There had been speculations about the status of the wrestling veteran despite being praised for his work at the last show in December, especially after the recent return of Hulk Hogan. Ventura however, powerbombed all rumors with a post on on X, confirming that he will in fact return to the airwaves as scheduled.
“So very excited for Saturday Night’s Main Event this weekend in San Antonio. The Body returns to Texas this Saturday Night!”
Jesse Ventura signed a new legends contract with WWE and returned to the promotion last year, putting his long-standing grudge against the company aside. At the time it was announced that the veteran wrestler and broadcast personality will be calling 4 shows for the company every year.
His status for the January 2025 event became questionable again however, when WWE announced a new partnership with Hulk Hogan’s beer company and brought him in for an appearance at Raw’s Netflix premiere on January 6.
The former governor of Minnesota has long been at odds with Hogan since learning that the latter exposed his efforts of forming a wrestling union to Vince McMahon in the late 80s.
Many believed that Hogan will be making an appearance at the NBC exclusive event after his return but after Ventura’s announcement, it’s safe to say the Hulkster will not be at the show.
In a historic moment for professional wrestling, the January 23, 2025 episode of TNA Impact featured the first-ever defense of a WWE-sanctioned championship on TNA programming. NXT Tag Team Champions Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) successfully retained their titles against The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz) in a match that showcased the growing collaboration between WWE and TNA Wrestling.
Fraxiom secured the victory with a dynamic Flying Spanish Fly and Phoenix Splash combination on Miguel, but the finish wasn’t without controversy. Wes Lee, along with Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe, interfered by taking out Wentz, creating a critical opening for the champions to retain their titles.
This groundbreaking match was made possible by the multi-year partnership between WWE and TNA, announced on January 16, 2025. The agreement allows talent from NXT and TNA to appear on each other’s programming and premium live events, ending decades of rivalry between the promotions.
The successful defense of the NXT Tag Team Championships on TNA Impact marks a pivotal milestone, signaling a new era of collaboration and opportunity for the wrestling industry. This partnership opens the door for unprecedented crossovers that could reshape the sport’s landscape.
Nikki Bella could be on the verge of making a return to the wrestling ring. TMZ Sports reported on Thursday that the former WWE Superstar is in talks with the company about a potential comeback. According to the report, discussions have recently begun, and Nikki has already started training in anticipation of a possible agreement.
This development is fairly new, as talks between Nikki and WWE reportedly began after her appearance at Raw in Los Angeles a few weeks ago. While there is no confirmed timeline for her return, the possibility of seeing Nikki back in the ring has sparked excitement among fans.
Nikki and her twin sister, Brie Bella, left WWE in 2023, rebranding themselves as the Garcia Twins. When asked about a potential WWE return on the red carpet of the Raw on Netflix premiere, Nikki teased the idea.
“Will we ever see the Bella Twins back? Good question,” she said. “I just may be here looking at my competition soon, so stay tuned.”
Nikki officially stepped away from in-ring competition in 2019, citing health concerns, including a career-threatening neck injury. She announced her retirement shortly thereafter and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame alongside her sister in 2020. Their contributions to WWE, particularly in elevating women’s wrestling and bridging it with mainstream entertainment, remain influential.
Outside the ring, Nikki has built a thriving career. As the star of reality shows like Total Divas and Total Bellas, she helped bring mainstream attention to WWE’s women’s division.
If a deal is finalized, Nikki’s return would mark a significant moment for WWE fans and a potential new chapter in her legendary career.
Global music icon and Grammy winner Bad Bunny is known for breaking boundaries in both music and entertainment. On a recent episode of Hot Ones, the Puerto Rican superstar sat down with Sean Evans to tackle spicy wings while sharing captivating insights into his WWE journey, cultural representation, and the unforgettable moments that defined his wrestling appearances.
From his passion for the squared circle to his pride in showcasing Puerto Rican culture on a global stage, Bad Bunny’s WWE appearances are far more than celebrity cameos—they’re a love letter to his heritage and a testament to his dedication.
The Perfect WWE Entrance
One of the standout moments of Bad Bunny’s WWE career was his electrifying entrance at Backlash 2023 in Puerto Rico, where he walked out to his hit song “Chambea.” Bunny revealed that he had envisioned using the track for years.
“Since the first time that I dreamed of being in WWE, I always knew that [‘Chambea’] was the perfect song,” he explained. “When they went to Puerto Rico, I said everyone in Puerto Rico knows this song, and it’s going to be like shaking the stadium.”
The crowd’s thunderous reaction during his San Juan Street Fight entrance cemented the moment as one of the most memorable of his career. “That entrance was one of the best moments of my life. I was like, wow, it was a beautiful moment.”
