As one of the few legends to have worked for both Vince McMahon\’s WWE and Tony Khan\’s AEW, Jake \”The Snake\” Roberts has a valuable perspective on the management styles the two men.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Games Hub, Roberts broke down the key differences between the two promoters, praising Khan for his treatment of talent but also offering a critique of his \”hands on\” booking approach. Roberts has been a part of the All Elite Wrestling roster since 2019, serving as a manager and a mentor to the younger talent.
“Well, I think Khan has it in the way he treats talent. Vince was a great delegator. He would come up with the idea or use somebody else’s idea and spread it around to where everybody could work on it. Tony Khan doesn’t do that. He wants us to be all hands on him doing it. And a lot of times things get missed, no way one man came up with this stuff 24/7, seven days a week. You know, how many shows are they doing now? You know, that’s a lot of TV time.”
When asked if he thinks Khan will take his advice on board, Roberts joked, \”Either that or he’ll fine me.\”
Reigning WWE Women\’s Tag Team Champion Charlotte Flair recently opened up about her current tag team run, admitting that while she has always preferred to be a singles competitor, she is greatly enjoying her current partnership with Alexa Bliss. The duo won the championships at SummerSlam in August.
During a recent appearance on the \”Nightcap\” podcast, \”The Queen\” was asked about her chemistry with Bliss and their championship reign. She was candid about her usual preference but made it clear that her current partner is the exception.
“Personally, I like solo. I don’t like sharing the spotlight, but I am in a tag team with the one person I don’t mind sharing the spotlight with, and that’s Alexa Bliss. And I’m having so much fun. She’s great. She brings out definitely a different side of my character for TV, so it’s great.”
Flair is scheduled to be back in action tomorrow night, September 16, at the NXT Homecoming special, where she and Alexa Bliss will defend their WWE Women\’s Tag Team Championships against the NXT duo of The Culling (Izzi Dame & Tatum Paxley).
It is now official: WrestleMania 43 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the country\’s \”Riyadh Season.\” A new report from Fightful Select has provided backstage details on the announcement, the premature leaks that preceded it, and the internal discussions surrounding the historic international event.
The news was first unofficially released via a Snapchat video from Turki Al-Sheikh, the Chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, well before WWE had planned to make the announcement. This premature leak reportedly caused a stir, with some in the industry even believing it was a fake because it was so early. A press release in Saudi Arabia also briefly went out before being pulled. The report notes that there were mixed feelings within WWE about the early announcement, with some wishing it hadn\’t been tipped off, while others believed it was an intentional move to create buzz.
WWE staff had been prepared for a major announcement to be made in Las Vegas during the weekend of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford boxing fight, but most were not told what the announcement would be. The official reveal was a private affair, with no media or public permitted. A number of WWE superstars were in town for media appearances related to the TKO-promoted fight, but they were not a part of the announcement itself.
Following the news, reports began to circulate that the Saudi partners were pushing for a \”star-studded\” show, with names like The Rock and \”Stone Cold\” Steve Austin being discussed for potential matches. However, the Fightful Select report has pumped the brakes on those rumors for now. A WWE higher-up stated that any talk of who will or won\’t be on the show is \”purely hypothetical at this point.\” The source also noted that reports of a record-breaking payday for The Rock had \”not even been broached, much less negotiated,\” and that neither Austin nor The Rock have been approached about potential matches for the 2027 event.
The report also provided some logistical details. A firm date for the event has not yet been set, as it will depend on the venue plan, which could include a custom-built structure for a show of WrestleMania\’s scale. The event concepts are set to begin development in the coming weeks. The report also clarified that the Saudi government made it clear they wanted an \”actual WrestleMania,\” not a \”WrestleMania branded\” event. This is reportedly one of the reasons why WWE has been so heavily promoting its new Wrestlepalooza premium live event as a major U.S.-based show.
Finally, the report touched on the perspective of the talent. While the trips to Saudi Arabia have been a source of controversy in the past, particularly after a travel incident in 2019, wrestlers who were spoken to for the report stated that the trips now \”largely felt like it was safe for them to compete.\” It was also noted that the majority of WWE talent are no longer specifically bonused for working the Saudi shows, as it is now simply a part of their standard contracts.
The official date for the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble premium live event has been announced. During a special presentation on Friday where it was confirmed that WrestleMania will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2027, the company also revealed that the 2026 Royal Rumble will emanate from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, January 31.
The move to hold one of its most popular and important annual events in Saudi Arabia is a major one for WWE. The Royal Rumble is traditionally considered one of the \”big four\” premium live events, alongside WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series, and it officially kicks off the \”Road to WrestleMania\” each year. This will be the first time the event has been held outside of North America and the first time it has taken place outside of the United States since the inaugural event in 1988, which was held in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
The discussion of bringing the Royal Rumble to Saudi Arabia was first reported in May 2024, and the rumors intensified in January of this year with reports that a deal had been finalized. The official announcement on Friday now confirms those reports. While a specific start time for the event was not revealed, it is expected that the show will have an early start time for fans in the United States, which has been the case for all previous WWE premium live events held in the country.
