SEScoops

Author: Andrew Ravens

  • Triple H Thanks CM Punk for WrestleMania 42 Attendance

    Triple H Thanks CM Punk for WrestleMania 42 Attendance

    A behind-the-scenes moment between Triple H and CM Punk before WrestleMania 42 has been captured on video, showing the WWE Chief Content Officer crediting Punk directly for the crowd inside Allegiant Stadium.

    WWE released production footage showing the exchange on the stage before Saturday’s show, with both men looking out at the venue as Triple H delivered his message.

    “It’s a big f***ing deal, right? It’s because of you, man. Thanks for the house.”

    Punk deflected the credit rather than accept it outright.

    “It was a team effort, you know that. It always has been. Thank you, those are kind words.”

    Triple H added that he was glad to have Punk there, and Punk responded in kind.

    “I’m happy to be here, you know that. Thank you for the opportunity.”

    Punk headlined Night Two of WrestleMania 42, defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns in the main event before losing the title. The footage was part of Triple H’s behind-the-scenes production walkthrough from both nights of the event.

  • MJF Fires Back at TNA President Carlos Silva

    MJF Fires Back at TNA President Carlos Silva

    MJF has entered the ongoing AEW and TNA dispute publicly, calling out TNA President Carlos Silva for lying just hours before Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite in Fairfax, Virginia.

    The exchange was triggered by Silva’s appearance on Busted Open Radio, where he addressed the backlash over TNA pulling its talent from independent shows that would have featured matches against AEW wrestlers. Silva stated that other parties had previously prevented TNA from running certain venues and arenas, a claim MJF wasted no time addressing on X.

    “I think it’s cool that you can just lie. My turn.”

    He followed that up with a statement dripping in sarcasm that took simultaneous shots at his upcoming opponent and the current AEW World Champion.

    “I think Kevin Knight has a shot at beating me at 8pm sharp and I also think Darby Allin is a GREAT champion.”

    The timing of the post, arriving just before the Dynamite broadcast, kept the AEW and TNA tension in the headlines heading into the show.

  • Zoey Stark Addresses Return Timeline After WWE Release

    Zoey Stark Addresses Return Timeline After WWE Release

    Zoey Stark has given fans the clearest indication yet of when she will be back in a WWE ring, posting on social media that she has 85 more days to wait before returning to in-ring action.

    The SmackDown star has been absent from WWE programming for an extended period, and the company has not publicly disclosed the reason for her absence.

    She wrote, “Man, I miss wrestling. I guess I can wait 85 more days.”

    Stark has been part of WWE’s main roster since her call-up from NXT, competing in various storylines on SmackDown and previously forming tag team partnerships on the brand.

    Her absence has left a gap in the women’s division, and the countdown she posted indicates she is tracking her return closely.

  • WWE Reportedly Has Big Plans for Bronson Reed’s Return Opponent

    WWE Reportedly Has Big Plans for Bronson Reed’s Return Opponent

    Bronson Reed has a major program waiting for him when he returns from his torn bicep, with WWE already positioning him as one of Roman Reigns’ opponents during his current World Heavyweight Championship reign.

    According to Self Made Pro, the plan was revealed during a recent Self Made Session, with the outlet confirming Reed will step directly into a top-level feud rather than needing to rebuild his standing on the roster.

    “All I do know is that Bronson Reed is going to be one of Roman Reigns’s opponents during this title reign.”

    The matchup carries built-in history that gives WWE a natural foundation for the program. Reed defeated Reigns at WWE Crown Jewel 2025 in Perth.

    Reed had been building strong momentum before injury intervened, with a spot inside the Elimination Chamber originally planned for him before the bicep tear forced him out. Logan Paul ultimately took that spot. Missing WrestleMania 42 was a setback for a performer who had been trending toward the very top of the card, but the plans being put in place for his return suggest WWE has no intention of letting that momentum dissipate.

    No specific return date has been announced, and Reed remains on the sidelines as he works through his recovery. When he does come back, he will be doing so with a World Heavyweight Championship program already lined up, putting him immediately back in the position he was in before the injury struck.

