As John Cena embarks on his farewell tour, WWE Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker suggests the 16-time world champion might want to think twice about one final challenge.
Speaking with Muscle Man Malcolm on Muscle Memory, Breakker delivered an unambiguous message regarding any potential matchup with Cena.
\”I just don\’t think it\’s very wise for John Cena,\” Breakker said. \”A lot of things have changed since SummerSlam. I know this is his farewell tour, and everyone\’s celebrating the last year of John Cena, but if he wants to make it to the end of that year or make it to the end of this run, he probably should just stay away from me.\”
When Malcolm acknowledged this bold statement, Breakker emphasized his point by highlighting the age difference between them.
\”I wouldn\’t want to face me if I was him,\” he continued. \”If I was 47 years old, I would not want to face me.\”
Following his Intercontinental Championship victory at SummerSlam, Breakker initially challenged Cena directly. However, his recent statements have evolved from a simple challenge into what appears to be a calculated warning. While Cena has remained silent on the matter, speculation grows among WWE fans about whether this could set up one final significant challenge before the veteran superstar retires.
The wrestling world now watches with anticipation: Will the legendary Cena accept this implicit challenge, or will he opt to avoid what Breakker suggests would be a dangerous confrontation? Whatever the outcome, the Intercontinental Champion has successfully captured the WWE Universe\’s attention.
Potential Challengers for John Cena in 2025
Several other wrestlers have expressed interest in facing John Cena during his 2025 retirement year:
Matt Cardona, who previously shared screen time with Cena in 2012
The Miz, hoping for one final match after their WrestleMania 27 main event in 2011
RVD, who is ready for a rematch following their ECW One Night Stand 2006 encounter
CM Punk, who hopes to team with Cena after their acclaimed previous matches.
Zilla Fatu, who has expressed his desire to wrestle Cena before the legend retires.
Kurt Angle, despite his storied history with Cena, has confirmed he will not participate in any matches during the retirement tour due to health concerns.
WWE fans may have just gotten a glimpse of a future WrestleMania showdown.
Bron Breakker and Jacob Fatu came face-to-face in a tense moment on Raw, and the Intercontinental Champion wasted no time fueling speculation about a potential match between the two powerhouses. In an interview with with Muscle Man Malcolm on Muscle Memory, Breakker said:
\”I think Jacob Fatu and I—that’s a match for WrestleMania. I think everyone will agree with that.\”
Fatu, a dominant force with deep ties to WWE’s famed Anoa’i family, has long been considered a dream opponent for Breakker, who comes from his own legendary lineage as the son of Rick Steiner and nephew of Scott Steiner. The staredown on Raw was brief, but it sent the WWE Universe into a frenzy, with many hoping WWE will capitalize on the moment and book the match for WrestleMania.
While Breaker didn’t reveal any official plans, his confidence in the matchup suggests that it’s more than just a fantasy booking scenario. If WWE pulls the trigger, this could be a clash of two of the most intense competitors in the company today.
And if fans needed another reason to believe in Breaker’s dominance? The guy has his post-show routine down to a science. When asked about his go-to Waffle House order, Breaker served up:
\”All-Star special, eggs over medium, sausage, white toast, blueberry waffle,\” he said. \”Sometimes scrambled eggs with cheese, but I don’t know—Jay’s been trying to get me to switch it up lately. I don’t know if I trust him.\”
Whether it’s in the ring or at the Waffle House, Braun Breaker knows exactly what he wants. Now, it’s just a matter of whether WWE makes the match happen. Please?
Catch WWE Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker\’s appearance on Muscle Memory:
Gunther, the reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion, is gearing up for a challenging road to WrestleMania 41, with multiple steel cage title defenses scheduled before his showdown with 2025 Royal Rumble winner Jey Uso.
Steel Cage Match vs. Seth Rollins in Germany
As part of WWE’s European tour in March, Gunther will defend his championship in Germany against Seth Rollins inside a steel cage. The announcement was made via WWE Germany’s social media, adding another high-stakes battle to Gunther’s schedule.
CM Punk to Challenge Gunther in Austria
Gunther will also put his title on the line against CM Punk in Austria, marking a rematch from a previous live event main event. This matchup will take place in Gunther’s home country, making it a highly anticipated showdown for Austrian fans.
