Logan Paul may be one of the most hated WWE Superstars, but he doesn’t see it that way. On Impaulsive, the United States Champion insisted that fans actually love him—despite the chorus of boos he receives at every event.
“I feel loved and revered,” Logan said confidently.
WWE commentator Michael Cole immediately shot that down.
“Yeah… no.”
The exchange continued as Logan defended his connection with the WWE Universe, even citing his mom’s opinion. “My mom said the people who boo me are simply wrong,” he added.
Cole, a 28-year WWE veteran, explained why Logan draws so much heat.
“Why do they hate Logan Paul? Because he’s a cocky prick,” Cole said bluntly.
Despite the fan reaction, Logan has proven his toughness inside the ring. He revealed that during his high-profile match against Roman Reigns, he suffered a torn MCL—but still finished the bout.
“I tore my MCL in my third match against Roman, but I had to keep going,” Logan said.
“In WWE, if you’re hurt, you can’t show it unless it’s part of the story. You have to do the opposite of what’s true.”
Cole agreed, pointing out that WWE stars work through injuries in a way that other athletes don’t. “A football player tears his MCL, he’s out of the game. You guys? You keep going.”
Between his undeniable athleticism and natural ability to generate reactions, Logan Paul is proving to be one of WWE’s most compelling figures—whether fans love him or not.
Logan Paul has shut down speculation that he was flirting with WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, clarifying the situation on his Impaulsive podcast.
Speaking with guest Michael Cole, Paul explained that the rumors originated from a lighthearted comment by WWE producer Michael Hayes, which was then misinterpreted by her boyfriend, WWE star Ludwig Kaiser.
Paul, who is married to model Nina Agdal, emphasized that his conversation with Stratton was strictly professional, as he had been offering her advice on improving her in-ring moves, including the moonsault and frog splash. However, Hayes jokingly suggested Paul was flirting, leading Kaiser to believe Paul was making advances toward Stratton.
The misunderstanding escalated backstage, where Kaiser allegedly confronted Paul with a chair.
“This is the dumbest narrative. I don’t even want to feed into it,” Paul stated.
“I’m not here to cause drama. I don’t want any problems. I’m here to win.”
As one of WWE’s most skilled self-promoters, Paul has built a reputation for finding ways to stay in the spotlight. Some may view this latest situation as another example of his ability to insert himself into conversations surrounding WWE’s rising stars, including Stratton, whose popularity has surged in recent months.
Paul is set to compete in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match alongside John Cena, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Damian Priest, and Seth Rollins. The winner will earn a shot at Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41.
The wrestling world tragically lost Windham ‘Bray Wyatt’ Rotunda in August 2023, who died at the young age of 36 years old. Speaking at Monopoly Events’ For The Love of Wrestling convention in the UK, Jake Roberts, who many saw a lot of in the Bray Wyatt character, reflected on Rotunda’s passing.
“What a loss, just an incredible loss. I loved it, I loved everything that he did. I couldn’t wait to see what he was going to do next. God man, that one hurt. That one hurts.”
Roberts’ comments echo the feelings of many in the wrestling world. After Rotunda’s passing, WWE and promotions Rotunda had never worked for paid tribute to the former World Champion. WWE would also share that proceeds from Bray Wyatt merch would go to support his widow JoJo Offerman and Windham’s four children.
As we approach the two-year anniversary of his passing, the Bray Wyatt character remains in the hearts of fans and Hall of Famers alike. Though fans will never have the chance to see him compete, the legacy left by Windham Rotunda can never be taken away.
Shawn Michaels last competed in the ring in 2018, but the Head of NXT has a couple of matches left in him, according to TNA Wrestling’s JDC. Speaking at Monopoly Events’ For the Love of Wrestling convention in the UK, JDC (formerly Fandango) shared that Michaels told him he has “one or two matches left” in him.” Though JDC doubts he’ll ever get the chance to face the two-time WWE Hall of Famer, he would love the opportunity.
“He’s the reason why I got into the business. So honestly, it’d probably never happen, but that would be my dream match.”
