On the Monday, November 10, episode of Raw on Netflix, Nikki, 41, attacked recent ally Stephanie Vaquer, once again turning heel (wrestling parlance for a “bad guy”). The fans in Cena’s hometown of Boston brutally reacted, chanting, “John Cena left you.”
Nikki — who wrestles under the moniker Nikki Bella — shared her thoughts on the vitriol she faces online from wrestling fans during a conversation with twin sister Brie Garcia on the Thursday, November 13, episode of their “Nikki & Brie Show” podcast.
“The hate’s so gross … even some of the chants that I got [on Raw],” Nikki said, while Brie, also 41, noted that she that “didn’t like” the chants she heard.
Nikki Garcia and John Cena called off their engagement in 2018, and nearly a decade later they had a very business-like reunion — handshake and all. Garcia, 41, recalled her first time seeing Cena, 48, in “seven, eight years” during the Wednesday, June 25, episode of Honestly Cavallari: The Podcast Tour, which filmed in March. […]
“Honestly, I think [the chants] got picked up more on TV,” Nikki said. “Or I was just too in my moment that I didn’t even know, I didn’t even hear it, to tell you the truth.”
Nikki went on to say that “it’s really nice” that “people who have credibility” in wrestling, like WWE star Big E, have been singing her praises during her recent return.
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
“Because I know for so long, people are like, ‘I don’t want the trolls to come at me online,’ so people just never really did [defend me],” she said.
“It’s nice for these people with credibility that are speaking up. Because at the end of the day, they all know how much I love this business, how much passion I have for wrestling,” Nikki continued. “They know the work that I put in. It’s not like I come on here and always say like, ‘Oh, when I had two days free, where I didn’t have my son, I flew to Orlando just to get in the ring for five hours to fly straight back.’ You know, I don’t talk about all that stuff all the time, but the people that know that, know. I truly love this business and I want to give it my all.”
Nikki dated Cena, 48, from 2012 to 2018, when the couple ended their engagement. “While this decision was a difficult one, we continue to have a great deal of love and respect for one another,” the couple told Us Weekly in an April 2018 statement. “We ask that you respect our privacy during this time in our lives.”
Nikki moved on with Dancing With the Stars pro Artem Chigvintsev, with whom she shares son Matteo, 5.
From their first date to their drawn-out split in 2018, Us Weekly is revisiting John Cena and Nikki Bella’s love story. After years of friendship, the two wrestlers first sparked a romantic connection in 2012. The pair’s relationship continued to heat up as Cena popped the question in April 2017. However, less than one year later, […]
Nikki and Artem, 43, met on season 25 of Dancing With the Stars. The couple married in August 2022. However, they split two years later.
“Nikki and Artem have settled their divorce and will not be going to court,” Nikki’s rep said in a statement to Us in November 2024. “Both parties decided to drop the domestic violence restraining orders against each other in an effort to move on with their lives and effectively coparent their son.”
One professional wrestling star who was recently released from his WWE contract once pitched to win a big title match. When Ridge Holland was moved from the “Friday Night SmackDown” brand to “NXT,” he viewed it as an opportunity to develop his character. Holland turned on Chase University to solidify his heel turn.
Holland found himself challenging Trick Williams for the NXT Championship at “Deadline 2024.” In an interview with Cultaholic, Holland said his idea to win the title for a brief run was turned down.
“I wrestled Trick [Williams] for the NXT Title at Deadline,” Holland said. “I thought, personally, I had the most heat out of any heel. I thought I was doing really good work, and they seemed happy with it. I thought the thing we should have done is let me have a short run with the belt, give it to a big heel. And then eventually, my pitch was to put Oba [Femi] over really strong, and then obviously that would make Oba.”
Back in October, Holland was informed that WWE would not be renewing his contract. Holland received the notice in the midst of recovering from an injury he suffered during a match with Moose on a TNA Wrestling show. Holland was outspoken about his financial difficulties, and he criticized WWE.
News then broke that WWE officials gave Holland an early release of his contract, reportedly in retaliation for his comments on social media. The company will be paying for Holland’s neck fusion surgery.
A GoFundMe page was initially set up for Holland, who eventually had the donation campaign taken down due to someone else creating it without his knowledge. Holland said he planned to donate money to charity once he’s able to solve his financial woes.