  • Tiffany Stratton Hopes to Get in the Ring With Paige After WWE Return

    Tiffany Stratton Hopes to Get in the Ring With Paige After WWE Return

    Tiffany Stratton has expressed a desire to share the ring with Paige following her emotional WrestleMania 42 return.

    Speaking on the Battleground podcast, Stratton praised the women’s matches at WrestleMania 42 across the board before singling out Paige’s surprise appearance as one of the highlights of the weekend.

    “I am so happy for all the women. I feel like we’ve come such a long way. We had Liv and Raquel, we had Rhea and Jade, we had the tag match, Paige came back. What an amazing pop, what an amazing moment. That was so cool to watch and then she killed it in the ring. I’m just so happy for everybody. I hope to get in the ring with Paige too,” Stratton said.

    Paige returned to WWE at WrestleMania 42 night one, replacing an injured Nikki Bella to team with Brie Bella and win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. It was her first WWE match since 2017, when a neck injury ended her career with the company. She spent time in AEW as Saraya from 2022 to 2025 before making her way back to WWE earlier this year.

  • WWE 2K26 Patch 1.09 Addresses Gameplay Issues and Stability

    WWE 2K26 Patch 1.09 Addresses Gameplay Issues and Stability

    WWE 2K26 received patch 1.09 on April 28, addressing a handful of gameplay issues and stability concerns while the development team continues work on the next major update.

    According to 2K’s official patch notes, the hotfix targets two specific move-related problems. The Jackhammer Pin Combo and the Corner Springboard Spear both had issues that have now been addressed, alongside broader stability and performance improvements throughout the game.

    The patch also quietly resolved an additional bug that had not been publicly reported. Players confirmed the update fixed a crash that occurred when attempting to delete custom images within the game’s customization features. SmackTalks shared confirmation of the fix on Twitter, noting the deletion utility now functions properly when selecting custom images.

    2K confirmed that patch 1.10 is currently in development and will be released soon, though no specific details have been shared about what the next major update will address.

    WWE 2K26 launched on March 13 across multiple platforms to positive reviews and has received consistent updates since release to address player feedback and technical issues.

  • Stephanie Vaquer Sidelined With Legit Injury

    Stephanie Vaquer Sidelined With Legit Injury

    Stephanie Vaquer has sustained a legitimate injury following an attack on Monday’s Raw, with Bryan Alvarez confirming the shoulder issue is real.

    Vaquer was taken out backstage by Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez during the show, with Perez ramming an equipment box into her shoulder. Michael Cole subsequently announced on commentary that Vaquer had sustained a second-degree AC sprain and would be out for a period of time.

    Alvarez confirmed the injury is legitimate and is likely the same sprain referenced by Cole during the broadcast. The exact origin of the injury remains unclear, as it is not confirmed whether it was first sustained during the Raw attack or earlier.

    Vaquer last competed at WrestleMania 42 on Night One, where she lost the Women’s World Championship to Liv Morgan. Her injury now sidelines her from a title picture she had been central to heading into the post-WrestleMania season.

    Tama Tonga’s absence from SmackDown last Friday raised questions about his status, but Bryan Alvarez has provided a straightforward explanation.

    Tonga has been out of action since the April 17 SmackDown, where he appeared in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. His absence from last Friday’s show prompted speculation about a potential release given the wave of roster cuts that took place that same day, compounded by the fact that he was not mentioned on the broadcast at all.

    Alvarez confirmed that Tonga is dealing with an undisclosed injury and has not been released, with the expectation that he will be back in action fairly soon.

  • Finn Balor: ‘One Thing I Do NOT MISS Is Walking Out To That Judgment Day Music’

    Finn Balor: ‘One Thing I Do NOT MISS Is Walking Out To That Judgment Day Music’

    Finn Balor has made his feelings about The Judgment Day’s current entrance music very clear, and he is not holding back.