Michaels’ in-ring career took an extended break in 1998 due to a severe back injury and issues with substance abuses. After healing up and finding his faith, Michaels returned to action in 2002 and would remain an active talent until 2010.
Michaels’ final match came in 2018 when he and Triple H defeated the Brothers of Destruction at that year’s Crown Jewel. Many at the time were disappointed with the bout, not only for the four men under-delivering in the ring, but for Michaels ‘spoiling’ what had been a perfect career sendoff against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26.
The Showstopper was part of the recent WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he showed he can still rile up a crowd and hit Sweet Chin Music (a lesson Kevin Owens’ learned firsthand.) Whether Michaels ever competes again or not, the possibility is out there, according to JDC.
Joint Status Report was filed regarding the lawsuit against TKO Group Holdings, WWE, Vince McMahon, and Linda McMahon over allegations of abuse of underage ring boys in the 1980s and 1990s.
The lawsuit is before the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore).
Key Updates from the Status Report
Maryland Supreme Court Ruling:
The Child Victims Act (2023), which removes time limits for lawsuits filed by survivors of child sexual abuse, has been upheld.
This means there is no statute of limitations on civil cases related to child sexual abuse in Maryland.
The parties are now waiting for the Court to lift the current stay on the lawsuit.
Agreed Legal Timelines:
Once the lawsuit is active again:
Defendants have 45 days to respond or file motions to dismiss.
Plaintiffs then have 21 days to reply.
If the lawsuit is amended, defendants will have 14 days to respond to the new version.
Case Background:
The lawsuit was filed by five former ring boys who worked for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as minors in the 1980s and 1990s.
They allege that WWE and the McMahons failed to protect them from abuse by Mel Phillips, a former ring announcer and ring crew supervisor.
Logan Paul has expressed interest in expanding his role in WWE beyond wrestling, proposing to assist talent in developing their personal brands.
Paul, who officially signed with WWE in 2022, has competed in high-profile matches on Raw and SmackDown, winning the United States Championship in 2023. However, with his experience in business and brand-building outside the ring, he now sees an opportunity to contribute in a different capacity.
On the latest episode of Impaulsive, WWE commentator Michael Cole discussed the company’s evolving approach under its new leadership. He highlighted how WWE has shifted from previous restrictions, encouraging wrestlers to grow their own brands with dedicated support from company offices.
“The company was so restrictive for so many years. We had a big controversy over Twitch streams a few years ago. Now, everything’s opened up. Go be a brand,” Cole explained.
“We want you, as a performer, to develop your brand. We have people in place in our offices helping our talent grow their brand.”
In response, Paul expressed enthusiasm about potentially joining WWE’s branding team, leveraging his entrepreneurial background to assist fellow wrestlers.
“I feel like I should be on that team. I’m definitely going to reach out about that,” he said. “Everyone should be thinking about how to not just build yourself, but how to build businesses. It’s the next level of conversation.
Use the vehicle you’ve been given. I think every talent in WWE should be thinking like that, and it would be cool to be on that team to help build that.”
While Paul remains an active competitor, his interest in WWE’s branding strategy suggests he could take on a dual role within the company, blending his in-ring persona with his expertise in business and marketing.
Logan Paul didn’t hold back in a recent conversation with Michael Cole on his Impaulsive podcast, taking shots at CM Punk and continuing to make his case that he was using “Yeet” long before Jey Uso popularized it in WWE cannon.
Reflecting on his time in the ring with some of WWE’s biggest stars – including John Cena, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Jey Uso – Paul exuded his signature over-the-top confidence.
WWE Elimination Chamber 2025
While many might have felt out of place in such legendary company, The Maverick insists that wasn’t the case. When asked if he questioned his own place in the match, he scoffed at the idea and threw in a dig at CM Punk.
“Not at all, not at all,” Paul said. “I honestly was like, how the hell is CM Punk still here?”
