Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Paul Walter Hauser Reps PROGRESS Wrestling At Fantastic Four Premiere

    Paul Walter Hauser, already making waves as Harvey Elder (Mole Man) in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, took his passion for pro wrestling to the red blue carpet. At the premiere of the new Marvel film, Hauser was spotted sporting his PROGRESS Proteus World Championship belt in Los Angeles.

    https://twitter.com/metgalacrave/status/1947489632163402231

    Hauser’s presence at such a major Marvel premiere, belt in tow, symbolizes his growing legitimacy in both wrestling and acting. Director Matt Shakman has described Hauser\’s role as Mole Man as “more of a union boss than a supervillain.\” While Mole Man is one of the Fantastic Four\’s most iconic villains, this will be a different take on the character.

    Hauser shocked the wrestling world by winning the PROGRESS Proteus Championship in a scramble match at the promotion’s Chapter 179 show. This year alone has seen Hauser battle Steve Maclin, Joey Janela, and compete in the MLA Battle Riot won by Matt Riddle.

    Whether he defends his Proteus title at PROGRESS Chapter 183 in Camden or faces down Silver Surfer and Galactus, there’s no doubt he’s a champion in every arena.

  • Seth Rollins Warns Young Wrestling Fans About Predatory Training Schools

    Seth Rollins issued a powerful warning about the dangers of predatory wrestling schools during a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. Speaking to a 14-year-old fan with dreams of entering the business, Rollins erred on the side of caution.

    “There’s a lot of carny folk out there in the wrestling business, these guys, these old-timers. And you know, look, I get it. You got to find a way to pay the bills, but try not to take money from these kids who are just coming to you with a dream.”

    As the co-owner of the Black and Brave Wrestling Academy in Davenport, Iowa, Rollins has spent over a decade helping young wrestlers develop properly. While others see trainees as nothing more than a quick way to make money, that isn\’t what Rollins is about.

    “When you’re trying to get trained, look for places that have some sort of accreditation. Even just a conversation with some of these trainers—you can kind of get the idea. Or you see people who’ve come through there that have actually gotten trained. It’s a wild west out there in the independent pro wrestling world. So, you got to be careful.”

    Outside of wrestling schools, Rollins believes prospective talent should be smart and aware that training doesn\’t guarantee massive success. While Rollins believes in one chasing their dreams, having something to fall back on can\’t hurt.

    \”I’m saying just give yourself some options when you’re first getting started. Because you never know—you might not like it. You know, it’s not for everybody.”

    Rollins’ candid comments serve as an essential reality check for aspiring wrestlers and their families. His willingness to address the issue head-on reflects his deep sense of responsibility to protect the next generation of performers.

  • Roman Reigns & Jey Uso Reunite On WWE Monday Night Raw

    Roman Reigns made a thunderous return on Raw during the July 14, episode, confronting Paul Heyman and his allies. One week later, Reigns and Heyman came face to face in their first encounter since the Raw after WrestleMania.

    Heyman, flanked by his new proteges Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, opened the segment by professing his continued loyalty to Reigns. Unmoved, Reigns told Heyman that he is no longer a \’Wiseman\’ but a \’dumbass.\’ Reigns emphasized that Heyman didn’t understand their bond that they had shared that went beyond a simple wrestler-manager dynamic.

    \”You thought we were just another faction or wrestling group, but we were family, and you were invited in.\”

    Reigns warned Breakker and Reed that Heyman will inevitably turn on them and take credit for their successes. When Bron mocked Reigns as \’old news,\’ a brawl ensued. When it appeared Breakker and Reed had Reigns down and out, Jey Uso arrived on the scene to save his cousin. With a flurry of superkicks and Reigns holding his own, the cousins ended the show standing tall after delivering dual spears to Breakker and Reed.

    The segment saw the reunion of two of WWE\’s most popular stars and has fuelled speculation of a tag-team match at SummerSlam. Whatever comes next, Roman Reigns\’ issues with Paul Heyman are far from over.

  • Ron Killings Reveals \’We Want Truth\’ Movement Reached Nearly 100 Million People

    R-Truth\’s release from WWE sparked a global fan movement in outrage, a movement that resulted in Ron Killings being rehired by WWE mere days later. In a recent interview on Casual Conversations with The Classic, the veteran WWE performer opened up about the overwhelming fan support that led to his return.

