Ashante “Thee” Adonis is officially gone from WWE after the promotion opted not to renew his contract. Now, more has come to light about this situation and why the Hit Row member was shown the exit.
In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that WWE deliberately chose not to re-sign Adonis due to money. It is stated that despite being used exclusively in NXT, Adonis had a main roster contract, which pays better than an NXT deal.
According to Meltzer, WWE determined it made more financial sense to let the deal run its course rather than cut him and trigger a 90-day non-compete payout.
“Given his contract would have expired at roughly the same time if they didn’t cut him, essentially they just paid him for the last three months of his deal, just as they would have with a 90-day non-compete.”
In WWE NXT, Adonis had a romantic storyline with Karmen Petrovic build for months before being quietly dropped in early 2025. This departure marks Adonis\’ second exit from WWE as Hit Row was released in 2021 but the majority of the group\’s members were rehired in 2022.
Now a free agent, Adonis has the opportunity to work and sign with whoever he chooses. It remains to be seen if AEW, TNA Wrestling, NJPW, or another path is in his future.
Drew McIntyre isn’t backing away from his blunt assessment of the WWE locker room after claiming many Superstars don\’t look fit for wrestling. Speaking to Wrestling Republic, McIntyre was asked about Jelly Roll’s recent in-ring appearance and used the moment to reinforce his belief that most WWE stars are missing key qualities.
\”I don’t know why it was so controversial. The 85% — maybe I’m a little off. Maybe it’s like 82% of the roster. It’s like they don’t — they shouldn’t be WWE superstars.\”
McIntyre made clear that his previous comment wasn\’t necessarily about size alone, but about other wrestling attributes. Whether it\’s presence, athleticism, or effort, McIntyre finds many of his colleagues sorely lacking.
\”It would help to look like an athlete, my god. It’s like, you know, you’re in there — World Wrestling Entertainment. Wrestling’s still in there. Athletic endeavor. At least look like an athlete.\”
While being in shape is important to McIntyre, the last thing he wants is identical well-sculpted wrestlers. For the Scottish Warrior, talent need an X-factor to keep them unique.
\”What’s going to make you stand out from the other guy that’s really good at wrestling or really good at high-flying — and what if a knee injury comes and you can’t do that style anymore?\”
McIntyre concluded with a clear warning to talent: take things more seriously, especially given all the resources at their disposal.
“Just freaking think about it and stand out. And also get in the damn gym. You’ve got all the free time in the world. You get paid a bunch of money now. Everybody makes money now. You get no freaking excuse — sitting on your couch eating pizza.\”
Cody Rhodes regained the WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2025, but his reign will be short-lived if Drew McIntyre has his way. Speaking to the Wrestling Republic, McIntyre made clear he has his eyes on the American Nightmare.
\”I want to be the one to take the title off him and teach him the hard way the reality of the wrestling world, the reality of the world.\”
McIntyre and Rhodes have a long history and briefly held the WWE Tag Team Championships in 2010. For McIntyre, there is a world of difference between the two, despite their similarities.
\”[We\’re at] different destinations. Where I open my eyes to the truth of it — so many things — and he’s so desperate to be liked, so desperate for attention.\”
McIntyre claimed that Rhodes is \”still in the mindset I was in, in 2020,\” a year McIntyre captured the WWE Championship twice. Now, McIntyre has a far more dangerous mindset, one he believes will lead him to a third reign.
Rhodes\’ initial reign as WWE Champion lasted for over a year before his crushing loss at WrestleMania 41. Now with gold around his waist again, Rhodes will once again see how winning a title and keeping one are very different things.
Karrion Kross is shedding light on how his relationship with Scarlett came about, and how the former NXT Champion broke his own rule in the name of love. Speaking on the Stories With Brisco and Bradshaw podcast, Kross recalled seeing his future wife for the first time.
“I met her at a wrestling show and it was one of those types of things where you lock eyes with a woman and you know that something could happen.\”
Kross instantly felt pulled to Scarlett, despite his rule forbidding work-based relationships. At the time, Kross told himself that mixing his professional and romantic lives wouldn\’t end well.
“I always had a policy — I absolutely do not want to intermingle with anybody at work… I never really messed around with people at work.”
