Veteran WWE announcer Michael Cole recently shared his thoughts on WWE’s leadership transition during an appearance on Impaulsive, revealing to Logan Paul that under Vince McMahon, he never had the freedom to fully express himself.
Cole explained that during McMahon’s tenure, every aspect of WWE’s presentation adhered strictly to his vision.
\”I was never really able to break out,\” he admitted. \”Vince was very hands-on, and everything had to fit his vision. It was his sandbox.\”
Now, with Triple H and WWE President Nick Khan at the helm, Cole says the culture has shifted dramatically.
\”We’re allowed to have bigger personalities now,\” he noted. \”You\’re seeing the real Michael Cole—the guy who crowd surfs, who gets on tables, who jokes around. That would’ve never happened under Vince.\”
Feeling Valued Like Never Before
Beyond creative freedom, Cole emphasized that WWE’s new leadership has made him feel truly appreciated.
\”For the first time in my career, I really felt like I was important to this place,\” he shared.
\”The paycheck was part of it, but the way the new regime treats us… it’s night and day.\”
This shift in philosophy extends across WWE, with talent now enjoying greater creative control.
\”Before, Vince controlled everything,\” Cole said. \”Now, wrestlers are delivering promos in their own voices, and it’s making the product better.\”
Cole also revealed that the company’s evolution played a key role in his decision to continue his career.
\”I was considering stepping away, but my wife told me, ‘This is your legacy.’ And she was right.\”
With nearly three decades in WWE, Cole is embracing this new chapter, proving that even a longtime voice of the company can still evolve alongside it.
Watch Michael Cole’s full interview on Impaulsive with Logan Paul:
Veteran WWE announcer Michael Cole revealed on Impaulsive that having PRIME’s logo on the WWE ring mat would have been unimaginable under Vince McMahon’s leadership.
\”Vince thought the mat was sacred,\” Cole explained. \”But it’s 2025 now, and the world has changed.\”
Logan Paul, whose PRIME brand is now a WWE sponsor, responded enthusiastically. \”For me, it’s fantastic. It’s the future,\” he said.
Cole noted that WWE’s business strategy, particularly under Triple H and Nick Khan, has shifted significantly from McMahon’s traditional approach.
\”We always used to say, ‘Oh, the mat has to be clean,’ but now? You’ve got multiple logos on there.\”
The discussion highlighted WWE’s evolving approach to revenue generation and brand partnerships. Paul, who has leveraged his influencer status to merge social media and professional wrestling, pointed out how this shift benefits both sides.
\”It’s gotta be the right brands,\” Paul added. \”But let’s be real, you’re gonna get your head smashed in over a Wingstop logo? That’s amazing.\”
Cole agreed that WWE’s mindset has evolved dramatically, creating new opportunities for crossover branding.
\”This would’ve been unheard of five, ten years ago,\” he said. \”But it makes sense—this is a multi-billion-dollar entertainment business now.\”
With PRIME’s growing presence in WWE, it’s clear the company’s leadership is embracing modern marketing strategies in ways McMahon never did.
Watch Michael Cole\’s full interview on Impaulsive with Logan Paul:
According to an official announcement from WWE ID on social media, these championships will be unique in WWE\’s ecosystem, as they will be defended exclusively on the independent wrestling circuit rather than on WWE programming.
The tournament structure and participating independent promotions will be announced in the coming weeks, establishing a new competitive division that operates primarily outside of WWE\’s traditional venues.
When Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper clashed at Madison Square Garden on MTV 40 years ago today, they didn\’t just settle a score – they revolutionized professional wrestling. The February 18, 1985 event, \”The War to Settle the Score,\” marked a pivotal moment where sports entertainment crashed headfirst into mainstream pop culture, forever changing both industries.