The jab at Punk is especially notable given the former WWE Champion’s polarizing reputation. Punk returned to WWE in late 2023 after nearly a decade away, and Paul’s comment suggests he’s not entirely sold on the veteran’s staying power.
But Punk wasn’t the only target of Paul’s comments. He also laid claim to the popular wrestling catchphrase “Yeet,” which has become synonymous with Jey Uso.
“I was the original Yeet, by the way,” Paul declared, before adding that he had believed the phrase was “put in a bulletproof coffin” years ago.
Taking the joke further, Paul revealed he was “sending a cease-and-desist” to Jey Uso over the catchphrase.
While it’s clear Paul was speaking in jest, his comments are sure to stir conversation among wrestling fans. His rising presence in WWE continues to be a talking point, and whether it’s roasting veterans like Punk or claiming iconic catchphrases, Paul still knows how to keep himself at the center of attention.
Veteran WWE announcer Michael Cole recently discussed Corey Graves’ controversial demotion during an appearance on Impaulsive, admitting that he still doesn’t fully understand the circumstances surrounding the decision.
“I love Corey,” Cole said. “Beside McAfee, he’s probably the best partner I’ve ever had. But I still don’t understand all the dynamics of what happened.”
Graves was reportedly removed from a key commentary position after making critical remarks about WWE on social media. According to Cole, the intent behind Graves’ comments may have been misunderstood.
“He put something out there,” Cole explained. “He said he was just trying to generate interest in a storyline, but I don’t think the company saw it that way.”
Endorsement and Uncertainty
Michael Cole and Corey Graves (Photo: WWE, Illustrated)
Cole did not confirm whether Graves’ demotion was permanent but hinted that ongoing discussions might be taking place.
“I think he and the company are working it out,” Cole said.
While WWE has embraced more personality and creative freedom among its announcers, Cole acknowledged that boundaries still exist.
“We’re given more freedom now, but that doesn’t mean you can say anything you want,” he noted.
Despite the situation, Cole remains a strong supporter of Graves’ work.
“He’s an unbelievable commentator,” he said. “I hope he stays with us, because he’s one of the best.”
For now, Graves’ future with WWE remains uncertain, but Cole’s remarks confirm that the situation was not part of a scripted storyline.
Watch Michael Cole’s full interview on Impaulsive with Logan Paul:
Veteran WWE announcer Michael Cole recently shared his thoughts on WWE’s leadership transition during an appearance on Impaulsive, revealing to Logan Paul that under Vince McMahon, he never had the freedom to fully express himself.
Cole explained that during McMahon’s tenure, every aspect of WWE’s presentation adhered strictly to his vision.
“I was never really able to break out,” he admitted. “Vince was very hands-on, and everything had to fit his vision. It was his sandbox.”
Now, with Triple H and WWE President Nick Khan at the helm, Cole says the culture has shifted dramatically.
“We’re allowed to have bigger personalities now,” he noted. “You’re seeing the real Michael Cole—the guy who crowd surfs, who gets on tables, who jokes around. That would’ve never happened under Vince.”
Feeling Valued Like Never Before
Beyond creative freedom, Cole emphasized that WWE’s new leadership has made him feel truly appreciated.
“For the first time in my career, I really felt like I was important to this place,” he shared.
“The paycheck was part of it, but the way the new regime treats us… it’s night and day.”
This shift in philosophy extends across WWE, with talent now enjoying greater creative control.
“Before, Vince controlled everything,” Cole said. “Now, wrestlers are delivering promos in their own voices, and it’s making the product better.”
Cole also revealed that the company’s evolution played a key role in his decision to continue his career.
“I was considering stepping away, but my wife told me, ‘This is your legacy.’ And she was right.”
With nearly three decades in WWE, Cole is embracing this new chapter, proving that even a longtime voice of the company can still evolve alongside it.
Watch Michael Cole’s full interview on Impaulsive with Logan Paul:
Veteran WWE announcer Michael Cole revealed on Impaulsive that having PRIME’s logo on the WWE ring mat would have been unimaginable under Vince McMahon’s leadership.
