Author: Joseph Currier

Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade. In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.

Triple H addresses R-Truth WWE contract ordeal: ‘He was never fired’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

To promote the new season of “WWE: Unreal,” Netflix has released a sneak peek with Paul “Triple H” Levesque addressing R-Truth’s contract saga from 2025.

Season two of the “Unreal” docuseries arrives on Netflix tomorrow (January 20). One of the focal points will be WWE’s controversial decision to not renew Truth’s contract last year, which sparked fan outcry and ultimately led to Truth being brought back without ever having officially departed WWE.

In the “Unreal” clip, Levesque frames WWE’s decision to not renew as one that was made because communication had broken down between the two sides in contract negotiations. Levesque says that, by making the decision they did, WWE was hoping Truth might change his mind and engage them on a new deal. Instead, Truth took to social media and said he was being released.

“We got to a point in Truth’s run where his contract was coming up,” Levesque says in the clip. “When you are dealing with contracts and money and you’re very far apart in the numbers and communication breaks down, it’s very easy for both sides to read into the communications differently. ‘Okay, well, if you’re not going to come to us, then Truth, we’re going to let your contract lapse. Your contract is at the end. We’re not going to renew.’ Knowing that hopefully maybe this will force his hand to say, ‘Well, hold on a second. Can we talk?’ He immediately went out on social and said he was fired — which, he was never fired, contrary to prior belief. He was never not under contract with us.”

Brief comments from Truth and Brian “Road Dogg” James are also included in the clip. Truth says that, when he was informed of WWE’s decision, he felt like he was being released. James — who is good friends with Truth and is his former tag team partner — called WWE’s decision heartbreaking but believes it made perfect business sense considering that Truth is in his 50s.

The outcry from fans, along with Truth receiving significant support from his colleagues, led to WWE reversing course and signing Truth to a new long-term contract. WWE President Nick Khan played a significant role in making the deal happen.

Stardom considering ‘necessary measures’ after alleged intellectual property theft

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Stardom is keeping its options open after allegedly being the victim of intellectual property theft.

The all-women’s Japanese wrestling promotion issued a statement on Monday announcing that it has completed an investigation into the intellectual property violation — which concerns another company selling trading card products featuring photos of wrestlers when they were still with Stardom. While the offending party is not named in Stardom’s statement, it appears to concern a Mayu Iwatani card collection that is being sold by rival promotion Marigold.

Iwatani departed Stardom for Marigold in 2025, joining the new promotion one year into its existence. Marigold was founded by former Stardom boss Rossy Ogawa in 2024 following his contentious split from Stardom.

Stardom’s full statement concerning the alleged intellectual property violation can be read below. It does not state that legal action is being taken but appears to keep the door open for that.

  • To All Concerned Parties and Fans,
  • We sincerely thank you for your continued support of Stardom.
  • Currently, card products utilizing the likenesses of former Stardom wrestlers (hereinafter referred to as ‘the subject products’) are being manufactured and sold by another company.
  • Following an investigation conducted by our company, we have confirmed the following facts regarding the advertising copy for the subject products and some of the cards enclosed within them:
    • The products bear the advertising text ‘Stardom Memorial’
    • They use portraits of wrestlers from their time under our management
    • They utilize intellectual property managed by our company, such as belts and logos
    • They use photographic materials shot by our company for product use, and incorrectly display copyright notices attributing copyright to the other company
  • However, as the company managing the rights to the aforementioned intellectual property and past athlete portraits, we have neither been requested to grant permission nor have we been involved in any way regarding the sale of this product.
  • Moving forward, we intend to consider necessary measures to protect the intellectual property rights we hold or manage.
  • We would appreciate your understanding of the above. Thank you for your kind attention.

Marigold has not commented publicly on the situation.

NJPW star says new multi-year contract is ‘signed and sealed’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

NJPW star Callum Newman looks to have recently signed a new multi-year contract with the company.

