Tag: WWE

Mick Foley feels WWE has lost a ‘little bit of magic’ with corporate ownership

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Since being acquired by Endeavor and put under the TKO umbrella, Mick Foley feels WWE has lost some of the magic it once had.

Foley appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show yesterday to discuss the news that he has signed with AEW. Though Foley loves WWE and is not going to disparage them, Foley said one thing that stands out between the two companies is the feeling of love that goes into the AEW product due to it not having corporate ownership. Foley said he once took a break from watching wrestling for a couple of years and, when he came back, gravitated more toward the AEW product than what was happening in WWE.

As a huge theme park fan, Foley said he’s seen some establishments go from being family run to corporately owned. The parks might get more money put into them and some nicer rides when that happens, but the feeling of magic that once existed is reduced. Foley believes the same is true for WWE.

“What I feel from watching the two shows is that AEW has that little bit of magic, and WWE has kind of lost it,” he said. “I think when you’re part of a corporation, and the bottom line is everything, you take away from your midcard by making it clear that what you’re selling is more important than the product in the ring.”

Foley said younger fans will often come up to him and want to talk about his matches, even though they weren’t even born when the bouts happened. He wonders if older WWE matches resonate more with fans because the broadcast was more focused on what was going on in the ring instead of treating matches as a means to an end.

“Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler were locked in on the matches. There weren’t so many things they had to go to that would take people out of that suspension of disbelief,” Foley said. “That’s just a theory on my part, but I think 10-20 years down the line, the matches that JR called, whether it was with The King or whether it was with Jim Cornette in WCW, they’ll stand the test of time, I think, better than the current matches in WWE because it seems like the matches are a means to an end instead of something to be enjoyed for themselves.

“So I just feel like at this point, AEW has — the personal ownership shows, and a love and a feeling of magic, that I don’t think the corporate ownership of WWE displays nearly as well.”

Mick Foley’s AEW role —

The 60-year-old Foley made the decision not to renew his WWE Legends contract due to the “close relationship” he feels the company has with President Donald Trump. In AEW, Foley is open to a variety of roles including broadcasting and helping to promote the product through media appearances. He could see himself becoming a manager and isn’t even ruling out the idea of getting back into the ring for one more match.

The midcard scene is one area where Foley believes AEW really thrives, and he thinks he could help out some of those wrestlers if he served as their manager.

Kaitlyn on emotional and mental struggles during WWE run: ‘I was an absolute mess’ 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Kaitlyn disclosed the mental and emotional struggles she went through during her WWE run, and how she overcame them.

Speaking with TMZ’s Inside The Ring,  Kaitlyn opened up on the decision that led to her WWE exit in 2014. She requested for the release after feeling the pressure of the business and its impact on her while she was still young at the age of 23. 

“When I left, I had signed my second contract when I had the title in 2013 and I ended up asking for my release with still two years left on my contract. And it’s because I was struggling, I was folding under the pressure of show business and the adrenaline and the emotional roller coaster and also that lifestyle, especially the way it was back then was very difficult to have real relationships like intimate relationships.”  

“I was there from when I was 23 to when I was 27, I didn’t have tools to process what I was going through and I didn’t know how to talk about it. So essentially it kind of built to this point in my life where I was struggling mentally, physically, I was gaining weight, emotionally, I was a mess. And I knew that I couldn’t sustain that. Like my life was reflecting to me like ‘hey you need to figure this out, you need to make some changes’. And I didn’t feel like I could do that while I was living that lifestyle. And I was also, I had lost a lot of confidence in myself and I didn’t want to get released and so I left and I was a mess. I was an absolute mess. Didn’t have a plan.”

She always had plans to create a new identity and brand for herself post WWE. Kaitlyn admitted that leaving the company left her grappling with feelings of regret and self-doubt, as she believed she had not fully capitalized on the opportunities provided. 

