SEScoops

Author: Mike Reichlin

  • TNA Under Siege 2025: Updated Preview, Matches, and How to Watch

    TNA Wrestling\’s Under Siege 2025 arrives tonight at the CAA Centre in Brampton, Ontario, and the lineup has seen several late additions and changes following the go-home episode of TNA iMPACT.

    How to Watch

    Start Times:

    • United States: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
    • United Kingdom: 1:00 AM BST (Saturday)
    • India: 6:30 AM IST (Saturday)
    • Australia: 12:00 PM AEDT (Saturday)

    Broadcast Details:

    • TNA+: Main card at 8:00 PM ET, pre-show at 7:30 PM ET
    • Triller TV: International streaming

    Updated Match Card

    Joe Hendry & Elijah vs. Trick Williams & Frankie Kazarian

    TNA World Champion Joe Hendry teams with Elijah to face NXT\’s Trick Williams and TNA veteran Frankie Kazarian, just days before Hendry and Williams clash for the title at NXT Battleground.

    TNA World Tag Team Championship
    Nic & Ryan Nemeth (c) vs. Matt Hardy & Leon Slater

    The Nemeths defend against Matt Hardy and Leon Slater, with Hardy seeking redemption for Team X-Treme after Jeff Hardy\’s absence.

    TNA Knockouts World Championship
    Masha Slamovich (c) vs. Victoria Crawford

    Masha Slamovich\’s title reign is threatened by the returning Victoria Crawford, now aligned with Robert Stone.

    Knockouts Tag Team Championship – Falls Count Anywhere, No DQ
    Ash & Heather By Elegance (c) vs. Spitfire (Jody Threat & Dani Luna)

    Ash & Heather By Elegance defend under \”Match By Elegance\” rules in a Falls Count Anywhere, No DQ bout. If Spitfire loses, they must disband forever.

    Career Contract Match
    Eddie Edwards vs. Cody Deaner

    Cody Deaner must defeat Eddie Edwards to secure his TNA contract renewal.

    Singles Match
    Tessa Blanchard (w/Robert Stone) vs. Arianna Grace (w/Santino Marella)

    Singles Grudge Match
    AJ Francis vs. Mike Santana

    8-Person Inter-Gender Tag Match
    Mustafa Ali, John Skyler, Jason Hotch & Tasha Steelz vs. Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel, Indi Hartwell & a mystery partner

    Order 4 face The Rascalz, Indi Hartwell, and a mystery partner in a newly announced 8-person tag, adding unpredictability to the card.

    Note: The previously scheduled TNA International Championship match (Steve Maclin vs. Matt Cardona) has been postponed to the May 29 episode of TNA Impact due to Maclin not being medically cleared.

    Pre-Show

    Rosemary vs. Xia Brookside
    Singles match

    Tune in live on TNA+ or Triller TV to catch all the action as it unfolds in Brampton, Ontario.

  • SmackDown Preview: Tag Title Match, MITB Qualifiers

    Here\’s the preview for tonight\’s WWE SmackDown, broadcasting live on USA Network at 8/7c from the EnMarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia.

    The final stop before Saturday Night\’s Main Event promises high stakes and major implications for WWE\’s Money in the Bank ladder matches, as well as a blockbuster tag team title bout.

    WWE SmackDown Preview: May 23, 2025

    WWE Tag Team Championship: The Street Profits (c) vs. Fraxiom

    Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins put their titles on the line against the surging duo of Nathan Frazer and Axiom, who are undefeated since arriving on SmackDown and hold a recent non-title win over the champions. Shawn Michaels just named Fraxiom the best tag team in wrestling today and tonight is their chance to prove it.

    Money in the Bank Qualifier – Men\’s Triple Threat: LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Aleister Black

    With Solo Sikoa already qualified for the men\’s ladder match, LA Knight, Nakamura, and the recently returned Aleister Black clash for a coveted spot. Black\’s undefeated streak since returning, Knight\’s enduring popularity, and Nakamura\’s unpredictability make this a must-see contest.

    Money in the Bank Qualifier – Women\’s Triple Threat: Charlotte Flair vs. Giulia vs. Zelina Vega

    The women\’s MITB field is already stacked with Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, and Roxanne Perez. Tonight, Charlotte Flair seeks to break her post-WrestleMania slump, Giulia aims for a statement debut, and Zelina Vega looks to leverage her agility and championship pedigree for a career-altering opportunity.

    Looking Ahead

    This episode is the final build before Saturday Night\’s Main Event, where Jey Uso defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Logan Paul and John Cena faces R-Truth in a marquee showdown.

  • Nikki Garcia on Divorce, Child Support & Prenup Regrets: ‘I Broke My Neck for That Money’

    WWE star Nikki Garcia recently spoke openly about her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev on her SiriusXM podcast, The Nikki & Brie Show, sharing details about their settlement and reflecting on what she learned from the experience.