In a backstage promo over the weekend, Newman — who is currently feuding with David Finlay — bragged about being the only foreigner who is under a multi-year deal with NJPW. He also sent out a tweet stating that the contract is “signed and sealed.”

“It’s all jealousy, that’s all it is. Everything’s based on jealousy in this f***ing company,” Newman said in his promo directed at Finlay. “I’m the only foreigner, as far as I’m aware, in this company who’s got a multi-year deal to one of the biggest f***ing companies in the world. And I’m only 23. Do you know what that means? I’m one of the f***ing best in the world. I’m better than Jay [White]. I’m better than Kenny [Omega]. I’m better than [Will] Ospreay.”

Newman is the leader of United Empire, an NJPW faction that Ospreay once led. Ospreay made a surprise appearance at NJPW New Year Dash earlier this month and offered to help Newman and United Empire get through the rough patch they’re going through. Newman didn’t seem too interested in his former mentor’s offer. He went to hit Ospreay with a steel chair before the rest of United Empire stopped him.

Ospreay and Newman are both from the United Kingdom, with Ospreay helping to bring Newman into NJPW in 2023. Ospreay is now contracted to AEW but has said he would like to occasionally compete for NJPW as well once he’s able to return from neck surgery.

As far as his feud with Finlay, Newman challenged Finlay to name a time and place for them to face each other.

IWGP Tag Team title match official for NJPW New Beginning in Osaka

Posted on by Joseph Currier

IWGP Tag Team Champions OSKAR & Yuto-Ice now know the identity of their next title challengers.

A number one contender’s match took place on Monday with Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura prevailing over Tomohiro Ishii & Taichi. With their victory, it’s now confirmed that Umino & Uemura will challenge The Knock Out Brothers (OSKAR & Yuto-Ice) for the IWGP Tag Team titles at the New Beginning in Osaka on February 11.

Umino & Uemura’s match against Ishii & Taichi headlined NJPW’s Road to New Beginning event at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo today. A lariat and Second Chapter finisher from Umino put Ishii away as Uemura stopped Taichi from breaking up the pin.

Following the match, Umino & Uemura got on the microphone and praised Ishii & Taichi before then turning their attention to the champions. Umino & Uemura said they’re frustrated about losing to The Knock Out Brothers in the past — and the only way they can get over that pain is to claim the titles this time.

The Knock Out Brothers were one of pro wrestling’s top tag teams of 2025. WWE was interested in signing them at the start of the year and there were rumors the two could be on their way out of NJPW, but OSKAR & Yuto-Ice have declared that they are not going anywhere.

Edion Arena in Osaka is hosting the February 11 event, which will air live on NJPW World. Only two matches are official at the moment, but the full card is set to be announced imminently.

NJPW New Beginning in Osaka 2026 (Wednesday, February 11) —

  • IWGP Tag Team Champions The Knock Out Brothers (OSKAR & Yuto-Ice) defend against Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura
  • NEVER Openweight Champion Aaron Wolf defends against Ren Narita

Title change takes place at NJPW Road to New Beginning

Posted on by Joseph Currier

TMDK’s reign with the NEVER Openweight Tag Team titles has already come to an end.

At Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on Monday, Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI & Oleg Boltin defeated Zack Sabre Jr., Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson to claim the NEVER Six-Man belts. It was Goto who got the victory for his team 18 minutes into the match, pinning Oiwa after hitting a GTR. Sabre attempted to break up the pin but was held back by YOSHI-HASHI, while Boltin neutralized Jackson and kept him from getting involved.

Sabre, Oiwa & Jackson were making their first title defense here after having won the belts in a rando at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4. The last team they eliminated to win that match was Goto, YOSHI-HASHI & Boltin.

