NXT star Cora Jade is not going to miss any significant ring time after an injury scare on this week’s WWE NXT.
Jade’s match against Jordynne Grace was stopped early due, with Grace declared the winner, due to her being unable to continue. The incident scare occurred when Jade was backed into the corner by Grace. She communicated with the referee, who immediately indicated there was a legitimate injury.
She was tended to by WWE officials and medical staff and the show went to commercial break. When the broadcast returned from commercial, the NXT Arena was silent, and it was clear this was not part of the scripted show.
After the show, Jade checked in with a tweet explaining that she got “rocked for a sec,” but did not suffer another knee injury despite initial fears. She thanked fans for their concern, and will likely be undergoing concussion protocol testing.
Got rocked for a sec but my knees are all good (decent?) Thanks for the concern
A video of the spot right before the match stopped makes it seem like Jade hit her head on the turnbuckle. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful also confirmed that Cora\’s injury was related to her head:
Former WWE star Carmella (Leah Van Dale) opened up about her departure from the company, revealing she felt “punished” for having a baby and that WWE cut ties with her without much notice.
Carmella’s contract recently expired, marking the end of her 12-year tenure with WWE. She has not wrestled since March 2023 due to dealing with drop foot after giving birth. Speaking on the Barely Famous Podcast, she expressed frustration over how things ended.
“…What’s next for Leah? For so long, it’s like, ‘Oh, Carmella.’ It’s like, no,” she said. “I can now fully be Leah and do what I want to do, and I don’t know what that is.”
Carmella acknowledged she had been sidelined for nearly two years but said it wasn’t her choice.
“That’s the whole point, to get people talking and to be bold, in your face,” she said. “Let’s talk about it. Let’s have the conversations that women aren’t having. Is it because I’m a woman? Is it because I had a baby? It just feels like a shitty way to end a 12-year career with the company, that this is how it ended.”
She also pointed out the contrast between her situation and that of her husband, WWE commentator Corey Graves.
“[Corey Graves] still has a job. We had a kid, and he had a job, but I don’t. I mean, I guess fast forward until a few weeks ago and I got a call saying that my contract was up in ten days.
[Everyone] ghosted. Completely ghosted. What if this is the end of my career? What am I doing with my life, what do I have to offer? Why wasn’t I given an opportunity somewhere else?”
When asked if it was bittersweet that many of her colleagues remained in WWE, she admitted feeling like she was penalized for becoming a mother.
“I feel like I’m being punished because I had a baby,” she said.
While some speculated WWE could change its stance, Carmella was clear in her response.
“Why would you want to be somewhere that doesn’t want you? I wish more for women in general and moms and especially athletes. You shouldn’t have to choose one. Why can’t you have both?”
With just a month to go until WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, WWE’s biggest event of the year is already generating significant buzz. Mark Shapiro, President and C.O.O. of TKO Group Holdings, spoke about the upcoming spectacle during an appearance at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference.
Shapiro discussed John Cena’s recent heel turn at Elimination Chamber and praised WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul \”Triple H\” Levesque and his creative team. He emphasized the growing mainstream impact of WWE, citing the viral moment involving The Rock, Cena, and Cody Rhodes.
\”I’ll tell you this though, when you’re front page on the ESPN app, you’re above the fold, and that video of The Rock and Cena and Cody, you’re now making more of a cultural impact than you have historically,\” Shapiro stated.
\”Especially when it’s a competitor that carries the events, so I was excited to see that… Paul and his creative team are second to none.\”
He went on to tease major surprises at WrestleMania 41 but remained tight-lipped about specific details.
\”You’ll be amazed at the surprises that are about to come your way in Las Vegas,\” he said. \”I can’t give away any plotlines. I wouldn’t make it off this stage. Somebody from Paul’s team would be here to knock me out.\”
Shapiro also highlighted the significance of WrestleMania as a major business opportunity.
\”Vegas is gonna be incredible. The whole weekend is just gonna be a spectacle.
In the same way or the same vein the Sphere was a spectacle for the UFC and 306, it’s gonna be a great story for us and always a great time to be negotiating new deals.\”
Current WrestleMania 41 Match Card
THE OFFICIAL GRAPHIC FOR JOHN CENA VS. CODY RHODES AT WRESTLEMANIA.
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. John Cena
WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Charlotte Flair
WWE World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER (c) vs. Jey Uso
WWE Women’s World Championship: IYO SKY (c) vs. Bianca Belair
With the event set to take place in Las Vegas, WWE continues to build anticipation for what could be one of its most memorable WrestleMania weekends yet.
Triple H has shared backstage footage immediately following the shocking conclusion of Saturday\’s WWE Elimination Chamber event from Toronto. The video gives WWE fans an inside look at Triple H, Travis Scott and The Rock\’s reactions to one of the biggest moments in WWE history.