“I knew I wanted to try to build some sort of business and kind of create a new identity for myself outside of the character of Kaitlyn. And it was so difficult because I had this really deep feeling that was my opportunity, that was my chance, that I’m never going to do anything as great as that again. And I blew it, like I could have had such a big impact, a much bigger impact. I didn’t know and I struggled with this idea that I didn’t know who I was when I was there. So I didn’t have the ability to have a true message, right? And so for a long time I felt like a failure which is crazy to a lot of people but it’s just how I felt like I could have done so much more with that opportunity and that spotlight on a global stage.”

Former Divas Champion Kaitlyn open to WWE return 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Former WWE star Kaitlyn is open to considering a wrestling return. 

Kaitlyn told TMZ’s Inside The Ring that she is open to a WWE comeback. She expressed being comfortable and in great shape that is suitable for an in-ring return. While it is not a primary goal, she would not rule out stepping back in a wrestling ring. 

“Yeah. So it’s interesting. You know I’m 39. I’ll be 40 in a few months and I’m at the top of my game. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in. My body feels great. I’m more confident in who I am, my voice than ever before, right? And so I’m open to it. It’s not like okay, this is my number one goal to get back in the WWE ring, but I think that it would make sense.”

Kaitlyn further talked about being emotionally and mentally prepared for what it takes to compete in the ring. Unlike earlier, when she wasn’t matured and evolved to take on the challenges that came along with being a wrestler. 

“So, I’m open to it. And in the past, to be honest, when I would be asked in interviews ‘would you ever go back? Do you want to make a comeback?’ I would be like, you know, maybe. But there was always this trepidation internally because I felt like I hadn’t truly processed my WWE experience emotionally, mentally like I think there was this maturation that needed to happen within myself because when I was there again like I was brand new. I debuted without ever having wrestled before and so I was just like a deer in the headlights constantly and I felt like I was just barely hanging on and anytime that I was on television or I had a big match.”

“And so now I just I’m such an evolved person versus who I was then and I just have such a deeper understanding of what pro wrestling is and the artistry of it and the connection with the fans and so I think it would make a lot of sense and I feel like I would do great. I haven’t been in the ring in a while, but you know, some of that stuff comes back pretty easy. And I’m also just smarter with how I would wrestle and who I would be on the show.”  

Kaitlyn was associated with WWE from 2010 to 2014. She is best remembered for her feud with AJ Lee in 2013 which centered on their fractured friendship. During her tenure, she also captured the Divas Championship. She returned to compete in the 2018 Mae Young Classic where she was eliminated in the second round.  

Talent lineup announced for next WWE ID Showcase

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

The first talent roster for the next WWE ID Showcase at Cody Rhodes and QT Marshall’s Nightmare Factory has been confirmed.

The announcement made via X revealed the list of talents who will be featured for the June 26 presentation. 

“BREAKING…. The first talent roster is set for the next ID Showcase! Already confirmed for The Nightmare Factory presents The ID Showcase on June 26th are:

-WWE Evolve Champion Aaron Rourke

-WWE ID Men’s Champion Chazz “Starboy” Hall

-WWE ID Women’s Champion Laynie Luck

-WWE ID Player/Coach Timothy Thatcher

-Cappuccino Jones

-The Mog Squad of Max Abrams, CJ Valor, Santi Rivera and Jacari Ball

-Sloane Jacobs

-Sam Holloway

-It’s Gal

-Anya Rune

-Gianna Capri

-Veronica Haven

Plus more to be announced including talent from The Nightmare Factory!

Match announcements coming this week!” 

The WWE ID program was introduced in 2024. Its purpose is to help identify and support upcoming stars from the independent scene before signing full-time WWE contracts. 

The Nightmare Factory has served as one of the training facilities for WWE ID recruits since its launch.

Title Changes On This Day in Wrestling (June 3rd): NWA, WCW, WWE, GHC and more

Posted on by Jake Skudder

According to wrestlingdata.com, a total of 287 title changes have taken place on this date across promotions around the world. Here are some of the most important championship moments tied to June 3rd.