It looks like a rematch could be happening at some point. After the title change today, the two teams went face-to-face and the commentary team speculated that the issues between them are not over. There are also a couple of potential singles bouts that have been set up. In his backstage comments, Oiwa mentioned wanting to face Goto. YOSHI-HASHI also said that he would like to face Sabre, aiming to get payback after Sabre defeated him in last year’s edition of the G1 Climax.

Goto, YOSHI-HASHI & Boltin all have history with the NEVER Six-Man belts, but this is their first time holding them as a trio. Goto & YOSHI-HASHI had previous reigns with Tomohiro Ishii and YOH as partners. Boltin has twice held the titles with Hiroshi Tanahashi & Toru Yano.

LA Knight makes ‘significant’ donation to hometown United Way

Posted on by Joseph Currier

LA Knight has made a sizable donation to help support his hometown community in Hagerstown, Maryland.

The United Way of Washington County, Maryland shared this week that Knight (Shaun Ricker) donated $20,000 to the organization prior to Christmas. Knight is originally from Hagerstown and received the key to the city in 2023.

“I was truly honored to receive the key to the city. Now, it’s my turn to give back to the community that has given me so much,” the former WWE United States Champion said. “I decided to make this investment because I trust United Way to allocate these funds where they are most needed. I hope that this contribution inspires others to consider how they can support our local neighbors in their own unique ways.”

The United Way chapter said they were “thrilled” to receive this donation and would be using it to help aid the most vulnerable members of the community, including individuals and pets who are facing food insecurity.

“This significant donation will immediately help the United Way support our community’s most vulnerable members, particularly the ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed),” the organization wrote. “Additionally, this funding will help United Way’s partner nonprofits that provide food security programs for children and support a local pet food bank program.”

Knight, 43, is currently a member of the WWE Raw roster. He was taken out by The Vision in an injury angle last month, but Dave Meltzer notes that Knight is expected to be back for the Royal Rumble if not before then.

The United Way is a large charitable network that aims to assist local communities and “strengthen their resilience by advancing health, youth opportunities, and financial security.”

Clarification on whether Persephone chose AEW over WWE

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Our Bryan Alvarez has provided some clarification on Persephone’s decision to sign with AEW.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Persephone is among the wrestlers who are now under dual contracts with CMLL & AEW. It was officially confirmed that Persephone, Mascara Dorada, and Hechicero are contracted to both promotions.

WWE has been interested in Persephone since she competed at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025. However, Alvarez notes that WWE never made a contract offer to her. Because she is under a CMLL deal, WWE would not have contractually been able to.

“I am told Persephone did not pick AEW over WWE because she never actually got a WWE offer,” Alvarez notes. “She has been under CMLL contract and hasn’t been able to talk with WWE at all. Like a lot of others she took the opportunity to add the AEW contract to the CMLL one.”

Along with the Forbidden Door match, Persephone has made appearances in ROH, including headlining Final Battle 2025 against ROH Women’s World Champion Athena.

Tony Khan told Q101 Radio last month that he views these type of dual contracts as “beneficial” for AEW, which has a close partnership with CMLL.

“Yes, there will be more attempts to do things like that, which are very beneficial to us,” he said.

Harley Cameron opponent announced for Wrestle Queendom VIII

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Pro Wrestling Eve has revealed who Harley Cameron will be facing when she makes her debut for the indie promotion.

It was announced today that Cameron — one half of the AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions — will be facing off against Amira Blair at Wrestle Queendom VIII on Sunday, March 8. The show, which is Eve’s biggest event of the year, is being held in London on International Women’s Day 2026.

Blair is from Ireland and competes on the indies in Europe, along with managing Michael Oku for his matches. Blair also wrestled her first CMLL tour in March 2025.

Cameron was recognized as one of pro wrestling’s most improved stars of 2025. She and Willow Nightingale were crowned the inaugural AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions toward the end of the year.

