Referee Victoria D\’Errico officiated her first match on the WWE main roster during the February 20 episode of SmackDown.
D\’Errico was assigned to the Kit Wilson vs. Oba Femi match, in which Wilson attempted to stall by refusing to enter the ring and reciting a self-written poem, his \”Ode to Oba Femi.\” D\’Errico ordered the bell to be rung regardless, and Femi ultimately won the match with his finishing move, the Fall From Grace.
The Rhode Island native joined WWE NXT as a referee in November 2024 following a tryout during WrestleMania 40 week in Philadelphia.
She gained widespread attention in July 2025 when she officiated a match at WWE Evolution, the company\’s all-women\’s women\’s premium live event held in Atlanta.
D\’Errico, a former professional boxer, also makes her video game debut in WWE 2K26.
Liv Morgan had a message for Tom Brady. Appearing on the Going Ringside podcast, the 2026 Women\’s Royal Rumble winner addressed Brady\’s recent comments calling WWE \”cute\” and flipped the script with a sharp reversal. She tells host Scott Johnson:
\”I did not pay any mind to it because although a lot of people in WWE are cute, there\’s so much more to WWE than I think people understand and realize,\” Morgan said.
\”No disrespect to any sport out there, but I feel like you can take a WWE star and perhaps put them on the football field and they will make it do. But can you take a football star and put them in a WWE ring, and can they do everything that we do? I don\’t know about that. So I think football is actually kind of cute.\”
The response lands as more than a soundbite. Morgan\’s underlying argument — that WWE demands a unique combination of athleticism, performance, and instinct that no other discipline requires — is one she pressed throughout the interview.
She described what happens when she steps through the curtain as something even she cannot fully explain or predict.
\”Something takes over my body, my brain, and I\’m so in the moment,\” she said. \”I don\’t know what takes over. I don\’t know what comes out of me. It\’s always a surprise to me. Sometimes I impress myself. Sometimes I surprise myself.\”
\’We Are Stronger Than AI\’
The conversation turned toward artificial intelligence after the host referenced Matthew McConaughey\’s concerns about AI\’s encroachment on Hollywood. Morgan was unequivocal.
\”No. You cannot replicate what a WWE superstar does. It is such a unique blend of sport, athleticism, entertainment, acting, music that WWE does uniquely itself. Not even AI can replicate it. Not even the best AI in the world can replicate what we do here at WWE. We are stronger than AI.\”
Post-interview analyst Desireen Joseph of the Shoots and Ladders podcast offered eyewitness testimony that backs Morgan\’s claim. Having seen her work a live crowd up close, Joseph described a moment that illustrates exactly why Morgan\’s instincts cannot be programmed.
\”She spits her gum out into the crowd. It\’s so funny to see the guys fight for the piece of gum,\” Joseph said. \”She\’s constantly interacting with the audience — she feeds into it. She just gets it.\”
Whether she is making Brady look small or making the case against AI, the argument she is making is the same: there is no substitute for what she does.
Morgan capped the segment with an unprompted closer. When the host mentioned McConaughey\’s name one more time, she paused and offered simply: \”I love Matthew McConaughey.\”
Liv Morgan is making it official: she and Raquel Rodriguez want Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion in a WWE ring — and they have wanted it for longer than most people realize. Appearing on the Going Ringside podcast, Morgan revealed that the celebrity call-out is no spontaneous social media moment.
\”This has been our secret hidden agenda for years,\” Morgan said. \”Anytime we get the opportunity, we let the world know that if Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion wanted to come to WWE, they obviously would have to wrestle the best women\’s tag team in the world.\”
Morgan did not leave the claim unsubstantiated. She backed it with a statistical argument that is difficult to dispute.
\”Statistically, Raquel and I are the greatest women\’s tag team in the world. We\’ve held those titles more than any other team ever,\” she said. \”So naturally, Cardi B and Megan should face the best, which is us. And we will go easy on them. We will give them a fighting chance.\”
A Real History with Both Artists
The challenge lands with legitimate context behind it. Cardi B\’s relationship with WWE dates back years, including a hosting role at SummerSlam 2025 and a string of memorable social media exchanges with members of the roster.
Megan Thee Stallion\’s ties to the company are equally established. She serves as the voice of the SmackDown intro theme and has publicly teased a WWE debut of her own.
Morgan and Rodriguez have the credentials to back up the challenge. As a tag team they have held the WWE Women\’s Tag Team Championship on multiple occasions, making them the most decorated pairing in the titles\’ history. The duo has navigated significant individual adversity – Rodriguez\’s Mast Cell Activation Syndrome diagnosis and Morgan\’s shoulder surgery – to remain one of WWE\’s most visible female acts.
Morgan\’s Royal Rumble victory on January 31 has shifted her focus toward a solo world championship at WrestleMania 42, but the tag team aspirations clearly have not gone away. If Cardi or Megan is paying attention, the challenge has been formally issued – and Morgan made clear she is not lowering the bar for either of them.
Ticket sales for WrestleMania 42 continued to slide this week despite WWE\’s recent efforts to course-correct, painting a troubling picture with less than two months to go before the event. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, sales are currently down approximately 19.3% compared to the same point last year. Making matters worse: momentum is moving in the wrong direction.
