Tag: WWE news

WWE announces two new house show dates for August

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE continues to expand its house show schedule, this time adding two new dates to the company’s upcoming Canadian tour.

Earlier this month, WWE announced that it would be heading to Canada for three shows from August 20-24. It will now be a five-show tour with live events in Edmonton and Calgary taking place that weekend. Here is the full list of shows:

  • Thursday, August 20: House show at Canada Life Place in London, Ontario
  • Friday, August 21: SmackDown at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario
  • Saturday, August 22: House show at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta
  • Sunday, August 23: House show at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta
  • Monday, August 24: Raw at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario

Tickets for the two new events are going on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. MDT this Friday (May 29).

WWE house shows making a comeback —

In the post-pandemic era, WWE had largely phased out house shows aside from European tours and the Christmas-season Holiday Tour. But they are now starting to make a comeback. Along with these Canadian dates, WWE has announced 10 live events that will be held in the United States this July-August. The idea is that, with a younger roster, WWE is looking for wrestlers to gain more experience away from television.

Arenas are being contacted for later in 2025, so it looks like this change will continue into the fall/winter. The company is beginning an extensive European tour later this week and also has a trip to South America coming up in September.

Intercontinental title match added to WWE Raw

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Fresh off a successful defense at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Penta is already set to defend his Intercontinental Championship again.

WWE has announced that Penta vs. Je’Von Evans for the Intercontinental title will take place on tonight’s episode of Raw from Columbus, Ohio. The match comes just two days after Penta retained over Ethan Page on SNME.

“Intercontinental Champion Penta continues to build his reputation as a true fighting champion as he prepares to battle the dynamic Je’Von Evans in a title match,” WWE.com wrote. “Find out who will leave Raw with the title, tonight at 8 ET/5 PT on Netflix.”

Evans is looking to win the first championship gold of his WWE career. He previously challenged for the Intercontinental title at WrestleMania 42, where Penta won a six-pack ladder match to remain champion.

Having won the belt from Dominik Mysterio back in March, Penta’s IC Championship reign is approaching the three-month mark. It currently stands at 84 days.

Tonight’s Raw is the go-home show for this Sunday’s Clash in Italy PLE. Here is the updated lineup for the episode.

WWE Raw (Monday, May 25) —

  • World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu contract signing for Clash in Italy Tribal Combat match
  • Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Judgment Day (Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez)
  • Intercontinental Champion Penta defends against Je’Von Evans
  • Oba Femi opens the show

Marie Malenko reacts to signing with WWE

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Signing with WWE was a lifelong goal for Marie Malenko.

The daughter of former WWE/WCW/ECW wrestler Dean Malenko, Marie’s signing was officially announced this week when WWE unveiled its new class of Performance Center recruits. She was identified under the ring name Lacey Simon in the four-person class, which also includes Mason Rook (indie wrestler Will Kroos), Nicole Martinez (Nikki Blackheart), and bodybuilder Marcus Brown.

Marie made an Instagram post today sharing just how long she’s waited for this moment. She included pictures of herself as a child at WWE events with Beth Phoenix, Naomi, CM Punk, and The Bellas.

“Since birth babyyyyyy. knew what I wanted and got it,” she wrote. “Let’s get to work. Gods plan. #wwe #wwenxt #wwesuperstar #nepobaby #3rdgeneration”

She also thanked her coaches Jay Lethal, Vincent Marseglia of The Righteous, and Aleister Black’s Dark Arts Gym.

Before signing, Marie participated in a WWE tryout this February. She also picked up experience in Japan working matches for Pro Wrestling NOAH and Marigold this year.

Marie’s father Dean Malenko is part of the behind-the-scenes staff at AEW and previously worked backstage for WWE.

Of this class of recruits, Kroos is the farthest along, already having debuted on NXT by targeting the brand’s champion Tony D’Angelo. Martinez, who has impressed those in WWE, worked a dark match at NXT this Tuesday.

Open challenge added to WWE SmackDown lineup

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Update —

WWE has announced that Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton will issue an open challenge for her title on SmackDown tonight:

  • After successfully defending her title against Kiana James two weeks ago, Tiffany Stratton will issue a Women’s United States Championship Open Challenge.

Plus, Carmelo Hayes will have a message for United States Champion Trick Williams and Lil Yachty:

After returning to SmackDown to defeat Ricky Saints last week, Carmelo Hayes has a message for United States Champion Trick Williams and Lil Yachty.