Eve, an all-women’s promotion in the ring, is co-produced by Cameron’s AEW colleague Will Ospreay. The card for Wrestle Queendom VIII includes an Eve International Championship match with AEW star Kris Statlander defending against Charlie (formerly known as Dakota Kai in WWE). That’s the first match Charlie has been announced for since being released from WWE last May.

AEW star Darby Allin ‘not a fan of doing 100 big moves a match’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

When it comes to in-ring action, Darby Allin believes creating an emotional connection is more important than just doing a bunch of big moves.

The 33-year-old AEW star — known for the risks he’s willing to take in and out of the ring — recently spoke with the Orlando Sentinel for a new interview. Allin pointed to fellow risk-taker Mick Foley as one of his wrestling inspirations and explained that, while learning from past footage, he likes to watch matches that stand out without relying too heavily on big moves.

“I like to watch wrestling matches that really stand out without a lot of moves, because I’m not a fan of doing 100 big moves a match,” Allin said. “It’s fun to see the emotion and how they carry themselves through a match without relying on big moves or big (false finishes). I just watch how they paced things back then. I’d rather sell and do my thing and have emotions.”

Allin said that, because wrestling changed his life, he always wants to treat it with the respect it deserves. His biggest fear in his career is becoming complacent.

Elsewhere in the interview, Allin discussed the freedom he has in AEW both during matches and with other pursuits like his 2025 climb of Mount Everest.

“Once that bell rings, it’s pretty much 100 percent what you want to do as a performer,” Allin said. “I wouldn’t imagine having the restrictions they have in other companies. And no other company is going to let me climb Mount Everest or do crazy stunts with Tony Hawk or Travis Pastrana. I take full advantage of that.”

Updates on Rey Mysterio, Charlotte Flair after missing WWE TV

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Rey Mysterio and Charlotte Flair both missed episodes of WWE programming over the past week but are expected to be back on TV soon.

In the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer notes that a minor injury kept Mysterio off the most recent episode of Raw, while Flair missed SmackDown due to an illness. Neither is expected to be a long-term issue, with Charlotte having already returned at a house show.

“Rey Mysterio missed Raw this week due to a minor injury but he’ll be back quickly,” Meltzer wrote.

“Flair missed Smackdown this week and was said on television to be sick. That was legit. It was described to us as she was very ill this past week which led to a change in television. She did return to the tour on January 15.”

Meltzer also added that Chad Gable (shoulder) and Tiffany Stratton (undisclosed injury) should be returning soon.

WWE is in London for SmackDown today and will continue with the European tour through January 20. After that, the company heads to Canada for SmackDown, Raw, and Saturday Night’s Main Event before its trip to Saudi Arabia for the Royal Rumble on January 31.

WWE tryout attendee details suffering concussion

Posted on by Joseph Currier

An injury put a damper on Sallie Grace’s WWE tryout experience as she suffered a concussion during an improv drill.

The social media influencer was among the attendees at the Performance Center for WWE’s latest tryout in Orlando. She was honored to be there and learning a lot in her first experience in the ring. However, Grace was then sidelined by a head injury. In an Instagram video, she shared how the concussion left her disoriented and bummed her out.

“We were doing improv and they told us to pretend swimming. Bro, I think I sound so stupid right now,” she said. “I got hit in the head because someone was on the metal ropes and were swinging it and swung it and it hit the back of my head really hard. I can’t even keep my train of thought. And I feel stupid because I don’t remember what I’m saying. I forgot who I’m talking to earlier. This morning, I had a headache when I walked into the Performance Center and I knew something wasn’t right. We started taking bumps for the first time and I just felt my brain sloshing around and I’m like, ‘I cant continue this or else, you know, there will be long-term effects.’ I got tested, and I have a concussion.