WrestleMania 41 Title Match Still Set
Can GUNTHER make it to WrestleMania 41 as champion?
Despite these upcoming defenses, Gunther is still scheduled to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41. However, with two major challengers ahead, his path to the grand stage remains uncertain.
Rock band Downstait has released \”Hart Won\’t Quit,\” a new song that will serve as Indi Hartwell\’s entrance theme.
Hartwell (Samantha De Martin) was released by WWE in late 2024 after approximately five years with the company. During her time there, the Australian star held the NXT Women\’s Championship and the NXT Women\’s Tag Team Championship alongside Candice LeRae.
In a video on her new YouTube channel, Hartwell revealed she was blindsided by WWE\’s decision to release her. \”I didn\’t see it coming at all, especially since I\’d been on TV pretty regularly,\” she said.
Despite the shock, Hartwell expressed gratitude for her WWE journey, saying, \”It\’s a bit bittersweet, but I\’m choosing to focus on the good memories.\”
She remains committed to professional wrestling and will feature Downstait\’s \”Hart Won\’t Quit\” as part of her presentation in the next chapter of her career.
A new WWE docu-series may be coming to Netflix next year, according to a report from WWE insider Wrestlevotes. While neither WWE nor Netflix have officially announced the project, the report suggests that the series—described as a \”modern-day vlog show\”—will premiere in Spring 2025. The alleged focus will be WWE’s transition to Netflix and an inside look at the lives of its superstars, both in and out of the ring.
WWE recorded hours of behind-the-scenes footage at the Intuit Dome during the first weekend of January, potentially for use in this project. Additionally, current Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green is reportedly among the featured talent.
WWE’s collaboration with Netflix began earlier this year with Monday Night RAW moving exclusively to the platform in the U.S., while international markets gained access to WWE’s content library. If accurate, this rumored docu-series would expand that partnership further.
As of now, WWE and Netflix have not publicly commented on the project. We have reached out to Netflix for confirmation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Veteran wrestler Mickie James has responded to NXT star Roxanne Perez naming her as a dream WrestleMania opponent, hinting that she may step back into the ring.
While James hasn’t competed in WWE since the 2022 Royal Rumble, she has made multiple backstage appearances at recent shows. Speaking with No Contest Wrestling, Perez listed several wrestling legends—AJ Lee, Lita, Trish Stratus, Chyna, and Mickie James—as her dream opponents. She specifically noted that matches against Stratus and James could be possible in 2025.
James acknowledged the mention on Twitter, playfully responding:
\”You gonna make me dust off my working boots @roxanne_wwe ?\”
The six-time WWE Women’s Champion last wrestled in September 2024, appearing for IWR on September 12. Meanwhile, Trish Stratus recently made her in-ring return at the 2025 Royal Rumble, where Perez delivered an impressive iron-woman performance.
With both Stratus and James potentially available for a future match, a high-profile showdown with Perez could be on the horizon.
TNA has storyline-suspended Nic Nemeth for four weeks without pay after he accidentally superkicked Director of Authority Santino Marella during TNA iMPACT!.
Last night, Joe Hendry successfully defended his TNA World Championship against Jake Something. Following the match, Nemeth entered the ring to assist Hendry, but in the ensuing chaos, he inadvertently struck Marella with a superkick.
Backstage Apology Falls Short
Santino wasn\’t convinced by the Wanted Man\’s apology
After the incident, Nemeth and his brother Ryan Nemeth met with Marella backstage, where Nic immediately apologized. He insisted that the kick was accidental and reminded Marella of their long history together in OVW.
“Hey, hey, hey, you okay buddy? I am sorry, man. Listen, listen, that wasn’t meant for you. You know that was an accident. Look at me, we go way back. OVW, we were there together. You know that was an accident… I’m sorry. From the bottom of my heart, you know I did not mean that. I’m sorry,” Nemeth said.
Ryan Nemeth also defended his brother, stating that mistakes happen. However, despite their explanations, Marella remained firm in his decision.
Marella acknowledged their history but emphasized that he had to protect the integrity of his authority in TNA.
