more of Strapley on TV.

Tiffany Stratton Hits Back At Mandy Rose’s Accusations: ‘A Little Sad’

Tiffany Stratton is in the camp that it’s “Tiffy Time” and no longer “Mandy Rose’s Minute.”

On a recent episode of WWE SmackDown, Stratton used the term “put some respect on my name,” something former NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose happened to use while she was on the rise for the black and gold brand. After Rose caught wind of Stratton’s similar slogan, Rose took exception on her podcast, even calling Stratton a “b*tch.” However, Stratton had her retort while speaking with ‘Ring The Belle’ who expected such a conversation to be had.

“Honestly, I think it’s a little sad that she felt the need to go on her podcast and say something like that, but I wish her the best honestly.”

Rose had a historic reign as NXT Women’s Champion, holding the title for over 400 days before dropping it to Roxanne Perez on December 13, 2022. She was then released from WWE the following day due to the company discovering she had a FanTime account and was posting salacious content behind a paywall.

Tiffany Stratton Starts 2025 Off Hot

Since entering the NXT and WWE fold, Stratton has certainly picked up where Rose left off and has become an even bigger name in the WWE ecoscape. On the January 10 episode of WWE SmackDown Stratton cashed in her Money In The Bank briefcase to become the new WWE Women’s Champion.

It’s currently unknown what may be the WrestleMania plans for Stratton, but with Charlotte Flair winning the women’s Royal Rumble match, ‘The Queen’ very well could put ‘Tiffy Time’ on the clock.

Samantha Irvin: “My Wrestling Career Has Barely Even Begun”

Samantha Irvin is getting back into the music business, and it all really kicks off for her on Valentine’s Day.

Irvin officially left her ring announcing duties from WWE four months ago. She revealed to USA Today that while there was nothing specific for her exit, a major motivator was that she wanted to return to singing.

“It just became more and more sad as time went on, because it’s like, ‘Wow, am I just not a singer anymore? Like, what am I doing?’” she said. “I know that I am a performer and being a ring announcer on WWE, it was the performance of a lifetime.

But then when people stopped calling me for singing gigs, and now they’re asking me to announce everything, I said, ‘Oh no, I took it too far.’

Now Irvin has a new single lined up, titled “Make Me,” which she describes as a “personal little love letter to everyone.” She and WWE left matters amicably. The speculation was that Irvin could head to AEW, considering she is in a relationship with Ricochet, but that wasn’t in the cards for her. She does hope the wrestling fan base will continue with her as she gets back to an original passion.

“Hopefully the fans that were touched by my vocal performance in WWE will give the music and everything else I do a chance, because it’s the same thing that I’ve always done, and everything that I do, I try to pour as much emotion into it and make people feel something.”

However, if fans were worried she is leaving wrestling for good, fear not.

“My wrestling career has barely even begun. I think it would be an absolute waste of everything that I’ve done so far to not continue the story. I gotta finish my story.”

Alexa Bliss is Latest WWE Star to Sign with Paradigm

Alexa Bliss has broadened her career by signing with Paradigm Talent Agency, signaling an expansion beyond professional wrestling.

Deadline first reported the news, noting that Bliss joins a growing roster of wrestling stars represented by Paradigm, including CM Punk, Liv Morgan, Drew McIntyre, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, Damian Priest, and Jade Cargill, among others.

One of the most decorated women in WWE history, Bliss is a three-time Raw Women’s Champion and a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion, making her the first woman to achieve this dual accomplishment. She has also held the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship twice.

Beyond wrestling, Bliss has ventured into acting and voice acting. Her credits include appearances in Peacock’s Punky Brewster revival, Apple TV+’s Carpool Karaoke, and FOX’s The Masked Singer. She currently voices ‘Obiguro’ in the Netflix anime series Sakamoto Days, which debuted in Netflix’s global Top 10 (January 13-19, 2025). She also voices ‘Maki Ueda’ in the Netflix series The Queen of Villains.

