Author: Mike Reichlin

  • MJF Reacts to Anti-ICE Chants on AEW Dynamite

    Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) responded to an anti-ICE chant at AEW Dynamite from the Pearl Theater at the Palms in Las Vegas on February 4, 2026.

    Following his loss to Brody King in the AEW World Championship Eliminator Match, MJF responded to an article from NBC News on social media. Despite NBC’s account of what transpired, MJF maintains that he wasn’t phased by the incident.

    \”The world champion wasn\’t startled. He\’s better than you and you know it.\”

    https://x.com/the_mjf/status/2019500036892291515?s=46

    Fans erupted with \”F— ICE\” chants before the match began, targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Referee Bryce Remsburg deliberately delayed ringing the bell to let the sustained chant resonate across the live TBS and HBOMAX broadcast.

    King earned his AEW World Championship opportunity and after Hangman Adam Page distracted the champion and allowed for King to score the quick surprise submission win.

    After the non-title win, Brody King will challenge MJF again for all the marbles next weekend at AEW Grand Slam: Australia on February 14, 2026, in Sydney.

  • Seth Rollins and MJF Spotted Together at Super Bowl Radio Row

    WWE Superstar Seth Rollins and AEW World Champion MJF were spotted having a conversation at Super Bowl radio row on Thursday. As seen in this footage courtesy of Justin Lacertosa, the two had a warm interaction fit with a mock stare down, a handshake and an embrace.

    https://x.com/lacertosasports/status/2019510353202405756?s=46

    Both men have been outspoken figures in their respective promotions and have occasionally referenced each other in interviews and on social media.

    Super Bowl radio row has become a popular destination for celebrities and athletes from various sports and entertainment fields.

    Wrestlers have increasingly made appearances at the event in recent years as part of broader media tours and promotional activities. Rollins already has a foot in the world of the NFL, serving as an analyst for the Rich Eisen Show and Netflix

    Despite the tribalistic nature of the competing companies’ fanbases, wrestlers from WWE and AEW maintain friendships behind the scenes and are laughing all the way to the bank.

  • MLW Fusion New Season Taping Set for Sold-Out Chicago Show

    Major League Wrestling has confirmed that this Saturday\’s sold-out event at Cicero Stadium in Chicago will serve as an official television taping for the new season of MLW Fusion, the promotion\’s flagship series that has been off the air since December 2023.

    The February 7 event — originally announced as \”Lucha Apocalypto\” — marks the first Fusion taping of 2026 and the show\’s first new content in over two years. MLW had announced the Fusion revival on January 20, though this Saturday\’s taping comes ahead of the previously announced March 14 taping in Atlanta.

    The taping carries significant storyline weight following Battle Riot VIII, which airs today (February 5) on MLW\’s YouTube.

    Chicago Remains MLW\’s Hottest Market

    Saturday\’s sellout marks the fourth consecutive sold-out event at Cicero Stadium since 2024.

    MLW has already announced a return to Cicero Stadium on November 7, with tickets going on sale February 9. Fans attending Saturday will receive exclusive early access to those tickets.

    MLW Fusion previously aired on beIN Sports and YouTube. Broadcast details for the 2026 season have not yet been confirmed.

    The promotion has also announced an upcoming Fusion taping in New York City, with tickets going on sale February 13.

    Visit sescoops.com/tickets for more information.

  • Real American Beer Removes Hulk Hogan From Packaging in Rebrand

    Real American Beer has unveiled a completely redesigned packaging that removes Hulk Hogan\’s image from its cans, marking a major shift for the brand the late wrestling legend co-founded in June 2024.

    The company announced the rebrand on February 4, 2026, alongside a milestone of 10 million cans sold in just 18 months. The original cans featured a retro design with Hogan waving an American flag, which has been replaced by a sleeker, more modern look built around the new taglines \”200% American\” and \”HITS DIFFERENT.\”

    Golden Ticket Promotion Honors Hogan\’s Legacy

    To mark the final run of the original Hogan-branded cans, Real American Beer is launching a \”Golden Ticket\” sweepstakes. Fifty golden tickets will be placed inside remaining 12-packs still on store shelves. Winners will receive a beer can signed by Hogan and be entered into additional drawings for cash prizes worth up to $5,000.

    The company confirmed that special edition Hulk Hogan cans will still be produced in the future, similar to the \”Hulkamania Forever\” collectible can released in partnership with WWE following Hogan\’s passing.

    Brand Evolves Beyond Its Founder

    Hogan passed away in July 2025 at age 71 from a heart attack connected to leukemia. CEO Terri Francis, a former Anheuser-Busch InBev executive, has since led the company\’s growth alongside co-founder Chad Bronstein.

    \”We aren\’t following the legacy beer playbook of simply buying ad spots; we are building an integrated media and lifestyle ecosystem,\” Bronstein said in a press release.