WWE\’s partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia began in 2018 and has seen the company hold two premium live events in the country annually, with the exception of the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. These events have been a lucrative part of WWE\’s business, with the company reportedly receiving a significant site fee for each show. Over the years, events such as the Greatest Royal Rumble, Crown Jewel, King & Queen of the Ring, Elimination Chamber, and Night of Champions have all been held in the country.
The January 31st date for the Royal Rumble is just one part of WWE\’s growing commitment to its partners in Saudi Arabia. During the same presentation, it was also officially confirmed that WrestleMania will be held in the country in 2027.
AEW star Bryan Danielson has shared a fascinating and bizarre story from his time contributing to WWE\’s creative process during the pandemic, revealing an \”unusual approach\” that former Chairman Vince McMahon had regarding the use of canned crowd noise. Speaking with Phid McAwesome of Fightful and DownUnderTheRing, Danielson was discussing some of his creative ideas from that period, including a pitch for Damian Priest to debut as a top star against Roman Reigns.
Danielson explained that Vince McMahon would intentionally instruct the production team to manipulate the levels of the canned crowd noise to either enhance or diminish the perception of a superstar\’s popularity. He said that McMahon would tell producers to turn up the crowd noise for certain talent, and then strangely complain that it was \”too loud\” for other talent that were not in his favor at the moment. Danielson admitted that the logic \”didn\’t quite make sense to him,\” but it was a clear directive from the top.
He recalled that when he was pitching the idea for a Damian Priest vs. Roman Reigns program, he made sure to include a note about the crowd noise. He said that if they were going to debut Priest in such a high-profile spot, they should make sure to \”turn that way up\” for him, a clear acknowledgment of the creative reality of the time.
The use of canned crowd noise was a staple of WWE\’s programming throughout the pandemic, both in the Performance Center and the ThunderDome. The company continued to use a general layer of crowd audio even after fans returned to the arenas, but has reportedly \”heavily leaned out of canned audio\” since Monday Night Raw moved to the Netflix platform earlier this year.
Vince McMahon is currently facing a lawsuit from former WWE employee Janel Grant, which accuses him of sexual assault and sex trafficking. McMahon resigned from his positions at TKO and WWE after the lawsuit was filed and is no longer involved with the company in any capacity. The full interview with Bryan Danielson can be found on Fightful\’s platforms.
In a special, untelevised segment for the live crowd, the legendary \”Icon\” Sting made his surprise debut at the 2300 Arena following the AEW Collision taping in Philadelphia on Thursday. His appearance was part of a post-show tribute to the late, great \”Hot Stuff\” Eddie Gilbert, an influential wrestler and booker who was a key figure in the early days of the promotion that would become ECW.
The tribute, which was put on by AEW President Tony Khan, also featured Jeff Jarrett, \”Wildfire\” Tommy Rich, and Eddie\’s younger brother, Doug Gilbert. After Khan brought the men to the ring to share their stories about Eddie Gilbert and his legacy in Philadelphia, he introduced the surprise final guest of the evening: the recently retired Sting.
Sting then spoke about the important role that Eddie Gilbert played in his own career. As noted by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, “Eddie Gilbert was the guy who saw the potential in Sting before anyone else and was the architect of Sting’s babyface turn in the UWF just as the promotion was being sold to Jim Crockett.”
Gilbert was also the original booker for Eastern Championship Wrestling, the promotion that would later be rebranded as Extreme Championship Wrestling by his friend and protege, Paul Heyman. The segment concluded with Sting asking the fans to join him in a \”Hot Stuff\” chant for his late friend, which then led to the Donna Summer song of the same name being played over the arena\’s sound system to send the fans home happy.
It is not yet known if AEW will release the footage of this special post-show segment on their social media channels.
Following the recent report that WWE is planning to hold WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia in 2027, a new report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter notes the Saudi partners are pushing for a main event featuring Dwayne \”The Rock\” Johnson against either Cody Rhodes or Roman Reigns.
In the latest edition of the newsletter, Meltzer provided an update on the situation. “Those in Saudi Arabia close to the General Entertainment Authority, headed by Alalshikh, confirmed this week that the show is official and they claimed negotiations for Dwayne Johnson were advancing and they believed the deal was close to being finalized,\” Meltzer wrote. \”We have not been able to confirm any of this with those in WWE, which would be involved in the talks. The impression is that the final payment number for the show will be affected by whether or not they get The Rock in the main event.”