Bliss’s WWE Royal Rumble return was a well-kept secret as she arrived at the arena around 3 PM local time, having flown from Florida to Indianapolis earlier that day, and was kept hidden until close to the match. She signed her new WWE deal that day after being in contract talks with the company. She received one of the biggest pops of the night. 

Joe Hendry ‘Believes’ In A Potential Fortnite Appearance

Do you “believe” that Joe Hendry could appear as a character in Fortnite? Some gamers have apparently been saying his name and the TNA World Champion has been taking notice.

Many pro wrestling fans have been clamoring for Hendry to appear in the 2025 Royal Rumble and sure enough, Hendry did, sharing the ring with the likes of The Miz, Sheamus and ‘The Tribal Chief’ himself, Roman Reigns. Now the next move for Hendry could be as another entry in a different type of ‘Battle Royale.’

Gamers of both Fortnite and Player Unknown Battle Ground have been making a play to have Joe Hendry become a playable character in either game and Hendry took to his X account to thank the fans and also, give them a little hope.

“Thank you to the @FortniteGame and @PUBGM_Europe fanbases for the support recently.

“If enough people say my name, maybe I’ll appear….”

Other WWE Stars (Not Named Joe Hendry) In Fortnite

If Hendry did indeed happen to pop up in Fortnite, he’d be joining some very notable names in WWE. John Cena, Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, and even The Rock have all been featured skins to use on Fortnite. This potential gaming crossover would be particularly significant as it would make Hendry one of the first non-WWE wrestlers to appear in Fortnite, marking a major milestone for TNA Wrestling’s mainstream visibility.

People have particularly noted how perfect a Joe Hendry “clapping” emote would be to use in the game. With how unique the Hendry persona is, he’d certainly fit the wild pop culture playground that the Fortnite game has become. It’s currently unknown as to if Joe Hendry would be a playable character in the forthcoming WWE 2K25, but a lot of news has been released regarding the game this week.

Nikki Bella Teases Doing More With WWE After Royal Rumble Appearance

Nikki Garcia, formerly known as Nikki Bella, made a surprise appearance at this year’s WWE Royal Rumble match on Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. Entering at #30, she mixed it up with several top stars in her first match since the 2022 Royal Rumble.

This return came after Nikki had previously teased a WWE comeback. She and her sister, Brie Bella, left WWE in 2023 to focus on their business ventures and have not been involved in wrestling since.

Speaking on The Nikki & Brie Show, Nikki addressed her future in the ring.

“Is this a one-off, or is she here to stay? Keep tuning in. You will see another ‘Fearless’ Nikki appearance sooner rather than later, that is for sure. I’m definitely doing more than what I just did on Saturday,” she said.

She also hinted at a possible return for sister Brie, who last appeared for WWE when the twins competed in the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble match.

“Hopefully, Brie Mode will be by my side soon. More on that to come.”

The Bella Twins gained mainstream popularity through their appearances on the reality TV shows “Total Divas” and “Total Bellas,” which offered a glimpse into their lives inside and outside the ring. Nikki emerged as a dominant force in the women’s division, capturing the WWE Divas Championship twice.

The Bella Twins were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021.

Bayley’s Mexico City Surprise: A Lucha Mask, Rey Mysterio, and Tequila

  • Bayley had a custom Lucha mask made by former WWE star Lince Dorado for WWE’s trip to Mexico.
  • She sought Rey Mysterio’s approval before wearing it, ensuring it was a respectful gesture
  • Rey Mysterio reassured her that the fans would love it, encouraging her to go for it

Bayley made a memorable impression during WWE’s trip to Mexico City by embracing the country’s rich wrestling heritage—complete with a custom Lucha mask. But before stepping out in front of the crowd, she sought approval from none other than Rey Mysterio himself.

Speaking with Adrian Hernandez during Unlikely at Royal Rumble 2025 weekend, Bayley shared the story behind her special moment. Wanting to show respect to the Lucha tradition, she reached out to former WWE star Lince Dorado, who designed a mask that matched her ring gear.