Aleister Black has revealed that his new on-screen partnership with his wife, Zelina Vega, was an idea that WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H was not initially interested in pursuing. The pairing was only approved after the success of other real-life couples on WWE television changed his mind.
The duo of Black and Vega officially united on the October 10 episode of “SmackDown.” During Black’s Last Man Standing Match against Damian Priest, Vega made a crucial appearance, providing interference that allowed Black to secure the victory.
On the following week’s episode of “SmackDown,” the pair clarified their new alliance, with Black stating that their union was “always a part of the plan.”
In reality, bringing the real-life husband and wife together on screen required some convincing. During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Black explained that Triple H was originally against the idea.
He noted that the success of recent storylines involving couples like CM Punk and AJ Lee, as well as Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, ultimately led to the change in perspective. “When I got back, the conversation arose again and initially (Triple H) was not really into it. But I think that with the success of AJ and CM Punk, and Seth and Becky, I think that he kinda went like, you know what, this might actually really, really work.”
The pairing of CM Punk and AJ Lee was recently featured at “WrestlePalooza,” while Rollins and Lynch have been utilized as an on-screen couple in the past. Black further discussed the new partnership with Vega, stating that they are still actively developing the presentation of their on-screen characters, describing it as a “work in progress.”
“Where we’re now looking at the presentation that you saw last week, slowly but surely we’re adding elements. This is a work in progress.” Black explained that the concept was approved and implemented very quickly, leaving them little time to prepare.
“We’ve had so many conversations and (put) so many ideas on paper, and now it’s just like, okay, what idea do we want to do with what? What would the social media look like, and what is the complete full aesthetic?
Because this was sprung onto us in almost three weeks. It was a pitch initially, and then all of a sudden… we’re actually doing this in the span of a week. So we didn’t have a lot of time to prepare for this.”
With Black and Vega now established as a new heel act on “SmackDown,” their focus will turn to the road to “Survivor Series: WarGames.” While the brand’s top champions are occupied at tomorrow’s “Saturday Night’s Main Event”—with Cody Rhodes defending against Drew McIntyre and Tiffany Stratton facing Jade Cargill—Black and Vega have several weeks to establish their dominance.
You can add another WWE superstar to the professional wrestling heel list. In the main event of Tuesday’s episode of “NXT,” Kelani Jordan put the TNA Knockouts World Championship at stake against Jordynne Grace. Near the end of the match, NXT Champion Ricky Saints and Trick Williams brawled down the entrance ramp. The distraction allowed Jordan to hit Grace with the TNA Knockouts gold, allowing her to secure the pin.
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Jordan’s actions have now solidified her heel turn. It’s part of a long-term storyline WWE has been telling with Grace, who “NXT” commentator Booker T believes is too nice, and it’s allowed stars such as Blake Monroe and Jordan to capitalize.
Grace’s name is often linked to potential main roster call-ups, but she has remained on the ‘NXT” brand. Grace still hasn’t captured gold since signing with WWE back in January, although most agree it’s simply a matter of time. The question is, does WWE want Grace’s first title reign to be on “NXT,” or does the company want to wait until she’s on “Monday Night Raw” or “Friday Night SmackDown?”
Jordan’s heel turn isn’t the only change in character WWE fans have seen recently. This past Friday on the blue brand, Jade Cargill attacked WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, injuring her knee in the process. During a brief backstage interview with Cathy Kelley, Cargill explained that she was tired of being patient and she plans to take what she wants. There may be another heel champion on WWE TV, as Cargill will challenge Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship at “Saturday Night’s Main Event.”