The potential main event matches are both storylines that have been teased on WWE programming in the past. A match between The Rock and his cousin, Roman Reigns, has been a long-awaited dream match to determine the true \”Head of the Table\” of the Anoa\’i family. A match against Cody Rhodes would be the culmination of the \”Final Boss\” storyline that began last year and last played out at the Elimination Chamber premium live event earlier this year, where The Rock orchestrated John Cena\’s heel turn against Rhodes.
The push for a main event aligns with previous reports that the Saudi partners want the 2027 WrestleMania to be the \”most star-studded show ever,\” with \”money is no object\” in their pursuit of the biggest names in wrestling history. Meltzer\’s report also notes that the payoff for The Rock to compete in this event would likely be \”multiple times that of any wrestler for any event in history,\” a staggering financial incentive for the TKO Board member.
The news comes as The Rock is in the middle of a major physical transformation for his acting career. He has lost a significant amount of weight for his role in the upcoming film \”The Smashing Machine,\” a move that has led many to believe his in-ring career is over. However, the financial and historical significance of a WrestleMania main event in Saudi Arabia could be enough to entice him back for one more match.
With the news that WWE is planning to hold WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia in 2027, another legendary name has reportedly been discussed for a potential in-ring return at the historic event: \”Stone Cold\” Steve Austin. A new report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has detailed the situation, noting that while nothing is confirmed, the Texas Rattlesnake is a name that has been talked about for what is being billed as the \”most star-laden show in history.\”
In the latest edition of the newsletter, Dave Meltzer provided an update on the plans for the international premium live event. The goal is to bring in as many big-name legends as possible, and that includes arguably the biggest of them all. “Another name that has been talked about is Steve Austin, who would be 62 at the time of the show. At this point Austin is yet to be confirmed,\” Meltzer wrote. The report adds a key detail about the current status of the discussions. \”From the Saudi Arabia side, what they have been told by WWE and/or Austin is that he wants to make sure he is healthy and would be physically ready to do a match.”
The report of interest in Austin for the Saudi Arabia show aligns with the previously reported goal of the event. The Saudi partners are reportedly putting up a \”ridiculous amount of money\” to make the 2027 WrestleMania the \”most star-studded show ever, by far.\” Meltzer had previously noted that \”anyone coming out of retirement that wants to come out of retirement of big name value will be able to get a lot of money on this show,\” and Austin certainly fits that description.
However, Austin has been selective about his involvement with WWE since his last official match. The report notes his reluctance to participate in recent WrestleMania events in a physical capacity. “Austin has great pride and was happy with the idea his match with Kevin Owens would be his last. He turned down the 2024 Mania where his only planned role was to choke slam Rock before Rhodes would beat Roman Reigns, a spot that Undertaker was put in when Austin turned it down,\” Meltzer wrote.
Austin\’s last official match was at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, where he defeated Kevin Owens in a surprise No Holds Barred match in his home state of Texas. The match was widely praised by fans and critics, and it provided a fitting, storybook ending to his legendary in-ring career.
The situation with \”Stone Cold\” Steve Austin and the 2027 WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia remains a developing one. While he is a name that is being discussed, his participation is far from a certainty and will ultimately depend on his health, his desire to compete, and whether the creative and financial offer is one he simply cannot refuse. The full report can be found in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
WWE Hall of Famer Jerry \”The King\” Lawler is currently on the road to recovery after suffering a stroke last Friday, September 5, at one of his homes in Florida. This incident is the latest in a series of significant health scares for Lawler, but the initial prognosis is positive, and he is already recovering at his home.
In a statement provided to TMZ Sports via Lawler\’s daughter.. who confirmed that he experienced the medical issue. She stated that she is taking him back to his home, where he is expected to rest and recover for a few more weeks before he can return to his normal routine. The health scare forced Lawler to cancel a scheduled appearance at the HorrorHound Weekend convention in Cincinnati, which was set to begin on the same day the incident occurred.
This is unfortunately not the first serious health issue for the Memphis wrestling icon. This marks his third stroke in recent years, following a previous one in 2018 and another, more severe one in 2023. He also famously suffered a heart attack live on the air during the September 10, 2012, broadcast of Monday Night Raw.
Lawler was last seen on WWE programming this past February. This is where he was shown in the crowd during an episode of SmackDown from his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.
A positive update has emerged regarding the status of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio. According to a new report from PWInsiderElite.com, the legendary luchador is in the final stages of his recovery from a torn groin and is getting closer to making his return to the ring.
Mysterio has been out of action for the past five months, leaving a significant void on the SmackDown roster. Mysterio is expected to be at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, next week as part of the final process to be medically cleared for his return to in-ring competition. While he has not yet been officially cleared, this step indicates that he is on the verge of being able to compete again.
Mysterio suffered the torn groin injury during the weekend of WrestleMania 41 back in April. He had previously stated in interviews that he was hoping to be back in the ring by last month, suggesting that the recovery from the difficult injury may have taken slightly longer than initially anticipated.
