EVIL handed D’Angelo a scroll with Kanji written on it before he exited the ring. Tavion Heights and Will Kroos then attacked D’Angelo following the confrontation.
The wrestler kept his reaction brief on social media, posting a simple message following his first appearance on WWE television.
WWE has not used EVIL’s name on television yet and there is a possibility that his name could be changed.
EVIL’s Background
The wrestler is a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the second-ever NJPW Triple Crown winner. Since 2021, he led Bullet Club’s sub-unit known as the House Of Torture.
In January 2026, EVIL announced he would not renew his contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling and planned to explore opportunities elsewhere. His arrival in WWE NXT marks the next chapter of his career.
WWE President Nick Khan recently teased the location for WrestleMania 44 during a TKO town hall meeting this week. The destination for the 2028 premium live event remains unannounced, though Khan suggested fans should expect a major reveal.
“Wait until you hear the announcement on where we’re going to be for WrestleMania in 2028,” Khan said at the town hall meeting,
Khan did not offer additional hints about the premium live event’s location.
Back-to-Back Las Vegas Events
Khan addressed WWE’s decision to hold WrestleMania in Las Vegas for two consecutive years.
“That was ultimately my decision,” he said. “Maybe we don’t do that one again in terms of back-to-back, but ultimately it ended up being a successful event.”
WrestleMania 42 took place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Night one’s main event featured Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defending against Randy Orton, while night two closed with Roman Reigns dethroning CM Punk as WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
WrestleMania 43 Headed to Saudi Arabia
Following its second straight stay in Las Vegas, WrestleMania will head overseas to Saudi Arabia in 2027. March 27, 2027 is the reported target date for WrestleMania 43, though the weekend of April 10 is also said to be on the table.
The dates for WrestleMania 44 in 2028 remain unconfirmed.
WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett recently criticized WWE’s handling of Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42, arguing that the celebrity involvement did nothing to help the Undisputed WWE Champion. The match featured Pat McAfee in Orton’s corner and Jelly Roll supporting Rhodes.
Jeff Jarrett Questions Celebrity Involvement
Speaking on his “My World” podcast, Jarrett questioned the value of having McAfee and Jelly Roll at ringside. He noted that both celebrities stayed out of the action for most of the match, serving primarily as cheerleaders.
“Jelly’s in Cody’s corner and McAfee’s in Randy’s corner, and for lack of a better word, they’re both incredibly big time cheerleaders throughout the match.”
“They stay out of the way, don’t get involved, let the guys fight, let the guys fight, let the guys fight, have some false finishes where it looks like Pat is almost going to get involved, but he doesn’t do that.”
Jarrett suggested the match would have worked better if the celebrities had been involved earlier and then cleared out.
“And then at the right time, all hell breaks lose, then you can do the table spot, clear the air, get everybody out of the way, and then let those two guys finish it.”
Match Structure Hurt Cody Rhodes
Despite ‘The American Nightmare’ retaining his championship at the Premium Live Event, Jarrett believes the match structure undermined the champion.
“I thought the way they started, it pulled the rug out from under Cody, no matter what. I just thought when you said ‘Let’s just get it out of the way,’ I think the audience will go ‘Okay, what?’”
Brock Lesnar might have left his boots and gloves in the ring at WrestleMania 42, but former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen believes the right offer could bring him back to MMA.
Sonnen suggested on his YouTube channel that a lucrative Netflix deal could tempt Lesnar out of retirement.
Lesnar suffered a defeat at the hands of Oba Femi at WWE WrestleMania 42 in what appeared to be a retirement angle. While WWE has heavily implied Lesnar’s in-ring career is over, the former Universal Champion has not verbally confirmed his retirement.
Sonnen Pitches Lesnar vs. Ngannou
In his recent video, Sonnen drew a specific scenario that could bring ‘The Beast Incarnate’ back to combat sports. He believes a fight against Francis Ngannou on Netflix could be the draw.
“I’m here to tell you right now, there is a dollar amount. I don’t know that sum. $25 million would be very close. There is a dollar amount where Brock Lesnar will fight on Netflix against Francis Ngannou,” Sonnen said.
“He just has to be given the opportunity. When somebody says they’re retired, it just means, ‘I don’t have opportunities in front of me right now.’”
Sonnen further questioned whether Lesnar would want his legacy defined solely by professional wrestling.
“Does he want to be known as the guy that used to be a pro wrestler? Maybe. I’m curious, I’m asking the question,” Sonnen stated.
Brock Lesnar’s Combat Sports History
Brock Lesnar had a run with UFC in the past, following his departure from WWE in 2004. He quickly became one of the promotion’s biggest stars and captured the UFC Heavyweight Championship.