Title changes on June 3rd

YearChampionshipNew champion(s)
1965All Asia Tag Team TitlesBilly Red Lyons & The Destroyer
1971WWWF World Tag Team TitlesCrazy Luke Graham & Tarzan Tyler
1983Mexican National Middleweight TitleVacant
1983NWA World Middleweight TitleLizmark
1991WCW World 6-Man Tag Team TitlesBadstreet, Jimmy Garvin & Michael Hayes
1991WCW World Television TitleSteve Austin
2002WWE Hardcore TitleBradshaw
2006ROH Top of the Class TrophyShane Hagadorn
2007ECW World TitleBobby Lashley
2011AJPW World Junior Heavyweight TitleVacant
2011AJPW World Tag Team TitlesVacant
2018AAA Mega TitleJeff Jarrett
2019WWE United States TitleSamoa Joe
2025GHC Heavyweight Tag Team TitlesDaiki Inaba & Manabu Soya

Early title changes (1965-1983)

Billy Red Lyons and The Destroyer captured the All Asia Tag Team Titles in 1965. Six years later, in 1971, Crazy Luke Graham and Tarzan Tyler claimed the WWWF World Tag Team Titles.

The Mexican National Middleweight Title was declared vacant, while the NWA World Middleweight Title went to Lizmark.

1991 in WCW

WCW Main Event 1991 took place on this day, seeing Badstreet, Jimmy Garvin, and Michael Hayes win the WCW World 6-Man Tag Team Titles. Steve Austin also captured the WCW World Television Title at the same show, years before he reinvented himself as “Stone Cold” and became one of the biggest stars the business has ever produced.

The 2000s: hardcore, ROH, and ECW

In 2002, Bradshaw added the WWE Hardcore Title to his résumé. Shane Hagadorn also won the ROH Top of the Class Trophy in 2026. Bobby Lashley also captured the ECW World Title in 2027

Recent title changes (2011–2025)

All Japan Pro Wrestling saw two of its championships vacated on June 3rd, 2011: the AJPW World Junior Heavyweight Title and the AJPW World Tag Team Titles.

In 2018, Jeff Jarrett won the AAA Mega Title in Mexico. In 2019, Samoa Joe claimed the WWE United States Title. In 2025, Daiki Inaba and Manabu Soya teamed to win the GHC Heavyweight Tag Team Titles in Pro Wrestling NOAH.

Take-Two CEO proud of WWE 2K26 performance, wants to ensure quality

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick recently opened up about WWE 2K26’s success as well as his team’s motive of ensuring future quality.

Previously with Yuke’s, WWE 2K became a part of the Visual Concepts/Take-Two banner since 2019, with annual video game releases every year except 2021. Following a disastrous WWE 2K20, the game followed it up with well-loved WWE 2K22 and has done it every year since then. Their latest release, 2K26, received major positive reviews, with several new in-game modes and improvements added.

Recently speaking to IGN, Zelnick opened up about WWE 2K26’s recent performance and reviews. “We’re very proud of Metacritic score, we’re proud of how the title performed. We have great partners at TKO led by Nick Khan, and of course everything related to WWE continues to grow,” he said. “The team over there is just crushing it. So we’re thrilled to be in business with TKO and WWE.”

Although, despite the game’s performance and reviews, Zelnick believes there are still improvements to be made.

“I do think there’s ongoing opportunities to improve the quality of the game. I do think that we can give consumers more of what they want, and I know our team at Visual Concepts always wants to do better. We’re never in the business of patting ourselves on the back. We believe that arrogance is the enemy of continued success, and I think that title could be double or triple the size that it is as long as we delight consumers, and as long as we give them something new and not expected that’s consistent with the brand that they love. That’s our job.”

Similarly, like every year, WWE 2K27 is expected to release around March, 2027.

Former WWE co-president explains why company continued relationship with Saudi Arabia after Jamal Khashoggi murder

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Former WWE co-president George Barrios has opened up and explained the promotion’s decision to continue its relationship with Saudi Arabia after Jamal Khashoggi’s murder.

Barrios released his book “Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt: How a Cuban Kid from Queens Transformed WWE” via Skyhorse Publishing, where he opened up about his time in WWE, which included details about the WWE-Saudi Arabia deal.