**********

An appearance by the WWE Women’s Champion will be opening SmackDown tonight.

WWE has announced that Rhea Ripley will kick off tonight’s SmackDown in Lexington, Kentucky. Her WWE Women’s Championship rematch with Jade Cargill could be made official, with Ripley set to respond to the challenge that Cargill laid down last Friday. Clash in Italy on May 31 will be the location for that bout once it’s confirmed.

We do know that Ripley and Cargill will face off against each other in a six-woman tag bout at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event this weekend. Ripley is teaming with Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss against Cargill, Michin & B-Fab.

Ripley became WWE Women’s Champion when she won the belt from Cargill at WrestleMania 42. Their feud resumed when Cargill returned on the May 8 episode of SmackDown, interrupting a match where Ripley, Flair & Bliss were facing Fatal Influence.

Rupp Area is hosting tonight’s SmackDown episode. Here is the announced lineup:

WWE SmackDown (Friday, May 22) —

  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Gunther continue the build to their Clash in Italy match
  • Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton issues an open challenge
  • Carmelo Hayes has a message for United States Champion Trick Williams and Lil Yachty
  • Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Talla Tonga
  • WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley kicks off the show and responds to Jade Cargill’s challenge

WWE pays tribute to ‘avid fan’ Kyle Busch after NASCAR driver’s death

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE is mourning the loss of Kyle Busch, a NASCAR star and “avid” pro wrestling fan who suddenly passed away on Thursday at 41 years old.

Busch died shortly after being hospitalized in Concord, North Carolina due to what was described as a “severe illness.” Less than two weeks after needing medical attention for a sinus cold, he became unresponsive while testing in a racing simulator on Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s NASCAR race. He was transported to the hospital but passed away on May 21.

With a big personality and multiple NASCAR championships, Busch crossed over into WWE as a Raw guest host in 2009 and, a decade later, won the WWE 24/7 Championship. Sitting in the front row at a Raw episode, Busch took part in an angle where he helped R-Truth hide from a group of 24/7 title chasers. But Busch then took the opportunity to pin Truth and win the title for himself. Backstage in a post-show segment, Truth snuck up on Busch during a photo shoot and won the title back.

Busch also once won a race in 2010 while driving a car themed after the SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 video game.

WWE.com posted the following tribute to Busch today, extending its condolences to those who knew him and were fans of him:

  • WWE is saddened to learn that legendary NASCAR driver and avid WWE fan Kyle Busch has passed away.
  • The former two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion made several appearances in WWE, including guest hosting Monday Night Raw in 2009, and even driving a WWE-themed car to Victory Lane in 2010.
  • Busch would go on to make history when he pinned R-Truth to win the 24/7 Championship in 2019, becoming the only NASCAR driver to ever win the title.
  • WWE extends its condolences to Kyle’s family, friends, and fans.

Kyle Busch wins WWE 24/7 Championship —

El Grande Americano Mexico City event back on after cancellation

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Plans for El Grande Americano are moving forward with Ludwig Kaiser expected to be able to travel outside of the country.

Lucha Libre AAA’s “Serenade for El Grande Americano” event, originally scheduled for Wednesday before being canceled, is now back on and will take place tonight (May 22) in Mexico City. It’s a free event where fans can show their support for Kaiser/Americano ahead of his upcoming mask vs. mask match against Original El Grande Americano (Chad Gable).

The serenade is being held at Kings League Dome and is limited to 300 fans.

Kaiser was arrested this week on a misdemeanor battery charge relating to an incident that took place last month involving a male resident of his Orlando, Florida apartment complex. When he learned of a warrant for his arrest on May 19, Kaiser was in Mexico for WWE/AAA. He returned to the United States the next day to turn himself in and is now out on a $1,000 bond.

Following the arrest, Kaiser’s attorney filed a motion requesting that Kaiser be allowed to continue to travel out of state and internationally. The state of Florida is not objecting to the motion.

El Grande Americano vs. Original El Grande Americano mask match —

The mask match between the two Americanos is set to headline AAA Noche de Los Grandes in Monterrey, Mexico on May 30. Gable originally introduced the Americano character to WWE television, but Kaiser took over when Gable underwent shoulder surgery in 2025. Since Gable’s return, they’ve had one of the best-received feuds in wrestling with Kaiser playing the babyface.

AAA has a live TV episode this Saturday that will finish the build to Noche de Los Grandes.