“Vince thought the mat was sacred,” Cole explained. “But it’s 2025 now, and the world has changed.”
Logan Paul, whose PRIME brand is now a WWE sponsor, responded enthusiastically. “For me, it’s fantastic. It’s the future,” he said.
Cole noted that WWE’s business strategy, particularly under Triple H and Nick Khan, has shifted significantly from McMahon’s traditional approach.
“We always used to say, ‘Oh, the mat has to be clean,’ but now? You’ve got multiple logos on there.”
The discussion highlighted WWE’s evolving approach to revenue generation and brand partnerships. Paul, who has leveraged his influencer status to merge social media and professional wrestling, pointed out how this shift benefits both sides.
“It’s gotta be the right brands,” Paul added. “But let’s be real, you’re gonna get your head smashed in over a Wingstop logo? That’s amazing.”
Cole agreed that WWE’s mindset has evolved dramatically, creating new opportunities for crossover branding.
“This would’ve been unheard of five, ten years ago,” he said. “But it makes sense—this is a multi-billion-dollar entertainment business now.”
With PRIME’s growing presence in WWE, it’s clear the company’s leadership is embracing modern marketing strategies in ways McMahon never did.
Watch Michael Cole’s full interview on Impaulsive with Logan Paul:
GUNTHER has held the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for six months, making him the fourth person to hold this version of the title. Since winning it, he has defended the championship on television and at premium live events (PLEs) against opponents such as Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, and Damian Priest.
However, GUNTHER has also suffered some losses. He was defeated by Cody Rhodes for the Crown Jewel Title in November and previously put over Rhodes and Orton in a tag team match on SmackDown leading up to the title bout.
In a recent interview with the Daily Mailto promote WWE’s upcoming European tour, GUNTHER admitted that the past few months of his reign haven’t been ideal. However, he believes he is now back on track.
“I don’t think the last few months were ideal for me. I lost to Cody (Rhodes), and then everything that—that feud with (Damian) Priest, it didn’t allow me to show the best side of me, if that makes sense. But I think now I’m back to my old self. I feel my mojo again.”
GUNTHER’s next challenge is a title defense against Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41, taking place on April 19 or 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Posted February 18th, 2025 in WWE. Tagged: Gunther.
According to an official announcement from WWE ID on social media, these championships will be unique in WWE’s ecosystem, as they will be defended exclusively on the independent wrestling circuit rather than on WWE programming.
The tournament structure and participating independent promotions will be announced in the coming weeks, establishing a new competitive division that operates primarily outside of WWE’s traditional venues.
When Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper clashed at Madison Square Garden on MTV 40 years ago today, they didn’t just settle a score – they revolutionized professional wrestling. The February 18, 1985 event, “The War to Settle the Score,” marked a pivotal moment where sports entertainment crashed headfirst into mainstream pop culture, forever changing both industries.
The Night Wrestling Invaded MTV
In the heart of New York City, Madison Square Garden was electric as WWF Champion Hulk Hogan defended his title against his bitter rival, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. But this wasn’t just another wrestling match – it was the culmination of the groundbreaking “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection,” a revolutionary partnership between the World Wrestling Federation and MTV that would help transform wrestling from a regional attraction into a national phenomenon.
Pop icon Cyndi Lauper, who had already made waves in the wrestling world through her association with Captain Lou Albano, sat ringside as two of wrestling’s biggest stars collided. The atmosphere was more rock concert than wrestling show, exactly as WWF promoter Vince McMahon had envisioned.
Chaos Erupts in the Garden
The match itself devolved into beautiful chaos when Piper’s allies, Paul Orndorff and Bob Orton Jr., stormed the ring. Hollywood tough guy Mr. T, who had been watching from ringside, leaped into action to defend Hogan. In the ensuing mayhem, Piper kicked Lauper in the head – a shocking moment that would make mainstream headlines and set the stage for an even bigger event.
In an unscripted moment that perfectly captured the collision of worlds that night, pop art legend Andy Warhol accidentally wandered into a live interview area. Rather than creating an awkward moment, Warhol improvised a passionate endorsement of the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection, adding another layer of mainstream credibility to the spectacle.