Despite WWE running a promotional sale last week in an attempt to jumpstart demand, ticket sales actually slowed week-over-week, signaling that discounts alone aren\’t enough to turn the tide.
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Per Wrestletix, approximately 36,000 tickets have been distributed for each of the two nights of WrestleMania 42, which is set for April 18 and 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas — marking the second consecutive year WWE has run its flagship event at the venue.
The stadium is currently configured for roughly 45,000 seats per night, meaning WWE is sitting at well below capacity with weeks still to go.
Why aren\’t WrestleMania 42 tickets selling?
The shortfall is stark when compared to WrestleMania 41. At this same point last year, WWE had sold approximately 10,000 more tickets per night for the event at the same venue, which ultimately drew confirmed attendance figures of 58,538 and 60,103 on the respective nights.
WWE convened a multi-department meeting on February 11 to address the sluggish sales, with all departments tasked with rolling out new promotional strategies.
The company has thus far resisted lowering ticket prices, with the current get-in price sitting at approximately $264–$276 depending on the night, and floor seats running ten times that amount or more.
Critics have pointed to a combination of factors dragging on demand, including high prices, a return to the same city, and a card that has yet to take full shape.
WWE is banking on late-breaking announcements and promotional activity in the coming weeks to fill the remaining seats before Allegiant Stadium opens its doors in April.?
WWE\’s latest round of Performance Center tryouts is underway in Orlando, Florida. The camp includes medical evaluations and in-ring assessments, and features a blend of established independent wrestlers and athletes from non-wrestling backgrounds.
This camp marks WWE\’s second known tryout of 2026, following a January session that drew headlines for John Cena\’s involvement as a promo coach. WWE has signaled plans for significantly more tryouts throughout 2026, with a renewed focus on in-shape independent wrestlers who can work and deliver promos.
No signings from this week\’s camp have been announced, and WWE typically does not confirm offers publicly until contracts are signed. Full participant lists are often not released until after the fact, so additional names may surface on social media in the coming days.
TNA World Champion Mike Santana marked a major personal milestone on Friday, February 20, announcing on social media that he has reached three years of sobriety.?
\”3 YEARS SOBER. 2/16/23 I took the first step to change my life and everyday since, I\’ve been grateful for what this life has given me. THANK YOU to everyone who\’s taken this ride with me the last couple years.\”?
3 YEARS SOBER.
2/16/23 I took the first step to change my life and everyday since, I’ve been grateful for what this life has given me.
Santana began his sobriety journey on February 16, 2023, after a years-long battle with addiction that he has opened up about publicly on several occasions. He has previously shared that his struggles intensified following the death of his father in 2020, and that his daughter\’s heartfelt letter to Santa — in which she expressed concern about his well-being — served as his rock bottom moment and the catalyst for change.?
The milestone comes at the height of Santana\’s professional career. He captured the TNA World Championship at Bound for Glory, defeating Trick Williams, and has since emerged as one of the top stars in the promotion.
Last November, Santana also celebrated reaching 1,000 days clean and sober, calling himself \”living proof of what can happen when you put in the effort.\”
SEScoops congratulates Mike Santana on this incredible personal achievement.
WWE SmackDown airs tonight (Friday, February 20, 2026) from the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, live on Syfy starting at 8 PM ET.
The road to Elimination Chamber continues, with two more Chamber qualifying matches. Here\’s everything you need to know including start times, how to watch, and the full card.
Programming Note: SmackDown is airing on Syfy this week due to USA Network\’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics. International viewers can watch live on Netflix as usual.
How to Watch WWE SmackDown Tonight
Date
Friday, February 20, 2026
Venue
Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, Florida
Channel/Stream
Syfy (US, temporary) / Netflix (International)
US Start Time
8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT
UK Start Time
1 AM GMT (Saturday)
India Start Time
6:30 AM IST (Saturday)
Duration
3 hours
WWE SmackDown Match Card for February 20, 2026
Here are the matches and segments announced for tonight\’s show:
Men\’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Triple Threat Match: Carmelo Hayes vs. Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest
One spot remains in the Men\’s Elimination Chamber match alongside Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, LA Knight, and Je\’Von Evans. United States Champion Carmelo Hayes eyes double championship glory, former NXT teammates Trick Williams and Hayes collide with bad blood between them, and veteran Damian Priest looks to reignite his rivalry with Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42.
Women\’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Triple Threat Match: Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax vs. Kiana James
The final spot in the Women\’s Elimination Chamber match is up for grabs. Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, and Tiffany Stratton have already qualified, and one of these three will join them in Chicago on February 28 with a potential WrestleMania championship opportunity on the line.
Oba Femi vs. Kit Wilson
WWE\’s hottest free agent gets another crack at the pretentious Kit Wilson, who called Femi \”insecure and toxic\” in a personal poem that GM Nick Aldis read aloud on last week\’s show. Femi destroyed Wilson in 48 seconds in their first meeting on February 6 — Wilson will need to do significantly better this time around.
Elimination Chamber 2026 takes place next Saturday, February 28 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Here\’s a roundup of the latest WWE news and rumors for Thursday, February 19, 2026:
WWE 2K26 Creator Fest
WWE hosted the WWE 2K26 Creator Fest today at company headquarters in Stamford, CT. The invite-only event brought together top content creators, influencers, YouTubers, and media personalities from around the world.
