Tag: Je’von Evans

Miz praises ‘really special’ WWE star Je’Von Evans

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The Miz sees Je’Von Evans as a truly special star who has unlimited potential in WWE.

Last month, the two worked together with Evans defeating Miz on SmackDown. The 45-year-old veteran came away from that experience very impressed with Evans. If Evans stays on the right track and avoids major injuries, Miz sees him having an incredible career.

“I was with Je’Von Evans and I was like — no one really knows him, right? Like, people know him, NXT, you know who he is. But the masses don’t know who he is,” Miz said on Insight with Chris Van Vliet. “So we have to really make this kid, because he’s special. He truly is. If you’ve watched him and you feel his energy, the kid has an infectious smile. He’s got charisma, he’s got the ability — and he’s young. He’s young. I was like, ‘Man, this kid’s 21? Imagine what he’s going to be like when he’s 25.’ He might be bored because he’s so good at this age. I was like, man, if this kid can keep elevating himself, keep getting bigger, keep just focusing, locking in, don’t mess up, don’t get injured. This kid can be something really special in this business.”

Miz noted that he wishes WWE still ran a live event schedule that would allow young talent like Evans to get more experience at house shows.

When Evans defeated Miz on the December 12 episode of SmackDown, WWE referred to it as the biggest win of his career so far. Evans is now a member of the WWE Raw roster after being called up from NXT. He worked a match on this week’s episode in Germany, defeating Bravo Americano (Tyler Bate).

Where are they now?: Every WON Rookie of the Year since 1980

Posted on by F4W Staff

Editor’s Note: Several weeks ago, we saw the following post on Reddit and with the permission of author Kanenums88, we are republishing it here as Wrestling Observer Newsletter award season voting has officially begun for subscribers.

The following has been edited slightly and there is some light opinion in the write-ups that reflects the views of the writer and not our website.

You can read about all of these wrestlers in either the WON archives or one of Dave’s WON yearbooks, available on Amazon.

**********

Since 1980, voters in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards have highlighted the achievements of wrestlers in their first year of significant competition with the annual Rookie of the Year award.

To be fully transparent, this is copied from a user from a few days ago who copied this from another account’s post from four years ago. It wasn’t updated in such a long time and since a lot has changed in such a short amount of time, I thought it would be best to take it upon myself to do just that, as well as to give some of the entries more of a proper write-up with added bits of context I thought were necessary. 

Wrestling Observer Newsletter Rookie of the Year Award:

1980 – Barry Windham

Windham went on to carve out a 30+ year career filled with many accolades in various promotions. He was most notable for his work in WCW where he became a member of The Four Horsemen and held the NWA World Championship. Most recently, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for a second time, joining an elite class to do so, with his brother-in-law Mike Rotunda as part of the U.S. Express.

1981 – Brad Armstrong & Brad Rheingans

Son of “Bullet” Bob Armstrong, Brad Armstrong won numerous mid-card and tag team titles in different Southern promotions but never reached his ceiling. He signed with WWE in 2006, initially for the ECW brand, but soon became a producer. His career lasted for over 30 years before he died of a heart attack at the age of 50.

Rheingans was a prolific Greco-Roman wrestler before entering pro wrestling. He didn’t do much as a pro wrestler, though, and had a better career as a trainer, training the likes of Brock Lesnar, JBL, and Vader.

1982 – Steve Williams

“Dr. Death” had a solid career in the U.S., but an even better one in Japan. One of the top gaijins of all time, he was a former Triple Crown Champion and eight-time AJPW Tag Team Champion. His career was slowed after a throat cancer diagnosis in 2004 which returned in 2009 and worsened, leading to his passing in December 2009 at the age of 49.

Road Warriors

1983 – The Road Warriors

Joe Laurinaitis and Mike Hegstrand were given the names Hawk (Mike) and Animal (Joe) and joined “Precious” Paul Ellering as the Road Warriors in Georgia Championship Wrestling in 1983. What followed was a team that is often recognized by many as the greatest of all-time and certainly went on to become one of the most popular acts of the 1980s. They held gold in multiple promotions, and, despite both having since passed on, their impact on wrestling still persists to this day. 

1984 – Tom Zenk & Keiichi Yamada (the future Jushin Thunder Liger)

The Z-Man (not to be confused with Brian Zane) was a perennial mid-carder throughout much of his career, being more of an impressive bodybuilder than a wrestler. He passed away at the age of 59 in 2017.

Yamada, on the other hand, went on to become arguably the greatest junior heavyweight in Japan as Jushin Thunder Liger. A record 11x IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, he retired in 2020 until 2025 when he came out of retirement to answer Joey Janela’s open challenge at the WrestleCade Supershow in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

1985 – Jack Victory

Victory never really amounted to anything despite boasting a 37-year career. He was mostly an undercard guy in WCW, but his most notable run was in ECW when he was aligned with Steve Corino. He retired in 2021, teaming in a match alongside Steve’s son, Colby.

1986 – Bam Bam Bigelow

Scott Bigelow was a bounty hunter with a prison stint in Mexico before deciding to get into wrestling. What resulted was an all-around great talent, who found success in the U.S. and Japan. He was a former ECW Champion and a WrestleMania main eventer when he took on Lawrence Taylor at WrestleMania 11 (he also won the Slammy for Best Head in 1987 which is the greatest achievement on this list).

He unfortunately passed away at the age of 45 in 2007 due to an accidental drug overdose, a fate that has plagued way too many. His legacy as one of the best big men wrestlers lives on to this day.

1987 – Brian Pillman

One of the most innovative and best workers of his generation as “Flyin’ Brian” and the “Loose Cannon,” Pillman is remembered as a great “what if” case in wrestling. He unfortunately passed away from a heart attack at the age of 35 in 1997, right in the midst of his WWF run. People often wonder if he could have been a bigger name if not for the unfortunate circumstances he faced in life. His son, Brian Jr., carries on his legacy in WWE NXT as Lexis King.

1988 – Gary Albright

Originally from Stampede Wrestling, Albright had a much better career in Japan with runs in AJPW as a two-time World Tag Team Champion, but he was never as big as the other top gaijins. He sadly passed away at 36 years old while at an indie show in 2000. As a side note, he married Afa’s daughter and therefore was a member of the Anoa’i family through marriage. He was even included in the Rock’s Bloodline family tree during the buildup to WWE WrestleMania 40.

1989 – Dustin Rhodes

Dustin never managed to get over the shadow of his father in WCW, but after a repacking to the weird, androgynous character Goldust in WWF, he quickly carved out his own legacy as one of the most memorable performers of all time. He never quite reached the main event level in his many runs, but he’s always been seen as a great worker with character skills that can only be matched by a few. He joined AEW in 2019 where he’s been ever since, most recently winning the TNT Championship at All In Texas at the age of 56. He is working toward a comeback after undergoing double knee replacement surgery.

1990 – Steve Austin

There’s not really much to say about “Stone Cold” that hasn’t already been repeated to death. Simply put, he became the biggest name in all of wrestling during one of the hottest boom periods for the industry with his rivalry with Vince McMahon as one of the most defining fixtures of the Attitude Era.

After stepping away super young in 2003 due to nagging neck issues, he returned 19 years later to defeat Kevin Owens in the main event of WWE WrestleMania 38. An iconic household name of the business forever, Austin is by far the most successful star on this list.

1991 – Johnny B. Badd

Whether as a Little Richard impersonator or as a boxer, Marc Mero saw success with runs in WCW and WWF, always being a decently popular act. He was a bit overshadowed by his own former valet and then-wife, Sable, near the end of his run and didn’t do anything else of note as a wrestler after his departure from the WWF in 1999. He has since gone on to have a successful career as a motivational speaker, touring schools across the country to lecture on the dangers of bullying and drug abuse.

1992 – Rey Misterio Jr.

With great runs in AAA, WCW, and ECW, Rey’s run in the WWE is what truly led him to become the most popular luchador of his generation. Despite his small stature, he won three World Championships in the WWE and became a globally recognized name. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as an active wrestler in 2023 and shows no signs of stopping any time soon. Currently, he’s wrapped up in a perpetual feud with his son, Dominik.

1993 – Jun Akiyama

Akiyama managed to carve out a respectable Hall of Fame worthy career as one of the best technical wrestlers of his generation. Having success in promotions AJPW and NOAH as a two-time Triple Crown Champion and three-time GHC Heavyweight Champion, he currently competes in DDT where he is also a former KO-D Openweight Champion.

1994 – Mikey Whipwreck

A former ring-crew worker turned wrestler, he became a hugely popular underdog babyface in ECW. He reached his peak by winning the ECW World Heavyweight Championship at the age of 22, the youngest World champion of a major promotion. He continued to work sporadic indies through August 2024, but mostly remains a cult favorite amongst the loyal diehard ECW fanbase.

1995 – Perro Aguayo Jr.

Aguayo Jr. was mostly known for being the leader of the Los Perros del Mal stable in CMLL which was a big draw for the company. He was well on his way to becoming one of the biggest names in Mexico with AAA before his sudden passing in the ring. He tragically suffered a cardiac arrest as a result of three broken vertebrae in a 2015 match. In the wake of his death, he was honored greatly, and it raised many questions on the safety of wrestlers in the industry as a whole.

1996 – The Giant

The Giant debuted by beating Hulk Hogan to become the WCW World Heavyweight Champion. What followed was a respectable career for Paul Wight, better known as the Big Show where he had as many ups and downs as he had heel and face turns throughout his career. In WWE, he ended his 22-year run as a four-time World champion for the company. In 2021, he left WWE to join AEW where he’s worked as an analyst and occasional wrestler ever since.