Before he was sidelined, Mysterio was embroiled in a heated and personal feud on Friday Night SmackDown against Santos Escobar and the Legado Del Fantasma faction. While he has been away, his son, Dominik Mysterio, has continued his successful run on Monday Night Raw as the reigning Intercontinental Champion.
Former WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman has suffered another injury setback, but this time it happened outside of the wrestling ring. In a post on his social media, \”The Monster Among Monsters\” revealed that he has a broken wrist and will require surgery. The unfortunate injury comes at a time when Strowman is in the process of transitioning to his post-WWE career.
In a post to his Instagram story, Strowman first shared an X-ray image of his hand, which clearly showed a break. He followed that up with a post on his Instagram feed, where he explained the bizarre and painful circumstances that led to the injury. The powerhouse revealed that he broke his fifth metatarsal bone while trying to separate his two dogs during a fight. His hand got tangled in a collar during the altercation, leading to the break.
“Alright, so a lot of people wondering what happened. Unfortunately, my dogs got in a fight two days ago and while trying to break them up I got twisted up in the collar and broke the end of my fifth metatarsal off,\” Strowman explained. \”I have broken that bone probably five to six times throughout my life, so it’s very brittle and stuff in there. And this time it broke completely off so tomorrow morning, I’m going to see a specialist, because I have to have surgery. Lucky me. This put a dampering in my deer hunting.”
The injury comes just after the former champion had announced that he was focusing on a new alcohol venture and would be taking some time away from professional wrestling to focus on his personal life and other business opportunities. This broken wrist will now force him into an extended recovery period.
Strowman\’s WWE tenure began in 2013, and he became a top star on the main roster, winning the Universal Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and the Raw Tag Team Championships twice before being let go in 2020. He was later brought back only to be released from WWE again in May 2025 and has been outspoken about his feelings regarding his departure. Despite the injury, he still has his new television show, \”Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman,\” set to premiere on the USA Network this fall.
The new A24 film \”The Smashing Machine,\” starring Dwayne \”The Rock\” Johnson, is on track for a successful opening weekend at the box office. According to a new report from Deadline, the R-rated drama is projected to open with around $20 million when it is released in theaters on October 3. This strong projection is the latest in a string of positive news for the film, which has been generating a great deal of awards season buzz since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
The film tells the real-life story of mixed-martial arts and UFC champion, Mark Kerr, with Johnson taking on the lead role. The report notes that the film\’s \”first choice is best with men over 25, followed by women over 25,\” which is a key demographic for both A24 and Johnson\’s fanbase. If the projection holds, \”The Smashing Machine\” will be the second-highest debut ever for the independent studio, just behind \”Civil War,\” which opened to $25.5 million.
The film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation that lasted for over 15 minutes and brought Johnson to tears. The film\’s director, Benny Safdie, also won the prestigious Silver Lion award for Best Director at the festival. The critical acclaim has continued to build since then, with the film currently holding an 80% \”fresh\” rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The projected opening weekend is on par with another R-rated film that Johnson starred in, 2013\’s \”Pain and Gain,\” which also opened to $20.2 million. That film, which also starred Mark Wahlberg, went on to gross nearly $87.3 million worldwide. The film is set to open on a competitive weekend, just one week before the release of Disney\’s \”Tron: Ares.\”
Also opening on October 3 are the horror film \”Good Boy\” and the erotic thriller \”Bone Lake.\” The strong tracking for \”The Smashing Machine\” in a crowded marketplace is a testament to the drawing power of both Dwayne \”The Rock\” Johnson and the A24 brand. The success of \”The Smashing Machine\” is a major step in Johnson\’s career as he continues to branch out into more serious, dramatic roles.
The official announcement for WWE\’s historic move to bring WrestleMania to Saudi Arabia in 2027 is expected to be made this Friday in Las Vegas. A new report from PWInsiderElite.com has confirmed that the deal is done and that the company is preparing to make the news public.
As first reported by PWInsider yesterday, WWE is bringing WrestleMania to Saudi Arabia in 2027. The official announcement is expected this Friday. The timing is a strategic one, as all of WWE\’s top executives will be in Las Vegas for the Canelo Alvarez fight and the WWE and AAA Worlds Collide special event.
The report also clarifies the nature of the event. \”This will be the official Wrestlemania, not an offshoot show (think Greatest Royal Rumble) with all the bells and whistles,\” the report states. This is a key detail, as it confirms that the company is moving its premier event, and not a secondary show, to the international location. It was also noted that fans can \”expect a big push to have lots of major legends making appearances in some fashion,\” which aligns with a previous report from the Wrestling Observer that the Saudi partners are looking to create the \”most star-studded show ever.\”
The initial news of the event broke via a Snapchat video from Turki Al-Sheikh, the Chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority. The new report clarifies that this was \”an error and nothing WWE had to do with,\” which explains why a formal announcement from the company is still forthcoming. The report also shoots down a rumor that the event would be a \”split deal\” with one night in Saudi Arabia and the other in Nashville, stating that this is \”not accurate.\”
While the 2027 WrestleMania is heading overseas, the report also provided an update on future domestic locations for the event. For 2028 and beyond, Indianapolis and New Orleans are still considered the \”current frontrunners.\” However, the report notes that WWE is \”not beholden to anything except what they will believe will maximize their revenue,\” citing the recent changes to the locations for WrestleMania 41 and John Cena\’s retirement match as examples of the company\’s willingness to pivot its plans.