“One medic said, ‘All right, now go talk to the first medic that you talked to.’ I’m like, ‘First medic? I’ve only talked to you.’ And I completely forgot I had a conversation with that dude. I was packing up my bags to leave and I was just sitting there for 10 minutes with my mind blank, like, crying because I didn’t remember what I had brought to the gym. And then I got in the elevator to the hotel and I was up on not the first floor and I was in the elevator and I pressed the first floor thinking I was going to go up, and I just wasn’t going up. So my brain is so out of it right now. This is day three of five. A couple of people have gotten concussed — and one of those couple people were me. I’m just pretty bummed right now, but I’ll keep you guys updated. I hope that made sense. I am so out of it.”

The tryout featured indie talent along with some attendees without wrestling backgrounds. Starboy Charlie, Nor “Phoenix” Diana, and Bhupinder Gujjar were some of the indie names taking part.

Our Bryan Alvarez notes that WWE plans on holding significantly more tryouts in 2026 than last year.

“We are told that WWE will be holding significantly more tryouts this year,” Alvarez wrote. And like this most recent set they are back to looking for in-shape indie talent who can work and cut good promos.”

Daily Update: Carmelo Hayes, Jackie Redmond, Zane Jay

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the news covered in this issue:

  • Coverage of the Tokyo Dome show
  • How did the show accomplish what should have been its key goals
  • Thoughts on Aaron Wolf
  • Business notes on the show
  • Yota Tsuji and the title name change
  • The end of the Bullet Club
  • Shinsuke Nakamura and his thoughts
  • Angle with Will Ospreay
  • Records that Tanahashi set during his career
  • Tanahashi’s background
  • Notes on his last IWGP title win that wasn’t supposed to happen
  • The unique way he became a mainstream figure in a news story
  • How his career exploded from there
  • How Tanahashi differed from prior IWGP champions and how that changed who could hold that title
  • The Tanahashi era that turned around New Japan
  • A look at his record setting 13 Tokyo Dome career main events
  • Various title wins and career awards
  • 2025 Business Year in Review
  • A look at all the shows that drew 15,000 fans
  • Biggest individual draws of the year
  • Crowds of 15,000 or more by promotion and how the main companies did
  • How UFC PPV gates were
  • The biggest pro wrestling drawing card every year from 1916 to 2025
  • What wrestlers were No. 1 for the year the most years in their career
  • The 50 biggest arena draws in pro wrestling history based on the standards of their era
  • New Year Dash coverage
  • The year in matches, who had the most great matches in 2025, most over the course of a career, top ten arenas of all-time and new records set in 2025 by a promotion for a year as well as for a city
  • A look at the life of Johnny Legend, a cult celebrity wrestling fan, his work with Freddie Blassie and Andy Kaufman, and his promotion, Incredibly Strange Wrestling.
  • The most detailed look at the ratings of the pro wrestling TV shows and details regarding who watches
  • Advanced ticket sales for WWE, AEW and TNA events
  • AEW stars headed to CMLL next week
  • Another Arena Mexico sellout
  • Legendary pro wrestling promoter turns 101
  • Old living wrestling personalities
  • Ted DiBiase files lawsuit
  • The Ted DiBiase Jr. case
  • A look at the career of Bob Boyer/Bobby Bold Eagle, who wrestled from 1955 to 1987
  • Documentary planned on 80s tag team
  • Notes on WrestleMania week shows
  • Update on the WBD sale
  • Former UFC champion goes for boxing world title
  • Update on the home for WWE’s library
  • Plans for TV shows this month
  • How much Dwayne Johnson has made from the WWE contract he signed two years ago
  • Those added to WWE, those leaving, those injured and those they are interested in
  • How the Holiday week house shows did
  • Why WWE’s weekly  audience on Netflix should go up close to 12 percent over the next three months.