1997 – Mr. Aguila

Aguila has had a career as a respected veteran in the lucha scene, but he’s known by many for his brief stint in the WWF as lower card wrestler Essa Rios. He eventually joined the aforementioned Los Perros del Mal stable in CMLL and now finds work in the Mexican independent scene.

1998 – Goldberg

Goldberg’s look, intensity, presentation, and charisma all led to him becoming WCW’s most popular act despite his lack of in-ring prowess. His undefeated streak and popularity as the WCW Heavyweight Champion were synonymous with that era of wrestling as a whole. His later WCW run and future runs in the WWE made him one of the most polarizing figures in wrestling, but at his peak, there was just about no one who was bigger than Bill Goldberg.

He officially retired earlier last year, losing to Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event in July 2025.

1999 – Blitzkrieg

Blitzkrieg was an insanely fun wrestler to watch with his brief stint in WCW being somewhat of a predecessor to the high-flying car crash style. He retired in 2004 to focus on a career as a computer technician, bestowing the gimmick on Jack Evans for a short period of time. He now works as a registered nurse in Texas.

2000 – Sean O’Haire

One of the biggest cases of a “what if,” his runs in WCW and the WWE showed he had the potential to be a main eventer but was never granted a real opportunity. He was released in 2004 and his life spiraled afterward. He had many demons and was sadly not able to overcome them, passing away in 2014. It’s a tragic reminder that if you ever feel alone or lost, please reach out and seek the help you need.

2001 – El Hombre Sin Nombre

El Hombre Sin Nombre is a title passed on to many luchadors and thus, it is hard to place the exact one this is referring to. The original author attributed this to Ephesto, but not only is the award not listed on his Wikipedia, he also didn’t use the “Sin Nombre” name until 2005. I don’t have much knowledge of Mexican wrestling and therefore, I’m stumped. If anyone can help identify this guy, please do.

2002 – Bob Sapp

Did somebody say Sapp Time? After failed careers as a football player and wrestler, he became a star in MMA and kickboxing during the boom period of PRIDE and K1. With wrestling and MMA intertwined in Japan at the time, he was used in places such as NJPW and AJPW, even holding the IWGP Championship for a run.

At his peak, he was a massive celebrity in Japan and a huge draw. His larger-than-life character keeps him memorable in MMA and wrestling today and at 52, he still does occasional fights. Expect to see him vs. Jake Paul in the not so distant future. 

2003 – Chris Sabin

Sabin was one of the best workers in TNA history with memorable runs in the X-Division and alongside Alex Shelley as the Motor City Machine Guns. Despite holding the TNA World Championship for a brief period, he was never really valued as a main eventer. Despite this, he’s wrestled pretty much everywhere for over two decades with he and Shelley ultimately signing with WWE in 2024, becoming prominent figures in their tag division ever since.

2004 – Petey Williams

Another TNA X-Division talent, the inventor of the Canadian Destroyer is considered one of TNA’s best workers of all time who never made it out of the mid-card. He had many on-and-off again runs with the company until 2022 when he joined WWE as a producer, where he remains today.

2005 – Shingo Takagi

Takagi was one of Dragon Gate’s biggest stars in its history, amassing 15 titles during his run with the company. He joined NJPW in 2018 and is one of the most consistent main event workers. In 2021, he won the vacant IWGP World Heavyweight Championship and led the company as its top act during his run.

2006 – Atsushi Aoki

Aoki was one of the best junior heavyweights of his generation, working for both AJPW & NOAH. He was in the middle of his fourth reign as AJPW World Junior Heavyweight Champion when he tragically died in a 2019 motorcycle accident. The company honored his reign as champion until the six month defense clause kicked in after his death.

2007 – Erick Stevens

Stevens was a promising talent in ROH, mostly known for his feud with Roderick Strong on the late 2000s indie scene. His career never really panned out and he’s retired and come back numerous times since 2010. His most recent comeback happened last year where he even got to reignite his feud with Strong in Deadlock Pro Wrestling.

2008 – Kai

Kai was primed to be a potential future “face” of AJPW, but he was one of the many that joined Keiji Mutoh in the exodus towards WRESTLE-1. He was a focal point in the company, becoming their third Wrestle-1 Champion, but he did not go far in terms of long term popularity. He left in 2016 to become a freelancer and currently does most of his work in Dragon Gate.

2009 – Frightmare

Frightmare was one of the top acts of CHIKARA when it was at its peak as a top indie promotion. He stayed with Chikara until the company’s death and never really got out of the indie circuit. He continues to take various bookings at indies today.

2010 – Adam Cole

One of the best workers of the 2010s, Cole went on to have successful runs in all the promotions he’s worked for. He was the top heel in both ROH and NXT before he arrived in AEW in 2021. After returning from a nasty concussion in 2023, he began an oddball friendship with MJF and the two main evented AEW’s All In from Wembley Stadium.

His career was sadly cut short he was forced to vacate the TNT Championship before last July’s All In Texas due to undisclosed health issues. His future as a performer remains in jeopardy, but the time we’ve had with him on our screens cannot be forgotten so easily.

2011 – Daichi Hashimoto

Son of the late three musketeer Shinya Hashimoto, Daichi saw decent success early on but failed to overcome the shadows of both his father and the other two three musketeers. He left promotion Zero1 in 2014 and joined deathmatch promotion Big Japan Wrestling where he remains today.

2012 – Dinastia

Dinastía was practically the face of AAA’s Mini Estrella division winning the AAA World Mini’s Championship twice. With a total combined reign of 2,888 days, the title was vacated and abandoned once he left the company. There isn’t much more information about him online, but according to Cagematch, he still works on the Mexican independent scene.

2013 – Yohei Komatsu (the future YOH)

After an excursion, he was repackaged as YOH and had a successful junior heavyweight tag team run as Roppongi 3K with Sho Tanaka (repackaged as SHO). SHO turned on YOH in 2021 and the two would feud. YOH has continued to be a mainstay in the junior division ever since.

2014 – Dragon Lee

One of the best luchadors today, Lee was a multi-time champion across CMLL and NJPW. In 2022, he won the AAA World Tag Team Championships with his brother Dralistico and announced to the world that he had signed with WWE. His run in WWE got off to a shaky start, but it’s recently come around after WWE bought AAA earlier this year. He held the WWE World Tag Team titles alongside AJ Styles before losing them to The Usos on the final Raw of 2025. 

2015 – Chad Gable

Starting in NXT with Jason Jordan as part of American Alpha, they had tons of potential to be a great tag team but never panned out. He coasted for a while and was saddled with an awful Shorty G gimmick that would have killed anyone else. It’s a testament to his skills as a performer that he not only overcame it but also became a naturally popular act in the company.

His recent heel run has been a mixed bag, especially when a mysterious new talent in El Grande Americano joined the company and took his spot. He has been out with an injury since June 2025 and only time will tell what’s in store for him in his future. According to reports, he is expected back imminently.

2016 – Matt Riddle

The UFC fighter turned wrestler joined WWE in 2018 and became an incredibly popular mid-card act in the WWE. After his pairing with Randy Orton ended with “The Viper” getting put on the shelf, it looked as if he was primed to be a main eventer. Real life controversies and general unprofessional behavior got in the way and he was fired from WWE in 2023. He’s popped up in a few places since, but hasn’t gotten close to the heights he was reaching before. He’s currently in MLW.

2017 – Katsuya Kitamura

Kitamura was one of the more unique looking young lions in NJPW, mainly due to his massive size, and was touted as the most promising of his class. He won the Young Lions Cup in 2017 but suffered a cerebral concussion that ended his career in 2018, quietly leaving New Japan in 2019. In 2022, he was tragically found dead at the age of 36 with no cause ever being publicly released. 

2018 – Ronda Rousey

Rousey was the first female UFC fighter signed to the company and one of the big faces of MMA at her peak. She made her long awaited debut at WrestleMania 34, which may have been her peak as a wrestler. She quickly went on to become one of the most polarizing, if not downright hated, wrestlers for multiple reasons, both in and out of the ring.

However, she did manage to boast an impressive resume as a multi-time women’s champion and one of the first women to main event WrestleMania, but her star faded in her second run. She left WWE in 2023 and quietly retired in 2025.

2019 – Jungle Boy/Jack Perry

Son of late actor Luke Perry and nephew of famed Simpsons character Krusty the Clown, Jack Perry joined AEW as one of its young prospects. Seeing early success alongside Luchasaurus (and Marko Stunt) as Jurassic Express, his heel run was not perceived as well. After mocking CM Punk on the Zero Hour to All In in 2023 about an incident involving “real glass,” the two got into a legit fight backstage.

Perry was suspended but used his heat to become the Scapegoat character, joining The Elite and winning the TNT Championship. After a lengthy absence, he returned, turned face, and reunited with Luchasaurus. He also was an injury sub for this last year’s Continental Classic.

2020 – Pat McAfee

Not a wrestler in the traditional sense, McAfee is mostly known as an NFL punter turned sports analyst with The Pat McAfee Show as one of the most popular sports talk shows today. He joined WWE in 2019 to become an analyst, but he also had a feud with Adam Cole in NXT where he had an impressive debut match.

He’s mostly known to wrestling fans today as one of the most polarizing commentators of all time. Pat is a guy you either really love or really hate. He still wrestles occasionally with matches at WrestleMania’s 38 and 39, SummerSlam 2022, and last year’s Backlash.

2021 – Jade Cargill

Cargill was primed to be a major star in AEW right out of the gate, becoming the inaugural TBS Champion. She held the title for 373 days, boasting a 60-0 win streak at the same time. She left the company in 2023, joining WWE as a “monumental signing” for them.

Her initial run was used to strengthen up the women’s tag division alongside Bianca Belair to mixed results. A 2025 turn led to her becoming the WWE Women’s Champion as a dominant heel where she stands today.

