Ice Spice and Latto have taken their collaboration to the squared circle with the release of their provocative new music video for \”Gyatt,\” which dropped on Tuesday, September 2.
The official music video, produced by Nuevo World and directed by Hidji World, features a full pro wrestling production complete with backstage promos, ring entrances, and authentic wrestling aesthetics. The title itself pays homage to wrestling culture, featuring the title GYATT styled like the iconic WWF Attitude era logo.
Both rappers are portrayed as \”world champions\” in the video, using the wrestling ring setting to symbolically resolve their real-life beef. The production goes far beyond typical music video fare, incorporating genuine wrestling elements that showcase significant investment in creating an authentic sports entertainment experience.
What sets this video apart from mainstream wrestling programming is its adult-oriented content. The artists perform provocative choreography within the wrestling ring framework – content that wrestling fans won\’t see on family-friendly WWE or AEW programming.
The video concludes with a referee raising both artists\’ hands. The collaboration represents a creative resolution to celebrity beef while delivering high-production entertainment that appeals to both music and wrestling audiences.
The \”Gyatt\” music video is the latest example of the symbiotic relationship between pro wrestling and hip hop cultures.
Kenny Omega has directly addressed speculation surrounding his absence from AEW All Out, revealing that his time away involves planned medical treatment rather than impromptu personal time.
The former AEW World Champion took to social media to respond to reports suggesting he was simply taking time off. \”Specialized hospital visits and work that had been planned for a year, but sure, let\’s bait the trolls,\” Omega wrote, clarifying the nature of his absence.
Omega expressed frustration with how his situation has been portrayed in wrestling media, specifically calling out misleading headlines. \”Don\’t be misleading with headlines, please and thank you,\” he stated, directly addressing wrestling news outlets.
Time off?
Specialized hospital visits and work that had been planned for a year, but sure, let’s bait the trolls.
I’m just trying to improve what I can and represent the company in a positive way while not performing.
The Canadian wrestler emphasized his commitment to AEW during his recovery period, explaining his approach to representing the company while unable to perform. \”I\’m just trying to improve what I can and represent the company in a positive way while not performing,\” Omega said.
This marks Omega\’s first public comments regarding his extended absence from AEW programming.
WWE will begin streaming episodes of the beloved 1980s animated series \’Hulk Hogan\’s Rock\’n\’Wrestling\’ on their WWE Vault YouTube channel, starting this Saturday, September 6th.
According to Variety’s Joe Otterson, the cult classic cartoon, which originally aired from 1985-1986, will be released in batches of four episodes every Saturday morning at 6 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM, and 12 PM ET.
Episodes will air in chronological order, beginning with \’Junkyard 500/Junkenstein,\’ \’The Four-Legged Pickpocket,\’ \’Clean Gene/Andre\’s Giant Problem,\’ and \’Gorilla My Dreams.\’
The animated series \’featured Hogan and a group of babyface (good guy) wrestlers facing off in various whacky situations against a group of heels (bad guys) led by Rowdy Roddy Piper.\’
Other wrestling legends included Andre the Giant, Junkyard Dog, Jimmy \’Superfly\’ Snuka, The Iron Sheik, and Bobby \’The Brain\’ Heenan, with Mean Gene Okerlund also appearing as a character.
Interestingly, none of the wrestlers provided their own voices due to packed travel schedules, with comedian Brad Garrett voicing the Hulkster himself.
The announcement comes just over a month after Hogan\’s passing at age 71 in Clearwater, Florida.
WWE Vault, launched in June 2024, has grown to nearly 3 million subscribers with over 217 million monthly views, featuring classic matches, unseen footage, and fan-requested content from WWE\’s extensive library.
All 26 episodes of the series will eventually be available on the platform.
Former WWE star Matt Riddle has been removed from SiouxperCon in South Dakota following inflammatory remarks he made about sexual assault allegations during a recent online appearance.
While addressing accusations that he no-showed a Global Wrestling Kingdom event, Riddle dismissed what he called \”MeToo bullsh*t,\” referencing 2020 allegations made against him by Candy Cartwright during the #SpeakingOut movement. Cartwright had accused Riddle of sexual assault, though he denied the claims and maintained their relationship was consensual. The subsequent lawsuit was ultimately dropped.
SiouxperCon organizers swiftly responded to Riddle\’s comments with an official statement:
\”In light of recent public statements made by Matt Riddle regarding the topics of SA and DV, SiouxperCon has made the decision to cancel his appearance at this year\’s convention. The statements that were made in no way represent our organization or event, and are not aligned with the mission, vision, and values of our organization.\”
The convention announced automatic refunds for fans who purchased photo opportunities with Riddle and will donate 10% of SiouxperMania ticket proceeds to The Compass Center, which supports survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
This incident highlights the wrestling industry\’s continued efforts to address misconduct allegations and maintain accountability standards for performers.