The move to bring WrestleMania to Saudi Arabia is the most significant development yet in the partnership between WWE and Saudi General Entertainment Authority. The official announcement this Friday is expected to be a major news story in both the wrestling and business worlds.
Former WWE Women\’s Tag Team Champion Lacey Lane, known to WWE fans as Kayden Carter, has made her debut for Ring of Honor. The talented star appeared at the recent ROH television tapings, which took place at the historic 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, ahead of the live broadcast of AEW Dynamite. Her debut marks her first appearance for a major promotion since her release from WWE earlier this year.
The news of her appearance was first reported by Bodyslam.net on social media. While the details of her match, including her opponent, have not yet been revealed, it is expected to air on an upcoming episode of ROH TV.
Lane was a part of the WWE system from 2018 until her release in May 2025. She is best known for her successful tag team partnership with Katana Chance (formerly Kacy Catanzaro). The duo was a cornerstone of the NXT and main roster women\’s tag team divisions, holding both the NXT and WWE Women\’s Tag Team Championships during their time with the company. Their exciting, high-energy style made them a fan-favorite team.
Her release from WWE in May was a surprise to many, as she and her partner were consistently featured on television. After her 90-day non-compete clause expired in August, she became one of the top free agents on the market. Her decision to appear in Ring of Honor is a significant one for the promotion\’s growing women\’s division if she signs with them.
Lacey Lane is working tonight’s Ring of Honor taping ahead of #AEWDynamite
The main event for the upcoming AEW All Out pay-per-view is now official. On tonight\’s episode of AEW Dynamite from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, it was confirmed that \”Hangman\” Adam Page will defend the AEW World Championship against the new TNT Champion, Kyle Fletcher.
The September 10 edition of Dynamite opened with a singles contest that saw the AEW World Champion, \”Hangman\” Adam Page, defeat the formidable Josh Alexander. After the hard-fought victory, Page was in the ring for a post-match promo when he was interrupted by another member of the Don Callis Family, Kyle Fletcher.
Fletcher, who is also the reigning TNT Champion, made his way to the ring and made it clear that he has his sights set on another piece of championship gold. After a back-and-forth on the microphone, Page agreed to grant Fletcher a shot at the AEW World Championship at the All Out pay-per-view. However, the champion added one condition to the match: he demanded that Fletcher\’s manager, Don Callis, be banned from ringside. Fletcher agreed to the stipulation, making the main event official.
This will be \”Hangman\” Adam Page’s third defense of the AEW World Championship, which he won at the All In: Texas pay-per-view in July. For Kyle Fletcher, this will be his sixth singles match on a pay-per-view since 2024.
The AEW World Championship match is the latest addition to the card for the AEW All Out pay-per-view, which will take place on Saturday, September 20, from Toronto, Canada. The feud between Page and the Don Callis Family has been a top storyline in AEW in recent weeks, stemming from the attack that put Page\’s friend, Kenny Omega, on the shelf.
Just a week after a fan confronted WWE President Nick Khan about the rising cost of tickets, TKO Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro has made it clear that fans should expect to pay even more in the future. Speaking at a technology conference, Shapiro stated that WWE has \”work to do\” on its \”ticket yield\” and plans to replicate the pricing strategy that has been successful for the UFC.
Speaking at the annual Goldman Sachs Communacopia & Technology Conference on Wednesday, Shapiro was asked about the ticket prices for both of TKO\’s major properties. He was direct in his assessment that WWE ticket prices have not yet reached their full potential. “WWE is not where the UFC yet is on ticket yield. We have our work to do there,” he said.
He explained the company\’s new philosophy, which is a departure from the previous approach under Vince McMahon. “We know we have a lot of room there because Vince McMahon was primarily pricing tickets for families and wasn’t totally focused on maxing the opportunity there. Now that we’ve seen what we can do with UFC, we’re replicating that in terms of ticket yield and holding back and advance sales when it comes to OnLocation on the WWE side and it’s working out really well,” he continued.
\”Ticket yield\” is a term used in the travel and entertainment industries that refers to maximizing revenue by selling all available inventory at a strategic mix of prices. Shapiro has been open in the past about TKO\’s view that there is \”tremendous upside\” in increasing WWE\’s ticket prices. This strategy has already been reflected in the high cost of tickets for recent premium live events and television tapings in major markets.