Kross and Scarlett tried to keep their distance, but fate had other plans. After being put together by Konnan during events in Mexico, sparks began to fly.
\”It wasn’t long after that we were dating. The cool part about it was her and I became very good friends before we started dating.\”
WWE Raw will have a new sponsor in its upcoming season, it has been claimed. According to a report from AdWeek, DoorDash will serve as the presenting sponsor for Monday Night Raw\’s next season.
Netflix has “more than doubled” its overall ad commitments, according to Netflix\’s Ads president Amy Reinhard, who spoke at upfront negotiations. WWE has yet to announce when the next season of Raw will begin, as the show currently does not have an off-season.
WWE has embraced sponsorships and brand integration over the past year, as seen on Raw and other shows. Several sponsors can be found on the ring canvas, an area that was completely bare during the McMahon era of the promotion. Slim Jim caused a stir by sponsoring WWE tables, while some sponsors have found their logos on the Money in the Bank briefcases.
With DoorDash stepping into the ring, WWE\’s connection to its sponsors continue to grow closer. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest WWE news.
Hulk Hogan was recently laid to rest following a cermony attended by some of pro wrestling\’s biggest names. Kevin Nash was one of the attendees at the Hulkster\’s ceremony, and he experienced a bizarre encounter after the somber affair.
Speaking on his Kliq This podcast, Nash shared what happened hours after the service. While trying to get home in the rain, Nash decided to pull into his usual secluded spot to urinate.
\”I\’m standing up in the rain and I’m just going to let it go. I spin around, open my door, right in front of me is a Daytona Beach Shores SUV police and I’m like, ‘Oh, f—.’\”
Nash\’s run-in with the police forced him to abort plans to urinate. Fortunately, the matter was resolved without Nash facing an arrest.
\”I’m looking right at the cops. I haven’t even touched my zipper. So now I’m going to jail for indecent exposure. So I sit back in my car.\”
Nash continued his drive, still holding his bladder. When he tried to make it to another spot — he lost the battle in spectacular fashion.
\”I can feel like I’m starting to get a squirt of piss. I’m in my car, I grab the t-shirt I had on earlier and cram it over my [junk], and the next thing you know, man, that thing feels like a water balloon in my hand.\”
Drenched in his own car, Nash called his wife to share the unfortunate news. When he eventually made it home, Mrs. Big Daddy Cool was prepared for the worst.
“As I’m pulling up, the garage doors are already on their way up. She’s got paper towels and some Lysol. I said, ‘Could you shut the garage door please?’”
Jimmy Uso and Naomi have opened up about keeping their marriage strong despite the demanding WWE schedule, emphasizing the importance of genuine check-ins over surface-level conversations. During their joint appearance on Stephanie McMahon\’s \”What\’s Your Story?\” podcast, Jimmy gave the key tenets of their healthy relationship.
\”Communication… keep it new so it don\’t be old… we always got to talk.\”
The couple, who travel together constantly for WWE, stressed that maintaining connection requires intentional effort. \”Checking in is key… fine is my least favorite word,\” Naomi added, highlighting their commitment to meaningful dialogue.
Their relationship foundation proved crucial during challenging periods, such as injuries or during Naomi\’s WWE walk-out in 2022. For the pair, their journey to being one of WWE\’s beloved power couples has been a long one.
\”We started as really good friends… mutual friendship, love and respect… You don\’t grow together, you grow apart. I don\’t want to grow apart.\”
Jimmy also revealed his approach to staying present for himself and his wife. For Jimmy, a key step is taking a break from the noise and criticism found on social media.
\”I got off social media for about two years… turning everything off mentally.\”
The couple also discussed setting healthy boundaries, even with family members. With such a large family, the pair make sure to care for themselves rather than risk spreading negative vibes around.
\”Our unit has to be okay first… I can\’t help everybody else if I\’m not okay,\” Naomi explained.
Their practical approach extends to everyday life, with both acknowledging that perspective and humility play crucial roles in their success both personally and professionally.
When James Gunn calls, John Cena answers, even if the WWE icon\’s schedule says otherwise. Appearing on The Tonight Show, Cena explained how his surprise cameo in 2025\’s summer blockbuster Superman came about.
“Well, when James Gunn calls, you pick up. He’s like, ‘Hey, pal, I need you.’ I told him, ‘I don’t have the time.’ He said, ‘It’s for Superman.’ I’m like, ‘I’m there.’”