    Garcia confirmed that she paid her ex-husband $200,000 as part of their divorce settlement. “Yes, I had to give him $200,000,” she said, addressing public speculation about the arrangement.

    During the mediation process, Garcia recalled an interesting observation from the judge. “This is the first time in all the years I’ve done this, where a woman had to pay a man,” the judge reportedly told her. “You should be so damn proud that you built such an empire that someone wants a piece of it.”

    Despite the payment, Garcia said she felt the settlement was reasonable considering her financial situation. “I got a steal. I’m not going to lie,” she noted, suggesting the amount could have been higher.
    The divorce has changed how Garcia thinks about future relationships, particularly regarding prenuptial agreements. She admitted that she hadn’t wanted one before her marriage to Chigvintsev, viewing it as potentially unromantic. Now she feels differently.

    “Prenup no matter what. Doesn’t take my love away, it’s just because of what I’ve been through,” she said.
    Garcia also took time to address rumors and criticism she’s faced online. “I haven’t lied about one thing… I’ve lived in my truth. I know how to take accountability. I know what it’s like not to be perfect,” she said.

    Garcia’s willingness to discuss these personal details provides insight into how divorce settlements work when women are the higher earners.

  • Ace Austin Leaving TNA

    Ace Austin is leaving TNA Wrestling. His contract recently expired, and according to PWInsider, the two sides were unable to agree to terms on a new deal. The former X Division Champion’s final match for TNA takes place Friday night at TNA Under Siege.

    Scott D\’Amore wrote in his latest D\’Amore Drop column:

    “Nothing has been said publicly, but Ace Austin’s contract with TNA has come to term.

    Ace deciding to leave is amicable — he’s been there since he was barely out of his teens and he\’s ready to step up. I signed him, and everything he’s shown since confirmed that Ace Austin becoming a massive star is, indeed, “inevitable.”

    He’s ready for that next chapter. I think it is time Ace Austin goes all in on proving he’s one of the best.”

  • WWE Scraps New Orleans WrestleMania 2026, Sticks with Las Vegas (Report)

    WWE has scrapped plans to bring next year\’s WrestleMania to New Orleans. According to local outlet NOLA.com, it remain in Las Vegas following this year\’s record-breaking event. This has yet to be confirmed by WWE.

    WWE informed New Orleans tourism officials Thursday that the April 2026 show, announced by Dwayne \”The Rock\” Johnson in February, will not proceed at the Caesars Superdome.

    The decision comes after WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas shattered attendance records with over 124,000 fans and generated the highest revenue in company history. Industry sources suggest WWE\’s leadership wants to build on that momentum rather than change cities.

    New Orleans hosted its last WrestleMania in 2018, delivering significant economic impact to the region. The city is expected to get a premium live event in 2026, and a future WrestleMania.

  • Will Ospreay and Hangman Page Will Main Event AEW Double or Nothing This Sunday

    The main event for this Sunday’s AEW Double or Nothing 2025 pay-per-view is officially set.

    On the “go-home” edition of AEW Dynamite, Hangman Page and Will Ospreay came face-to-face in a heated opening segment to deliver their final words before their high-stakes clash.

    Ospreay revealed he had submitted a formal request to AEW President Tony Khan to have their match headline the show – and spoke about the need to bring that title “home” and defend it in London at Forbidden Door 2025 on August 25.

    By the end of the segment, commentary confirmed Khan granted the request: Hangman Page vs. Will Ospreay will close the show as the official main event of AEW Double or Nothing 2025. The match, which also serves as the finals of the 2025 Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament, takes place this Sunday live from the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

    The winner of the match will go on to challenge the AEW World Champion at AEW All In: Texas on July 12, 2025.

  • MLW War Chamber Returns June 7

    Major League Wrestling (MLW) has announced the return of one of wrestling’s most feared structures with MLW: WAR CHAMBER ’25, set to air Saturday, June 7 at 10PM ET on beIN SPORTS and streaming free worldwide on the official MLW YouTube channel.

    The signature War Chamber structure is constructed of carbon steel wrapped in barbed wire with no escape and no disqualifications, designed specifically for all-out warfare.

    Matches announced for the event:

    • War Chamber Match: Matthew Justice, Alex Kane, Mr. Thomas, and Paul London vs. The Rogue Horsemen (Bobby Fish, CW Anderson, Brock Anderson, & BRG)
    • MLW Women’s World Featherweight Championship: Shoko Nakajima (c) vs. Delmi Exo
    • International Tag Team Showcase: CozyMAX (Satoshi Kojima & Okumura) vs. Dark Panther & Blue Panther Jr.
    • Lightning Match: Myron Reed vs. Ariel Dominguez

    The event will also feature appearances by The Filthy Bros (Matt Riddle and “Filthy” Tom Lawlor), Donovan Dijak, Místico, CONTRA Unit, and more.