However, despite the thoughtful gesture, she wasn’t sure how the fans would react.

“I was like, ‘Is it weird and disrespectful if I wear a mask?’” she recalled.

Dorado reassured her—“Hell no, I got you!”—but Bayley wanted the final word from a true legend.

Rey Mysterio and Bayley in a Lucha Mask Mexico City

That’s where Rey Mysterio came in. Backstage before the event, she asked him directly: Would the fans appreciate this? His response was immediate: “Hell no, they’re going to love it. Do it! Do it!”

Taking Mysterio’s advice, Bayley stepped out in her Lucha-inspired look, and the reaction was undeniable. “I felt extremely awkward,” she admitted. “But I could feel the excitement from the fans—like, holy crap, she did this for us!

The night became even more special when she got to celebrate the moment with Mysterio himself.

“Being able to take that picture with Rey…we may have had a little tequila,” she laughed. “It was very special.”

For Bayley, it wasn’t just about wearing a mask—it was about honoring the culture, the fans, and the moment. And with Mysterio’s blessing and the crowd’s energy behind her, it’s a night she won’t forget.

Trish Stratus Prepared for WWE Return with TNA’s Jody Threat

WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus made a high-impact return at the 2025 Royal Rumble, proving that even after 25 years, she remains a dominant force. Ahead of her comeback, Stratus trained with TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Champion Jody Threat to prepare for the match.

The former WWE Women’s Champion shared a behind-the-scenes video on Twitter, showing her training with Threat at Santino Marella’s Battle Arts Academy in Mississauga. In the clip, Stratus emphasized her commitment to giving fans her absolute best.

“I’m not gonna give 60%, 100% or I’m not gonna do it. Check out @JodyThreat helping me get Rumble ready!!”

Stratus entered the Women’s Royal Rumble match at No. 25, sharing the ring with stars like Jordynne Grace and Candice LeRae. While she was eventually eliminated, her return thrilled fans who hadn’t seen her compete in months.

With Elimination Chamber 2025 set for March 1 in Toronto, speculation is growing about another appearance from Stratus. Given her deep connection to the city and her milestone WWE anniversary, a return at the event would be fitting.

Logan Paul Accuses John Cena of Betrayal After Royal Rumble Loss

Logan Paul was determined to win the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match, but his hopes were dashed when Jey Uso emerged victorious. Now, Paul is expressing his frustration – specifically targeting John Cena, whom he accuses of betraying him during the match and costing him the win.

Logan Paul’s Reaction to His Elimination

In his latest vlog, Paul opened up about his disappointment with how the Rumble played out. Cena eliminated him before the final showdown with Jey Uso, a move that Paul took personally. Having admired Cena for years, he felt hurt by the elimination, especially after spending time together filming What Drives You?, where they shared a car ride for three hours.

“I feel betrayed by John Cena, if I’m being honest,” Paul said. “I’ve looked up to him my whole life, and then he just tossed me out of the ring like I’m trash. I did his show, bro. We drove around in a car for three hours together, and he throws me over the rope?”

Paul’s Post-Match Antics

Following his elimination, Paul made headlines by taking a hat from a young John Cena fan at ringside. This unexpected move led many to speculate whether Paul is setting the stage for a future feud with the 16-time world champion.

With Cena’s rumored retirement tour on the horizon, fans are eager to see if this incident will lead to a marquee matchup between the two. A bout with Cena could be a defining moment for Paul, further solidifying his status in WWE.

The Maverick is just one of countless wrestlers who have expressed their desire to be one of John Cena’s final opponents this year, but there’s a good chance this marquee showdown will take place.

WWE Reaches Settlement In Hearing-Damage Lawsuit

WWE has one less lawsuit to be concerned about after reaching a settlement with a fan who complained of hearing loss after attending an event. In March of last year, Richard Bryant filed a lawsuit against WWE alleging that attending a July 2022 taping of SmackDown in Orlando, Florida.