    “You’re talking about almost 100 million people that were viewing and being a part of this one movement… it was a unifying moment for me. And it pretty much showed me, man, that I am well, well, well loved.\”

    Dubbed the “We Want Truth” campaign, the movement became a viral expression of admiration for the longtime star. Killings described the movement as a \”truly unifying moment\” that showed that fans can use their voice to change plans.

    “It was moving… Celebrities from different walks of life, man. Every race, nationality, every [group], bro. It was a worldwide show of love, man, and investment and just appreciation.”

    The movement reflects the power of grassroots fan campaigns to influence corporate decisions in the wrestling industry. In the 2010s, fan support for Bryan Danielson (then Daniel Bryan) forced WWE to put him in a high-profile role at WrestleMania 30.

    Killings\’ return to WWE stands as a testament to the influence of authentic fan-driven momentum—highlighting how digital communities can reshape careers, storylines, and contract negotiations in today’s wrestling landscape.


  • TNA Champion Trick Williams Appears At WWE Raw, Warns The Undertaker

    There was a time when WWE and TNA Wrestling were sworn enemies, though those days are clearly a thing of the past. Now, not only is WWE and TNA allies, but the TNA World Championship was present during the July 21, episode of WWE Raw.

    During a commercial break, Williams brought the TNA World Championship to Raw. Hyping up his impending confrontation with The Undertaker for the July 22, WWE NXT, Williams exhuded confidence.

    \”The truth is, I ain’t got no problem with The Undertaker. The Undertaker has a problem with me. It was his LFG sitting in the way after I had a match. So I stood on business and told him to move. Undertaker, since you want to talk, let’s talk.

    \”You out here popping off like your knees ain’t got no expiration date. I’m glad you like to roll your eyes to the back of your head because I might just knock your ass out. You can keep tweeting if you want to. Tomorrow might be your last ride.\”

    The issues between Williams and the Phenom when Trick mocked some stars from WWE LFG, a show The Undertaker serves as a judge on. After Shiloh Hill spoke with the Deadman, he and Trick engaged in some verbal sparring online. Now, The Undertaker is coming to WWE NXT, exciting fans as to what comes next.

    Williams is riding high after his successful title defense at TNA Slammiversary, where he retained against Joe Hendry and Mike Santana. Between this win, and his appearance during Raw, Williams is making an impression whereever he goes.

  • Paradigm Launches Book-to-Film Initiative with CJ Perry\’s Debut Novel

    Paradigm’s The Sports Group has launched a new book-to-film initiative which will see CJ Perry take a leading role in the first project. Deadline reports that Bulletproof Angel, a high-stakes international spy thriller co-authored by Perry and Blake Northcott, will be the first book to be turned into a film.

    Deadline describes Bulletproof Angel like this:

    Bulletproof Angel is a high-octane international spy thriller that centers on a brilliant young CIA agent and her estranged mother, a retired operative with a haunted past. They are forced to work together behind enemy lines to stop an AI-powered weapon system capable of triggering global catastrophe.

    This collaboration marks the first in a larger content slate spearheaded by Paradigm’s Sports and Publishing divisions, aiming to build franchise-ready stories books, film, and TV. For Perry, Bulletproof Angel is just the start of things to come.

    “I’ve always been drawn to stories of espionage, betrayal, and resilience, and building a world around two powerful female operatives was a dream. Blake is an incredible partner, and Bulletproof Angel is just the beginning.”

    Northcott is known for Arena Mode and The North Valley Grimoire, and has over 50 published works including contributions to Heavy Metal Magazine, Weird Tales, DC Comics (Catwoman), and Dynamite (Barbarella).

    Perry reportedly re-sighned with WWE on a legends deal in April of this year, and fans have been left wondering if she will join her husband Rusev on TV. In the meantime, the Ravishing Russian will be kept busy as her new book is made into a film.

  • Damien Priest On ROH Rejection: A Character In A Non-Character Company

    Damien Priest recently opened up about his challenging time in Ring of Honor, revealing that despite his best efforts, he struggled to connect with the fans. Priest explained on Busted Open Radio that his focus was on developing a strong character, but he found himself in a company that prioritized high-impact moves over character work.

