Former WWE superstar Nixon Newell, previously known as Tegan Nox, recently revealed the creative constraints she faced during her time with the company.
Some things are just out of your control and you can only do as much as you can. Let’s clear one thing up though. I’m ready. Ive been ready. Just have to show people what they’ve missed.
Speaking during a Highspots Sign-it-Live session on Facebook, Newell discussed how her on-screen persona differed significantly from her authentic self.
\”This is me down to a T. I\’m very emo pop-punk,\” Newell explained, referring to her current appearance and style.
\”The \’Tegan Nox\’ was so far removed from me, that I was trying to get this through but I just wasn\’t allowed. They preferred me to be the \’girl next door\’ instead of tattooed-up punk kid.\”
Her comments shed light on WWE\’s character development process and their preference for certain character archetypes, particularly in their women\’s division.
Newell\’s revelation highlights the ongoing discussion about creative freedom and authentic representation in professional wrestling.
WWE today announced that WrestleMania 42 will take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, 2026. The announcement was made during Friday Night SmackDown by Dwayne \”The Rock\” Johnson.
The two-night premium live event will mark WrestleMania\’s return to New Orleans, where the Caesars Superdome has previously hosted several historic WWE events. The venue, a cornerstone of major sporting and entertainment events in the Southeast, offers state-of-the-art facilities and can accommodate over 70,000 attendees.
Additional details about WrestleMania Week events, including WWE Hall of Fame, SmackDown, and Monday Night Raw, will be announced in the coming months.
Drew McIntyre revealed on Instagram that he had fluid drained from his knee ahead of the February 21st episode of WWE SmackDown. Despite the setback, he competed in an 11-minute match against Jimmy USO.
The bout featured key moments, including Jimmy landing a suicide dive and a spear for a near fall. The match ended when Jimmy countered McIntyre’s attempted reverse Alabama Slam into a victory roll for the pin.
Following the loss, McIntyre attacked Jimmy in frustration, declaring that he meant nothing to him. He attempted to slam Jimmy’s head into the ring post before being stopped by officials, but later returned to deliver a Claymore Kick while laughing at his fallen opponent. While the match was solid, its post-match chaos overshadowed the in-ring action.
McIntyre is now set to compete in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match on March 1 at WWE Elimination Chamber, where his physical condition will be closely watched.
La historia que había subido Drew McIntyre a Instagram antes de su combate ante Jimmy Uso. A saber qué es ese líquido amarillo. #SmackDownpic.twitter.com/8W74Dlv6xm
WWE Hall of Famer and boxing legend Mike Tyson will be a special guest at WWE World in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 20, as part of WrestleMania weekend festivities.
WWE World, a five-day fan experience, offers attendees the chance to meet WWE Superstars, participate in autograph sessions, and enjoy exclusive photo opportunities. Tyson’s appearance adds to an already exciting lineup, with more announcements expected in the coming weeks.
Former WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella is no longer under contract with WWE following the expiration of her deal, marking the end of her 12-year tenure with the company. The 37-year-old wrestler had been inactive since March 2023 due to severe medical complications after childbirth, which ultimately prevented her from making a return to the ring.
Medical Challenges Hindered Comeback
Carmella, whose real name is Leah Van Dale, faced significant health issues following the birth of her first child with WWE commentator Corey Graves in November 2023. She suffered from nerve damage and foot-related complications that made an in-ring return impossible.
In a recent update, she shared that she had been consulting with neurologists and spine specialists in hopes of recovering. However, despite more than 14 months of rehabilitation, she was unable to compete again before her contract expired.
During her time with WWE, Carmella achieved several major milestones. She became the first-ever Ms. Money in the Bank, held the SmackDown Women’s Championship for 131 days, and captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Queen Zelina. Her last active period in WWE was in 2022 before taking maternity leave.
Carmelo Hayes is making it clear—he’s coming for John Cena. During an interview with MuscleManMalcolm for Muscle Memory, the former NXT Champion reflected on his brief but memorable interaction with Cena in NXT. While it was a huge moment, Hayes sees it as just the beginning.
“Cena, you know, as all of us… you’re about the same age as me… we looked up to him. He was our superhero,” Hayes said. “Getting to do that thing with John Cena was really cool.”