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Thursday Update

WWE

  • For his United States title open challenge on SmackDown tomorrow, Carmelo Hayes invited the best of the United Kingdom to step up: “Smackdown in London tomorrow night! I want the best out of the UK that wants to step up, put on and tear the roof off that bih #USTitleOpenInvitation”
  • On Insight with Chris Van Vliet, WWE broadcast team member Jackie Redmond addressed whether she would like to get involved in the ring one day:
    • I mean, I don’t have any desire to be, like, in a match or anything like that.
    • I do wish that Superstars yelled at me [on-screen] more. I’m not going to lie. Like, that’s not really a thing that we do anymore, but I want them in my face. I want them to be mean to me. Like, I actually really want that. Like, please be a d*ck. I really — be a jerk to me. But it’s a different time. Maybe one day.
    • No, I don’t want to be in the ring, but I wouldn’t be opposed to, like, slapping someone or taking a bump. No [I’ve never taken a bump]. I would love to, though. I would even love just to learn how to take a bump.
  • Redmond discussed her friendship with CM Punk:
    • I crossed paths with CM Punk prior to joining WWE because he’s such a hockey fan. So I knew him through hockey. So when he came back, I instantly DM’d him. I was leaving the venue, and I was like, ‘You little sh*t! I didn’t know you were coming back.’ This is crazy, and I was still pretty new at that time. So for me, I was like, Oh my gosh. It’s an intimidating world. Everyone’s so nice and welcoming, but it’s a big world with big personalities. Everyone’s focused on what they have going on. So when I first started, I was very much in my shell, I was shy. So when Punk came back, I was like, Oh, my God, a friendly face. I know this person, which is so crazy because his reputation prior to coming back, it just amazes me some of the things that people say about him, because for me, he’s always just been an absolute pleasure, so nice, so professional, just awesome.
  • Punk spoke with Comicbook.com during the media tour for his new movie “Night Patrol.”
  • Bayley shared a funny story about accidentally receiving texts from Trish Stratus:
    • You know who texts me on accident all the time is Trish, because she has a nephew named Bailey. I will get happy birthday texts all the time. ‘Happy 12th birthday.’ Oh, my God, thank you. She’s like, ‘Damn it. I did it again.’
  • In Paris yesterday, Maxxine Dupri attended the world premiere for season four of the Netflix series “Bridgerton.”
  • Jordynne Grace was a guest on Busted Open Radio.
  • Denise Salcedo has an interview with Chelsea Green
  • Logan Paul uploaded a new vlog.
  • WWE Vault uploaded the company’s full Battle Royal at the Royal Albert Hall event from 1991.

Other Wrestling

  • Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun appeared on AEW Unrestricted this week.
  • No-Contest Wrestling spoke with The Hardys ahead of TNA’s AMC premiere.
  • In an interview with NJPW’s website, Zane Jay discussed being the only foreigner currently in the NJPW Japanese Dojo:
    • It’s not an easy life in the Dojo (laughs). Not at all. I think before me, in the past, (David) Finlay and Juice (Robinson), Jay White, the foreigners in the Dojo had other foreigners there to support them. Right now, it’s only me, so I have a chip on my shoulder. And they have more experience in Japan than me, but at the same time I have more life experience, and a different mentality. I went through a lot to get here, and now I really want to make the most of this.
  • Los Tranquilos de Japon protege Ryusei is making his official debut at a show for SAJ Wrestling in Italy on January 31.
  • Anthony Greene will be an entrant in MLW Battle Riot VIII.
  • CJ Perry interviewed Nhooph Al-Areebi (former WWE wrestler Aliyah) on her Identity Crisis podcast.
  • Denise Salcedo is holding a live show with special guests at Circa Resort & Casino Las Vegas on April 17, which is the Friday of WrestleMania week.

US title open challenge set for WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Friday’s WWE SmackDown episode in London will see Carmelo Hayes make his third defense of the United States Championship.

WWE has confirmed that Hayes will have another open challenge on SmackDown this week, defending his belt against a yet-to-be-named opponent. Hayes became champion by defeating Ilja Dragunov at the end of 2025 and has already defeated Johnny Gargano and Shinsuke Nakamura during his reign.