He retired from UFC in 2011 and returned to WWE the following year. Lesnar made a one-off UFC return in 2016 before focusing exclusively on his WWE career.
EVIL is expected to make his WWE debut imminently after signing with the company. The former New Japan Pro Wrestling star officially ended his tenure with NJPW in January 2026 and is now set to join the WWE roster.
EVIL built a formidable legacy during his time in Japan. He formed the notorious House of Torture faction in NJPW and won multiple championships throughout his career.
The powerhouse wrestler is now seeking a fresh start on a global stage. His presence is expected to make an immediate impact on the WWE locker room.
Latest Update
As per Bodyslam, sources indicate the 39-year-old wrestler known as the “King of Darkness” will debut very shortly. The move is viewed as a significant acquisition for WWE.
PWInsider has reported 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.”
Possible Debut on NXT?
There has been speculation about how EVIL might be introduced to WWE. The discussions quickly picked up steam after last week’s episode of NXT. During the show, Tony D’Angelo received a mysterious box which was marked with the Japanese kanji for “war.”
The eagle-eyed fans have immediately picked up on it and connected it with EVIL’s possible debut on this week’s edition of NXT.
The Usos recently reacted to Jacob Fatu’s brutal attack on Roman Reigns during the April 28 episode of WWE Raw. The former WWE World Tag Team Champions took to social media after Fatu applied a Tongan Death Grip to the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
The confrontation occurred during the main event segment when Reigns officially confirmed he will face Fatu at Backlash 2026. ‘OTC’ had given his cousin a full week to reconsider his challenge and choose family unity over conflict.
Fatu rejected the peace offering, stating he needed no additional time to make his decision. ‘The Samoan Werewolf’ expressed frustration that Reigns never reached out to him during his rise to the top, crediting Solo Sikoa for bringing him into WWE instead.
Roman Reigns Corrects the Record Before Attack
Reigns corrected Fatu’s version of events during their verbal exchange. The WWE World Heavyweight Champion stated that Fatu’s signing was actually authorized by him personally.
The situation turned physical when Fatu applied a Tongan Death Grip to Reigns. While gasping for air, Reigns struggled to finish his sentence before finally confirming the Backlash 2026 match as RAW went off the air.
Kairi Sane was shockingly released from WWE, and amid several reports, new details have emerged about the decision.
The April 25 cuts saw a handful of wrestlers let go. Apart from Sane, The Wyatt Sicks, Aleister Black, Kairi Sane, and Zelina Vega have also been released.
As per Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Sane indicated she wanted to move back to Japan, prompting the company to release her despite being featured in an active storyline.
“The Kairi thing, the reason she was cut was I think that she had kinda indicated that she wanted to move back (to Japan),” Meltzer stated.
“The reality is, this is not a money issue. This company makes… whatever it is. The revenue between UFC and WWE and throwing everything in, the revenue’s in the billions of dollars.”
“The big part here is — could we see a reversal much like R-Truth? No. They didn’t want to bring Truth back — they caved in, broke down, and said, ‘Come on back.’ You can’t do that again within a calendar year, because every time the critics or voices get too loud, people are going to expect that talent to get brought back,” WrestleVotes stated.
Sane Already Returned to Japan
Mike Johnson of PWInsider confirmed that Sane has already returned to Japan, eliminating any possibility of her appearing on Raw to conclude her storyline with IYO SKY and Asuka. Johnson also dismissed claims that the release had been rescinded.
Kairi Sane departed the company amid an active storyline with Asuka and IYO Sky. The angle centered on Asuka manipulating Sane and isolating her from Sky, with fans expecting a payoff at WrestleMania 42 that never happened.
Marc Izard, a 43-year-old wrestling fan from the United Kingdom, was found dead in Las Vegas on April 18 during WrestleMania 42 weekend. Izard had been reported missing in the days leading up to the tragic discovery.
As per the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Izard passed away in the 1730 block of Las Vegas Boulevard South, between East St. Louis Avenue and Oakley Boulevard. The Clark County coroner’s office confirmed his death on Monday afternoon, with the cause and manner of death still pending.
Natalya Helped Raise Awareness
WWE superstar Natalya had helped raise awareness about Izard’s disappearance through social media. On April 25, she shared details about his last known whereabouts.
“His last known sighting was leaving the arena after SmackDown on April 17. His last photo was taken with me at my signing. Marc traveled from the UK and has not made it home or been in contact since,” Natalya wrote.
A member of our wrestling family, Marc Izard, is currently missing after WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas. His last known sighting was leaving the arena after SmackDown on April 17, his last photo taken was with me at my signing.
Izard had traveled from the UK to attend WWE’s biggest weekend of the year. WWE SmackDown took place on April 17, followed by WrestleMania 42 and WWE Raw between April 18 and April 20, all held in Las Vegas.