But Hayes isn’t just satisfied with a backstage moment—he’s looking to step into the ring with the 16-time world champion. He knows John Cena is busy man with a long line of people eager to be one of his final opponents. However, Melo isn\’t going to be left out.
“Even at that time, I said, ‘I’m going to be seeing you.’ Most people can’t [see him], but I will. I’ll be seeing you across the ring, and tomorrow might be the day. And if it ain’t tomorrow, it’ll be the day after that. So we’re going to make it work.”
Hayes’ confidence is undeniable, and with Cena’s in-ring career winding down in 10 months, a potential match could be a passing-of-the-torch moment for the young star.
If the 16-time champ is looking for a fresh challenge in his final year as an active Superstar, Hayes is more than ready to step up.
Mark Henry\’s journey to the top of WWE wasn\’t a straight path—it was filled with setbacks, pain, and resilience.
Henry joined WWE on a ten-year contract after the 1996 Olympics, but broke his leg in his first year. Through the 2000s, he became a dominant force, capturing the ECW Championship in 2008 at Night of Champions by defeating Kane and Big Show, making him the fourth African-American world champion in WWE history.
However, plans for him to win the more-prestigious WWE World Heavyweight championship were sadly derailed due to another injury.
Speaking with Monopoly Events’ Jamal Niaz at the For The Love of Wrestling 2025 convention, the former World Heavyweight Champion revealed that he was originally slated to win the World Heavyweight title three years before his 2011 reign, but an untimely injury derailed those plans.
\”I was supposed to be Champion three years earlier, but I got injured… It was good that I was still relevant and talented enough to get another opportunity.\”
Despite the delay, Henry\’s Hall of Pain persona became one of the most dominant and memorable runs in WWE history, proving that persistence pays off.
Henry also discussed one of the most physically punishing moments of his career—the infamous 2011 ring collapse during his match against The Big Show at Vengeance.
\”The weight of both of us made it faster for whatever reason, and when it hit, it was just really explosive… My teeth clattered together, it felt like lightning struck me.\”
Moments like these remind fans just how brutal professional wrestling can be, even for powerhouses like Henry. His story is a testament to perseverance and the physical toll that comes with the pursuit of greatness.
Today, Mark Henry\’s legacy continues to grow through his son Jacob, who recently signed with WWE\’s NIL program. Jacob will compete as a heavyweight for the University of Oklahoma\’s prestigious wrestling team while pursuing his WWE dreams.
The father-son duo recently appeared together on RAW in Austin, Texas, marking Mark\’s return to WWE programming after a three-year absence.
With Jacob\’s impressive high school wrestling record and his aspirations to main event WrestleMania, the Henry family\’s impact on professional wrestling is poised to continue for another generation.
WWE has strengthened its position in Nevada by engaging Carson City-based lobbyists Bill Gregory and Lesley Pittman, as the company prepares for WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas this April.
The strategic move sees WWE tapping into Gregory and Pittman\’s extensive experience in Nevada\’s entertainment and combat sports sectors, notably through their existing relationship with UFC. Both organizations now operate under the TKO Group Holdings banner following their September 2023 merger.
Gregory and Pittman\’s dual representation of WWE and UFC could prove particularly valuable as WWE navigates Nevada\’s regulatory landscape. Their expertise spans various areas crucial to large-scale entertainment events, including venue operations, broadcast rights, and compliance with state athletic commission requirements.
The timing of these hires is significant, coming just months before WrestleMania 41, WWE\’s flagship event, makes its second appearance in Las Vegas. The two-night spectacle, set for April 19-20 at Allegiant Stadium, is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors and generate substantial economic impact for the region.
Industry analysts suggest the lobbyists could help WWE optimize its regulatory compliance and business operations in Nevada, particularly as the company explores opportunities for expanded presence in the entertainment capital. Their work might include facilitating permits for future events, addressing regulatory requirements, and ensuring smooth operations for broadcasts and live performances.
The move also indicates TKO Group Holdings\’ broader strategy to consolidate its influence in Nevada, a key market for both WWE and UFC operations. With both organizations now sharing the same lobbying representation in Carson City, TKO can present a unified approach to state legislators and regulatory bodies.
WWE\’s investment in local government relations underscores Las Vegas\’s growing importance in the company\’s live event strategy, as well as Nevada\’s significance to TKO Group Holdings\’ overall business objectives.