Learning the Ropes and Iconic WWE Moments
Bad Bunny’s dedication to his WWE appearances goes far beyond entrances. He committed to intense training to ensure his in-ring performances were nothing short of spectacular. One of his most iconic moments came at WrestleMania 37, where he executed a flawless Canadian Destroyer, which was later dubbed the “Bunny Destroyer.”
“That was a John Morrison idea,” Bunny said. “He was like, ‘You should do the Canadian Destroyer, and we’ll call it the Bunny Destroyer.’ We practiced it, and I really learned a lot from him, Damian Priest, and all the guys coaching me.”
Not everything about his WWE experience came easy, though. Bunny recalled a painful initiation courtesy of Damian Priest during training.
“Damian Priest hit me with the kendo stick. I always heard people say, ‘Oh, the kendo stick doesn’t hurt.’ That hurt. Like, a lot,” he laughed.
Sean Evans couldn’t resist praising Bad Bunny’s wrestling skills, declaring him “the best celebrity wrestler ever in WWE.” Bunny modestly replied, “That’s your opinion?” to which Evans insisted, “No, it’s a fact.” Bunny cheekily agreed, “I think that’s true.”
Puerto Rican Pride and WWE’s Global Stage
For Bad Bunny, stepping into the WWE ring wasn’t just about fulfilling a childhood dream—it was also an opportunity to represent Puerto Rican culture.
“It’s not only about me. It’s about every one of us. It feels like I’m bringing a little bit of Puerto Rico to all these places,” he said.
His use of “Chambea” as an entrance track and his celebration of Puerto Rican pride during WWE appearances resonated deeply with fans worldwide. “The energy, the melody—it’s crazy,” Bunny explained. “Everyone in Puerto Rico knows this song. I knew it was going to shake the stadium.”
Reflecting on his WWE journey, Bunny expressed gratitude for the platform to showcase his heritage to a global audience.
“That entrance… was one of the best moments of my life,” he said.
Catch the full interview with Bad Bunny on Hot Ones, where he dives deeper into his WWE experiences, music career, and more—all while tackling some of the spiciest wings out there. The episode is available now on YouTube.
Posted January 23rd, 2025 in WWE. Tagged: Bad Bunny.
A new report has come out detailing why plans for Alexa Bliss’s WWE return have been shelved. Originally, Bliss was slated to make her comeback several weeks ago during Raw in San Jose, with creative involving The Wyatt Six faction reportedly pitched as part of her return. However, all plans for Bliss were abruptly dropped, even though the faction itself was moved to SmackDown—where it has yet to debut.
The decision to halt Bliss’s return was not due to creative issues or her readiness to compete. Despite being prepared to return, Bliss is not currently featured in any creative pitches, including for the upcoming Women’s Royal Rumble match. Complicating matters is her contract status: Bliss remains under an older deal that predates her time off to have her first child.
According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Bliss has been seeking a new contract with improved terms, while WWE has pushed for her to return under the terms of her existing agreement, which had been extended to account for missed time.
The belief within WWE was that Bliss would make a surprise return at the January 13th episode of Raw in San Jose, resuming her role as a regular member of the Raw roster. However, just before the event, representatives for Bliss reportedly contacted WWE to request a new contract with better compensation and perks.
WWE, taking a firm stance, insisted she return under her existing deal, leading to a standoff. When Bliss’s camp held their ground, WWE responded by pulling all creative plans for her return and freezing her storyline involvement indefinitely.
The situation remains unresolved, with both sides at an impasse. Notably, Bliss removed all references to WWE from her social media bios on January 14th, further fueling speculation about the strained relationship between the two parties.
TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), the parent company of WWE and UFC, hit a new all-time high of $153.89 in trading today, driven by a combination of strong insider activity, strategic growth prospects, and bullish analyst outlooks.
Price Target Upgrades
Several prominent analysts raised their price targets for TKO stock:
Guggenheim increased its target from $142 to $170, reaffirming a “Buy” rating.
Canaccord Genuity also raised its target, citing positive financial trends and strong company performance.
Insider Buying Activity
The stock’s surge was partly fueled by significant insider purchases. Major shareholders acquired $50.3 million worth of TKO stock, signaling confidence in the company’s growth trajectory.
Strategic Growth Drivers
Market optimism is further supported by several key factors:
Media Rights Renewals: Analysts expect the renewal of UFC and WWE Pay-Per-View deals with Peacock to deliver substantial value, with UFC rights potentially doubling in value.
Operational Synergies: The merger between WWE and UFC has yielded over $100 million in cost savings, with projected revenue synergies exceeding $250 million.