    Fans can watch the event on June 7 at 10PM ET on beIN SPORTS or stream it for free on YouTube.com/@MLW.

  • WWE NXT: Jasper Troy Makes Explosive Debut, Attacks Oba Femi

    The May 20, 2025 episode of WWE NXT delivered the final buildup to NXT Battleground, scheduled for this Sunday in Tampa, Florida. The show featured a special musical segment with Joe Hendry and Trick Williams, but it was the intense face-to-face confrontation between NXT Champion Oba Femi and his challenger Myles Borne that became the night’s most talked-about moment, thanks to a shocking debut.

    Myles Borne, who earned his championship opportunity by winning a 25-man battle royal on the May 6 episode of NXT, stood face-to-face with the dominant champion Oba Femi in the ring. The two exchanged words in what has been billed as a true “David vs. Goliath” matchup heading into Battleground. Borne, who is partially deaf and uses hearing aids, has embraced his underdog status, while Femi has been dismissive of his challenger’s chances.

    As their intense verbal confrontation came to a close, the arena was suddenly rocked by the arrival of Jasper Troy, the recent winner of WWE’s “Legends and Future Greats” (LFG) competition. Troy, who alongside Tyra Mae Steele earned an NXT contract by winning the season finale of WWE LFG on May 18, rushed the ring and immediately attacked the imposing NXT Champion.

    The 340-pound former collegiate football player (real name Antoine Frazier) laid out Oba Femi with several powerful moves, sending a clear message to the entire NXT roster.

    This moment had been foreshadowed several weeks earlier on the April 29 episode of NXT, when The Undertaker appeared backstage and warned Femi about upcoming challenges from the LFG talents, specifically mentioning Troy.

    Earlier in the night, NXT General Manager Ava had congratulated both Troy and Steele during a backstage segment, where Troy boldly stated, “I’m going to make an impact and it starts tonight.” The powerhouse certainly delivered on that promise, creating a memorable moment that has fans buzzing about his future in NXT.

    The episode also featured matches including Je’Von Evans vs. Sean Legacy vs. Ashante Thee Adonis in a Number One Contender Match, Kelani Jordan vs. ZARIA, Chase University (Uriah Connors & Kale Dixon) vs. OTM (Bronco Nima & Lucien Price), and Shawn Spears vs. Josh Briggs. The musical segment between TNA World Champion Joe Hendry and Trick Williams added entertainment value ahead of their championship match at Battleground.

    NXT Battleground takes place this Sunday, May 25, at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. The event will feature Oba Femi defending his NXT Championship against Myles Borne, along with several other high-profile matches including Joe Hendry defending the TNA World Championship against Trick Williams and Stephanie Vaquer putting her NXT Women’s Championship on the line against Jordynne Grace.

  • WWE Set to Sign European Wrestling Stars Aigle Blanc and Mike D Vecchio

    WWE is reportedly in the process of signing two prominent European wrestlers, France\’s Aigle Blanc and Belgium\’s Mike D Vecchio, according to a report from Cultaholic. The two performers are expected to join the company by September 2025, following successful tryouts with WWE earlier this year.

    Aigle Blanc

    Aigle Blanc, whose name translates to \”White Eagle\” in French, is a masked wrestler who follows the lucha libre tradition. As is customary in lucha libre, his real identity remains undisclosed. He is known for his high-flying style and signature moves including the 450 Splash and Tombstone Piledriver. Blanc has established himself as a formidable competitor in the European wrestling scene, having won the APC Championship twice and holding the wXw European Championship in 2024.

    Mike D Vecchio

    Mike D Vecchio, born Mike Derudder, is a Belgian professional wrestler who currently holds the wXw European Championship after defeating Aigle Blanc for the title. He has competed extensively across the European independent wrestling circuit and has made appearances for major promotions including Impact Wrestling. Vecchio has previously held the GWF Berlin and World Championships.

    Both wrestlers recently competed in All Japan Pro Wrestling\’s (AJPW) Champion Carnival 2025 tournament as part of the B Block. They teamed together on the final night of the tournament to challenge for the All Asia Tag Team Titles against Yuma Anzai and Rising HAYATO.

    The pair participated in WWE tryouts during the company\’s European tour, which took place in late March 2025. Their signings would further WWE\’s commitment to recruiting international talent and expanding its global footprint.

    Blanc and Vecchio join a growing list of European wrestlers finding success in WWE, bringing their unique styles and international experience to the company\’s roster. WWE has not yet officially confirmed the signings.

  • AEW Breaks Tradition, Brings All Out to Toronto for First Time

    All Elite Wrestling has announced a major shift in its pay-per-view calendar, with its flagship event All Out set to take place at Toronto\’s Scotiabank Arena on September 20, 2025. The announcement, made today by AEW, marks the first time the prestigious event will be held outside of the Chicago area since its inception.