We at SEScoops express our deepest condolences to Marc Izard’s family and friends.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross believes Oba Femi has the strongest chance to headline WrestleMania 43 as WWE Champion, ranking him ahead of Bron Breakker and Logan Paul.
Femi’s momentum shifted dramatically after his main roster debut led to a feud with Brock Lesnar. At WrestleMania 42, Femi defeated Lesnar in his first WrestleMania appearance, with ‘The Beast Incarnate’ removing his gloves and boots afterward to signal retirement.
Ross Explains His WrestleMania 43 Pick
Good Ol’ JR discussed the rising stars’ championship potential on the latest Grilling JR Podcast. Ross highlighted Femi’s unique positioning after defeating Lesnar as the key factor in his prediction. Ross sees ‘The Ruler’ as the slight favorite in the championship race.
“He’s got a better shot at it than anybody you and I can probably name right now, because he beat the monster. And he’s unique. His look is unique. He’s very impressive in that regard.
Oba Femi being the champion at next year’s WrestleMania is going to be dependent upon how fast the company can build total confidence in his ability. He’s got to stay reliable. He’s got to work on his game. He ain’t ready. But you got to run with a guy if you’re making that kind of commitment.”
The veteran commentator acknowledged that the Nigerian powerhouse still needs development, but emphasized WWE’s commitment by having him defeat Lesnar. He noted that no one currently on the roster has a significantly better chance at holding the title at WrestleMania 43.
Breakker and Paul Also in Contention
While selecting Femi as his top choice, Ross praised both Breakker and Paul. He called Paul “the best worker of the group” and noted his fundamental soundness often gets overlooked due to his physique.
Ross expressed strong support for Breakker’s potential, citing his athletic background and wrestling lineage.
“Breakker is a, I love his game because he’s a legitimate tough athlete that has the pro wrestling DNA flowing through his veins. If I had to make a pick, Oba is going to be one, and maybe Breakker will be one A. But you damn sure don’t want to pass over on Steiner’s kid.”
Breakker returned at WrestleMania 42 after recovering from hernia surgery for nearly two and a half months. He speared Seth Rollins and cost him his match against Gunther at the Premium Live Event.
Both Femi and Breakker previously competed in NXT before their main roster transitions. Paul took a different path, working feuds with Sami Zayn and The Miz before becoming a full-time WWE performer.
Brock Lesnar allegedly has major heat with WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H.
According to former WWE writer Vince Russo, the tension could explain Lesnar’s shocking WrestleMania 42 moment. On his YouTube channel, Russo didn’t hold back when discussing what he’s heard about the relationship between the two. He suggested Lesnar’s actions at WrestleMania 42, where he left his boots in the ring after losing to Oba Femi, may have been done without Triple H’s knowledge.
“I hear that Brock Lesnar just absolutely hates Triple H,” Russo said. “And I can see that Triple H has put himself in a position for people to hate him. He has put himself in the forefront of everything. He has put himself first in front of his own talent, and a lot of times in wrestling, that is a no-no.”
Russo Questions Lesnar’s WrestleMania Exit
Russo connected the alleged backstage tension to WWE’s recent creative direction. He argued that bad creative decisions are catching up with the company and may be causing frustration among top talent.
“And even to the point of what it looks like of Brock Lesnar saying, ‘Man, I need out of here.’ I mean, if the Brock Lesnar thing is a shoot and nobody knew about it, and he didn’t smarten up Triple H, that means he has zero respect for Triple H. Zero, none, bro,” Russo stated.
Power Shift in WWE Leadership
He compared the situation to how things would have been handled under Vince McMahon. Russo believes McMahon would never have tolerated a top star making such a move without approval.
“Can you imagine one of the talents pulling that on Vince McMahon, bro? That would have never happened,” Russo said. “You wouldn’t have even dreamed of doing something like that, bro. You would have been gone so fast, Vince would have blackballed you, man.”
Russo suggested that if Lesnar acted independently, it could signal a vulnerability in Triple H’s leadership position. He theorized that Lesnar may view this as an opportunity to force change within the company.
“But I guess in Brock Lesnar’s case, if it is indeed a shoot, Brock’s simply asking the question, what is Triple H going to do? And I would also think that Triple H would have to be at a point of vulnerability, him being very vulnerable at that point. And maybe Brock does something like that because he feels it’s the nail in the coffin,” Russo explained.
While WWE internally believes Lesnar’s WrestleMania 42 moment was a planned retirement angle, Russo’s claims introduce a different narrative. There has been speculation about a possible final match for Lesnar at SummerSlam, though nothing has been confirmed.
WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella has revealed that she is aiming to make her comeback at WWE Night of Champions on June 27, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The former two-time Divas Champion addressed her recovery timeline during the April 27 episode of The Nikki & Brie Show, giving fans hope she’ll be back in the ring sooner than expected.
Bella suffered a severe ankle injury on the March 27 episode of SmackDown that forced her out of WrestleMania 42. She tore, sprained, and fractured her ankle, requiring surgery just a couple of weeks before the biggest show of the year.
Bella Confirms Night of Champions Target Date
When discussing the recently announced Night of Champions event at Kingdom Arena, Bella made her intentions clear.
“Hopefully I will get to see you all in June. They just announced Night of Champions is going to be happening in June, so fingers crossed that still goes. But obviously, I’d love to see you all there,” she said on the podcast.
The timeline aligns with her previous recovery estimate. On April 20, Bella responded to a fan on social media, stating she expected to be out “6-8 weeks hopefully.” With Night of Champions scheduled for June 27, the event falls within that projected window.
WrestleMania 42 Replacement and Tag Title Change
Bella’s injury forced WWE to make a last-minute change to the WrestleMania 42 card. Paige stepped in to team with Brie Bella, and the duo captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at the event.
While she’s targeting Night of Champions, WWE may opt for a more cautious approach given the severity of the ankle damage that required surgical repair.
It has been reported that TKO was not the driving force behind the releases. The outlet noted that Sources within WWE confirmed the cuts were handled internally by the promotion’s leadership team.
Reason Behind The Cuts
Fightful reported that most of the releases were due to clearing the way for new talent. The possibility of SmackDown returning to two hours in the near future was also noted as another reason.
Bodyslam has reported that SmackDown will switch back to two hours within the next few weeks.
The April 25 cuts saw a handful of wrestlers let go, including The Wyatt Sicks, Aleister Black, Kairi Sane, and Zelina Vega. The report clarifies that TKO, WWE’s parent company, did not mandate the roster reductions.
Triple H and Khan worked with talent relations to determine which performers would be released following the company’s biggest event of the year.
WWE legend Al Snow believes security personnel, not CM Punk, should shoulder the blame for the MGM Grand incident that occurred during WrestleMania 42 weekend.
The veteran wrestler addressed the viral confrontation where Punk knocked a fan’s phone down as the individual filmed Bayley hugging AJ Lee near the hotel elevators.
Speaking on The Russo Brand, Snow made it clear the situation should have been prevented before it escalated. He placed responsibility squarely on the security team tasked with protecting talent.
Security Failed to Prevent the Confrontation
Snow explained that security’s job is to stop incidents before they happen, not react after the fact. He criticized the team for allowing the fan to get that close to Punk and his wife in the first place.
“The incident should never even occur. That’s on the security,” Snow said. “They’re there for a reason. They’re not there to just stand idly by. They should be accompanying the talent to and from and in and out of the building just to prevent such things from occurring.”
He continued by highlighting that prevention is the core responsibility of any security detail.
“Security company’s supposed to be there to prevent that situation from occurring in the first place and they were obviously not doing what they needed to do in that moment.”
Punk Shouldn’t Have Been Put in That Position
While acknowledging that Punk’s reaction could be debated, Snow argued the former World Heavyweight champion never should have been forced into that situation. He defended Punk’s response given the circumstances.
“You can sit there and put the heat on either party, but the real heat, I think, goes on the security company,” Snow stated. “Well, you know, Punk shouldn’t have behaved in that manner — well, he shouldn’t have been put in that position to behave in that manner.”
Snow also criticized the fan’s behavior, describing it as aggressive and disrespectful.
“The fans shouldn’t have been that aggressive and they were being very obnoxious and disrespectful, clearly didn’t follow etiquette or protocol or was respectful in any way of personal time.”
AJ Lee’s Involvement Changed the Dynamic
Jeff Lane, speaking alongside Snow, pointed out that the personal element made the situation different. Because AJ Lee, Punk’s wife, was involved in the moment being filmed, the reaction shouldn’t be viewed without that context.
“Especially when she asked you to go away and you don’t go away,” Lane said. “So you got a man up in your wife’s face like that. I don’t fault him for reacting that way emotionally in that situation.”
Despite defending Punk in several ways, Snow acknowledged the situation wasn’t completely black and white.
“Nobody was 100% right. Nobody was 100% wrong on either side of the fence, but security should have been there to keep it from even occurring in the first place. Just shouldn’t have happened.”
Brock Lesnar sparked retirement rumors when he left his boots in the ring at WrestleMania 42 after losing to Oba Femi. However, a fresh report indicates the moment was not his final goodbye and they are planning a huge turn.