In January 2018, WWE announced its ten-year deal with the General Sports Authority of Saudi Arabia to run events in the country. The deal marked its start with the Greatest Royal Rumble.

“Our negotiations dragged on because the Saudis are notorious hagglers. By 2018, despite having made great progress, we were struggling to get the deal over the finish line. Complicating matters was the disappearance of Saudi journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi,” Barrios wrote in his book.

On October 2, 2018, Washington Post contributing columnist Jamal Khashoggi was seen entering the Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey but never exited. The CIA later concluded that Khashoggi had been murdered on orders from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Sanctions were imposed on seventeen Saudis, but not bin Salman. Five individuals received the death penalty, three were imprisoned, and three were acquitted.

“As outraged as I was by what happened, I still defy anyone to argue they understand who was truly at fault. All I know is that on our end, Khashoggi’s disappearance called into question our deal with the Saudis,” Barrios further wrote.

Despite Khashoggi’s murder, WWE decided to run its Crown Jewel event on November 2, 2018, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While major backlash surfaced and several other companies pulled out of Saudi Arabia, WWE went ahead with its planned event.

“Vince (McMahon), Michelle (Wilson), and I spent a great deal of time debating the pros and cons of moving forward. Vince in particular was deeply uncomfortable with the uncertainty surrounding the events. In my opinion, we couldn’t walk out on the deal. It was too worthwhile for WWE. But Vince kept shaking his head. “This thing with Khashoggi. Doing the deal could be the biggest risk we’ve ever taken with the company. ‘Vince, listen to me”, I said. “I understand how serious this is. But no one really knows what’s going on,” Barrios detailed in his book.

After Khashoggi’s murder, WWE’s stock fell to less than $70 from its previous $93. Unfortunately, the numbers never fully recovered until the promotion signed a new deal with TKO in 2023.

Barrios joined WWE in 2008 and eventually became co-president with Michelle Wilson. However, the two were let go in January 2020. WWE has since then expanded its partnership with Saudi Arabia, with regular two annual events in Saudi Arabia, as well as an upcoming WrestleMania in 2027.

North American title match, two number one contender’s matches set for next WWE NXT

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A North American title match is part of next week’s WWE NXT lineup.

On Tuesday, Zaria defeated Lizzie Rain in the opening match. But it wasn’t enough, as she continued to attack Rain after the match until Tatum Paxley, who was on commentary, entered the ring for the save. The Women’s North American Champion told Zaria that if this is what she wanted, she would give her a title match next week.

Since Sol Ruca left the brand, Zaria has made it clear she wants to stand out as a singles star, and in recent weeks has focused on Paxley and her Women’s North American title.

Two number one contender’s matches were also announced for next week. One will have Kendal Grey take on Kelani Jordan where the winner will face Lola Vice. The other will have Mason Rook face Naraku, with the winner facing NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo. The winners will get their title match at The Great American Bash, which takes place on June 28 in Orlando.

A vignette for the Mr. NXT pageant between Tristan Angels and Shiloh Hill was shown on Tuesday, promoting that three would compete in attire, talent, and public speaking. The voiceover said the “WWE Universe” and three special guest judges would determine the winner.

WWE NXT (June 9)

  • Women’s North American Champion Tatum Paxley defends against Zaria
  • Number one contender’s match for NXT Women’s Championship: Kendal Grey vs. Kelani Jordan
  • Number one contender’s match for NXT Championship: Mason Rook vs. Naraku
  • Mr. NXT pageant between Tristan Angels and Shiloh Hill

WWE SmackDown ratings down for taped show from Spain

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown averaged 1.096 million viewers on the USA Network, down 12.9% from the previous week. It’s the lowest audience for the show since February 13th.

SmackDown averaged a 0.23 rating in the 18-49 demo. That’s down 20.7% from the prior week and ties the lowest rating the show has done in that category since January 23rd.

The show finished 4th for the night on cable, going head to head with the deciding Game 5 in the NHL’s Eastern Conference Final.