“Look, you know I have the utmost respect for you and your family. And we do go back. At least 20 years. That’s why, this is going to be a difficult decision, okay? I can’t have this kind of behavior flying all around. You almost broke my jaw. That’s why…
It’s not even about me, okay? It’s about this… I have to protect and respect the authority. I’m going to have to suspend you for four weeks, I am sorry, without pay. Okay? Before I decide to press the charges, just leave it at that. Okay?” Marella stated.
With Nemeth now sidelined, the suspension introduces uncertainty regarding his future in TNA. Fans will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds when he eventually returns.
Legendary WWE tag team Demolition, consisting of Ax (Bill Eadie) and Smash (Barry Darsow), is finally returning to WWE after decades of estrangement.
According to PWInsider, the fearsome duo has officially signed Legends contracts. These deals will provide the groundbreaking tag team with financial benefits for years to come and open up licensing opportunities that will see Demolition represented through WWE\’s video games, action figures, and merchandise.
This signing marks a significant reconciliation between WWE and one of its most dominant tag teams from the 1980s. Previously, Eadie and Darsow were involved in legal battles with WWE, including a CTE lawsuit and a dispute over the Demolition name in the mid-90s.
This mending of fences is expected to culminate with a long-overdue WWE Hall of Fame induction for the face-painted powerhouses.
The CW Network has appointed Michael Perman as Senior Vice President of Sports, where he will oversee all sports programming, including WWE NXT. Perman, a veteran sports media executive, will manage strategy, programming, and media rights as The CW continues expanding its live sports lineup.
Leading WWE NXT on The CW
With NXT now airing on The CW following its October 2024 debut, Perman’s leadership will be key in growing WWE’s presence on the network. The CW has committed to nearly 400 hours of annual sports content, featuring NXT, NASCAR, college sports, and Inside The NFL.
“Mike Perman is the perfect leader to help shape CW Sports as we continue building NXT and other premier live events,” said Brad Schwartz, President of The CW Network.
Perman, formerly with NBC Sports and the NBA, expressed excitement about delivering top-tier sports entertainment and further cementing NXT as a marquee attraction on The CW.
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has weighed in on Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show during an appearance on Fox News. Lamar received a mixed response
While discussing the performance, Hogan admitted he struggled to understand the rapper’s lyrics.
“Bro, I couldn’t understand a word that was being said, man,” Hogan said. “I had my volume turned up. I had a bunch of people yelling and screaming at the house, and I really didn’t know what was going on, man. I was waiting for Willie Nelson to come out, man, and sing America the Beautiful or something.”
When asked if he would like to see Nelson perform at a Super Bowl halftime show now that Donald Trump is president, Hogan responded, “Yeah, that would be great!”
The Hulkster and his beer company are being sued by an Ohio woman who claims to have suffered a severe injury after being struck in the head by a thrown beer can at a promotional event. Where is Mark Yeaton when you need him?
In a moving social media post on his 29th birthday, professional wrestler Chris Bey shared his inspiring journey of recovery following a life-threatening injury that occurred during a TNA wrestling event in Detroit on October 27, 2024.
During a match with Ace Austin and The Hardys, Bey suffered a severe neck injury that left him temporarily paralyzed in the ring. He underwent emergency surgery for spinal cord fusion (C6-C7 and C6-T1) and spent a week in ICU, followed by 50 days at a spinal cord rehabilitation facility in Detroit.
“Will I ever wrestle again? Never say never. I\’m just so grateful to be alive.”
Initially given only a 10-25% chance of walking again, Bey has defied the odds. After three weeks of intensive rehabilitation, he reports being able to leave his wheelchair and take steps independently. Throughout his recovery, he received support from the wrestling community, his family, TNA colleagues, and his girlfriend Brittnie Brooks.
In his message, Bey expressed profound gratitude to his supporters and medical team, crediting them with helping him maintain hope during his darkest moments. While acknowledging that his recovery journey continues with ongoing pain and challenges, he remains optimistic about his future, though uncertain about returning to wrestling.
\”Nothing is impossible, you just have to believe and do the work,\” Bey wrote, concluding his message with characteristic determination and gratitude for being alive.
The news is particularly poignant as Bey celebrates this milestone on his birthday, marking both his survival and remarkable progress in just a few months since the injury.