According to WrestleVotes Radio, WWE believes Lesnar was genuinely saying goodbye at WrestleMania. However, the company remains hopeful he will return for one final match on August 1st and 2nd at U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis.
There is a strong belief that the company is planning a babyface turn for ‘The Beast Incarnate’ before he wrestles one more time, with SummerSlam in Minneapolis emerging as the likely location for his farewell match.
Lesnar attended the University of Minnesota and has been billed from Minneapolis throughout his WWE career, but has only wrestled two televised matches in the state, with the last taking place in January 2004.
“There is a strong belief within WWE that Brock Lesnar was genuinely saying goodbye when he left his boots and gloves in the ring this past Sunday at WrestleMania,” WrestleVotes Radio reported.
“However, many also feel that before it’s all said and done, he will have one final match at this year’s SummerSlam.”
WWE Shifting Lesnar to Fan Favorite Role
WWE is actively positioning Lesnar as a babyface heading into the final stretch of his career. During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer confirmed the creative direction when asked directly about the company’s plans.
“Are they trying to turn Brock Lesnar into a baby face?” the question was posed. “Yes, obviously. Yes,” came the response.
The shift aligns with the strong crowd reaction Lesnar received at WrestleMania 42, where fans responded emotionally to his apparent retirement. WWE wants fans fully behind Lesnar for whatever comes next, with the babyface turn supporting the narrative of a final sendoff.
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns is set to appear on Monday’s edition of WWE Raw from Laredo, Texas. WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce has announced that ‘OTC’ will address Jacob Fatu’s World Heavyweight Championship challenge.
Fatu issued the challenge for Backlash following recent tensions between the two superstars. Reigns’ response will set the stage for the upcoming premium live event and could have major implications for the World Heavyweight Championship picture heading into the spring.
“I can confirm the OTC Roman Reigns will make his decision about Jacob Fatu’s challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash,” Pearce said.
Seth Rollins is will kick off the broadcast. Joe Hendry is scheduled to host his first Raw concert as an official member of the red brand’s roster, and Becky Lynch has also been announced to appear.
Penta vs. Rusev Added to Raw
Pearce also confirmed a singles match between Penta and Rusev for Monday night. The bout adds another high-profile contest to the card as both wrestlers look to build momentum on the flagship show.
A tag team match will also take place, with Bayley and Lyra Valkyria teaming up against Raquel Rodriguez and a partner to be announced. The women’s division continues to heat up as WWE builds toward its next major event cycle.
The show will be a key stop on the road to Backlash as WWE continues to develop its championship storylines across both brands.
Your OFFICIAL #WWERaw Mini-Preview for tomorrow night in the Gateway City…Laredo, Texas!
WWE star Alexa Bliss has publicly agreed with wrestling fans who believe a new horror film is ripping off Bray Wyatt’s Firefly Fun House concept. The former Women’s Champion responded to criticism of the movie on social media Friday.
Several fans on X called out ‘Monkey’s Magic Merry Go Round’ for its similarities to the Fun House, arguing the film’s tone and presentation mirror Wyatt’s creation. When one fan’s post reached Bliss, she responded with a simple “I agree,” validating concerns about the project.
I agree
— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) April 25, 2026
Wyatt introduced the Firefly Fun House in 2019, using the children’s show parody as a vehicle for psychological horror storytelling. He captured the WWE Universal Championship from Seth Rollins later that year.
Bliss and the Firefly Fun House Legacy
Bliss became part of the Firefly Fun House in 2020 during Wyatt’s feud with Braun Strowman. The storyline stemmed from Bliss having been Strowman’s partner in the Mixed Match Challenge, leading to her character transformation.
The Fun House storyline led Bliss to adopt a darker persona on WWE television. Elements of that character shift remain visible in her presentation years later, cementing the Fun House’s lasting impact on her career.
The Film in Question
According to its IMDB description, ‘Monkey’s Magic Merry Go Round’ follows “a children’s TV show host, ensnared in a case of amnesia, must confront his missing memories as his puppet co-stars turn on him.” The premise bears notable similarities to the Firefly Fun House format.
Dudley warned that fan behavior has crossed dangerous lines and stronger protection is needed for wrestlers in public settings.
In an interview with Devon & The Duke, Dudley explained that some fans believe seeing wrestlers on television permits them to invade personal space. He said the problem is happening more frequently, particularly with female performers.
“Yeah, I think we definitely need more security… when these women are out in public, and I see it, these guys think because they see them on TV that they have the right to put their arms around them, touch them, say inappropriate things.”
Bodyguards May Be Necessary
Dudley said the situation has reached a point where bodyguards might be required, even if security costs make that difficult for independent wrestlers. He made it clear that ignoring the issue is no longer an option.