As compared to the same week in 2025 the overall viewership was down 20.8% while the 18-49 rating was down 32.4%.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of overall viewership and 18-49 demo ratings for WWE SmackDown on the USA Network as well as the 10 week average in both categories. This week’s show was down 18.1% in overall viewers and 28.1% in 18-49 as compared to recent averages.

Date18-49Total viewers
3/20/20260.321,439,000
3/27/20260.331,308,000
4/3/20260.431,508,000
4/10/20260.361,412,000
4/17/20260.421,580,000
4/24/20260.321,267,000
5/1/20260.251,153,000
5/8/20260.291,279,000
5/15/20260.231,184,000
5/22/20260.291,258,000
5/29/20260.231,096,000
10 week average0.321,338,800

An update on upcoming WWE tryouts

Posted on by Bryan Rose

More WWE tryouts are happening soon.

Bryan Alvarez is reporting that there are at least two other tryout events taking place this year.

“WWE tryouts coming up are Minneapolis for SummerSlam week, and South America in September,” he writes. The company held tryouts earlier this year in Orlando that included the likes of Marie Malenko, who signed with the company.

Back in April, WWE invited a slew of European talent for a tryout event. The exact date of this tryout isn’t known, but WWE is in Europe for a tour that lasts through next Monday’s Raw, which will take place in Paris, France. Other destinations include Libson, Madrid, Bologna, Rome, and Florence.

Notable names invited to the tryout include Leon Cage, Maddy Morgan, Daz Black, Madison Marley, Peter Tihanyi, and Kuro.

WWE developmental currently in a rebuilding period

WWE is looking to bolster their developmental ranks after calling up several wrestlers post-WrestleMania 42. WWE called up the likes of Ricky Saints, Ethan Page, Oba Femi, Trick Williams, Jordynne Grace, Blake Monroe, and Fatal Influence to the main roster, leaving NXT to refocus on building talent.

Some names that have been featured on NXT television include Mason Rook, Kam Hendrix, Lizzie Rain, and Naraku, the former EVIL.

Mick Foley explains decision to cut ties with WWE

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Mick Foley made the decision to cut ties with WWE so he could feel comfortable when looking at himself in the mirror.

Back in December 2025, Foley announced that he would not be renewing his WWE Legends contract when it expires this summer. He cited WWE’s “close relationship” with President Donald Trump as the reason and said Trump’s “incredibly cruel” comments about the death of director Rob Reiner (a frequent Trump critic) were the final straw.

Foley has now signed with AEW — and the 60-year-old Hardcore Legend appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show today to discuss that news. He also went into more detail about his WWE departure, saying he would have felt complicit in his silence if he continued representing WWE while Trump is in office.

“I just think WWE had a very cozy relationship where there was definitely the illusion of a relationship there — the perception, rather,” Foley said. “I think when five different people are posing in the Oval Office and they’ve all received Stone Cold Stunners, that’s a little cozy. And I felt like even though I wasn’t technically employed by the company, but because I had a Legends deal, because my name’s been associated with WWE for over 30 years, that I was complicit in my silence.

“And so I did speak up. I reached out to the head of talent relations, who I consider a friend, who I still write handwritten letters from Santa to every year… Basically, I give up the Legends deal. It runs out at the end of this month. I realized that by giving up two really easy, very high paying jobs at WrestleMania week for WWE that I had to work 24 hours on my own to make what I could’ve in six, and I’m okay with that.

“So I’m good with my decision. Everyone I think has to make a decision that’s right for them. And in my case, I just didn’t want to be in a position where my grandchildren are asking what their grandfather was doing when things were really, you know, tough. And I want my children to be able to say, ‘This is what grandpa did.’ So I made the move that I thought was right for me. I love that company. I’m not going to disparage them, but it didn’t seem like a good fit. Didn’t seem like a fit that would allow me to look at myself in the mirror before I went to bed.”