The Birth of WrestleMania
The War to Settle the Score did more than deliver ratings for MTV – it laid the foundation for WrestleMania. The wild brawl between Hogan, Mr. T, Piper, and Orndorff would continue six weeks later at Madison Square Garden in the main event of the first WrestleMania, establishing a template for celebrity involvement that WWE follows to this day.
Four decades later, the impact of this revolutionary broadcast continues to resonate. The successful fusion of wrestling, music, and mainstream entertainment that night created a blueprint that transformed a regional wrestling promotion into a global entertainment empire. As WWE now streams on Netflix and collaborates with today’s biggest stars, it’s worth remembering the night on MTV that started it all.
The War to Settle the Score wasn’t just a wrestling show – it was the moment sports entertainment truly became entertainment for everyone. Forty years later, its influence can still be felt every time wrestling crosses over into mainstream culture, proving that sometimes the biggest victories in wrestling happen outside the ring.
The War to Settle the Score Results
Here are the complete match results from WWF War to Settle the Score on February 18, 1985 from Madison Square Garden in New York City:
Johnny Rodz defeated Jose Luis Rivera by pinfall
Hillbilly Jim pinned Rene Goulet
Don Muraco defeated Salvatore Bellomo via pinfall
Moondog Spot and Rick McGraw fought to a draw
David Sammartino secured a victory over Moondog Rex by pinfall
Nikolai Volkoff pinned Swede Hanson
Leilani Kai defeated Wendi Richter to win the WWF Women’s Championship
The U.S. Express (Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo) retained their WWF Tag Team Titles by defeating The Assassin & The Spoiler
Paul Orndorff defeated Tony Atlas via pinfall
Jimmy Snuka pinned Bob Orton Jr.
Hulk Hogan retained the WWF World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Roddy Piper by disqualification
WWE executive Paul “Triple H” Levesque has provided a first look at new championship belts that will be used as part of the WWE ID program.
In a social media post Tuesday afternoon, Triple H wrote:
“The top independent wrestling prospects have been ID’d… and now, we’re ready to spotlight the best of the best. Here’s your first look at the Men’s and Women’s @WWEID Championships.”
Tournaments will be held to crown the inaugural WWE ID Men’s and Women’s champions. The titles will be defended at independent wrestling shows. More on that here:
The WWE Independent Development (ID) program is WWE’s talent development initiative that partners with wrestling schools to identify and nurture promising independent wrestlers. Selected prospects receive financial benefits, training facility access, and mentorship while maintaining their ability to compete in independent promotions. The program includes a right of first refusal clause – if another major promotion offers a contract to a WWE ID prospect, WWE can either match the offer or allow the talent to sign elsewhere.
WWE World’s roster continues to expand with six major additions to its inaugural fan experience. The latest announcement confirms appearances by former champions Kevin Owens, Charlotte Flair, and Drew McIntyre at the Las Vegas Convention Center event running April 17-21.
The new lineup additions also include “The EST” Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, and current Judgment Day member Damian Priest. These superstars join the previously announced talent roster for the five-day convention, expanding the opportunities for fans to meet their favorite WWE performers.
Attendees will have access to these superstars through various experiences including Superstar Row, which is open to all General Admission ticket holders. The event will also feature exclusive photo opportunities and autograph sessions, with specific scheduling details to be announced.
Beyond meet-and-greet opportunities, WWE World promises an interactive experience complete with live interviews and podcast recordings featuring the expanding roster of talent.
For additional information on WWE World Las Vegas (April 17-21, 2025), visit Fanatics Events.
Posted February 18th, 2025 in WWE. Tagged: WWE World.
Ludwig Kaiser’s dramatic rise as a singles star has caught the attention of WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker, the German Superstar has shared. On the Insight podcast, Kaiser recalled receiving high praise from the Phenom of WWE.
“Goosebumps, man. That’s crazy. The Undertaker tells you exactly what you need to hear. No sugarcoating.”