“I think a lot of these girls more than ever need bodyguards with them… but we need some type of — we need something — because it’s really getting out of hand now.”
Former multi-time Tag Team Champion also warned fans to respect boundaries when wrestlers are with family or going about their daily lives outside of scheduled appearances.
“Fans got to understand… if someone’s eating with their family… leave them alone. Leave them be. You don’t have the right to touch them,” Dudley said.
Unwanted Physical Contact a Growing Concern
Dudley addressed more extreme behavior, calling out unwanted physical contact and offensive actions that have become a real concern.
“You don’t have the right to squeeze their behinds… you definitely don’t have the right to come out of your mouth inappropriately.”
He pushed fans to consider how they would react if similar behavior happened to someone close to them.
“If that was your son, if that was your daughter… how would you feel? People don’t put that into consideration.”
Dudley also warned that these situations can quickly turn dangerous, especially when fans try to provoke reactions that could lead to legal trouble. He added:
“It’s scary. It really is scary… I got a little glimpse of it and it’s rough. So imagine how all of those guys in the public eye have to go through that all the time.”
“These people are out there to try to push your buttons so you would hit them… and next thing you know you’re in court.”
Dudley’s warning adds pressure on event organizers to take security seriously as incidents like this continue to surface, and performers speak out about unwanted contact from fans.
Marc Izard, a wrestling fan from the UK, has been reported missing following WWE WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada. Izard traveled to the United States for the event and was last seen leaving the T-Mobile Arena after SmackDown on April 17, 2026.
A missing person alert has been circulated across social media.
WWE veteran Natalya shared details about Izard’s disappearance. The former Women’s champion posted information about his last known sighting and included a photo Izard took with her at a signing on April 16.
“A member of our wrestling family, Marc Izard, is currently missing after WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas. His last known sighting was leaving the arena after SmackDown on April 17, his last photo taken was with me at my signing.”
A member of our wrestling family, Marc Izard, is currently missing after WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas. His last known sighting was leaving the arena after SmackDown on April 17, his last photo taken was with me at my signing.
The wrestling community has rallied to share the missing person alert across social media platforms in hopes of locating Izard and ensuring his safe return home.
Fans are requested to share any updates or information on the email provided in the missing person alert: [email protected]
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H is the primary decision-maker behind WWE’s recent wave of talent releases, as per new report. The April 25 cuts saw a handful of wrestlers let go, including The Wyatt Sicks, Aleister Black, Kairi Sane, and Zelina Vega.
Triple H Has Final Say on Roster Decisions
Many fans initially speculated that TKO Group Holdings executives like Ari Emanuel or WWE President Nick Khan were behind the firings. However, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer clarified that the assumption is incorrect.
“Nobody above Levesque is saying who to cut. Maybe [WWE President] Nick Khan, maybe not,” Meltzer reported.
“Ari Emanuel isn’t sitting there saying we have to fire Zelina [Vega] and Kairi. By and large the decision maker, for good or for bad, here is Paul. It’s like in other years where people blamed this person or that person when the decision was 100 percent Vince [McMahon].”
Nobody above Levesque is saying who to cut. Maybe Nick Khan, maybe not. Ari Emanuel isn't sitting there saying we have to fire Zelina and Kairi. By and large the decision maker, for good or for bad, here is Paul. It's like in other years where people blamed this person or… https://t.co/75n7e5TrXU
Meltzer highlighted that TKO is not ordering specific cuts.
“There’s not a chance TKO is ordering who to cut,” he stated. “It is possible they’ve got an unofficial salary cap and Levesque as the manager has to keep the number below that.”
How WWE’s Decision-Making Process Works
According to Meltzer, Nick Khan likely handles salary totals, while Triple H makes the key personnel decisions.
“Most likely the salary total would be a Khan decision, and as far as the key in the personnel decision, that’s Levesque although Khan having input and others having input is likely,” he explained.
Meltzer compared the current structure to Vince McMahon’s tenure.
“It’s like Vince would consult with a few people but at the end, it was Vince’s call, not evil Jim Ross or evil Johnny Ace or evil JJ Dillon,” he said.
The April 25 releases mark one of the largest single-day cuts in recent WWE history. Triple H now faces the task of reshaping the roster while managing budget constraints from TKO.
Tiffany Stratton was kept off the WrestleMania 42 card last week, but she’s already turned that disappointment into championship gold.
The former NXT Women’s Champion addressed her absence from the company’s biggest show in a new interview, making it clear the snub has only fueled her drive.
Speaking with Joey Karni, Stratton acknowledged the situation wasn’t what she wanted but emphasized her focus on what she can control.
“I feel like my mindset has always been just kind of controlling what I can control, which is making the most out of all my segments, making the most out of my matches, making sure I’m delivering on everything and having really good matches with everybody.”