    The relaunch also includes a reformulated product profile with 99 calories, 3.9 grams of carbs, and 4.2% ABV through a new brewing partnership. Real American Beer has expanded from 20 states at the time of its WWE partnership announcement in January 2025 to 30 states currently.

    What\’s Next for Real American Beer

    The new Visual Brand Identity is expected to roll out nationwide during Q1 and Q2 of 2026. WWE remains a minority owner of the brand, with the Real American Beer logo continuing to appear on Monday Night Raw ring mat corners on Netflix. The company also teased a major entry into a new product category later this quarter.

    Real American Beer also serves as the official beer of Real American Freestyle, the competitive wrestling league airing on FOX that Hogan helped create before his death, and is the title sponsor of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

  • Mercedes Moné Returns to Wrestling in March

    Mercedes Moné is set to make her return to professional wrestling at Banger Zone Wrestling\’s (BZW) APOGÉE event on March 14, marking her first appearance since losing the AEW TBS Championship on New Year\’s Eve.

    Moné\’s last match was her TBS Championship loss to Willow Nightingale on December 31, 2025, which ended her record-breaking 584-day championship reign.

    Following the loss, she announced a hiatus, and said she\’ll be collecting \”more than just titles\” when she returns.

  • Adam Pearce Blasts Racism on Facebook

    WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce has taken a stance against the racist comments he\’s seen on his Facebook page.

    Pearce shared a throwback image of himself as NWA World Heavyweight champion, giving the middle finger, accompanied by a clear message:

    Your response, should you have one at all, to MY statement that racism is not allowed on MY Facebook page should be acknowledgement. Period.

    I do not care if you agree.

    I do not care if you don’t.

    I do not care about “yeah but…”.

    I do not care about “what about…”.

    I do not care about “but your boss…”.

    I do not care about “but your job…”.

    If your mind jumps to any topic other than “I will not allow racism on MY Facebook page”, you’ve missed the point…either by choice or by dipshit.

    IN SUMMATION: I, Adam Pearce, will not tolerate racism on MY Facebook page.

    Happy Hump Day. I now await comments that make me silently thank you for watching our television programs.?

    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Jw7DUpgrq

    What caused this?

    Pearce\’s Facebook message didn\’t come out of nowhere. In the days prior, the WWE Raw General Manager had publicly defended Bad Bunny, who has become the latest lightning rod in America\’s culture wars after a historic week.

    Bad Bunny\’s Grammy win for Album of the Year, the first ever for a fully Spanish-language project, was accompanied by an acceptance speech championing immigrant rights and a ceremony where stars wore \”ICE out\” buttons in protest of immigration raids.

    The moment immediately reignited backlash from conservative commentators, some of whom had already been attacking Bad Bunny\’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime slot by arguing the show should be performed in English and that the Puerto Rican artist, a U.S. citizen, \”isn\’t American enough.\”

    Critics and fans alike have labeled that rhetoric as thinly veiled racism and xenophobia, noting it reduces Spanish-speaking identity to something inherently foreign.

    Pearce\’s decision to wade into the debate drew enough vitriol to his personal page that he felt compelled to draw a clear line, a reminder that the intersection of wrestling, pop culture, and politics can get ugly fast when questions about who counts as \”American\” are on the table.

  • Drew McIntyre Spotted Filming at WWE HQ

    Drew McIntyre, WWE\’s reigning Undisputed champion, was recently seen at being filmed at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.

    According to PWInsider, McIntyre was at the company\’s main offices, potentially preparing new content following his recent high-profile championship victories. He\’s racked up a string of impressive wins, including the dramatic Three Stages of Hell Match to reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship, and his successful title defense against Sami Zayn at Royal Rumble.

    McIntyre has his hands full, as the champion typically does. He\’s still making Cody Rhodes\’ life hell, including a screwjob elimination of the American Nightmare at the Royal Rumble. Cody will confront McIntyre this Friday on SmackDown.

    Aside from Cody Rhodes, who wants his title back, McIntyre\’s other enemy, CM Punk, actually wants him to hold on to the gold (for selfish reasons):

  • TNA iMPACT Preview February 5, 2026: No Surrender, Trey Miguel

    TNA Thursday Night iMPACT airs tonight from the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the road to No Surrender runs through every match on the card. With TNA\’s next special event just eight days away on February 13, tonight\’s show carries real weight as the promotion looks to build its lineup for the Nashville pay-per-view.

    Daria Rae Addresses No Surrender

    TNA Director of Operations Daria Rae is set to address No Surrender tonight, and all eyes will be on what The S.U.I.T. has to announce. As of now, the No Surrender card remains empty, making tonight\’s segment critical for establishing the direction of the event. With TNA World Champion Mike Santana riding momentum after retaining at Genesis and Nic Nemeth still holding his Call Your Shot Trophy, expect fireworks when Rae takes the mic.