Cena\’s brief role in the film sees him return to the character of Christopher \’Peacemaker\’ Smith. Fans wanting to see more of the anti-hero ready to commit all manner of violence in the name of peace will have their chance when Peacemaker Season 2 drops on HBO Max on August 21.
“Guys, get ready because Peacemaker 2 is full of surprises. Tons of surprises, tons of cameos, all new cast. We got tons of story swerves and stuff you’ll never see coming.”
One fan-favorite element is also making a comeback — the infamous emotionless opening dance sequence. Fans can expect the dance for Peacemaker\’s second season, albeit with a brand-new song with fresh choreography.
As Cena\’s WWE career nears its end, his role n the world of DC Comics continues to grow. With this cameo and Peacemaker Season 2, fans can expect plenty more of the WWE icon in his very shiny helmet.
One of the most memorable parts of Torrie Wilson\’s WCW run came when she shared the screen with \’Macho Man\’ Randy Savage. Now, over two decades later, Wilson has opened up about the unscripted incident that altered the course of the WWE Hall of Famer\’s career.
In an interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri on SHAK Wrestling, Wilson revisited the July 5, 1999 episode of WCW Monday Nitro, where Savage struck her.
“I was so green, and that slap came out of nowhere. I didn’t know it was coming.\”
The slap came when an irate Savage had been teased by Kevin Nash, who claimed that Savage\’s girlfriend was in his dressing room. Instead, Savage found his girlfriend Gorgeous George hanging out with Wilson, who couldn\’t help but laugh after being hit.
“The laugh was just me… I didn’t know what to do, and that’s just what came out — which I’m sure pissed him off even more.”
Her nervous laughter only heightened the tension, as Savage was known for his intense commitment to kayfabe. For Wilson, it gave her a rapid education into the chaotic nature of wrestling at the time.
\”It was just really me not knowing what was going on. I hadn’t been in the business long enough to understand that things like that could really happen.\”
The slapsent shockwaves within WCW, especially as the show aired from the Georgia Dome — Turner Broadcasting’s corporate headquarters. With several high-ranking execs in attendance, Turner’s Standards and Practices department swiftly intervened. Savage was pulled from TV as a result of the slap, nixing a planned push that would\’ve seen him beat Nash for the WCW World Championship.
Though Savage would win the gold later on, he quickly dropped the title to Hulk Hogan and his role on TV would never reach the same heights. For Wilson, she today sees it as \”a nice welcome to the biz\” that she would forge her own legacy within.
Hulk Hogan\’s legacy was forever changed when racist comments made by the wrestling icon came to light in 2015. WWE wasted no time in taking action, firing Hogan and removing him from the Hall of Fame. Hogan wouldn\’t be brought back until 2018, where he would received mixed responses by fans until his final appearance.
In a recent interview with TMZ, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon addressed the controversy over Hulk Hogan’s comments. McMahon was direct in his response.
\”What Hulk said was absolutely unforgivable. I was shocked and disappointed when I heard those comments. There is no place for that kind of language or attitude in WWE or anywhere else.\”
Explaining removing Hogan from the Hall of Fame, McMahon called it \”necessary to show that we do not condone that behavior.\” While McMahon believes WWE showed its opposition to Hogan\’s comments, news that he had been removed only came about in 2018 when he was reinstated.
Still, McMahon offered a personal defense of Hogan’s overall character. While what his friend said was \”unforgivable,\” McMahon hopes that fans are willing to give the Hulkster a second chance.
“I’ve known Hulk for decades. I don’t believe he’s a racist. He made a terrible mistake, but that’s not who he is at his core. People can change, and I believe in second chances.”
\”The comments were unforgivable, but I hope people can see the man beyond the mistake.\”
Hogan died in July 2025, and WWE has honored the late icon several times ever since. While fans have paid tribute to the wrestling legend, the comments he made continue to cast a long shadow over the legacy of Hulk Hogan.
WWE has announced that two-day combo tickets for WrestleMania 42 will go on sale Wednesday, September 24, at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. Tickets for WWE\’s return to Las Vegas\’ Allegiant Stadium will be available via Ticketmaster.com, with the show taking place on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Fans can register now for pre-sale opportunities at wwe.com/wrestlemania42-pre-registration. Premium WrestleMania 42 Priority Passes will also be available through exclusive partner On Location, offering premium seating, hospitality events with Superstar appearances, and exclusive photo opportunities.