Source: Based on reporting from The Nevada Independent
Chelsea Green has never been one to follow a conventional path in her career, but even she couldn’t have predicted where her journey would take her. As the inaugural WWE Women’s United States Champion, Green is making history every time she steps into the ring—something she admits she never saw coming. During a recent conversation with YouTube personality Conman167, Green said:
“I could have never even put that on a vision board. I could have never imagined that not only would we have this Championship, but that I would be the inaugural Champion.”
Green’s wrestling career has been full of twists and turns. From her time on the independent scene to making a name for herself in TNA and eventually WWE, her goals have constantly shifted. She admitted that when she first started wrestling, she didn’t have a clear vision of where she wanted to end up.
“As I’ve gone through the years of my career, I’ve changed the goalpost, I’ve changed the goals,” she explained. “Now, ten years in, and there’s this beautiful United States Championship sitting in front of me.”
Being the first-ever holder of the title is a milestone she doesn’t take lightly. Green understands the legacy she’s creating and the impact it will have on future generations of wrestlers.
“When kids go through the history books of WWE, they’re going to see me next to this title for the rest of time,” she said proudly.
With her reign still ongoing, Green is focused on proving why she deserves to be the face of the division. While she may not have envisioned this moment at the start of her journey, there’s no doubt she’s ready to embrace it—and make sure the world remembers her name.
For all the battles Mark Henry endured in his legendary career, none shook him quite like his WrestleMania 22 casket match against The Undertaker. Henry, who suffers from claustrophobia, describes the experience as overwhelming and terrifying.
Speaking with Monopoly Events’ Jamal Niaz at the For The Love of Wrestling 2025 convention, the \”World\’s Strongest Man\” gave a terrifying glimpse into what it\’s like to get sealed into a casket by WWE\’s legendary Phenom:
“It was like people putting tape over your mouth and nose. You can’t breathe.”
Henry even compared the sensation to the infamous buried-alive scene from Kill Bill, starring Uma Thurman.
“That’s the same way I felt when I was in that coffin… It made me feel the same identical way. I had to walk out of the movie when I saw it.”
Despite the fear, Henry delivered a hard-hitting performance against The Undertaker on the grandest stage of them all. But the mental battle he fought inside that casket remains one of the most intense challenges of his career.
This revelation sheds new light on the psychological toll that wrestlers endure beyond the physical pain—showing that even the toughest competitors have their breaking points.
More on the Undertaker vs Mark Henry Casket Match at WrestleMania 22
The Undertaker and Mark Henry spoke extensively about their Casket Match at WrestleMania 22 during a recent episode of Taker\’s Six Feet Under podcast. Henry called it a defining moment in his career, revealing that their clash was the culmination of a two-year learning experience, during which he wrestled The Undertaker at house shows and international tours.
“I had wrestled already eight years and I still was learning,” Henry admitted. “I can wrestle anybody now after being there with him.”
One of the key lessons The Undertaker imparted was the importance of pacing and creating space. \”Let me sell what you’ve done to me already,” The Undertaker explained. “You are watching me helpless, and now it\’s just a matter of time before you go in for that final bite.”
The Undertaker also revealed that he personally chose Henry as his WrestleMania opponent, explaining that finding credible challengers for his near-mythical character was difficult.
“Trying to find legitimate opponents… well, why not the World\’s Strongest Man?” he said.
Their match made history as the only casket match ever held at WrestleMania, further cementing The Undertaker’s legacy. “To be a part of that… that’s kind of a cool thing,” Henry said, before jokingly adding, “And to get a WrestleMania Main Event paycheck? Nice.”
One of the most infamous matches in WWE history is still etched in JBL’s memory—his brutal Judgment Day 2004 clash with Eddie Guerrero. Speaking with Monopoly Events\’ Jamal Niaz at the For The Love of Wrestling 2025 convention, the former WWE Champion revisited the unforgettable bout and its shocking level of violence.
“I knew there was a lot of blood, but watching it back—it was just puddles of blood. It was unbelievable how much Eddie lost that night,” JBL recalled.
Photo: WWE
The match, which saw Guerrero bleed profusely after an errant chair shot, remains one of the most graphic displays of bloodshed in WWE history. Despite fan speculation over the years, JBL clarified that Guerrero never went into shock but did require medical attention.
“People have said all kinds of things—that he went into shock and all that. He did not. He lost a lot of blood, he did go to the hospital, but it was unbelievable to witness,” JBL explained.