The world of professional wrestling is colliding with classic arcade gaming as WWE superstars Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes have been cast in key roles for the upcoming Street Fighter movie, set to release October 16, 2026.
In a casting move that bridges sports entertainment with video game nostalgia, Reigns will portray the formidable Akuma, while Rhodes takes on the role of the patriotic fighter Guile. The announcement comes as part of Legendary Pictures\’ ambitious live-action adaptation of Capcom\’s iconic fighting game franchise.
From Championship Reigns to World Warrior Tournament
Reigns, known to WWE audiences as \”The Tribal Chief,\” brings his commanding presence to the role of Akuma, the series\’ most feared dark warrior. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes, \”The American Nightmare\” who recently completed his emotional championship story at WrestleMania, seems perfectly suited for Guile, the military hero known for his unwavering sense of justice.
The casting represents a natural evolution for both wrestlers, who have demonstrated dramatic range throughout their WWE careers. Rhodes, in particular, has shown storytelling prowess that extends beyond the wrestling ring, while Reigns\’ intimidating screen presence aligns well with Akuma\’s menacing character.
The wrestling stars join an eclectic cast that includes Jason Momoa as Blanka, Curtis \”50 Cent\” Jackson as Balrog, and Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo as the iconic duo Ryu and Ken Masters. Director Kitao Sakurai is helming the project, which promises to capture \”the quarter-pumping, button-mashing spirit of the 90s classic while leveling up for a new generation.\”
Set in 1993, the film follows estranged fighters Ryu and Ken as they\’re recruited by Chun-Li (Callina Liang) for the World Warrior Tournament, uncovering a deadly conspiracy that forces them to confront their past.
Wrestling\’s Hollywood Evolution
The casting continues wrestling\’s successful transition into mainstream entertainment, following in the footsteps of Dwayne \”The Rock\” Johnson, John Cena, and Dave Bautista. For Reigns and Rhodes, the Street Fighter movie represents an opportunity to showcase their talents to a global audience beyond wrestling fans.
Filmed for IMAX and distributed through Legendary\’s new partnership with Paramount Pictures, Street Fighter promises to deliver the high-octane action that both gaming and wrestling audiences crave. With Hadoukens, Sonic Booms, and the star power of WWE, this adaptation is positioning itself as a must-see spectacle.
Jim Ross, the legendary wrestling commentator, has publicly endorsed AJ Lee’s return to the wrestling ring, expressing his admiration and support for the former WWE Divas Champion. On the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast, Ross praised AJ Lee’s passion for the business and her resilience, stating, “I’m pulling for her. She’s always been a tremendous talent and a great ambassador for wrestling.”
Ross highlighted AJ Lee’s impact on women’s wrestling, noting that her unique charisma and in-ring skills helped pave the way for the current generation of female wrestlers.
“AJ brought something different to the table,\” he began. \”She wasn’t just another face in the crowd—she had a spark, a real connection with the audience.\”
The Hall of Famer also addressed the challenges AJ Lee faced during her career, including overcoming injuries and breaking through in a male-dominated industry.
“She’s tough as nails. Coming back after all she’s been through shows her dedication and love for wrestling. I have no doubt she’ll make a big impact again,” Ross added.
Fans have been buzzing about AJ Lee’s potential return, and Ross’s endorsement has only fueled excitement. Social media has been flooded with messages of support, with many echoing Ross’s sentiments and expressing hope that AJ Lee will inspire a new era in women’s wrestling.
As speculation continues about where and when AJ Lee will make her in-ring return, Jim Ross’s words serve as a powerful reminder of her legacy and the high expectations for her comeback.
“Wrestling needs people like AJ Lee—people who are passionate, talented, and unafraid to be themselves. I’m excited to see what she does next,” Ross concluded.
Matt Riddle finds himself in hot water once again, this time over a controversial no-show situation involving a UK charity wrestling event that has spiraled into a public war of words and personal attacks on fellow wrestlers.
The Initial Incident: A Charity Event Gone Wrong
The drama began when Matt Riddle was scheduled to appear at Global Wrestling Kingdom\’s charity event \”A New Kingdom Rises\” in Barnsley, England, on August 31. The event was organized to support important causes—specifically charities helping homeless veterans and survivors of bereavement by suicide.
When showtime arrived, Riddle was nowhere to be found. Global Wrestling Kingdom publicly stated that the former WWE star had \”no-showed\” the event, keeping his deposit in the process. The promotion revealed they had been left waiting at the airport for Riddle\’s arrival and were forced to issue refunds for meet-and-greet packages that disappointed fans had purchased.