Since Sami Zayn won the title in August 2025, United States Championship open challenges have been a regular fixture on SmackDown. Dragunov continued the tradition during his reign, with Hayes now picking up the mantle.

This is the first title that Hayes has held since being called up to the WWE main roster. For tomorrow’s match, he’s invited the best of the United Kingdom to step up:

OVO Arena Wembley is hosting Friday’s SmackDown. Outside of the United States, the show will air live on Netflix. It will then be broadcast on USA Network in SmackDown’s regular time slot.

WWE SmackDown (Friday, January 16) —

  • New WWE Champion Drew McIntyre appears
  • SNME number one contendership qualifying match: Randy Orton vs. The Miz
  • SNME number one contendership qualifying match: Solo Sikoa vs. Damian Priest
  • SNME number one contendership qualifying match: Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams
  • SNME number one contendership qualifying match: Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov
  • Carmelo Hayes United States Championship open challenge

The four qualifying match winners advance to a four-way bout at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24, which will determine McIntyre’s WWE Championship challenger for the Royal Rumble.

Report: CM Punk to star in WWE 2K26 Showcase mode

Posted on by Joseph Currier

It looks like CM Punk will play a big part in the next edition of the WWE 2K video game series.

The promotional push for WWE 2K26 will begin soon with a commercial for the game having been filmed last month. Insider Gaming reports that the game is scheduled for a March release, and Punk is set to be the focus of the annual Showcase mode, which is a story mode that spotlights a specific wrestler and allows you to play through their journey.

According to Insider Gaming, part of the Showcase will see you play out a “what if?” scenario of matches that could have happened had Punk never walked out of WWE in 2014.

“Insider Gaming has learned that WWE 2K26’s Showcase Mode will feature none other than CM Punk. According to sources, the showcase will be narrated by CM Punk himself and feature three sections of matches,” the report said.

“The first section has players relive some of Punk’s favorite matches throughout his WWE career. There are also ‘What If?’ matches that look at what could have been had Punk not left the company in 2014. And, lastly, fantasy matches will see Punk take on opponents that he never was able to face for one reason or another.”

Punk returned to pro wrestling for AEW in 2021 and then came back to WWE in 2023. He is the current World Heavyweight Champion and is set to defend the title against Finn Balor on Raw this coming Monday.

The cover star for WWE 2K26 has not been announced yet, nor has the exact release date.

USA Network renews Braun Strowman series for expanded second season

Posted on by Joseph Currier

After a successful first season, USA Network has rewarded Braun Strowman’s “Everything on the Menu” with an expanded order.

It was revealed today that “Everything on the Menu” has been renewed for a second season. The Strowman-hosted series will have 12 episodes this time, up from the eight it had for its initial run. Deadline writes that season one — which aired on Fridays immediately following WWE SmackDown — was the ninth most popular new cable show of last year.

“Everything on the Menu” is a food series that features Strowman traveling the country and eating at different restaurants. Here is the official description:

When the ‘Monster Among Men’ storms into town, wrestling rings aren’t the only things getting demolished-entire menus tremble in his wake! In Everything on the Menu, WWE legend Braun Strowman brings his superhuman appetite to America’s most delicious destinations, from the ultimate greasy-spoon favorites to the Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy and everything in-between. This isn’t a tasting-it is total meal domination, where Braun doesn’t just eat… he OBLITERATES every single dish in his path, bonds with the culinary warriors behind the counter, and picks his favorite from each city’s most iconic flavors. Consider this your warning: Order extra portions and hide your secret recipes-because when Braun Strowman comes to your city, there are NO leftovers.

The first season of the show entered development while Strowman was still with WWE. He was released in May 2025 but is still able to use his wrestling name on the show with WWE and Bright North Studios producing it. Strowman and Paul “Triple H” Levesque are among the executive producers.

Strowman (Adam Scherr) has not wrestled anywhere since being released from his WWE contract.

A premiere date for this second season has not been announced yet.