    Balor was kicked out of the faction earlier this year and has remained a foil for the group since. In a new post on X, he took a pointed shot at one specific thing he is glad to have left behind.

    “One thing I do NOT MISS is walking out to that Judgment Day Music.”

    The comment is a reference to the theme change The Judgment Day made in December 2024, when the faction dropped their original entrance music, The Other Side by Alter Bridge, in favor of a new track titled Rulers of the World by Def Rebel. The switch was met with a largely negative reaction from fans, many of whom had grown attached to the original theme during the faction’s rise to prominence.

    Balor’s public dig at the music adds another layer to his ongoing feud with The Judgment Day, which has been building since his removal from the group. Having competed at WrestleMania 42 against Dominik Mysterio, he has since focused his attention on Roxanne Perez, trying to convince her to leave the group on Monday’s Raw.

    https://twitter.com/FinnBalor/status/2049121733425156541/history
  • WWE NXT Premium Live Events To Air on CW Network

    WWE NXT Premium Live Events To Air on CW Network

    WWE NXT Premium Live Events are moving to broadcast television for the first time, with The CW Network announcing a deal to air all NXT PLEs exclusively on the network.

    The agreement, announced Tuesday, will see The CW broadcast 20 NXT Premium Live Events over the next several years, beginning with The Great American Bash later this summer. The deal includes marquee events such as Stand and Deliver, Deadline, and Vengeance Day, and brings all NXT programming under one roof on The CW, which already airs weekly NXT episodes every Tuesday night from 8 to 10 p.m. ET.

    The CW entered its initial five-year deal with WWE in October 2024, bringing NXT to broadcast television for the first time in the show’s history. That debut delivered the largest audience for the program since October 2023 and ranked as the network’s top telecast of the year among adults in the key demographics.

    Shawn Michaels, who oversees NXT as WWE Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative, framed the expansion as a natural step for a brand that has grown significantly on its broadcast-television home.

    “The CW has played an integral role in raising the profile of our up-and-coming Superstars, and we are excited to bring NXT Premium Live Events to broadcast television for the first time ever,” Michaels said.

    The CW Network President Brad Schwartz described the addition as a logical extension of what the network already delivers every Tuesday. “WWE NXT has energized our Tuesday nights by consistently delivering a loyal and passionate fanbase to The CW every week. Adding WWE NXT Premium Live Events to our schedule is a natural fit, providing one broadcast destination for audiences to watch all their favorite Superstars, storylines and championship matches,” Schwartz said.

    The current NXT roster is led by champion Tony D’Angelo and NXT Women’s Champion Lola Vice.

  • Triple H’s WWE Future Secured as TKO Signs Him to New Contract

    Triple H’s WWE Future Secured as TKO Signs Him to New Contract

    Triple H is staying in his role as WWE Chief Content Officer, and the deal has been signed, making it official.

    PWInsider first reported that Paul Levesque has signed a new multi-year contract with WWE and TKO to remain in his creative leadership position.

    Sources indicated to Bodyslam that TKO is satisfied with the work Levesque has done, despite ongoing backlash surrounding TKO’s direct involvement in the creative direction heading into WrestleMania for multiple consecutive years.

    The formal announcement follows a staff town hall on Monday in which WWE President Nick Khan addressed employees directly. According to sources who viewed the town hall and informed POST Wrestling, Khan told staff that Levesque would remain in his role.

    Khan also addressed the wave of online criticism surrounding WWE’s recent creative decisions during the town hall, particularly the perception that WrestleMania 42 Night One was less well received than Night Two. Khan noted the criticism came from a vocal minority and cited messages from around 2015 that were critical of WWE’s product at the time to argue that online commentary has historically been an unreliable way to gauge the company’s actual standing.

    The deal comes at a complicated moment for WWE’s creative side. TKO’s involvement in the Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll angle leading into WrestleMania 42, which originated with TKO CEO Ari Emanuel rather than WWE’s own creative team.