    Trey Miguel in Action

    Trey Miguel returns to singles competition tonight after officially re-signing with TNA. Miguel won a TNA International Championship opportunity during last week\’s Feast or Fired briefcase reveal, making him a looming threat to champion Channing \”Stacks\” Lorenzo. His opponent tonight has not been announced, but with No Surrender on the horizon, Miguel could use a strong showing to build his case for cashing in sooner rather than later.

    Tag Team Match: Elijah & Jada Stone vs. Order 4 (Mustafa Ali & Tasha Steelz)

    The war between Elijah and Mustafa Ali continues as Elijah teams with Jada Stone to take on Order 4\’s Ali and Tasha Steelz. This rivalry has escalated in dramatic fashion over the past several months, dating back to their one-on-one clash at Genesis where Ali picked up the win. With Order 4 members John Skyler, Jason Hotch, and Special Agent 0 expected at ringside, the numbers game could once again play a factor.

    Six-Woman Tag: Léi Y?ng Lee, Xia Brookside & Indi Hartwell vs. The Elegance Brand

    TNA Knockouts World Champion Léi Y?ng Lee teams with Xia Brookside and Indi Hartwell to face the full force of The Elegance Brand — Ash by Elegance, Heather by Elegance, and M by Elegance. Ash has been medically cleared for this bout, adding another layer of danger for the babyface trio. The Elegance Brand are coming off a successful TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship defense on this week\’s NXT, where they retained after Sol Ruca accidentally hit Zaria with the Sol Snatcher. The champions will look to carry that momentum into tonight.

    Tessa Blanchard in Action

    Tessa Blanchard steps back into the spotlight tonight with something to prove. The former TNA World Champion\’s opponent has not been announced, but Blanchard has been on a steady run since returning to TNA, picking up victories over Indi Hartwell and Rachel Ley in recent weeks. As No Surrender approaches, Blanchard will be looking to position herself for bigger opportunities in the Knockouts Division.

    The Righteous in Action

    The Righteous (Vincent and Dutch) are also set to compete tonight as part of their new mission alongside The Hardys. After their dramatic introduction at Final Resolution and their confrontation with the TNA World Tag Team Champions, Vincent and Dutch continue to establish themselves as a formidable tag team. Their opponents have not been announced, but the duo will look to send a message with No Surrender looming.

    Looking Ahead

    • What matches will Daria Rae announce for No Surrender on February 13 in Nashville?
    • Will Trey Miguel make his move toward cashing in his Feast or Fired International Championship opportunity?
    • Can Elijah and Jada Stone overcome the numbers advantage of Order 4?
    • How will The Elegance Brand\’s NXT title retention factor into their clash with the Knockouts Champion\’s team?
    • Is Nic Nemeth any closer to calling his shot against Mike Santana for the TNA World Championship?

    TNA iMPACT airs Thursday at 9 PM ET on AMC, AMC+, and TNA+.

  • CM Punk Confirms WrestleMania 42 Main Event vs Roman Reigns

    CM Punk officially confirmed his WrestleMania 42 main event against Roman Reigns during an appearance on the No Contest Wrestling podcast, marking the first time the champion has publicly addressed the historic matchup.

    \”I think we can officially announce here,\” Punk said. \”I got this word from inside sources, CM Punk versus Roman Reigns is officially the main event of WrestleMania 42, which means you are the main event of night two.\”

    No Added Pressure for Night Two

    When asked about the pressure of closing WrestleMania on night two versus his night one main event last year against Seth Rollins, Punk took a measured approach.

    \”I currently don\’t feel any more pressure to perform night two than I did night one,\” Punk explained. \”Now, maybe that\’ll change. I think if it does, it\’ll be incremental. I don\’t differentiate between the two.\”

    He acknowledged the ongoing debate among fans about which night matters more, referencing a promo where he once claimed night one was superior.

    \”People will argue that I once said in a promo, which doesn\’t make it real life, ladies and gentlemen. God, they\’re the easiest ones to work. I got you right here in the palm of his hand.\”

    Everything Has Prepared Him for This Moment

    Punk reflected on how his entire career has led to these WrestleMania opportunities.

    \”Really everything that I\’ve ever done in my career has prepared me for these moments. This is all I ever wanted,\” he said. \”When I would be screaming at Vince, I need the experience. I need to level up. I can\’t be better. I can\’t sell more tickets. I can\’t draw more money if you don\’t put me in those situations.\”

    The champion dismissed critics who claimed his night one main event last year didn\’t count because it wasn\’t on night two.

    \”Now you\’ve got night two. Nobody can say anything to you,\” host TJ suggested. Punk\’s response was pragmatic: \”Hasn\’t happened yet. They\’re always going to say something.\”

    WrestleMania 42 takes place April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, with Punk defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns in what promises to be one of the biggest matches in WWE history.