Sports Rights Market: A competitive landscape for sports broadcasting rights has generated significant interest in UFC, enhancing TKO’s market positioning.
These factors collectively demonstrate TKO’s ability to capitalize on strong industry trends and operational efficiencies, bolstering investor confidence and driving today’s record stock performance.
Posted January 23rd, 2025 in WWE. Tagged: TKO Group.
The 2025 Royal Rumble is less than two weeks away, and fans are excited to see who punches their ticket to WrestleMania 41. For the eighth consecutive year, the event will feature two Rumble matches on its stacked card, a 30-Superstar contest for the men and a 30-Superstar contest for the women.
As more confirmed entrants for this year’s Royal Rumble matches are announced, fans are eager to see who’ll enter the most unpredictable match of the year. Winning the Royal Rumble means earning the right to challenge for a championship of their choosing at WrestleMania and in many instances, a chance to headline the biggest show of the year. Stay updated on every confirmed participant as WWE builds the buzz leading up to this year’s spectacle.
If history is any indication, this year’s Rumble matches will be full of dramatic moments before the final person is eventually eliminated. The Final Four of each year’s Royal Rumble match can often be as exciting as the entrants, and over the years, this late stage in the match has produced some iconic moments in WWE history.
It’s almost time to RUMBLE!
Adding to the pre-Rumble excitement, WWE has released a new playlist on its YouTube channel highlighting, “Every Royal Rumble Match Ending of the Last 20 Years.”
As we head into the final stretch of the Road to the Royal Rumble, SEScoops will keep you informed on every twist, turn, and update. Make sure to bookmark us and stay tuned for breaking news, match previews, and in-depth analysis on the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble.
WWE Royal Rumble Winners
Here are the Royal Rumble winners from 2024 to 2005, and the people they eliminated.
2024: Cody Rhodes eliminated CM Punk to win the Men’s Rumble, while Bayley eliminated Liv Morgan to win the Women’s Rumble
2023: Cody Rhodes eliminated Gunther to win the Men’s Rumble, while Rhea Ripley eliminated Liv Morgan to win the Women’s Rumble
2022: Brock Lesnar eliminated Drew McIntyre to win the Men’s Rumble, while Ronda Rousey eliminated Charlotte Flair to win the Women’s Rumble
2021: Edge eliminated Randy Orton from the #1 position to win the Men’s Rumble, while Bianca Belair eliminated Rhea Ripley to win the Women’s Rumble
2020: Drew McIntyre eliminated Roman Reigns to win the Men’s Rumble, while Charlotte Flair eliminated Shayna Baszler to win the Women’s Rumble
2019: Seth Rollins eliminated Braun Strowman to win the Men’s Rumble, while Becky Lynch eliminated Charlotte Flair to win the Women’s Rumble
2018: Shinsuke Nakamura eliminated Roman Reigns to win the Men’s Rumble, while Asuka eliminated Nikki Bella to win the first-ever Women’s Rumble
2017: Randy Orton eliminated Roman Reigns to win the Royal Rumble
2016: Triple H eliminated Dean Ambrose to capture the Royal Rumble and WWE Championship
2015: Roman Reigns eliminated Rusev to claim the Royal Rumble victory
2014: Batista eliminated Roman Reigns to emerge victorious in the Royal Rumble
2013: John Cena eliminated Ryback to win the Royal Rumble match
2012: Sheamus eliminated Chris Jericho to secure the Royal Rumble victory
2011: Alberto Del Rio eliminated Santino Marella to win the 40-man Royal Rumble
2010: Edge eliminated John Cena to triumph in the Royal Rumble
2009: Randy Orton eliminated Triple H to win the Royal Rumble match
2008: John Cena eliminated Triple H to claim the Royal Rumble victory
2007: The Undertaker eliminated Shawn Michaels to win the Royal Rumble
2006: Rey Mysterio eliminated Randy Orton to capture the Royal Rumble
2005: Batista eliminated John Cena to emerge victorious in the Royal Rumble
Baron Corbin is excited about the freedom of a post-WWE career.
The former WWE star recently had an interview with Chris Van Vliet. He talked about things such as his most recent GCW appearance, wanting to compete in NJPW and more.
Corbin departed WWE in November last year ending his 12 year run with the company when the officials did not renew his contract. When asked what he wants to do now that he’s no longer in the Endeavor-owned promotion, Corbin explained that he’s been smart with his money so now he can do whatever he wants:
“Now I’m gonna have an opportunity where I don’t have to ask permission to do something. I’ve also been smart with all of my money that I’ve made over the years with WWE because I’ve watched how quickly it can end.