  • Motor City Machine Guns’ Expected Landing Spot After WWE Release Revealed

    Motor City Machine Guns’ Expected Landing Spot After WWE Release Revealed

    Motor City Machine Guns are heading toward free agency, and the early indications are that All Elite Wrestling could be their next destination.

    Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley will be out of their WWE contracts in July following the company’s post-WrestleMania roster cuts on April 24. According to Fightful, TNA sources have indicated there is always a home for the team there, but the expectation among those sources is that AEW will ultimately be where the duo lands. No contact between AEW and Motor City Machine Guns has been confirmed at this stage.

    The history between the team and AEW makes the speculation logical. AEW made Motor City Machine Guns an offer in 2024 before WWE matched it and signed the pair. That prior interest suggests the door in Jacksonville was never fully closed, even after the team spent less than a year in WWE.

    Those within WWE who spoke to Fightful described Sabin and Shelley as aware that opportunities would continue to exist for them outside the company and comfortable with their future. The duo expressed some disappointment at not having wrestled more during their WWE tenure, though they acknowledged they had been used at least consistently for a period before their workload slowed in recent months. They were not planned for travel to last week’s SmackDown tapings.

    Sabin and Shelley joined WWE in the fall of 2024 and won the WWE Tag Team Championships in just their second match with the company.

  • Krule Apologizes for Berwyn Eagles Club Altercation

    Krule Apologizes for Berwyn Eagles Club Altercation

    Krule has issued a public apology for his role in a March 28 altercation at Berwyn Eagles Club that led to the Chicago venue permanently ending all wrestling events.

    In a statement posted Monday, Krule acknowledged throwing the first punch during a confrontation with a fan at a Ruthless Pro Wrestling show. He sustained an injury to his side during the altercation, but declined to pursue an investigation when law enforcement contacted him. He told police he believed he had probably fallen on something during the altercation.

    Speaking as himself rather than as a character, Krule took full responsibility for what happened while also providing context about what led to the confrontation.

    “Regardless of the situation and the things that occurred, it was my job to be a professional,” Krule stated. “I could have been a professional and I failed. Thus, I accept full responsibility for everything that occurred.”

    He explained that the fan had multiple incidents involving him throughout the night, including physically shoving him at his entrance and again during another fan’s merchandise purchase. Krule also apologized for not immediately correcting misinformation that circulated on social media following the incident.

    Berwyn Eagles Club announced on April 9 that it would no longer host wrestling events as a result of the altercation. AAW Pro Wrestling held the venue’s final wrestling event on April 24, with Seth Rollins appearing on the show. A GoFundMe has been launched to support the venue owner, as wrestling was the venue’s primary source of income.

    Since the incident, Krule has competed in two matches and lost both the Undisputed IWTV Independent Wrestling World Title and the REVOLVER World Title to Mance Warner.

  • WWE SmackDown Reverting to Two Hours

    WWE SmackDown Reverting to Two Hours

    WWE SmackDown is expected to return to a two-hour format this summer on USA Network, with the change tied to the second season of Braun Strowman’s cooking show taking over the current third-hour slot.

    Both Bodyslam and Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported that WWE’s blue brand will revert to a two-hour run beginning at 8 p.m. ET, with Strowman’s Everything on the Menu set to air in the 10 p.m. slot currently occupied by SmackDown’s third hour.

    According to Bodyslam, the change is expected within a few weeks, though the exact date remains unconfirmed. Online schedules show SmackDown still running three hours through at least May 8.

    The first season of Everything on the Menu aired in the 10 p.m. ET slot following SmackDown during 2025, and USA Network renewed the show earlier this year. A premiere date for season two has not been announced.

    SmackDown has alternated between two and three-hour formats since returning to USA Network in late 2024, with the current three-hour run beginning in January 2026. WWE has not officially confirmed the schedule change.

  • Wrestler Retires After WWE Release

    Wrestler Retires After WWE Release

    Luca Crusifino is stepping away from professional wrestling following his release from WWE last Friday, announcing his retirement on Monday in a heartfelt message.