Chris Bey’s Statement
Here\’s the complete transcript of Chris Bey\’s message:
\”Today I turn 29… Blessed to see it
On October 27th, 2024 I suffered a life altering injury in Detroit at a TNA event while sharing the ring with my partner Ace Austin and some of my idols, The Hardys. This would be the scariest moment of my life as I\’d try to get up to my feet and finish the match only to realize I couldn\’t move. I was laid out paralyzed in the middle of the ring. I was ashamed for not being able to finish the match, I was embarrassed and I was scared. Thanks to our incredible ringside doctor and team at TNA I was rushed to a nearby hospital and quickly underwent a surgery fusing my neck c6-c7 and a spinal cord fusion c6-t1. If it weren\’t for TNA and their quick reaction to the accident I may not be here today. They\’ve been so helpful throughout this entire journey.
When I woke up the next day I was overwhelmed with the amount of love around me and the amount of love from the wrestling community. I was devastated with the idea that my lifelong dream and 8 year wrestling career was over. I sat there paralyzed from the neck down with no promises of ever walking again. Specifically I was told it wouldn\’t be likely with a 10-25% chance. I also had no usage of my hands which is why I didn\’t post or respond to anything. I spent about a week in the ICU, then 50 days in a spinal cord rehab facility in Detroit doing therapy 6 days a week for 3 hours a day, sometimes longer. December 28th I was able to go home.
Since I\’ve been home I\’ve been in therapy working as hard as I can. I\’ve had an incredible support system. There\’s so many people I want to thank but if I can narrow it down to a few I must thank my family, my TNA family, the dedicated staff in Detroit, my brother Ace Austin for never leaving my side, and my amazing girlfriend Brittnie Brooks for being there every single step of the way while I was at my absolute lowest. If you\’ve reached out, donated, bought merch, said a prayer, or did any little thing even as simple as sharing a thought about me, thank you. I\’m eternally grateful for every single one of you. Because of you even on my hardest days I\’ve never given up. Because of you I\’ve lived my dream and in my opinion helped inspire others to do the same. There\’s so much more to the story and I will be telling all the details soon, but please allow me the time to get there.
Today you see me celebrating life and taking the steps they said would be unlikely. For 3 weeks I\’ve been out of my wheelchair learning to walk again. Nothing is impossible, you just have to believe and do the work. I thank god every second. I thank you every second. Will I ever wrestle again? Never say never. I\’m just so grateful to be alive. I don\’t know what my purpose is, but I know there\’s something meant for me to do. For now I just hope to continue to heal as my body is still in a lot of pain. It\’s going to be a long road, but I will not give up. This will be the Greatest Story Ever Told. I love you all.
Samantha Irvin became one of WWE’s most recognizable voices, but she recently admitted that ring announcing was never her passion. Speaking on Busted Open, Irvin revealed that announcing was just a way to break into the company, and she had ambitions to take on other roles—including refereeing and writing.
“When I said, ‘I don’t like announcing. That’s not really what I want to do,’ it’s hard… it’s a real job that I’m honestly not good at,” Irvin admitted.
“Because I’m gonna cry if Shawn Michaels comes out, so I’m not good at this.”
She expressed appreciation for WWE allowing her creative freedom but always wanted to explore different opportunities.
“I just wanted the opportunity to challenge if maybe it wasn’t just the ring announcing people loved. Give me a chance to see if maybe it’s just Samantha. Put me in some other positions.”
Irvin even pitched the idea of becoming a WWE referee but was turned down.
“At one point, I asked if I could referee, and they were like, ‘No!’” she recalled with a laugh.
She was also interested in writing for the company, revealing that before she officially took the ring announcer job, she had been interviewing for a different department within WWE.
“I wanna be an old lady, an old, smart lady who knows everything and makes sht happen.”*
One of the few people who recognized her ambitions was Michael Hayes, who saw her drive to learn.
“He was like, ‘You wanna learn everything don’t ya?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah.’”
While Irvin didn’t get the chance to transition beyond announcing in WWE, she’s now returning to her first love—music. She will release her debut single “Make Me” on February 14, marking the start of a new chapter in her career.
Samantha Irvin had one of the most memorable calls in WWE history when she announced Cody Rhodes as the new Undisputed WWE Champion at WrestleMania XL. However, she now looks back on that moment with regret, saying she let her emotions take over and felt she failed as an announcer.