Shapiro also discussed the importance of site fees for both WWE and UFC events, stating that his primary focus is on \”cash.\” He even issued a warning to cities that have had successful events, suggesting that they will have to \”pay for us to come back or else we’ll take it to another town.\” He made it clear this applies to all of WWE\’s brands, including Raw, SmackDown, and NXT.
In a move that would be a historic first for the company, WWE\’s flagship event, WrestleMania, appears to be heading to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2027. The news first broke via a Snapchat video from Turki Al-Sheikh, the Chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, and has since been reported as \”100% legitimate\” by PWInsider.
The news emerged on Wednesday afternoon when a Snapchat video advertisement from Al-Sheikh began circulating online. In the video, the Chairman appeared to announce that WrestleMania 43 would be coming to the country. While social media announcements of this nature can sometimes be premature, a report from PWInsider has added a great deal of credibility to the story.
“PWInsider.com can confirm, however, that the story is 100% legitimate and an announcement is coming very soon, bringing Wrestlemania to an international location outside of North American for the first time ever,” the report said. The confirmation from a reputable trade publication suggests that a formal announcement from WWE is imminent.
This would mark the first time in its 43-year history that WrestleMania would be held outside of North America. The move is the latest, and most significant, development in the lucrative and often controversial business partnership between WWE and the Saudi regime, which began in 2018. The deal sees Saudi Arabia host multiple premium live events per year for an estimated site fee of $50 million per show.
The relationship has continued to grow in recent years, with WWE bringing some of its biggest annual events to the country. It has already been announced that the 2026 Royal Rumble premium live event will be held in Saudi Arabia, a first for one of WWE\’s traditional \”big four\” pay-per-views. The addition of WrestleMania to that list would be the pinnacle of their partnership.
Before the reported international spectacle in 2027, WWE has already announced the location for WrestleMania 42 in 2026. That event is scheduled to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, marking the second consecutive year that the city will host the \”Showcase of the Immortals.\”
WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter has some incredibly high praise for the current United States Champion, Logan Paul. In a new interview, the legendary superstar predicted that Paul will not only become a top babyface in WWE, but that he will ultimately surpass the legacies of icons like Hulk Hogan and Dusty Rhodes to become the \”biggest hero of all time.\”
Speaking to Bill Apter of Sportskeeda, Sgt. Slaughter was asked for his thoughts on Logan Paul\’s potential in the wrestling business. He was effusive in his praise, calling Paul a \”natural\” and someone who is already \”at home\” in the ring. \”I don’t think he has too many weaknesses. He still rushes things a little bit,\” Slaughter said. \”He’s a natural. He’s at home. It takes a long time to make that ring your second home.\”
Slaughter then made his bold prediction about Paul\’s future as a babyface. He believes that once Paul has established himself as the ultimate villain, his eventual turn to the good side will make him the most popular star the business has ever seen. \”Once he establishes himself as the biggest villain, he’ll be the biggest hero of all time. I think he’ll surpass every hero we’ve ever had in this business,\” he stated.
When asked if he truly believed Paul could surpass the likes of Hulk Hogan and Dusty Rhodes, Slaughter did not back down. “He’ll be better than all of us. He’s only had about 30 matches, and he’s already main evented,\” he said. He did note that Paul still needs to work on the \”psychology of what it takes to be that villain,\” but that he has all the other tools to be a top star.
Slaughter\’s praise is some of the highest that Paul has received from a respected veteran. His own career saw him make the successful transition from one of the most hated heels of the 1980s to a beloved American hero. Logan Paul won at the SummerSlam premium live event, where he teamed with Drew McIntyre to defeat Randy Orton and Jelly Roll. However, he lost to John Cena at the Clash in Paris premium live event on August 31. The full interview with Sgt. Slaughter can be seen on Sportskeeda\’s YouTube channel.
WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, who now serves as the Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Creative for the NXT brand, has opened up about his role in shaping the future of WWE. In a new interview, he shared his gratitude for the position and highlighted what he believes makes NXT a unique entity in the professional wrestling world.
Speaking with Justin Barrasso of Undisputed, the \”Heartbreak Kid\” discussed his passion for his current job, which sees him overseeing the development of the next generation of WWE superstars. He has been working behind the scenes in NXT for almost a decade but took on a larger role in running the brand in 2021. The transition from one of the greatest in-ring performers of all time to a key executive has been a successful one, and he is clearly passionate about his new role.
“It’s a role I love,” Michaels said. “None of it feels like work for me. And if it helps the men and women here grow personally and professionally, then those are positives.” His comments reflect a deep commitment to not only the professional but also the personal growth of the talent under his guidance. This holistic approach is a hallmark of his leadership style.
Michaels then explained his perspective on what separates NXT from every other wrestling promotion, including WWE\’s own main roster brands. He pointed to NXT\’s primary function as a developmental system as its defining characteristic, a role that he embraces. “There’s not another brand out there that works so hard to create stars in order to lose them,\” he stated. \”Everybody else builds stars to be able to draw money and ratings for their show. We do it to then send them off somewhere else. That is unlike any other brand, and it is part of the value NXT brings to the wrestling business as a whole.”