CM Punk, Chelsea Green, Paul Heyman, Oba Femi, Trish Stratus, Mariah May, Ethan Page and more were on hand for meet and greets, interviews and hands-on gameplay sessions.
NXT star Sol Ruca is in line for a character enhancement, according to Wrestlevotes. As her star continues to rise, the standout performer will be getting new entrance theme music soon.
New WWE Trademarks
WWE has filed to trademark the names Tristan Angels and Dorian Van Dux, suggesting both names will be used for new characters in the coming months. NXT or Evolve are the most likely destination for these new personas.
In addition to talent names, WWE has also filed trademarks for WWE Domination, WWE Generations, and WWE Eras Collide. It\’s unclear at this time whether these are intended for premium live events, special programming, or other purposes.
Gable Steveson Fights Tonight
Gable Steveson has his third professional MMA fight tonight in Monterrey, Mexico. The Olympic gold medalist and former WWE Superstar will headline Mexico Fight League 3 (MFL 3) against heavyweight veteran Hugo Lezama.
The full show will stream live for free on YouTube, and you can watch at MMA News.
Bad Bunny Match Discussions Ongoing, WrestleMania Singles Bout Unlikely
WWE is actively discussing a match involving Bad Bunny, but per F4WOnline, a singles bout — particularly at WrestleMania — is probably off the table. The most likely scenario would be a tag team match, potentially involving Logan Paul.
Separately, WrestleVotes says that WWE had already been in contact with Bad Bunny\’s representatives well before his Super Bowl performance, gauging his interest and availability for WrestleMania season.
Night of Champions 2026 Targeted for Saudi Arabia
Night of Champions 2026 is tentatively scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia on June 27th, per Bodyslam. As always with Saudi events, the date remains subject to change until officially confirmed.
That\’s all for now. Stay tuned to SEScoops.com for updates as these stories develop, and coverage of the latest WWE news and rumors.
Bianca Belair has shared an update on Instagram following her recent finger surgery, revealing new details about the lengthy ordeal that has kept her out of action for nearly a year.
In a feed post on Wednesday that included a graphic photo from the procedure, the three-time Women\’s Champion wrote that it has been 10 months since her injury, eight months of rehab, and five doctors before she finally underwent surgery this week.
\”And we are FINALLY here. Now I can finally start to put this behind me,\” Belair wrote. \”Thank you so much Dr. Desai for hearing me and fixing me!\”
Belair also opened up about the complexity of the injury.
\”Fingers and JOINTS are complicated, frustrating, confusing, essential… if you don\’t get it… consider yourself lucky and I hope you never have to find out.\”
She originally expected to be out just eight to 12 weeks. Instead, the recovery stretched to 10 months and required consultations with five different doctors before surgery was performed on Monday, February 17.
Belair has previously said the bone healed but her finger wouldn\’t bend, making it impossible to wrestle safely.
What\’s Next for The EST?
Belair began physical therapy just one day after surgery and has already been sharing clips of the rehabilitation.
Her only WWE appearance since the injury was serving as the special guest referee at WWE Evolution in July 2025 for the No Holds Barred match between Jade Cargill and Naomi.
The surgery should rule Belair out of competing at WrestleMania 42 on April 18-19 in Las Vegas. With a typical recovery timeline of two to four weeks for surgery but three to six months for full grip strength, SummerSlam 2026 appears to be a more realistic target for her in-ring return.
SEScoops wishes Bianca Belair a full and speedy recovery.
Royce Keys has revealed the extraordinary measures WWE took to ensure his Royal Rumble 2026 debut remained a complete surprise, including literally hiding him inside the talent hotel in Riyadh.
Speaking to Stephanie McMahon on her What\’s Your Story? podcast, Keys explained that the company placed him in what he described as a \”hidden room\” at the same hotel where the rest of the roster was staying. The goal was to keep him physically close to the venue and talent, but completely out of view of fans, media, and even most wrestlers who didn\’t need to know he was in town.
After a long travel day, Keys — a serious powerlifter — wanted to hit the hotel gym to stay on his routine. He reached out to Triple H to ask if he could use the gym, something that\’s typically a given for talent during pay-per-view weekends.
Keys recalled an awkward silence before Triple H told him point-blank that they didn\’t want him to be seen. The WWE Chief Content Officer reminded him that he was a surprise, making it clear that even a quick gym session could blow the whole angle if fans or cameras caught him in the building.
Workout Gear Delivered to His Room
Instead of risking the surprise, Triple H arranged to have workout equipment delivered directly to Keys\’ hotel room. According to Keys, WWE sent up a bench press, resistance bands, and other training gear so he could get a proper lift in without ever stepping into the public gym area.
All of this was done solely to protect his status as a surprise Rumble entrant until his music hit in front of over 25,000 fans in Riyadh. It underscores just how tightly WWE guarded the secrecy around one of the night\’s biggest moments.
Dark Side of the Ring has shared a teaser on Instagram featuring WWE legend The Big Boss Man, indicating the former corrections officer will be the subject of an upcoming episode of harrowing series.