The dramatic closing segment of the PLE saw Cena align with The Rock and Scott to attack Cody Rhodes, leaving fans in disbelief. The newly released footage, shared by Triple H, captures Rock and Scott returning backstage, with an enthusiastic Scott reflecting on the moment.
Scott expressed his excitement, saying he was “already hooked” after the segment and even joked about building wrestling rings in all his homes.
Reports have since indicated that Scott has been training in the ring, hinting at a potential WWE in-ring debut.
On March 4, 2025, Jessika Carr, WWE’s pioneering female referee since 2017, reached a significant career milestone by officiating the main event of Raw on Netflix.
Known for her historic role as the first female referee in WWE since the 1980s, Carr shared her excitement on X, posting images from her appearances on both Raw and SmackDown, including a high-stakes women’s match featuring the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship.
The images captured Carr’s commanding presence in the ring, from managing intense moments with wrestlers like Iyo Sky and others to proudly displaying the championship belt.
Her post, which garnered widespread support from fans and peers, underscored her gratitude and determination, stating,
“Really cool to be able to say I’ve done both a SmackDown and now Raw on Netflix main event. Blessed. Grateful. Keep on pushing ??.”
Carr’s journey, highlighted by her role in major WWE events like the Elimination Chamber, cements her legacy as a trailblazer in professional wrestling, inspiring referees and fans alike with her dedication to the sport.
Acclaim Entertainment, the iconic publisher behind classics such as Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam, has been relaunched after over two decades. With WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Jeff Jarrett serving on its advisory board, the company now aims to support independent developers and breathe new life into its classic franchises.
Jarrett, who brings more than three decades of experience in sports entertainment and gaming, remarked, \”Resurrecting Acclaim is an opportunity to impart the same degree of passion and love to a new generation, and I\’m excited to be involved.\”
The revitalized Acclaim plans to provide indie studios with essential resources, including funding, marketing, and public relations support, to help bring their creative visions to a broad audience.
Leading this initiative is CEO Alex Josef, a games industry veteran with over two decades of experience in marketing and publishing. Josef expressed enthusiasm about the relaunch, stating, \”It\’s an absolute honor and pleasure to be leading the charge in bringing Acclaim back to the forefront of the games industry.\”
Acclaim\’s strategy includes not only supporting new original intellectual properties but also seeking opportunities to reboot some of its classic titles. While specific game announcements are yet to be made, the company has hinted at exciting projects in the pipeline, with plans to release its first game later this year.
The return of Acclaim Entertainment signals a promising development for the gaming industry, offering both nostalgic revivals and fresh opportunities for indie developers.
Acclaim Entertainment had a notable history in the development and publication of professional wrestling video games, spanning multiple wrestling promotions and eras. Here’s a brief overview:
WWF Games
Acclaim began its relationship with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1988, debuting with WWF WrestleMania. Over the years, Acclaim released several WWF titles, including WWF War Zone (1998), which introduced groundbreaking features like the \”Create-A-Wrestler\” mode. However, Acclaim struggled to compete with THQ\’s highly successful WCW games during the late 1990s, and WWE eventually left Acclaim for THQ.
ECW Games
After losing the WWF license, Acclaim pivoted to Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). It released ECW Hardcore Revolution (2000) and ECW Anarchy Rulz (2000). These games were essentially re-skinned versions of WWF Attitude but were notable for their \’extreme\’ content and Mature rating.
Legends of Wrestling Series
After ECW went bankrupt, Acclaim developed the Legends of Wrestling series, starting with the first title in 2001. This series focused on iconic wrestlers from various eras and promotions rather than contemporary rosters. It included features like video interviews with legends and expanded rosters across sequels like Legends of Wrestling II (2002). Despite its nostalgic appeal, the series did not achieve significant commercial success.
Before becoming a WWE legend, AJ Styles had an opportunity to join the company much earlier—but he turned it down for one simple reason: the money wasn’t worth it. Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Styles recalled how WWE offered him a developmental contract in 2001 after WCW folded.
\”They offered me $500 a week to move to Cincinnati, Ohio,\” Styles said. \”I was already making $500 a week delivering bottled water, and I didn’t have to move or pay more in taxes.\”
Another key factor in his decision? His wife. Styles was no longer flying solo, and had to think about his eventual family life.
\”They said I’d have to move, but my wife couldn’t come with me. That was a deal-breaker,\” he explained.
Instead of taking WWE’s offer, Styles carved his own path in the independent scene and later became a top star in TNA.
\”As much as I wanted to train with them, it just didn’t make sense,\” he said. \”Looking back, I think I made the right choice.\”
Interestingly, the developmental territory WWE wanted him to join—HWA—was shut down shortly after.