2022 – Bron Breakker

Son and nephew to Rick and Scott Steiner, respectively, Bron burst on the scene with insane momentum. His skills as a performer as well as his intensity led to him winning the NXT championship four months after his debut, ultimately becoming the top star for the brand.

On the main roster, it’s already clear he is being primed to become the future of the company. A two-time Intercontinental Champion and a member of The Vision, Breakker scored the deciding fall in WarGames by pinning WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk.

Despite losing to Punk on the first Raw of 2025, Breakker has perhaps the brightest future of anyone else on this list.

2023 – Yuma Anzai

A very hot prospect in the Japanese wrestling scene, Anzai won the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship in 2024, becoming the youngest to do so at the age of 24. He continues to wrestle in All Japan today, so we’ll just have to see what’s in store for him in the future.

2024 – Je’Von Evans

Signing with WWE in 2023 at the age of 19, Evans has already become one of the most impressive and popular prospects in the company today. He has essentially become WWE’s go to guy for crossovers, competing in AAA, TNA, on SmackDown, and most recently on Raw as the sole NXT rep in John Cena’s Last Time is Now tournament. He was officially called up to Raw last week.

Who will be this year’s WON Rookie of the Year? Find out soon.

Fight Game: Bron, Oba, Trick & Je’Von

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

Paul Fontaine joins Garrett Gonzales to discuss the latest happenings in pro wrestling on this week’s Fight Game Podcast.

We kicked it off with Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down and then both brought up two topics each that we wanted to discuss.

Our main topics:

  • What Bron Breakker, Oba Femi, Trick Williams and Je’Von Evans could do at WrestleMania
  • Comparing how AEW and WWE brought up Jake Doyle and Matt Cardona
  • New Year’s Dash and a hopeful 2026 for NJPW
  • New Year resolutions

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Daily Update: Je’Von Evans, Bandido, Ted DiBiase Jr.

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

*Polls on Worlds End plus Continental Classic MVP and best match polls.

*The story of the WWE/UFC merger and Vince McMahon’s resignation, how real was it, the big unanswered question about the WWE Board of Directors, lots of Discovery information in the shareholders lawsuit against WWE, McMahon, TKO, Nick Khan and others, things behind the scenes about the merger, and the change in plans prior to the 2023 WrestleMania in more detail than ever before.

*Full coverage of AEW Worlds End and business notes on the show

*The retirement of Hiroshi Tanahashi and the Tokyo Dome show

*The record setting 2025 at Arena Mexico and biggest attendance week in the 92 years of CMLL, a look at the last week as well as how many Americans are at the shows.

*The few times in history that a company sold out a major arena three times in the same week.

*A look at the  Stardom Dream Queendom show

*Pro Wrestling NOAH hosts the first major show of 2026

*Weekly ods

*2026 Observer award ballot

*Most detailed look at the TV ratings from the past week.

*Weedings and engagements in pro wrestling this past week

*All Japan has its best match of 2025

*William Regal and others talk about neck injuries in pro wrestling and our thoughts on it as well as the reaction of some

*Who had the most great matches in 2025

*How Eric Bischoff’s new promotion is similar to Sam Muchnick starting out as a promoter

*Company does a  Vince McMahon/Janel Grant angle on its TV show

*AEW business partner delisted

*Tony Khan talks a ton of different subjects

*Top merch sellers in US outside of WWE

*Tom Aspinall update

*Don Frye talks health issues

*Lots of injury updates

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Tuesday Update

Image copyright: AEW

 WWE

  • Becky Lynch following her Women’s Intercontinental title win: ‘My phone has been blowing up with calls from the BIGGEST celebrities, MASSIVE sports stars, dignitaries from all over the world CONGRATULATING me and THANKING me for beating Maxxine last night! As YOUR Intercontinental champion, I represent each and EVERY one of you (even my HATERS)!!! MANY people are saying I’m the greatest champion in the WHOLE GALAXY!!! THEY should rename it the GALACTIC CHAMPIONSHIP!!! Something to look into.”
  • Je’Von Evans’ mom reacted to the news of her son signing with Raw in a Facebook post: “The first time our son signed his WWE (NXT) contract, it was on our kitchen table with the “Fantastic 4” there to witness. The second WWE contract he signed…..was last night, for RAW…..and was in front of the entire world!!!! 2 years…..from kitchen tables to major stages but even years before was PUTTING IN WORK! We ALWAYS knew…..the world is just catching up!!! Malachi Jeffers, proud is a WHOLE UNDERSTATEMENT! Soar son, SOAR!”
  • CM Punk talked to Fox 5 New York on his role in the upcoming film ‘Night Patrol’ and his match against Bron Breakker on Raw.
  • TMZ reported that Nikki Bella has been on dates with Cooper DeJean of the Philadelphia Eagles, but still considers herself single.
  • WWE ID Women’s Champion Laynie Luck will defend the title against Ivelisse at Shine Wrestling this coming Sunday.
  • Recent additions to WWE Vault include Gunther vs. Braun Strowman from  the January 13, 2023 edition of SmackDown, a compilation of lumberjack matches, Bray Wyatt vs. LA  Knight in the Pitch Black Match from Royal Rumble 2023, and The Wrestling Classic pay-per-view from 1985 featuring Hulk Hogan vs. Roddy Piper.

AEW & Other Wrestling

  • Bandido set up a ring near his home in Torreon, Mexico recently and put on a free show for his neighborhood.
  • NJPW uploaded a video of Hiroshi Tanahashi’s last-ever entrance from Wrestle Kingdom 20.
  • CMLL has released a poster for their Arena Mexico show on Friday that will be headlined by Mistico squaring off against Barbaro Cavernario for the CMLL Light Heavyweight title.
  • PWInsider is reporting that Jake Roberts is scheduled to undergo a hip revision surgery tomorrow.
  • They also report that Duke ‘The Dumpster’ Drose is set for a court appearance next week. He is charged with one count of attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor.
  • Jury selection has begun in the trial of Ted DiBiase Jr., who is charged with misappropriating millions in safety net funds in the state of Mississippi.
  • Jaime Dundee wrote on social media that he was ‘good’ after flipping his truck three times: “Well flipped my truck 3 times yesterday I’m sore as hell but I’m good seatbelt saved  me from being ejected ..trucks totalled but I’m not lol …”
  • A trailer has been released for an upcoming documentary on The Jumping Bomb Angels.
  • Warhorse posted a picture of himself recovering from foot surgery: “1 METAL PLATE AND 6 SCREWS LATER…OPERATION WAS A SUCCESS. NOW I’M MORE METAL THAN EVER.”

FREE WOL! Jericho, Punk vs. Breakker, Je’Von signing, RAW, more!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live is back with a FREE show talking tons of different subjects, including Bron Breakker and CM Punk almost killing themselves on RAW, Chris Jericho and WWE, Je’Von Evans signing during a commercial break, the IWGP Title lineage restored, the full RAW report from Monday and tons more! Best of all this show is free! If you want more wrestling content than anywhere else on the planet, join WrestlingObserver.com and get 84 shows every single month featuring breaking news, analysis, and unmatched coverage of pro wrestling. Subscribe and listen your way: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or directly at WrestlingObserver.com. Youtube and Spotify subscriptions feature video, and wrestlingobserver.com subscriptions include every show we’ve ever recorded dating back to 2005, over 15,000 shows! Sign up today, and thank you in advance!

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Je’Von Evans officially joins WWE Raw during commercial break

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

Je’Von Evans has been sporadically appearing on WWE’s main roster shows for months, but on Monday, he joined the Raw roster on a full-time basis.

Raw General Manager Adam Pearce brought Evans out before the crowd in the Barclays Center during a commercial break. He called Evans “one of the most exciting prospects to ever come through WWE” and said he wanted to bring Evans out live to sign his contract and become part of the Raw roster. 

Evans immediately signed and Pearce declared it was official. Later on, Paul “Triple H” Levesque posted a backstage pic with Evans and his new contract.

Evans had been spotted earlier in the day on Becky Lynch’s vlog (along with fellow NXT wrestler Nikkita Lyons). He went on to wrestle Julius Creed before Raw in a match taped for WWE Main Event.

Evans, whose real name is Malachi Jeffers, had his first wrestling match at age 14 with Fire Star Pro Wrestling in 2018. He signed with WWE in 2023 and made his NXT television debut in April of 2024. In nearly two years since, he has appeared regularly on NXT while also wrestling on Raw and SmackDown, and for AAA and TNA. 

When asked to comment on Evans signing his contract during a commercial break, our own Bryan Alvarez replied, “Lololololol.”

WWE NXT reveals Year-End Award winners

Posted on by Bryan Rose

This 2025 NXT Year-End Awards are out.

Je’Von Evans and Sol Ruca ended up being the major winners of this year’s awards, scoring two trophies each. Evans won the Male Superstar of the Year and also was a part of the Match of the Year where he faced Oba Femi and Trick Williams in a triple threat match at NXT Stand and Deliver. Sol Ruca meanwhile won the Female Superstar of the Year award and also won Tag Team of the Year with Zaria.

Here are the full list of winners:

  • NXT Male Superstar of the Year: Je’Von Evans
  • NXT Tag Team of the Year: Sol Ruca and Zaria
  • NXT Match of the Year: Oba Femi vs. Trick Williams vs. Je’Von Evans from NXT Stand & Deliver
  • NXT Female Superstar of the Year: Sol Ruca

Evans lost in the main event of this week’s show to Ricky Saints, who he has been feuding with for the last several weeks. He has made appearances on the main roster and it was noted last week that he would soon become a free agent. Ruca had been a double champion in the last year, holding the Women’s Speed Championship and the Women’s North American title at the same time.

