Elijah Holyfield, son of boxing legend Evander Holyfield, has officially signed with WWE NXT. Holyfield, who participated in a WWE tryout over SummerSlam weekend this past August, joins the newest class of recruits to the NXT brand.

Also included in this new class is Lance Anoa’i, son of former WWE Superstar Samu of The Headshrinkers and a former MLW Tag Team Champion.

Before transitioning to pro wrestling, Elijah Holyfield had a notable college football career. playing for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. During his time with the Bulldogs, he was part of a talented backfield and contributed to the team’s success. After his college career, Holyfield pursued opportunities in pro football. He spent time with NFL teams, including a stint with the Miami Dolphins.

Holyfield flexed his new role with WWE on Friday afternoon, writing on social media, “Future is bright!!! ??????”

WWE announced the WWE Independent Development (WWE ID) program, aimed at supporting independent wrestlers and providing a pathway to WWE. Prominent wrestling schools have been officially designated as WWE ID partners, including:

• Nightmare Factory (Atlanta, Cody Rhodes and QT Marshall)
• Reality of Wrestling (Houston, Booker T)
• Black and Brave Academy (Davenport, Iowa, Seth Rollins)
• Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center (Concord, N.H.)
• KnokX Pro Academy (Los Angeles)

Trainees and talent at these designated schools will receive a range of support services, including Mentorship, training, and access to WWE’s world-class facilities and resources, such as top-tier trainers and athletic care. Students showing exceptional promise will receive a WWE ID prospect designation to track their development.

“WWE ID is the latest in our efforts to identify and support the journey of up-and-coming wrestlers, in turn raising the profile of and strengthening the independent wrestling ecosystem.”

WWE Chief Content Officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque

Talent Recruitment & Development

WWE has established a comprehensive talent development pipeline that feeds into its developmental brand, NXT. At the heart of this system is the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, a world-class facility where prospects hone their in-ring skills and character work.

The company’s NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) program strategically recruits standout collegiate athletes, securing commitments from them to pursue WWE careers after completing their education.

The latest addition, the WWE ID program, partners with premier wrestling schools to identify and cultivate promising talent. Together, these three initiatives ensure a steady stream of prospects as they search for the next generations of wrestling superstars.

The WWE Performance Center opened its doors in 2013, and ever since, the facility has been a haven for talent looking to hone their skills. Now, NXT head Shawn Michaels has shared his huge vision for the center that he also calls home. Speaking in a video from WWE’s parent company TKO, Michaels shared his plan for a future where all of WWE’s main roster will have come from the PC.

“In a very short amount of time, 100% of the WWE roster is going to be from people who have walked through the doors of the Performance Center.”

WWE’s main roster is currently home to a mix of homegrown talent crafted in the Performance Center as well as talent who made their names before signing with WWE. In the latter case, even talent who’ve established themselves outside WWE will typically spend time in the Performance Center as part of NXT being called up.

Staying in Florida

One change fans shouldn’t expect from the WWE Performance Center is a move to Las Vegas, Nevada. This week, it was reported that the center would be moving soon after eleven years in Orlando, Florida. In a statement to Fightful Select, WWE denied that a move was coming. Explaining reports that Endeavor President Mark Shapiro had shared ‘news’ of the move at a meeting in WWE Headquarters, it was said that Shapiro was speaking of “having a presence” in Vegas and that idea being “on the table.”

UFC President Dana White recently shared his thoughts on the report that suggested WWE Performance Center is moving to Las Vegas.

On August 27, WrestleVotes reported that during an “all-employee” meeting led by Mark Shapiro at WWE HQ, staffs were told that the Performance Center would be moving to Sin City sometime “in the near future.” However, Fightful Select then refuted the claims and reported that WWE sources said that the claim was false.

WrestleVotes further said in another report that WWE has plans to move the Performance Center to Las Vegas but the process would not be an “overnight thing.”

At the post-show Press Conference after Dana White’s Contender Series on August 27, UFC President Dana White was asked about the reports surrounding WWE Performance Center. He said:

“It’s none of my business. I know nothing about it [laughs]. It’s none of my business. Let the WWE talk about their business.”