Adding insult to injury, reports surfaced that Riddle was actually wrestling in Florida that same weekend instead of honoring his UK commitment. SEScoops originally reported on this story here.
Riddle Fires Back: A Profanity-Laced Defense
Never one to stay quiet when controversy strikes, Matt Riddle responded with a heated video on social media that raised eyebrows for multiple reasons. In the expletive-filled rant, Riddle vehemently denied that he had no-showed the event.
According to Riddle\’s version of events, Global Wrestling Kingdom failed to meet his travel and booking requirements. He claimed the promotion didn\’t initially present the show as a charity event and criticized the flight arrangements they had made. Riddle also complained about being scheduled to stay in a Barnsley hotel for two days with minimal activity planned, suggesting the booking was poorly organized from the start.
This directly contradicts Global Wrestling Kingdom\’s claim that the charity aspect was announced in July, with Riddle maintaining the charitable branding was a last-minute addition.
On Wednesday, Matt Riddle sat down with TMZ Sports for an extensive interview where he provided much more detail about his side of the controversy, revealing the personal and professional pressures behind his decision.
Death Threats and Timeline Disputes
Riddle revealed the serious personal consequences he\’s faced from the backlash: \”I woke up this morning to a bunch of death threats… How dare you scam a charity? I\’m like, dog, four months ago, this wasn\’t a charity event. Three months ago, it wasn\’t a charity event. This week was the first time I got a message saying, \’What? You\’re going to do this to a charity event?\’\”
Riddle Takes Aim at CM Punk and AJ Lee
What started as a dispute over a booking quickly spiraled into something much more controversial. Riddle called CM Punk \”fake and a creep,\” alleging that the WWE Champion spends too much time around younger female talent.
He then crossed a major line by making disparaging comments about AJ Lee, implying she \”got around\” during her wrestling career—though he added \”no disrespect\” as if that somehow softened the blow. These comments about Punk and Lee appeared completely unrelated to the UK booking situation, raising questions about Riddle\’s judgment and professionalism.
Defending His Charity Credentials
Riddle pushed back against suggestions he\’s anti-charity. \”I do multiple charity events where I don\’t get paid a dime… But I\’ll tell you this, I\’m not flying to London in a middle seat with no meal with no check bag.\” He made clear he\’s willing to work for charity but not under what he considers unreasonable conditions.
Communication Breakdown and Promoter Issues
The interview revealed deeper issues with the promotion\’s organization. Riddle explained: \”The biggest concern was they flew me out Thursday… I hit this guy up two, three weeks ago. I\’m like, \’Hey, what\’s up with Friday and Saturday?\’ And they go, \’Oh, they haven\’t got back to us.\’\”
He also criticized the promoter\’s overall approach: \”You can look at the promoting and booking. It\’s just one of those trashy… I\’m not trying to bury \’em, I wish them the best, but I hope this is a good learning lesson not to throw the King of Bros under the bus.\”
Additionally, Riddle accused the promotion of deceptive marketing practices: \”They kept promoting me like I was still coming… even after they knew I wasn\’t coming, which—it\’s a scumbag move. I\’ve had other promoters do this.\”
Personal and Financial Motivations
Riddle opened up about the personal pressures driving his decisions: \”I have five kids. I have an ex-wife who\’s a real [expletive]. Plus, I take care of my girlfriend\’s kid who has special needs… I need to make money.\”
He explained his choice to stay in the US: \”I stayed in the US and I made that paper. I can pay my bills. I can even pay these guys back.\”
Broader Industry Commentary
The interview also touched on wider issues in international wrestling economics. Riddle was blunt about overseas pay: \”They don\’t pay enough. Their economy\’s in the tanker… I get paid about 10 times what they want to pay me everywhere else. That\’s why I don\’t wrestle in Japan.\”
Combative Response to Critics
Riddle ended the interview with a defiant message to his detractors: \”If you\’re bashing me, you can go [expletive] yourself, you know. Why don\’t you go subscribe to my OF and see what a real man looks like?\”
He also added: \”At the end of the day, I know what I gotta do to keep my head on a swivel and make the right choices…\”
Resolution and Aftermath
In a lengthy Facebook post, Global Wrestling Kingdom announced that the situation had been partially resolved. Riddle had repaid the deposit he initially kept and promised to reimburse other expenses related to his non-appearance. The promotion emphasized this update was meant to \”set the record clear\” and allow everyone to move past the controversy.