    \”I was trying to be a character in a non-character company. They just wanted to see cool moves, and I was trying to give them something different.\”

    Bully Ray, who witnessed Priest\’s journey firsthand, recounted how Priest\’s attempts to stand out were often overlooked by the ROH audience, who were more interested in the in-ring action than the personalities behind the performers. Despite this, Priest would spend much of 2018 as Ring of Honor World Television Champion before later signing with WWE.

    In WWE, Priest has been given ample opportunity to showcase his character, from being the \’Archer of Infamy\’ to a dark figure during his Judgment Day tenure. While ROH may not have been the right fit for Priest, he has proven that succeeding in wrestling relies on much more than moves in the ring.

  • Naomi and Cardi B\’s Feud Escalates Before WWE SummerSlam

    Naomi and Cardi B engaged in a heated exchange on X, mere weeks before the music artists serves as the host of WWE SummerSlam. Naomi shot back at Cardi B after the rapper sided with WWE Sign Guy over a humorous swing at the new WWE Women\’s World Champion.

    Over a day later, tensions between the two had not mellowed out.

    Cardi B isn\’t the only person who\’ll be busy at SummerSlam as Naomi is set to defend her title against IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley. With the odds already stacked against her, the reigning champ may come to regret getting on the wrong side of the host of WWE SummerSlam 2025.

  • Ron Killings On His Dark Turn: I Am Not A Forgiving Man

    After decades of serving as WWE’s comedic relief, R-Truth has undergone a dramatic transformation, unveiling a darker alter ego following his Money in the Bank return. Speaking to the Wrestling Classic, the man now known as Ron Killings explained how John Cena\’s heel turn broke something inside of him.

    \”R Truth love John Cena just as much as all the little jimmies do just as much as you do and everybody else do. But he broke our Truth\’s heart and he\’s not the Cena that you think he is or nobody else. We can see him now.\”

    drew a stark contrast between the two personas. He described R-Truth as overly forgiving and lighthearted, while Ron Killings is unrelenting.

    \”I\’m not forgiving. Ron Killings is not forgiving. You know what I\’m saying? You kick my dog, I\’mma kick your cat.\”

    This transformation, according to Truth, is about preserving both the wrestling business and his beloved character. For Killings, his turn to a serious side isn\’t just about him, but about saving the industry he and so many enjoy.

    \”Ron Killings. Not only am I saving wrestling, professional wrestling as a whole, the business, I\’m saving our truth, who you guys fell in love with. I\’m saving the professional wrestling business from one of the goats.\”

    R-Truth’s transformation into Ron Killings reveals how veteran performers can reinvent themselves meaningfully—honoring their past while pushing new, emotionally resonant narratives.

  • WWE Apologizes to Goldberg After Saturday Night\’s Main Event Speech Is Cut Off

    Goldberg’s WWE farewell didn’t unfold as planned—and now the company is reportedly trying to make things right behind the scenes. According to Fightful Select, WWE officials have apologized to Goldberg after his post-match retirement speech was abruptly cut off during Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12. This unfortunate moment sparked speculation about WWE\’s handling of Goldberg and the Hall of Famer’s future in the wrestling industry.

    Goldberg lost his retirement match to World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER in Atlanta, fulfilling a long-standing tradition for wrestlers to put someone else \’over\’ in their final match. Sources confirmed WWE had a \”hard out\” for the NBC broadcast, which ran long due to earlier segments, hence why Goldberg\’s farewell speech was cut short. Seth Rollins injury during his match with LA Knight resulted in their segment going longer than planned.

    Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Goldberg voiced his frustration:

    \”Let’s just say I’m pissed off at the way I went out. I put so much into it, and I don’t feel the effort was reciprocated to put a stamp on what I accomplished.\”

    While the speech cut wasn\’t deliberate, multiple WWE insiders reportedly felt remorseful. At least one high-level official has since issued a personal apology to Goldberg. WWE has also uploaded the full 10-minute speech to YouTube in an attempt to make amends.

    Goldberg is a known legend of wrestling, which is why many, including AEW\’s Jim Ross, have taken issue with his final moments as an active talent. With this dour ending, it\’s unclear when, if ever, fans will see Goldberg on a WWE branded show again.