An Instagram story by the Dark Side account showed production in progress, with a Big Boss Man action figure being filmed and his classic WWE theme music playing.
Big Boss Man debuted in 1985 and quickly rose to fame. He joined the WWF in June 1988, managed by Slick. His gimmick involved handcuffing defeated opponents to the ring rope and beating them with a nightstick.
Traylor held the UWF Heavyweight Championship, the WWF Tag Team Championship with Ken Shamrock, and the WWF Hardcore Championship four times.
Big Boss Man passed away in September 2004. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.
The Dark Side of the Ring has plenty highs and lows to delve into from his time in wrestling, including his infamous Attitude Era segments involving Al Snow\’s beloved dog Pepper, and Big Show\’s father\’s funeral.
Roxanne Perez has revealed the reason for her recent absence from WWE Monday Night Raw, confirming that she underwent surgery to remove a benign mass in her back.
Roxanne Perez says she recently had surgery for a benign mass that was in her back
Perez shared the update in a TikTok video on Tuesday, ending weeks of speculation about why the Judgment Day member had been missing from WWE programming. She had not appeared on Raw since the February 2 episode, where she was put through a table by Women\’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer during a Philadelphia Street Fight.
According to Perez, the mass had been causing her pain for a couple of months, but she was reluctant to take time off.
\”I\’ve been out for about a week now. I recently underwent surgery to remove a benign mass that was in my back that was causing me a lot of pain for a couple of months, but I just didn\’t want to have time off.
The 24-year-old said her recovery is going well and that the pain in her back has mostly subsided.
\”I don\’t have too much pain anymore, it kinda comes and goes. I\’m gonna be back in the ring in no time,\” she added.
Roxanne Perez’s 2026
Prior to the surgery, Perez had earned backstage praise for continuing to compete on WWE\’s Road to Royal Rumble European tour despite being banged up. She competed in the 2026 Women\’s Royal Rumble match on January 31 in Riyadh, entering at number 11 and lasting over 22 minutes before being eliminated by Rhea Ripley.
Earlier this month, Perez shared an Instagram Story showing a care package from her Judgment Day stablemates, which included \”Get Well Soon\” balloons and a handwritten card reading, \”We love you little Roxy! Get well soon. Your family, The Judgment Day.\”
No specific timetable has been given for her return, but with WrestleMania 42 on the horizon, all eyes will be on how quickly \”The Prodigy\” can get back to action on Raw.
Kerwin Silfies, the longtime director behind the vast majority of WWE\’s television programming and special events for over three decades, has passed away at the age of 75.
Per PWInsider.com, who first reported the news, Silfies had been dealing with health issues privately and passed away on Tuesday night. He had been residing in Florida in recent years.
WWE Career
Silfies joined the WWF in 1985 and went on to become one of the most important behind-the-scenes figures in the company\’s history. He served as director on an almost incomprehensible range of programming :from the Saturday Night\’s Main Event specials of the 1980s to WrestleMania, and even WWE\’s first broadcasts in Saudi Arabia. He was at the helm for some of the most iconic moments in professional wrestling history, helping to shape the visual identity of the product that an entire generation grew up watching.
Bruce Prichard has publicly credited Silfies for his exceptional eye for character vignettes, specifically citing the vignettes used to establish Curt Hennig as Mr. Perfect in the late 1980s — one of the most effective character introductions in WWE history.
Silfies\’ run with the company came to an unexpected end during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he was among those furloughed by WWE. He never returned after the furlough, a departure that was widely seen as shocking by those who knew of his decades-long contributions. Marty Miller, who currently directs Raw, stepped in to replace him.
Career Outside Wrestling
Outside of wrestling, Silfies directed The Last Full Measure, a Stacy Keach-narrated documentary on the Battle of Gettysburg released in 2007. He also holds an unusual distinction in WWE lore: his first name served as the inspiration for the Kerwin White character portrayed briefly by Chavo Guerrero in 2005.
Though he deliberately stayed out of the spotlight throughout his career, Silfies did appear in the recent Peacock documentary covering WWE\’s WrestleMania IX.
Silfies leaves behind a legacy that is difficult to overstate. For nearly 35 years, he was the eye behind the camera for WWE\’s most significant moments. His influence on how professional wrestling was presented to the world cannot be understated.
SEScoops extends its condolences to his family, friends, and all those who worked alongside him throughout his remarkable career.
For years, fans have modded AFI\’s \”Miseria Cantare\” into WWE 2K games to recreate CM Punk\’s legendary Ring of Honor entrance. Now, WWE 2K26 is making it official.
According to an exclusive TechRadar interview with 2K\’s MyRise lead, the developer paid to license AFI\’s iconic track for a dedicated 2003 ROH-era version of CM Punk that players can unlock through MyRise mode. It marks the first time \”Miseria Cantare\” has appeared in any officially licensed WWE video game.
\”Miseria Cantare (The Beginning)\” served as Punk\’s entrance theme during his run in Ring of Honor in the early-to-mid 2000s, becoming synonymous with his rebellious, straight-edge persona.
The song returned to the wrestling spotlight at AEW Revolution 2022, when Punk used it for his dog collar match entrance against MJF as a callback to his indie roots.