The Night Wrestling Invaded MTV
In the heart of New York City, Madison Square Garden was electric as WWF Champion Hulk Hogan defended his title against his bitter rival, \”Rowdy\” Roddy Piper. But this wasn\’t just another wrestling match – it was the culmination of the groundbreaking \”Rock \’n\’ Wrestling Connection,\” a revolutionary partnership between the World Wrestling Federation and MTV that would help transform wrestling from a regional attraction into a national phenomenon.
Pop icon Cyndi Lauper, who had already made waves in the wrestling world through her association with Captain Lou Albano, sat ringside as two of wrestling\’s biggest stars collided. The atmosphere was more rock concert than wrestling show, exactly as WWF promoter Vince McMahon had envisioned.
Chaos Erupts in the Garden
The match itself devolved into beautiful chaos when Piper\’s allies, Paul Orndorff and Bob Orton Jr., stormed the ring. Hollywood tough guy Mr. T, who had been watching from ringside, leaped into action to defend Hogan. In the ensuing mayhem, Piper kicked Lauper in the head – a shocking moment that would make mainstream headlines and set the stage for an even bigger event.
In an unscripted moment that perfectly captured the collision of worlds that night, pop art legend Andy Warhol accidentally wandered into a live interview area. Rather than creating an awkward moment, Warhol improvised a passionate endorsement of the Rock \’n\’ Wrestling Connection, adding another layer of mainstream credibility to the spectacle.
The Birth of WrestleMania
The War to Settle the Score did more than deliver ratings for MTV – it laid the foundation for WrestleMania. The wild brawl between Hogan, Mr. T, Piper, and Orndorff would continue six weeks later at Madison Square Garden in the main event of the first WrestleMania, establishing a template for celebrity involvement that WWE follows to this day.
Four decades later, the impact of this revolutionary broadcast continues to resonate. The successful fusion of wrestling, music, and mainstream entertainment that night created a blueprint that transformed a regional wrestling promotion into a global entertainment empire. As WWE now streams on Netflix and collaborates with today\’s biggest stars, it\’s worth remembering the night on MTV that started it all.
The War to Settle the Score wasn\’t just a wrestling show – it was the moment sports entertainment truly became entertainment for everyone. Forty years later, its influence can still be felt every time wrestling crosses over into mainstream culture, proving that sometimes the biggest victories in wrestling happen outside the ring.
The War to Settle the Score Results
Here are the complete match results from WWF War to Settle the Score on February 18, 1985 from Madison Square Garden in New York City:
Johnny Rodz defeated Jose Luis Rivera by pinfall
Hillbilly Jim pinned Rene Goulet
Don Muraco defeated Salvatore Bellomo via pinfall
Moondog Spot and Rick McGraw fought to a draw
David Sammartino secured a victory over Moondog Rex by pinfall
Nikolai Volkoff pinned Swede Hanson
Leilani Kai defeated Wendi Richter to win the WWF Women\’s Championship
The U.S. Express (Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo) retained their WWF Tag Team Titles by defeating The Assassin & The Spoiler
Paul Orndorff defeated Tony Atlas via pinfall
Jimmy Snuka pinned Bob Orton Jr.
Hulk Hogan retained the WWF World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Roddy Piper by disqualification
WWE executive Paul \”Triple H\” Levesque has provided a first look at new championship belts that will be used as part of the WWE ID program.
In a social media post Tuesday afternoon, Triple H wrote:
\”The top independent wrestling prospects have been ID’d… and now, we’re ready to spotlight the best of the best. Here’s your first look at the Men’s and Women’s @WWEID Championships.\”
Tournaments will be held to crown the inaugural WWE ID Men’s and Women’s champions. The titles will be defended at independent wrestling shows. More on that here:
The WWE Independent Development (ID) program is WWE\’s talent development initiative that partners with wrestling schools to identify and nurture promising independent wrestlers. Selected prospects receive financial benefits, training facility access, and mentorship while maintaining their ability to compete in independent promotions. The program includes a right of first refusal clause – if another major promotion offers a contract to a WWE ID prospect, WWE can either match the offer or allow the talent to sign elsewhere.