    Crusifino was part of the April 24 roster cuts and last appeared on the April 22 episode of WWE Evolve. He was signed by WWE in 2022, debuting as a lawyer character before joining the D’Angelo Family and later adopting a new gimmick after being moved to Evolve. He wrestled his first match in February 2023 on NXT Level Up and played football for the Duquesne Dukes before attending a WWE tryout.

    In his retirement statement, Crusifino was candid about the difficulty of the decision while making clear it was the right one for him.

    “After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this chapter of my life. Being a part of the WWE has been a dream ever since I was a child. Getting the chance to live out my dream in front of the world is something I’ll never take for granted,” he wrote. “To the fans, thank you for every cheer, every boo, every moment of support. You made this journey unforgettable.”

    He also addressed those he worked with inside the company.

    “I am forever grateful for the friendships that I made along the way. From talent, to coaches, to the creative team, to every single person I came in contact with at the performance center, thank you. Thank you for pushing me, believing in me, and sharing the ring with me. I’ve learned more than I can ever put into words and met some of the greatest people that will be friends for life.”

    Crusifino closed with a note of levity after four years with the company.

    “This isn’t goodbye, just the end of one incredible chapter. And, no, I’m not joining OnlyFans.”

  • Chris Sabin Confirms WWE Release

    Chris Sabin Confirms WWE Release

    Motor City Machine Guns are no longer with WWE, with Chris Sabin confirming on X that both he and Alex Shelley were among the talents released in the company’s post-WrestleMania roster cuts on April 24.

    “Yup, they released us. Anyways, check out our band GRPPLNG here’s a link to pre order our 4 song EP. Love you all.”

    Sabin and Shelley joined WWE in the fall of 2024 and wasted little time making an impact, capturing the WWE Tag Team Championships in just their second match with the company. Their run came to an end as part of a wave of departures that also included Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Kairi Sane, and the Wyatt Sicks among others.

    No statement beyond Sabin’s confirmation post on X has been issued by either member of the team regarding their future plans in professional wrestling.

    In a previous interview with SHAK Wrestling last year, Shelly revealed that working for Triple H was a major factor in their WWE decision.

    “We have no idea whose idea it was to bring us in,” Shelley said. “What I can say, though, we talked directly to Paul, Triple H, and he treated us with the utmost respect. A huge factor in our decision was that we wanted to be players on his team. We wanted to be a part of the WWE machine, specifically with him leading the charge.”

  • Penta on Wrestling Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania 42: ‘I Feel Blessed and Honored’

    Penta on Wrestling Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania 42: ‘I Feel Blessed and Honored’

    Penta has reflected on his WrestleMania 42 Intercontinental Championship ladder match defense, singling out Rey Mysterio’s presence as what made the night uniquely special.

    Speaking with Cancha Libre and El Rancagüino TV, Penta described the match as a watershed moment in his career and expressed deep emotion about sharing the WrestleMania stage with one of his childhood idols.

    “Very happy, satisfied with the result and with everything I have been doing since my arrival at WWE. Of course it was, without a doubt, an important watershed in my career because, in that match, I faced one of my great idols, Rey Mysterio. Being able to share a WrestleMania with him is something I will never forget. History is marked and this will be marked in my memory and heart. I think that made it even more special, even more peculiar to have defended the Championship at WrestleMania 42. I think it was one of the best matches of the two nights, happy for the result, thanking my rivals because they also came out to give their 100%. Now the plan is to continue working hard to face any rival who wants to challenge me for my championship,” Penta said (H/T to Fightful).

    He went further when specifically asked about what it meant to have Mysterio in the match alongside him.

    “If I tell you this as a fan, it’s a dream come true. Imagine the best stage in the world, in front of a stadium packed with people who came to see us. Ladder matches are something I mastered very well, with me as the champion facing five great opponents. Among them, the one you mentioned, who is my mentor, my role model in this business, Reycito, whom I admire, love, and respect with deep sincerity. I think that made it incredibly special and allowed me to savor it in a totally different way than if it had been a match with another wrestler, which I would have also enjoyed. But specifically, the fact that it was with Rey Mysterio is the perfect scenario for any dreamer. It’s the perfect scenario for any wrestler who admires someone, to face your idol under those conditions, in that context. What can I say? I feel blessed, honored, and grateful to life, to God for putting me in that moment, because I am a very faithful believer in that. I think this was the perfect scenario, the perfect opponents, but I was the perfect wrestler, and the result showed it. That’s why I’m still the Intercontinental Champion,” Penta said.