Bryant alleged that WWE’s “negligence and carelessness” caused his injury as the promotion failed to adequantely warn of the dangers to hearing that pyrotechnics can bring. Now, PW Insider reports that a settlement has been reached. Judge Robert N. Chatigny stated that there is no longer a need to rule on where the case will be tried or whether it should be moved to arbitration. Bryant had been requesting $15,000 in damages, though it’s unknown if he received this number in the settlement.

This isn’t WWE’s first time facing lawsuits related to noise levels. In January 2023, Marvin Jackson filed a suit against WWE after attending WrestleMania 38. This case was dismissed in May 2023 after the courts granted WWE’s request to compel arbitration.

WWE’s Legal Issues

While this matter has been resolved, WWE remains locked in several legal battles. The Janel Grant lawsuit against WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis launched in January 2024 continues to cast a shadow over the promotion, despite the exits of both McMahon and Laurinaitis. In addition to this, the Ring Boy lawsuit, alleging that WWE and the McMahons failed to properly protect minors from predatory advances, is another matter the promotion is dealing with.

The Undertaker On Ending Of His WrestleMania Streak: I Didn’t Feel Like Brock Lesnar Needed It

The Undertaker feels Brock Lesnar did not need to break the Streak.

The ending of The Dead Man’s famous WrestleMania winning streak remains one of the most controversial decisions ever taken in wrestling. Many people still believe that Taker should have retired undefeated while others argue that the win should have been given to an up-and-coming name to take their careers to the next level.

The WWE Legend himself also feels that Brock Lesnar should not have been the one. During a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio, The Undertaker discussed how someone else could have benefited from the victory:

“I didn’t feel like Brock needed it, right? Brock was…and people you know, all the internet geniuses [were like] ‘Well, you know, he lost this, and he didn’t do this, and he didn’t do that. He needed a win.’ Brock was an attraction all to himself by this time. Would it have helped Bray? Obviously, would have helped Bray. Would it have skyrocketed Roman? Probably, if they’d have got that juice.”

I Didn’t Like The Way It Panned Out: The Undertaker

The Phenom also talked about how Vince McMahon went back and forth on the decision to end The Streak for weeks before WrestleMania XXX. To Undertaker the disturbing part of the whole thing was that the decision was made at the last minute:

“But again, it wasn’t my call. I questioned it. The thing that was the most disturbing for me was when I got to the building that day, I was going over. I didn’t like the way it panned out. So it’s early afternoon in the Superdome. I’m in a room completely by myself, and the old man walks in and you know, that just doesn’t happen. As soon as I saw him, I knew right away.”

Brock Lesnar remains off WWE TV after being implicated in Janel Grant’s sex trafficking lawsuit against Vince McMahon. You can check out details of the amended complaint filed by Grant earlier this month here.

Roman Reigns: I Miss Having A Bond With The Locker Room

Roman Reigns has firmly established himself as one of the biggest names in WWE history, but being at the very top has proven isolating for the Tribal Chief. During an appearance on the No Contest Wrestling podcast, Reigns was asked if there was anything he missed from his early days in WWE.

“I mostly miss being in the locker room. I miss the camaraderie, that bond with the boys. But I had to grow up, you know? It was time to choose—either be a superstar or be one of the boys, and I picked business.”

Reigns’ decision to pick ‘business’ has seen him become one pof the biggest names in wrestling, and prioritizing his career has gone well for the OTC and his family. While Reigns is content with his current position and work process, he acknowledged that if he could, he would like to spend more time in the locker room to help guide others, not just his family but the entire roster.

“I’m not mad where I’m at now; I like my system, I like my process. But if I could just be in that locker room a little bit more, I probably would.”

Reigns’ is currently off WWE programming after the post-elimination assault he suffered at the hands of Seth Rollins during the 2025 Royal Rumble event. It’s unclear when Reigns will be back, but expect huge plans for the former Universal Champion, even if he wishes he could still be just ‘One of the Boys.’