    \”Scotiabank Arena in Toronto will host AEW All Out September 20,\” the official press release states, with tickets going on sale Monday, June 2 at 10 AM ET via AEWTix.com and Ticketmaster.ca.

    This move to Toronto continues AEW\’s growing relationship with the Canadian market, following successful previous events including Forbidden Door at the same venue. Fans interested in exclusive presale opportunities can register at allelitewrestling.com/aew-insider.

    The decision to relocate All Out comes as AEW continues to expand its international presence, having previously moved its All In event to London\’s Wembley Stadium and All In: Texas at Globe Life Field in July 2025. The Canadian expansion represents another strategic move as AEW continues to strengthen its global footprint.

  • WWE Legend Kevin Nash Believes Rhea Ripley Has Star Power to Redefine Women\’s Wrestling

    WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash believes Rhea Ripley possesses a rare combination of athleticism, psychology, and star power that separates her from her peers and could potentially allow her to compete against male competitors.

    Speaking on his \”Kliq This\” podcast with co-host Sean Oliver, Nash didn\’t hold back his admiration for the current WWE Women\’s World Champion.

    \”Rhea is so athletic. She looks like she could go against probably 50% of the male roster,\” Nash stated. \”I even wrote a note that said she can work the men\’s division.\”

    The wrestling legend continued his praise, emphasizing Ripley\’s complete package:

    \”She\’s a star, man… It\’s tough to put her in the ring… She\’s super over. She\’s super everything.\”

    The Lost Art of Selling

    Nash specifically highlighted Ripley\’s selling ability—her talent for reacting to opponents\’ offense—as a particularly rare skill in today\’s wrestling landscape.

    \”I said a long time ago on this show that there\’s so few people that sell and Rhea can sell. Like Rhea knows how to sell,\” Nash explained.

    The former nWo member also touched on the psychological aspects of Ripley\’s matches, noting how her offense should be portrayed differently than her opponents\’.

    \”A kick from Rhea to one of her opponents in this particular match should feel differently and be sold differently than a kick from Roxanne to Rhea,\” he said. \”All things are not equal. And I think that psychology has to creep into [the match].\”

    Nash\’s appreciation extends beyond Ripley\’s in-ring work.

    \”I\’m not like an ink guy,\” he noted, referring to Ripley\’s tattoos, \”but she pulls everything off.\”

    Larger Than Life Presence

    Perhaps most fascinating was Nash\’s discussion of how Ripley projects a larger-than-life presence despite not being as physically imposing as she appears on television.

    \”I thought Rhea was like 6 foot, 185 pound girl and she\’s probably 5\’7,\” Nash revealed. \”But on TV, the way she moves, she comes across as bigger than life, which stars do.\”

    Nash compared this phenomenon to his early experience as a wrestling fan:

    \”I remember when I was a mark and I saw Hogan work and I swore Hogan was 6\’9\” because he was just bigger than life, his charisma, everything else. And then when I finally met him, he was nowhere near that size.\”

    The WWE Hall of Famer drew further parallels to movie stars who have similar qualities:

    \”Across all genres too, you know. Stallone\’s a tiny guy supposedly. Tom Cruise, they say, is small too.\”

    He also shared his personal experience meeting Ripley backstage:

    \”When I saw her at SummerSlam, she was just with no makeup on, everything. She\’s quiet and she\’s really chill.\”

    The Championship Dilemma

    Nash\’s comments suggest Ripley could be headed for an extended championship reign similar to Roman Reigns.

    \”It\’s so hard because if you give the people what they want, which is Rhea\’s the champion, then she\’s now in a Roman spot. She\’s going to have the thing for four years,\” Nash predicted. \”It\’s that kind of situation where you\’ve got to use her to elevate [others].\”

    While acknowledging Ripley\’s dominance, Nash did mention a few wrestlers who could potentially match up with her.

    \”Although Bianca, I think someone like Bianca or I think Jade… I think Jade will get there. She\’s still green, but she\’s improving vastly.\”

    With such high praise from one of wrestling\’s most respected minds, Ripley\’s position as one of WWE\’s cornerstone performers seems secure.

    Nash\’s analysis not only validates Ripley\’s current status but suggests her ceiling might be even higher than previously thought—potentially including groundbreaking intergender competition that could redefine her legacy in professional wrestling.

  • Shawn Michaels: \’NXT is the Purest, Most Exciting Aspect of Pro Wrestling\’

    WWE legend Shawn Michaels believes NXT has finally reached a level of recognition and appreciation that matches its quality, calling it \”the purest, the best, the most exciting aspect of all professional wrestling\” ahead of the brand\’s Battleground event.

    In a recent interview with Brad Gilmore of Reality Wrestling, the WWE Hall of Famer and head of NXT creative expressed his enthusiasm for the developmental brand\’s current momentum.