The WWE legend didn’t just offer compliments to Kaiser, who transitioned into a singles role in 2024. The Undertaker also gave Kaiser direct advice on how to elevate his game.
“He told me what I needed to do, and it was something I had already felt myself. He reassured me that I was on the right path.”
Though Kaiser stopped short of every detail of the meeting, he shared that the pair spoke for 20 minutes. Recognizing that the Undertaker didn’t have to speak to him, Kaiser called their talk a pivotal changing point in his career.
“He didn’t have to do that. He’s The Undertaker. But he cared. And that meant a lot to me… “If that meeting hadn’t happened, who knows? It was one of those moments in life where you go, ‘Man, this changes everything.’”
Ludwig Kaiser has spent most of his WWE career alongside Gunther—but could that ever change? In an interview with Chris Van Vliet on Insight, Kaiser spoke about his long-time partnership with the reigning World Heavyweight Champion.
“We go way back. People see us as a unit, but I had my fourth-ever match against him. We’ve battled across Europe before we ever teamed together in WWE.”
In 2024, Kaiser turned on Giovanni Vinci, another long-time ally, leaving fans to speculate that GUNTHER could be targeted by the German next. Despite GUNTHER holding Raw’s richest prize, Kaiser would be wary to get on the bad side of the ring general.
“It’s better to be on GUNTHER’s side than against him. Trust me on that.”
When pressed further on possibly turning on GUNTHER, Kaiser explained why he can’t see himself betraying his friend.
“I don’t think so. As a European, loyalty means a lot to me. And GUNTHER has helped me so much in my career.”
On the podcast, Van Vliet pointed out that WWE alliances rarely last forever, with even The New Day splitting last December after ten years of union. Kaiser joked that fans can “never say never” but for the time being “I stand by my words.”
With WrestleMania 41 approaching, GUNTHER’s focus is on Jey Uso and defending the World Heavyweight Championship against the popular star. With such a huge match on the horizon, GUNTHER won’t have to worry about being betrayed by Ludwig Kaiser, for now…
Ludwig Kaiser is ready to succeed as a singles competitor after spending years of his career as Imperium’s supporting cast. On the Insight podcast, Kaiser reflected on the past 12 months which have seen him focus on pursuing singles success.
“Everything I’ve accomplished, I had to work hard for. Nothing was given to me. I’ve been in the company for so long, but this past year, everything started clicking.”
The turning point came in early 2024 when an injury to Imperium partner Giovanni Vinci thrust Kaiser into the singles spotlight. A singles showdown with Kofi Kingston, who has seen success as part of a group and as a solo act, proved pivotal.
“I was told directly what they wanted to see from me that night. It was a test. And I showed them a side of me that had always been there but never had the chance to shine.”
Kaiser has since been able to battle top-tier talent, including Sheamus, Bron Breakker, and CM Punk at Madison Square Garden. Kaiser shared that ten years, he would’ve laughed if he was told he’d one day face CM Punk in MSG “but here we are.”
As for 2025, Kaiser is clear about his ambitions; he wants to do all he can over the year.
“My eyes are on the prize. I have everything it takes to be a major player. People forget—this singles run has really only been one year. Imagine what’s next.”
WWE has been growing its presence in Europe in recent years, with the continent set to play a huge role on the Road to WrestleMania 41. If Kaiser can keep injury free, 2025 could mark his ascension to the main event spotlight.
Mick Foley’s days competing in the ring may be in the past but the Hardcore Legend would have loved the chance to face some of the stars of modern-day wrestling. Speaking to Monopoly Events’ Jamal Niaz at For the Love of Wrestling, Foley gave his dream opponents from the industry today.
“I could have torn it down with Darby Allin. When it comes to that wild stuff, Jon Moxley and I could have torn it down.”
Foley also threw Kevin Owens’ name on the list of talent he would’ve loved to face before sharing his interest in working with WWE’s resident, ‘Mami’ Rhea Ripley.