When I left the NFL it’s like no more paychecks, and you go oh man, it ends that quick. I was playing ping pong, and now I don’t have a job, it’s crazy. So I put myself in a position now that I can literally just do the things I want to do.”
The former US Champion real name Thomas Pestock, recently displayed one of his skills outside the wrestling world by winning a gold medal in an international jiu-jitsu competition. Discussing other post-WWE ambitions, Baron Corbin noted that he had his iron in a lot of fires even when he was under a WWE contract.
The wrestling veteran explained that with the newfound freedom he can do whatever he wants and revealed his interest in pursuing an acting career in particular:
“I want to do movies, I want to do TV shows, and I want to do horror movies or thriller movies or darker action kind of films, anything in that world. Whether it’s television, it’s Netflix, it’s Hulu, or it’s the B rate horror movies that are amazing, just like guilty pleasures, I love them, that’s the world I want to dive into.”
Corbin appears to be interested in balancing his acting career with his continued presence in the world of wrestling. The former WWE star recently filed a trademark which potentially revealed his post-WWE ring name. You can check out more about it here.
Kamaru Usman has established himself as a name in UFC for years, and now the fighter has shown interest in WWE. On X, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque shared that Usman recently visited WWE’s headquarters in Connecticut.
Levesque’s post got plenty of attention by fans, many of whom hope to see Usman transition from the Octagon to the squared circle. One fans noted that “I speak for EVERYONE when I say We want Usman vs Bad Bunny,” pitching a match that’d feature the Grammy award-winning artist. Another fan added that “WWE and UFC collab is all we want to see” while a third asked if this was a sign Usman is coming to WWE.
Like many Superstars competing in WWE today, Usman boasts a background in amateur wrestling, where he became a NCAA Division II national champion. In UFC, Usman is a former Welterweight Champion. His most recent fight came at UFC 294 in October 2023.
WWE And UFC
In 2023, WWE and UFC came together under TKO Group Holdings, merging two of the biggest names. Quickly, names from both sides began appearing for the other, demonstrating the synergy within TKO. WWE names have become regulars at UFC events while Michael Chandler was on Raw in 2024 with a message for Conor McGregor.
Indi Hartwell has started preparing for an in-ring return ahead of her free agency.
The young star was released from her WWE contract in November last year, ending her 5-year-run with the company. Hartwell, who still had time left on her deal has to serve a 90-days non-compete period before becoming a free agent.
Based on the announcement of her release, Hartwell is expected to become a free agent in February. Before the impending free agency, the former champion seems to be getting her ring rust off at Ace Steel’s Foundation wrestling academy as revealed by Steel in an Instagram post:
Indi Hartwell had a successful run in NXT from 2019 to 2023 before she was moved to the main roster. The female star was one of the members of Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae’s The Way faction and she had runs with both the NXT Women’s Title and NXT Women’s Tag Team Titles during her time in the developmental.
Her release while not linked directly, was part of a wave of surprising departures from WWE in 2024. Other names in the list include former champions such as Bobby Lashley, Jinder Mahal and Baron Corbin.
Hartwell has not been announced for any matches outside of WWE so far, but the former champion is scheduled to be in the Indianapolis area during the Royal Rumble weekend for a Wrestlecon signing.
Dragon Lee was conspicuous by his absence during this week’s WWE Raw when the LWO confronted Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. After Rey Mysterio’s victory over Kingston, LWO members Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde thwarted an attack.
“Hey everyone! Hope y’all are doing well. I don’t usually share my personal stuff, but I want to grab my phone and do it today because I am happy and anxious because in a few days I will hold in my hands my new princess that is on the way. She could (arrive) today, tomorrow, the day after, this weekend or even next week but she is coming, so I am very excited to receive my second princess, well actually third counting my first child and my wife. That’s been the reason why I have not been at work recently, I have been helping my wife but you will see a stronger Dragon Lee and giving my best as I always do inside that ring soon. Sending hugs to everyone!”
In May 2024, Lee shared that he and his wife are expecting their second child. In August, the couple confirmed that they are expecting a baby girl. Lee is currently in his first reign as WWE Speed Champion, a title he captured from Andrade during the episode that released on November 20.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on a new WWE show, currently under the working title WWE NXT Evolve. Reports suggest that the project is still in development, with Gabe Sapolsky playing a key role. Sapolsky, who worked with Paul Heyman in ECW, co-founded Ring of Honor (ROH), and later led EVOLVE as its head booker and head of talent relations, is said to be actively involved in this endeavor.
According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, the concept for WWE NXT Evolve remains “in play,” but no concrete plans have been confirmed. The report notes that some independent wrestling talents had been approached about their availability for a potential taping date, though that initial date was later postponed. As of now, there are no internal WWE dates scheduled for anything related to the brand.