The announcement comes as WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, continues its strategic expansion following a WrestleMania that broke several records. Now, fans eagerly await September 24 and the chance to catch WWE\’s biggest show live and in person.
Much has been said about Hulk Hogan since the WWE icon\’s death in July 2025 aged 71. Recently, TMZ presented \’The Real Hulk Hogan\’ though Jim Ross believes that Hogan\’s reality was far from the focal point.
On his Grilling JR podcast, Ross argued that the video glossed over too much. Ross argued that the only negativity addressed was Hogan\’s leaked sex tape that derailed the icon\’s career in 2015. As for the rest of the documentary, \”everything else is hearts and flowers and apple pie and ice cream.\”
Ross believes that the documentary should have done more with Hogan\’s controversies beyond the sex tape, including his alleged politicking. Ross went as far as to call the doc a \”fluff piece on steroids,\” arguing that an agenda was in place to honor Hogan rather than being brutally honest.
The doc also saw a rare appearance by Vince McMahon who like many in the doc, spoke highly of Hogan. On his podcast, Ross said that McMahon \”looked horrible,\” adding that he appeared tired and withdrawn. McMahon also seemed \”a little frustrated\” according to Ross, who suspected that the former WWE CEO regretted agreeing to give an interview.
TMZ\’s documentary \”didn\’t dwell\” on Hogan\’s racism, according to Ross, and barely touched any of the other controversies to the Hulkster\’s name. While many had plenty to say in the video, the tone should have been \”stiffer\” as far as Hogan\’s fellow WWE Hall of Famer is concerned.
Karrion Kross is no longer with WWE as both he and Scarlett\’s contracts expired on August 10. The duo\’s swansong came at this year\’s SummerSlam, where Kross came up short against Sami Zayn.
Kross\’ exit comes after weeks of reports about his contract and the risk of his departure. Speaking to The Ariel Helwani Show, Kross admitted that he suspected that the end was coming for him as he appeared at SummerSlam.
“I felt it. I even had a friend tell me, ‘You know, maybe do something for the live crowd when you’re leaving—say goodbye or something.’\”
While many wrestlers like to have a special moment in their final appearance, that wasn\’t Kross\’ M.O. Instead, the former NXT Champion wanted to go out by making sure the spotlight stayed on Zayn.
\”I said, ‘I don’t want to be unprofessional. This moment, clearly by design, is for the babyface to get everything back that we took away from him. I don’t need to make this about myself right now. It’s about him.’”
AEW has yet to reach out to Kross, the ex-Superstar also revealed, a fact that has taken him by surprise. Fans remain eager to see what\’s to come for Karrion Kross and Scarlett, who have wasted no time post-WWE.
SummerSlam 2025 marked Kross’ only singles match at the historic event, and he’s satisfied with how he handled it. The allure of a personal farewell was there, but Kross remained professional to the very end.
One of AEW\’s most popular stars who has been out of action for some time is on their way back to the ring, according to the August 13, Dynamite. During the second hour of the show, fans were treated to a video teaser confirming the return of three-time FTW Champion HOOK.
HOOK’s last AEW appearance came at Double or Nothing, where he teamed with Swerve Strickland, Kenny Omega, Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Katsuyori Shibata in the chaotic Anarchy in the Arena match. In June, HOOK shared that he had been recovering from a concussion and promised to be back soon.
While AEW hasn\’t given an exact date, the return of HOOK has already excited fans of the cool, calucated wrestler. Whether it\’s setting his sights on title gold, or rekindling past feuds, HOOK is expected to make an impact upon his return.
A wild and false rumor has drawn the ire of WWE NXT General Manager Ava as it concerns the daughter of Dwayne \’The Rock\’ Johnson. A fake post circulating on social media claimed Ava had been in a “serious car accident.\” The post included a staged image of her, as well as a somber photo of her father.