  • CM Punk Wants Drew McIntyre to Keep WWE Title

    CM Punk hasn\’t been shy about his hatred for Drew McIntyre, but the World Heavyweight Champion made a surprising admission during the No Contest Wrestling podcast: he\’s actually rooting for Drew to keep the Undisputed WWE Championship.

    \”I hope he loses the title because that\’ll be painful for him,\” Punk said. \”But there\’s also part of me that\’s just like, man, if he holds on to it, if he can hold on to it until our next Crown Jewel event and then it\’s me and Drew, I would love nothing more than pinning him again.\”

    Getting a Kick Out of Torturing Drew

    When asked directly if he enjoys tormenting McIntyre, Punk didn\’t hesitate. The hosts noted that as soon as Drew won the WWE title, it seemed the World Heavyweight Championship shifted to being perceived as the number one title in the company.

    \”I love Cody. I wish he was still champ,\” Punk said with a laugh. \”I wish he won the Royal Rumble. He could have picked me. He could have had an all-time WrestleMania match.\”

    Despite the ongoing animosity, Punk acknowledged McIntyre\’s abilities. \”You have to appreciate Drew McIntyre, right? He can\’t win,\” Punk said, referring to Drew\’s inability to get one over on him.

    With Roman Reigns set to challenge Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42, the question remains whether Drew McIntyre will still be champion by the time Crown Jewel rolls around for Punk\’s dream rematch.

  • Thunder Rosa\’s Wrestling Return Announced

    Thunder Rosa is making her highly anticipated in-ring return at Riot Cabaret Pro Wrestling\’s Thunderwall event on April 28, 2026, where she will compete in a championship title unification bout against Alexxis Falcon.

    Rosa currently holds the Riot Cabaret Women\’s Championship, a title she has maintained since October 2024.

    Thunder Rosa\’s has been out of action since July 2025, when she competed in the Casino Gauntlet match at AEW All In Texas. Following that event, she announced a hiatus due to an undisclosed injury.

    Throughout the fall, she provided updates on her recovery. In November, she made clear that her health was her top priority, saying \”given the circumstances right now, I can\’t be in the ring. So, people have to move on… for me right now, my health is super important for the rest of my career.\” (Masks, Mats and Mayhem)

  • Becky Lynch Goes Dark Amid Royal Rumble Crashout

    Becky Lynch has had enough. Big Time Becks\’ erratic social media took another strange turn on Wednesday, with the announcement that she is taking a break.

    She cites \”the events of the weekend\” – referencing her dramatic elimination from the Royal Rumble, and subsequent controversy surrounding her potential WrestleMania 43 appearance in Riyadh.

    \”After the events of this weekend, I\’ve decided to take a social media break. Please respect my privacy at this time.\”

    – BTB

    Losing Her Grip?

    Since losing the Women\’s Intercontinental Championship to Maxxine Dupri in November 2025, Becky Lynch has leaned fully into an unhinged heel persona on social media.

    \”The Man\” has flooded her platforms with accusations that \”Adam \’Paranoid\’ Pearce (Worst GM in the HISTORY of the WWE)\” conspired against her, complaints about \”Absolute Joke\” AJ \”Loser\” Lee lacking a proper manager\’s license, and supposed \”evidence\” that Dupri\’s victory was illegitimate.

    After regaining the title in January via her own questionable tactics, Lynch pivoted to gloating and going after anyone who questioned her controversial win. Targets have included Michael Cole (\”Michael \’Misinformation\’ Cole\” and Michael Coleslaw) Busted Open\’s \”DERANGED DAVE LAGRECA\” and Peter \”RUDE ROSENBERG.\”

    Update: One more thing..

    Well that lasted an hour.

  • Liv Morgan Opens Up About Royal Rumble Win, WrestleMania Plans & Dominik Mysterio

    Liv Morgan sat down with TMZ Sports following her historic Royal Rumble victory, opening up about everything from her WrestleMania championship plans to her unshakeable trust in Dominik Mysterio.

    The wide-ranging interview saw Morgan reflect on her journey to the top of WWE, her mindset heading into the biggest match of her career, and an emotional revelation about her late father connection to professional wrestling.

    Savoring the Royal Rumble Win

    Morgan admitted she was so caught up in the moment after winning the Royal Rumble that she forgot one of wrestling most iconic traditions.

    \”I really like savored it. I savored it so much that I forgot to point to the WrestleMania sign,\” Morgan said.

    Immediately after her victory in Saudi Arabia, Morgan called the two most important people in her life.

    \”I called my mom and I called Dominik right away and FaceTimed them both and celebrated,\” she revealed, before flying to Philadelphia to decompress.

    WrestleMania Championship Plans

    When asked about her WrestleMania plans, Morgan remained coy about which title she will pursue but left no doubt about the outcome.

    \”I am going to walk out of WrestleMania a champion. Which one? I do not know. But I will walk out of WrestleMania a champion,\” Morgan declared.