JBL also credited Guerrero as the key reason his main-event run took off, saying the late WWE Hall of Famer made him a legitimate star.
“If it hadn’t been Eddie Guerrero, it would’ve been a one-off. You wouldn’t be interviewing me now,” JBL admitted.
JBL and Eddie Guerrero\’s Classic Rivalry
The rivalry between JBL and Eddie Guerrero in 2004 stands as one of WWE\’s most intense and personal feuds of the Ruthless Aggression era. Following JBL\’s transformation from his role in the APA tag team, he targeted WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero in a storyline that pushed boundaries.
The feud became notably controversial, particularly during segments involving Guerrero\’s family and a staged storyline where his mother suffered a kayfabe heart attack.
The rivalry reached its peak at Judgment Day 2004, where their match became infamous for its brutality, particularly after Guerrero sustained a severe cut that led to significant blood loss during the bout.
Despite their heated on-screen rivalry, JBL and Guerrero maintained a close friendship behind the scenes, with Guerrero even serving as a groomsman at JBL\’s wedding.
Tragically, Guerrero passed away on November 13, 2005, at the age of 38. His legacy endures as one of professional wrestling\’s greatest performers, with contemporaries like Kurt Angle considering him the second-greatest wrestler of all time, behind only Shawn Michaels.
WWE has structured its creative team with multiple lead writers overseeing Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown.
SmackDown
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, SmackDown is now led by Brian \”Road Dogg\” James and John Swikata, as the workload required more than one head writer.
James spoke about his role with WWE during his recent interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet. Road Dogg he described himself as a \”creative consultant\” working across WWE. He also noted the increased creative freedom under WWE’s current leadership. More on that at the end of this article.
WWE Raw
Meanwhile, Raw is managed by Ryan Ward and Jon Baeckstrom, with Ed Koskey overseeing and editing scripts.
Leadership Structure
Bruce Prichard, WWE\’s Executive Director of Creative Writing and Talent, serves as the liaison between the writing team and WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque.
Subscribe to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter at F4Wonline.com.
During the heated Monday Night War, WWE and WCW went to extreme lengths to outmaneuver each other, including secret meetings and aggressive talent poaching behind the scenes. Over 20 years later, new information is still coming out about the tactics employed by each side.
Former WCW star Buff Bagwell has revealed a secret meeting he had with WWE’s McMahon family while still under contract with WCW. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Bagwell shared how Vince McMahon personally invited him to discuss a potential jump to WWE in 1998 or 1999. At the time, Bagwell had just signed a new WCW contract while recovering from a broken neck.
“Vince McMahon calls me up and asks if I want to fly up and talk about future business,” Bagwell recalled. “I thought, ‘This would be heat, but I’ve got a three-year deal, so it wouldn’t be that bad.’”
However, when he arrived for the meeting, Vince McMahon was nowhere to be found. Instead, he was greeted by Shane McMahon at a Holiday Inn conference room.
“Looking back, I really believe this was during the time Vince was getting the rumbles of buying WCW,” Bagwell speculated.
Despite the conversation with Shane, nothing materialized because Bagwell’s contract was too restrictive. Vince later called him personally to break the bad news.
“Vince told me, ‘Your contract is ironclad. There’s no way you’re getting out,’” Bagwell revealed.
Ultimately, WCW folded in 2001, and Bagwell became one of the wrestlers brought into WWE under the new regime—but his tenure was infamously short-lived. Looking back, he wonders if a different contract could have changed his entire career trajectory.
Would Buff Bagwell have thrived in WWE’s Attitude Era if things played out differently? Fans can only speculate on what might have been.
Former WWE performer Elijah, previously known as Elias, has signed with TNA Wrestling and made his first appearance on the February 20 edition of Impact.
Elijah debuted during TNA World Champion Joe Hendry\’s \”Encore Championship Concert\” segment. The segment began with Hendry in the ring before being interrupted by The Colons (Carlito and Eddie Colón).
Elijah then made his entrance and joined Hendry for a musical performance. The segment also included TNA authority figure Santino Marella. During his appearance, Elijah took time to address the TNA audience directly.
Fightful Select first reported Elijah\’s signing with TNA Wrestling earlier today.