Ava quickly took to X to set the record straight, calling out those responsible for the false report.
there is such a special place in hell for people who do stuff like this … ya’ll are so weird. pic.twitter.com/kRGsUHvdAy
This is sadly not the other lie shared about a wrestler in recent days. On Facebook, it was claimed that Charles Robinson had died after a user shared a picture with the caption “In memory of Ref Lil’ Natch 1964 – 2025.” While the description hinted that this post was meant to be taken as a joke, many didn\’t find the death hoax as funny.
Ava is doing well, despite what this claim online has had to say. While Ava shut this one down fast, the persistence of such stories shows how reckless and damaging false reports can be.
Shayna Baszler has broken her silence on her WWE exit, revealing she still had three years left on a recently signed contract extension when she was released. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, the former NXT Women’s Champion reflected on the end of her eight-year run with the company.
“I had like three more years.,. I was released. I had, not too long ago, signed an extension. I wish it would have ran out, but I was released… It’s never a good feeling, but it was not unexpected.”
Baszler\’s final match for WWE came in April 2025, during which she was part of the Pure Fusion Collective. After Sonya Deville\’s contract was not renewed in February, Baszler saw the writing on the wall for the group.
\”We were trying to pitch stories and ideas and doing our own stuff on social media and that sort of thing. Nothing was hitting with creative… It\’s a bummer in that moment, but I kind of knew where we were at.\”
As she was released, Baszler has had to wait out a 90-day non compete clause which only recently expired. Her situation demonstrates that contracts in WWE do not always guarantee security, with the risk of being released always present.
Baszler wrestled for Shine, Shimmer, Beyond and others prior to WWE, and questions remain as to what\’s next for her. Whatever comes, the fighter is hoping for much more than what came at the end of her WWE tenure.
Karrion Kross\’ time with WWE has come to an end as both his and Scarlett\’s contracts expired on August 10. This marks the end of Kross\’ second run with the company, but the former NXT Champion is hoping for a third.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Kross began by addressing the rumor that his exit is just a storyline. After making clear that \”I’m not working anyone,\” Kross addressed a potential return.
“I would prefer to go back home with my wife and let’s give people what they want. Home meaning WWE. Despite the fact it’s been frustrating, I still want to go back.\”
Kross spoke of the adage that if one finds a job they love, they\’ll never work a day, and said he found that job as a WWE Superstar. For Kross, a return wouldn\’t just be big for his career, but allow him to further strengthen bonds he forged in his two previous runs.
\”I have so many great core memories of being there, even amongst all that other stuff. It pales in comparison to the relationships and friendships I have, not just with people in the locker room but with the supporting staff.”
As Kross knows firsthand, departing WWE does not always mean the end of a wrestler\’s tenure as a Superstar. Instead, many wrestlers, including WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, have gone on to bigger success after previously being released.
Whether Kross will see this success, or even just another shot in WWE, only time will tell. One thing is clear: Karrion Kross is ready to be called a Superstar, even after a frustrating time with the promotion.
\’Nasty Boy\’ Brian Knobbs is at risk of losing his leg due to his ongoing health issues, the former wrestler has revealed. In a new video, Knobbs shared that his foot is infected again and \”now they’re talking about amputation.\” Knobs has battled health issues for years including being rushed to hospital in early 2025 due to critically-low blood levels. Knobs was able to make a recovery but only after having an emergency blood transfusion.
In his video, Knobbs asked fans for their support and has launched a GoFundMe. Over $31,000 has already been raised which will go towards his medical bills and \”restarting Brian\’s recovery and long-term plan.\” Money will also go to his wife Toni who recently suffered a compound fracture to her ankle after falling in their hotel room.
Knobbs\’ fears of amputation come mere weeks after WCW alum Buff Bagwell had one of his legs amputated due to health concerns. Like Knobbs, Bagwell had been dealing with health issues for years. After a 2020 car accident, Bagwell endured more than 30 surgeries in an attempt to save his leg, ultimately to no avail.
Knobbs\’ story is sadly shared by many older wrestlers who continue to face health issues after life in the ring. We would like to send our very best wishes to Knobbs and his family at this time.
AEW AllI In: Texas marked the end of Jon Moxley\’s stranglehold on the AEW World Championship as his reign was ended by \’Hangman\’ Adam Page. After a lengthy reign that saw Moxley and the Death Riders wreak havoc over AEW, fans are interested to see what\’s next for the former champion.