    \”It\’s been just a phenomenal time in NXT and the excitement and the energy is palpable,\” Michaels said. \”I think everybody finally sees NXT for what it is. It\’s just the purest, the best, the most exciting aspect of all professional wrestling.\”

    Michaels attributed the brand\’s surging momentum to two key factors: their television partnership with The CW network and the passionate roster of developing talent hungry to prove themselves.

    \”NXT right now has been enjoying just incredible momentum. So much of that is due to the incredible partnership that we have with CW, but also just the young men and women that come through our doors,\” Michaels explained. \”They\’re so hungry. They\’re so passionate. All they want to do is eventually become a Raw and SmackDown superstar and you give every ounce of your being out there when you perform every night of the week.\”

    The \”Heartbreak Kid\” also emphasized the importance of getting NXT talent experience on the road, highlighting the upcoming Tampa shows as valuable development opportunities.

    \”When we get an opportunity to get out on the road, first of all, they\’re just over the top excited about the opportunity to be able to do that, but it also is so important to their development,\” Michaels noted.

    \”We do our best to harness it. They\’re all like wild stallions and we do our best to harness it and every now and then they can keep a lid on it when they\’re in Orlando, but anytime they get out on the road, they\’re ready to cut loose in that ring.\”

    With WWE\’s Memorial Day weekend takeover in Tampa featuring Saturday Night\’s Main Event, Battleground, Monday Night Raw, and NXT, Michaels is clearly confident that the brand will continue to showcase why it has become must-see programming for professional wrestling fans.

  • Shawn Michaels: TNA and NOAH Collaborations Are Helping Create WWE\’s Next Generation

    WWE\’s evolving approach to talent development now includes strategic partnerships with other wrestling promotions, a move that Shawn Michaels believes is accelerating the growth of NXT\’s rising stars.

    In a recent interview with Brad Gilmore of Reality Wrestling, the WWE Hall of Famer and NXT executive highlighted how collaborations with TNA Wrestling and Japan\’s Pro Wrestling NOAH are providing valuable learning experiences for developing talents.

    \”When you\’re in the ring with people better than you, you\’re going to improve. You\’re going to get better. You\’re going to learn things that you didn\’t know before,\” Michaels explained when asked about the benefits of working with other promotions. \”That\’s one of the things that this TNA collaboration has given us.\”

    The partnerships extend beyond North America, with NXT talents also gaining international experience.

    \”The partnership with Noah having our talent be able to go over to Japan and learn that style, a different style, and have some of their superstars come over and be a part of our show,\” Michaels continued. \”Inamura has just been a huge asset to the WWE roster. The people love him and we love him.\”

    These collaborations represent a significant shift in WWE\’s developmental philosophy under the Triple H creative regime. While NXT has always been about preparing talent for the main roster, the addition of inter-promotional experience adds a dimension that wasn\’t previously available within the WWE ecosystem.

    Michaels emphasized the overall impact these partnerships have had:

    \”All of these partnerships and collaborations that we\’ve been able to have has helped our talent improve and has also made NXT the must-see show on WWE programming.\”

    As NXT heads to Tampa for Battleground during WWE\’s Memorial Day weekend takeover, the benefits of these partnerships continue to show in the in-ring work of the brand\’s emerging stars, potentially setting a new standard for how wrestling promotions can collaborate for mutual benefit.

  • Shawn Michaels Reveals Which NXT Stars Are Ready for WWE Main Roster

    When WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels identifies potential future main event talent, the wrestling world listens. In a recent interview with Brad Gilmore of Reality Wrestling, the NXT Senior Vice President of Talent Development pinpointed which rising stars he believes are destined for the big stage.

    Michaels, who oversees WWE\’s developmental brand, specifically named NXT Women\’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer as the standout female performer.

    \”I think it\’d have to be Stephanie Vaquer from the women\’s side, our NXT women\’s champion,\” Michaels said. \”She has just taken the entire world by storm. I think she\’s somebody that already had an international name, but once she got onto NXT programming, the entire world, the entire globe and her popularity has just skyrocketed.\”

    On the men\’s side, Michaels highlighted both NXT Champion Trick Williams and North American Champion Oba Femi as two distinctive talents with main-roster potential.

    \”I think it\’s a toss up on our men\’s side,\” Michaels explained. \”Trick Williams and Oba Femi are two guys with, Trick has unlimited charisma, but Oba also has a mystique and an aura about him. They\’re two very different individuals, but they\’re both guys that are easily superstars that people see are going to be Raw Smackdown superstars in the very near future.\”

    Gilmore reinforced this assessment, noting, \”Oba Femi has a presence and an authenticity about him where you can really see him main eventing WrestleMania one day.\”

    These endorsements from one of wrestling\’s all-time greats carry significant weight as WWE continues building its next generation of stars. With NXT\’s move to The CW network bringing increased visibility, these performers have a platform to develop their characters before potentially joining Raw or SmackDown.