While the financial aspects appear to be settled, the TMZ interview reveals this controversy touches on much larger issues within the wrestling industry, from international pay disparities to communication failures between wrestlers and promoters.
The Bigger Picture
The TMZ interview paints a more complex picture than the initial social media outburst suggested. However, Riddle\’s unprovoked attacks on CM Punk and AJ Lee remain indefensible, and he risks significant damage to his reputation.
The wrestling community will likely be watching closely to see if Riddle can learn from this situation or if similar controversies will continue to follow him on the independent scene. His TMZ comments suggest he\’s unlikely to change his approach, which could prove problematic for future bookings and professional relationships.
The promotion issued a detailed public statement addressing Riddle\’s claims about the booking, revealing that \”his flights were booked and approved by his manager back in April. No issue was raised at the time.\”
According to GWK\’s timeline, communication issues plagued the booking from the start. After months of chasing Riddle\’s manager for promotional materials, they finally received content just days before the show. When Riddle\’s driver waited at the airport for hours, the wrestler claimed flight issues and decided to take \”other bookings instead.\”
\”We implored him to try and get a flight over as fans had paid to see him,\” GWK stated. \”He was reminded again, that this was a charity event for \’Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide\’ and \’help 4 homeless veterans.\’\”
The promotion contradicted Riddle\’s claims about flight arrangements, providing screenshots showing two meals were included in his booking. They emphasized that any luggage issues \”could have been quickly sorted out by a quick message or phone call.\”
Despite the disappointment, GWK praised the talent and fans who attended, noting \”the reaction of the crowd when Grado\’s music hit nearly knocked us out of our chairs.\”
Riho, AEW’s inaugural Women’s World Champion, made a surprise return on the September 3, 2025 episode of Dynamite after being sidelined for over a year due to a fractured arm.
During the opening match, TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defeated Alex Windsor but attacked her post-match. Riho’s music hit as she rushed to the ring, delivering a double foot stomp from the top rope and a dropkick that sent Mone retreating. Riho then picked up the TBS Championship belt, signaling her interest in challenging for the title.
The confrontation has led to an official TBS Championship match between Mercedes Moné (c) and Riho at AEW All Out 2025 on Saturday, September 20th, streaming on HBO Max PPV. This will mark the first singles match between the two wrestlers.
Riho looks to have her eye on @MercedesVarnado's TBS Championship!
WWE appears to be setting its sights on a significant return to the Chinese market, with influential figures within the company pushing for a Premium Live Event in Hong Kong.
According to Fightful Select\’s Sean Ross Sapp, \”numerous people of influence within WWE have pushed for WWE to hold a major event in China in the coming years. Specifically, we\’ve heard Hong Kong mentioned as a location, with a PLE event discussed internally within WWE as a possibility.\”
This potential expansion represents a strategic shift for WWE, which previously focused its Chinese operations primarily in mainland cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen.
WWE and UFC in China
Between 2016 and 2019, WWE established what became a September tradition of touring China, holding eight events across the country before the COVID-19 pandemic halted international touring.
The timing aligns with parent company TKO Group\’s broader Asian expansion strategy. UFC, also owned by TKO, has maintained an active presence in the region with events in Shanghai and Macau throughout 2024 and 2025, plus a Performance Institute facility in Shanghai since 2019.
A Strategic Return
WWE\’s previous China ventures proved successful, featuring major stars like John Cena, Roman Reigns, and Charlotte Flair, while also serving as a platform for developing Chinese talent. The company signed multiple Chinese athletes to developmental contracts and established content distribution partnerships during their active period in the market.
Hong Kong\’s selection as the potential venue represents a notable departure from WWE\’s historical focus on mainland Chinese cities. The location could offer unique advantages for international broadcasting and audience reach while maintaining access to the broader Chinese market.
With WWE\’s international expansion continuing across Europe, Australia, and the Middle East, a return to China would fill a significant gap in their global touring schedule.
The company has yet to announce official plans, but internal discussions suggest serious consideration of re-entering one of the world\’s largest entertainment markets.
NBC Sports President Rick Cordella expressed gratitude to WWE and execs Nick Khan, Paul Levesque (Triple H), and Stephanie McMahon for their five-year partnership with Peacock, which began in 2021.
And a big thank you to @WWE Nick Khan, @TripleH and @StephMcMahon for taking a chance on Peacock 5 years ago, as we were just launching.
But it’s not goodbye. We’re excited to stay a partner of the WWE, with must-watch, Saturday Night Main Events for years to come. https://t.co/klTGmOpbgr
Dustin Rhodes has shared an update on his recovery journey just two weeks after undergoing a double knee replacement.
The wrestling veteran shared that he had been competing for the past five years with severely damaged knees, making his recent surgery a significant milestone in his career and personal life.