WWE NXT live results: Je’Von Evans vs. Ricky Saints, Joe Hendry concert

Posted on by Chris Aiken

The final WWE NXT of 2025 takes place tonight from the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.

After costing Je’Von Evans in his challenge of NXT Champion Oba Femi, former champion Ricky Saints will take on Evans in a grudge match.

Joe Hendry will host a New Year’s Eve Eve concert.

NXT North American Champion Ethan Page puts up the title against former TNA World and X-Division Champion Moose.

Ahead of defending against Kendal Grey at New Year’s Evil, NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne will defend against Wren Sinclair in non-title action.

As always, our live coverage begins at 8 pm Eastern.

**********

NXT is on the air with an episode taped in front of a live studio audience.

Ethan Page vs. Moose for the NXT North American Championship

—

Page jumped Moose during the ring introductions, and the fight was on. The fighting soon spilled outside the ring. Page dodged a charging Moose, and Moose collided with the metal ring steps. They both work an arm, as Moose posted Page shoulder first moments later.

The match goes through a commercial break. Both were selling their shoulders, but Page was in control as the show cut to commercials. Comeback by Moose after the show returns from the break. Moose was on fire, yet still selling his arm. Page takes an avalanche tree slam into a sit-out powerbomb, and Moose gets a two count on Page. They trade strikes and kicks, they trade near falls. Codebreaker by Page, but Moose kicks out.

In a stunt, Moose speared Page through a gimmicked section of the barricade. Another spear by Moose in the ring, only for Page to get his foot on a bottom rope to break a count. The fight spilled outside again, where Moose takes an ugly bump on the ring steps. Page with a back body drop, and Moose looked to have struck the edge of the steps. Page follows up with a flying body press off the top rope, but Moose gets his shoulder up on a pin attempt. Page then delivers his Twisted Grin finisher, and he covers Moose for a clean pin.

Match result: NXT North American Champion Ethan Page defeated Moose via pinfall.

— Up next is the first of many year-end awards.

NXT Awards: Male Superstar of the Year

Je’Von Evans is awarded the trophy shaped like a ring bell, signifying him as Male Superstar of the Year. Other nominees included Ricky Saints, Trick Williams, Ethan Page, and Oba Femi.

— Izzi Dame wants The Culling to confront Tatum Paxley right now, but Shawn Spears is hesitant. Dame storms off mumbling about having to do everything herself. Dame is headed to confront Paxley in the next segment after a commercial break.

— After the commercial break is a Tonya Harding skit where WWE Evolve Women’s Champion Kendal Grey is Nancy Kerrigan. Grey was attacked by an unknown assailant. Wren Sinclair wails after finding Grey on the ground after the attack.

Izzi Dame and Tatum Paxley set up match at New Year’s Evil

— Dame cut a promo on Paxlet before being interrupted by her. They banter back and forth until they set up a grudge match for New Year’s Evil. Paxley stops Dame from leaving by saying she dictates when things are over. Dame goes to attack Paxley, but she does a Matrix move to dodge Dame. Paxley then executes her finisher on Dame to end the segment.

NXT Awards: Tag Team of the Year

Sol Ruca & Zaria get the award for Tag Team of the Year. Other nominees included the team of Hank & Tank, along with factions like The Culling, Fatal Influence, and Darkstate.

NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne (with Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid) vs. Wren Sinclair in a non-title match

—

Sinclair shines in the first half of the match, and she works an arm on Jayne. Before the show cuts to a commercial break, NXT Women’s North American Champion Fallon Henley tries to interfere. Sinclair avoids the interference, but falls for the distraction by Fatal Influence. Jayne with a superkick cut offs Sinclair, and the show heads into the commercial break.

Sinclair makes a comeback after the show returns from the break. Running lariats and butterfly suplex by Sinclair for a two count on Jayne. Sinclairs eats a knee strike. A moment later, Sinclair targets an arm to cut off Jayne. High cross off the top by Sinclair, followed by a cattle mutilation submission hold applied on Jayne in the center of the ring. Sinclair wrenches in the hold, only to switch to an arm bar. Jayne then escapes with a counter.

Just before the finish, Jayne also escapes an inside cradle. Jayne then strikes with Rolling Encore, and Jayne pinned Sinclair.

Match result: NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne defeated Wren Sinclair via pinfall in a non-title match.

In a post-match attack, the Fatal Influence trio all jump Sinclair. They gang up on her until Wren Sinclair runs down for a save in a takeoff of the Spirit of ’76 comeback. Sinclair showed no signs of injury despite the apparent assault earlier.

Grey runs wild on the heel trio, and she catches Jayne in an arm bar. The heels flee the ring as Grey holds up the women’s title belt.

— Joe Hendry is warming up for his concert with vocal exercises before heading to the ring for his musical performance.

Joe Hendry in concert

—

Booker T was going wild on commentary singing along to Hendry’s theme song, as Hendry gets a full entrance.

Hendry sits down with a guitar and talks about his accomplishments this past year. Hendry then introduces a song about NXT. Hendry proceeds to perform a song while strumming an acoustic guitar, with him referencing other talent and moments from the WWE brand in 2025. T

he hook for the song: “Join us on CW. You won’t believe your eyes. NXT was the show for me in 2025.”

Hendry then mentions Darkstate, singing how they will ruin the show. He gets a dig at them by saying no one knew who they were until Joe Hendry made them famous. Shortly thereafter, the lights in the sound stage go dark.

Darksate rush the ring and attack Hendry. They beat down Hendry in a four-on-one assault. Henry takes an assisted power bomb, and Darkstate stand over a prone Hendry.

— NXT General Manager Ava gets to her office to find her door already open. A disheveled Blake Monroe is there to greet Monroe. Ava gives her a bit of a pep talk, and she tells Monroe to get her glamour back if she wants to regain the Women’s North American Championship.

— Hard sell for the NXT title match set to headline New Year’s Evil, which is NXT Champion Oba Femi defending against TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater. Talent from NXT and TNA offer their picks in a video package hyping the title bout.

Tavion Heights vs. Lexis King in the finals of the WWE Speed Tournament

—

Heights won in seconds after a belly-to-belly suplex. King has his back to Heights as the bell sounds to start the match. Heights shoots in and suplexed King mere seconds into the bout. Heights then covers King for a three count, and Heights wins in about eight seconds.

Match result: Tavion Heights defeated Lexis King via pinfall to win the the tournament final.

Vic Joseph on commentary pushed the result as the fastest loss in NXT history. By winning the tournament, Heights becomes number one contender for the WWE Speed Championship held by Jasper Troy. Jasper Troy enters the sound stage after the match for a stare down with Heights.

NXT Awards: Match of the Year

Winning match of the year honors is Oba Femi vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Trick Williams in a triple threat match for the NXT Chanpionship at Stand & Deliver in Las Vegas.

Other nominees included the following matches:

  • Sol Ruca vs. Kelani Jordan for the NXT Women’s North American Championship from Battleground in Tampa
  • Ethan Page vs. Ricky Saints in a falls count anywhere match for the NXT Men’s North American Championship at Great American Bash in Orlando
  • Jacy Jayne vs. Lola Vice for the NXT Women’s Championship at No Mercy in Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Oba Femi vs. Je’Von Evans for the NXT Championship at Heatwave in Lowell, MA
  • Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge at Deadline in San Antonio

OTM (Bronco Nima & Lucien Price) vs. Swipe Right (Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes with Jackson Drake)

—

The entire Vanity Project trio is there with WWE Evolve Champion Jackson Drake in the corner for Swipe Right. Not sure if OTM are babyfaces, but Swipe Right are definitively heels. The latter are certainly the foils in this tag bout.

Drake tries to interfere, only to be driven into the mat with a urnange slam. OTM execute their tandem finisher, and Nima pinned Smokes.

Match result: OTM defeated Swipe Right via pinfall in a tag team match.

— In a locker room skit, NXT Women’s North American Champion Thea Hail asks Jordynne Grace to be in her corner at New Year’s Evil. Grace reluctantly agrees, while also agreeing to a hug from Hail this one time.

NXT Awards: Female Superstar of the Year

Sol Ruca is Female Superstar of the Year. That makes two NXT awards for Sol Ruca. Jacy Jayne was robbed despite being nominated in this category. Other nominees besides Jayne included Kelani Jordan, Sol Ruca, Tatum Paxley and Blake Monroe.

— Hard sell for New Year’s Evil next Tuesday on NXT, and then comes the main event for tonight.

Je’Von Evans vs. Ricky Saints

—

Melee at the start as Evans rushes the start by attacking Saints before the bell. They brawl in a fitting start to a grudge match.

Saints targets a knee, and Saints also sends Evans crashing through a gimmicked section of the barricade, which was similarly located in a section used for a stunt in an earlier match. Evans fights back, which leads to a dive to the outside. They fight atop the announce desk, and Evans springboards off the top rope into a flying clothesline.

Saints cuts off Evans and is pummeling him on the floor when the show cuts to a commercial break. Saints has Evans locked in a guillotine choke as the show returns from the break, but Evans counters into a vertical suplex.

Sueprkick and comeback by Evans, who runs the ropes and leaps into a flip kick and a near fall. Evans counters an attempted tornado DDT from Saints, and Evans executes his own tornado DDT. Flying knee by Evans for another near fall.

Evans with a flying boy press off the top rope, but Saints gets his knee up. Pearl River Plunge by Saints for two and a half. On floor, Saints is messing with the announce desk when Evans launches himself like a missile. Evans and Saints tumble over the desk. Back in the ring, Evans with a frog splash for yet another near fall.

Evans goes for a springboard, only for Saints to trip him in the ropes. Saints with his feet on the ropes for added leverage, but the referee catches him and stops the attempted pin. Spear by Saints, but Evans kicks out. Tornado DDT by Saint. Yet again, Evans kicks out.