  • Mercedes Moné Announced for Poland\’s Prime Time Wrestling Event

    AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Moné is taking her talents to Poland for Prime Time Wrestling on July 27 in Koslow. The event will feature a meet and greet with Moné and is expected to attract a large crowd. The news was broken by Prime Time Wrestling on Instagram.

    Besides her upcoming match in Poland, Moné recently became the European Wrestling Association’s Women’s Champion and holds the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship, which she is set to defend at RevPro’s Summer Sizzler event. The CEO recently made a surprise appearance for an independent promotion in Austria, proving that her talents are a true world-wide phenomenon.

    Back in the U.S. Moné is nursing her wounds after losing to Toni Storm at AEW All In: Texas, her first AEW singles loss since her arrival in March 2024. It remains to be seen how Mercedes will recover in AEW, but she remains as dominant as ever outside the promotion.

  • Ron Killings Claims He \’Saved\’ Cody Rhodes, Owed A Favor

    Ron Killings has dropped cryptic hints about a mysterious favor he did for Cody Rhodes—one he claims changed everything between them. During his recent interview, with the Wrestling Classic, R-Truth repeatedly alluded to helping Rhodes in an undisclosed behind-the-scenes situation that could have major repercussions

    \”You just say uh, \’Truth says you owe him one\’… Yes. I know. I know. I know. But just say and he\’ll know exactly what you\’re talking about.\”

    When pressed about the nature of their relationship change, R-Truth offered tantalizing hints without revealing specifics. When the interviewer speculated that \”You must have like saved his life or something behind the scene,\” Killings simply responded, \”Boom.\”

    Killings confirmed their previous competitive relationship has ended, declaring himself to be Rhodes\’ personal Superman. Whatever conflict that may have existed between the two is over, such is the favor that Rhodes apparently owes Killings.

    \”Suntan Superman to the rescue… This So this this this game Cody that I Well, this game of Tom and Jerry\’s over. That\’s it.\” He even suggested they should be teaming together, referencing their potential tag team name \”The American Truth.\”

    The revelation adds another layer to Killings\’ complex character development that has been changing ever since his Money in the Bank return. While the specific details remain mysterious, Killings hints suggest a significant moment that showcases the real-life camaraderie between performers that often transcends their on-screen storylines.

  • Tiffany Stratton Eyes Marvel Movie Role as Buff Barbie

    Women\’s Champion Tiffany Stratton has been dominating in WWE and now the popular Superstar has her sights set on Hollywood. During a recent Instagram Live with WWE Deutschland, Stratton shared her dream to make it in a Marvel movie. Not only does Stratton have a dream, but already has a superhero person in mind.

    “I would love to be a part of the Marvel franchise and have my own superhero called Buff Barbie. Because I feel like I’ve been kind of calling myself [that] since before wrestling, and I feel like there’s a lot of different things you can do with it, you know? A badass, blonde, buff girl that looks like a Barbie doll, kicking ass and taking names. I think that’s such a cool concept for a Marvel movie.”

    If Stratton does indeed join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she wouldn\’t be the first Superstar to join the world of superheroes. Past examples include:

    • Dave Bautista (Drax the Destroyer, Guardians of the Galaxy): Batista brought a unique blend of deadpan humor, physical intensity, and unexpected heart to his portrayal of Drax, making the character a fan favorite in the MCU.
    • Triple H: (Jarko Grimwood, Blade Trinity): Triple H leaned into his wrestling persona to play Grimwood as a snarling, musclebound brute with a menacing presence and a few moments of comic relief.
    • John Cena (Christopher \’Peacemaker\’ Smith, The Suicide Squad): While Cena has not appeared in the MCU, he plays Peacemaker in the DC Extended Universe
    • Kevin Nash (The Russian, The Punisher): Kevin Nash used his imposing size and silent demeanor to make the Russian a memorable, physically dominant adversary in a standout fight scene.
    • Becky Lynch: The Man was part of a post-credits scene for The Eternals, but the scene was nixed for reportedly being too depressing.

    Stratton embraced her \’Buff Barbie\’ gimmick with a Barbie-inspired entrance at WrestleMania 41, which saw her retain against Charlotte Flair. With the look, charisma, and confidence to match, Stratton is putting Marvel on notice—and she’s not shy about making her pitch.