AND NOW TO THIS A LIVE LOOK AT THE GOLDEN ONE CENTER IN DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO TONIGHT, WHERE THE KINGS ARE GETTING READY FOR THEIR HOME OPENER ON FRIDAY. BUT TONIGHT IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE WWE. WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT BROUGHT ITS FLAGSHIP MONDAY NIGHT RAW SHOW TO THE GOLDEN ONE CENTER. SO THIS WAS THE SCENE THIS AFTERNOON AS FANS STARTED SHOWING UP. WE SAW LARGE GROUPS HOPING TO CATCH THEIR FAVORITE STARS IN ACTION, INCLUDING DOMINIK MYSTERIO, RHEA RIPLEY AND CM PUNK. ONE FAN DROVE ALL THE WAY FROM LOS ANGELES TO SEE HIS FIRST SHOW. I HEAR LIKE THE CROWD IS HYPE AND LIKE THE MATCH. IT JUST FEELS SO REAL AND LIKE IT’S JUST THE CROWD, THE ENVIRONMENT. I’M I’M EXCITED TO BE A PART OF THAT. WELL, IT WAS THE FIRST WWE IN
‘I hear the crowd is hype’: WWE’s Monday Night Raw excites Sacramento fans
WWE’s Monday Night Raw returned to the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, drawing large crowds of fans eager to see stars like Dominic Mysterio, Rhea Ripley, and CM Punk.One fan, Jesus Gutierrez, drove all the way from Los Angeles to attend his first WWE show.”I hear the crowd is hype, the match just feels so real, and just the crowd and the environment, I’m excited to be a part of that,” Gutierrez said.Woodland native Alejandro Mora didn’t have as long of a drive, but said getting to attend the show fulfilled a lifelong dream.”I’ve been watching since I was 6 years old,” Mora said. “To come and be able to experience it— I used to see it on the screen and now I get to see it in person. It’s going to be so crazy.”This was the first WWE event in Sacramento since September 2023.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
WWE’s Monday Night Raw returned to the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, drawing large crowds of fans eager to see stars like Dominic Mysterio, Rhea Ripley, and CM Punk.
One fan, Jesus Gutierrez, drove all the way from Los Angeles to attend his first WWE show.
“I hear the crowd is hype, the match just feels so real, and just the crowd and the environment, I’m excited to be a part of that,” Gutierrez said.
Woodland native Alejandro Mora didn’t have as long of a drive, but said getting to attend the show fulfilled a lifelong dream.
“I’ve been watching since I was 6 years old,” Mora said. “To come and be able to experience it— I used to see it on the screen and now I get to see it in person. It’s going to be so crazy.”
This was the first WWE event in Sacramento since September 2023.
It appears WWE does not have plans to utilize artificial intelligence for developing storylines, contrary to recent reports. While the company is exploring AI, its focus seems to be on production rather than creative writing.
A recent report from Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletterclaimed WWE had hired Cyrus Kowsari as Senior Director of Creative Strategy specifically to lead a transition towards AI-based storytelling. Meltzer reported that Paul “Triple H” Levesque introduced Kowsari to the creative staff with this mandate.
However, a new report from Fightful Select offers a different perspective on Kowsari’s role and WWE’s AI intentions. According to Fightful, the new hire’s focus will primarily be on production elements and efficiency improvements, not generating creative storylines.
The Fightful report states, “The WWE creative team is of the impression the new hire is being brought in to find ways to help using AI to remove background noise of shots or organize files quickly, or work on production elements as opposed to creative storylines.”
This suggests that AI tools will be used to streamline tasks like video editing and asset management rather than replacing human writers. The report emphasizes that the creative team itself is not being replaced by algorithms.
Further reinforcing this, a top talent within WWE reportedly dismissed the idea of AI taking over creative duties. “AI is not replacing the creative team. A top talent said, ‘Michael Hayes, Paul Heyman and Ed Koskey are not AI,’ and took exception to the belief that AI storylines were going to happen,” the Fightful report added.
This clarification comes as WWE navigates complex, character-driven storylines praised by fans. Tonight’s episode of Raw is expected to address the vacant World Heavyweight Championship following Seth Rollins’ injury, a situation requiring nuanced storytelling that, according to the latest report, will remain in human hands rather than being dictated by AI.
Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry speaks exclusively to Sky Sports to discuss 2027 free agency
Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry has opened up on his plans for free agency in 2027 after admitting situations change “really fast” in the NBA.
The prospect of Curry, a two-time league MVP and 11-time All-Star, playing for any franchise other than The Dubs is a strange one.
After being drafted with the seventh overall pick in 2009, Curry has gone on to revolutionise the game of basketball, helping himself to four championships, one finals MVP and the NBA record for most three-pointers made with 4,058 to add to his overall tally of 25,386 points.
All while wearing No 30 for the Warriors.