    A third championship reign would carry special significance for the Women World Champion.

    \”Oo, solidifies. I am the greatest women world champion of all time,\” Morgan said, noting that three is her favorite number.

    Trust in Dominik Mysterio

    Morgan addressed her relationship with Dominik Mysterio and the trust between them, dismissing any concerns about loyalty within The Judgment Day.

    \”I accept Daddy Dom exactly how he is. And so that why we do not worry about those things,\” Morgan stated.

    She also clarified the power structure within The Judgment Day, pushing back on the notion of a hierarchy.

    \”There actually is no leaders of The Judgment Day. We are all equals,\” Morgan explained, adding that new members are recruited when the group sees \”something special in someone.\”

    Friendship with Raquel Rodriguez

    Despite eliminating Raquel Rodriguez to win the Royal Rumble, Morgan emphasized that their friendship remains stronger than any title opportunity.

    \”We are so much stronger than fighting over a title opportunity,\” Morgan said, explaining their bond was forged through shared struggles including Raquel illness and Liv own shoulder surgery.

    Handling Criticism

    Morgan addressed how she handles outside criticism with characteristic confidence.

    \”If you are not like my boss… I respectfully do not care about what you have to say or what your opinion is,\” she said.

    When asked if she feels ready for the increased pressure that comes with potentially winning another championship, Morgan response was definitive: \”I was born ready.\”

    Life Outside the Ring

    Morgan shared details about her life as a traveling WWE Superstar, including her carry-on essentials: gear, character outfits, accessories, books, notebooks, chopsticks, moisturizers, and under-eye patches.

    When she returns home to her 7-acre property she calls \”Wonderland,\” Morgan prioritizes rest and recharging.

    \”I love to recharge my battery. And so when I come home, like I know I am not leaving my house,\” she said, joking that her animals were \”mad\” at her for being away.

    WWE Is Home

    Looking at her long-term future, Morgan expressed deep loyalty to WWE.

    \”WWE is my home. Um, I know, you know, everyone says that, but I started when I was 20 years old. WWE has taught me so much,\” Morgan said, adding that she cannot envision her life without the company.

    Emotional Connection to Her Late Father

    In the interview most emotional moment, Morgan revealed a discovery that added new meaning to her wrestling journey.

    \”To find out… that my dad also loved WWE so much… it just made me feel like another connection to him that I did not have before,\” Morgan shared, explaining she learned years into her career that her late father was a huge WWE fan.

    Bond with the WWE Universe

    Morgan credited her fans for playing an instrumental role in her success, noting their shared journey from her earliest days.

    \”They have seen me just go from just starting in this business… to 10, 11 years later, making my way to the very top of the company,\” she said.

    She believes fans feel \”vindicated\” for supporting her through difficult times and expressed immense gratitude for their loyalty.

    \”I am so grateful because… I know I have a special connection with the WWE Universe.\”

    Advice for Aspiring Wrestlers

    Morgan offered words of wisdom for those pursuing their dreams in wrestling or any field.

    \”I really believe if you stick with it, it will pay off eventually at the end of the day,\” she said, emphasizing perseverance, positive thinking, and patience. \”If you truly desire success, you will outlast whatever circumstances come your way.\”

    Morgan also shared her philosophy on staying grounded amid the constant forward momentum of the wrestling business.

    \”I am really trying to just like settle in the moment and be grounded and be grateful,\” she said, acknowledging that the industry focus on \”what is next\” can lead to missing out on appreciating current achievements.

  • WWE 2K26 Ringside Pass Sparks Backlash Over Grind System

    WWE 2K26 is implementing a major change to its downloadable content model with the introduction of the Ringside Pass system, which replaces the traditional Season Pass approach used in previous games.

    The new system features both free and premium tiers, with players earning Ringside Experience Points (RXP) across various game modes to unlock rewards. Unlike previous WWE 2K titles where DLC characters were immediately accessible upon purchase, the Ringside Pass requires players to progress through tiers to unlock content. Online custom lobbies do not reward RXP.

    5 Things to Know About WWE 2K26 Ringside Pass

    1. Battle Pass Format: Six seasons release every seven weeks from March through October, each with 40 tiers offering 120 total rewards (60 free, 60 premium).

    2. Earn Through Gameplay: Win matches across Play Now, Universe, MyRISE, Showcase, MyGM, MyFACTION, and The Island to earn RXP. Requires online connection.

    3. DLC Characters Unlock Progressively: First DLC superstar unlocks automatically, three more unlock in tiers 1-20. Four new superstars per season totaling 24+ characters.

    4. Seasons Never Expire: Switch between active seasons anytime. Complete Season 1, jump to Season 2, or go back and forth freely.