\”I wouldn’t have made it through that cut,\” Styles admitted. \”Things worked out the way they were supposed to.\”
AJ Styles\’ surprise debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble remains one of WWE’s most iconic moments, but behind the scenes, Vince McMahon wasn’t impressed. On Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Styles admitted that McMahon had little faith in him from the start.
\”A lot of people don’t know this, but he did not like AJ Styles. I gave him plenty of reasons—I\’m not the tallest guy, I have a Southern accent—there were a lot of things to hate about me.\”
After his Rumble appearance, Styles recalled McMahon’s blunt feedback.
\”I got to the back and he told me, \’I got a thousand guys that can do what you do.\’ I was like, ‘What?!’ He wanted to see more intensity—he wanted a pitbull.\”
The following week, Styles was on Miz TV, where he was encouraged to show more aggression.
\”They told me, ‘Lay it in. Really put it in there.’ It was a test to see if I could bring that pitbull mentality.\”
That change in approach won McMahon over, and Styles quickly became a top star.
\”Once he saw that, everything took off,\” he said.
Today, Styles is a two-time WWE Champion, proving that even if McMahon wasn’t convinced at first, the fans certainly were.
On this week’s WWE Raw, Chad Gable continued his journey of redemption.
In a cryptic video segment, Gable was shown in Mexico, seeking a deeper understanding of lucha libre. As he displayed a picture to various locals, they seemed not to recognize him, adding to the mystery.
The vignette took a dramatic turn when Gable encountered a mysterious figure who warned him, “You can’t fight what you don’t understand.”
The man then told Gable that he must become lucha before handing him a box in exchange for payment.
The video ended with Gable staring in shock at whatever was inside, leaving fans to wonder what comes next.
Chad Gable recently announced on RAW that he was taking a break from WWE to “learn the dark arts of Lucha Libre”. This storyline developed after Gable experienced a series of setbacks, including losses to Penta, Dragon Lee and Rey Mysterio.
Dominik Mysterio suggested a specific mentor for Gable’s training and provided directions to a mystery contact in Mexico.
Sonya Deville recently shared how Vince McMahon provided crucial support following the 2020 kidnapping attempt at her home.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Deville recalled how McMahon personally reached out to check on her in the days leading up to SummerSlam.
“I’m talking to Vince. SummerSlam is coming up, and he’s checking in on me,” Deville said. “He said, ‘Why don’t you come to the venue? I want to say hi and hug you.’”
During their conversation, McMahon, along with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, reassured her and asked what she needed.
When Deville admitted she didn’t feel safe returning home due to the media presence, McMahon immediately offered assistance.
“‘Are you going to be okay staying back at your house?’ ‘No, I don’t think I can go back there,’” Deville recalled. “I left on my ADT camera, and there were reporters all over my front doorstep. ‘I can’t do this. It’s okay. I’ll figure it out.’”
Determined to help, McMahon took action.
“Vince is like, ‘No, what do you want to do? Do you need a place to stay?’” she said.
When Deville explained that her father was coming to help figure things out, McMahon assured her, “‘Alright, we’ll get you a place to stay if you need a place to stay.’”
McMahon arranged for a rental home in another part of Florida, providing Deville with a secure place to stay. Her mother, Mandy Rose, and Rose’s mother joined her for support.
Additionally, McMahon ensured 24/7 armed security for her protection. “These guys had guns on their hips,” Deville said, describing the level of security provided.
The 2020 incident, in which an armed stalker attempted to break into her home, had a lasting impact on Deville’s life. She has since been open about the emotional toll and the precautions she had to take in its aftermath.
WWE is set to enhance its fan engagement by launching a series of podcasts as part of its expanded partnership with Fanatics. The inaugural podcast, The Raw Recap Show, will debut on Tuesday morning, offering in-depth reactions and analyses of Monday Night Raw.
Hosted by WWE personalities Megan Morant and Sam Roberts, the show aims to provide fans with fresh insights and discussions on the latest developments within one of WWE’s premier brands.
Listeners can access The Raw Recap Show across multiple platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and WWE’s official YouTube channel.
Fanatics, known for its extensive involvement in global e-commerce, merchandise, trading cards, and memorabilia, will serve as the primary partner for all upcoming WWE podcasts.
In addition to the weekly recap of Monday Night Raw, Morant and Roberts will host instant-reaction podcasts following each premium live event, starting with WrestleMania 41.
Looking ahead, WWE has plans to introduce additional podcasts featuring current superstars and legendary figures from the wrestling world.
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Linda McMahon as the Secretary of Education. McMahon, co-founder and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), previously served as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019.
During her confirmation hearings, McMahon addressed key educational issues, including the enforcement of Title IX protections based on biological sex and the potential restructuring of the Department of Education.
She emphasized her commitment to ensuring women’s safety in educational settings and acknowledged that any significant departmental changes would require congressional action.