4 x NBA champion
2 x NBA MVP
2022 NBA Finals MVP
11 x NBA All-Star
2 x NBA All-Star MVP
11 x All-NBA Team selection
2024 NBA Clutch Player of the Year
2 x NBA Three-Point Content champion
Most three-pointers made in NBA history
Curry signed a one-year extension with the team in 2024, worth a reported £47.5m ($62.6m) and ending growing speculation around his future in the process, keeping him in San Francisco until 2027.
Two years from now, when that deal expires, the greatest shooter of all time will be 39.
After averaging just under 25 points, six assists, and over four rebounds in his 16th season, as well as longevity being more prominent than ever in the league, it is clear to see that his time in the NBA is far from over.
But could the next chapter in his illustrious career lie away from Chase Center? Do not rule it out.
“What I have learned about this league is that things change really fast,” Curry told Sky Sports while discussing Underrated Golf, a programme set up by the point guard to break down barriers to entry and increase diversity in the game of golf.
Underrated Golf is an initiative led by Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry to create a pathway into the sport for young athletes from underrepresented communities.
The programme aims to break down barriers in the game of golf to give prospects a level playing field, in a bid to create a more inclusive and accessible environment for young golfers.
“What you might feel like in two years from now could be totally different. I try to stay in the moment as much as possible; it’s not the glitziest answer but it allows me to enjoy what is happening now.
“I do want to play for only one team, let’s keep that pretty clear. Being at the Warriors has been unbelievable and I feel blessed to have only played for one franchise and to have accomplished what we have.
“So if I could have the best of both worlds and continue to be championship relevant over the next couple of years, that would be great but this league is wild. You kind of just stay in the moment.”
Despite a decision on his future looming as we approach 2027, Curry’s full focus remains on securing more success with the team he holds so dear to his heart in the upcoming 2025/26 season.
The arrival of six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler in February has shown early signs of promise after the Warriors reached the Western Conference semi-finals last time out, only to be denied the opportunity to show their title-winning credentials following a Grade 1 hamstring strain for Curry in game one against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
A 4-1 defeat in the series would follow but heading into 2025/26, the roster has been bolstered by a new two-year deal for Jonathan Kuminga, as well as the arrival of 2024 NBA champion Al Horford,to run alongside long-term teammate Draymond Green in the frontcourt.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler (left) Stephen Curry (centre) and forward Draymond Green (right)
With Curry now back to full fitness and fresh depth surrounding him, the intentions from the Warriors have been clear from pre-season.
The Dubs are 3-1 in games Curry has featured in, beating the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers twice, with attention now turning to the season opener against the Lakers on October 21, live on Sky Sports.
When asked what aspects of the game still motivate a player who has already achieved so much in the sport as we approach a new 82-game season, Curry added: “I talk about championships, and that drive – it allows every part of the journey to matter.
“Even in the off-season, how you prepare for the year, come in and try and build chemistry with your teammates and how you get through the emotional rollercoaster of an 82-game season.
“All of that is built into being at your peak come playoff time in April.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry during the pre-season game against the Los Angeles Clippers
“Individual accolades take care of themselves. When you win, everybody is rewarded. As long as I’m taking care of championship motivation, everything else takes care of itself. Whether you win or not, you just lay it all out there.
“We have a brand new team again. We’ll all try and stay healthy and try and get to the finish line. That’s our goal.”
The Warriors have won seven championships in total across their 78-year history, with Curry leading them to more than half of that total.
If the franchise is to add an eighth banner to the rafters in 2026, their point guard will be the man to lead them there.
His powers at the highest level are showing no signs are waning, with the 37-year-old looking to replicate the successes of the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant by “redefining” what it is to be playing at a high level towards the latter stages of their respective careers.
“I feel like I’ve got some good basketball ahead of me. I’m trying to redefine what it is to be playing at a high level at this age,” said Curry when the question of his timeline leading the roster was posed.
“I still love the work that goes into it and playing the game; hopefully, that will carry me. I don’t want to put any limits on it.”
Watch the Golden State Warriors against the Los Angeles Lakers live on Sky Sports + on October 21, tip-off 3am UK time.
A wrestling icon under the WWE and WCW banners made a surprising return at “AEW WrestleDream 2025.” During the “I Quit” match between Jon Moxley and Darby Allin, Sting made an unexpected appearance. Sting saved Allin from being drowned by Moxley, and he took out members of the Death Riders with his baseball bat.