    5. Supercharger Retired: WWE Legends previously sold separately are now free in Season 1, unlockable just by playing.

    How the Ringside Pass Works

    Each Ringside Pass season contains 120 total rewards split across 40 tiers. The free track offers 60 rewards including in-game unlockable superstars and legends previously available through the paid WWE 2K Supercharger feature. The premium track provides an additional 60 rewards, including four brand-new DLC superstars not available in the base roster, along with Create-a-Superstar parts, Island taunts, personas, and more.

    Players earn RXP by competing in matches across most game modes, requiring an online connection. Game modes that award RXP include Play Now, Universe, MyRISE, Showcase, MyGM, MyFACTION, and The Island. Players can also earn RXP through online matchmaking, though custom online lobbies do not reward progression. Winning matches grants more RXP than losing, while completing challenges—some repeatable and others one-time milestone rewards—provides extra RXP to accelerate leveling.

    The first DLC superstar in each premium season unlocks automatically upon purchase, while the remaining three become available within the first 20 tiers. Tiers 21-40 typically feature persona characters and other customization content. Players who purchase the premium track can optionally buy tier skips for immediate access to rewards, though 2K has not disclosed pricing for this feature.

    Community Response and Concerns

    The Ringside Pass announcement has generated significant backlash from the WWE 2K community. The official WWE Games announcement post on X accumulated over 200,000 views but drew 225 quote tweets and 443 replies, with top critical responses garnering hundreds to thousands of likes.

    https://x.com/mikestrawmedia/status/2019129334418866664?s=46

    The primary complaint centers on players purchasing premium editions priced between $100-$150 still needing to grind through tiers or pay additional money for tier skips to access DLC content they\’ve already purchased.

    Many fans view this as \”double-dipping\” where they pay for content upfront but must either invest significant time or spend more money to actually use it.

    https://x.com/whatsthestatus/status/2019105859624689840?s=46

  • Tony Khan Expects Britt Baker to Return to AEW

    AEW President Tony Khan addressed Britt Baker’s absence from programming during an appearance on the Battleground podcast, confirming he expects the former AEW Women’s World Champion to return while declining to provide a specific timeline.

    “I really like Britt (Baker) a lot and I think there’s so many exciting things happening in the women’s division so, Britt’s somebody I really like and respect a lot and definitely think as we’ve evolved with more tag teams and singles wrestling opportunities now across multiple shows, now that we have four hours of TV with Dynamite and Collision, I think there’s gonna be more and more opportunities,” Khan said.

    “You’re seeing I’m signing a lot more young wrestlers and Britt’s still somebody very highly regarded and respected here in AEW so, I would expect to see Britt back in AEW. I just don’t wanna say when.”

    Baker has been absent from AEW television since September 2024, fueling speculation about her future with the company.

    Khan emphasized the women’s division’s evolution with expanded programming across Dynamite and Collision, suggesting increased opportunities for Baker upon her return.

    “It’ll be a good thing for everybody when Britt returns and I think it’s gonna be very, very good in terms of, for AEW right now, when you look at how the roster has evolved, there’s more and more fresh matches,” Khan added.

    While Khan’s comments provide optimism about Baker’s AEW future, the lack of a concrete timeline ensures her eventual return will remain a topic of conversation.

    You can watch Khan’s appearance on the Battleground podcast here:

  • CM Punk Addresses AJ Styles\’ Retirement Status

    CM Punk added fuel to the fire surrounding AJ Styles\’ wrestling future during his February 4th appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, though he stopped short of providing any concrete answers.

    When asked about whether Styles has retired from professional wrestling or simply finished his time with WWE, Punk offered a cryptic response that\’s sure to intensify speculation.

    \”Who knows? I don\’t know. I know what he told me behind the scenes, which is nobody else\’s business,\” Punk stated.

    The comment comes amid ongoing uncertainty about Styles\’ status with WWE. The Phenomenal One\’s future has been a hot topic among wrestling fans in recent weeks, with questions swirling about whether he\’s stepping away from the ring entirely or exploring options outside of WWE.

    Punk\’s acknowledgment that he has inside information, while refusing to share it, only deepens the mystery.

  • Ricochet Triples Down on ‘WWE Tarnishes Legacies’ Remarks

    Ricochet isn’t backing down from his explosive comments about WWE damaging his wrestling career. The AEW International Champion took to Twitter on Wednesday to defend and expand on his controversial remarks, claiming WWE similarly impacted other top talents.

    “Same thing happens to Balor, Shinsuke, Apollo and many others. WWE kills legacies and love of the sport. It’s what they do best.”

    https://x.com/kingricochet/status/2019102855500873879?s=46

    He went further, portraying the world’s top wrestling promotion as a place that hoards and dumbs down generational talents.

    “I do feel this way. And MANY others do as well. That company kills the love and you end up being a shell of who you were and going through the motions.”

    When asked why he didn’t leave WWE sooner, Ricochet says it wasn’t for a lack of trying.