Elijah spent several years with WWE, where he developed his musical performer character and competed across various programs including Raw and SmackDown. His signing continues TNA\’s recent talent acquisitions as the company moves forward under its restored TNA branding.
A panel discussion at The City College of New York will analyze Linda McMahon\’s nomination for Education Secretary following her advancement by the Senate HELP Committee. The committee approved her nomination in a 12-11 party-line vote on February 20, 2025, sending it to the full Senate for final consideration.
\”Understanding Linda McMahon: Secretary of Education in an age of TrumpMania\” will examine McMahon\’s proposed policies, including her support for reducing federal education oversight and emphasizing state control.
The event features Staten Island Technical High School Principal Mark Erlenwein, The City Tutors Executive Director Garri Rivkin, and journalist Brian R. Solomon, with S Jay Levy Fellowship Managing Director Lavie Margolin moderating.
The free forum takes place Tuesday, March 11, 3:30-4:45pm EDT in Shepard Hall (Room SH-350) at City College, 160 Convent Avenue. Registration is available through Eventbrite. Panelists will explore McMahon\’s background as WWE co-founder and her vision for federal education policy, as her nomination currently awaits Senate consideration.
During an Instagram Live session on Thursday, WWE superstar Charlotte Flair shared insights into her intense training regimen while engaging with fans. When asked who she sees as the \”next big thing\” in WWE’s women’s division, Flair immediately singled out NXT standout Roxanne Perez.
“I was extremely, extremely impressed by Roxanne in the Royal Rumble. I think she killed it. So, my vote is Roxanne, she has a really bright future,” Flair said. (H/T Landon Buford)
Perez, a former NXT Women’s Champion and ROH Women’s Champion, showcased her speed, agility, and technical skills during the Royal Rumble, standing out against top-tier competitors. At just 22, she is already considered one of the most promising young talents in WWE.
After losing her NXT Women\’s Championship to Giulia at New Year\’s Evil on January 7, \”The Prodigy\” competed in her final major NXT event at Vengeance Day on February 15. She has now successfully transitioned to the main roster and will be competing in the Women\’s Elimination Chamber match alongside Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan, Naomi, Bayley, and Bianca Belair.
Flair’s endorsement carries weight, given her decade-long dominance in women’s wrestling. As Perez continues to impress, fans will be watching closely to see if she can meet the high expectations set by one of WWE’s greatest champions.
Kofi Kingston isn’t holding back. The former WWE Champion took to social media in a fiery video, ripping into WWE fans who questioned his claim that he has been with the company longer than Rey Mysterio. In an unapologetic and blunt rant, Kingston called out “keyboard commandos” and “smart fans” for relying on Wikipedia and Google instead of doing “real” research.
Kingston doubled down on his statement, breaking down the numbers to prove his point. While Mysterio debuted with WWE in 2002, he took a hiatus from 2014 to 2018. Kingston, on the other hand, signed with WWE in 2006 and has remained an active competitor ever since. To further back himself up, Kingston revealed match statistics:
“As of today, February 19, 2025, Rey Mysterio has had 682 televised matches with WWE. You know how many I’ve had? 886. I have spent more time in a WWE ring than Rey Mysterio, which means that I have been here longer than Rey Mysterio—like I said.”
But it wasn’t just the numbers that caught attention—it was Kingston’s attitude. His tone throughout the video was confrontational, and he ended it by directly insulting the WWE Universe:
“Do you feel as dumb as we think you are? … It’s a rhetorical question. The only answer is yes. Y’all dumb, man.”
Reactions to the video are split, with some fans cheering on Kingston\’s darker attitude, while others miss the feel-good New Day we\’ve grown to love after all these years. We\’re hoping someone can talk some sense into Kingston and Woods one of these days.
Canadian rock band Our Lady Peace made a notable choice during their Wednesday night performance in Calgary, Alberta, as part of their 30th Anniversary Tour, performing their song \”Whatever\” – a track that has largely remained absent from their setlists for over 15 years due to its complicated history.
The song, which gained prominence in professional wrestling circles, served as WWE Superstar Chris Benoit\’s entrance music from 2002 until 2007. While \”Whatever\” was initially released on the WWE compilation album \”WWF Forceable Entry,\” Our Lady Peace also included a live version on their 2003 album \”Live.\”
Following Benoit\’s shocking murder-suicide in June 2007, which claimed the lives of his wife Nancy and young son Daniel, the band\’s relationship with the song changed dramatically.