    Penta retained the Intercontinental Championship in the ladder match on night two of WrestleMania 42 over Je’Von Evans, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Rusev, and Mysterio.

  • EVIL’s Internal WWE Status Revealed

    EVIL’s Internal WWE Status Revealed

    EVIL has signed with WWE, but the company has not yet figured out what to do with him.

    Following confirmation that the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion had signed with WWE after his January departure from New Japan Pro-Wrestling, a new update from PWInsider reveals that EVIL has not been assigned to any brand and is currently sitting in an unusual internal category.

    “Former IWGP Champion EVIL has not been officially assigned to any WWE brand and is listed internally on the company’s ‘Misc.’ roster, which is also where legends and injured talents reside internally,” PWInsider reports.

    The holding category suggests WWE has not yet finalized creative plans for introducing him, even though the signing itself has already been confirmed by multiple overseas sources. PWInsider also notes that WWE has not publicly acknowledged his arrival, keeping his status quiet despite the news having circulated.

    The situation is further complicated by the expectation that EVIL will not be using his current ring name once he appears on WWE programming. As PWInsider previously noted, sources in Japan believe a name change is coming, which would point toward a full character repackage whenever his debut ultimately arrives.

    Whether WWE introduces him through NXT to rebuild his character or rolls him directly onto Raw or SmackDown under a new identity has not been determined. For now, his spot on the Misc. roster suggests the company is still working through that decision.

  • Rumor Killer on Kairi Sane’s Status After WWE Release

    Rumor Killer on Kairi Sane’s Status After WWE Release

    Kairi Sane’s WWE status has not changed despite a viral fan campaign pushing for her reinstatement, and reports suggesting otherwise are not accurate.

    Mike Johnson of PWInsider has addressed subscriber questions about the possibility of Sane returning to WWE programming, shooting down speculation that her release had been rescinded or that she could appear on Raw in Laredo, Texas, on Monday night.

    “PWInsider.com has been asked by a number of readers about claims the Kairi Sane WWE release had been rescinded or whether she could appear on tonight’s Raw,” Johnson wrote. “Neither of those claims are correct.”

    The clarification puts to rest a wave of online reports suggesting the fan campaign had caused WWE to reverse its decision. Sane was among more than two dozen talents released in WWE’s post-WrestleMania roster cuts last Friday, a group that also included Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Nikki Cross, and all of the Wyatt Sicks. The departures drew immediate and significant backlash, with Sane’s release standing out as one of the more surprising given her central role in the ongoing rivalry between IYO SKY and Asuka.

    The hashtag WeWantKairi has been consistently trending on social media since the news broke. However, Johnson also noted that any reinstatement is practically impossible in the short term, regardless of WWE’s internal deliberations, as Sane has already returned to Japan.

    There is precedent for overwhelming fan support influencing WWE’s decisions. R-Truth was informed last summer that his contract would not be renewed before being brought back just a week later on a new deal following substantial fan backlash. He is now one-half of the WWE Tag Team Championships alongside Damian Priest.

    Whether Sane’s situation follows a similar path remains unknown. For now, her release stands.

  • Nikki Bella Shares Interest in WWE Role After In-Ring Career Ends

    Nikki Bella Shares Interest in WWE Role After In-Ring Career Ends

    Nikki Bella has a clear vision for what comes after her in-ring career, and it involves a significant role on Monday Night Raw.

    Speaking on a solo edition of the Nikki and Brie Show, Bella addressed fan conversation on X about whether WWE should shake up its general manager positions, and revealed she has thought seriously about the idea of stepping into that role down the line.