The moment reminded a new generation of fans just how deeply the AFI track is tied to Punk\’s identity. Its inclusion in WWE 2K26 now bridges his pre-WWE legacy with his current run as World Heavyweight Champion and the game\’s cover star.
2K Goes All-In on CM Punk Authenticity
The Miseria Cantare license is part of a broader commitment to Punk\’s legacy in WWE 2K26. The game features a dedicated Showcase mode titled \”Punked – CM Punk\’s Personal Journey,\” narrated by Punk himself, spanning career highlights, \”What If?\” scenarios, and Fantasy Warfare dream matches.
On top of the Showcase, the unlockable ROH-era Punk with his authentic AFI entrance gives players access to a version of the character that community modders have been building themselves for years. Other MyRise unlocks include Polka Dot Dusty Rhodes.
WWE 2K26 launches March 13, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, with early access beginning March 6 for premium edition buyers. The game boasts a roster of over 400 playable wrestlers, new match types including I Quit and Inferno, and four distinct cover editions.
AEW Double or Nothing 2026 has an official date and location. According to an exclusive report from the New York Post, the pay-per-view is set for Sunday, May 24 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.
The 14,000-plus-seat venue — part of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center — marks AEW\’s first-ever pay-per-view event inside the five boroughs of New York City.
The company has previously hosted Dynamite: Grand Slam at the adjacent Arthur Ashe Stadium from 2021–2024, making this the fifth time AEW has run an event from the complex.
AEW has consistently run pay-per-views in the New York area, with past stops at Nassau Coliseum, UBS Arena, and Prudential Center, but Double or Nothing 2026 will be the first to take place within New York City proper.
MJF Weighs In
AEW World Champion MJF, a Long Island native, spoke to the Post about the significance of an NYC pay-per-view, even if his feelings about the five boroughs are characteristically complicated.
\”When people think of America, when they don\’t live in America, they think of New York,\” MJF said. \”The most famous professional wrestler who ever lived, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, is from New York.\”
MJF, who returns to defend the title against \”Hangman\” Adam Page at AEW Revolution on March 15, expects to still be champion by the time Double or Nothing rolls around.
He captured the belt at Worlds End in December, defeating Page, Samoa Joe, and Swerve Strickland in a four-way match to begin his second AEW World Championship reign.
Tickets and Presale Info
Tickets for AEW Double or Nothing go on sale Monday, March 9 at 10 a.m. ET. Presales begin the week of March 2 at Ticketmaster and AEWTix.com.
SEScoops will have full coverage of Double or Nothing 2026 as the card takes shape in the coming months.
WWE has officially announced Clash in Italy, the company\’s first-ever Premium Live Event in Italy, set for Sunday, May 31 at the Inalpi Arena in Turin. The event will serve as the centerpiece of the WWE European Summer Tour 2026, which spans six countries across nearly four weeks.
Tickets go on sale Thursday, March 13, with a presale beginning Tuesday, March 11. Fans can register for presale access at wwe.com/wweliveeurope.
For the first time ever… Clash in Italy ?? Sunday, May 31 … Turin, Italy Inalpi Arena
The announcement confirms earlier reports that WWE was planning a May 2026 PLE in Turin. At the time, the event name had not been finalized, with Backlash reportedly being used as an internal placeholder. WWE has now settled on the Clash brand, continuing the series that has included Clash in Paris, Clash at the Castle in Glasgow and Cardiff, and the original Clash of Champions events.
Full European Summer Tour Schedule
The tour kicks off in Barcelona on May 29 and runs through June 22, hitting Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. Here are the confirmed dates:
May 29 — Barcelona, Spain (SmackDown) May 31 — Turin, Italy (Clash in Italy PLE) June 1 — Turin, Italy (Raw) June 2 — Strasbourg, France June 3 — Lisbon, Portugal June 4 — Madrid, Spain June 5 — Bologna, Italy (SmackDown) June 6 — Rome, Italy June 7 — Florence, Italy June 8 — Paris, France (Raw) June 22 — London, England (Raw)
The Inalpi Arena, Italy\’s largest indoor venue with a capacity of up to 15,666, was built for the 2006 Winter Olympics and has since hosted the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 and the ATP Finals. The venue has previously hosted WWE live events but never a televised show of this magnitude.
Italy will be well-represented on the tour with four additional stops in Turin, Bologna, Rome, and Florence. The tour also features televised Raw episodes from Turin, Paris, and London, plus a SmackDown from Barcelona and another from Bologna — all airing live on Netflix internationally.
Kevin Nash has issued a public apology after facing widespread backlash for referring to Je\’Von Evans as \”Mr. Bojangles\” during a recent episode of his podcast, though the apology itself is drawing its own share of criticism.
On his Kliq This podcast, Nash praised Evans as an \”incredible athlete\” but said the 21-year-old was \”a little bit too f*cking Mr. Bojangles\” for his taste and expressed a wish that Evans were \”a little bit more urban.\” The remarks were widely condemned as racially stereotypical, particularly given they were directed at a young Black wrestler during Black History Month.