Evans hulks up, and he counters a Roshambo. Evans catches Saints with a Diamond Cutter. Evans goes for a springboard cutter, but Evans drops the ref with the cutter instead of Saints.

For the finish, the assigned ref is out as Saints plays possum. Saints hits Evans with a low blow, and Saints follows up with Roshambo. A second referee rushes into the ring to count the pin as Saints covers Evans.

Match result: Ricky Saints defeated Je’Von Evans via pinfall.

Saints celebrated his tainted victory in the final scene from NXT in 2025.

Je’Von Evans on WWE callup: ‘That’s up to them’

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

Over a year and a half since his NXT TV debut, Je’Von Evans has only made a sporadic number of appearances on Raw and SmackDown. That could change, however, in 2026. 

Evans was asked about joining WWE’s main roster during an interview with Scott Johnson of Going Ringside. “I think that it could be in the works, but that’s up to them,” he said. “That’s up to them, whenever they feel like I’m ready. I’m just there whenever they need me, you know what I mean?”

Evans was also asked about his dream match, and gave a surprising answer.

“I want to do a Hell in a Cell,” he said. “I would love to do a Hell in a Cell.”

“I grew up watching them and I was like ‘Oh, I have to do it now,’” he continued. “So I have to do a Hell in a Cell before I retire. I have to do a Hell in a Cell.”

In addition to his NXT work, Cagematch lists Evans with four matches on SmackDown, two on Raw, and one on Saturday Night’s Main Event. Notable among those was a loss to Sami Zayn in a US title open challenge match in September and a loss to Gunther in the Last Time Is Now tournament in November.

On last week’s Raw, it was noted that he would soon be a free agent that could appear on either main roster brand.

He has also wrestled three matches in AAA and one for TNA. 

Je’Von Evans says he’s been texting with John Cena: ‘It means so much’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Je’Von Evans grew up a John Cena fan — and now he’s able to reach out to Cena whenever he needs advice.

The 21-year-old rising WWE star recently competed on the same show as Cena’s retirement match. Through that experience and Cena’s visits to the Performance Center, Evans has been able to develop a connection with him. He and Cena have been texting with Cena giving Evans advice on wrestling and life in general.

“I grew up watching Cena, which is probably a crazy thing to say or a crazy thing for y’all to hear,” Evans told the Battleground Podcast. “Like, I grew up watching Cena. It’s crazy to know now that like — and I say this almost every interview — the legends that I’ve had connections with, now I can hit them up whenever, you know? And now that i just made a connection with Cena, we’ve been texting. He gives me advice about wrestling, about life, all that. It means so much, it means so much. From being a fan to now being a colleague and learning under his tree — it’s insane.

Cena is said to be “very high” on Evans’ potential. Some of the advice he’s given Evans is to make sure he’s having a conversation with the audience through his in-ring work and allowing fans the time to react to what’s going on.

On Raw last night, it was noted that Evans will be a “free agent” soon with a call-up to either Raw or SmackDown on the horizon. He is still a member of the NXT roster at the moment.

Evans teamed with Leon Slater in a loss to AJ Styles & Dragon Lee at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. Cena had his retirement match in the main event of the show, ending his career with a submission loss to Gunther.

When asked abour dream opponents he’s looking forward to facing, Evans told the Battleground Podcast that he’d love to have matches against CM Punk and Rey Mysterio.

The full interview can be seen below:

WWE says Je’Von Evans is a ‘soon to be free agent’ on the main roster

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Je’Von Evans will soon be a free agent.

During Monday’s Raw, it was emphasized that while Evans is still part of NXT, he will soon be a free agent entertaining offers from both Raw and SmackDown. Prior to his match against Rayo Americano on Monday, Pearce told Evans he wanted to talk further after his match to discuss his future. The NXT star proceeded to win his match, building further momentum.

Evans, 21, has been making more appearances on the main roster over the last several months, wrestling on both SmackDown and Raw. He recently took part in John Cena’s Last Time Is Now tournament, losing a hard-fought match to Gunther. At Saturday Night’s Main Event earlier this month, he teamed with TNA’s Leon Slater against AJ Styles and Dragon Lee in a losing effort.

In recent weeks on NXT, Evans has been feuding with Ricky Saints, who turned against him during a NXT Championship match against Oba Femi, costing him a chance at the title. On last week’s show, Saints was cutting a promo explaining his actions when Evans came in and the two brawled, leading to a pull-apart by security.

WWE Raw live results: CM Punk & Rey Mysterio vs. The Vision

Posted on by Steve Khan

Air Date: December 22, 2025 (taped Dec 19, 2025)
Location: Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI 

The Big Takeaway —

Austin Theory teamed with Bronson Reed to beat the team of CM Punk and Rey Mysterio, with Theory pinning Rey after a curb stomp. It was an audition for Theory, who is not yet a member of The Vision. 

It was a taped show and easy to get through, with a runtime of about 90 minutes. 

**********

Show Recap — 

This show was taped on Friday, so the announcers were Michael Cole and Corey Graves (instead of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett). 

I realized during the opening match that the feed isn’t being treated as ‘live’ on Netflix, so you can just skip ahead if you want. 

CM Punk & Rey Mysterio, Judgment Day, Je’Von Evans, Gunther, and The Vision were shown arriving.  Cole said Evans was a soon-to-be free agent. 

Paul Heyman approached Austin Theory and asked him what the hell he was doing. Theory said he wore the mask because he wanted everyone to feel his actions before they saw his face. He made some mistakes in the past. He got comfortable before getting injured. He appreciated that the Vision didn’t wait around. They take. Theory said that was him now. He wanted to take that opportunity and help out. Heyman was skeptical but intrigued. 

********

Rhea Ripley asked Iyo Sky to stay in the back for her match tonight. She wanted Sky to take care of herself after getting laid out last week. 

Rhea Ripley vs. Women’s Tag Team Champion Asuka (w/ Kairi Sane)

Because this show is taped, we’re not getting the usual commercial breaks, but they are still cutting to break as if it were live. Asuka took control thanks to a Kairi Sane distraction, and they acted as if they were heading to break as usual (90 seconds into the match, as usual), but the action picked right back up. 

Ripley tried mounting a comeback but was tripped from the outside by Sane. Ripley mounted a comeback anyway and fended off a flurry of offence by Asuka ahead of another “break.” Ripley applied the standing cloverleaf, but Asuka countered with a German suplex and sliding kick for two. 

Asuka blocked a Razor’s Edge attempt and later hit a German suplex on the apron. Asuka came off the top, but Ripley hit her with a mid-air thrust kick, followed by a cannonball off the apron. (Ripley used more kicks in this match than usual.) 

Ripley went to the top but was tripped by Sane, so Sky ran out (while selling her back) to attack her. Sky jumped on the apron to yell at the referee for allowing Sane to interfere yet again, but Sane used the opportunity to drop her on the apron. 

Asuka used that distraction to catch Ripley in a cradle for the pinfall win. 

As Cole mentioned, Asuka was winless in 8 singles matches against Ripley before this. 

Match result: Asuka defeated Rhea Ripley (approx. 11:30 of TV time) 

********

Backstage, Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker seemed skeptical about Theory. Heyman said they were both much better off today than they were months ago, and that was thanks to him. That all happened thanks to his vision.

He did not pimp that out easily. He was selective, and he had a vision for Theory. Tonight, it would be Theory and Reed against Punk and Mysterio. Either Theory carried out their vision, or the two of them could carry Theory’s ass out of WWE. (This immediately made me think of Steve Austin and Kurt Angle kicking Buff Bagwell out of the arena that one time.) 

********

Becky Lynch and Maxxine Dupri segment 

Lynch stormed out wearing a fur coat. She said we would not be getting a celebration for Maxxine Durpi. There was a corrupt referee in their match, and Lynch was still the rightful Women’s Intercontinental Champion. 

If petty Pearce wouldn’t do anything about it, Lynch knew some powerful people who would. She had the most powerful lawyers in the country, but the bigwigs at Netflix advised her to go to miserable Michigan and take matters into her own hands because she was the greatest of all time. 

Dupri interrupted. She agreed with Sports Illustrated that Lynch was the greatest of all time. Dupri herself was just a rookie—but this rookie just beat the greatest of all time. (Dupri’s first match was in 2023.) Dupri bragged that she beat Lynch three times (the other two were by DQ and count-out), and said she would give Lynch a rematch anytime, anyplace. 

Dupri fired up and said she would stop at nothing to beat her again. She would train until her blood, sweat and tears on the mat. She added, “Not only am I their Intercontinental Champion, I am your Intercontinental Champion.” 

Dupri wanted Lynch to admit that, but she knew Lynch wouldn’t take it on the chin like the Man she said she was. In this moment, Lynch didn’t look like the greatest of all time. Lynch looked like someone who was afraid her best years were behind her. 

Lynch decked Dupri with a suckerpunch and held up the IC title belt. Lynch was about to leave, but went for another attack, so Dupri picked the leg and applied an ankle lock until Lynch tapped out. Dupri let go, and Lynch bailed. 

Dupri was good here. 

******** 

Pearce spoke to Je’Von Evans backstage. Pearce wished him luck in his match tonight and wanted to talk about his future afterward. Evans was in a good mood, and he left for his match. 

Stephanie Vaquer approached Pearce next. She wanted to face both Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez. Pearce was happy with that and made a triple threat match for the world title next week.  

******** 

There was a video package for The Usos, who face AJ Styles and Dragon Lee for the world tag team titles next week. Well, that was a quick road back to title contention.