Speaking to Cincy Lifestyle ahead of AEW Dynamite and Collision coming to his hometown, Moxley was asked what\’s next. Though he didn\’t give away specifics beyond his next match, Moxley was ready to dish out the hurt.
\”On Wednesday, I\’ll be facing a young athlete by the name of Kevin Knight. Very promising, young potential future star. Potential being the operative word there. It\’s not so much the fall or the throw. Or the the traveling through the air that\’s going to hurt him. It\’s the abrupt stop. When he hits the mat.\”
Moxley is excited to return to Cincinnatti for the show, where he is expected to get a warm response despite being a heel. For Moxley, there\’s nothing better than having a live crowd invested in your work.
\”I mean you need to see this in person. Very very very addictive thing. Once you once you get a taste of it you\’re going to want to come back every single time.\”
Moxley is just part of a stacked card for tonight\’s Dynamite as AEW continues on the journey towards its Forbidden Door event. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Moxley\’s role in AEW.
Hulk Hogan\’s legacy in wrestling was forever tainted when racist comments came to light in 2015, prompting a swift firing from WWE. While Hogan was rehired three years later, many never moved past from his racist comments, resulting in mixed responses at events for the rest of his life.
Much has been said about Hogan\’s comments by fans and those within the industry. Speaking on TMZ\’s The Real Hulk Hogan documentary, Mark Henry made clear why he couldn\’t back his fellow Hall of Famer.
\”He said, in his words, that he was a racist. Why would I sit here and try to defend somebody that tells you who they were?\”
Hogan\’s words \”hurt\” Henry who in the video shared that he \”used to love that dude\” and \”wanted to be like\” Hogan for much of his life. After the racist remarks came to light, Henry, who was with WWE at the time, shared with Vince McMahon how Hogan could make amends.
\”I told Vince McMahon, if y’all want this to go away, I know how to fix it. We should do a black college tour at Morehouse and Prairie View and hit the circuit.\”
McMahon rejected the idea, telling Henry \”I\’ve been advised not to talk about it no more.\” McMahon also appears in the doc, in which he argues that Hogan was not a racist, despite his comments. In the infamous video, Hogan said that \”I am a racist, to a point\” before using a slur about black people.
While fans have honored Hogan since his passing, the hurt his words caused continue to be felt. For Mark Henry and many more, the idea that people should ignore what Hogan said because he has died is simply not possible.
WWE NXT\’s Adriana Rizzo recently shared that she is out of action after suffering a torn ACL and meniscus. For Rizzo, this is her latest injury setback, a fact not lost on the young NXT Superstar who told fans \”here we go again.\”
Taking to social media, Rizzo shared details about how this latest injury occurred. Rizzo, who is best known for her time as part of The D\’Angelo Family, explained that this setback happened in training, not during a match.
\”I was at practice, I was doing a drill, I’m running over to the corner and boom—my knee just, you know, bada bing, bada boom, explodes. I fall over. I lay on the floor for like four minutes because I knew. I knew my knee exploded and I was like, ‘Well, s***. There it goes.\”
Rizzo suffered a partial tear a year and a half ago, but chose to work through the injury rather than have surgery. In her video, Rizzo made clear why she doesn\’t regret holding out.
\”I’m gonna get surgery when the whole kabang goes.I’m gonna go as long as I can until that happens. Yes, I knew it was a possibility. Yes, I made the decision. Yes, I’m still happy about my decision.”
Now, the whole \’kabang\’ has gone and Rizzo will need time off to have her surgery. Nevertheless, the young Superstar remains confident that her return to the ring will show fans that she\’s better than ever.
Hulk Hogan\’s final WWE appearance came at Raw\’s debut of Netflix in January 2025, where the wrestling icon was heavily booed. The segment, which saw Hogan try and promote his Real American Beer, would quickly go viral, albeit not for the reasons the Hulkster, or WWE, had hoped.
Few names knew Hogan better than Vince McMahon who made a rare public appearance in TMZ\’s new \’The Real Hulk Hogan\’ documentary. Speaking about his friend, McMahon made his views on Hogan\’s influence in the wrestling world crystal clear.
\”He was a pioneer. There was no-one like him.\”
Though Raw\’s debut on Netflix came close to a year after McMahon\’s second resignation from WWE, the former Chairman kept a close eye on the show. Watching Hogan be booed, McMahon was angry for the man who meant much to him, both professionally and personally.