McKenzie Mitchell is officially returning to TNA Wrestling, signing a contract to become the company’s new full-time ring announcer. The move marks a homecoming for Mitchell, who began her broadcasting career with TNA in 2016 before making a name for herself in WWE as an NXT host and backstage correspondent.
TNA Wrestling announces the signing of McKenzie Mitchell as its new ring announcer
Mitchell\’s return to TNA comes just over a year after she was unexpectedly released by WWE in December 2023 during corporate layoffs. Reflecting on the transition, she described the sudden career shift as a learning experience.
“My release came at a very unexpected time… but it helps you grow,” she told Sports Illustrated.
Mitchell recently made her TNA ring-announcing debut at Genesis in January, calling Joe Hendry’s TNA World Championship victory. Now, she steps into the role permanently, replacing Jade Chung.
While she has years of on-screen experience, she acknowledges ring announcing requires a different skill set.
“It’s a different tone, a different conversation,” she said. “I’m excited to make it my own.”
Her return aligns with TNA’s new partnership with WWE, a connection made even more personal by her husband, NXT commentator Vic Joseph.
“In a kind of weird way, we’re working together again,” Mitchell noted. “It’s really special.”
For Mitchell, this next chapter is more than just a job—it’s a full-circle moment. “It’s for sure a homecoming.”
McKenzie Mitchell\’s Work in WWE and TNA
Mitchell\’s career spans nearly a decade in professional wrestling broadcasting. Her initial TNA run from 2016-2019 saw her serve as both backstage interviewer and social media manager. She then joined WWE in August 2019, working as an NXT correspondent, digital content host, and premium live event kickoff panelist until December 2023.
After departing WWE, Mitchell returned to TNA at the Genesis event on January 19, 2025, taking over ring announcing duties from the departing Jade Chung. Her full-time signing solidifies TNA\’s broadcast team heading into 2025.
WWE World\’s roster continues to expand with six major additions to its inaugural fan experience. The latest announcement confirms appearances by former champions Kevin Owens, Charlotte Flair, and Drew McIntyre at the Las Vegas Convention Center event running April 17-21.
The new lineup additions also include \”The EST\” Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, and current Judgment Day member Damian Priest. These superstars join the previously announced talent roster for the five-day convention, expanding the opportunities for fans to meet their favorite WWE performers.
Attendees will have access to these superstars through various experiences including Superstar Row, which is open to all General Admission ticket holders. The event will also feature exclusive photo opportunities and autograph sessions, with specific scheduling details to be announced.
Beyond meet-and-greet opportunities, WWE World promises an interactive experience complete with live interviews and podcast recordings featuring the expanding roster of talent.
For additional information on WWE World Las Vegas (April 17-21, 2025), visit Fanatics Events.
During WWE’s darkest days in the Monday Night Wars, when WCW was dominating for 83 straight weeks, many top stars jumped ship for bigger paydays and lighter schedules. By late 1997, the \”Hart\” of the World Wrestling Federation had been ripped out and discarded, but the \”Soul\” never left.
Speaking on Busted Open, The Deadman revealed that despite tempting offers, he refused to abandon WWE—even when things looked bleak.
\”I knew that man [Vince McMahon] gave me an opportunity… there was no way in hell I was going there [WCW], no matter the money,\” he said.
Taker recalled a particularly sobering moment when he walked out to a WWE event and saw a near-empty arena.
\”I couldn’t see a soul. We had to pack everyone on the hard camera side to make it look full. I remember thinking, ‘What the hell is going on?’”
Despite WCW stars like Kevin Nash personally calling him with massive financial offers, Undertaker remained loyal to WWE. His frustration with WCW stemmed from the fact that the company once told him he’d never draw money. Even in WWE’s worst years, his pride wouldn’t let him return.
In a surprising twist, Taker admitted that if he had an amateur wrestling background, he might have considered trying his luck in MMA instead.