The proposed show would likely feature WWE NIL (Next in Line) and developmental talents, providing a platform for the company’s rising stars. However, nothing is official until WWE formally moves forward with the project.
Gabe Sapolsky’s involvement in the project has drawn attention, given his storied history in professional wrestling. Sapolsky began working as a creative consultant for WWE’s NXT brand in January 2016. He was released in January 2022 but returned in September of that year. EVOLVE, the independent promotion Sapolsky founded, was acquired by WWE after shutting down during the pandemic in 2020.
For now, fans will have to wait for more concrete updates as the project continues to develop.
The Bar, one of WWE’s most celebrated tag teams, left an indelible mark on the company’s tag team division during their run. Comprised of Sheamus and Cesaro (now Claudio Castagnoli in AEW), the duo brought a fresh dynamic to the ring with their seamless chemistry, hard-hitting style, and inventive storytelling.
In a recent discussion on My Mom’s Basement with Robbie Fox, Sheamus opened up about the profound influence Cesaro had on his career and the unforgettable moments they shared as a team. The Irish wrestler credited his former partner with reigniting his passion for wrestling at a pivotal time in his career, saying,
“Cesaro…is one of the reasons why, at that stage of my career, he totally reinvigorated me.”
One of The Bar’s defining moments came during their bout at WWE’s Roadblock: End of the Line event in 2016. Sheamus fondly recalled their innovative “fake tag” finish, a creative spot that cemented their reputation for pushing the boundaries of tag team wrestling.
“That fake tag finish was incredible…so creative,” he said, emphasizing Cesaro’s knack for thinking outside the box.
Sheamus also shared a lighthearted moment from their time together, mentioning Cesaro’s backstage nickname:
“Big Dick Tony—that’s what everyone calls him by the way in the locker room.”
While the remark added humor, it also highlighted the respect Cesaro commanded among his peers.
Reflecting on their time as The Bar, Sheamus expressed immense gratitude for the partnership that brought new life to his career. Together, they not only set a high standard for tag team wrestling but also forged a bond that continues to earn Sheamus’s admiration.
The Bar’s Legacy in WWE
The Bar, formed by Cesaro and Sheamus on September 26, 2016, became one of WWE’s most dominant tag teams. Their achievements include four Raw Tag Team Championship reigns and one SmackDown Tag Team Championship reign, which they won on October 16, 2018. Notably, they ended The New Day’s record-breaking 483-day title reign and triumphed in WWE’s third-ever tag team Iron Man match against The Hardy Boyz at Great Balls of Fire on July 7, 2017.
Despite starting as an unexpected pairing of singles competitors, The Bar cemented their legacy with their powerhouse chemistry and iconic Spinebuster-Brogue Kick combination, establishing themselves as one of the most formidable tag teams of their era.
WWE superstar Sheamus recently opened up about who he believes is the funniest person in the locker room—and the title goes to none other than Otis. Known for his quirky personality both on and off-screen, Otis has left a lasting impression on his peers with his unique sense of humor and charismatic presence.
In a candid discussion on My Mom’s Basement with Robbie Fox, the multi-time World Champion explained why Otis stands out as the ultimate source of laughter in WWE.
“Otis is the—he’s like, he’s a guy who just talks in riddles, and you don’t understand what he’s saying half the time,” Sheamus said.
While keeping specifics under wraps, he added, “I can’t repeat what he says… but he’s literally one of the funniest guys.” Sheamus also emphasized Otis’s positive influence backstage, describing him as the person everyone gravitates toward due to his lighthearted energy and infectious humor.
Behind the scenes, Otis plays an integral role in lifting the spirits of his fellow wrestlers, creating a lively and upbeat atmosphere. This ability to connect through humor not only enhances team morale but also adds to his overall appeal as a WWE superstar. Whether it’s his on-screen antics or off-screen banter, Otis’s comedic flair continues to entertain fans and peers alike.
Check out our exclusive interview with Otis and Chad Gable last summer during WWE SummerSlam 2024 weekend:
Posted January 22nd, 2025 in WWE. Tagged: Otis, Sheamus.
Plans for Alexa Bliss’ anticipated WWE return have been shelved indefinitely, according to Mike Johnson of PWInsider Elite. WWE’s creative team was instructed to halt all storylines involving Bliss, despite initial plans for her return being in place.
Bliss was originally set to reappear during a recent episode of RAW in San Jose, with a storyline tied to The Wyatt 6 faction reportedly in development. However, just prior to the event, WWE made the decision to cancel these plans.