WWE launched the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida in July 2013. It went on to replace the original developmental territory of the company, Florida Championship Wrestling. Since then, the Performance Center has been used for training and tryouts as well as the home of NXT. The venue has also been used to host other major events for the company including WrestleMania 36 during the pandemic.

Last year, WWE and UFC officially merged to form TKO. They have since collaborated on different occasions. Recently, WWE even held NXT Battleground at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. UFC has used Nevada as their base for its headquarters, The UFC Performance Institute, and its live event center, The UFC Apex.

• Manchester City Stars Train At WWE Performance Center

On Tuesday, a rumor began to circulate suggesting that WWE could consider moving its Performance Center to Las Vegas, Nevada. WrestleVotes reported that during an “all-employee” meeting held at WWE HQ, staff were told the PC would be moving to Sin City sometime “in the near future.”

Following WrestleVotes’ report, Fightful Select revealed that sources within WWE strongly denied that the company had definite plans to relocate the Performance Center to Las Vegas. This information came from “Top sources” within both WWE and TKO. In a statement on X, Sean Ross Sapp mentioned that one source indicated that Mark Shapiro, the executive named in the original report, was expressing that “…having a presence there is on the table.”

Despite this, WrestleVotes maintains that the initial report stating that WWE has plans to move the PC to Las Vegas potentially is still a reality and that the process would not be an “overnight thing.”

In July 2013, WWE opened the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, which became the company’s second primary location after WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. The Performance Center replaced the original developmental initiative, “Florida Championship Wrestling.” Since then, the facility has been used for training/tryouts, and is the current home of the NXT band.

The move itself would make sense from a business standpoint. Since 2017, UFC has used Nevada as a base for both its company headquarters, “The UFC Performance Institute,” and its live event center, “The UFC Apex.”

Since both WWE and UFC became divisions TKO Group Holdings Inc. in September 2023, the conglomerate has made it clear that while the two companies operate separately, there would be opportunities for cross-promotional partnerships. In June, WWE held NXT: Battleground at UFC’s Apex, with both fans and those inside TKO touting the event as a wildly successful example of how the two giants in combat sports and entertainment could work together.

The WWE Performance Center Has Hosted Many WWE Events Aside From NXT

Aside from being the home of WWE’s developmental brand and main training facility, the venue has also been used to stage other major events for the company throughout its history.

The PC was famously the home of Wrestlemania 36, originally scheduled to be hosted inside Raymond James Stadium. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced WWE to move the event to the Performance Center. It became a two-night event in front of no audience. WWE also used the space to host episodes of RAW, SmackDown, Main Event, 205 Live, and four main roster PPVs before moving main roster shows to the “Thunderdome.”

In September 2021, the company redesigned the NXT set, ushering in the “NXT 2.0” relaunch of the developmental brand. While the “2.0” branding has been dropped in recent years, the arena’s new configuration has remained consistent.

CM Punk recently spent time at the WWE Performance Center, receiving positive feedback. We previously reported that Punk was “holding court” at the WWE Performance Center. It appears that he really likes the setup, and he has his eye on a much bigger eventual opportunity in Orlando. 

CM Punk’s appearance on NXT Deadline alongside Shawn Michaels was followed by an unanticipated visit to the Performance Center in Orlando after his participation in WWE Raw. 

Despite not being scheduled for the show, Sean Ross Sapp reported on Fightful Select that CM Punk willingly engaged backstage, offering assistance, interacting with talent in the lounge, and providing feedback on matches. It was also reported that Punk moved around various areas, including gorilla and the tech crew’s vicinity.

Everyone that we’ve spoken to at the WWE Performance Center say that Punk has been a pleasure to deal with so far, and there was a lot of excitement around Punk being there. 

Shawn Michaels had openly welcomed CM Punk to WWE, particularly to NXT, even before formal discussions took place. Sources close to Punk suggest he valued Michaels’ endorsement. According to WWE insiders, Punk is always welcome at the WWE Performance Center at his convenience.

The report from Fightful Select also noted that WrestlePurists’ Ibou, who is connected to sources close to CM Punk, revealed that Punk’s long-term aspiration is to eventually take over NXT leadership from the 58-year-old Shawn Michaels. However, WWE officials assert that such a transition is distant, with no current plans for Michaels to conclude his tenure in NXT. 