Today marks 2 wks since surgury. Don't really know how I was doing it these last 5 yrs. Knees were destroyed. Dressing off finally. I look forward to a slow and methodical rehab. Slow and steady. Thank yall for all of your support and prayers. God has it under control. ????… pic.twitter.com/z92o90p1xO
At the two-week mark, Rhodes posted post-surgery photos that highlight the extent of his procedure and the progress he has made so far. He noted that his dressings have now been removed, marking another step forward in his rehabilitation process.
“Today marks 2 wks since surgery. Don\’t really know how I was doing it these last 5 yrs. Knees were destroyed. Dressing off finally. I look forward to a slow and methodical rehab. Slow and steady. Thank yall for all of your support and prayers. God has it under control.”
Despite the challenges, Rhodes emphasized his commitment to a slow and steady recovery, understanding the importance of patience and proper healing.
Fans and fellow wrestlers have expressed their support as Rhodes continues his journey back to health, inspired by his resilience and determination to overcome adversity.
Former WWE and UFC star Ronda Rousey has effectively closed the book on her professional wrestling career, revealing in a candid interview that WWE repeatedly failed to deliver on promised storylines throughout her tenure.
Speaking on The Lapsed Fan podcast, Rousey confirmed that pro wrestling is \”pretty much\” in her rear view mirror while detailing the frustrations that led to her October 2023 departure from WWE.
\”I got into WWE because I wanted to be able to wrestle with my girls, you know, the Four Horsewomen and be able to wrestle with my friends,\” Rousey explained. \”And they kind of dangled that carrot for my whole run and never let it happen.\”
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The revelation sheds new light on one of wrestling\’s most anticipated storylines that never materialized. Fans had long anticipated a feud between WWE\’s Four Horsewomen (Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Bayley, Sasha Banks) and their MMA counterparts (Rousey, Shayna Baszler, Marina Shafir, Jessamyn Duke).
Her Ultimatum to WWE
Rousey disclosed that she ultimately had to issue an ultimatum to secure her final WWE match.
\”And then the second run, they kept dangling it. And then by the end, I was like, I\’m f*cking leaving unless I can wrestle with Shayna [Baszler]. And that\’s how I was able to do it at all.\”
The match she referenced was her SummerSlam 2023 encounter with Baszler under MMA rules, which served as Rousey\’s farewell to WWE.
Ironically, the only Four Horsewomen storyline Rousey received was against her own teammate.
\”And now nobody even works there anymore,\” Rousey noted, highlighting the complete dissolution of the MMA Four Horsewomen from WWE.
Baszler was released in May 2025 despite having three years remaining on her contract, while Shafir and Duke were released in 2021.
Life After WWE
Since leaving WWE, Rousey has appeared on the independent wrestling circuit alongside Shafir, who now works for AEW. She characterizes her WWE experience as a valuable \”sabbatical\” that will inform her future creative projects, including her recently published memoir \”Our Fight.\”
The interview provides rare insight into the creative frustrations that can drive top talent away from WWE, even when achieving championship success.
AEW has strategically shifted All Out to a 3pm ET start time on September 20, positioning the pay-per-view several hours before WWE\’s WrestlePalooza on ESPN to avoid direct head-to-head competition.
The afternoon scheduling represents a tactical move in the ongoing wrestling wars, allowing AEW to capture viewership without competing directly against WWE\’s evening ESPN broadcast. This timing strategy could potentially benefit both promotions by giving wrestling fans the opportunity to watch both events.
AEW PPVs are coming to HBO Max! Starting this Friday, U.S. subscribers can purchase AEW: All Out for the exclusive price of $39.99. @hbomax@AEWpic.twitter.com/DzjR7c1unv
Starting with All Out, AEW will transition all future pay-per-views to HBO Max as their exclusive streaming platform. Current Max subscribers in the United States can purchase the event for $39.99, featuring an ad-free viewing experience. Pre-orders begin Friday, September 5, with an exclusive $10 discount for early buyers.
The HBO Max partnership marks a significant shift from traditional pay-per-view distribution, with purchased events remaining available for replay exclusively to buyers for six months. Fans can access their purchases through the My Stuff section under My Purchases on the HBO Max platform.
This scheduling and platform strategy positions AEW to avoid the intense competition that often splits wrestling audiences during major events, while establishing HBO Max as their long-term streaming home for premium content.
MLW World Heavyweight Champion Matt Riddle has come under fire after no-showing a charity wrestling event in the UK and failing to return his deposit to the promotion. Riddle was scheduled to face Simon Miller at Global Wrestling Kingdom\’s inaugural show \”A New Kingdom Rises\” on Sunday, August 31, in Barnsley, England.