Her appointment aligns with President Donald Trump’s agenda to reform federal education policies, focusing on reducing bureaucracy and enhancing school choice initiatives. McMahon’s business acumen and previous governmental experience are expected to influence her approach to leading the department.
During the event, John Cena shocked the wrestling world by turning heel for the first time in his illustrious career. After winning the Men\’s Elimination Chamber match to secure a title shot at WrestleMania 41, Cena celebrated in the ring with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. The celebration was interrupted by The Rock and Travis Scott, who entered the arena to confront Rhodes. The Rock, now embracing his \”Final Boss\” persona, demanded that Rhodes \”sell his soul\” and align with him. When Rhodes refused, tensions escalated.
In a stunning moment, Cena delivered a low blow to Rhodes, signaling his alliance with The Rock. The two then launched a brutal assault on Rhodes, joined by Travis Scott, who physically participated by slapping the WWE Champion and holding him down as The Rock whipped him with his weight belt. This marked Scott’s most significant involvement in WWE to date, as he transitioned from being a celebrity guest to an active participant in the storyline.
The Rock later revealed in a press conference that Scott had been eager to \”get his hands bloody\” and hinted at future appearances or even matches for the rapper in WWE. Scott’s involvement was reportedly part of a long-term plan by WWE’s creative team to bring mainstream attention to Cena’s historic heel turn and create buzz leading into WrestleMania 41.
The trio’s actions have drawn comparisons to iconic villainous factions in wrestling history, fueling speculation of a potential new mega-group forming under The Rock’s leadership. With Cena now positioned as a top heel and Scott’s growing presence in WWE, this storyline is expected to dominate the Road to WrestleMania.
Bo Dallas, a former WWE Superstar and real-life brother of the late Bray Wyatt, has been medically cleared to return to in-ring competition following an undisclosed injury, as first reported by Bodyslam.net.
Dallas, who was released from WWE in 2021, has recently gained attention for his portrayal of the enigmatic Uncle Howdy, a character central to the Wyatt Sicks faction that continues Wyatt\’s legacy. Uncle Howdy debuted in late 2022 as part of Bray Wyatt\’s storyline, initially appearing as a mysterious antagonist before evolving into a key figure in Wyatt\’s creative universe.
Following Wyatt\’s tragic passing in 2023, Dallas took on an expanded role as Uncle Howdy, leading the Wyatt Sicks—a faction inspired by characters from Wyatt\’s lore. The group includes Erick Rowan (Rambling Rabbit), Nikki Cross (Abby the Witch), Joe Gacy (Huskus the Pig), and Dexter Lumis (Mercy the Buzzard), with Howdy at the helm.
Dallas has described Uncle Howdy as his most creative role in wrestling, emphasizing its personal significance and connection to his late brother. His return to WWE programming could reignite the Wyatt Sicks storyline, which has been on hiatus since late 2024.
Fans eagerly await how Dallas\’ return will further develop this haunting narrative and honor Bray Wyatt’s enduring influence on WWE storytelling.
WWE Superstar Grayson Waller has openly criticized fellow wrestlers who publicly express dissatisfaction regarding their perceived lack of opportunities within the company.
Drawing a clear distinction between his approach and that of his peers, Waller emphasized his commitment to making the most of the chances he receives, rather than airing grievances online or through media outlets.?
\”I could be like some of the other \’flop\’ wrestlers in WWE.I could bitch and moan and complain online. I could even run to \’journalists\’—and I could cry about all the opportunities I\’m not getting,\” Waller remarked.
\”But instead, I choose to maximize every opportunity I\’m given and focus on what I can control.\”?
Catch Grayson Waller\’s comments about \’whiny\’ WWE Superstars here:
WWE Elimination Chamber kicked off at the Rogers Centre in Toronto with Canadian singer-songwriter Elizabeth performing the U.S. National Anthem. However, the crowd responded with loud boos, prompting Pat McAfee to call Canada “terrible” on commentary. His remark sparked backlash, leading McAfee to address the controversy on The Pat McAfee Show.
McAfee Responds to Criticism
McAfee defends his reaction, explaining that his comments stemmed from his deep respect for the U.S. National Anthem. He acknowledged Canadians’ passion for their country but said he was simply showing the same pride in his own.
“Listen, I respect the passion Canadians have for their country, but I was doing the same for mine,” McAfee said. “You booed my country. My whole life, whenever I hear someone boo the national anthem, my first reaction is to get upset.”
I'm very proud and thankful that I'm from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the United States of America..
Canadians have a lot of passion for their country and I understand it..
You booed our country and I said you're terrible..
McAfee, a Pittsburgh native, emphasized that while the U.S. isn’t perfect, he is proud of his country. He shared a personal story about his father, who went from being a truck driver to a millionaire, highlighting the opportunities available in America. He also spoke about his time in Indiana, where he met military members and Gold Star families, which deepened his connection to the anthem.