Ibou also mentioned CM Punk’s interest in observing TV production, reminiscent of his practices in OVW, where he often sought Paul Heyman’s insights.

In recent days, CM Punk has been photographed with numerous NXT talents, creating a buzz within the wrestling community. Obviously, he feels right at home at the WWE Performance Center. 

CM Punk is hard at work at the PC ? pic.twitter.com/VS2VAEJ19J

— Ibou (@BackupHangman) December 13, 2023

We can only imagine what the WWE Performance Center will be like if CM Punk takes a big leadership role. If anything, he certainly seems to be fitting in, and looking toward the future within the company.

I ain’t seen a single backstage pic with any dudes bruh ? pic.twitter.com/Nh16nhYKYn

— Ibou (@BackupHangman) December 13, 2023

WWE has hired former indie wrestling star Allison Danger to work as a coach in the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, according to reports from Wrestling Observer.

The female star previously worked as a guest coach at the PC in mid-May. She was then brought to the SummerSlam week tryout in Las Vegas.

Danger was apparently brought in for the tryout from Vegas in August because she lived in the area. She worked with the talents giving their auditions at the event.

The SummerSlam week appearance, alongside her guest coaching gig earlier this year seems to have served as the catalyst for her full-time signing with the company.

The 44-year-old Allison Danger is the younger sister of ECW original Steve Corino. Corino currently works as a producer and trainer for WWE behind the scenes as well.

It’s interesting to note that the former wrestling star was trained by the current AEW star CM Punk, among others including her brother and the Chikara wrestle factory.

Allison Danger is not the only star to have been hired by WWE as a Performance Center coach recently. It was revealed earlier this week that former Spirit Squad member Kenny Dykstra has also been working at the PC the last few weeks.

WWE has announced a new wave of Performance Center recruits and there are a couple of key names.

United States Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson has been the talk of both the wrestling and MMA communities. Steveson appeared during the SummerSlam event. WWE honored him for winning gold for the U.S. in wrestling. Steveson has expressed his desire to step inside a WWE as a member of the roster.

Steveson is indeed a part of the new wave of PC recruits, but it isn’t Gable. Instead, it’s his brother, Bobby. Bobby Steveson has wrestled at the University of Minnesota. This is the same university that Brock Lesnar and Shelton Benjamin attended.

Another interesting name on the list is Joseph Fatu. Fatu is the younger brother of Jimmy and Jey Uso. Joseph stands at 6’2, 240 pounds, and has played football in college.

Ben Buchanan has also been recruited. He is the son of former WWE star Bull Buchanan. Bull Buchanan wrestled in WWE from 1997-2003, winning tag team gold along the way. Ben was a wrestling champion at an Alabama state high school.

Here’s a full list of the Performance Center recruits.

• Bobby Steveson
• Joseph Fatu
• Ben Buchanan
• Brady Booker
• Jessica Woynilko
• Joshua Dawkins

Former WWE Superstar Ryback recently commented on the company continuing to tape their shows from the Performance Center in Florida. The ‘Big Guy’ joined Raj Giri to discuss the ongoing tapings on this week’s episode of the Shooting Blanks Wrestling Report.

The ratings for all shows, RAW, SmackDown and NXT have seen a steady decline over the past few months, partly due to the pandemic and seemingly due to the lack of crowds in attendance at shows and lack of ambience. Although the restrictions around live crowds has somewhat been lifted, WWE’s weekly shows continue to see a decline in ratings.

Ryback on NFL Returning

“They are talking about having football without fans” Ryback began on the podcast, saying how the NFL potentially returning will impact WWE’s viewership. “And if they do? People are going to watch football regardless. They’re [WWE] going to lose a chunk of their audience on that.”

“The trend it just keeps going down more and more and more” Ryback continued. “I think really, filming at the Performance Center? I don’t think it’s working. It’s great, it’s a great place, don’t get me wrong. It’s a great training facility, but for shooting regular TV every week? There’s just no energy there and it comes across [on television].”

Ryback was quick to point out that this was not a dig at the performers themselves. “Again, this isn’t because of the performers, wrestlers or anything. It’s just the environment and the lack of energy from a crowd. So, I’m not shocked. I think they [the ratings] go lower, I really do. But I don’t really know what their [WWE] options are, how can they really change anything?”