Foley said the head of talent relations told him that he respected his decision and would inform the people in charge. Though Foley did not hear from Paul “Triple H” Levesque or any members of the McMahon family, he did speak with an unnamed higher-up in WWE who tried to tell him that Levesque is only a member of Trump’s fitness council and that Linda McMahon, though a member of Trump’s cabinet, is not part of WWE. Foley did not fully agree with that, and he and the person he spoke with ended their conversation on respectful terms.

“I didn’t close the door forever,” Foley said. “I said in my announcement, you know, as long as [Trump’s] in office.”

Foley said he’s always been friends with independents and conservatives whose politics aren’t as progressive as his own. He believes it’s important to have two strong political parties in the United States, but Foley feels Trump is a different type of person who has acted in ways that are cruel and selfish.

Mick Foley on signing with AEW —

In the Helwani interview, Foley said he first met AEW boss Tony Khan 15 years ago and had a really good lunch with him long before Khan ever got into pro wrestling. Foley took a break from watching wrestling for a couple of years but then became a fan of AEW and would direct message with Khan some. But talks about Foley signing with the promotion didn’t start until months after he announced his decision to cut ties with WWE. The “nostalgia world” of conventions and one-man shows has been very kind to Foley financially, so that had been his focus.

Foley views himself as a “Swiss army knife” in AEW who can work as a broadcaster, help with publicity, and maybe even serve as a manager. He is not ruling out the possibility of having one last match in AEW but says the stars would have to align perfectly.

WWE schedules NXT Great American Bash for very busy pro wrestling date

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Three major professional wrestling shows are set to take place on June 28.

AEW Forbidden Door and TNA Slammiversary were already scheduled for that date — and it’s now been announced that NXT Great American Bash is also happening on that Sunday. Great American Bash will go head-to-head with Forbidden Door, while Slammiversary avoids direct competition due to its afternoon start time.

Great American Bash begins at 7 p.m. Eastern time on June 28. It’s the first NXT PLE that will air live on The CW as part of a new multi-year PLE deal between the sides. The CW already airs NXT every week and is now carrying PLEs on its broadcast channel as well.

“Everybody’s been asking me, ‘When is the first PLE on The CW Network?’ Well, that’s what this announcement is for. June 28, CW Network and NXT are going to bring you Great American Bash,” NXT boss Shawn Michaels announced. “This partnership is moving forward and the Great American Bash on June 28 will have a special start time of 7 p.m.”

Peacock was previously home to these NXT events, but that deal expired prior to Stand & Deliver 2026, which aired on YouTube while WWE was still working out where NXT PLEs would land.

Great American Bash, Forbidden Door & Slammiversary details —

A location for Great American Bash was not mentioned in today’s announcement, so it will presumably be held at the WWE Performance Center. Forbidden Door and Slammiversary are respectively taking place in San Jose, California and Boston, Massachusetts.

The listed start time for Forbidden Door ticket holders is the same as Great American Bash (7 p.m. Eastern), while Slammiversary is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.

WWE Night of Champions is set for this weekend as well, with that PLE happening in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, June 27.

Finn Balor lists potential SmackDown rivals following WWE brand switch 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Finn Balor has already laid the groundwork for a list of potential opponents on WWE SmackDown. 

During Raw, it was announced that he was officially traded to SmackDown. Balor shared a list of names from the brand deciding who to call a friend or rival. He listed Shinsuke Nakamura, Tama Tonga, Sami Zayn, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, R-Truth, Gunther, Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. 

Balor’s history with Tonga dates back to their tenure on NJPW in 2013. Balor led the Bullet Club faction alongside Tonga, Kenny Omega, Karl Anderson and more. Tonga was one of the earliest recruits in the team who became more established under Balor’s guidance. 

After issues with The Judgment Day reached its peak, Balor was kicked out of the group in March. This led to a Street Fight match with Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania. However, his former teammates – Priest and Ripley are on SmackDown which could lead to a revisited rivalry or alliance. 

Balor also challenged for the World Heavyweight Championship against CM Punk earlier this year. And with Rhodes making his list, it raises the possibility of an Undisputed WWE Championship pursuit. 

https://x.com/FinnBalor/status/2061836783281639883