Je’Von Evans vs. Rayo Americano (w/ El Grande Americano & Bravo Americano) 

Cole said he tried a Wikipedia search on Rayo Americano but couldn’t find anything, even though a Google search for him takes you right to Pete Dunne’s results. 

Evans hit a flip dive ahead of a “break,” but Rayo brought him off the top rope with an arm drag after the break to take control. Evans fought back with a forearm, a vertical suplex (where he pops right back up to his feet), and a springboard clothesline for two. 

El Grande Americano distracted the referee while Bravo and Rayo double-teamed Evans. Rayo followed with a Michinoku Driver for a nearfall. Evans avoided a Rayo moonsault attempt and hit an OG Cutter for the pinfall win. 

El Grande and Bravo tried to attack Evans, but he escaped the ring and smiled back at them. 

Match result: Je’Von Evans defeated Rayo Americano (approx. 7:00 of TV time) 

This was fine. A mostly easy win for Evans, and they really pushed hard that he’s a pending free agent. 

********

Cathy Kelley interviewed Styles and Dragon Lee about facing Jimmy and Jey Uso, who have been a tag team a lot longer than they have. Styles and Lee weren’t worried because they’ve beaten established teams like Judgment Day and New Day. Styles said having the titles meant they were better than the best. 

Bron Breakker promo 

There was a pre-taped Breakker promo package. Breakker said Punk thought they had a personal vendetta because of the barbs he mentioned about his family, but the reality was that Punk didn’t care about his wife. He never cared about anyone other than himself. 

Breakker wondered which version of Punk would show up on January 5th: the watered-down 2025 version, or the best in the world. Either way, the result would be the same. Breakker was the mountain Punk couldn’t climb, and the dog he couldn’t outrun. In Punk’s words, he was only here to make money. Breakker hoped Punk saved his money, because after he beats him, Punk won’t be worth a dollar to anyone. 

This was really good. 

********

Nikki Bella segment 

The announcers were talking when Nikki Bella interrupted. She called herself “the most famous person.” She reminded the fans that she was Nikki Bella, a Hall of Famer and a former champion. 

She said they wouldn’t know what a champion looked like because they cheered for the Detroit Lions. The Lions wished they were the Philadelphia Eagles or, better yet, Ohio State. 

Bella was the star of the division. She destroyed Rodriguez’s face, and she would destroy Vaquer’s reign. Vaquer was a big deal in the ring, but Bella was a big deal everywhere. It was about time the title was around the waist of a true global superstar. 

******** 

Bayley (w/ Lyra Valkyria) vs. Roxxane Perez (w/ Liv Morgan)

Perez worked over Bayley’s knee (through a break) until Bayley made a comeback. Raquel Rodriguez appeared at ringside and was about to slide into the ring, but Valkyria took her out with a spinning kick to stop her from interfering. Morgan responded by chucking Valkyria over the announce desk. 

Perez distracted the referee while Morgan tripped Bayley. (This precise spot happened in the opening match.) Perez used the distraction to drop Bayley face-first into an exposed turnbuckle, but the idiot referee was distracted by Rodriguez on the apron. Valkyria wiped out Rodriguez and Morgan with a dive off the table. 

Valkyria psyched up Bayley and slapped her in the face. This fired up Bayley (and healed her knee), and she hammered away at Perez before hitting a flying elbow drop for the pinfall win. 

Another match filled with interference and distractions. It’s especially exhausting when it happens in multiple matches in a row every single week.

Match result: Bayley defeated Roxanne Perez (approx. 7:00 of TV time) 

********

In the locker room, Reed told Theory he was in the big leagues now and to follow his lead, kid. Theory told him he wasn’t his kid. Theory said he would start the match, and Reed would follow his lead. 

Elsewhere, Rodriguez argued with Morgan and Perez. Rodriguez was pissed because she had a world tile match to prepare for, so she bailed. 

Gunther segment

Gunther entered and was booed heavily again. He took his time basking in the heat. He said the fans shouldn’t be mad at him, they should be mad at the guy who tapped out like a little bitch. (He definitely got a ton of heat, but it also sounded like they manipulated the sound to make it pop louder.) 

CM Punk marched out to his music. He very quickly got into the ring and straight into Gunther’s face. The fans loudly chanted for Punk. Gunther laughed in his face before leaving the ring. Gunther gave him the ‘you can’t see me’ gesture before taking off. 

Gunther was confronted next by Rey Mysterio in the aisle. The disappointed Rey put his hands on his hips and shook his head (like he was looking at his own son). Gunther laughed at him and left. 

After a break, Styles confronted Gunther backstage. Styles said Gunther didn’t know when to shut up. Gunther said, “Guess I don’t,” and he laughed. 

********

World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk & Rey Mysterio vs. Austin Theory & Bronson Reed (w/ Paul Heyman) 

Punk and Rey both wore pink and black gear. 

The Vision got the heat on Punk as Theory used his familiar offence and held Punk in a rest hold after a break. Reed took his turn next until Punk rolled out of the way of a senton and made the hot tag to Rey, who knocked Theory off the apron. Reed tried to squish Rey, but Rey avoided it and hit a running seated senton off the ropes. 

Theory tagged in, but Rey got rid of him with a hurricanrana and a seated senton off the barricade. After a “break,” Theory was suddenly in control. Fortunately, they showed a replay of what happened during the break, which was Reed clubbing Rey from behind. Reed’s offence on Rey included a standing frog splash and a delayed vertical suplex. 

Theory worked over Rey next as Cole asked Graves what looked different about Theory tonight. Graves said he looked more focused, but besides his hair and his pants, the answer is nothing. 

Rey hit Theory with a bulldog and made the hot tag to Punk, who hit Theory with punches, a neckbreaker, corner knee strikes, and a bulldog. Theory avoided a GTS and tagged in Reed, but Punk fended him off and hit a flying clothesline for two. 

Rey tagged in and set up Reed for a 619, but Theory made a blind tag and levelled Rey with a running clothesline. Rey fought him off anyway to hit a 619 and a springboard splash. Rey had it won, but Reed yanked him out of the ring to break up the cover. Punk hit Reed with a suicide dive and clotheslined him over the barricade (taking them both out of the mix). 

Rey went to the top rope, but Theory tripped him and hit a curb stomp for the pinfall win. (Rey looked great all match, and the crowd was into this until Theory won.)

— Punk chased Theory out of the ring post-match. Breakker tried a sneak attack as Punk was distracted, but Punk fought him off. Punk fought off Theory next, but that distraction allowed Breakker to nail a spear as the taped show quickly went off the air. 

Match result: Austin Theory & Bronson Reed defeated Rey Mysterio & World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk (approx. 15:00 of TV time)

Je’Von Evans comments on winless record in WWE title matches

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Je’Von Evans is staying patient as he awaits the first championship of his WWE career.

The up-and-coming NXT star was unsuccessful in yet another title match over the weekend, failing to win the AAA Cruiserweight Championship at Guerra de Titanes. Evans took part in a three-way match at the show where Laredo Kid pinned Jack Cartwheel to remain champion.

After the match, it was pointed out on social media that Evans now has a 0-12 record in televised title bouts since starting with WWE. Evans responded to the post but did not express any concern over his losses. Instead, they have been a learning experience for him.

“The Best And Better Opportunity Is When You’re Learning With The Legends You’ve Been In The Ring With,” the 21-year-old wrote. “I’ll Take That Over Any Championship Match”

Evans won the men’s Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline earlier this month and was supposed to challenge for the NXT Championship at New Year’s Evil 2026. But he got his title shot early on the December 9 episode of NXT, losing to Oba Femi after Ricky Saints interfered. Femi will instead defend against Leon Slater at New Year’s Evil.

Tag team partners Evans & Slater lost to AJ Styles & Dragon Lee at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. Highlighting NXT talent like Evans was an idea that John Cena had for his retirement show. In giving advice to younger stars, Cena stressed how important it is for them to treat their matches like a conversation with the audience and give the fans time to contribute to what’s going on in the ring.

WWE ‘very impressed’ with NXT talent featured at Saturday Night’s Main Event

Posted on by Ian Carey

WWE was said to be “very impressed” with the NXT talent featured at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez addressed the company’s reaction to the performances by Oba Femi, Sol Ruca, Leon Slater, Je’Von Evans, and Joe Hendry on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio.

Meltzer said:

“I know that people there were very impressed with the four that wrestled. Joe Hendry, everyone knows. He’s a guy that’s going to go out there and get a great crowd reaction and that’s a big part of their business. But they see Oba Femi as a superstar, they see Sol Ruca as a superstar, and they see Evans and Leon Slater as superstars.”

“They may botch it, something may happen, but it’s not like they aren’t seeing it.”

“It was right in front of them, plus they got over with the crowd in D.C., which is a big thing.”

The full episode of Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is available for subscribers here.

Hendry and Slater will be in the four-way match on NXT tonight to determine the next challenger for Femi’s NXT Championship. Evans has a match scheduled for next week’s Raw against Rayo Americano and will also be at AAA Guerra de Titanes where he is scheduled to challenge for the AAA Cruiserweight championship in a three-way match against Jack Cartwheel and champion Laredo Kid.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event live results: John Cena’s final match

Posted on by Jeff Moss

For the final time ever, John Cena will perform in a wrestling ring in the headliner of tonight’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Cena’s retirement tour comes to an end in Washington, DC, as he faces former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther who won The Last Time is Now tournament to earn the opportunity.

The show will also feature several main roster vs. NXT bouts.

In one, reigning WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will face NXT Champion Oba Femi in a non-title match.

Another will see former WWE Women’s Champion Bayley vs. former NXT Women’s North American Champion and former Speed Champion Sol Ruca.

The main show is rounded out by WWE World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles & Dragon Lee defending against TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater & NXT star Je’Von Evans.