“I still think a 59-year-old Mick Foley and Rhea Ripley would draw at WrestleMania. [Or] Maybe I come on Mami’s behalf and seek vengeance on Dirty Dom! That could work, that would that would sell out stadiums.”
Foley has no shortage of dream opponents but it seems that these showdowns will remain a dream. In 2024, Foley shared his desire to have one final death match. Despite losing over 90lbs to make the match happen, signs of a concussion ultimately led to Mick backing down from the idea.
While Foley won’t be stepping back in the ring, the former WWE World Champion continues to be a figure of immense respect among fans and his peers. And with WWE 2K25 including intergender matches, Foley will soon get his chance to headline WrestleMania against Rhea Ripley, albeit in the virtual world.
“I wouldn’t want to just to do that… But definitely when it comes to work I think we could do some great stuff. We could bring the Mixed Match Challenge back.”
Stratton and Kaiser met as part of WWE with their first official meeting being inside the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Though the pair couldn’t help but notice one another, it took time before they began conversing.
“We can be pretty stubborn I think. And I think nobody wanted to make the first step.”
It was sheer coincidence that the pair eventually took the brave step towards one another. Kaiser explained that he was out with some friends and spotted Stratton who was celebrating her birthday weekend with some pals. The pair eventually began talking and “I don’t know how it went, but somehow we got to that, hey, why don’t we go on a date?”
Though the pair are on different brands, Kaiser could not be happier to see Stratton thrive on WWE SmackDownas the reigning WWE Women’s Champion. Reflecting on Tiffy Time coming during the first SmackDown of 2025, Kaiser was glad he could be with Stratton every step of the way.
“I’ve been there for the lows, I’ve been there for the highs. I’ve seen it all very up close, and she created something there. She’s doing amazing.”
Kaiser has seen his own star grow on Monday Night Raw, where he has been in pursuit of the Intercontinental Championship and has been feuding with Penta. Whether it remains to be seen if Stratton wins gold of his own, the German is pleased that his WWE career is happening during ‘Tiffy Time.’
Roxanne Perez is feeling immensely confident about her future after qualifying for the Women’s Elimination Chamber match on the latest Raw. After defeating Raquel Rodriguez, Perez gloated to WWE’s camera crew backstage:
“The Prodigy is going to the Elimination Chamber! Because nobody is on my level! Not anybody from NXT, not anybody from Raw or SmackDown, and especially not Raquel Rodriguez!”
Perez’s harsh words didn’t stop there, as she claimed it was “embarrassing” for Perez to lose to Perez, who’s still a part of NXT. Signing off, Perez declared herself “your future Women’s World Champion,” sharing her confidence that she’ll have a title match at WrestleMania 41.
Perez may be confidence that she’ll challenge for the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania but her journey to Las Vegas will not be easy. Perez will be joined by Liv Morgan, Bayley, Bianca Belair, Naomi, and Alexa Bliss. For Perez, this won’t just be a match pitting her against some of WWE’s top women, but it’ll mark her Elimination Chamber debut, the only woman entering the match for the first time.
The Prodigy’s win on Raw will only further fuel talks that a full-time move to WWE’s main roster is coming for the two-time former NXT Women’s Champion. Win or lose at Elimination Chamber, fans can expect plenty more of Roxanne Perez in the WWE spotlight.
The fans in Charlotte, North Carolina were treated to a special appearance from Cody Rhodes after the February 17, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw went off the air. In a special dark match, Rhodes received a hero’s welcome as he arrived in Charlotte to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Carmelo Hayes.
These two have a history, with Hayes ambushing Rhodes after an episode of Monday Night Raw in January 2025. This week, however, it was Rhodes who had the last laugh as he retained his title against ‘Him.’
Dark match after WWE Raw . Cody Rhodes vs Carmelo Hayes for the WWE championship pic.twitter.com/kXVvGFFp7J
Rhodes’ victory marks another succesful title defense for the Undisputed WWE Champion who has held the gold since WrestleMania 40 in April 2024. This match marked Rhodes’ 57th succesful title defense as the American Nightmare is proving himself as a workhorse champion.