    As WWE\’s Memorial Day weekend takeover in Tampa approaches, featuring Saturday Night\’s Main Event, Battleground, Monday Night Raw, and NXT, fans will have the opportunity to see these future stars in action and judge for themselves if Michaels\’ high praise is warranted.

  • Killer Crossover: 2 More NBA Stars Joining Haliburton as WWE 2K25 DLC (June 25)

    Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton has officially confirmed his inclusion in WWE 2K25\’s \”Dunk & Destruction\” DLC pack during a special appearance on Monday Night Raw.

    The previously announced downloadable content now has a confirmed release date of June 25, 2025, perfectly timed as Haliburton\’s Pacers prepare to face the New York Knicks in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals starting Wednesday.

    Perfect Timing for NBA-WWE Crossover

    The announcement\’s timing couldn\’t be more strategic, coming just days before Haliburton faces Jalen Brunson and the Knicks in a highly anticipated playoff series.

    WWE has been actively highlighting the existing rivalry between the two guards, recently resurfacing footage of their memorable confrontation from a WWE SmackDown event at Madison Square Garden last June.

    Complete \”Dunk & Destruction\” Pack Roster Confirmed

    While the DLC pack was previously announced, WWE has now confirmed the complete lineup:

    • Tyrese Haliburton – Indiana Pacers guard making his WWE gaming debut
    • Abyss – TNA legend and current WWE producer
    • The Great Khali – WWE Hall of Famer and former World Heavyweight Champion
    • Two additional NBA stars – To be announced in the coming weeks

    This marks the first official WWE 2K appearance for both Haliburton and Abyss, with the latter never having competed on WWE television despite currently working behind the scenes as a producer.

    Triple H Hints at More NBA-WWE Crossovers

    WWE\’s Chief Content Officer Triple H seems to be doubling down on the basketball connection, responding to recent comments from Knicks forward Josh Hart about NBA players wanting WWE involvement this summer.

    \”My phone hasn\’t stopped buzzing since Friday. #SummerSlam is coming to @MetLifeStadium in August…\” Triple H posted, suggesting the crossover could extend to WWE\’s upcoming two-night SummerSlam event on August 2-3 in East Rutherford, NJ.

    The \”Dunk & Destruction\” pack is the second of five planned DLC releases for WWE 2K25, following the recently released \”New Wave Pack.\” Fans can purchase it individually or as part of the WWE 2K25 Season Pass when it arrives on June 25, 2025.

  • NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton Joins WWE 2K25 Roster

    WWE has announced that Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton will become a playable character in WWE 2K25. The revelation came during the May 19 episode of WWE Raw, where Haliburton participated in an interview segment with commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee to confirm his virtual wrestling debut.

    Haliburton will be featured in the upcoming \”Dunks & Destruction\” DLC pack, scheduled for release in June 2025. This addition is part of WWE 2K25\’s strategy to incorporate high-profile athletes from outside wrestling, expanding the game\’s appeal to broader audiences.

    The NBA star\’s inclusion follows his rising prominence in basketball, having led the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals and represented Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics. As a known WWE enthusiast, Haliburton has previously appeared on WWE programming, including a segment on SmackDown alongside New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson.

    This collaboration continues the growing trend of crossover appearances between the NBA and WWE, further blurring the lines between sports and entertainment. The \”Dunks & Destruction\” DLC will be available across all major gaming platforms next month.

  • Kofi Kingston Calls Out Disrespectful Fan Behavior: \’You Don\’t Have The Right\’

    WWE Tag Team Champion Kofi Kingston addressed fan boundaries in an interview with Adrian Hernandez on \”Unlikely\” following a disrespectful encounter on an airplane.

    \”Don\’t think that because you bought a ticket that you have the right to shake my hand,\” Kingston stated firmly.

    \”Don\’t come up to me and say, \’Well, I bought a ticket to the show, so I should be able to get a picture,\’ and you are obligated to come over to me. That is not true. I don\’t have to do that.\”

    Kofi Kingston\’s WWE Fan Etiquette

    On morning flight interactions:

    \”Do not come over and try to shake my hand and try to take a picture with me early in the morning when I\’m trying to go to work. If I\’m sitting in first class when you are on your way to last class, don\’t sit there with your camera and do a thumbs down so you can get a little viral shot.\”

    Kingston\’s comments follow fellow WWE superstar Drew McIntyre\’s recent dos and don\’ts for fan interactions.

    On social media behavior:

    \”Don\’t like the pictures and posts when people post disrespectful pics like that. Don\’t like them because you perpetuate that… you perpetuate the negativity.\”

    His response culminated with him referencing his championship:

    \”If I am in my everyday life going to work doing what I want to do, if I\’m hanging out with my family, I don\’t need you to tell me how much I suck. Because look here…

    That means that I don\’t suck. So don\’t come across as a liar when you tell me that I do.\”

    Kingston\’s message is clear: enthusiasm is welcome, but entitlement and disrespect are not.