The event, opened by the Mayor of Barnsley, was raising funds for Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) and Help 4 Homeless Veterans. According to Cultaholic, Riddle was booked months ago through his manager but recently expressed concerns about his \”cheap\” flights and unhappiness about staying in a Barnsley hotel for two days.
Global Wrestling Kingdom attempted to arrange paid seminars to help offset his travel costs, but were unable to finalize anything on short notice. Despite never formally canceling his booking, Riddle never traveled to the UK. A driver was left waiting hours for his arrival at the airport.
Riddle later messaged the promotion claiming he had accepted another booking but would \”potentially\” still make the show, then stopped responding to further communications. The no-show forced the promotion to issue refunds for meet-and-greet packages, with Grado stepping in to replace Riddle against Miller in the main event. Sources indicate Riddle has yet to return his deposit.
Instead of appearing in Barnsley, Riddle was spotted backstage at Real American Freestyle\’s event on August 30 and competed at Boca Raton Championship Wrestling in Florida on August 31.
This marks the second no-show controversy for Riddle in 2025, after he failed to appear at a Championship Wrestling from Memphis event in January to attend Nick Hogan\’s wedding.
AEW\’s residency at Philadelphia\’s 2300 Arena continues tonight with AEW Dynamite live on TBS and HBO Max in the US and on AEW Plus internationally.
Confirmed Matches & Segments
TBS Championship Match: Mercedes Moné (c) vs. Alex Windsor
All-Star 8-Man Tag: ‘Hangman’ Adam Page, Kenny Omega & JetSpeed (Kevin Knight & Mike Bailey) vs. Kyle Fletcher, Josh Alexander & The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson)
Taz to be honored: Special segment for Taz and the 2300 Arena Hardcore Hall of Fame
Tonight\’s AEW Dynamite continues the road to the promotion\’s next pay-per-view event, AEW All Out 2025 on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This marks the first time All Out will be held outside the Chicago area and the United States. As of this writing, the only confirmed bout for that card is Adam Copeland & Christian Cage vs. FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler).
Ric Flair weighed in on recent wrestling controversies, from viral backstage incidents to potential legend returns, in his latest interview with eScapist.
Missing Context in Raja Jackson Incident
Regarding the viral Raja Jackson attack on Syko Stu that shocked the wrestling community, Flair suggested crucial context may be missing from public accounts.
I\’m very close to Rampage and I tried calling him, but obviously he wasn\’t taking calls,\” Flair revealed. \”You never know the extent of what happened if you weren\’t there. We\’re probably missing several key components to what happened.\”
The Nature Boy emphasized his own approach to in-ring discipline: \”I\’ve never lost my cool in the ring. I\’ve had to punch some guys back like Vader, just because he was always trying to rough me up. One punch and then everybody calms down, smooth it over.\”
Jericho Return Unlikely
When addressing persistent speculation about Chris Jericho\’s potential WWE return, Flair expressed doubt that Y2J would receive the farewell treatment given to John Cena. \”Of course I do hope he gets one final run, because Chris Jericho has meant a lot to the business. But I don\’t think he\’ll get it,\” he stated. \”I would doubt very seriously if he\’d get the kind of deal that John Cena got.\”
Flair also briefly addressed the recent passing of Hulk Hogan, choosing to focus on positive memories rather than engaging with circulating rumors.
Twenty-one-year-old German wrestler Bozilla has received widespread praise from wrestling talent following her breakout performance at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door on August 24 at London\’s O2 Arena, including recognition from WWE NXT Women\’s Champion Giulia.
The 5\’11\” powerhouse made her AEW debut in the TBS Championship fatal four-way match against Mercedes Moné, Alex Windsor, and Persephone, representing STARDOM in the cross-promotional showcase.
In a post-match interview with Bild, Bozilla revealed she received congratulations from WWE\’s Giulia following her performance, adding to the praise from AEW talent backstage at the record-breaking event.
\”Backstage, I received a lot of praise, even from people who didn\’t know me before,\” Bozilla said. \”My trainer Josh Alexander was proud of me, and Will Ospreay was also thrilled.\”
Most notably, WWE\’s current NXT Women\’s Champion Giulia reached out days after the match. \”Giulia wrote to me a few days later,\” Bozilla revealed.
Despite not winning the championship, Bozilla dominated much of the match and received loud support from the 18,992 fans in attendance. Tony Khan had specifically requested Bozilla to represent STARDOM, calling her \”my very first choice.\”
\”I\’m 21, I\’ve only been doing this full-time since May 2024 – and I\’m standing here. What else is there to come?!\” Bozilla reflected.