  • Bryan Danielson Clarifies Status After AEW All In: Texas Return

    Bryan Danielson made a surprise return at AEW All In: Texas, but what does this mean for the former World Champion\’s in-ring future. Speaking on The Nikki and Brie Show, Nikki Bella asked her brother-in-law if he was supposed to do the moves he did at All In.

    “Well, some of them I had cleared, some of them I didn’t—but I was feeling it. To be fair, Dr. Samson wasn’t upset, but he did think I was an idiot. No, I’m not back.”

    During his appearance at All In: Texas, the American Dragon landed a Busaiku Knee and his signature Yes kicks on the Death Riders, driving them from the ring and into the crowd—an explosive moment that thrilled fans. Danielson\’s efforts would play a role in \’Hangman\’ Adam Page capturing the AEW World Championship from Jon Moxley.

    Despite getting physical, Bryan isn\’t making a return to the ring just yet. With this October marking one year since his most recent match, it remains unclear if he will ever be medically cleared for a full match again.

  • Moose Announces Break from TNA After Slammiversary Loss

    Moose is stepping away from in-ring competition for the time being following his crushing loss at the recent TNA Slammiversary event. After losing the TNA X-Division Championship to Leon Slater, Moose took to social media to share that he was taking a leave of absence.

    “I’ve accomplished almost everything here at TNA Wrestling. Leon Slater, I have the ultimate respect for you and the X-Division is now in your hands….. SHOW THEM HELL. For me it’s time to take a step back…. Get healthy and see what’s next… I’ll be back soon.”

    One of the longer-tenured stars in TNA Wrestling, Moose has been part of some of the company\’s biggest moments. The powerhouse is a former TNA World Champion and collided with NXT Champion Oba Femi earlier this year.

    While Moose has vowed to return, only he knows when that will be. In the meantime, it will be up to Leon Slater, the youngest TNA X-Division Champion in history, to lead the division.

  • What AJ Styles Did In TNA Return After 11 Years Away

    AJ Styles, one of the original cornerstones of TNA Wrestling, made his long-awaited return after over a decade away at the TNA Slammiversary event. Styles\’ return was much-hyped ahead of the show, leaving fans excited to see what happened when the “Phenomenal One” came home.

    Following Leon Slater’s historic win as the youngest X-Division Champion, the arena erupted as AJ Styles’ classic TNA entrance music hit. The crowd sang along as Styles entered and embraced Slater in the center of the ring, a tender moment between the first and the newest X-Division Champion.

    Styles asked the crowd if they had missed him, prompting an overwhelming “welcome back” chant. He referenced those who doubted his return and received boos in response. Styles continued, noting that the lights are brighter, the crowd louder, and the talent better than ever.

    Styles then turned his attention to Leon Slater, acknowledging his achievement and leading the crowd into a “you deserve it” chant. Styles corrected the sentiment, saying Slater didn’t just deserve the win—he earned it. He thanked Slater for his incredible performance, receiving chants of “one more match” from the fans.

    The moment was powerful, spotlighting a rising star while honoring a returning icon. While fans didn\’t see Styles get physical as some had hoped, this return was a phenomenal moment.

  • Shayna Baszler Appears In Invicta FC Video At TNA Slammiversary 2025

    Shayna Baszler was cut from WWE in early 2025, leaving fans to wonder where the former NXT Women\’s Champion will go next. At TNA Slammiversary Baszler made a surprising appearance, leaving some to wonder if the woman adept at knocking out opponents may soon be a TNA Knockout herself.

    During TNA Wrestling’s Countdown to Slammiversary pre-show, a video package aired highlighting Invicta FC. Among those in the package was Baszler, who spoke about her time with the MMA promotion from 2012 to 2013. During her time with Invicta, Baszler racked up 1-2 record.

    The Invicta FC package was hardly a coincidence, as Invicta is under the Anthem Sports & Entertainment umbrella with TNA. While Baszler did not appear during TNA Slammiversary itself, her appearance has shown that Anthem is willing to work with the ex-WWE Superstar.