After the backlash intensified on social media, Nash posted a statement to his @RealKevinNash account on X on February 18, writing:
\”I apologize for the use of the term Mr. Bojangles, it was in poor taste and obviously offensive. I just see talent being pushed in a direction that I disagree with. He should be the male version of Sol Ruca. More contemporary than urban. It\’s funny how I\’m usually the only person who pays attention to the development of black talent.\”
Nash\’s statement also included a reference to Uncle Tom, arguing that the literary character is often misunderstood, before pivoting to his critique of how WWE is presenting Evans on the main roster.
How often have you heard the term Uncle Tom? Most likely, it was used in a degrading way. If you've actually read the literature, Uncle Tom was whipped to death for helping free two female slaves. I apologize for the use of the term Mr Bogangles, it was in poor taste and…
The controversy began when clips from Nash\’s podcast circulated online, in which the WWE Hall of Famer discussed Evans\’s presentation. While acknowledging Evans\’s physical abilities, Nash used the term \”Mr. Bojangles\” — a name historically associated with Black minstrel performers — to describe what he saw as an outdated creative direction for the young star.
Nash\’s suggestion that Evans, who officially signed with Raw in January, should be presented as \”more urban\” only added fuel to the fire. Multiple outlets covered the remarks as an example of racial stereotyping, and fans on social media were quick to voice their displeasure.
Apology Draws Mixed Reactions
While Nash acknowledged that his choice of words was offensive, the rest of his statement has been criticized for centering his own perspective on how Black wrestlers should be presented. His comparison of Evans to Sol Ruca, suggesting Evans should be positioned as her male counterpart, and his claim that he is \”usually the only person who pays attention to the development of black talent\” have not gone over great on social media. Many fans feel the statement acknowledges fault, but still includes commentary on how Black wrestlers \”should\” be presented, extending the discourse rather than ending it.
Swerve Strickland has responded to Booker T\’s latest criticism with a sharp, humor-driven clapback — and used the moment to showcase his Reebok Answer 3 \”Swerve\” collaboration sneaker in the process.
On a recent episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T took aim at rising WWE star Je\’Von Evans, suggesting the 21-year-old \”probably grew up watching guys like\” Swerve and needs to \”get rid of those bad habits.\” The comment clearly framed Strickland\’s influence as a negative, a continuation of the WWE Hall of Famer\’s longstanding issues with the former AEW World Champion.
Strickland didn\’t fire back with a lengthy rant. Instead, he turned the dig into a branding opportunity. After a fan joked on social media asking how many pairs of shoes Swerve wore out \”tap dancing\” for WWE, Strickland replied with a photo of his Reebok Answer 3 collaboration and wrote: \”If he needs a new pair he can borrow mine.\”
The response works on multiple levels. It mocks the \”tap dancing\” narrative that\’s often been directed at Black wrestlers, while simultaneously positioning Swerve as the one with the mainstream crossover leverage — a signature sneaker deal with Reebok — and Booker as the one who could use a new pair.
A Feud That Goes Back to AEW Dynasty
The tension between Strickland and Booker T has been building for over a year. During a VladTV interview, Strickland questioned Booker\’s defense of WWE\’s treatment of Black talent, pointing to specific incidents including Vince McMahon using a racial slur in Booker\’s presence. Booker fired back on his podcast, expressing disappointment and saying he had personally spoken to Swerve about his comments.
Things escalated at AEW Dynasty 2025, when Strickland closed the show by telling the Philadelphia crowd \”F*** Booker T.\” Booker called the moment unprofessional, said it overshadowed the pay-per-view itself, and vowed he was done putting Swerve over publicly.
Booker\’s \”bad habits\” line aimed at Je\’Von Evans is the latest shot in that ongoing exchange, and Swerve\’s sneaker-fueled response makes clear he has no intention of letting the rivalry fade. If anything, Strickland seems content to keep flipping Booker\’s criticism into content — turning a veteran\’s jab into a chance to promote his brand while keeping the back-and-forth in the public eye.
Saraya says she followed through on her promise — and 2026 is shaping up to be a big year. Speaking with MuscleManMalcolm on the Muscle Memory podcast at WrestleVerse Anime Fest in Houston, the former WWE and AEW star confirmed she returned to in-ring training in January, teased a packed schedule ahead, and invoked \”NXT Paige\” as the standard she intends to meet.
\”I\’m just trying to get my lick back,\” Saraya said. \”I miss wrestling. I lost my passion for it for a second. I told people months ago I was getting back in the ring in January and I did just that — and I\’m having such a great time.\”
The most pointed moment of the interview came when Saraya raised the bar on what a return would look like.
\”If I was to ever come back to wrestling, I\’ll be better than I was before,\” she said. \”NXT Paige.\”
That\’s a deliberate reference. NXT Paige, the version of the character that captivated fans before her main roster call-up and eventual injury, is widely considered the peak of her in-ring work.
When pressed about what 2026 actually holds, she kept her cards close.
\”2026 is looking really great. I have a busy schedule ahead of me — and that\’s about it. Yeah, that\’s all I\’m giving you.\”
Dream Tag Partners and Her Waffle House Crew
The rapid-fire portion of the interview produced some of the most quotable Saraya moments in recent memory. Asked who she\’d pick as a tag team partner given the current state of the WWE Women\’s Tag Division, she didn\’t hesitate. \”
AJ, baby, of course — my fairy godmother,\” she said, before adding Rhea Ripley as her backup pick with a playful apology: \”If I couldn\’t have my girl AJ, I would pick Rhea Ripley. Sorry. Sorry, G — my steel rock.\”
The Waffle House fight crew question, a fan-favorite recurring bit on the channel, got an equally colorful answer. Saraya went immediately to the Samoans. \”Tamina [Snuka], Nia [Jax] — they got headbutts on them, dude,\” she said, before rounding out the squad with Ripley and a shoutout to a revitalized Natalya.