Understanding Canada’s Perspective
After receiving messages from Canadians, McAfee acknowledged their frustration, with some pointing out political tensions between the U.S. and Canada. However, he said he doesn’t associate Canada with politics but rather with positive memories, such as visiting Niagara Falls as a teenager.
“I get that there are political issues, but when I think of Canada, I think about the people and the great times I had there,” he said.
Moving Forward
Despite the backlash, McAfee stood by his initial reaction, clarifying that he wasn’t attacking individual Canadians—just their reaction to the anthem.
“You booed us, and I called your country terrible. Let’s shake hands and move on,” he concluded. “I still love Canadians.”
The storyline surrounding Jade Cargill\’s mysterious attacker has captivated WWE fans, particularly with the recent developments at Elimination Chamber 2025. After months of speculation, Cargill\’s dramatic return and her attack on Naomi have reignited this \”whodunnit\” mystery, setting the stage for a major reveal as WrestleMania 41 approaches.
The Mystery
The Case Against Naomi
Jade Cargill\’s attack on Naomi at Elimination Chamber strongly suggests that she believes Naomi was behind the ambush that sidelined her in November 2024. The two were former tag team champions, but Naomi stepped in as Bianca Belair\’s partner during Cargill\’s absence, capturing the titles. This could provide a motive, as Naomi gained significantly from Cargill\’s injury.
However, Naomi has denied involvement, and her stretcher exit after Cargill\’s assault complicates the narrative. WWE commentators and analysts have speculated that this attack might lead to a feud between the two, potentially culminating at WrestleMania.
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez: Red Herrings?
Initially, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez were prime suspects due to cell phone footage showing them near the scene of the attack. They vehemently denied involvement but also made cryptic comments that fueled suspicion. While their proximity to the incident raised eyebrows, most signs now point to them being red herrings in this storyline.
Bianca Belair emerges as a compelling suspect despite her current trajectory toward a WrestleMania title match. As Cargill\’s former tag team partner and one-half of their dominant run as champions, Belair had much to lose when Cargill was injured.
Photo: WWE
Speculation suggests that Belair may have orchestrated the attack to replace Cargill with Naomi, who helped her maintain championship success during Cargill\’s absence. Adding intrigue is Belair\’s reaction at Elimination Chamber—she expressed confusion and a desire for answers but avoided directly addressing the possibility of her own involvement.
If Belair is revealed as the attacker, it could set up a blockbuster match against Cargill at WrestleMania 41. Such a feud would pit two of WWE\’s most dominant athletes against each other in a clash of power and prestige.
The primary complication with Belair being revealed as the attacker lies in her current storyline. She won the Women\’s Elimination Chamber match and is set to face either Rhea Ripley or Iyo Sky for the Women\’s World Championship at WrestleMania.
For this twist to work, WWE would need to rework its plans and disregard the stipulation attached to the Women\’s Elimination Chamber match—but we\’ve seen stranger things happen during WrestleMania season.
Other Possibilities
WWE could also introduce an unexpected twist by revealing someone completely out of left field as the attacker. This would preserve Naomi\’s innocence and avoid disrupting Belair\’s championship storyline while keeping fans guessing.
Conclusion: The Likely Path Forward
While Naomi remains the most obvious suspect based on recent events, Bianca Belair stands out as the more intriguing choice for storytelling purposes.
A heel turn by Belair leading to a high-stakes match against Jade Cargill at WrestleMania would elevate both superstars and provide one of the marquee moments of the event.
For now, all eyes are on tonight\’s episode of Raw and how this mystery unfolds on the road to WrestleMania 41.
Rappers Nardo Wick and 21 Savage’s new track, HBK, isn\’t just a song about heartbreak—it’s a nod to one of WWE’s most iconic figures: Shawn Michaels, the \”Heartbreak Kid\” (HBK).
Known for his swagger, arrogance, and undeniable star power in the ring, Michaels revolutionized wrestling entertainment. HBK captures that same energy, using his persona as a metaphor for breaking hearts and living unapologetically.
Embodying the Heartbreak Kid
The chorus makes it clear that Nardo Wick and 21 Savage embrace the \”Heartbreak Kid\” moniker in their own way. Lines like:
\”I\’m the HBK, heart break kid / Sorry baby girl but I did what I did\”
mirror Michaels’ charismatic, love-him-or-hate-him attitude. In wrestling, HBK was infamous for his rebellious streak, much like the way Nardo and 21 Savage position themselves in their music—unattached, unbothered, and dominant.
Cocky, Confident, and Controversial
21 Savage’s verse takes this tribute a step further, embodying the same brash persona that defined Michaels\’ WWE career. The lyrics portray him as a ruthless heartbreaker, much like Michaels’ \”sexy boy\” gimmick that had fans swooning but rivals fuming. Lyrics such as:
\”I\’m the heart break king, I break hearts left and right\”
capture the cocky playboy persona Michaels carried throughout his career. The song isn\’t about wrestling moves, but the spirit of HBK—confident, untouchable, and always in control.