The decision does not appear to stem from creative challenges, as Bliss was reportedly ready to return. One source speculated that the delay might involve a contract-related issue, although no concrete details have been confirmed. Other sources claimed to be unaware of the exact reason behind the pause.
Bliss has also been omitted from any creative pitches regarding the upcoming Women’s Royal Rumble match. Her absence from WWE programming continues, with no timeline set for her return.
Speculation is building among WWE fans about potential surprise entrants for the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble Match, with Jordynne Grace emerging as a top contender for a surprise debut. Reports suggest Grace, who has impressed WWE officials in the past, may be on her way to the company following her recent departure from TNA Wrestling.
Her contract with TNA is set to expire in January 2025. At TNA’s Genesis pay-per-view event, Grace faced Tessa Blanchard in what is speculated to be her final match with the promotion, putting over Blanchard as she prepares to exit. She received a warm celebration backstage after her match. Adding fuel to the rumors, TNA Wrestling recently removed her from its official roster.
This isn’t Grace’s first interaction with WWE. She participated in a tryout back in 2018 but ultimately chose to sign with IMPACT Wrestling (formerly TNA), where she solidified her reputation as one of the most dominant women in professional wrestling.
Grace also made a one-off appearance in the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble Match, earning high praise for her performance and leading to additional appearances in NXT.
WWE has reportedly been monitoring Grace’s career closely, recognizing her exceptional mix of strength, speed, and charisma. Her addition to the roster could lead to exciting matchups against top WWE stars like Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Bianca Belair, potentially creating compelling rivalries and elevating the women’s division further.
As of now, WWE has not confirmed her signing, but the signs point to Grace stepping into WWE’s spotlight sooner rather than later.
Tattoos are common in professional wrestling, with many wrestlers sporting multiple designs that have become synonymous with their presentation. In WWE, Cody Rhodes has perhaps the most striking tattoo of them all on his neck, and Sheamus isn’t in any hurry to follow suit.
During an appearance on The Masked Men Show, Sheamus questioned if Rhodes had 20 bourbons before sitting in the tattoo chair, believing that only somebody inebriated would see the ink as a good idea. When asked how many pints of Guinness it’d take to get sufficiently wasted, Sheamus doubted he’d survive the amount of alcohol needed.
“There’s no way. I would die of liver and kidney failure before that happened… My personal choice is not a bleeding chance.”
Sheamus shared that in addition to potential public ridicule, having an ‘Irish Nightmare’ neck tattoo would draw mockery within his own family. Sheamus’ father would never let him live it down, the former WWE World Champion added.
Rhodes debuted his tattoo at AEW Revolution 2020 ahead of his match with MJF. Instantly, talk and memes sprouted on social media, so much so that the match was overshadowed by the tattoo. Nearly five-years on, Rhodes’ tattoo remains a unique part of his persona, especially with Sheamus wanting nothing similar to the American Nightmare.
Tom Pestock, known to wrestling fans as Baron Corbin during his time in WWE, has officially filed a trademark for the name “Bishop Dyer.” According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the filing was submitted on January 21, hinting at potential plans for the next chapter of Pestock’s wrestling career.
Pestock recently appeared at The People vs. GCW, where he competed against Josh Barnett in a high-profile Bloodsport match. Although he was defeated, Pestock received a warm reception from the enthusiastic crowd at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Following the event, he took to social media to thank the fans and assured them that his return is imminent.
Bishop Dyer
The trademark for “Bishop Dyer” aligns with standard descriptions used for professional wrestling-related trademarks. It covers a wide range of entertainment services, including wrestling contests, live and televised appearances, online interviews, and personal appearances. Additionally, the trademark extends to merchandise such as shirts, hats, hoodies, and sweatshirts.
The filing has sparked speculation that “Bishop Dyer” could serve as Pestock’s new ring name as he explores opportunities beyond WWE, possibly in promotions like GCW or other independent circuits. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this new persona develops.
No matter what name he adopts—whether Baron Corbin, Tom Pestock, or his newly trademarked moniker, Bishop Dyer—Pestock is demonstrating a clear commitment to evolving his identity in the wrestling world. At The People vs. GCW, Pestock debuted a new entrance theme that immediately caught fans’ attention. Wrestling enthusiasts took to social media to praise the track, which was custom-created for him by the band Downstait. Known for crafting iconic wrestling theme songs, Downstait’s resume includes “Kingdom,” the wildly popular entrance theme of current WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
The new song, titled Live For Revenge, marks another step in Pestock’s reinvention and adds an edgy, personal touch to his new persona. Downstait has confirmed that the track will soon be released as a single, giving fans a chance to embrace the next phase of Pestock’s career. With a fresh name, a new theme song, and the freedom to shape his future outside WWE, Pestock is clearly focused on making an impact as he enters the next chapter of his wrestling journey.