Do you think that WWE’s ratings will continue to decline during the pandemic? Let us know in the comments

Also Check Out:

• WWE Extreme Rules PPV Reportedly Being Pre-Taped
• Keith Lee Predicts He And An NXT Superstar Will Eventually Main…
• Shayna Baszler Returns On WWE RAW
• Karrion Kross Teases Doing Cinematic Match In WWE NXT

WWE has confirmed that former Impact and Ring of Honor (ROH) wrestler Chris Sabin is currently guest coaching at their Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.

We recently reported on Sabin teasing he was at the WWE PC after he uploaded a series of tweets to his social media. One post included a heavily cropped image of the Performance Center logo.

Now, the WWE PC Twitter account has uploaded a video with Sabin. The clip introduces who he is to the WWE Universe for those who might be unfamiliar.

“My name is Joshua Edward Harter, also known as Chris Sabin. I’ve been a professional wrestler for 19 years,” he said.

He touched on his history as a wrestling fan, remembering the specific event that helped him find his passion for pro wrestling: Royal Rumble ’93.

“I’ve been a big fan of wrestling for most of my life. The first VHS tape that I ever owned was the 1993 Royal Rumble. It was the first pay-per-view my parents ever let me order, and I recorded it, and I watched it over and over and over. Wrestling, more specifically WWE, just kind of took over my life from there.””

“You know, I love wrestling, ‘I’m very passionate about it, and I hope I can bring some of that passion here to the Performance Center and help some people out and just be a positive force here.”

Wrestler Reaction

Since the announcement was made, several wrestlers from across the business commented on Sabin helping at the PC:

WWE will be premiering their new WWE Performance Center Combine special on the WWE Network on Sunday afternoon. Less than 24-hours before the special premieres, the company has released some preview clips to get fans ready for the show.

Scheduled to premiere at 2pm Eastern Time / 11am Pacific Time on the WWE Network on Sunday, the WWE Performance Center Combine will feature NXT Superstars competing in a battery of athletic events.

For the first time on @WWENetwork, witness the #WWEPCCombine streaming this Sunday at 2/1c! @WWEPC https://t.co/uLSM84oZA2

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) May 24, 2019

WWE.com released the following regarding Sunday’s special:

Watch the 2019 WWE PC Combine this Sunday on WWE Network

This Sunday, for the first time ever on WWE Network, you’ll be able to watch as NXT Superstars and WWE Performance Center recruits put their athleticism to the test in the 2019 WWE PC Combine.

Similar to the annual NFL Combine, the WWE PC Combine uses several different disciplines to measure the strength and athletic conditioning of NXT Superstars. Which Superstars can dead lift the heaviest weight or run the ropes the fastest?

Find out when the 2019 WWE PC Combine streams this Sunday at 2/1 C, exclusively on the award-winning WWE Network.

Who will have the strength, the speed, and the spirit to make it to the end?

The @WWEPC Combine streams TOMORROW at 2/1c on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/UAiVnStK7m

— WWE (@WWE) May 25, 2019

The United Kingdom recently received the first WWE Performance Center outside of the United States. The announcement was made days prior to the NXT UK’s TakeOver debut, which took place in Blackpool.

WWE’s plans for global NXT expansion doesn’t end there, however. The end goal, it seems, is to curate a worldwide development system for WWE, with Performance Centers available across the planet. Each one would then create talent for that regions NXT brand, with potential crossover opportunities then available worldwide.

Speaking with The National in Abu Dhabi, WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative, Triple H, divulged a few locations WWE are keen to expand into.

“I can tell you there will be a performance center in India,” he shared. “There will be a performance center in the Middle East. There will, more than likely, be a performance center in Latin America. We will be replicating this process around the globe, all over.”

“I see that, as you said, the product is very big there [in the Middle East], very successful there, there’s a lot of people that have a very strong interest in it,” Triple said. “If we go in the Middle East and we start to recruit there and we see that all of a sudden there’s this massive interest, there’s [a] massive depth of people that we feel have the ability to succeed, then we would go there first, or quicker.”

What do you make of this? Will this feeder system eventually provide new talent for RAW and SmackDown Live? Will these NXT variations instead exist within their own bubble?