    “I tried to quit. They didnt give me my release. They didnt want me to leave.”

    https://x.com/kingricochet/status/2019109254943371670?s=46

    How we got here

    The controversy stems from Ricochet’s recent appearance on the Mark Hoke Show, where he compared his five-year WWE main roster run to the Thanos snap in Marvel films.

    “That five years was like being blipped away into a different universe. And it just wasn’t what I was doing. It wasn’t me,” he explained.

    Ricochet called his 2019 RAW call-up alongside Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, and Aleister Black “the worst thing that happened to Ricochet’s wrestling career,” adding:

    “That five years really tarnished Ricochet’s wrestling legacy.”

    Despite acknowledging he met his wife and made memories in WWE, Ricochet maintains the creative direction damaged his in-ring reputation, contrasting it with his AEW experience:

    “Coming to AEW and finding that love, it’s like when Tony Stark finally defeated Thanos and all the people came back.”

  • Tony Khan Calls AJ Styles \’One of the All-Time Greats\’

    Tony Khan has shared his thoughts on AJ Styles following the WWE veteran\’s recent retirement, calling him \”one of the all-time greats\” in professional wrestling.

    Speaking with Josh Martinez on the Superstar Crossover podcast, the AEW President praised Styles\’ career achievements across multiple promotions.

    \”AJ Styles is absolutely a fantastic wrestler. He\’s one of my favorites and I think he\’s had an amazing career all over the world. Some of my favorite stuff is when AJ Styles was in New Japan Pro Wrestling. His match with Minoru Suzuki is one of my personal favorites. He had a great alliance with the Bullet Club at that time. I consider him to be one of the all-time greats.\”

    Tony Khan on AJ Styles

    Khan acknowledged Styles\’ worldwide impact on the industry, particularly his time in Japan where he held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

    Styles\’ Bullet Club run from 2014-2016 is widely credited with helping elevate New Japan Pro Wrestling\’s international profile, paving the way for the current era of cross-promotional partnerships.

    While Styles was competing for WWE long before AEW\’s launch, but he\’s got history with a lot of AEW\’s top stars, and Ring of Honor.

  • Tony Khan Reflects on Powerhouse Hobbs\’ WWE Jump

    Powerhouse Hobbs has officially transitioned from AEW to WWE, and AEW President Tony Khan has shared his perspective on the wrestler\’s departure.

    Speaking in a recent interview, Khan reflected on Hobbs\’ tenure, noting his significant contributions during his time as an All Elite performer.

    \”Well, I think Powerhouse Hobbs had a great run here in AEW. He started wrestling here in Jacksonville, where I am now, had some great matches, and became a champion in AEW.\”

    Tony Khan on Powerhouse Hobbs joining WWE

    Hobbs, who debuted as Royce Keys at the 2026 Royal Rumble, leaves behind a notable AEW career that included championships and memorable storylines. His final AEW run saw him win the AEW World Trios Championship with Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata.

    Khan\’s respectful comments echo the sentiment that we\’ve reported, that AEW made a strong play to keep Hobbs, he respectfully chose the WWE path and they left things on good terms.

  • Andrade All In on AEW: Aims to Solidify Legacy and Retire a Legend

    Ahead of his showdown with Kenny Omega tonight on AEW Dynamite, Andrade El Idolo has expressed his hope to make All Elite Wrestling his home, and cement his legacy in the promotion.

    On Tuesday, Andrade responded to a fan on Twitter mocking how frequently he\’s left and returned to WWE and AEW, comparing him to Alberto El Patron, who has a similar history of short runs.

    \”I would like to retire here! I\’m not kidding. I\’m here to contribute to the company, and I\’m here to become one of the greats of AEW.\”

    Andrade El Idolo on AEW

    Andrade\’s tumultuous past few years

    Andrade El Idolo has become professional wrestling\’s ultimate journeyman, now settling into his second stint with AEW after a remarkably chaotic period bouncing between promotions.

    The 36-year-old Mexican star first joined AEW in June 2021 before departing at the end of 2023 to return to WWE, debuting as the fourth entrant in the 2024 Royal Rumble. His second WWE run ended abruptly in September 2025 when he was fired due to reported numerous Wellness Policy violations.

    Andrade made a surprise return to AEW on October 1, 2025, attacking Kenny Omega and joining the Don Callis Family, but was immediately pulled from television after WWE sent a cease-and-desist letter claiming he had violated a non-compete clause.

    Back in AEW for good and out for gold

    After his lawyers negotiated an early exit from the non-compete agreement in late December, Andrade officially returned on the January 7, 2026 episode of Dynamite alongside the Don Callis Family, and made his in-ring return on January 17 at Collision: Maximum Carnage, defeating Angélico in a squash match.

    Now back in AEW for good, El Idolo has declared his intention to win the AEW World Championship, stating that Don Callis brought him to the company specifically to put him in the title picture.