“I was not there for work. I was literally there, like, just as me, just Sammie,” Irvin admitted on Busted Open.
“I started crying before the finish. I started crying when The Undertaker came out. And then Cody winning… it all just came crashing down. Every sad thing, every crazy thing, all the stuff in wrestling that you can’t talk about. It just all came out in that moment.”
Irvin felt so overwhelmed that she immediately questioned whether she belonged in the role.
“I felt absolutely terrible. I said—okay, I have to leave now, obviously. I’m done. Because I’m a terrible announcer. Because I prioritized being a fan in that moment.”
Her emotional delivery resonated with fans, making her one of WWE’s most beloved voices, but for Irvin, it was a sign that her future lay elsewhere.
Having moved on from WWE, she’s returning to her roots in music, with her debut single “Make Me” dropping on February 14.
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair offered candid thoughts on the women\’s division during a recent appearance on Gabby AF, placing his daughter Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley in a class of their own.
\”She\’s so much better than… and that\’s not to say the other girls aren\’t good, but she and Rhea right now are the two best in the business,\” Flair stated, highlighting Charlotte\’s elite status.
While acknowledging former WWE star Sasha Banks (now Mercedes Moné), Flair maintained that with her departure, Charlotte and Rhea have emerged as the division\’s clear standouts.
A two-time Royal Rumble winner and decorated champion, Charlotte made her return to WWE in January after recovering from injury. Flair revealed he watched her comeback match from a sports bar, overcome with emotion at seeing his daughter back in action.
The Nature Boy particularly praised Charlotte\’s WrestleMania 39 encounter with Ripley, declaring:
\”They haven\’t had a match like that in the women\’s division that I\’ve seen on TV anywhere since that match.\”
Looking ahead to WrestleMania 41, Flair advocates for another Charlotte-Rhea confrontation, calling it \”the match to make.\” He also expressed interest in potential matchups with Bianca Belair and the long-anticipated showdown with Becky Lynch.
As WWE\’s premier event approaches, the question remains whether the company will capitalize on Charlotte and Rhea\’s proven in-ring chemistry.
WWE is gearing up for WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas on April 19–20, 2025, but attention is already shifting to the location of WrestleMania 42 in 2026. While Minneapolis was initially considered for WrestleMania 41, WWE ultimately awarded the city SummerSlam 2026 instead.
According to WrestleVotes, WWE plans to host WrestleMania 42 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This would mark the third time the stadium has hosted the event, following WrestleMania 30 (2014) and WrestleMania 34 (2018). WWE is expected to officially announce the 2026 location before WrestleMania 41 takes place.
Sources indicate WWE is planning on announcing WrestleMania 42’s location prior to this year’s event, with the highly speculated New Orleans, LA, as the host city. The Superdome (Silverdome, brother)—home of WM 30 & 34—is set to host its third Mania in 2026.
A report from Fightful Select indicates that New Orleans has been in WWE’s long-term plans for WrestleMania 42 since Vince McMahon’s tenure leading the company. However, given the unexpected shift in plans for WrestleMania 41, some speculated whether this decision might change.
Additionally, WWE has reportedly informed some of its business partners about its 2026 plans. the The UK and Saudi Arabia are both eager to host WWE\’s biggest spectacular of the year, but fans in those regions shouldn\’t expect anything before 2028.
Meanwhile, WrestleMania 41 will feature Jey Uso challenging Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship after his Royal Rumble victory, while Charlotte Flair, the winner of the women’s Rumble, will also compete for a championship. The event will also mark John Cena’s final WrestleMania as an in-ring competitor before his planned retirement at the end of 2025.
With an official announcement expected soon, WWE looks set to bring WrestleMania back to one of its most iconic venues in 2026.
Wrestling legend Ric Flair has opened up about a previously unknown health scare that may have contributed to his quiet departure from AEW last summer. Speaking on Gabby AF, the 16-time world champion revealed he recently discovered he had suffered a heart attack—without realizing it.
“I went in for a test, and the doctor told me, ‘You’ve had a heart attack in the last two years.’ I didn’t even know,” Flair admitted.