Stratton Vows WrestleMania Return
The former NXT Women’s Champion didn’t shy away from admitting her disappointment. Missing WWE’s showcase event wasn’t in her plans, but she’s using it as motivation heading into next year.
“And unfortunately, being on WrestleMania wasn’t in the cards for me this year. However, that just kind of leaves me with a chip on my shoulder for next year, and I’m going to do everything in my power to never let that happen ever again,” she stated.
New Champion Crowned on SmackDown
That determination paid immediate dividends. On the April 24 episode of SmackDown, Stratton competed in a Women’s United States Championship match against Giulia.
After a competitive bout, Stratton hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever to secure the victory and capture the Women’s United States Championship. The win came just days after WrestleMania 42 concluded without her on the card.
Stephen A. Smith has rejected demands from WWE superstar Danhausen to remove a curse placed on the ESPN personality.
The exchange unfolded on social media after Danhausen used his signature “You…Are…Cursed!” catchphrase on Smith.
Danhausen has been liberally using his curse gimmick on WWE television, potentially running out of roster members to target. The wrestler apparently decided to expand his cursing beyond the wrestling world by directing it at the prominent sports commentator.
Danhausen had “cursed” the ESPN analyst during the April 17 episode of ESPN First Take. Following the curse, Smith’s beloved New York Knicks have dropped two out of three games to the Atlanta Hawks.
Now, the former AEW star wrote on X:
“Stephen A. Smith APOLOGIZE and Danhausen will think about maybe possibly pondering lifting your curse,” he wrote. “Also send human money. ESPN First Take.”
Smith’s Response to the Curse
Smith has now responded to Danhausen’s curse removal demands. He responded:
“I’m not apologizing for a damn thing Danhausen,” he fired back. “Not a damn thing. Curse or no curse, the Knicks have NO BUSINESS losing this series to the Hawks — no matter how good that young team is. No business.”
“If the Knicks lose this series, heads need to roll. Period. President! GM! Coach! Players! Even the damn Dance Team! To hell with all that superstitious stuff. The Knicks need to handle their damn business. They had better not lose this series, damnit. I swear they better not!”
I’m not apologizing for a damn thing @DanhausenAD. Not a damn thing. Curse or no curse, the @nyknicks have NO BUSINESS losing this series to the @ATLHawks — no matter how good that young team is. No business. If the @Knicks lose this series, heads need to roll. Period. President!… https://t.co/RX6frRTRAI
WWE Hall of Famer JBL believes Brock Lesnar is not finished with WWE, suggesting his WrestleMania 42 retirement moment could actually be the beginning of a major storyline.
Speaking on Something To Wrestle, he called Lesnar “brilliant” and suggested the retirement angle is part of ongoing negotiations rather than a definitive end to his WWE career.
“I watched him going, Oh my god, this guy is freaking amazing, absolutely amazing. Whether it’s a negotiation technique, whether it’s part of the storyline, whether he actually is retired, whatever it is, his performance was freaking once in a lifetime. That was legendary. What he did. I thought it was just absolutely amazing.”
The former WWE Champion expressed confidence that Lesnar remains in discussions with WWE. The retirement moment at WrestleMania 42 appears to be part of a larger narrative rather than the conclusion of Lesnar’s run with the promotion.
JBL’s Take on Lesnar’s Future
JBL praised Brock Lesnar as one of the smartest and most effective negotiators he has ever seen, recalling how Lesnar strategically improved his leverage during past contract talks. He pointed to a moment when Lesnar showed up backstage at a Dana White event in Las Vegas, which “all of a sudden… got a little bit better” for him in WWE negotiations.
“Brock was the best negotiator, I think I’ve ever seen. I mean, Brock is a really smart human being. And I remember he was negotiating to come back. He flew out to Vegas, I think it was and just went backstage, just to see Dana White backstage. Just happened to be out in Vegas, where he flew on a private jet to go and go backstage.”
Unreal Negotiator
He emphasized that both Lesnar and Vince McMahon needed each other but were constantly “vying” for the best deal, calling Lesnar “an unreal negotiator.”
“All of a sudden, his negotiation got a little bit better with WWE. Brock’s a great negotiator. I mean, that’s what you do, you know, and him and Vince are on different sides of this. You know, Vince wanted Brock. Brock wanted Vince. They needed each other, but they’re both vying for they’re both negotiating with each other. Brock is an unreal negotiator.”
Lesnar has a history of sporadic WWE appearances and contract negotiations that have shaped his career trajectory. The former Universal Champion has worked under unique deals that allow him to maintain flexibility while remaining one of WWE’s biggest attractions.