  • TNA Stars Daria Rae, Mara Sade Join \’Paper Made\’ Film

    TNA Wrestling stars Daria Rae (Sonya Deville) and Mara Sade (Jakara Jackson) have been cast in the upcoming martial arts action film \’Paper Made\’, according to Deadline\’s Andreas Wiseman.

    The film, directed by Ryan Watson, tells the story of a student who joins a secret fraternity of Black martial artists at a fictional HBCU.

    The TNA General Manager and Knockout appear alongside a cast that includes Myles Truitt (BMF), martial arts icon Taimak (The Last Dragon), Walter E. Jones (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Quartay DeNaya, and several respected martial artists and stunt performers.

    Daria Rae will also serve as a co-producer, while Taimak and Jones serve as executive producers on the project.

    \’Paper Made\’ is set to begin filming next month in Tampa, Florida.

  • Carmella Targets NXT General Manager Role

    Shawn Michels named Robert Stone as the interim NXT General Manager on this week\’s WWE NXT broadcast, but the authority figure post vacated by Ava is drawing interest from some other familiar faces.

    Multi-time women\’s champion Carmella is making her intentions clear: she\’s got an eye on that temporary honor bestowed to Mr. Stone.

    https://x.com/itsBayleyWWE/status/2018877811604500812

    Her potential candidacy received an enthusiastic endorsement from Bayley, who publicly supported Carmella\’s ambitions.

    \”MELLA DA MANAGER!!!!!!!! GIVE ME WHAT I WANT!!!!!!!!\”

    With her background in management and history in NXT, Carmella makes an intriguing candidate.

    Carmella\’s final on-screen appearance for WWE took place on March 6, 2023, during a match on Monday Night Raw. Following this performance, she stepped away from the ring to focus on her pregnancy and subsequently battled a \”drop foot\” injury sustained during childbirth.

    Although she remained employed during her hiatus and anticipated a return, her tenure with the company officially ended in February 2025 when her contract expired and was not renewed.

  • AEW Dynamite Tonight (2/4/26): Start Time, Card & How to Watch

    AEW Dynamite heads to Sin City tonight, broadcasting live from the Pearl Concert Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show airs on TBS and streams on HBO Max from 8-10 PM ET.

    With Grand Slam Australia now just ten days away, tonight\’s card features championship implications across the board, including an AEW World Title Eliminator and a National Championship defense.

    How to Watch AEW Dynamite Tonight

    DateWednesday, February 4, 2026
    VenuePearl Theater at the Palms, Las Vegas, NV
    Channel/StreamTBS / Max (US) / FITE (International)
    US Start Time8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT
    UK Start Time1:00 AM GMT (next day)
    India Start Time6:30 AM IST (next day)
    Duration2 hours

    AEW Dynamite Match Card for February 4, 2026

    AEW World Championship Eliminator: MJF vs. Brody King

    Brody King has been hounding MJF for a title shot, and MJF wanted King to beat \”somebody that matters\” first. King\’s pursuit intensified after MJF forced Bandido to pass out in the LeBell Lock at Maximum Carnage. A non-finish could still earn King a future title opportunity. MJF has claimed he\’ll win in two minutes flat.

    AEW National Championship: Ricochet (c) vs. Jungle Jack Perry

    Perry earned this shot after pinning Ricochet in a six-man tag at Worlds End. Ricochet has been dominant as inaugural champion with The Demand backing him up.

    Kenny Omega vs. Andrade El Idolo

    The winner advances to Grand Slam Australia to compete for an AEW World Title match at Revolution. Andrade\’s recent controversial win over Swerve Strickland has heightened the stakes, while Don Callis knows exactly where to target Omega.

    Hangman Adam Page vs. Mark Davis

    MJF has offered Don Callis $1,000 if Davis breaks Hangman\’s neck tonight (our scumbag!). Page has his sights on the World Championship but must get through Davis first.

    Looking Ahead

    • Grand Slam Australia – February 14 in Sydney
    • Next week: Go-home Dynamite from Ontario, California

    AEW Dynamite airs tonight at 8/7c on TBS and HBO Max.

  • Robert Stone Becomes Interim NXT GM After Ava\’s Exit

    Robert Stone has been named the interim General Manager of WWE NXT following the unexpected departure of Ava. Shawn Michaels made the announcement during the February 3 episode of NXT on The CW.

    Stone, a multi-role performer who has served as a manager, commentator, and backstage official, now transitions to on-air authority figure. He promised to maintain the brand\’s momentum and not let Michaels down in this interim role.

    His history with the brand, including managing talents like Chelsea Green and Riddick Moss and serving in various on-air capacities, positions him as a trusted internal candidate with a strategic understanding of NXT\’s ecosystem.

    As interim GM, Stone will oversee NXT on a week-to-week basis in what is his most significant role to date in WWE.