\”UFC was coming up big at the time. If I had a wrestling base, I probably would have tested those waters.\”
But in the end, The Undertaker chose to stick with WWE—and as history shows, things worked out just fine for the Dead Man his his legacy.
CM Punk’s return to WWE has been one of the most talked-about stories in wrestling, but perhaps the biggest endorsement yet comes from The Undertaker himself. Speaking on Busted Open, the WWE legend praised Punk’s growth, noting a significant change in his demeanor since his earlier run with the company.
\”He\’s actually very pleasant to be around… it’s like a different guy. It’s like a weight has been lifted off of him,\” The Undertaker said.
Punk, known for his outspoken nature and past backstage tensions, was often seen as difficult to work with. However, Taker now sees him as someone who is engaged, personable, and willing to share his knowledge with younger talent.
\”Before he left the first time, he was very aloof, sometimes combative. One of those guys that wanted to fight for every hill, even if it wasn’t in a good way,\” he explained. \”Now, he’s cutting up with people, engaging in conversations. It tells me that’s probably a consistent thing for him now.\”
Punk recently appeared at the WWE Performance Center to mentor up-and-coming talent, further showcasing this newfound maturity. Undertaker believes that if Punk chooses to, he could become a respected veteran who helps shape the future of WWE.
As Punk prepares for his Elimination Chamber match, his in-ring abilities remain top-tier—but perhaps his biggest transformation has been behind the scenes.
The Undertaker and CM Punk
The Undertaker and CM Punk\’s rivalry culminated during their WrestleMania 29 program in 2013, following Punk\’s victory in a fatal four-way match to challenge Undertaker\’s undefeated streak. Their relationship had started years earlier, with Undertaker mentoring Punk on WWE\’s dress code policies, maintaining a generally positive working relationship despite occasional tensions.
The storyline intensified following the real-life passing of Paul Bearer, Undertaker\’s longtime manager. Punk incorporated Bearer\’s death into the narrative, stealing his symbolic urn and using it to taunt Undertaker, culminating in a controversial segment where Punk poured the urn\’s ashes over his opponent. Their WrestleMania match featured Living Colour performing Punk\’s entrance theme and several dramatic near-falls before Undertaker secured victory with two Tombstone Piledrivers.
The match received widespread acclaim, earning 4½ stars from Dave Meltzer and ranking as WrestleMania 29\’s highest-rated contest. Paul Heyman later revealed he had suggested Punk break the streak to potentially prevent his WWE departure. Both performers have expressed mutual respect, with Undertaker praising their match and dismissing rumors of backstage animosity.
Raw will feature the final qualifying matches for the Men\’s and Women\’s 2025 Elimination Chamber matches. The winner of the Women\’s Chamber match goes on to battle Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania, so can be sure sure \”Mami\” will be keeping tabs on the results.
British Olympic boxer d has revealed that WWE approached him with a contract offer, even inviting him to their Performance Center in Florida before he ultimately decided to continue his boxing journey.
Speaking with IFL TV, Orie shared details of his experience with WWE, which first reached out to him during the Olympic Games.
“They contacted me during the Olympic Games to come down and see what it’s about,” Orie explained. “I got offered a contract … you build up a name for yourself, a character, choose whether you’re a babyface or a heel … then, over time, you can be confident enough to get on SmackDown or Raw.”
Orie was impressed by the professionalism and confidence of WWE’s athletes but ultimately chose to pursue his boxing career instead.
“When I went out there, it was just fantastic. I got to meet so many amazing wrestlers,” he said. “The biggest thing I took away was confidence—how to express yourself and your feelings to the mass audience.”
Despite the opportunity, Orie took time to reflect on his future and concluded that boxing remained his true passion.
“I was thinking to myself, what do I want out of life? What do I want to look back on when I’m 50 or 60? Boxing, I believe, will really do that for me,” Orie stated. “Wrestling is always there—the door is always open—but my main purpose in life is to do it in the boxing ring.”