Our live coverage begins at 8 pm Eastern.

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Here it is, friends. The Time is Up, The Time is Now. John Cena announced his retirement tour last year and it has been quite a ride since then. Heel turns, dream matches, unrealized stories, this run truly had it all. Now, here on this the night of our Lord, Saturday, and the event known as “Main,” Cena will step through the ropes one last time.

So much has been deservedly said about Cena, his contribution to wrestling and his final run in the weeks leading up to tonight, that I don’t feel the need to say much else here. I always saw Cena as a gateway for new fans (and old fans with kids) and I’m pretty sure that’s how his work was meant to be seen. He was the ultimate personality, making money with the people who loved him and making money with the people who hated him. That ability to play both sides is rare in life and even rarer in pro wrestling.

Now, we find ourselves at the end of his career and he’s going out on his terms. Another rarity, especially in wrestling. Nothing else matters up to this point. Like him, hate him, whatever, it’s now all about this last match and going out in style in one of the rare events that has the eyes of the entire industry. An event that reminds us that we as fans are a community. We look to share these experiences (and then rant about them on the internet) with each other and mark the history and work of Wrestler, Actor, Jorts Enthusiast and GOAT-contender, John Cena.

-Leading into the official start of the show, Lillian Garcia gave one hell of a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and the scene moved into footage of a very hyped crowd. Everyone was doing the “you can’t see me” gesture from attendees to merch sellers.

HBK, Johnny Gargano, Trish Stratus, Kurt Angle Mark Henry, actor Jon Berenthol and raper Metro Boomin’ were all shown in the crowd and backstage. Then, a GOAT-themed video retrospective of Cena’s career aired. WWE has always been #1 in all of sports and entertainment when it comes to these video packages and this one was no different.

Fireworks exploded around the arena at the video’s end and the traditional Wrestlers Arriving To Work footage was shown for the undercard matches. Gunther arrived to a smatering of boos and Stephanie McMahon was at the hosting desk with Joe Tessitore.

Stephanie gave Cena his flowers for including the up and coming NXT talent tonight and asked if we were ready. Spoiler: We were.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi

Femi won the chance to face Rhodes by re-acquiring the NXT Championship from Ricky saints at Deadline. He also defended the title against Je’Von Evans on Tuesday’s episode of NXT, so he’s been busy. This will be Femi’s first Main Roster match and if you’ve seen him in NXT, you know that it will definitely not be his last. Rhodes has been Undisputedly Championing since August when he took the title from the Man of The Hour, John Cena at Summerslam.

The only thing in the ring bigger than Femi was Cody’s neck tattoo as the two locked up in a feeling out process. Femi usually overpowers his opponents and Rhodes was no exception, with Femi throwing him into the corner. Rhodes came back with a headlock though, showing Femi he’s got some strength and agility as well.

Femi picked Rhodes up while the headlock was on and Rhodes tried to quickly zip around Femi, but he was caught by the throat. Femi landed a backbreaker as he methodically started picking Rhodes over. Femi whipped Rhodes into the corner and Rhodes started throwing punches.

Femi didn’t like that and he picked up Rhodes and tossed him across the ring. Rhodes dodged a charge and went for a powerslam, but Femi blocked it and hit a powerslam of his own. Every time Rhodes threw a kick or shot at Femi, the NXT Champion just shook it off and delivered one of his own.

Femi hit another backbreaker and pulld Rhodes to his feet. He hoisted him up, but Rhodes rolled out. Femi charged and Rhodes dodged it, sending him into the ringpost. Femi staggered back and Rhodes hit that powerslam and then a Cody Cutter, but Femi kicked out at two.

Rhodes tried another cutter but Femi caught him. Rhodes twisted Femi to the outside and went to diave afater him, but Femi caught him with an uppercut on the way through. Femi charged in the ring again, but Rhodes pulled down the top rope, sending him outside to land a suicide dive on the outside.

Back in the ring, Rhodes came off the ropes again, but Femi caught him and hit a spinbuster. Femi scooped up Rhodes, but again, Rhodes dropped out of it. Femi clotheslined him over the top rope. Femi went to the outside and hit a sprinting European uppercut onto the announce desk, busting Rhodes open.

Back in the ring, Femi planted Rhodes with a chokeslam, but only got a two count. Rhodes was bleeding profusely from the ear, sparking fears of a broken eardrum. Femi tried another pop up, but Rhodes countered it into another Cody Cutter.

Suddenly, Drew McIntyre showed up and started punching Rhodes. The ref called for the DQ and Femi grabbed McIntyre, very mad that his match was interrupted. Femi showed no fear, shoving him to the mat. Then Rhodes hit a cutter on McIntyre and Femi put the exclamation point on it with a chokeslam.

Match Result: Cody Rhodes vs Oba Femi went to a no contest after Drew McIntyre interfered

After the match, Rhodes picked up the NXT title and handed it to Femi, with both champions standing tall and celebrating.

That was a great match with a really disappointing ending. Rhodes is always at his best when he’s fighting uphill and Femi looked dominant against the veteran champion. Killer stuff until the interference, which I get (gotta protect those guys!) but at the same time, I really hope they get to finish that match one day.

-Next a video package with more celebrities like Peyton and Eli Manning, Snoop Dogg, and Jimmy Fallon wishing Cena well aired. An package featuring the likes of Tom Brady, Lil Yachty Vanessa Hudgens, and Jimmy Kimmel aired earlier.

-Back from break, more accolades for Cena from Kurt Angle, AJ Styles, Bayley, Rey Mysterio Jr, Charlotte Flair, Jey Uso, Stephanie McMahon, and a tearful CM Punk via video package. Tyreese Haliburton and Chuck Zito were shown in the audience.

Bayley w/Lyra Valkyria vs Sol Ruca w/Zaria

Much like her fans, Bayley just kinda wanted something to do. That turned out to be competing against anyone from NXT at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and it was none other than former NXT Women’s North American and Speed Champion, Sol Ruca. The match was made on the Dec. 5 SmackDown and last Tuesday on NXT, Ruca invited her BFF Zaria to the Saturday Night party, which was nice of her. Bayley stopped to hug WWE vets Trish Status and Eve Torres on her way to the ring.

The bell rang and they locked up. Bayley managed to get a headlock on off the top and transitioned to a waistlock takedown. Ruca tried to roll her over, but Bayley kept her cook and went for a whip wristlock. Ruca turned it into a cartwheel and Bayley started working Ruca’s arm.

Ruca took down Bayley with a flipping ‘rana headscissor that really pleased the crowd. Bayley went back to the arm, but Ruca countered it into an X-Factor. Bayley rolled to the outside to recover, and lured Ruca to the ropes. When she got there, Bayley hung her up on the ropes and the fight moved to the apron.

Ruca kicked Bayley to the ground and went for a flip from the apron, but Bayley moved and she hit the floor. Bayley threw Ruca back into the ring and the two searched for a pin with neither getting one. Ruca planted a kick in Bayley’s face and sent her back to the outside. Ruca hit a handspring over the top rope and landed right on her.

Ruca put Bayley back in the ring and went for a springboard splash, but Bayley moved and hit a front suplex, hitting Ruca’s head on the second turnbuckle. Bayley took control from there with a knee to the back of Ruca and a high knee to the face. Bayley charged Ruca in the corner, but Ruca stepped away and hit a series of back elbows.

Ruca got up on the top rope and walked it into a DDT for a two count. She went for another springboard, but walked right into a Bayley to Belly suplex. Bayley hung Ruca up in a tree of woe and delivered a running elbow.

Ruca came back with a kick and a backslide, but Bayley transitioned it into a rose plant, but Ruca countered it with a shining wizard of sorts. Ruca went for a springboard, but Bayley caught her in another Rose Plant. Bayley made the pin, but Ruca’s foot was on the rope, forcing a break.

Bayley hit a back suplex and went up top to hit a big elbow, but Ruca got her knees up. Ruca scrambled up the turnbuckles and hit a Sol Snatcher, but Bayley rolled it through into a pin attempt. Ruca did the same and shockingly got the 1-2-3 to win the match!

Match Result: Sol Ruca defeated Bayley

Bayley approached Ruca after the match and shook her hand. All four in the ring did the Cena saulte and Zaria and Ruca hugged.

That was fun! Very cool to see Ruca get the quick win over Bayley. Especially when you consider that Bayley is an NXT OG and Ruca is a star in the making. Great stuff.

-Next, Sheamus, Rob Van Dam, Corey Graves, Becky Lynch, Micheal Hayes, Cameraman Tom Stewart, Micheal Cole, Cody Rhodes, Undertaker, and The Rock all wished Cena well via video. Michelle McCool and Rob Van Dam were also shown in the audience along with Sami Zayn. Cole also mentioned Corey Graves, JBL, Jerry Lawler, Jim Ross and Taz as colleagues who’ve called icon Cena matches with him over the years.

WWE World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater

Why is this match happening? Who cares! World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee vs Je’Von Evans and TNA X Division Champion Leon Slater is a collossal clash of wrestling’s past and it’s future. If you’ve never seen Evans, dude be bouncy. Like, really bouncy. Slater is the current X-Division Champion in TNA, a title and division that was literally defined by Styles. Styles has said repeatedly that his time in wrestling is growing short, so maybe this will be the start of his own retirement tour.

Evans and Slater did not waste time, Superkicking Lee and Styles to the outside and diving after them. The speed was about 100 mph as Slater and Evans traded splashes on Lee in the ring. Evans and Slater isolated Lee in their corner and tagged in and out, delivering splashes, kicks and forearms.

Lee managed to kick he way free and pulled the top rope down to sent Evans to the outside. Slater came in through and tried a clothesline, but somehow Lee countered and worked it into a sit out powerbomb.