In 2012, Our Lady Peace made the definitive decision to remove the song from their catalog and announced they would never perform it again, citing the negative emotional impact and tragic associations the song had come to carry.
Lead singer Raine Maida has recently spoken about the band\’s desire to \”reclaim\” the song from its dark associations, marking a significant reversal from their 2012 position.
The decision to perform \”Whatever\” in Calgary represents a momentous step in separating the track from its troubled history and returning it to its original artistic context.
The song, which originally appeared on Our Lady Peace\’s 1997 album \”Clumsy,\” stands as one of the band\’s more aggressive rock compositions, with themes of perseverance and determination – themes that now carry a markedly different weight given its historical context.
Our Lady Peace\’s performance in Calgary marks a turning point in the song\’s legacy, as the band works to preserve their artistic creation while acknowledging its complex past.
The performance demonstrates the challenges artists face when their work becomes inexorably tied to tragic events, and their efforts to move forward while remaining sensitive to the gravity of such associations.
After a decade with WWE, Sonya Deville (real name Daria Rae) was blindsided by the company’s decision not to renew her contract. Speaking candidly for the first time on her YouTube channel, Deville detailed the emotional rollercoaster of receiving the news and why she ultimately sees it as a blessing in disguise.
Deville revealed that she was in the middle of contract negotiations with WWE when she received the unexpected phone call.
\”I was in Washington, D.C., for a cheer tournament with our little one, running on the treadmill, when I got the call,\” she shared. \”We were in the middle of negotiations, so I thought it was going to be the middle ground we met on. Instead, they said, ‘We are not renewing your contract.’\”
The news came as a complete shock to Deville, who had spent ten years building her career within the company. She had developed strong relationships backstage and was deeply invested in her role.
\”I had a great relationship with almost everybody—from backstage to talent. It felt like family,\” she explained. \”You work somewhere for 10 years, you don’t expect that kind of call.\”
\”I Have No Choice But to Listen to the Universe\”
Despite the initial shock, Deville quickly found peace with the decision. She believes fate had a bigger plan for her—one that aligns with her lifelong dream of acting.
\”You can’t fight fate,\” she said. \”That chapter was meant to close, and all these new beautiful blessings were meant to come. The irony of it all is that the same week they didn’t renew my contract, I booked my first big film project.\”
Deville admitted that while wrestling became an unexpected passion, acting had always been her first love.
\”The way people turn to music for comfort is how I turned to television and film. Acting was my dream since I was 12,\” she shared. \”I fell in love with wrestling along the way, but this is what I always wanted.\”
No Bitterness, Only Gratitude
Unlike some former WWE stars who leave the company with resentment, Deville holds no ill will. She remains grateful for the opportunities WWE gave her and sees her release as a new beginning.
\”I see people leave and talk bad about the company, but I cannot relate,\” she stated. \”I loved every minute of it. I loved everybody there. I loved everything I got to do. But that was a chapter, and now it’s time for the next.\”
With a major acting role already lined up and a positive mindset about the future, Deville is ready to embrace what comes next.
\”I have no choice but to listen to the universe. That was good, but here’s what’s next,\” she said. \”And I’m excited.\”
WWE 2K25 is set to launch on March 14, 2025, featuring an extensive roster of over 300 Superstars, Legends, and Hall of Famers. Players can experience new gameplay modes, including intergender matches and the immersive \”The Island\” mode, exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Pre-ordering the Deadman or Bloodline Editions grants early access starting March 7, 2025.
Liv Morgan’s return to WWE wasn’t just about getting back in the ring—it was personal. After being sidelined for six months due to an injury inflicted by Rhea Ripley, Morgan came back with a mission: to take everything from the woman who took everything from her.
“I was going to take away everything she loved because she took everything that I ever loved,” Morgan said on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast.
That mission led to the creation of the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour, a ruthless campaign that has seen Morgan align with The Judgment Day and even stake a claim to Dominik Mysterio.
Morgan’s transformation from fan-favorite underdog to a cunning, dominant force has been one of WWE’s most surprising turns in recent years. While her methods have drawn boos from some fans, she remains unapologetic.
“I felt so justified in every single fiber of my being. I knew that I was right and that I was in the right.”
Her comeback was fueled by months of frustration and reflection.