    Baslzer was released in May, but in early July, it was confirmed that she had worked in WWE NXT as a producer for a match. Whether Baszler returns to WWE in an off-screen role, appears for TNA, or does something else entirely, time will tell…

  • Viral All In: Texas Moment Sparks Years Of View Time, Mercedes Moné Reacts

    Toni Storm went viral during AEW All In: Texas for a unique moment during her AEW Women\’s World Title Match with Mercedes Moné. Before hitting her \’Wombstone Piledriver\’ on the CEO, Storm mimed a suggestive act that fans instantly shared online.

    One person who shared the clip is Moné herself, who has access to seeing how her upload performs. On Instagram, the AEW TBS Champion revealed that the clip had already garnered three years of watch time by fans in just one week. Taking aim at fans, Moné branded them \”true sickos.\”

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/07/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/07/\"

    Storm, who is bisexual IRL, has never shied away from teasing intimacy with female wrestlers, often as a form of mind-games. In 2024, the \’Timeless\’ one could often be found locking lips with Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa, so much so that they were told to cut it out.

    With Storm handing Mercedes her first singles loss, it remains to be seen what\’s next for both women. Whatever comes next, expect fans to tune in again, and again, and again.

  • Jacy Jayne Becomes Double Champion With TNA Knockouts Title Win

    TNA’s Slammiversary 2025 lit up the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York and saw another WWE NXT Superstar capture gold from TNA Wrestling. In one of the most stacked matches, NXT Women\’s Champion Jacy Jayne battled TNA Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich in a historic champion-vs-champion clash.

    In the closing moments, Slamovich’s Requiem was countered, leading to a series of roll-up near falls. Jayne ultimately connected with a Rolling Encore to secure the win and become a double champion. Jayne is the second NXT Superstar to win gold in the WWE-TNA partnership, following on from reigning TNA World Champion Trick Williams.

    Jayne\’s win begs the question as to when, if ever, TNA will win gold from an NXT talent, as some believe this partnership has been one-sided so far. Whatever comes next, Jayne, who was flanked by Fatal Influence at Slammiversary, now has two titles in her possession.

  • AJ Styles Pens Message To Younger Self Ahead Of TNA Return

    AJ Styles will return to TNA Wrestling at Slammiversary, marking his first live appearance for the promotion in over a decade. Taking to X, Styles reflected on him impending return with some words of wisdom to his younger self.

    \”If I had the ability to go back in time, I’d tell myself “You have no idea how far this ride’s about to take you. All the ups, the downs, the doubts—they’re gonna shape you into one of the best in the world. Don’t lose that chip on your shoulder, but learn when to let go of your pride. You’re gonna walk into places you never thought you’d belong… Way better than you could imagine. Stay humble, stay hungry, and trust God’s timing—it’s perfect, even when it doesn’t feel like it. You’re not just phenomenal. You’re built for this.\”

    Styles\’ return is another highlight of the ongoing WWE-TNA partnership, and fans are excited to see what the former World Champion Whatever comes next, whether it be a heartfelt promo, a face-to-face confrontation with a TNA Champion, or even a match, AJ\’s return won\’t just be great, it\’ll be PHENOMENAL.

  • Adam Pearce Trolls Fans With Fake WWE Release Announcement

    WWE releases can often come out of nowhere, and Adam Pearce recently had some fun online by suggesting he had been cut from the promotion. The RAW General Manager posted a video on his Instagram that began with a somber and serious tone. Speaking as if he were about to share deeply personal news, Pearce teased that his WWE tenure was over.

    \”Um, Happy Sunday everybody. Um, not exactly sure how to start this. Got some unfortunate news this morning… on a Sunday.

    \”Um, but I am grateful that I have been afforded the opportunity to release this information before it is disseminated publicly. Um, all of us realize that at some point the journey comes to an end. And I guess, bottom line is…\”

    Just as the video reached its emotional climax, the audio abruptly switched to Rick Astley’s classic hit “Never Gonna Give You Up,” revealing that the whole thing was a rickroll.

    Instead of Pearce being let go, the veteran will continue to serve as Raw General Manager, delivering high-quality matches each and every week. While WWE may still release some names before the year is over, it appears Adam Pearce is safe for now.

  • Ex-Champion Debuts New Gimmick At WWE NXT Live Event

    Gimmick changes are nothing new in wrestling and are often tested at a live event before they are taken to TV. In WWE NXT, Ridge Holland made a name for himself as both a face and a heel, and it appears he\’s had another change in attitude.