\”I was angry. He deserved much more [than that treatment.]\”
Wrestling fans have had a much kinder response to Hogan since his passing in July 2025 of a heart attack. At WWE\’s tributes to Hogan at events, fans refrained from booing, instead either cheering the late wrestler or sharing in a somber silence.
These wildly different responses highlight Hogan\’s complicated legacy in wrestling, as both a source of admiration and derision. For McMahon, the idea of what response Hogan should\’ve gotten has never been in question, making the response he received in January infuriating.
Stu Grayson\’s name will go down in the history books as the AEW alum has won the longest wrestling match ever to be recorded. The match in question lasted a staggering 21 hours, 49 minutes and 12 seconds before Grayson picked up the win. Other competitors included Junior Benito, Dante Dubois, Gabriel Floyd, HADDY, Jeff Fury, Joe Jobber, Katrina Creed, KJ Swayde, Alvin Turner, Cecil Nyx, Dreya Mitchell, Jason Exile, Mathis Myre, Top Dog, and Xander Orion.
The match was part of a livestream hosted by Mystery Wrestling who wished to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. During the match, over $33,000 CAD ($23,994 USD) was raised to help those fighting cancer and to go towards research for a cure. Donations can still be made.
The previous record was held by Ehime Pro Wrestling who held a match for 21 hours, 44 minutes and 34 seconds. With those five extra minutes, Grayson and those in his match have broken new ground in the history of lengthy wrestling.
Grayson is best known for his time in AEW, where he had two tenures before leaving for the second time in April 2024. While it\’s unclear what\’s next for the Canadian, Grayson and those in the match have earned themselves a long rest after such a punishing, and rewarding, contest.
Many expect Zilla Fatu to land a role in WWE one day, especially as more members of his family make it to programming. While a spot in The Bloodline seems destined for the son of Umaga, Zilla isn\’t leaping at the opportunity just yet.
Speaking with Chris Van Vliet, Fatu said his ultimate goal is to work alongside his family in WWE, but he has yet to receive a tryout. Though there was a time when he thought he was ready for The Bloodline, he now sees he needs time to grow.
\”No. I thought I was [ready for The Bloodline,] but no. I still have more time to grow. I’m still green, so I’ve got a long way to go, man.\”
While Fatu is re-evaluating his standing in wrestling, his dreams of making it to WWE have never wavered. For Zilla, who has the backing of WWE staple Booker T, the Sports Entertainment giant remains the plan.
\”Yes, the goal is to join my family in WWE — I would love to… I’ve literally just been training, man, just being patient. I’m not in any rush.\”
Though not part of WWE, Fatu has already caught the attention of the WWE Universe. When Fatu was spotted at SummerSlam 2024, many predicted he would be involved in the show. While that ultimately didn\’t happen, this speculation shows he\’s already on the radar of many fans.
Whether Zilla Fatu is known as a WWE Superstar one day, time will tell. One thing is clear though: He won\’t rush his journey in the ring.
Becky Lynch recently debuted a new theme song, breaking away from the \’Celtic Invasion\’ that fans have heard for years. One of the most stark differences between the two themes is the new inclusion of lyrics, as provided by The Wonder Years vocalist Dan “Soupy” Campbell.
Speaking to Metro UK, Campbell addressed providing lyrics worthy of the reigning Women\’s Intercontinental Champion. While Lynch\’s theme will be heard when she\’s working as a wrestler, the new track contains nods to her personal life.
\”The lyrics aren’t anywhere yet, but I worked in a reference to [her and Seth Rollins’ daughter] Roux in the first verse, where there’s like a wink to Roux’s name.\”
The new theme also contains a nod to Lynch\’s husband Seth Rollins, as well as The Man\’s late father. Campbell recalled an emotional Lynch greeting him following her victory at SummerSlam 2025.
\”We went backstage, and she came up to me crying, and was just like, ‘It just meant so much, because the last time my dad saw me wrestle live was here at SummerSlam.\”
Campbell was focused on making \”something that was really important to her,\” and succeeded in moving Lynch. Now, whenever Becky Lynch makes her way to the ring, she\’ll walk in with her family, both alive and sadly passed, with her all the way.