This week, WWE will be holding tryouts at their WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Thanks to a report from PWInsider, we now know four names that have been confirmed for the upcoming tryouts. The first is yet another former mixed martial artist. WWE has been very interested in signing former MMA competitors as of late. Stars like Shayna Baszler, Ronda Rousey, Matt Riddle, and Sonya Deville all have a history in MMA competition.

Now, WWE is bringing in recently released UFC fighter Eric Spicely. He was a competitor on The Ultimate Fighter Season 23 (TUF 23). Spicely was a semi-finalist in the tournament but had three-straight losses in the Octagon. He was released from the promotion in August as a result. Spicely has worked for the Beyond Wrestling promotion in New England in the past.

Also, Penelope Ford will be coming in for a tryout as well. Ford is best known on the independent circuit for her time spent alongside Joey Janela. They appeared together on the “All In” pay-per-view (PPV) in Chicago earlier this year. Former High School volleyball player, NPCC bodybuilding competitor, actor, and model Courtney Lemmings will also be trying out this week.

And finally, former University of Maryland Football player Tehuti Miles will also be a part of the tryout. Football players are also athletes that WWE likes to target, such as Baron Corbin, Roman Reigns, Mojo Rawley, and more.

What do you think about the names confirmed for WWE’s upcoming tryouts?

WWE is hoping to announce new Performance Centers in the near future. The first will likely be located in the United Kingdom to serve as a feeder system to NXT UK. According to a report from the Wrestling Observer, an announcement could come at this weekend’s tapings in Liverpool.

“They are actually working very hard right now to get things going and there is likely to be an announcement within the next few weeks,” Dave Meltzer wrote on the situation. “Actually I expect it on 11/24 or 11/25 in Liverpool at the TV tapings, regarding a second Performance Center, likely the U.K.”

Triple H has previously said Takeover specials will be apart of the NXT UK brand in 2019.

New Performance Centers

Following a new WWE Performance Center in the UK, WWE is hoping to open Centers in every major part of the world.

“Plans are on board for them within a few years to be in every major wrestling geographical area in the world, as well as Saudi Arabia with the long-term goal of running a regular regional promotion in that area,” Meltzer continued. “This does include Japan, as well as Germany, South America and Australia.”

An NXT Germany brand is something which has been rumored to be not too far off.

The WWE Performance Center has launched a new YouTube channel that will give viewers a behind the scenes look at some of the top up and coming talents in the sport.

For years, the WWE Performance Center has been the landing spot for athletes looking to join the organization as well as a home for current superstars looking to hone their game or work back into shape when coming back from injury.

Most notably, the WWE Performance Center has been the first stop for future superstars en route to NXT or the main roster and the new channel will give a deeper look at those stories.

The first few features on the new WWE Performance Center YouTube channel have already launched including a behind the scenes look at Matt Riddle’s first day arriving in NXT.

Announcing the @WWEPC YouTube Channel! Catch real-life stories from aspiring @WWE Superstars such as @SuperKingofBros, and stay tuned for much more! https://t.co/dEKKEyR29d pic.twitter.com/PfuRwqmBIf

— WWE Recruit (@WWERecruit) November 14, 2018

‘The King of Bros’ has been regarded as one of the top talents on the independent circuit for several years and his arrival in WWE was a welcome sight.

The feature on Riddle goes beyond his arrival in WWE as the former UFC fighter also describes how tough the road was to get here in the first place.

Among the other videos already available on the new YouTube channel including a look at how WWE action figures are made as well as a fantasy game where superstars pick their own ‘War Games’ teams ahead of the highly anticipated card coming up in NXT.

The new channel promises ‘real life stories’ for the superstars coming through the WWE Performance Center so this will be one more way to see another side of the athletes who are all trying to become household names in the future.

Former Ring Of Honor (ROH) star Punishment Martinez has reported to the WWE Performance Center. WWE signed Martinez after he finished up with ROH late last month. WWE Hall Of Famer Diamond Dallas Page posted a photo of himself with all of the talents at the Performance Center.

Martinez was one of the Superstars seen in the photo. “DDP” noted he was at the PC to show the talent how DDP Yoga can help them in the ring, and while recovering from an injury. There is currently no news yet on when Martinez will be making his NXT TV debut. However, it wouldn’t come as a complete shock if fans got their first glimpse of him at NXT Takeover: War Games or later.