More Than Just a Name-Drop
While HBK doesn’t explicitly reference Michaels\’ in-ring career, the title and themes resonate with the legendary wrestler’s larger-than-life persona. The song serves as a modern reinterpretation of the \”Heartbreak Kid\” gimmick—translating it from the squared circle to the rap game.
For longtime WWE fans, HBK offers a fresh reminder of Michaels’ impact—not just in wrestling, but in pop culture as a whole.
WWE Hall of Famer JBL recently reflected on The Miz’s remarkable journey in professional wrestling, calling his success “almost an impossibility.” Speaking on the challenges Miz faced early in his career, JBL emphasized how rare it is for someone to learn the craft while performing on global television.
“When he came in, it’s not because he lacked talent,” JBL said. “But how do you learn on national, global television? That’s nearly impossible. By the time I got to WWE, I probably had a thousand matches. Most of the guys did.
And Miz is having to learn on global television without that educational background of working a bunch of territories. He has built a Hall of Fame career from that moment, and I think that’s incredibly remarkable.”
JBL: \”Hell Yes!\” I Hazed The Miz
The Miz and JBL never had a high-profile match or feud in WWE. JBL retired from full-time competition in 2009, before The Miz reached his peak as a main-event star. However, JBL was known for hazing The Miz during his early days in WWE – which became a well-documented instance of backstage bullying.
During a 2010 interview on the \”Right After Wrestling\” radio show on Canada\’s The Score network, JBL said:
“Did I haze the Miz? Hell yes! A lot of people want to talk about me and my hazing. Yes I did. I make no apologies about it what so ever.
When I started, guys were hazed, and for good reason. They wanted to know that in a riot, which we had a few back in the day, were you going to be on the side of the boys or the fans?
Nowadays there’s no room for it, the corporate, sterile world that is the WWE. When the Miz came in, most of the hazing was me working. Me on the mic, me talking to him.
I gave him as much advice as I possibly could because I thought he had the ability to be a good heel. But I’m not going to apologize for hazing him.”
JBL on the Use of Agents in Wrestling
JBL also addressed the role of agents in professional wrestling on Something to Wrestle, discussing well-known representative Barry Bloom and how some wrestlers benefit from having an agent. While acknowledging their impact, JBL noted that he personally never used one for WWE negotiations.
“I’ve never used one,” he explained. “Vince [McMahon] hated agents. Vince was a pay guy, but if you tried to back him into a corner, it would work just the opposite. If you brought an agent, you’d have a worse deal than if you just went to Vince directly.”
He admitted to briefly having an agent for outside ventures like CNBC or Fox but recalled McMahon’s visible disdain when introduced to him. Despite never utilizing an agent in wrestling, JBL acknowledged the advantages they can provide, particularly in understanding salary structures, which are often confidential in WWE contracts.
While JBL preferred handling negotiations himself, he recognized why some wrestlers turn to agents, especially figures like Barry Bloom, to navigate contract details and secure better deals.
A WWE Superstar has been secretly running a burner Twitter account with over 20,000 followers, using it to engage in online banter without fans realizing their true identity. Wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful shared the revelation on Twitter, stating that the unnamed talent admitted to operating the account.
Sapp initially tweeted that a WWE talent had disclosed their anonymous social media presence, describing it as a \”shitposting Twitter/IWC account\” with a significant following.
In a follow-up, he clarified that the account has \”over 20K\” followers.
Later, Sapp shared a conversation—posted with permission—where the talent acknowledged owning the account.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful shared this interaction with the mystery person, confirming they later admitted it was them running a burner account with over 20,000 followers.
The exchange suggested that several wrestlers maintain anonymous profiles but avoid engaging in extreme online discourse.
The identity of the WWE star behind the account remains unknown, leaving fans speculating about which wrestler might be secretly active in the online wrestling community.
Veteran wrestling broadcaster Tony Schiavone believes that Hulk Hogan, one of the biggest stars in wrestling history, wouldn’t achieve the same success if he were competing in today’s era.
Speaking on his What Happened When podcast, Schiavone reflected on the evolution of professional wrestling and why the industry has moved past the style that made Hogan a household name.
“’80s music wouldn’t work today. And Hulk was a champion,” Schiavone said. “One of the things you remember during the ’80s is Hulkamania.
So yeah, Hulk wouldn’t be a world champion today.”
Hogan, who dominated the wrestling scene through the 1980s and early 1990s, became synonymous with larger-than-life characters, heroic storytelling, and a more theatrical approach to wrestling.
However, today’s wrestling landscape prioritizes athleticism, technical in-ring ability, and long-term match quality—areas where Hogan’s classic style might not translate as effectively.