When the host noted that Natalya \”doesn\’t elevate, she decimates,\” Saraya co-signed without hesitation: \”She decimates, baby. She does.\”
What Fans Mean to Her
The interview\’s most emotionally substantive moment came when Saraya reflected on the feedback she\’s been receiving from fans on the convention circuit. \”A lot of them have been saying stuff about obviously sobriety, which is amazing,\” she said. \”But a lot of guys and girls have said I taught them how to be themselves — and it\’s good to be the weirdo, the misfit, the outcast. Like that promo I did. And that hit home for them.\”
She summed up her motivation simply: \”As long as I can help people be themselves, that\’s all I give a f*** about.\”
Saraya also confirmed her Rule Breakers podcast has wrapped its first season, with Season 2 on the way. She\’s active across X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube — all under the Saraya handle, with the podcast living on its own YouTube channel.
Brett Wolverton, an acclaimed professional wrestling ring announcer and longtime Fox Carolina News chief video editor, has passed away suddenly in Greenville, South Carolina.
A fixture of the Carolinas independent wrestling scene for decades, Wolverton lent his distinctive voice and enthusiastic presence to promotions including NWA Anarchy, PWX, APW, and UCW Greenville, among others. He earned multiple Ring Announcer of the Year honors and the deep respect of fans and peers throughout the region.
Outside the ring, Wolverton devoted more than 20 years to Fox Carolina News, where he was celebrated as a meticulous storyteller behind the camera and a mentor to countless colleagues in the newsroom. Fox Carolina confirmed his sudden passing in a statement on social media, with co-workers describing him as one of the best in the business.
Known for his kindness, professionalism, and unwavering support of the talent he introduced, Wolverton left an indelible mark on both regional broadcasting and independent wrestling. Tributes have poured in from promotions and wrestlers across the Carolinas and beyond.
SEScoops sends our deepest condolences to Brett Wolverton\’s family, friends, co-workers, and the wrestling community he championed.
Brett was such a vital cog of the Carolinas indie scene for two decades…..he was synonymous with the area and it won't be the same without him
The unfortunate part of crossing paths with so many wonderful people in the world of pro wrestling, is that it can't last forever.
Brett Wolverton was humble, kind, thoughtful, and hilarious. I'll always appreciate your friendship, my man. Thank you for being a friend. ??? pic.twitter.com/GIYW2jNKXe
Just heard that PWX ring announcer, Brett Wolverton died. He was such a nice person; I’ve never heard a bad word about him. He was an excellent announcer & made delicious cookies, earning him the nickname, Bretty Crocker.
WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has responded to being voted Worst Television Announcer in the 2025 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Year-End Awards, making it clear that the result isn\’t going to change his approach behind the desk.
The WON awards, voted on by subscribers to Dave Meltzer\’s newsletter, were released on February 13. Booker T received 516 votes in the category, finishing well ahead of Pat McAfee (123), Michael Cole (102), Vic Joseph (45), and Tony Schiavone in the top five.
Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T didn\’t direct his frustration at the voters themselves. Instead, he pointed the finger at Meltzer\’s influence on his readership.
\”I don\’t blame the students. I blame the teachers. I never blame the students, and [Dave] Meltzer got a lot of people that\’s following him that\’s listening to him,\” Booker said.
\”When you got people listening, they\’re willing to agree more than likely to disagree. I understand, but hopefully the people that\’s listening to me maybe wake up a little bit and go, \’Man, what the hell was I thinking about professional wrestling?\’ When you take the fun out of professional wrestling, we\’ve lost it. We really truly have.\”
Booker T has served as the color commentator on NXT alongside Vic Joseph since October 2022, when WWE reshuffled its broadcast teams under Triple H\’s leadership. What was initially expected to be a short-term role has turned into one of the longest tenures on the current commentary roster.
\”For me, I don\’t give a damn what people say. I was supposed to have had this job for three months. It\’s going five years now, so I must be doing something right,\” Booker said. \”I\’m gonna just keep having fun until they tell me, \’Hey, Book, it\’s time for you to go.\’ That\’s what I\’m gonna do.\”
Booker T Recalls Confronting Dave Meltzer
Booker T also used the podcast to reveal details of a heated face-to-face confrontation with Meltzer that took place on the Chris Jericho cruise before the pandemic. According to Booker, the encounter happened after Ric Flair invited him and his wife Sharmell for drinks, and Meltzer happened to be present.
Booker said he took the opportunity to confront Meltzer about quoting him in the Wrestling Observer without ever having spoken to him directly. The exchange became tense enough that one of Meltzer\’s companions suggested they leave, though no physical altercation occurred.