WWE considered an alternate finish for the World Heavyweight Championship match between Roman Reigns and CM Punk at WrestleMania 42 night two.
Reports have emerged that suggest WWE discussed having Punk retain the title before losing it back to Reigns at Backlash.
Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE explored multiple scenarios for the main event. The alternate plan would have protected Punk’s standing while still putting the championship on Reigns.
Original Plan Would Have Extended the Feud
Meltzer wrote that the proposed finish would have made the rivals even before Reigns ultimately captured the title.
“It was possible and apparently talked about that Punk could beat Reigns and then lose the title at Backlash, so they’d be ‘even’ when it was over but Reigns would end up as champion, as a way to protect Punk’s position. But the decision in the end was for Reigns to win here.”
WWE chose to have Reigns win clean at WrestleMania instead. The match went 33 minutes and 56 seconds, ending when Punk collapsed while attempting a second GTS and Reigns capitalized with a spear for the pin.
Match Receives Five-Star Rating
Meltzer awarded the bout a five-star rating, calling it among the best matches in WrestleMania history. The rating marks Punk’s fourth five-star match, following his 2024 Hell in a Cell match with Drew McIntyre, his 2011 Money in the Bank match with John Cena, and his 2004 Ring of Honor match with Samoa Joe.
For Reigns, this represents his first five-star match. He has previously received four matches rated four and three-quarter stars.
“Reigns’ win over Punk was clean, and among the best matches in WrestleMania history. They went 33:56, ending when Punk had Lesnar on his back for a second GTS, and then collapsed and Reigns then pinned him with a spear. The storyline played into the interviews, where the match was long and grueling, and Punk got old and collapsed in the deep waters.”
Cody Rhodes successfully retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton in the main event of WrestleMania 42 Night One. The match capped off the first night of WWE’s biggest event of the year.
Backstage details have emerged about the championship bout. The build to the match featured the long-time rivalry between Rhodes and Orton.
It was earlier reported that ‘The Viper’ was initially planned to win the title from Rhodes at Mania before plans were altered.
Meltzer added that some described the chaos as “like WCW,” although the decision to move ahead with Cody Rhodes was made before Saturday.
The report further suggested that people in WWE believe that McAfee decided to opt out of the storyline not just because of the immense fan backlash but also due to talents publicly expressing their frustration with his involvement in the storyline.
Women’s World Heavyweight Champion Liv Morgan recently admitted that she lost faith during her lengthy 2025 injury absence, revealing the emotional toll of her five-month recovery.
Morgan suffered a right shoulder injury during a match against Kairi Sane on RAW in June 2025. She vacated her tag team title, underwent surgery, and faced approximately five months of recovery.
Liv Morgan Questioned Her Beliefs During Recovery
The injury hit Morgan harder than any previous setback in her decade-long career. She described herself as someone who believes everything happens for a reason, but this injury tested that philosophy.
“Honestly, the injury was really hard for me. Like I took it really hard. I was very sad for a very long time. I’m like a very much like ‘everything happens for a reason’ type person. Even if something happens that’s terrible. I’m so, like, optimistically delusional that I’m like, ‘No, this happened for my greater good, and maybe I don’t see it now, but I know this happened for my greater good.’ My injury, I was like, ‘No, this happened just to f*ck me,’” Morgan said.
Missing major events like SummerSlam in her home state and WWE Evolution made the situation more frustrating. The uncertainty of what she would return to after six months away weighed heavily on her mind.
Raquel Rodriguez Provided Crucial Support
A FaceTime conversation with tag team partner Raquel Rodriguez became a turning point during Morgan’s recovery. While Morgan expressed her frustrations, Rodriguez offered a perspective that helped shift her mindset.
“I was just on FaceTime, just like being upset as I was always being. And I was just telling her like, ‘I just don’t believe in anything. I don’t have any faith right now on what this looks like on the other side.’ But she just was like, ‘Sister, I feel like when you feel like you have no faith is when you’re supposed to have the most.’ And it was just so simple. But I just was like, ‘Huh!’” Morgan recalled.
That simple message resonated with Morgan and helped her begin the mental and emotional recovery alongside her physical rehabilitation. She credited Rodriguez with helping her through some of her darkest days during the injury absence.
“I feel like that was when I was kind of able to stop feeling sorry for myself. And just pick myself up a little bit. But that was like the start of me feeling like, ‘Okay, I’m coming back like mentally, emotionally, and physically.’ And so Raquel definitely, definitely helped me out of some rainy days,” Morgan added.
Morgan returned at Survivor Series in November 2025, attacking John Cena during his match against Dominik Mysterio. She won the 2026 Royal Rumble and captured the Women’s World Championship by defeating Stephanie Vaquer at WrestleMania 42.