“Im down at @WWEPerformCtr again showing these WARRIORS how much @ddpyoga can improve their performance in the ring and help with injuring recovery. #DDPYWORKS I wanna know who your favorite @WWENXT performer is in the picture!”

Im down at @WWEPerformCtr again showing these WARRIORS how much @ddpyoga can improve their performance in the ring and help with injuring recovery. #DDPYWORKS I wanna know who your favorite @WWENXT performer is in the picture! pic.twitter.com/lxX6SKjJ8x

— Diamond Dallas Page (@RealDDP) October 16, 2018

What do you think about WWE bringing in Martinez?

– Paul Heyman was at the WWE Performance Center for a few days last week running promo classes with talent, according to PWInsider.

On Friday, the official Instagram account of NXT posted photos of Heyman teaching Bianca Belair and Kona Reeves on “how to address a sold-out crowd.”

https://instagram.com/p/BmBifKMBI7X/

Bayley attended the class and posted a photo on her Instagram Story of Heyman instructing Lars Sullivan.

Is Lars Sullivan about to become the next "Paul Heyman Guy"? #SummerSlam #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/Y8XST0TmGh

— Lost in the Midcard (@LITMCPodcast) August 3, 2018

– Ronda Rousey will compete on Raw for the first time ever tomorrow night as she takes on Alicia Fox. Ahead of the match, WWE.com posted a photo gallery of the first time The Undertaker, Braun Strowman, Sasha Banks and other current Superstars wrestled on Raw.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–IgkhIVCl0&w=560&h=315]

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP2iIMP0gK0&w=560&h=315]

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=954z6aUOkK4&w=560&h=315]

• Read Lars Sullivan’s letter to WWE Magazine in 2009

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was training at the WWE Performance Center earlier this month.

Velasquez is one of the greatest heavyweights in mixed martial arts (MMA) history. Pro wrestling fans will remember him for his starching of Brock Lesnar for the heavyweight throne back at UFC 121 in 2010.

Dave Meltzer discussed Velasquez’s training session at the WWE PC in a recent edition of Wrestling Observer Radio. He revealed Velasquez is currently negotiating a new UFC deal. The Mexican star is using his WWE trip as a power move against the UFC.

He wants the MMA promotional juggernaut to know he has other options. During his time at the PC Velasquez trained professional wrestling techniques with coach Norman Smiley. He also took part in a DDP Yoga session led by Hall Of Famer Diamond Dallas Page himself. He also attended an NXT TV taping at Full Sail University.

“My experience has been amazing,” Velasquez said. “I’m just looking forward to being here and learning as much as I can. I’ve been a fan of the sport since I was a little kid, and now I get to participate in it.”

Velasquez has a 14-2 professional MMA record. One of those 14 victories was over reigning WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar. Velasquez defeated Lesnar back in October 2010 via first round KO/TKO.

WWE is always searching the globe to acquire the biggest and best stars in professional sports, in attempt to mimic that stardom into a career as a professional wrestler under their promotional banner.

It looks like the company now has their sights set on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez. You might remember the Mexican slugger as the man who dethroned Brock Lesnar from the heavyweight mountaintop back in 2010 at UFC 121 via first round knockout.

Velasquez was recently at a WWE event earlier this year to show support for Ronda Rousey, and said he’d like to possibly jump into the WWE ring and take another belt from Brock Lesnar, who is currently the WWE Universal Champion. He might just be gearing up to do exactly that.

WWE announced that Velasquez was recently at their Performance Center and drilled with PC coach Norman Smiley. He also participated in a DDP Yoga session led by WWE Hall Of Famer Diamond Dallas Page himself. The Arizona State wrestling product also trained in the WWE PC weight room before attending an NXT taping at Full Sail Live.

Here’s what the former UFC heavyweight champ had to say about the experience:

“My experience here has been amazing. I’m just looking forward to being here and learning as much as I can. I’ve been a fan of the sport since I was a little kid, and now I get to participate in it.”

It was an honor to have former @ufc Heavyweight Champion @cainmma in the ring with the @WWENXT Superstars this week at the @WWEPerformCtr! https://t.co/AWu6LLvrSi

— WWE Recruit (@WWERecruit) July 19, 2018

Earlier this week the WWE held tryouts in Saudi Arabia ahead of their Greatest Royal Rumble event. WWE announced eight participants who will continue to receive training as the Greatest Royal Rumble approaches. It was also announced that one of the eight will get a special opportunity – competing in the Greatest Royal Rumble match.