London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan remains hopeful about bringing WrestleMania to the city despite recent discouraging news.
WWE has expanded its international presence under the new management in the last couple of years, taking many of its regular premium live events outside of the US. With Royal Rumble 2026 becoming the first of the ‘big four’ PPVs to be announced outside of the continent in recent years, it seems only a matter of time before WrestleMania goes international as well.
One of the most talked about international destinations for the Shows of Shows is London. WWE seemingly also explored the possibility last year in July when Triple H and Nick Khan travelled to the city to meet Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Things have mostly been quiet since then with no word coming from either side. This changed on Wednesday as the mayor’s office released a new statement to Daily Star, announcing that they’re determined to bring the Superbowl of wrestling to UK:
“The Mayor remains determined to bring even more sports from around the world to London, including the first international WrestleMania hosted by the UK, and continues to discuss future opportunities.”
This statement comes in light of the reports of WWE closing in on New Orleans and Indiana, Indianapolis as the respective destinations for the next two iterations of their biggest event of the year.
Many WWE stars have also spoken positively about WrestleMania emanating from London in the past. Former Women’s Champion Liv Morgan most recently claimed that she was here and ready for it when asked about the possibility.
The SkyDome in Toronto, Canada has previously hosted the event on two occasions so UK would actually become the third country and second international destination for the show if and when it happens. Though as it stands, the people of UK will have to wait until at least 2028 before the Show of Shows can be held on their local turf.
Posted January 22nd, 2025 in WWE. Tagged: Sadiq Khan.
Kurt Angle believes John Cena is WWE’s greatest star.
Cena has announced that 2025 will be his last year as an active performer in wrestling. With his retirement tour officially kicking off earlier this month, many believe that he’ll be headlining the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame. There are many names which are thrown around when it comes to the people who can induct John Cena, but very few of them have had the impact on Cena’s career like Kurt Angle.
The Olympic Gold Medallist was asked about the potential during his recent interview with Chris Van Vliet. He mentioned how there are many contenders for the spot, while throwing the name of Stephanie McMahon on the list as well:
“There are a lot of people that deserve to induct John. Randy Orton, who was his biggest competition, or his nemesis. But Stephanie McMahon, don’t forget that she’s the one that discovered his rapping ability, and she was a big fan of his, she really supported him quite often. But no I’d be honored to induct John Cena.”
The Greatest WWE Superstar of All Time: Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle faced Cena in the latter’s famous main roster debut match which kickstarted the Ruthless Aggression era of WWE. Angle would go on to face the Cenation Leader in dozens of other encounters in the next few years before his 2006 WWE departure, providing him invaluable in-ring experience and exposure on his way to becoming the face of the company.
This solid foundation allowed Cena to launch what became one of the most successful runs for any pro wrestler in the history of the business. The former TNA Champion believes that John deserves to be called the greatest of all time for it:
“The one thing I want to say about him is he has shown that he is possibly the greatest WWE superstar of all time. Winning 16 World Heavyweight Titles in one company,
Ric Flair won 16, but he won them in NWA and WCW and WWE and you can’t take that away from him, they were all major promotions. But to do it all in one company, that makes you that company’s greatest star. And I really believe that he deserves another title before he retires.”
Opponents have continued to line up for John Cena in his final year of wrestling and names from around the wrestling world have expressed interest in a potential showdown with the wrestling veteran. This list includes a current world champion outside of the company. You can check out more about it here.
Former WWE star Elias says he’d love to return to WWE.
The wrestling veteran was signed by the company in 2014. While he didn’t have much success in his developmental run, the Drifter’s mic skills made him an instant hit on the main roster.
His run with the promotion came to an end in September 2023 but many believe that the officials could have done a lot more with the 37-year-old.
The indie wrestling star who now goes by the name Elijah talked about a potential return to the company during a recent K & S WrestleFest virtual signing.
Elias first claimed that his run in WWE was awesome and he got to do a lot of great stuff. While he had many memorable moments in the company, he would love to be part of the promotion again:
“Elias can and could and should do so much more in WWE. They only scratched the surface with my capabilities. I had a lot of great moments, some incredible guys to go up against,”
Right before his release, the former WWE star was involved in a storyline with Kevin Owens. He played the part of his own brother Ezekiel while Owens refused to believe that the two were different people.
After KO won this feud, the storyline was dropped from TV. Elias renewing his rivalry with Owens who recently turned heel again would be the perfect way to reintroduce him on WWE programming.
WWE’s recently-announced partnership with TNA has excited fans with many fans excited to see who ‘crosses the line’ and appears for the other promotion. On the Masked Man Show, Sheamus was asked about the partnership and who he wants to face from the TNA roster.