Evans and Styles made tags and Styles hits a leaping forearm and then a neckbreaker. Slater tried to interfere and took a slam. Styles went outside and Evans followed via moonsault, but not one was home. Lee hit a flying Rana on Slater, sending him into Styles’ arms, but Evans stopped him before he coult hit a Styles Clash.

Back in the ring, Evans hit a massive cutter from about 15 feet in the air, followed by a swanton 450 from Slater. Slater went for the pin, but Lee broke it up. “This is awesome” chants were loud and plentiful.

Lee hit a big dive on Evans on the outside and Slater set up Styles in the ring, but Styles reversed it, trying to get a clash on. Slater wiggled free, but couldn’t get away from the Phenomenal Phorearm. Unfortunately, Styles slipped on the top rope and couldn’t land it.

Slater went up top, but Styles caught him into a Styles Clash and that was it. Styles pinned Slater to get the win.

Match Result: Dragon Lee and AJ Styles defeated Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater

Great match, I love it when the WWE guys get a chance to speed things up and Evans and Slater are all about speed. Lots of high spots with big moves and a solid finish.

-Next, after showing a litany of tweets from pro sports teams congratulating Cena, Kane, R-Truth, The Miz, Big E, Kofi Kingston, Alexa Bliss, Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn and Xavier Woods all thanked Cena in video messages.

-When we came back from break, they threw to Stephanie McMahon and Joe Tessitore at the Host position. However, you could see someone in the ring behind them, who interrupted with an “Aaaaaawwwwwsome!” It was the Miz, being mad about being left out of all the celebration for Cena, since he beat him at Wrestlemania. That brought out R-Truth who said that Miz stole someone’s oppourtunity in the Last Time Is Now tournament.

Truth handed Miz the ball with the name of the person who’s spot he took. Miz opened it and said the name “Joe Hendry.”

As is legally required, his name was said and he appeared! Truth believes in Joe Hendry and Hendry took out Miz. Truth and Hendry then hit a stereo 5-Knuckle Shuffle on Miz. Hendry hit a Standing Ovation and Truth counted to three. They did the wave and posed as the segment ended.

-A “Thank You Cena” video package aired that rivaled the “My Sacrifice” vignettes from way back in the day. It touched on Cena’s accomplishments, his relationship with his fellow wrestlers and the impact he’s made in people’s lives.

Then, the lights went out and Gunther made his way to the ring. While he was walking down the ramp Cole noted that Cena has not tapped out in 20 years. Gunther actually got out of the ring after his entrance to allow Cena his moment.

Cena’s music hit and the crowd exploded. He walked out of the entrance ramp and took it in as the crowd sang along word for word with his music. Even Cena looked surprised by this. He took the camera off the shoulder of Tom Stewart and gave him his thanks. Cena then threw his towel into the audience and sprinted to the ring for the last time.

The Last Time Is Now: John Cena vs Gunther

During his retirement year, Cena had faced the likes of Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles, Sami Zayn, Logan Paul, R-Truth, Dominik Mysterio and more. Now hes up against one of the best in the world, the Ring General, Gunther. Gunther defeated NXT’s Je’Von Evans, Carmelo Hayes, Solo Sikoa and, LA Knight in the Last Time Is Now tournament for the right to face Cena. Gunther notably also retired Goldberg earlier this year, so beating Cena would be another notch on his considerable belt.

Cena looked emotional as he got out of the ring and thanked all the WWE legends that were at ringside including Kevin Owens, Meng, and Booker T before getting back into the ring and throwing up his signature hand gestures.

LIllian Garcia did the introductions, her voice shaking as she announced “the greatest of all time, never seen, seventeen, …for one final time, the last real Champion, John Cena.”

Cena tossed his hat and shirt into the crowd and the bell rang. They locked up collar and elbow, with Cena breaking free. Gunther then stepped out of the ring, playing mind games and trying to calm the crowd. There would be no calming though as he stepped back in and started throwing European uppercuts.

The crowd went with a “F*ck You, Gunther” chant, which actually seemed to rattle the Austrian a bit. He continued punching Cena though, knocking him to his knees with some chops. Gunther scooped slammed Cena, then whipped him into the corner.

Gunther went for a chop and Cena caught it. He threw hands at Gunther and then laied him out with some shoulder tackles and a back breaker. Cena then looked to the audience and called for the 5-Knuckle Shuffle. He executed it perfectly and the crowd went nuts.

Cena went to hoist Gunther into the AA, but Gunther countered and turned it into a suplex. He drove a knee into Cena’s face and locked in a tight sleeper hold. Cena flipped out of it though and locked in an STFU. Gunther was far from the ropes and as the crowd went berserk he slowly crawled his way there.

Cena broke the hold before Gunther could get to the ropes and Gunther kicked him off. He then powerbombed Cena, leaving him flat in the ring. When Cena got up, Gunther clotheslined him back down.

After every strike, Gunther made the ref check Cena, promising that he was going to make Cena give up tonight. A third clothesline repeated the process as Gunther talked trash. A fourth clothesline from Gunther, but Cena got back up. That led to a fifth clothesline, shades of Brock Lesnar and his suplexes.

Cena ducked the sixth clothesline and began to rally with a shoulder block. He hit a second 5-Knuckle Shuffle and nailed an AA. Gunther, however, kicked out at two. Cena grabbed Gunther for another AA but Gunther got out of it and locked in a sleeper in the middle of the ring.

Cena powered out of it and put a sleeper of his own on Gunther. Gunther squirmed and wiggled until his foot touched the rope and Cena had to break the hold. Gunther slid out of the ring and Cena followed, only for Gunther to backdrop him on the ring apron (the Cena-est part of the ring!).

Gunther then threw Cena into the steel steps and dragged the other set up against the announce table. He mocked Cena for the crowd atop the stairs and then went back for Cena himself. Gunther dragged him up the steel steps and cleared the table.

Gunther set Cena up for a powerbomb, but Cena countered and hit an AA, sending Gunther through the table!

Cena threw Gunther back into the ring for a cover, but Gunther kicked out. The two lay in the ring, exhausted. Cena got to his feet first though and went up top for a big leg drop. Gunther kicked out at two though.

“You’ve still got it!” chants broke out, but Cena quieted the crowd and asked if they wanted one more 5-Knuckle Shuffle. As it turns out, they did, so Cena did that, but before he could land it, Gunther popped up and superkicked him. Gunther then hit a powerbomb, but Cena kicked out.

Gunther went up top, but Cena met him there with an uppercut. He grabbed him and set him up for a seccond rope Avalanche AA, but Gunther refused to go down and kicked out at two.

Both men got up and started trading potatoes in the middle of the ring. They went blow for blow until Cena ducked one and tried another AA. Gunther countered it with a powerbomb though and went up top. He hit a massive frog splash, but Cena kicked out at two.

The crowd chanted for “Super Cena” as Gunther showed frustration and locked on another sleeper. Cean started fading as he sank down to the ring apron. He found his guts though and stood back up, peeling Gunther’s arms from around his neck.

Gunther reset and Cena started to fall back to the mat. Cena powered out again and tried for another AA, but Gunther just put that sleeper right back on. Cena dug deep and stood, with Gunther leaping onto his back for leverage.

Cena kept his wits though and drove Gunther back into the corner. Gunther ran back at him though and put him back in the sleeper. Cena, as billed, would not give up and sent Gunther back again. This time. when Gunther charged, Cena hit another AA. Gunther kicked out though and immediately put the sleeper back on.

Cena clenched his fists as the crowd chanted “don’t give up!” Gunther wrapped his legs around Cena’s body and the ref checked Cena’s arm. Two fell, but ont he third, Cena raised his fists and powered back. Gunther started pummeling Cena’s chest with elbows before putting the sleeper on yet again.

Then John Cena shocked everyone by tapping out, giving Gunther the win.

Match Result: Gunther defeated John Cena

Shots of the astonished crowd were shown, a scene I haven’t seen since Lesnar broke The Streak. Gunther laughed as he walked from the ring, leaving Cena sitting in the middle of it.

The crowd showed their displeasure, chanting “bullsh*t” at the ending.

Cena for his part though, stayed calm. He patted the ring gently as the chants changed to “thank you, Cena.”

He stood in the ring and thanked everyone, saying “that’s all I’ve got.” He bowed as the crowd applauded.

Triple, H, Stephanie, HBK, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Undertaker, Bruce Pritchard and the producers and workers in the back came out. The crowd screamed “you fu*ked up” at them.

Rhodes and Punk laid their title belts on Cena’s shoulders and the crowd applauded for him. The rest of the locker room surrounded the ring as Cena held the titles high amongst the “thank you, Cena” chants.

Cena played with the crowd, hoisting the titles around the ring to great cheers. He gave the belts back and Triple H grabbed Cena for a big hug. He pointed to the big screen and a video package began to play.

While Cena watched, picture in picture, It recapped Cena’s greatest moments and featured comments from his Mom and Dad, his colleagues, his rivals and his never ending quest to give time to every kid, fan and person out there.

The shocking part was that Vince McMahon himself was included speaking about Cena in the video. It was from an old interview, but it was still a surprise to see VKM on WWE TV in any capacity.

Cena took one more bow after the video’s end, surrounded byt his colleagues, friends, and fans. He slowly stepped out of his shoes (showing off his “U CANT SEE ME” socks) and laid his wristbands next to them in the middle of the ring.

With that, he walked up the ramp, touching as many hands as possible. He stopped at the entrance and took it in for a moment. With one final salut, Cena said “it’s been a pleasure serving you all these years” and walked through the entrance.

The show went to black as a true era ended. With all that said and done, there’s only one thing left to say on behalf of wrestling fans, journalists, and workers:

Thank you, Cena.