Ric Flair delivered scathing critiques of today\’s wrestling generation while rejecting recent comparisons to current stars in an exclusive interview with eScapist.
Flair Rejects Gunther Comparisons
When asked about Bret Hart\’s recent comparisons between Gunther and himself, the Nature Boy quickly dismissed the notion. \”If you\’re comparing him to me, come on, there\’s levels to the game,\” Flair stated. While acknowledging Gunther\’s impressive look and facial expressions, Flair made it clear he hasn\’t watched enough to warrant such comparisons to his legendary career.
Modern Wrestling Lacks Fundamentals
The 16-time World Champion was particularly critical when discussing Karrion Kross\’s recent WWE release, pointing to a fundamental problem he sees plaguing modern wrestlers.
\”The problem today with a lot of the guys is they can do all this fancy sh*t, but they don\’t have any fundamentals,\” Flair explained. \”They can\’t punch, they can\’t kick. They can\’t remember to work their way to the center of the ring. They don\’t know where to go, they don\’t have facial expressions.\”
The Nature Boy\’s comments suggest a growing disconnect between veteran perspectives and modern wrestling\’s athletic evolution.
However, Flair had nothing but praise for Logan Paul\’s rapid development under Shawn Michaels\’ guidance, crediting the Hall of Famer\’s training methods for the celebrity wrestler\’s success.
The fastest championship in WWE finds a new home tonight as NXT presents the first round of the WWE Women\’s Speed Championship Tournament, marking a major shift for the unique 3-minute title.
Tournament Spotlight: LeRae vs. Brookside
The night\’s marquee matchup features Candice LeRae taking on Xia Brookside in an opening round match.
LeRae brings serious championship pedigree as the inaugural Women\’s Speed Champion, holding the title for a record 189 days after defeating IYO SKY in the original tournament final. The SmackDown veteran knows exactly what it takes to succeed under the pressure of the 3-minute time limit.
Brookside represents the new generation of cross-promotional talent, making her return to WWE programming as a TNA representative. The daughter of wrestling veteran Robbie Brookside, she\’s built her reputation on technical excellence and overcoming larger opponents.
The winner advances to face either Faby Apache or Lainey Reid in the next round, with the ultimate prize being a shot at current champion Sol Ruca, who has held the title since April.
This tournament marks the Speed Championship\’s evolution from its original X (Twitter) format to becoming an exclusive NXT title, opening competition to wrestlers from Raw, Smackdown, NXT, TNA and AAA.
WWE NXT Preview: September 2, 2025
Candice LeRae vs. Xia Brookside (WWE Speed Tournament first round match)
Lash Legend vs. Jaida Parker (Grudge match)
Eight-Man Tag: Oba Femi, Ricky Saints, Hank & Tank vs. DarkState
The Speed Championship represents WWE\’s push toward fast-paced, digital-friendly content designed for streaming audiences. With its strict 3-minute time limit, every second counts, creating an intense viewing experience that showcases athleticism and quick thinking.
NXT General Manager Ava\’s announcement of this tournament signals a renewed focus on multi-brand women\’s competition, giving female wrestlers from across the wrestling landscape a chance to prove they\’re the fastest in the business.
John Cena delivered a heartfelt apology to a young Belgian fan during WWE SmackDown in Lyon, France on August 29, creating an emotional moment that brought closure to a viral incident from earlier this year.
The reconciliation stems from March 17, when Cena, during his heel turn at Raw in Brussels, pointed out the young fan and described their relationship as \”toxic\” and \”dysfunctional.\” The child\’s heartbroken reaction was captured on camera and spread across social media, generating significant backlash against the WWE superstar.
JOHN CENA HAS TO TAKE A PICTURE WITH THIS KID AT #SmackDown TODAY
During Thursday\’s SmackDown, the same fan was in attendance holding a sign referencing the original incident. In a segment with Logan Paul, Cena left the ring and approached the boy directly.
\”I was having a bad day,\” Cena admitted, offering a sincere apology for his earlier comments. The young fan, who has supported Cena since age four, responded by shouting \”I love you\” and \”thank you,\” creating a genuinely touching moment that resonated with the Lyon crowd.
The timing proves significant as Cena prepares for his match against Logan Paul at Clash in Paris on August 31. Now turned babyface after losing the WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, Cena is in the final stages of his legendary in-ring career.
The reconciliation transforms what became a public relations nightmare into a redemptive story showcasing the human side of professional wrestling.