With another win under his belt, Rhodes’ attention now turns to the Elimination Chamber 2025 Premium Live Event. While Rhodes isn’t set to compete in Toronto, the Men’s Chamber match will determine who will face the American Nightmare at WrestleMania 41. On Raw, Seth Rollins earned the final spot in the Chamber match, joining Drew McIntyre, John Cena, CM Punk, Logan Paul, and Damian Priest.
The final spots in this year’s Elimination Chamber matches were claimned during the February 17, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw, giving a clear picture of what fans can expect next month.
Perez Punches Her Ticket
In out first of two qualifying matches, NXT’s Roxanne Perez earned a spot in the Women’s Chamber with a big win over Raquel Rodriguez. Perez scored the pinfall after hitting Pop Rox on Perez who’d been distracted with the ringside situation between Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, and Naomi.
Perez joins a star-studded field of competitors that’ll include Bianca Belair, Naomi, Liv Morgan, Alexa Bliss, and Naomi. This win on Raw was also a longtime coming for Perez who hadn’t won a singles match since her October 1, 2024 win over Giulia during WWE NXT’s debut on The CW.
Seth Rollins Enters the Chamber.
The final spot in the Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier saw Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins defeat Finn Balor during this week’s Raw in Charlotte, North Carolina. With his win, Rollins will join John Cena, Logan Paul, Damian Priest, CM Punk, and Drew McIntyre. Rollins has faced all five men individually at WWE Premium Live Events and will now have to take all of them on once again.
The winner will earn a shot at The Undisputed WWE Championship held by Cody Rhodes, who returned to WWE in 2022 with a win over Seth Rollins. Now, McIntyre has the opportunity to get payback for that loss, and take the WWE Championship in the process, if he survives the Elimination Chamber.
WWE is building a new rivalry on Monday Night Raw between Dakota Kai and Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria.
On this week’s episode of Raw, Dakota Kai earned a title opportunity by winning a match to determine the number one contender for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. The February 17 edition of Raw featured a major women’s division bout, as Kai faced Ivy Nile. In the end, Kai secured the victory, pinning Nile after delivering her signature G2K finisher.
With this win, Kai will challenge Valkyria for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, though the exact date of their title match was not announced.
Valkyria became the inaugural champion by defeating Kai on the January 13 edition of Raw. Since then, she has yet to defend the title but did compete in the Royal Rumble, which was won by Charlotte Flair, and later lost to Bayley in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match.
For Kai, she has won two straight tag team matches with IYO SKY. They beat Pure Fusion Collective (Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark) on the January 20th episode of Raw and then The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez) on the February 10th edition.
The WWE Royal Rumble featured a shocking collision between Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker and internet sensation IShowSpeed, culminating in a thunderous spear that quickly went viral on social media.
Speed, the popular streamer and influencer, had made a brief yet memorable appearance in the Rumble match. Emerging with a neck brace and crutches, he was in no condition to withstand the force of Breakker’s devastating spear. The impact sent Speed flying across the ring, and the moment rapidly gained traction online, amassing millions of views across various social media platforms.
The unexpected attack left fans and commentators stunned. Adding to the intrigue, Breakker’s post-match comments suggested an open invitation for Speed’s return. Breakker stated that he would welcome Speed back to WWE should he seek revenge, hinting at a possible future storyline between the two.
Following the event, Speed admitted the experience was physically overwhelming. Speaking on his YouTube stream, he described the aftermath:
“I ain’t gonna cap. After this, the day after Bron Breakker speared me, I had probably one of the worst headaches. I couldn’t move. I could not move, bro. I thought I was nearly about to die. Real talk. That was maybe one of the craziest, worst experiences ever. Real talk. I’m being so serious.”
Whether this was a one-off encounter or the beginning of a longer-term storyline remains to be seen.
THE ISHOWSPEED SPEAR IN GIF FORM MAKES IT LOOKS MORE BRUTAL ?