“I loved working Ziggy (Nic Nemeth). Ziggy was great. I don’t think he he’s the fondest memories of working me, taking all those Brogue Kicks.”
Nemeth, formerly known as Dolph Ziggler, parted ways with WWE in September 2023 after nearly two decades with the company. Many fans believe he wasn’t fully utilized, particularly in the later years of his WWE tenure. However, Sheamus sees the WWE-TNA partnership as a new opportunity for Nemeth and others.
“I think there’s a lot of opportunities now for some of that talent to come back over and create different stories. It’d be fun, it’d be a good time.”
Sheamus isn’t the only one watching the WWE-TNA collaboration closely. Fresh off his World Championship victory over Nemeth at Genesis, Joe Hendry wasted no time in calling out John Cena. With Cena set to retire from wrestling in 2025, fans are eager to see if he might make an appearance—or even have a match—in TNA.
WWE Raw Superstar Logan Paul was an attendee at Donald Trump’s Presidential inauguration earlier this week, bringing his unique personality to the event in Washington. Stand-up comedian Theo Von was also part of the inauguration, and now the pair are beefing over a chair-related ‘prank.’
On X, Paul shared a video of Von’s chair giving out under him, causing the Comedian to fall backwards into Paul’s lap. In a response, Von accused Logan and Jake Paul of sabotaging his chair.
Now, Paul has responded. In another post on X, Paul asserted his innocence and reminded Von that one is “innocent until proven guilty” in the United States of America. Von also fired back, saying that he’d heard differently and alluded to Paul’s role as a WWE Superstar.
Logan Paul and Theo Von were just two notable names at the inauguration of the WWE Hall of Famer-turned U.S. President. Conor McGregor was spotted with Paul, as was WWE Hall of Famer Mike Tyson. Linda McMahon has been touted to be Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Education, despite having no past experience in education.
Paul will be a part of next week’s WWE Raw, which will serve as the go-home show ahead of WWE Royal Rumble 2025 on February 2. There’s no word on what Paul will do or say on next week’s show, though many expect him to declare for the Men’s Royal Rumble match.
Posted January 22nd, 2025 in WWE. Tagged: Logan Paul.
Watching WWE Raw on Netflix is about to get costlier.
The Streaming Giant announced on Tuesday that they’ll be raising their standard subscription praises for US customers from $15.49 to $17.99.
The ad-supported tier will go up to $7.99 from the standard of $6.99 while the premium tier allowing four simultaneous streams will be getting a $2 raise to $24.99. Adding an extra member to a primary account is also going to get a dollar costlier, now being charged at $8.99.
Countries like Canada, Portugal, and Argentina are expected to be affected by the price hike as well. Netflix last raised prices in October 2023 with various plans going up by as much as $3.
WWE Raw On Netflix
This announcement comes after the streaming platform acquired broadcast rights of Monday Night Raw in the US last year in an unprecedented $5 billion deal. The Red Branded show left cable TV for the first time in its history as part of this deal and moved to Netflix earlier this month.
The January 6 premiere episode broke viewership records for the show. It debuted with 2.6 million household views in US, double of the show’s average on its previous home USA Network in 2024.
The show has continued to deliver strong numbers following the much-hyped premiere. The January 13th episode, featuring the viral debut of former AEW star Penta among other big moments ranked at #4 on Netflix’s Top 10 shows of the week globally with 3.7 million views.
WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin has shared an update on his recovery journey after undergoing total knee replacement surgery on his left knee. The 60-year-old wrestling legend posted on Instagram that he is seven weeks into his recovery and healing well after years of delaying the procedure.
“My left knee was on its last leg, and I’ve been putting this surgery off for years,” Austin wrote. “Post-op X-rays show everything is healing nicely.”
However, Austin admitted to overexerting himself early on, which caused setbacks.
“I started walking way too soon and too far, and really pissed off my new knee. Total Knee Replacement is a year-long healing process, so I don’t know what the hell I was thinking,” he explained, adding that swelling remains an issue but progress is steady.
Austin also shared his excitement about returning to the Mint 400, a challenging off-road racing event held near Las Vegas, in seven weeks.
“I will get back in my @kawasakiusa KRX1000 for the first time this weekend to knock the rust off and get back to driving,” he said, expressing his gratitude for the demanding nature of desert racing and his love of competition.
Austin’s knee issues date back to his college football days, long before his wrestling career. During an October appearance on Bobbycast, he acknowledged that knee replacement surgery was long overdue.
Despite his injuries, Austin remains optimistic and determined to stay active, showing his resilience both in and out of the ring.