The revelation came after Flair underwent a calcium test on his heart, which detected past damage. The Nature Boy, who famously survived a life-threatening medical crisis in 2017 that led to multiple heart surgeries, was shocked by the news but remains defiant about his health.
“For some reason, I don’t hurt anywhere… I could wrestle again, but I won’t,” he said.
Ric Flair\’s Exit from AEW
Flair also confirmed that his time with AEW has officially ended, clarifying that he is no longer under contract following the collapse of his Wooooo! Energy drink sponsorship in mid-2024.
While many assumed his exit was tied to creative direction, Flair indicated that his health was also a factor.
“There really isn’t anything for me to do there right now,” he said, adding that AEW owner Tony Khan “didn’t realize I was on blood thinners” when initially bringing him in.
AEW broadcaster Tony Schiavone doused with a can of Wooooo! Energy
Flair’s last AEW appearance was at Revolution 2024, where he was part of Sting’s retirement match. He recalled that Khan was adamant about him avoiding any in-ring physicality, repeatedly warning him against blading.
Now, with AEW in the rearview, Flair is focused on staying healthy—though he admits the wrestling bug never truly leaves. WrestleMania 41 is fast approaching and Charlotte Flair is primed for a top match on the biggest show of the year. WWE find a way to bring The Dirtiest Player in the Game back for another moment in the spotlight?
WWE broadcaster Jackie Redmond will not be appearing on Monday Night RAW this week as she fulfills her NHL coverage duties for TNT Sports.
Redmond, a backstage interviewer and on-air personality for WWE, also covers the National Hockey League for TNT. She is currently reporting from Montreal, where the NHL’s All-Star Weekend has transitioned into the new 4 Nations Faceoff tournament, which runs through February 20.
When asked by a fan on social media whether she would be absent from RAW this Monday, Redmond confirmed. “You assume correctly. No RAW for me this week. Got myself a #4Nations DOUBLE HEADER on TNT”
The tournament continues at Montreal’s Bell Centre through Saturday before shifting to Boston’s TD Garden next week. Monday’s matchups will feature Canada vs. Finland and Sweden vs. the United States.
Several of WWE\’s top announcers hold jobs outside of professional wrestling, which creates scheduling conflicts. WWE Raw commentator Pat McAfee missed a recent episode due to call college football. Joe Tessitore will miss this week\’s SmackDown to call the action for ESPN boxing from Madison Square Garden (Denys Berinchyk vs. Keyshawn Davis).
Unlike many WWE stars released on February 7, Sonya Deville wasn’t outright cut—her contract simply won’t be renewed when it expires later this month. This allows her to bypass the standard 90-day non-compete clause, meaning she can sign with any promotion or pursue other opportunities immediately.
Deville, whose real name is Daria Rae Berenato, has already begun distancing herself from her WWE persona. She recently changed her Twitter name back to her real name and has shared cryptic messages hinting at her next move.
After attending the Cobra Kai premiere, she posted, “…. See what’s next,” further fueling curiosity among fans. She also updated her bio to read, “To be continued …,” leaving her future open-ended. Here she is at the premiere along with AEW star Britt Baker, who has appeared in the series.
Since joining WWE in 2015 via Tough Enough, Deville transitioned from an in-ring competitor to an authority figure before winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship with Chelsea Green in July 2023. However, an ACL injury cut her title reign short, keeping her out of action for much of her final WWE run.
Now that she’s officially leaving, speculation is growing about her next move. With her MMA background, strong mic skills, and mainstream appeal, Deville could fit well in AEW, TNA, or even a return to MMA. She also has ties to Hollywood, having appeared in reality TV and advocacy work, making acting another potential path.
Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade insist they’re still best friends—but if history has taught us anything, that may not last long.
The two have been inseparable since their early days in WWE, even winning the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships together in 2022. But that partnership didn’t last, as Jade famously turned on Perez, trashing her title belt and ending their reign.
Now, the two have reunited, but fans can’t help but wonder if another betrayal is coming. Their upcoming Fatal 4-Way match at Vengeance Day for the NXT Women’s Championship adds another layer of tension.
On the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast, Perez dismissed the idea of issues between them—but not without hesitation.
“I think we’re fine… I don’t know about her,” Perez said. “She seems a little upset, but I’m fine.”