    “What I love about this one: I can do this, not being in the ring. There was a lot of talk about it on X, like, ‘should they change the general managers?’ I would love to be a general manager at one point. After the in-ring stuff, I’d love at some point to be a general manager for Raw. When I saw all that talk and someone put me as the GM for Raw, I was like, I actually like that!”

    The comments come while Bella is currently sidelined with the ankle injury she suffered during the SmackDown tag team match in late March. Despite being unable to compete at WrestleMania 42, the Bella Twins’ current run has demonstrated that Nikki still has plenty to offer when healthy, with the pair signing two-year contracts at the start of the year as part of what they have described as their final chapter in WWE.

    Bella’s interest in a future GM role offers an interesting idea of what life after the ring could look like for her within WWE.

  • Jimmy Valiant Wrestles Final Match at 83 Years Old

    Jimmy Valiant Wrestles Final Match at 83 Years Old

    Jimmy Valiant laced up his boots one final time at 83 years old, stepping into the ring this past weekend for what he has confirmed will be his last match.

    The WWE Hall of Famer announced his retirement match took place on April 25 in Lancaster, South Carolina, at an event called Boogie’s Last Dance, presented by NAWA Championship Wrestling. Valiant last wrestled on September 23, 2023, and his appearance will mark the end of a career spanning 62 years, beginning in 1964.

    Ahead of the match, Valiant acknowledged he has retired before but made clear this time carries a different finality.

    “Yes, this will be my final dance. I’ve retired before but this is truly my last dance,” he said in a statement via press release. “I’m honored to hang up my boots after 62 years of wrestling pro.”

    He also reflected on the sheer scale of what his career has encompassed.

    “I had over 15,000 matches and drove 6 million miles on U.S. highways, plus flying getting to those matches. I want to dance down that aisle to my theme song, ‘Boy From New York City,’ one last time to make wrestling in 7 decades, from 1964 to 2026, a reality for me.”

    Valiant made his professional debut in 1964 and captured the WWWF World Tag Team Championship during his career, holding the titles for 370 days. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996 alongside Johnny Valiant. His career, spanning seven different decades of professional wrestling, makes him one of the longest-tenured performers in the history of the business

  • Apollo Crews Breaks Silence After WWE Release With Heartfelt Message: ‘This Is My Time’

    Apollo Crews Breaks Silence After WWE Release With Heartfelt Message: ‘This Is My Time’

    Apollo Crews has shared a heartfelt farewell following his release from WWE, reflecting on an eleven-year career with the company in an Instagram post that accompanied a photo of himself holding a championship at WrestleMania.

    Crews was among the talents let go in WWE’s post-WrestleMania roster cuts on April 24, a wave of departures that also included Zelina Vega, Kairi Sane, and others.

    “Thank you, WWE, for eleven incredible years. Wow. Eleven years. What an incredible journey. I feel blessed to have had a career in WWE that lasted that long,” Crews wrote. “Thanks to everyone who sent me messages or texts. Even if I didn’t reply, just know I’m grateful.”

    He reflected on his health throughout his tenure, noting he was fortunate to have avoided serious injury for most of his run, and expressed appreciation for the moments his career produced.

    “I’ve been lucky to experience many amazing moments during my time with WWE. It’s been a fun ride, and I appreciate everyone who supported me along the way. To everyone I shared the ring with, thank you.”

    Crews closed with a simple but definitive statement about where things stand. “All things come to an end. This is my time.”

    Crews signed with WWE in 2015 and spent time in NXT before transitioning to the main roster in 2016. During his run he captured both the Intercontinental Championship and the United States Championship.

  • Alexa Bliss Thanks Nikki Cross After WWE Release

    Alexa Bliss Thanks Nikki Cross After WWE Release

    AAlexa Bliss has paid tribute to Nikki Cross following her former tag team partner’s release from WWE on Friday, sharing an emotional message on Twitter.

    Cross was released after a decade-long run with the company, ending a tenure that began in NXT and extended to the main roster across multiple character reinventions.