He compared his work with the up-and-coming talent to a parent sharing life lessons with their children. He is able to draw upon his own career to provide a unique and valuable perspective. “I’m supposed to be giving back, and I’m thankful that I can do it in a line of work that I know a lot about,” he said. “It’s like sharing experiences and knowledge with your children… I understand the personal struggle that goes on during this. To not recognize that would be an injustice. I want to make sure we’re covering everything and do my part in trying to help them.”
A new court filing has revealed who is and isn’t included in the will of the late WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan. His son, Nick Hogan, is listed as the sole beneficiary of his father\’s estate, which is valued at nearly $5 million in assets.
Hulk Hogan, real name Terry Bollea, died on July 24 from a heart attack at the age of 71. According to court documents obtained by US Weekly, the legendary wrestler has left behind a considerable estate.
On Tuesday, Nick Hogan reportedly submitted court documents to be named co-personal representative of his father’s estate. In the filing, he claimed that his father executed a will in 2016, which was later amended four times, with the final amendment being in July 2023.
The paperwork reveals that Hulk Hogan left behind $799,000 in personal property and intellectual property, $200,000 in cryptocurrency, and $4 million in connection to his right to publicity. An unknown amount for a potential medical malpractice lawsuit was also set aside. The paperwork did not include his real estate, which is estimated to be worth around $11 million, as it is likely owned by a trust.
Nick Hogan is the sole beneficiary of the estate. His sister, Brooke Hogan, was not listed, following her own request to be removed from the will prior to their father\’s death. In previous interviews, Brooke stated that she made this decision to avoid a potential financial battle with her father\’s third wife, Sky Daily, and her own mother, Linda Hogan. Hulk’s widow, Sky Daily, is listed as a surviving spouse in the documents.
Since his return to WWE on the night after WrestleMania 41, the dominant Rusev has been on a tear, re-establishing himself as a top force on the Monday Night Raw brand. In a new interview, \”The Bulgarian Brute\” has revealed that his main goal for his current run is not about championships, but about helping to motivate and guide the next generation of WWE superstars.
Speaking with VoxCatch in a new interview, Rusev was asked about his goals for his current run with the company. He explained that his perspective has changed and that he is now focused on being a positive influence in the locker room. He sees a complacency in some of the younger talent and wants to help them realize their full potential, a feeling he understands from his own past experiences.
“Well, they’ve changed and they are keep changing. My main goal was, you know, to show these young kids that they need to take advantage of the opportunity they have, you know, to go to show up every day, work hard and strive for more,\” Rusev said. \”Because I see a lot of them, they just are complacent. And I’ve been there and I know how they feel. So I wanted to help them.”
His return to WWE has been a successful one from an in-ring perspective. He has been on a tear on Monday Night Raw and is coming off a victory over his longtime rival, Sheamus, in a brutal Good Ol\’ Donnybrook match at the Clash in Paris premium live event.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul \”Triple H\” Levesque has responded to the ongoing criticism of the company\’s new behind-the-scenes docuseries, \”WWE: Unreal.\” In a new interview, Levesque fired back at the detractors, calling out what he sees as the hypocrisy of fans and media who criticize the show for \”lifting the curtain\” while simultaneously consuming and creating content based on backstage rumors and information. The series, which premiered on Netflix, has been a topic of debate for its unprecedented look into the WWE creative process.
Appearing on \”The Pat McAfee Show,\” Triple H directly addressed the backlash from some corners of the wrestling world.
“It’s funny that the internet is all complaining that we’re lifting the curtain and showing you stuff. Meanwhile, they’re doing a podcast that all it does is talk about the behind-the-scenes sht that’s going on. I don’t understand that logic,” Levesque said.
He continued by explaining that in the modern age of information, the idea of protecting \”kayfabe\” in the traditional sense is an outdated concept. He argued that the internet has already pulled back the curtain, and that the new docuseries is simply meeting the fans where they are.
“The world knows. An eight-year-old kid picks up his iPhone, googles stuff, and it tells them all the behind-the-scenes stuff right there,” he stated. His point illustrates the challenge that modern wrestling promotions face in an era where information, both real and rumored, is instantly accessible to everyone.
The \”WWE: Unreal\” series has been a source of debate since its release. The show has revealed a number of scrapped creative plans, including a potential Royal Rumble win for CM Punk and a pitch for a Elimination Chamber title victory for Kevin Owens. The series has also provided a look into the real-life reactions and emotions of superstars during career moments.
While some veterans, like Randy Orton, have expressed mixed feelings about the show, lamenting the loss of \”magic,\” Triple H believes the series ultimately serves a positive purpose. In a previous interview, he stated that he thinks the show will \”increase the respect level\” for what the superstars do by showcasing the hard work and dedication that goes into their performances.