  • Tailer for \’Money Talk$\’ Short Film with AEW\’s Hook

    AEW star Hook is set to make his cinematic debut in the upcoming short film \”Money Talk$,\” which will have its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City this June.

    The film, directed by Tony Mucci, follows \”the adventure of a $100 bill in 1981 NYC\” on the day of Reagan\’s inauguration as it travels through the underbelly of New York City.

    Hook, the former FTW Champion and current member of The Opps, is credited as a \”Mystery Man\” on the film\’s IMDb page.

    Hook\’s father Taz shared this trailer for the film over the weekend:

    This marks the directorial debut for Tony Mucci in the film industry. Mucci has an extensive background in music video production, and worked with late rapper Juice WRLD.

    The 2025 Tribeca Festival, running June 4-15 in New York City, will feature an expanded lineup of 93 short films this year, including 49 world premieres. The short is scheduled to screen before one of the festival\’s Member Exclusive Events titled \”Bunny.\”

  • WWE Files \’King of the Luchadores\’ Trademark

    WWE has filed a trademark application for \”King of the Luchadores\” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

    The filing covers the usual wrestling-related \’goods and services\’ usage description, including: Entertainment services including wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler delivered through live events, television, radio, and online platforms.

    It remains to be seen if this will be used for one of WWE\’s existing luchador competitors, such as the comedic Grande Americano character, or if this is used for more-legitimate purposes.

  • John Cena\’s WWE Retirement Tour Schedule (Updated)

    John Cena is currently on his WWE retirement tour with several confirmed appearances remaining in 2025.

    The reigning WWE Champion has approximately 24 appearances remaining before he rides off into the sunset once and for all.

    This list includes all currently confirmed appearances for John Cena\’s farewell tour as of May 19, 2025.

    Here\’s his upcoming schedule (subject to change), including another WWE SmackDown television appearance in August on the road to WWE Clash in Paris:

    May 2025

    • May 24: Saturday Night\’s Main Event in Tampa, Florida (Rumored match vs. R-Truth)
    • May 30: WWE SmackDown in Knoxville, Tennessee

    June 2025

    • June 7: WWE Money in the Bank in Los Angeles, California
    • June 9: WWE Raw in Phoenix, Arizona
    • June 13: WWE SmackDown in Lexington, Kentucky
    • June 20: WWE SmackDown in Grand Rapids, Michigan

    July & August 2025

    • July 18: WWE SmackDown in San Antonio, Texas
    • August 2-3: WWE SummerSlam in East Rutherford, New Jersey
    • August 8: WWE SmackDown in Montreal, Canada
    • August 22: WWE SmackDown in Dublin, Ireland
    • August 29: WWE SmackDown in Lyon, France
    • August 31: WWE Clash in Paris in Paris, France

    October 2025

    • October 10: WWE SmackDown in Perth, Australia
    • October 11: WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia
    • October 13: WWE Raw in Perth, Australia

    December 2025

    • Date TBD: WWE event in Boston, MA

  • Mick Foley\’s \’Banned\’ Christmas Book May Return for 25th Anniversary

    WWE legend Mick Foley has revealed he rewrote his controversial Christmas book for a potential 25th anniversary release, but Jerry \”The King\” Lawler\’s health challenges may prevent its publication.

    Speaking with Denise Salcedo of Instinct Culture at Comic Con Revolution, Foley explained the updates he made to the holiday classic:

    \”I did rewrite it a few years ago, maybe for ahead of a 25th anniversary release. I just changed a couple of words around like instead of Santa saying \’perhaps I\’ll buy some fancy chains like that wrestler named Too Hottie\’… I changed it to \’perhaps I\’ll buy a fancy robe like the Nature Boy Ric Flair.\’\”

    Despite his preparations, Foley explained why fans might not see the updated version:

    \”Jerry Lawler was the original illustrator and Jerry\’s had a stroke, so it\’s much tougher for him to do his artwork. So, I think that\’s the reason why there won\’t be an amended version.\”

    The book gained notoriety for being banned from some stores due to its adult humor, including a memorable \”naked elf\” illustration.

    \”It got buried in adult humor in some bookstores kind of killing off the whole Santa Claus audience. But people did like it and even though it was banned from some chain stores around the country because of the naked elf…\”

    While this specific project remains in limbo, Foley continues writing and working on various projects outside of wrestling.

  • Mick Foley: Randy Orton Hardcore Match Was \’My Favorite of All Time\’

    In a surprising revelation, hardcore legend Mick Foley has declared his 2004 brutal encounter with Randy Orton as his \”favorite match of all time,\” despite a career filled with iconic battles against Terry Funk, The Undertaker, Triple H, and others.