\”I don\’t think it\’s right for a journalist to quote someone when they\’ve never had a conversation with them. He had said negative things before. That was the first time I sat with him, and I didn\’t want to miss the opportunity to say my piece,\” Booker explained. \”But that\’s all it was — two men airing grievances, and one man was really, really hot about it. No bloodshed, nothing like that. I look a man in the eye — I\’m old school. But that was it.\”
The result has drawn strong reactions from within the wrestling industry. AEW World Champion MJF praised Booker T on social media, calling him \”a blueprint\” and crediting his impact on Warner TV as a homegrown star. WWE personality Sam Roberts also pushed back on the vote, arguing that Booker\’s emotional commentary style has helped build NXT talent before they reach the main roster.
.@BookerT5x in a lot of ways is a blueprint to me. A completely homegrown top guy with massive drawing power on Warner TV without having to have worked for McMahon.
If you dislike what he does in the booth, that’s fine.
Eric Bischoff weighed in on the broader WON results as well, questioning the credibility of the voting base on his 83 Weeks podcast. The 2025 awards also named WWE as Worst Promotion of the Year, NXT as Worst Television Show, and John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes as Worst Match of the Year.
Beyond his commentary duties, Booker T continues to run Reality of Wrestling, his Texas-based promotion that serves as an official WWE ID partner and recently expanded with three new television programs.
Bill Goldberg has officially stepped into the business world, being named Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Patriot Tactical, a tactical gear and lifestyle brand based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The announcement comes months after Goldberg wrestled his final match at Saturday Night\’s Main Event in July 2025, where he faced World Heavyweight Champion Gunther in an emotional farewell in his hometown of Atlanta. With his in-ring career now behind him, the WWE Hall of Famer is turning his focus to building a brand in the tactical and preparedness space.
Patriot Tactical specializes in tactical knives, everyday carry (EDC) gear, protective equipment, and training-focused products. As CEO, Goldberg will lead the company\’s national expansion, including new product lines, retail partnerships, and live event activations planned throughout 2026.
\”For me, this isn\’t about putting my name on a brand,\” Goldberg said in the announcement. \”It\’s about building something that stands for strength, discipline, and protecting what matters most. Patriot Tactical is about empowering people — physically, mentally, and strategically. We\’re creating a movement.\”
Before becoming one of the most dominant figures in professional wrestling history, Goldberg played in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams. His new role leans into that same competitive background, with the company emphasizing discipline, preparedness, and community outreach, including veteran-focused initiatives.
\”This is about impact,\” Goldberg added. \”We\’re here to change lives — whether that\’s giving someone the confidence to protect their family, inspiring the next generation to live with discipline, or building a brotherhood of like-minded patriots.\”
Goldberg\’s retirement from the ring last summer closed a legendary career that spanned WCW, WWE, and multiple world championship reigns across four decades. His move into an executive role signals the next chapter for the 58-year-old, who appears intent on channeling his competitive drive into the business world.
Major League Wrestling announced they will return to Philadelphia for the first time in over two years with back-to-back shows on June 12 and 13 at the 2300 Arena.
The two-night event will include tapings for the new season of MLW Fusion and the promotion\’s signature Summer of the Beasts event. Both shows are sponsored by Don Gato Tequila, the brand launched by actor Danny McBride.
Tickets go on sale Friday, February 27 at 10:00 a.m. ET through MLW2300.com, with prices starting at $15.
MLW has announced several talents scheduled to appear including newly crowned MLW World Heavyweight Champion Killer Kross, Shotzi, Matt Riddle, and the CONTRA Unit faction.
The Philadelphia return holds special significance for MLW, as the promotion held its first event Genesis at the 2300 Arena in June 2002.
The June shows will also mark MLW\’s 24th anniversary in the wrestling business.
The event will also feature a special appearance from Don Gato as part of MLW\’s ongoing partnership with the tequila brand.
AEW star Mercedes Moné is standing by her controversial fan text messaging service, pushing back against critics who say the $99 monthly subscription fee is too high.
During an appearance on the We Playin\’ Spades podcast, the CEO of professional wrestling addressed claims that she’s “scamming” her most loyal supporters.
\”I\’m a CEO because there are so many people that say, \’Oh, I\’m talking to you. I\’m messaging you,\’ and they\’re getting scammed,\” Moné said. \”So I\’m like, \’How about you really do talk to me? You talk to the people that you love, but you\’ve got to pay me $99 a month. I\’m texting you whenever I\’m free.\’\”
The former WWE Superstar emphasized that the service is strictly professional and educational in nature.
This ain’t OnlyFans
For $99 a month, what exactly are fans getting? While some former WWE stars have launched adults-only subscription services with ‘NSFW’ content, Moné made it clear that’s not what this is.
\”No sexy stuff. You know, these are just my legit fans. It\’s the Mone crew — the people that love me, that respect me, that want to know about the ins and outs of my day and how I\’m feeling. How is it being a CEO? And I teach them.\”
When asked about the pricing, Moné defended the monthly cost, calling it \”a low price. It\’s very low.\”
The service has drawn mixed reactions from wrestling fans on social media, with some questioning whether the steep monthly fee takes advantage of loyal supporters, while others argue that direct access to a top wrestling star could be worth the premium price for dedicated fans.
Moné has positioned herself as a business-minded performer since joining AEW in 2024, and often reminds fans that “Moné changes everything.”
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