Schiavone’s comments came during a discussion about Hogan’s real-life backstage tensions with Vader, further illustrating how different eras of wrestling required different skill sets.
Despite suggesting that Hogan’s character wouldn’t work as a modern-day champion, Schiavone did acknowledge that the WWE Hall of Famer was tougher than some critics gave him credit for.
“For all his luster and all the character he’s portrayed… I think Hogan was a lot tougher than you thought back then.”
While Hogan’s place in wrestling history is undeniable, Schiavone’s remarks highlight the changing nature of the industry and how even the biggest icons of the past might struggle to fit into today’s wrestling world.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has renewed its exclusive partnership with Joe Hand Promotions, ensuring AEW pay-per-view (PPV) events will continue to be available in bars, restaurants, and other commercial venues across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The multi-year extension builds on their collaboration that began in 2019, further expanding AEW’s reach in the hospitality industry.
Through this deal, commercial establishments can air AEW PPVs via DIRECTV for BUSINESS, DISH, iNDemand, and select streaming platforms. The agreement also includes enhanced marketing initiatives, providing venues with promotional materials and co-branded campaigns to drive fan engagement.
“We are excited to extend our partnership with Joe Hand Promotions to bring AEW events to commercial establishments,” said AEW CEO, General Manager, and Head of Creative Tony Khan. “AEW pay-per-views are consistently the most exciting events in professional wrestling.”
Joe Hand III, President of Joe Hand Promotions, praised AEW’s electrifying product and its impact on the hospitality industry, emphasizing their commitment to delivering top-tier wrestling entertainment to fans in public venues.
The next AEW PPV under this deal is AEW Revolution on Sunday, March 9, featuring high-stakes matches and must-see action. Bars, restaurants, and other businesses can order AEW events by calling 1-800-557-4263 or visiting JoeHandPromotions.
For Jey Uso, WrestleMania 41 isn’t just about winning a championship—it’s about proving he belongs in the main event. The 2025 Men\’s Royal Rumble winner tells Shak Mahjouri for CBS Sports:
“This is do-or-die for me. A lot of people doubt me. I know that—they know that—but I’m gonna shut them all up.”
He\’s firmly established himself as one of the most popular WWE Superstars in the world – as a singles performer, he won the Royal Rumble and he\’s headed to WrestleMania 41 in hopes of winning his first World Championship. That\’s as much of a \’story\’ as anybody could ask for, but Jey Uso has another point to prove this year.
Redemption
His Brother vs. Brother \’Dream Match\’ at last year\’s WrestleMania fell flat and did not meet the high expectations of fans. The Usos have shared their dissatisfaction with match, and Jey calls his bout against Gunther a chance at redemption.
“I feel like I’ve had great matches, but not one that just sticks in people’s minds,” he admitted. “This is redemption time.”
Despite the challenge of defeating Gunther and delivering a memorable WrestleMania match, Jey is ready to make his mark.
“I don’t care if I go on first, last, or in the middle. Whoever’s going on after me—they’re gonna have to follow me. I’m about to have 100,000 people in one motion, man.”
Jey Uso on Gunther
“Gunther is nothing to play with,” Uso continued. “I wrestled that man three, four times—I lost. He’s the best in-ring performer. He’s intimidating, he’s strong, he’s big, heavy, man.”
With the biggest match of his career ahead, Jey Uso isn’t just fighting for a title—he’s fighting for respect.
Jey Uso’s Royal Rumble victory shocked the WWE Universe—but no one was more surprised than Jey himself. During an interview with Shak Mahjouri for CBS Sports, Uso admitted that he was still in the dark about what was coming just hours before the openig bell.
“I ain’t know nothing,” Uso said. “Halfway through the day, I’m still in there, looking around like, ‘Oh damn, it might be me.’”
Unlike other matches, where winners are informed in advance, the Rumble’s unpredictability meant Jey had no idea what was happening.
“It’s almost like this—we’re all in a big room, and then it’s like, ‘Last six is this, this, this, and this. Y’all stay, the rest can go.’”
As the match went on, reality began to sink in – it was his time. He was about to achieve something very few WWE Superstars in history have done.
“I knew I’d have a big part in it, but I didn’t think I’d be standing there with John Cena at the end.”
Uso was well aware that he wasn’t the favorite, but that didn\’t slow him down one bit. In fact, it may have made the big moment even sweeter.
“I was the last pick to win,” he admitted. “But within myself, I was like, ‘Man, I’m about to win this thing, dawg.’”
Now, heading into WrestleMania 41 to challenge Gunther, Uso is determined to prove his Rumble win wasn’t just a fluke—it was the start of something special.
“Whoever’s going on after me, they’re gonna have to follow me. I’m about to have 100,000 people moving in one motion, man.”