    At the July 19 WWE NXT live event in Tampa, Florida, Holland arrived with a new moniker as \’The Steam Pig.\’ Holland arrived on the scene with updated ring gear, a custom logo, and a headband, marking a significant turn from his previous character.

    New look or not, Holland got the win over Tate Wilder during the fourth match of the night. This marked a successful return to the ring for the former NXT Tag Team Champion, who hasn\’t wrestled on TV since May of this year.

    Whether this new character sticks for Holland, time will tell. Whatever comes, the \’Steam Pig\’ steam-rolled his way to a win in Tampa.

  • Randy Orton To Break Long-Standing Record At WWE SummerSlam

    Randy Orton will compete at WWE SummerSlam, and win, lose, or draw, the Legend Killer will walk away from the show as the holder of a new record. At the August PLE, Orton will team with Jelly Roll to face Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul.

    By competing, Orton will have wrestled in 17 matches at SummerSlam, a new record for WWE. Currently, Orton shares the record number of 16 with The Undertaker, though that will change soon enough.

    Orton\’s has several noteworthy SummerSlam moments since his debut at the event inside the Elimination Chamber in 2003. The following year, Orton would win his first of several World Championships at the Biggest Party of the Summer. 2013 saw Orton cash in Money in the Bank on Daniel Bryan and 2016 saw the Viper left in a bloodied heap after being busted open by Brock Lesnar.

    WWE SummerSlam 2025 will take place as a two-night event on Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Cardi B will serve as the host of the show.

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  • Rhea Ripley Hesitant On WWE Unreal: Don\’t Show Everything

    Rhea Ripley isn’t completely sold on WWE’s new behind-the-scenes reality show, Unreal, making her the latest in a long line of people. Speaking on the Progressive podcast, Ripley was asked for her take on WWE\’s upcoming show detailing the behind-the-scenes creative process.

    \”WWE, they’re always trying new things and bits and pieces to make it different and make it grow. And this is just one of the next steps.\”

    While Ripley knows better to fight the evolution of WWE, she\’s not the biggest fan of WWE Unreal. Her concern is too much will be show, and revealed the strange process of being followed backstage.

    \”Do I think that everything should be shown? No… It was really strange while having the camera crew around.\”

    At the same time, she acknowledged the reality of modern wrestling culture. With social media and frequent fan encounters, kayfabe isn’t what it once was—and fans already know that the secret is out.

    \”They see us together at airports. They see us together if we go out. So they know that behind the scenes we do talk to each other, we do hang out, we are a family.\”

    CM Punk is another name uneasy with WWE Unreal, though neither he nor Ripley can stop the show dropping on Netflix on July 29. For Rhea Ripley, she is cautiously open to the concept—though draws the line at how much should be shown.

  • CM Punk: WWE Unreal Goes Against Everything I Was Taught

    WWE Unreal promises to provide a never-before-seen look at the creative process behind the wrestling juggernaut, though the show\’s concept has divided fans. While speaking on the Progressive podcast, CM Punk talked about why he feels uncomfortable with the new show.

    \”It’s that my entire existence in my profession, professional wrestling, you’re taught and you’re brought up—and if you’re old school—you protect the business. It’s always been that way.\”

    Punk believes that WWE Unreal is \”exposing the business,\” and while he knows that fans know of wrestling\’s scripted nature, he feels the new show goes too far. For CM Punk, WWE Unreal is crossing a line he was taught never to cross.

    \”It’s just really strange for me, at least, because I’ve always been taught you protect the business. You don’t let the insiders in on all the inside information. It just—it goes against everything I think that was instilled in me when I first started.\”

    Punk\’s opposition did not stop WWE from using him in WWE Unreal and the Best in the World is featured in the trailer. Punk made it clear that filming for Unreal was far from pleasant.

    \”We watched the trailer right before we came in here, and I immediately—I could feel my face. I’m bright red. I’m sweating. And I’m just like, ‘Oh, geez. Oh boy. Okay. All right. Here it comes.’ I was never sure when they were filming.\”

    WWE Unreal is set to premiere on July 29. While it promises an unprecedented glimpse into the backstage world of wrestling, CM Punk remains clearly skeptical of the format.