    Bliss was quick to react, thanking Cross for memories that extended well beyond their time together in the ring.

    “Bliss Cross forever. Thank you Nikki Cross for all of the amazing times, fun car rides, laughs and for being Hendrix’s backstage bestie. Love you Nikki — can’t wait to see what’s next,” Bliss wrote, referencing her daughter Hendrix by name.

    Bliss and Cross were one of the more beloved women’s tag teams of their era, capturing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship twice together. They first won the titles from The IIconics on Monday Night Raw in August 2019 before losing them to the Kabuki Warriors after a two-month reign. The duo reclaimed the championships at WrestleMania 36 in April 2020, adding a second reign to their shared history.

    Bliss has been away from WWE television since giving birth to Hendrix. She holds multiple championship accolades during her career, including a Raw Women’s Championship reign, and is recognized as the final holder of the WWE 24/7 Championship. Her tribute to Cross underlines the depth of the personal bond the two built during years of working alongside each other.

  • AEW Trademarks ‘Royal Redemption’ With USPTO

    AEW Trademarks ‘Royal Redemption’ With USPTO

    All Elite Wrestling has filed a trademark application for the name “Royal Redemption” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, adding another layer to a growing cluster of Redemption-related filings from the company.

    The application carries serial number 99785754 and was filed on April 24, 2026, where it is currently awaiting examination. The goods and services description covers professional wrestling events and programming, including entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests, live professional wrestling performances, production of professional wrestling programs and events, and production and distribution of ongoing television programs in the field of professional wrestling.

    The Royal Redemption filing comes roughly two weeks after AEW separately trademarked both “AEW Redemption” and “Redemption” on April 13, 2026. Per the Mat Men Pro Wrestling Podcast, insider Andrew Zarian reported that “AEW Redemption” is a planned new pay-per-view event coming at some point in 2026.

    Whether “Royal Redemption” refers to a distinct event, a specific match concept, or something else entirely has not been confirmed by AEW.

  • WWE Star Returns to the Ring After Nearly a Year Away

    WWE Star Returns to the Ring After Nearly a Year Away

    Noam Dar has returned to the ring after nearly a year away from competition, making his comeback at an NXT live event on Friday night.

    Dar defeated Jackson Drake in singles action at the April 24 NXT live event in Dade City, Florida, marking his first in-ring appearance since June 13, 2025. The return comes after a difficult stretch that saw him forced to relinquish the NXT UK Heritage Cup in June 2025 due to injury, just two months after coming back from a previous injury. The back-to-back setbacks kept him out of action for nearly 12 months.

    Dar began his WWE career in NXT UK before transitioning to the main NXT brand, where he became one of the roster’s more recognizable performers as the leader of the Meta-Four faction. He had also been featured as part of the WWE Speed concept before his 2024 injury.

    No official announcement has been made regarding Dar’s return to NXT television programming, but his live event appearance signals that he is healthy and working his way back toward a full-time schedule. NXT live events have historically served as a proving ground for returning talent to shake off ring rust before making their way back to the televised product.

  • Jade Cargill’s WWE SmackDown Absence Explained

    Jade Cargill’s WWE SmackDown Absence Explained

    Jade Cargill’s absence from SmackDown on April 24 has been explained, and it had nothing to do with WWE booking or her uncertain title situation.

    Cargill was in Cincinnati attending her husband, Brandon Phillips’, induction into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, a significant personal milestone for the longtime Reds standout. The couple has been together since 2015, and Cargill was present to support Phillips for the occasion.

    The explanation clears up what had become a talking point given the timing of her absence. Cargill lost the WWE Women’s Championship to Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 42 and has since spoken openly about not knowing what comes next for her in the company.

    The combination of a title loss, uncertain creative direction, and a missed SmackDown had understandably raised questions. The reality is that her absence was a straightforward personal commitment, not an indication of a change in her standing with the company.

    Cargill held the WWE Women’s Championship through WrestleMania 42 before Ripley ended her reign on Night Two at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.