    Speaking to Denise Salcedo of Instinct Culture at Comic Con Revolution, Foley specifically recalled the elation he felt during a pivotal moment in the match:

    \”It was my favorite match of all time. I remember dropping that elbow on Randy and thinking it was the most perfect elbow I\’d ever dropped. And I also remember the feeling like he was growing in front of people\’s eyes, you know, that people were getting to see a different side of Randy Orton and they really embraced it.\”

    The hardcore battle, which featured Foley\’s infamous thumbtacks and barbed wire, provided a transformative moment in Orton\’s career development, establishing him as more than just a third-generation prospect.

    \”I think it was a really good match for both of us,\” Foley added, acknowledging how the encounter benefited both performers despite occurring late in his own career.

    The match represents a perfect example of wrestling\’s generational torch-passing, with the hardcore legend elevating a young talent to new heights. This late-career confrontation with Orton now stands as Foley\’s personal favorite, cementing its significance in both men\’s legacies and WWE history. You can watch the match in its entirety right here, courtesy of WWE:

  • Mick Foley Reveals How Mankind Became a \’Kindred Spirit\’ for Outsiders

    WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley says his mid-late 90\’s Mankind character became an unexpected symbol of acceptance for fans who felt like outsiders, despite being his most challenging persona to portray.

    Speaking with Denise Salcedo of Instinct Culture at Comic Con Revolution, Foley shared that while many fans remember his legendary matches, others found personal meaning in his characters:

    \”My favorite part about being here is just hearing what connected with fans. For some people was this match, legendary match with the Undertaker, but in some cases it\’s someone telling me they kind of felt out of place and then they saw in mankind a kindred spirit and realized it\’s okay to be a little bit different.\”

    Foley achieved worldwide notoriety as Cactus Jack before arriving in the World Wrestling Federation (April 1996), but Vince McMahon had a different vision for his presentation.

    The creation of Mankind pushed Foley to dark psychological places, requiring intense method acting techniques seldom seen in professional wrestling.

    \”Mankind was the toughest because it was a really dark character in 1996. It was really dark and it was tough for me to go to a dark place. I mean, literally, I would go to the boiler room to try to get into the character of mankind,\” Foley explained.

    This revelation contrasted with his other personas, as he noted, \”Dude Love was the easiest because it\’s just me being a little nerdier than I am in real life.\”

    Mankind was initially a vehicle to introduce Foley as a viable opponent for The Undertaker, but even he must have been surprised at the direction it ultimately took. 30 years later, he\’s still hearing from fans who felt an unlikely connection with the tortured character.

  • WWE Raw Preview: Logan Paul, MITB Qualifiers, and Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker

    Here’s the preview for this week’s WWE Raw, broadcasting live on Netflix at 8/7c from Greenville, South Carolina’s Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

    The episode serves as the go-home Raw for Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 24 and will feature high-stakes Money in the Bank qualifying matches for both the men’s and women’s ladder matches, as the road to the June 7 Premium Live Event heats up.

    WWE Raw Preview: May 19, 2025

    • Logan Paul appears live ahead of his World Heavyweight title match at Saturday Night’s Main Event
    • Jey Uso (World Heavyweight Champion) vs. Bron Breakker (Non-Title Match)
    • Sheamus vs. Grayson Waller
    • AJ Styles & Penta vs. Finn Balor & JD McDonagh
    • Money in the Bank Qualifying Matches (Men’s & Women’s)

    Other top stars scheduled to appear include Gunther, Rhea Ripley, Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio, The New Day, Raquel Rodriguez, IYO SKY, Seth Rollins, and more.

  • Darby Allin Speaks After Climbing Mount Everest: \’What A Ride\’

    All Elite Wrestling\’s resident daredevil Darby Allin has realized his dream of climbing Mount Everest. The 32-year-old \”pillar of AEW has been off television since December to prepare for the adventure.

    He finally reached the top of Everest on Sunday, and fulfilled his promise by bringing an AEW flag with him. He documented the accomplishment on Instagram, writing:

    \”Mount Everest summit. What a ride thanks @aew for everything in life. Thanks to the amazing team at adventure consultants and the Sherpa squad this shit was wild!\”

    Allin\’s team began the climb last month and their progress was tracked online by the company that organized the excursion.

    Why Darby Allin Climbed Mount Everest

    Back in December, he spoke with Flickering Myth and revealed his motivation to embark on such an ambitious undertaking.

    \”That’s why like Mount Everest is so peaceful, the thought of like climbing it. Because when you’re climbing it, you can’t just talk, you can’t waste any energy talking. So it’s just you and your thoughts for like two months climbing that mountain. So you gotta dig deep down inside and really pull out who you are.

    From a day-to-day life, you have all these distractions whether it’s your phone or whether it’s TV or whether it’s anything [else] but when you’re alone with your thoughts, that’s when you really find out who you are. You can deal with a lot of problems that you have in your head when you just have to bear with it and you can’t distract yourself.

    So I think that sounds, that’s the most fun thing about Mount Everest – it’s very therapeutic.\”

    Darby Allin Breaks World Record on Mount Everest