Here are the eight participants (per WWE.com):

– Hussain Aldagal, a 6-foot-3, 215-pounder with a background in volleyball and bodybuilding

– Mansoor Al-Shehail, a 6-foot, 175-pounder who has trained under WWE Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr.

– Faisal Kurdi, a 5-foot-9, 180-pound MMA fighter, amateur grappler and Muay Thai boxer

– Nasser Bawazer, a 6-foot-3, 250-pound champion in boxing, MMA and aikido

– Khalid Alhothali, a competitor in bodybuilding, as well as combat sports, including boxing and jiu-jitsu

– Abdullah Almagrabi, a 225-pound karate champion and boxing trainer

– Faisal Allabboudy, a 23-year-old whose athletic background includes competitive swimming, boxing and bodybuilding

– Asaad Alshareef, a 23-year-old Greco Roman and freestyle wrestler who has also trained in various martial arts

Visited the 4th day of #KSATryouts today. This week was a huge success due to the hard work of @WWE Talent Development, @WWEPerformCtr coaches and @WWENXT talent. #WWEGRR pic.twitter.com/u2MDgDHy3A

— Triple H (@TripleH) April 21, 2018

Fight Club: Pro just held arguably the biggest weekend of the company’s existence with two nights in the illustrious Fixxion Warehouse in Wolverhampton, England. Dubbed ‘Rise Against’ and ‘The First Female of Fight Club’ the two nights showcased the best that Fight Club has to offer and made for a fitting farewell for one of the most beloved competitors ever to step foot in the Fixxion.

Here are the results from Friday Night’s Rise Against show:

• ‘Session Moth’ Martina b. Chief Deputy Dunne by Homicide.
• Fatal Four Way Match: The Dunnedertaker (Damian Dunne) (w/Martina) b. Clint Margera, Dan Moloney and David Starr via Pinfall.
• Candice LeRae b. Kay Lee Ray via Pinfall.
• The Hunter Brothers (Jim Hunter & Lee Hunter) b.  Joe Coffey & Omari via Pinfall
• British Rounds Match: Jimmy Havoc b. Mikey Whiplash in Round 5.
• Chris Brookes b. Nixon Newell via Pinfall.
• British Strong Style (Pete Dunne, Trent Seven & Tyler Bate) b. Travis Banks, Will Ospreay & Wolfgang via Pinfall.

Before the British Strong Style match the three men (who have recently signed contracts with the WWE) re-enacted Triple H’s entrance in tribute:

We went too far this time. #TripleHouse pic.twitter.com/sKjqt6g4oR

— ‘The Bruiserweight’ Pete Dunne (@PeteDunneYxB) March 18, 2017

Here are the results from Saturday Night’s First Female of Fight Club show:

– AJ Styles and Shane McMahon have been added to WWE’s upcoming live event from Madison SQuare Garden on March 13th. The two are rumored to be facing each other at WrestleMania 33.

– Lei’D Tapa was among the new recruits trying to make it in WWE at the recent Performance Center tryouts. What sets the former Gut Check winner apart? WWE released the following video looking at the former TNA Knockout:

Could @LeiD_Tapa be the next big thing in the @WWE Women's Division? She made her presence known at the @WWEPerformCtr tryout! pic.twitter.com/oCTQ1OL85b

— WWE (@WWE) February 12, 2017

– As reported before, Triple H and NXT Superstars surprised Make-A-Wish Kids wish WrestleMania 33 tickets at the WWE Performance Center recently. Below is video from the surprise event:

– WWE announced on Tuesday that Shinsuke Nakamura will not require knee surgery after a recent injury scare. The former NXT Champion did not appear at the most recent NXT television tapings and he hasn’t wrestled since dropping the NXT title to Bobby Roode at Takeover: San Antonio. The next round of NXT tapings take place on 2/22 from the University of Central Florida. These are the last tapings before TakeOver in Orlando.