In a moment that sent shockwaves through the professional wrestling world, John Cena—WWE\’s longtime virtuous standard-bearer—embraced the dark side at Elimination Chamber 2025 on March 1. After nearly two decades as the company\’s premier babyface, Cena\’s alliance with The Rock and subsequent attack on Cody Rhodes marked one of the most dramatic character shifts in WWE history.
While the turn stunned many fans, a closer examination reveals that WWE had been planting the seeds for this transformation for months.
Earliest Signs: On a March 2024 episode of WWE Raw, The Rock manhandled Cody Rhodes with a shot of John Cena’s image on a WWE production truck in the background. WWE has utilized similar foreshadowing techniques before, and while it seemed inconsequential at the time, it may prove to be more than coincidental.
Royal Rumble Fallout: Cena\’s elimination as the final competitor in the 2025 Royal Rumble match proved pivotal. Rather than accepting defeat gracefully as his babyface persona typically would, Cena immediately declared himself for the Elimination Chamber match—displaying an uncharacteristic desperation that hinted at his shifting priorities.
Ari Emuanuel on Pat McAfee Show: TKO Group head honcho Ari Emanuel appeared on the Pat McAfee show in early February 2025 and teased that significant things were brewing for Elimination Chamber.
TKO Group CEO Ari Emanuel teases some “pretty good things” happening at Elimination Chamber
Promotional Materials for Elimination Chamber: The official Elimination Chamber poster prominently featured Cena alongside The Rock and Travis Scott—a trio that would later unite during the heel turn. This visual connection, initially dismissed as coincidental, proved to be deliberate foreshadowing.
Telling Post-Rumble Rhetoric: In media appearances following the Royal Rumble, Cena repeatedly used the phrase \”what\’s best for business\”—terminology historically associated with heel authority figures and morally compromised characters in WWE storytelling.
Internal Security Measures: WWE took extraordinary steps to protect the surprise, including falsifying production schedules to mislead backstage personnel about the timing of key segments involving Cody Rhodes and The Rock.
The turn itself occurred after Cena secured victory in the Elimination Chamber match by defeating CM Punk. As the show appeared to be ending, Cena witnessed Cody Rhodes reject The Rock\’s offer to \”sell his soul.\”
In a shocking twist, Cena blindsided Rhodes with an attack, symbolically accepting the same corrupt bargain Rhodes had just refused. The sight of Cena standing tall alongside The Rock and Travis Scott closed the show, cementing his transition to villainy.
Understanding the Motivation
Cena\’s heel turn appears driven by several compelling factors:
Championship Obsession: The pursuit of a record-breaking 17th world championship to surpass Ric Flair\’s legacy has consumed Cena. After coming tantalizingly close at the Royal Rumble, his desperation reached a breaking point.
Reinventing His Farewell Tour: What began as a nostalgic celebration of Cena\’s career has transformed into something more complex and dramatically satisfying, rejecting predictable storytelling in favor of a fresh narrative direction.
Strategic Alliance: By aligning with The Rock, Cena gained a powerful advocate in his quest for championship glory while creating a formidable opposition to WWE\’s top hero, Cody Rhodes.
Storytelling Dynamics: A babyface versus babyface match between Cena and Rhodes risked splitting audience loyalty. Turning Cena heel creates a clear emotional dynamic heading into their inevitable WrestleMania confrontation.
Meta-Narrative Elements: After years of polarizing audience reactions despite his virtuous character, Cena\’s turn allows him to channel real-life frustrations into his on-screen persona.
How this Ends
With Cena already two months into his announced 2025 retirement tour, this heel turn represents a calculated risk in the twilight of his career. While it would be the ultimate villainous act to break his vow to retire in December, all indications suggest this is indeed Cena\’s final year in WWE—just not the farewell anyone anticipated.
What\’s becoming clear is that Cena, The Rock, and WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H have orchestrated a masterful subversion of expectations. Rather than a predictable victory lap filled with nostalgia and tearful goodbyes, they\’ve chosen to send WWE\’s biggest box office attraction of the modern era out with an unprecedented character arc.
Photo: WWE
Fans will witness a side of John Cena never before seen in his two-decade career—the fallen hero corrupted by ambition. Yet despite this dark turn, it seems almost unthinkable that Cena would exit WWE permanently without redemption. The most likely scenario sees him eventually recognizing his moral compromise and finding a path to atonement, ultimately allowing him to retire as the heroic figure generations of WWE fans have cherished.
Whatever path this storyline takes through 2025, one thing is certain: WWE fans should buckle up for a thrilling and emotionally complex conclusion to one of professional wrestling\’s most celebrated careers.
As WWE builds toward WrestleMania 41, this unexpected character evolution promises to deliver one of the most compelling final chapters possible for Cena\’s legendary career while creating an electrifying showdown with Rhodes on wrestling\’s grandest stage.
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