Jade, however, may not see it that way. When Perez recently pointed out that Jade was the one who got pinned in a recent match, the tension was obvious.
“I was just stating facts,” Perez said.
In WWE, “best friends” rarely stay best friends for long. And with a title on the line at Vengeance Day, it wouldn’t be a surprise if this partnership once again implodes.
WWE Vengeance Day 2025 will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., featuring matches including a Fatal 4-Way NXT Women\’s Championship match between Giulia, Bayley, Roxanne Perez, and Cora Jade.
For Roxanne Perez, the 2025 Royal Rumble wasn’t just a career milestone—it was a childhood dream realized. Nearly a decade before she became the longest-lasting competitor in the Women’s Rumble, a young Perez stood outside a wrestling event, waiting to meet her hero, Nikki Bella.
In a resurfaced video, a teenage Perez excitedly tells Bella, “In five years, you’re going to need a tag partner.” But when Bella playfully suggested the idea, Perez had a different vision. “I’d rather wrestle you,” she replied.
Fast forward to this year’s Royal Rumble, and that’s exactly what happened. In a surreal full-circle moment, Perez found herself face-to-face with Nikki Bella in the ring, even engaging in a push-up contest before tensions boiled over. During an appearance on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast, Perez recalled:
“Ten years later, I’m in the ring with Nikki Bella… and I almost slapped her!”
The moment encapsulates just how fast Perez has risen in WWE. The former two-time NXT Women’s Champion has already broken records, headlined pay-per-views, and now gone toe-to-toe with one of the biggest female stars in WWE history.
While she may not have won the Royal Rumble, her performance—including being one of the final two competitors—cemented her as a future main event player. And if history is any indication, it won’t be long before Perez’s next dream turns into reality.
Social media star IShowSpeed made waves at the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble earlier this month, where he made his in-ring debut in the annual 30-man battle royal match. Naturally, his appearance produced a viral video clip – Speed getting nearly speared out of his boots by Bron Breakker, followed by a bone-crunching announce table slam from Otis.
Following the event, IShowSpeed made bold backstage comments, promising a return at the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He also called out several WWE superstars, including Roman Reigns, Rey Mysterio, Dominik Mysterio—and Hall of Famer Mark Henry.
Mark Henry Threatens IShowSpeed
Henry, who last competed in WWE at the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018, responded to IShowSpeed’s challenge on Busted Open Radio. In a clip shared on his Twitter account, the former World Heavyweight Champion issued a warning:
“Speed, you might want to be careful mentioning my name. You better ask your friends about me. I ain’t the one.”
The interaction adds intrigue to IShowSpeed’s potential WWE future, as reports indicate he was well-received backstage, with WWE officials reportedly open to further collaborations.
DJ Mark Henry
Meanwhile, Mark Henry is set to visit the UK from March 21-29, where he will be DJing at the Sweet Chin Disco events in cities including Manchester, Belfast, Nottingham, Glasgow, London, and Birmingham.
As WWE continues its road to WrestleMania 41, this week’s episode of SmackDown promises high-stakes action with the Elimination Chamber event fast approaching (3/1). However, regular announcer Joe Tessitore will be absent from the February 14 edition of the show due to prior commitments with ESPN.
Tessitore’s Absence and Possible Replacement
Tessitore, who has been a key part of the SmackDown commentary team alongside Wade Barrett, will instead be covering a live boxing event for ESPN, featuring Denys Berinchyk vs. Keyshawn Davis at Madison Square Garden. This scheduling conflict leaves WWE searching for a temporary replacement.
While no official announcement has been made, long-time WWE commentator Michael Cole is widely expected to fill in for Tessitore. Given Cole’s extensive experience in WWE broadcasting, he would be a natural choice to step in for the night. Tessitore is expected to return to his regular duties the following week.
SmackDown Preview: Feb. 14, 2025
Even without Joe T on the call, SmackDown at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, is shaping up to be destination viewing.
Some of the night’s major matches include:
WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton defends her title against former champion Nia Jax. Charlotte Flair has expressed interest in the outcome as she considers her WrestleMania opponent.
Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Braun Strowman, Jacob Fatu, and Damian Priest will compete in a triple-threat match for a spot in the Elimination Chamber.
Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Naomi takes on Chelsea Green, with the winner advancing to the upcoming match.
Winning a WWE championship is the dream of every wrestler, but for Tiffany Stratton, the moment was a blur.
The current WWE Women’s Champion reflected on her title victory in a recent interview on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez, revealing that she wasn’t sure if her Money in the Bank cash-in would work as planned.
“That night was high stress. I didn’t know if it was the perfect moment or not…
I ran out there and I was just on autopilot. I had no idea if the fans were even going to bite on anything,” Stratton admitted.
Stratton’s cash-in, which saw her seize the championship in dramatic fashion, could have easily gone wrong.
While the Money in the Bank contract is a powerful tool, failed attempts have happened before—something she was keenly aware of in the moment.
“There was always that ‘what if?’ Like, I could have failed. It could have been unsuccessful,” she explained.
Luckily for Stratton, everything fell into place. The match-ending moonsault connected perfectly, securing her first WWE title.
“The moment I hit my moonsault and it landed perfectly and it was 1-2-3, I finally felt like I could really relish in the moment. It was so amazing, so surreal.”
Stratton’s championship reign is still in its early stages, but with her confidence growing and WWE’s biggest season ahead, it’s clear she’s just getting started.
Roxanne Perez isn’t just making history—she’s rewriting it. At the 2025 Royal Rumble, the two-time NXT Women’s Champion lasted a record-breaking 67 minutes, outlasting WWE’s top stars before being eliminated by Charlotte Flair in the final moments. Now, Perez has her sights set on something even bigger: WrestleMania.
Speaking on the No Contest Wrestling Podcast, Perez laid out an ambitious roadmap to the biggest show of the year.
“I’m going to go to Vengeance Day, I’m going to beat all three of those women and become a three-time NXT Women’s Champion,” Perez declared.
“Then, I’m going to go to Raw with my title and beat Raquel Rodriguez, win the Elimination Chamber, and go to WrestleMania to become double champion.”
It’s a bold plan, but Perez has a track record of turning dreams into reality. From becoming the youngest Ring of Honor Women’s Champion at 19 to winning the first-ever NXT Iron Survivor Challenge, she has consistently proven she belongs among WWE’s elite.
Her Royal Rumble performance cemented that. Entering early, she survived attacks from former champions and found herself face-to-face with Charlotte Flair in the final two. Though she came up short, the moment was a glimpse into the future.
“I don’t think the main roster girls are ready for me,” she said with confidence.
First, she’ll need to get past Vengeance Day on February 15, where she faces NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria, Bayley, and Cora Jade in a Fatal 4-Way match. But if Perez continues her rapid rise, her WrestleMania dream might not be far off.
WWE Superstar Big E has always been known for his infectious energy and larger-than-life personality, but in a recent interview on X-Pod 97 with Mega Ran and Marcos, he opened up about the importance of community, resilience, and the overwhelming support he received after his severe neck injury in 2022.
For many, a career-threatening injury would be an isolating experience. But for Big E, the outpouring of love from friends, fans, and colleagues made all the difference.
“I had so much love, man. I never felt alone, never felt depressed, because I had this constant barrage of love and support from strangers, from friends, from people I’d never met.”
“I Got So Much Love”
Reflecting on what got him through such a challenging time, Big E emphasized the power of leaning on others.
“When I was going through my mental health struggles in college and beyond, I so often felt like a burden. I didn’t want to lean on others. But we need each other. We forget how much we need each other.”
He pointed out that simple gestures meant the world to him during recovery.
“Every text message, every call—I got so much love. I had so many people reaching out. Even Mustafa Ali sent me a Lego Seinfeld set. The IIconics sent me Edible Arrangements. It didn’t matter what it was—it was the thought that meant everything.”
Big E’s words serve as a reminder that no one has to go through hard times alone.
“We are meant to lean on each other. Life is not always going to be like this. It comes in waves—ups and downs. But when we’re down, having people there to pick us up makes all the difference.”
As Big E continues to explore new ventures in entertainment, including his work with Marvel and WWE’s Raw Classics on Netflix, his message remains clear: Strength isn’t just about muscle—it’s about the community that surrounds and uplifts you.
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