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Allin paid homage to the wrestling legend and his former tag team partner by forcing Moxley to quit by applying the Scorpion Deathlock. The match ended the “WrestleDream 2025” pay-per-view.
Sting had his final professional wrestling match in the main event of “AEW Revolution 2024.” He teamed with Allin to defeat The Young Bucks, successfully retaining the AEW World Tag Team Championship in the process.
During the “All In London” PPV that same year, Sting made his first AEW appearance since the retirement. Much like he did at “WrestleDream,” Sting saved Allin from an attack. Jack Perry and The Young Bucks were attempting to set Allin on fire before “The Icon” arrived.
Sting made his AEW debut during a special “Winter is Coming” episode of “Dynamite” in late 2020. Sting prevented the now defunct Team Taz from further attacking “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. His AEW debut took place nearly five years after he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Many fans praised Sting for what he was able to pull off in the ring at his age during his AEW run. The wrestling great is now 66 years old, and his more recent appearances on AEW TV have been surprises. What’s next for “The Stinger” remains to be seen.
The conclusion of Monday’s episode of “WWE Raw” has left many fans speculating, but a big rumor has been debunked. WWE’s last stop on its tour in Perth ended when Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed of The Vision surprisingly attacked WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. Paul Heyman appeared to hesitate before raising the arms of Breakker and Reed, who stood over the former leader of the red brand’s top faction.
Fightful reports rumors of Rollins faking an injury aren’t true. Rollins reportedly suffered an arm injury and was seen in a sling during his time in Australia. The belief is that “The Visionary” hurt himself when trying to break his fall during a coast-to-coast spot in his match with Cody Rhodes at “WWE Crown Jewel.”
Rollins pulled off a fake injury angle when he successfully cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to take the WWE World Heavyweight Championship from CM Punk at “SummerSlam.” Rollins pretended that his knee was hurt before being pinned by LA Knight during a “Saturday Night’s Main Event” show.
WWE’s Sudden Storyline Twist
While tension had been teased between members of The Vision, Breakker reportedly wasn’t planned to break away from Rollins until sometime in 2026. With the men’s WarGames match approaching for “WWE Survivor Series,” many expected The Vision to be a part of the showdown. After Rollins was ousted from the group, there’s no word on what plans could be going forward.
Much of what happens with The Vision could depend on Rollins’ injury status. As of now, WWE is hoping that Rollins was able to avoid a serious shoulder injury, as the company would need to further alter creative plans just two months before “WrestleMania” season gets underway. At least one person in WWE reportedly feels the best-case scenario could be a December return for Rollins.
The recent betrayal of Seth Rollins by his faction, The Vision, on this week’s episode of WWE Raw, left fans stunned. The angle was seemingly designed to write the World Heavyweight Champion off television due to a legitimate injury.
Signs of an injury were first noticed during Rollins’ main event match against Cody Rhodes at the Crown Jewel premium live event this past Saturday. After performing a coast-to-coast move, Rollins was seen favoring his shoulder.
Concerns were amplified before the Raw taping when he was spotted backstage wearing a sling. A photo of Rollins in the sling later surfaced on social media.
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The closing angle of Raw saw Vision members Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed turn on Rollins after the main event. The show ended with Paul Heyman aligning himself with Breakker and Reed as they stood over their fallen leader, effectively writing the champion out of storylines.
This is not the first time Rollins has dealt with a major injury. In 2016, he was forced to vacate the WWE World Heavyweight Championship after tearing his ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus, an injury that kept him out of action for seven months.
The severity of this new shoulder injury is currently unknown, as is his potential recovery time. The on-screen angle, however, has positioned him as a babyface for when he returns, setting up a natural rivalry with his former stablemates.
With Seth Rollins now sidelined, WWE will likely have to make an official announcement regarding the status of the World Heavyweight Championship on tonight’s episode of Raw. It is expected that the title will be vacated, leading to a scramble to crown a new champion on the road to Survivor Series: WarGames, with Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and new number one contender CM Punk positioned as top candidates.
A significant match has been added to the “WWE Crown Jewel” card, and it will have a big stipulation. In the opening segment of “Monday Night Raw,” Roman Reigns and Bronson Reed agreed to an Australian street fight on Saturday.
After Reigns accepted the terms of the match, he hurled an expletive at Reed before the two brawled in and around the ring.