Now signed with Queensbury Promotions, Orie is set to make his professional debut, choosing to chase championship glory inside the ring rather than the squared circle.
WWE\’s first Women\’s Intercontinental Champion, Lyra Valkyria, has made an impressive impact since joining the main roster in 2024. After reaching the Queen of the Ring tournament finals and capturing the inaugural Women\’s Intercontinental Championship, she now sets her sights on WrestleMania 41.
In a recent interview with Pubity, Valkyria expressed her desire to face Asuka at the upcoming event in Las Vegas this April.
\”A match that got away from me would be facing Asuka,\” Valkyria revealed. \”That would be pretty massive. When I was first debuting on Monday Night Raw, I was supposed to face her at Backlash in France, but she got hurt. Instead, I wrestled Dakota Kai, which was poetic since we later had a history-making moment together. But facing Asuka is definitely a match I\’d love to circle back to.\”
WWE\’s biggest event of the year will take place across two nights on April 19-20 at Allegiant Stadium, where Valkyria hopes to make her WrestleMania debut memorable.
Valkyria\’s impressive run includes victories over prominent stars like Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane, and Becky Lynch. Her NXT Women\’s Championship victory against Lynch in 2023 proved to be a career-defining moment.
Lynch, a future Hall of Famer, has been instrumental in Valkyria\’s development. \”Becky has always made it clear that she\’s there for me,\” Valkyria shared. \”She told me to never doubt what I bring to the table because it\’s more than I realize. Betting on myself is the best advice she\’s given me.\”
With Lynch\’s rumored return to the ring, speculation has grown about a potential all-Irish championship clash at WrestleMania.
Jake \”The Snake\” Roberts has had one of the most tumultuous careers in professional wrestling history. On Six Feet Under with Mark Callaway, Roberts revealed how a WCW contract dispute triggered his worst personal spiral—and ultimately fueled his cocaine addiction.
In 1992, Roberts had negotiated a multi-million dollar deal with WCW\’s Kip Frye. However, before he could sign, Vince McMahon enforced a 90-day no-compete clause as part of his WWF exit. When Roberts\’ non-compete expired, Frye was gone, and Bill Watts had taken over WCW.
Watts discarded Roberts\’ original contract and offered him a fraction of the deal, telling him:
\”You and I both know you can\’t go back. You\’re gonna take what we give you.\”
Roberts accepted, but WCW then stripped him of his signature gimmick by banning his snake.
\”They took my gimmick away. Now I\’m back to zero. What the f*** can I do?\” he recalled.
That was the breaking point. \”That right there pushed me off the deep end, brother. I really dug into the coke after that.\”
Roberts acknowledged that his subsequent 20-year cocaine addiction nearly killed him, but at the time, he was just trying to cope with the loss of his career.
\”Not many people have a 20-year cocaine career… by the grace of God, I\’m not dead.\”
His exit from WCW triggered years of struggles with substance abuse, financial problems, and personal demons. Looking back, Roberts recognizes that wrestling politics and addiction were his greatest adversaries.
\”Jealousy in wrestling has killed more people than war ever has,\” he said.
Roberts\’ story illustrates how a single career setback can have devastating personal consequences—and how the wrestling industry has often failed to protect its biggest stars.
The wrestling gaming community\’s long wait is nearly over, as the complete roster reveal for WWE 2K25 will take place on Monday, February 17, during IGN Fan Fest. This announcement follows several weeks of partial roster reveals that have already-confirmed 140+ wrestlers for the upcoming title.
The latest installment in the WWE 2K franchise is promising its most extensive roster yet, with over 300 playable characters – a substantial increase from its predecessor\’s 250 wrestlers. Among the confirmed additions, 24 superstars will make their video game debuts, including fan favorites Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Naomi.
During the full roster reveal, fans can expect to learn the remaining unannounced characters, complete wrestler ratings, and the confirmation of additional legends and NXT talent. Currently, only a select number of superstar ratings have been made public.