“All I ever loved was WWE, and she took six months from me—not knowing if I’d make a full recovery, if I’d come back the same, or if my career was even over.”
That realization only strengthened her resolve to dismantle Ripley’s world piece by piece. Now, with WWE Elimination Chamber on the horizon, Morgan’s focus remains locked on championship gold. As the last person to defeat Ripley, she may be the biggest threat to the Women’s World Champion yet.
During a recent appearance on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast, the multi-time Women\’s world champion explained how her years in WWE have made her early transition to acting surprisingly smooth.
\”When I got on set, it felt like I was doing a WWE backstage,” Morgan shared. \”It dawned on me how much practice we get in WWE.\”
Morgan, who played herself in Chucky and met Uma Thurman while filming The Kill Room, credits WWE for preparing her for the acting world.
\”We only get one take in WWE, so we have to be on point,” she explained.
For now, Morgan\’s sights are set on capturing more WWE gold. This coming Monday on Raw, she and Raquel Rodriguez will challenge Bianca Belair and Naomi in hopes of recapturing the WWE Women\’s tag team championship.
For years, Brian James believed he and CM Punk had a deep-seated rivalry—until Punk’s recent WWE return changed everything. Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, James revealed the unexpected moment that made him realize the supposed feud was all in his head.
“For 10 years, I thought we hated each other. Turns out, he hadn’t thought a damn thing about me!” James laughed.
The tension stemmed from James’ perception of past backstage clashes, particularly during Punk’s early WWE run. However, when the two reunited, Punk greeted him with a hug, immediately breaking the ice.
James admitted that the moment taught him a valuable lesson about letting go of grudges and overthinking past conflicts. He even praised Punk’s new attitude, saying,
“He’s a different dude today. I told him, ‘Hey man, I really appreciate your attitude,’ and he said, ‘That’s the first time anybody’s ever said that to me.’”
The revelation highlights how wrestling’s backstage politics can sometimes be more about perception than reality. Now, James sees Punk as a valuable part of WWE’s locker room, proving that time can change even the most stubborn perspectives.
These remarks from Road Dogg echo what we\’ve heard about CM Punk from several people who have worked closely with him, most recently The Undertaker:
WWE Hall of Famer Brian James is opening up about his backstage role with WWE. Admit reports that he just returned to SmackDown as a co-lead writer along with John Swikata, the former DX member addressed his job during a recent conversation on Insight with Chris Van Vliet.
“Honestly, dude, I’m a creative consultant, and that goes across the board when it comes to wrestling.
I don’t think I could be a creative consultant for IBM, but I can do it for WWE,” he joked.
James was previously SmackDown’s head writer, overseeing some of the brand’s most memorable moments. While WWE has scaled back its domestic live events, he remains in charge of creative direction for house shows and continues to work closely with Triple H and WWE’s writing team. He reportedly just
One of his favorite aspects of the job is crafting superstar entrances, working with production to make each performer stand out.
“Me and Hunter love to create together. We look at new talent and say, ‘What can we do with that entrance? What lights? What smoke?’”
James also praised WWE’s new era of creative freedom, describing it as a major improvement over past regimes.
“The old regime sometimes stifled creativity. Now, nobody gets shut down—it’s a free-flowing environment.”
With WWE continuing to evolve, James remains a key figure in shaping its future, proving that his contributions extend far beyond his in-ring career.
Brian James, better known as Road Dogg, has opened up about his battle with addiction and how sobriety saved his life. Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, the WWE Hall of Famer reflected on his darkest moments and the journey that led him to recovery.
“I was on a vicious cycle—wake up and do drugs, wake up and do drugs. I didn’t want to live like that anymore,” James admitted. “I wanted to die, but I was scared my kids would find me that way. Sobriety saved my life.”
James has now been sober for 15 years, but getting to this point wasn’t easy. He revealed that at one stage, he contemplated taking his own life, feeling trapped in a cycle he couldn’t escape. His turning point came when his brother confronted him after a show, leading James to seek help through WWE’s rehab program.
Looking back, James recognizes how much time he wasted on self-destructive habits.
“One of my biggest fears today is not being self-aware. I wasted so much time trying to die, and now I just want to live.”
Today, James is a key figure behind the scenes in WWE, helping shape the next generation of talent. His story serves as an inspiring reminder that change is possible, even in the darkest moments.
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