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It’s another big match added to WWE’s next special event in Perth. Other matches on the card will include a WWE Crown Jewel Championship match between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. John Cena will also perform in one of his final matches when he renews his feud with AJ Styles.
Not long after Paul Heyman betrayed Reigns at “WrestleMania 41” in Philadelphia, the former “Wiseman” formed The Vision faction along with Rollins, Reed, and Bron Breakker. Since then, Reigns and The Usos have fought against the top “WWE Raw” stable.
Other members of the red brand, such as LA Knight and CM Punk, have also collided with The Vision.
Reigns had a singles match against Reed in the opening match of the “Wrestlepalooza” card. While “The OTC” emerged victorious, he was ambushed by Breakker and Reed after the match. Reed landed multiple Tsunami splashes on Reigns, who was stretchered out of the arena.
During the Sept. 29 episode of “Monday Night Raw,” Reigns returned to WWE TV, and he attacked both Reed and Breakker with a chair.
Celebrity wrestlers have been a major part of WWE history, with famous names like Mike Tyson, Mr. T, Drew Carey, Snookie, and many more leaving their mark in the squared circle.
While most celebrities usually have a minimal or negligent effect on match quality, they have truly stepped up their game recently. Most notably, Logan Paul has stepped up and became a member of the main roster due to his impressive athleticism and natural heelish personality.
That being said, no celebrity quite left a mark like music icon Bad Bunny, who had multiple memorable matches and opened the door for what a celebrity match means in WWE.
Naturally, fans want to see the award-winning artist get back in the ring. And one WWE Superstar believes it will happen sooner rather than later.
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, former World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest shared his belief that Bad Bunny will one day make his triumphant return to WWE.
“As far as any chance, especially in the business, never say never,” Priest said. “I’ve talked to him about it and it’s just scheduling because obviously he has a lot going on. He still has that itch, he loves our business. He’s had more than enough time to recover since our match, so he’s ready to come.”
Furthermore, Priest addressed whether he will make an appearance alongside Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl Halftime Show next year.
“I mean, that’s not up to me but would I be willing? Absolutely,” Priest said. “If you need me to learn some dance moves and break it down, I can figure it out.”
Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan are two of the most iconic figures in the history of professional wrestling. As top stars of their respective eras, their careers and legacies are often compared and contrasted.
Both men have made significant contributions to the industry and have been central to some of its biggest controversies. In a recent Q&A session, Hart offered a critical assessment of Hogan’s approach to the business.
Bret Hart on Hulk Hogan’s Legacy
During the session, “The Hitman” was asked about top stars helping to build the next generation of talent. Hart stated that Hulk Hogan never fulfilled that traditional responsibility.
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The comments are particularly notable given that Hogan passed away on July 24, 2025. His last appearance for WWE was during the debut of Monday Night Raw on Netflix in January 2025.
Hart accused Hogan of being unwilling to help his successors. He claimed Hogan would not assist anyone who was set to replace him as the company’s top star.
“I can tell you that Hulk Hogan never did that for anybody. He never helped anybody else after his time as the top guy. He’d rather see the company sink than actually come back and make the next star, which in wrestling, that’s how it is. The next guy helps the next guy.”
Hart also mentioned another contemporary who he felt did not help build new stars. “Jake Roberts is another guy who never made anybody. They fed Hulk Hogan one wrestler after another for ten years.”
Hart’s criticism is rooted in a long and well-documented professional rivalry with Hogan. The most famous incident occurred in 1993 when Hogan, as WWE Champion, was expected to “pass the torch” to Hart at SummerSlam.
Instead, Hogan lost the title to Yokozuna at the King of the Ring event and left the company shortly after. This prevented the planned main event and has been a point of contention for Hart for decades.
While Bret Hart continues to reflect on wrestling’s past, his family’s legacy is actively represented in today’s WWE. His niece, Natalya, recently confronted Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley on Monday Night Raw, suggesting another member of the Hart family may soon be in contention for a major championship.
It appears one key member of the “WWE Raw” roster has avoided an injury. During Monday’s episode of the red brand, Kofi Kingston of The New Day fell short against LA Knight in singles action.
Fans were concerned for Kingston, as he took a flush knee to the head during the match.