WWE 2K25 launches on March 14, 2025, though Deadman and Bloodline Edition purchasers will gain early access starting March 7. Pre-order customers will receive the exclusive Wyatt Sicks Pack, featuring five additional playable characters.
The situation gained attention when Matthews briefly posted, then deleted, a social media message suggesting his injury was connected to AEW\’s ring size controversy.
\”#AEWGrandSlamAustralia – If it wasn\’t a 16×16 SHT wrestling ring!\” he wrote. \”1: Wouldn\’t have destroyed my ankle on my entrance due to holes in the padding. 2: Okada wouldn\’t have been able to put his foot on the rope & I\’d be champion. Sht happens…\”
His wife, WWE Women\’s World Champion Rhea Ripley, has acknowledged the injury on social media, and recent photos show Matthews using crutches during their honeymoon celebrations.
The timing is particularly unfortunate as Matthews and Ripley are currently celebrating their recent marriage. Despite the injury, the newlyweds are continuing with their honeymoon plans, though Matthews is now navigating the festivities with mobility assistance.
WWE Superstar Naomi envisions a new generation of Total Divas, sharing her excitement for potential cast members during a recent Casual Conversations interview.
\”It was great to document us in the early days,\” reflected the original cast member. \”Now, it would be incredible to see the new generation at the start of their careers.\”
When discussing potential cast members, Naomi quickly highlighted rising star Tiffany Stratton.
\”Tiffany is such an interesting person. Fans would love to see that other side of her outside the ring. She\’s young, talented, and just starting out—imagine capturing that journey.\”
The veteran performer emphasized how the show\’s focus on real-life WWE couples resonated with viewers.
\”One of the best things about Total Divas was seeing our personal lives. Managing relationships in this business is tough, and I think fans would love to see how different couples handle it.\”
As for her own potential return, Naomi expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with fellow original cast members.
\”Some of us are still here, and I think we\’d need to make some cameos!\” she said.
With WWE\’s reality TV portfolio continuing to expand through shows like Total Bellas and Love & WWE, a Total Divas revival could be perfectly timed to showcase the company\’s newest generation of female Superstars.
WWE Superstar Naomi recently opened up about changing her entrance music, expressing strong nostalgia for her former theme song \”Amazing\” during an appearance on Casual Conversations.
\”I miss my old theme so bad. I didn\’t want to change it,\” Naomi admitted, acknowledging the deep connection both she and fans had developed with the song that accompanied her \”Feel the Glow\” persona.
Naomi\’s classic entrance theme, \”Amazing\”
While discussing her new entrance music, Naomi maintained a balanced perspective. \”I like my new one, but fans and I were really connected to the old one,\” she explained. \”That song was nostalgic. We been through some things with that one!\” she added with a laugh.
The sentiment resonates with many WWE fans who have long associated \”Amazing\” with Naomi\’s dynamic presence. Given WWE\’s occasional practice of reviving classic entrance themes, fans hoping for the return of Naomi\’s beloved original music may still have reason for optimism.
Could AJ Lee be gearing up for a WWE comeback? Naomi certainly hopes so. During her appearance on Casual Conversations, Naomi revealed she’s been actively campaigning for AJ Lee’s return—so much so that she’s even enlisted CM Punk to help persuade his wife.
\”I be harassing her husband about that all the time! I told him, \’You need to tell her I can\’t retire until she comes back!\’\” Naomi said.
With CM Punk back in WWE, speculation has been swirling about a possible AJ Lee return. Chants for the former Divas Champion have echoed at recent events, particularly during the Royal Rumble, fueling fan hopes.
Naomi acknowledged the demand, saying it speaks volumes about AJ’s legacy.
\”For her to be gone over a decade and still be missed that much? That tells you what she did for wrestling. She was special.\”
As for whether AJ will actually step back into the ring, Naomi made her stance clear.