BREAKING: @WWEPerformCtr staff have evaluated @ShinsukeN and have found no tear in his knee; will not require surgery. pic.twitter.com/DoAGWSYNVO

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 7, 2017

– The “Seth Rollins: Building the Architect” DVD from WWE is scheduled to be released in May. There will be no Blu-ray version of this release, as the company is cutting back on Blu-ray versions in the UK and North America.

– We’ve reported how new WWE recruits Dori Prange (Heidi Lovelace), Kimberly Frankele (Kimber Lee) and Mary Kate Duignan Glidewell (Andrea) recently reported to the WWE Performance Center. Below is footage of the ladies discussing what it means to finally make to the biggest pro wrestling promotion in the world:

WWE announced today that 4 new Chinese talents have reported to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando – Gao Lei, Gu Guangming, Cheng Yuxiang and Wang Xiaolong. They were among the 7 Chinese recruits to sign deals last summer.

Below is WWE’s full announcement on their arrivals:

China recruits report to WWE Performance Center for training

Four new recruits arrived from China last week and reported for training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, each with the goal of establishing himself as the next WWE Superstar.

Gao Lei, Gu Guangming, Cheng Yuxiang and Wang Xiaolong were among the seven Chinese recruits signed to WWE developmental contracts following a four-day tryout WWE held in Shanghai last June. The four join Zhao Xia, Yifeng and Big Boa, who began their training at the Performance Center last month, and Tian Bing, who last summer became WWE’s first Chinese talent signed to a developmental contract. Upon their arrival, they were also met and welcomed at the Performance Center by Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative.

“When we held our first-ever tryout in China last year, we identified seven gifted athletes who had the potential to become WWE Superstars,” said Levesque. “They are finally training together at the WWE Performance Center, where they will be given the opportunity to develop their skills and serve as an inspiration to millions of WWE fans back home. These recruits are also symbolic of WWE’s commitment to finding the most talented athletes and entertainers from around the world.”

Cheng Yuxiang

A native of Heilongjiang, a province located in the northeastern part of China, Cheng Yuxiang is an expert-level fitness trainer certified by the Beijing Zhuo Zhonghua International Fitness Academy. Having fought in numerous boxing competitions throughout China, he’s aware that his opportunity with WWE will be his toughest challenge, and potentially the most rewarding.

“I am very happy to be here in Orlando,” said Yuxiang, citing in particular the “very nice” Florida air, “and to be at the Performance Center to train. I will work hard every day during training to represent the Chinese crew.”

Gao Lei

In addition to being a champion in various Beijing traditional wrestling promotions, Gao Lei was the team leader of Inner Mongolia University for The Nationalities’s wrestling team.

“I believe that I am a great wrestler,” Lei said, “but being here in WWE makes me realize that I need to work harder, to get on everyone’s level. I am going to work hard to be the best that I can.”

Gu Guangming

Since 2012, Mudanjiang native Gu Guangming has ranked among the top amateur boxers in his weight class, and went on to win the National Men’s Championship in 2014. At 6-foot-8, Guangming is the tallest of the Chinese recruits; now he’s focused on standing out even more while training in Orlando.

“I am very happy to be here at the WWE Performance Center,” he said. “I want to learn everything I can about wrestling. I am ready to learn.”

Wang Xiaolong

Of the seven recruits’ diverse backgrounds, Wang Xiaolong’s is perhaps the most eclectic; he was a sport enthusiast from a very young age, and he studied at the Shandong University of Technology, with a major in sports. Then he pursued his dream of studying music at Beijing Contemporary Music Academy and later on received professional singing and dancing training.

“I used to be a dancer and a musician,” he explained. “But now I want to be a WWE Superstar, to fight for my family.”

With the China recruits now all together and training at the WWE Performance Center, only one outstanding task remains for each of them: To develop into a WWE Superstar that not only China, but the entire world, can cheer for.

The WWE uploaded a new video that listed the top 10 biggest disses to John Cena over the years. The list included Dean Ambrose, The Miz, Kevin Owens, Paul Heyman, AJ Styles, Daniel Bryan, The Rock, Kurt Angle, Edge and Stephanie McMahon. The Kurt Angle one is absolutely hilarious. You can check out all the disses in the video below.

The WWE uploaded another video in which recruits discussed their goals in 2017.

• John Cena Posts Kenny Omega Photo On Instagram