During “Wrestling Observer Radio,” Bryan Alvarez reported that Kingston is not listed in WWE’s internal injury report, and he appears to be fine. While Kingston and his tag team partner Xavier Woods aren’t involved in a major storyline, they are both viewed as valuable performers on a weekly basis for WWE’s flagship show. Kingston is also a former WWE Champion who can still deliver marquee singles matches when called upon.
While Kingston has been known for his durability, even he hasn’t escaped the injury bug in the past. The former multiple-time WWE Intercontinental Champion underwent elbow surgery back in 2013. He also needed arthroscopic surgery in 2017 after suffering an ankle injury. Kingston was forced to miss “WrestleMania 39” back in 2023 after suffering another ankle injury.
Kingston’s Current Storyline
Kingston and Woods continue to mourn the end of The New Day’s run with the WWE World Tag Team Championship. The legendary team had a 72-day reign that ended on the June 30 episode of “Monday Night Raw.” Kingston and Woods were defeated by Finn Balor and JD McDonagh of The Judgment Day.
The New Day have also taken Grayson Waller under their wing, although Waller isn’t officially considered to be a member of the group. Waller wasn’t around to help Kingston in his match against LA Knight, as he is selling an injury from last week’s six-man tag team match.
The New Day and Waller were beaten by Penta and the War Raiders. Penta won the match with an avalanche destroyer, which has led to a storyline neck injury for Waller.
The upcoming Highlander movie will be a family affair, as wrestler Drew McIntyre has joined the film as Henry Cavill’s brother.
Per Deadline, the two-time WWE champion will play Angus MacLeod, brother to Cavill’s Connor. In the original movie, Angus was played by James Cosmo; he’s one of Connor’s cousins featured in flashbacks to the 16th-century Scottish Highlands. After Connor died and experienced his first Quickening, Angus was the only one who didn’t reject him outright and ordered their clan to banish his cousin rather than burn him at the stake.
Highlander is McIntyre’s second acting project following The Killer’s Game from February and reunites him with that film’s lead, Dave Bautista. In Highlander, the pair are joined alongside Cavill by the previously cast Russell Crowe, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, Marisa Abela, and Max Zhang. Director Chad Stahelski previously stated this reboot would bring with it some new additions to the series’ mythology, including some new Immortals.
Pre-production on Highlander was delayed after Cavill’s recent training injury. Production is now set to begin in early 2026. We’ll have more news on the Highlander reboot as it emerges, which will clearly take some time while Cavill heals up.
The ticket prices for WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas next year have been revealed, and fans are now seeing the impact of WWE‘s new corporate ticket strategy under TKO Group Holdings. The prices, which do not include Ticketmaster fees, range from $854 for the upper levels to nearly $9,000 for ringside floor seats.
WrestleMania is WWE’s flagship event, and the 42nd edition is set to take place on April 18th and 19th, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. This will be the second consecutive year the event is held in the city.
WrestleMania 42 Ticket Prices
The ticket prices for the two-night event are as follows:
Section A1 on floor – $8,998.00
Section B on floor – $3,868.00
Section R101 – $2,200.75
100 level – $1495.00, $1303.54, $1174.80
200 level – $1,303.54 – $1,174.80
300 Section – $1,174.80
400 Section – $854.15
For those with far more money than sense, WrestleVotes has reported that suite prices have also been made available for the show, with the cheapest of those coming in at $22,000. For the really high-rollers in Las Vegas, an Owner’s Suite package will set you back $52,500. The full suite prices are:
Owner’s Suite (all-inclusive, 26 tickets): $52,500
This new pricing structure is a direct result of TKO Group’s strategy to maximize revenue from live events. TKO boss Mark Shapiro recently indicated that the era of “family-friendly” pricing under Vince McMahon is over, as the company now looks to squeeze every dollar and cent out of its fanbase.
This strategy includes dynamic pricing based on demand and holding back tickets to be sold at higher prices closer to the event. While the buildings continue to sell out, fans can expect these higher prices to be the new normal for WWE’s biggest shows.
Fernando has 15 years of experience in the sports news writing space. He has covered pro wrestling, MMA, boxing, and college sports. Fernando is a former editor for Sports Illustrated and a former reporter for Athlon Sports. He also writes for BJPenn.com and FightsATW.com.
🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.