\”Even if it’s just a quick little show, we starving, sis! We need it to happen!\”
Naomi and AJ Lee\’s paths first crossed in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) in 2009-2010, where they both competed for the FCW Divas Championship. AJ Lee won the title from Naomi in December 2010.
Their careers continued to intersect when they both participated in the third season of NXT in 2010, with AJ Lee finishing in third place. After moving to WWE\’s main roster, they faced each other multiple times, including a notable match in August 2013 when AJ Lee, as Divas Champion, successfully defended her title against several competitors including Naomi.
Nothing like seeing an old friend after years (over a decade) and feeling like no time has been lost. @TheAJMendez thank you for being you! pic.twitter.com/l6V3B3IuA1
WWE Superstar Naomi has firmly denied fan speculation that she was behind the shocking attack on Jade Cargill, dismissing the rumors as \”insane.\” During an interview on Casual Conversations, Naomi expressed frustration over conspiracy theories linking her to the attack, which has left Jade sidelined.
\”I don\’t get it. All I do is run in, help my friends, even put my own self in danger and get beat up. Like, what? The drama these people make up means nothing,\” Naomi said.
Naomi did, however, have a few names in mind when asked who she thought might be responsible.
\”Liv and Raquel… or maybe someone from NXT. They were slick with it, though. Jade had a target on her back—her rise was quick and fast, and they got her just as fast,\” she speculated.
With the mystery still unsolved, Naomi emphasized that she had nothing to gain from betraying Jade and Bianca Belair.
\”I only stepped in to help Bianca so she wouldn\’t have to relinquish the title. It makes no sense why y’all would think it’s me!\”
As Jade’s return looms, the identity of her attacker remains one of WWE’s most intriguing storylines. Naomi is adamant that she isn’t the culprit, but fans will have to wait and see who the real villain is.
Catch Naomi\’s additional comments about WWE\’s Partnership with TNA Wrestling, the possibility of AJ Lee returning and more.
WWE Superstar Asuka has announced that her X / Twitter account was hacked over the weekend. She addressed the situation through an urgent video message on her KanaChanTV YouTube channel, warning fans about potential scams and suspicious content appearing on her account.
The hacker posted cryptocurrency-related content on her account, specifically promoting \”Solana\” with the hashtag \”$asuka\”.
A \”community note\” was quickly added to the suspicious tweet, warning users not to engage with crypto links or scams.
This follows a pattern of cybersecurity challenges Asuka has faced. In January 2025, she reported multiple daily login attempts from various locations including Texas, New Jersey, and Colorado. She has also been actively fighting against online harassment and porch pirates.
Romance is in the air this morning, as WWE Superstar Rhea Ripley and AEW star Buddy Matthews are beginning their honeymoon. The reigning Women\’s World Champion will miss tonight\’s WWE Raw as a result.
Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews\’ romance began when they met in WWE in 2021, while Matthews was performing for WWE under the name Buddy Murphy. The couple went public with their relationship in 2022, and Matthews proposed to Ripley during a vacation in Cocoa Beach, Florida in August 2023.
They tied the knot in a lavish all-black-themed wedding ceremony on June 23, 2024, where Ripley wore a stunning black strapless dress and Matthews complemented her in an all-black suit.
Despite working for rival companies – Ripley in WWE and Matthews in AEW – the couple maintains a strong and supportive relationship. Ripley has emphasized that Matthews understands and supports her career trajectory, noting that he\’s comfortable with her prominent position in the wrestling industry. After their wedding last year, their busy schedules prevented them from taking a honeymoon, but they are finally able to enjoy this special time together following AEW\’s Grand Slam event in their home country of Australia.
In a touching display of love and respect at AEW Grand Slam: Australia, Buddy Matthews honored his wife, WWE Women\’s World Champion Rhea Ripley, throughout his Continental Championship match against Kazuchika Okada in Brisbane.
Matthews, performing in front of his hometown crowd at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, incorporated several elements of Ripley\’s signature style and moves into his performance.