Former TNA World Champion Josh Alexander has opened up about his decision to sign with All Elite Wrestling earlier this year, stating that his choice was not about money, but about the opportunity to work with the deep and talented roster that AEW has assembled. The \”Walking Weapon\” was one of the hottest free agents in professional wrestling when his TNA contract expired, and his decision to join AEW was a significant one for the landscape of the industry.
Alexander made his AEW debut on the April 16 edition of Dynamite, and he has since been a featured performer on both Dynamite and Collision. Prior to signing with AEW, he had a run in TNA Wrestling, where he rose from a tag team specialist in The North to become the face of the brand as a multi-time world champion.
In a new interview with Undisputed, Alexander addressed the speculation that surrounded his free agency. He was clear that his decision was not based on who offered him the most money, but rather on where he felt he could have the best matches and continue to grow as a performer.
“If you believe what you read online, I just went with the highest bidder,” said Alexander with a laugh. “The truth is that the money, schedule, and things like that didn’t play into my decision as much as looking at the pool of talent I wanted to work with.” His statement is a direct refutation of the common belief that a wrestler\’s choice of promotion is always a financial one.
“There’s a specific reason I signed where I did. I chose AEW because I want to be here,” he declared.
The biggest mixed tag team match in recent history is now official. On the September 8 edition of Monday Night Raw, the returning AJ Lee and her husband, CM Punk, officially challenged the World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and his wife, the Women\’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, to a match at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza premium live event.
The segment, which took place in the second hour of the broadcast from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, began with AJ Lee making her first appearance on Monday Night Raw since 2015. She came to the ring holding the Women\’s Intercontinental Championship belt, which she had stolen from Becky Lynch during her return on last week\’s SmackDown. After receiving a \”welcome back\” chant from the crowd, Lee gave an emotional promo, explaining that she had retired ten years ago because she felt she had accomplished everything she wanted to in wrestling. She spoke about her journey with her mental health, which drew a supportive \”therapy\” chant from the fans.
The promo then shifted to her reason for returning: Becky Lynch getting physical with her husband, CM Punk. “AJ Lee wasn’t cool with Lynch “motor boating” her husband,” the report stated. This brought out a furious Becky Lynch, who was met with a sea of boos from the Milwaukee crowd. Lynch demanded her title back and traded verbal insults with Lee, who was showing off a black eye she had given Lynch on SmackDown. After Lynch claimed Punk was hiding behind his wife, Seth Rollins made his way to the ring, demanding the title back so they could leave the \”dump of a city.\”
This is when AJ Lee made her official challenge. She told Lynch she would give her the title back if she and Rollins agreed to the mixed tag team match at Wrestlepalooza. After a brief standoff that saw CM Punk also come to the ring to run off Rollins, the champion agreed to the match. With the bout now official, AJ Lee tossed the championship belt back at a surprised Becky Lynch.
The match at Wrestlepalooza will be AJ Lee\’s first since the Raw after WrestleMania 31 in March 2015. Her return was fueled by Lynch\’s interference in the main event of the Clash in Paris premium live event, which cost CM Punk the World Heavyweight Championship. The event, which takes place on Saturday, September 20, from Indianapolis, Indiana, will be the first WWE PLE to air on the new ESPN streaming platform.
On the September 8, 2025, episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, AJ Styles cut a fiery promo during a commercial break that was only witnessed by the live crowd and those watching an uncut feed. \”The Phenomenal One\” vented his frustrations about his current position in the company, suggesting that \”somebody doesn\’t want me here.\”
Just before his scheduled match against El Grande Americano, Styles grabbed a microphone and addressed the crowd directly. He pointed out that for the first time in his career, he has been left completely isolated on the roster. “For the first time in my career, I’ve got no one watching my back. Gallows, Anderson, they’re not here. Michin, she’s on SmackDown,\” Styles said. \”It’s like someone orchestrated a way for me not to win anymore, not to have help. I’ll let you make your own conclusions.”
He then acknowledged the unique, off-air nature of his promo, hinting that he was speaking more freely than he would on live television. “By the way, we are here right now and all over the world, but to rest everybody, is it a commercial break. I’m telling you something that you’re probably not supposed to hear, but somebody doesn’t want me here,” he continued.
Styles then stated his motivation for his match against El Grande Americano, framing it as a way to send a message to the person he believes is holding him down. “What we’re going to do is you’re going to beat the piss out of Grande Americano tonight so that the person that doesn’t want me here anymore can feel a little bit of his pain and mine also,” he declared.
The promo comes at a time when Styles\’s future with WWE is a topic of speculation. He recently posted a cryptic hourglass image on his social media, and his son was seen agreeing with a fan who was critical of his father\’s booking. While he did sign a one-year contract extension earlier this year, his contract is up in February.