Two WWE stars completed their heel turns at the conclusion of “Monday Night Raw.” During a backstage segment, Rhea Ripley challenged Asuka to a singles match after weeks of tension involving former WWE Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky. Ripley and Asuka ultimately shared the ring in the main event of the red brand.
Near the end of the match, Sane was hesitant before attempting to hit Ripley with a spinning backfist. Ripley thwarted the attack and pinned Asuka. After the match, Asuka spat green mist in the eyes of Ripley. When Sky attempted to make the save, she was attacked by her former allies.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 11: A general stadium view during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images) HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 11: A general stadium view during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Asuka and Sky were members of the defunct Damage CTRL faction. Sky, Bayley, and Dakota Kai were the original three members of the group. Asuka and her Kabuki Warriors partner, Sane, eventually joined the stable.
Before Ripley’s match with Asuka took place, she advised Sky to watch her back around “The Empress of Tomorrow.” Sky was offended by Ripley’s suggestion and called Asuka “family.” She then questioned if she could trust Ripley.
Asuka and Kairi Sane
In the weeks leading up to Monday’s episode of “WWE Raw,” Asuka gave Sane orders to follow her around and stay away from Ripley. Prior to the main event, Sky asked Sane to speak to Asuka about her behavior. Sane told Sky that Asuka is the reason they’re on the WWE roster.
Sane had tried playing peacemaker to avoid a meltdown between Asuka and Sky, but she made her decision to remain a member of The Kabuki Warriors. While not confirmed at this time, speculation among fans is that a tag team match between Sky and Ripley and The Kabuki Warriors will be booked, possibly for “Crown Jewel” in Perth on Oct. 11.
Antonio Losada has built his career around covering combat sports with precision and depth. With more than a decade of experience, he has written extensively about mixed martial arts, focusing early on fantasy MMA and UFC before expanding into broader fight coverage, including boxing events. His expertise now spans the UFC, boxing, and WWE, blending technical analysis with timely reporting that resonates with fight fans.
Currently working as a senior editor with several SB Nation communities, Losada has also led team coverage across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL at other outlets. But his consistent thread has been combat sports—where his years of reporting and analysis have established him as a trusted voice in the MMA, boxing, and wrestling media space.
His bylines have appeared in major outlets such as Yahoo, SLAM, and multiple VOX Media platforms, where he also holds senior editorial positions. Losada has earned a reputation for staying ahead of breaking news and developments in the fight game, while continuing to provide sharp insights across the combat sports world.
Antonio Losada
Contributing Sports Writer
news article
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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WWE has confirmed a champion vs. champion clash for Crown Jewel 2025. The announcement came directly from WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque following the conclusion of Wrestlepalooza on Saturday.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes successfully defended his title against Drew McIntyre in the main event of Wrestlepalooza, while WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins suffered a loss in a mixed tag bout earlier in the night.
The two men clashed during the post-show, where Rollins confronted Rhodes and both raised their respective titles in a tense staredown. Triple H ended the speculation about a match between the two shortly after.
“Seth’s got something to prove now. His Vision has changed a little bit, right? That vision has to become clear to him again,” Triple H said. “The thing is, on October 11, it will go one-on-one with Cody Rhodes. champion versus champion to determine the Crown Jewel champion at Perth.”
The upcoming bout between champions continues a rivalry that stretches back years.
Rollins was Rhodes’ first opponent after his WWE return at WrestleMania 38 and later played a role in ending Roman Reigns’ historic title reign at WrestleMania 40. Rhodes, meanwhile, became the inaugural Men’s Crown Jewel Champion in 2024 by defeating Gunther in Riyadh.
Now, with the title back on the line, Rhodes and Rollins are set to headline WWE’s return to Australia in less than two months.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 11: WWE Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative Paul “Triple H” Levesque speaks at a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las… LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 11: WWE Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative Paul “Triple H” Levesque speaks at a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE’s Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31.
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For Rhodes, it is a chance to cement his reign with another victory over a bitter rival in what would be his second title-winning match in the Crown Jewel event. For Rollins, it is an opportunity to add a unique accolade to his long resume and even the score in a long-running feud that, if it ends in a draw next October, would set up a third meeting between both men one year from now.
This year, contrary to the first six times, Crown Jewel will take place at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, marking the first year the event won’t take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.