Rhea Ripley backstage at AEW Grand Slam Australia
He emerged wearing an Australian-themed jacket reminiscent of Ripley\’s iconic Elimination Chamber attire, and during the match, executed her trademark moves including the Inverted Cloverleaf submission and her distinctive stomp.
Buddy Matthews pays homage to Mami
While Ripley maintained a low profile backstage to ensure the spotlight remained on the event, her presence was felt throughout Matthews\’ performance, including his use of the Prism Trap.
The hometown audience embraced the tribute, with one creative fan even displaying a sign reading \”The Talented Mr. Ripley.\”
Despite the emotional atmosphere and strong hometown support, Matthews\’ championship pursuit fell short, with Okada retaining the AEW Continental Championship in controversial fashion. The match nonetheless showcased the unique dynamic of wrestling\’s power couple, demonstrating how their relationship transcends promotional boundaries.
A controversy has emerged regarding the ring used at AEW Grand Slam: Australia. While a social media claim suggested that AEW had forgotten to ship their ring to Brisbane due to freight timing miscalculations, this has been definitively proven false.
The Facts
The ring used at the Australian event was an 18\’ x 18\’ ring, smaller than AEW\’s standard 20\’ x 20\’ ring used in the United States. It was rented from local promotion PWA as part of a business arrangement made months in advance.
Ring Size Context
The 18\’ x 18\’ size is actually an industry standard, used by numerous prominent wrestling promotions including TNA, ROH, and most independent companies. WCW and WCW also used 18-foot rings until they shuttered in 2001.
Important Clarifications
AEW has not shipped their rings overseas as a standard practice. This approach is similar to WWE, which maintains rings in overseas locations rather than shipping them for international events.
The ring aprons and other elements were properly scaled for the 18\’ x 18\’ dimensions, contrary to claims suggesting otherwise. Additionally, most AEW wrestlers are already experienced with performing in rings of this size.
Several AEW personalities have commented on the controversy, including qt Marshall, Will Ospreay and Buddy Matthews.
The AEW ring is a design that only AEW has. It’s very rare that an independent company (or a major company) has a 20ft ring. This ring is an 18ft ring. TNA has been using for years and older ROH as well. Why is this a talking point? It’s not our first time using an 18ft ring. https://t.co/jSxzUNVdZ5
Road Dogg served as a WWE producer from 2014-2022, including a brief stint as SmackDown lead writer. After departing the company, he was later rehired under Triple H\’s leadership regime as Senior Vice President of Live Events.
While Road Dogg\’s previous tenure as SmackDown head writer in 2022 may not have been particularly memorable, Styles suggests there\’s more to the story. According to the former WWE, TNA, and IWGP Champion, Road Dogg\’s creative vision was heavily compromised by his superior\’s excessive editing.
\”Before judging this guy from his past performance as head writer, just know that there was a man who picked it apart to the point that it was no longer his ideas anymore,\” Styles wrote.
Before judging this guy from his past performance as the head writer. Just know that there was a man who picked it apart to the point that it was no longer his ideas anymore. ? https://t.co/WnDXRjyuEI
Following the February 14, 2025 episode of SmackDown in Washington DC, WWE Women\’s United States Champion Chelsea Green issued an official-looking decree banning a specific wrestling maneuver after an incident with rival \”Nasty\” Naomi.
In a document styled on presidential letterhead, complete with an official-looking seal, Green declared that following an \”emergency vote\” with her \”cabinet\” (likely referring to her on-screen associate Piper Niven), the use of wedgies during professional wrestling matches would be banned under \”Code 4292 of the penal agreement\” by a vote of 99-1.
The proclamation, dated February 15, 2025, maintains Green\’s ongoing character work as a self-important champion who presents herself with presidential gravitas. The document threatens \”permanent banishment\” for anyone using the banned move in \”my ring.\”
It concludes with Green assuring her \”loyal followers of our beloved nation\” that they may continue pledging allegiance to her \”with the utmost confidence.\”
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