John and Brussels boy have mended fences ?#Smackdown
WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and his wife, Brandi, are celebrating the birth of their second daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels. Brandi shared the joyful news on Instagram:
\”Welcome to the world Leilani Ella Runnels. We are in love. Thank you God for answered prayers. Cody + Brandi + Libby + Lani.\”
The couple’s first daughter, Liberty Iris, was born in June 2021. Cody and Brandi have been married since September 2013, after first meeting as colleagues in WWE.
Congratulations to the growing Rhodes family on their newest addition!
Tonight\’s WWE SmackDown comes to us from the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France. The show will air on tape delay in the United States tonight, August 29, 2025, at its regular time slot of 8 PM ET on USA Network. Internationally, the show will be available live earlier on Netflix.
Here\’s the WWE SmackDown preview for tonight, August 29, 2025:
Confirmed matches
Solo Sikoa vs. Sami Zayn for the United States Championship: Solo Sikoa will defend his title against Sami Zayn, who has recently moved to SmackDown and is determined to capture gold after being denied a shot at the World Heavyweight title. Expect interference from the Family Tree faction, as where Solo Sikoa goes, his allies often follow.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss are set to defend their titles against Piper Niven and Alba Fyre, representing the Secret Hervice.
No. 1 Contender\’s Tag Team Match: The newly formed team of The Miz & Carmelo Hayes (Melo Don\’t Miz) will compete against The Street Profits to decide who will be the next challengers for the WWE Tag Team Championships.
Promoted appearances and segments:
John Cena and Logan Paul will both be present, building to their clash at Clash in Paris this Sunday
The fallout from Randy Orton’s surprise RKO to Drew McIntyre last week.
Multiple top stars scheduled, including Cody Rhodes, Tiffany Stratton, Randy Orton, Jade Cargill, and LA Knight
Join us here this weekend for coverge of WWE Clash in Paris.
The Pokémon Company has announced an unprecedented partnership with Mexico\’s legendary wrestling promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) for a special live event at Arena México on September 25, 2025.
This unique crossover will showcase traditional Mexican lucha libre while promoting the upcoming video game Pokémon Legends: Z-A, specifically highlighting the newly revealed Mega Hawlucha character.
The Wrestling Pokémon, originally from the Kalos region, has received a Mega Evolution form that perfectly aligns with the high-flying spectacle of lucha libre.
? De la pantalla al ring ?? Prepárate para Leyendas Pokémon: Z-A × @CMLL_OFICIAL una colaboración explosiva entre Pokémon y el Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre. ? Arena México, CDMX ? 25 de septiembre | ? 19:00 hora local ?? Entradas en Ticketmaster https://t.co/4g2NeG0y2Apic.twitter.com/B02sRVeyZF
\”Bulked up by Mega Evolution, Mega Hawlucha is not only bodacious beyond belief but can also take hit after hit with ease,\” according to The Pokémon Company\’s announcement. The character\’s wrestling-inspired moveset and showboating personality make it an ideal ambassador for this cultural celebration.
CMLL, founded in 1933, represents the world\’s oldest wrestling promotion and a cornerstone of Mexican sports entertainment. This collaboration brings together two performance art forms that emphasize athleticism, storytelling, and crowd engagement.
The event begins at 7:00 PM local time (6:00 PM PDT) with tickets available through Ticketmaster. International fans can watch the live broadcast on CMLL\’s official YouTube channel, making this cultural crossover accessible worldwide.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A launches October 16, 2025, exclusively on Nintendo Switch platforms.
Tony Schiavone addressed swirling Chris Jericho contract speculation on his What Happened When podcast with Conrad Thompson, revealing he remains in the dark despite recent extensive time backstage with Tony Khan.
\”If there\’s smoke to that fire, it has not been thrown my way,\” Schiavone began. \”I was backstage with Tony Khan most of this entire trip (for Forbidden Door). Chris Jericho\’s name was not mentioned. But that doesn\’t mean anything.\”
The veteran announcer\’s comments provide an interesting contrast to Khan\’s recent heartfelt praise of Jericho during the ROH Death before Dishonor media call, where the AEW President credited Jericho as foundational to both AEW and ROH\’s success.
Schiavone acknowledged Khan\’s secretive approach to business dealings, explaining why he might be kept out of the loop.
\”Tony, a lot of times, he\’ll get on the phone with that person and not tell anybody. He likes to keep things close to the vest. I don\’t know. I really don\’t know.\”
The AEW personality admitted his own curiosity about the situation, adding, \”I\’ve been wondering myself. I guess I should have asked, and then I would have known.\”
Speculation continues to mount about Jericho\’s future, with industry sources suggesting he may be considering a WWE return in early 2026. However, Khan recently expressed his desire to \”have Chris back\” while praising the nine-time world champion\’s contributions.
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