Update on Ludwig Kaiser’s motion to continue traveling for WWE

Posted on by Joseph Currier

It sounds likely that Ludwig Kaiser will be legally allowed to continue traveling for WWE amid his ongoing case.

Court records show that Kaiser’s attorney has filed a supplemental version of his motion to allow out of state and international travel. In this updated document, it’s noted that Kaiser’s counsel has communicated with the assistant state attorney — and the state will not be objecting to the motion:

  • Since the initial filing of the Motion to Travel, undersigned counsel communicated with Assistant State Attorney Shaylynne Kotch, who indicated no objection to this motion.
  • WHEREFORE, for the foregoing reasons, the Defendant respectfully requests this Honorable Court to enter an Order allowing him to travel out of the State of Florida and internationally.

Kaiser has a huge match coming up in Mexico on May 30, where he (as El Grande Americano) is scheduled to face Original El Grande Americano (Chad Gable) in a mask vs. mask match. It’s set for AAA Noche de Los Grandes and is intended to be the culmination of their heated feud.

Details of Ludwig Kaiser battery arrest —

The 35-year-old Kaiser (Marcel Barthel) was arrested this week on a misdemeanor battery charge relating to an April 24 incident involving another male resident at his Orlando, Florida apartment complex. The alleged victim says Kaiser and a female were acting “uncontrollably intimate” by aggressively kissing in an elevator. The victim says he told them to “please have some manners” after exiting the elevator, which led to an attack where the victim was punched multiple times and pushed to the ground. Kaiser was identified as a suspect after police reviewed security footage. The victim then “immediately” identified Kaiser out of a photographic lineup of six individuals.

After learning of a warrant for his arrest the prior day, Kaiser turned himself in on May 20. He posted a $1,000 bond, with court records listing Kaiser’s friend and fellow WWE star Gunther (Walter Hahn) as the depositor.

There has been no comment from WWE or any word on if Kaiser will be facing punishment internally.

Kaiser’s full motion to allow out of state and international travel can be read below. Records do not show that an official determination has been made yet.

  • The Defendant, MARCEL BARTHEL, by and through his undersigned attorney, hereby moves this Honorable Court to enter an Order allowing him to travel out of the State of Florida and internationally, and as grounds therefore states as follows:
  • On May 19, 2026, the Defendant, Marcel Barthel, became aware of a warrant for his arrest for allegedly assaulting another resident of his apartment complex in downtown Orlando, approximately one month ago. At the time he learned of the warrant, Mr. Barthel was in Mexico for work purposes and immediately made plans to travel back to Orlando to deal with the warrant.
  • Mr. Barthel traveled back to Orlando on May 20 and turned himself into the Orange County Jail. He was released after posting a $1,000 bond, with conditions that he have no contact with the complaining witness.
  • Mr. Barthel is an international performer who is required to travel throughout the United States and around the world to remain employed. His primary residence is the apartment complex in downtown Orlando where the alleged incident occurred
  • Mr. Barthel has no prior criminal history anywhere in the world and is not a danger to others. He maintains his innocence and has retained undersigned counsel to assist him in this matter. He has every intention of appearing at all required court appearances related to these allegations.
  • Since the initial filing of the Motion to Travel, undersigned counsel communicated with Assistant State Attorney Shaylynne Kotch, who indicated no objection to this motion.
  • WHEREFORE, for the foregoing reasons, the Defendant respectfully requests this Honorable Court to enter an Order allowing him to travel out of the State of Florida and internationally.

Update —

An event for Kaiser/El Grande Americano in Mexico City, which was originally scheduled for yesterday before being cancelled, is now back on and will take place tonight (May 22).

Daily Update: NJPW G1 fan fest, MJF, Road Warriors A&E doc

Posted on by Joseph Currier

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Thursday Update

Road Warrior Animal WWE
Road Warrior Animal battles D’Lo Brown. (Image credit: WWE)

WWE

  • The Rich Eisen Show interviewed John Cena.
  • AJ Styles streamed a live Q&A edition of his Phenomenally Retro podcast.
  • Nattie shared a photo from the Paramount Pictures lot in Los Angeles last night: “Working on my LOW-KEY LEGENDARY dreams today…”
  • Kim Laurinaitis, the widow of Road Warrior Animal, made an appearance on Busted Open Radio to discuss her criticism of A&E’s Biography: WWE Legends episode on The Road Warriors. She wishes the documentary was more positive instead of focusing on Hawk’s addiction struggles so much. And along with some inner-family squabbles affecting her view of the show, Kim did not like that Bruce Prichard was interviewed:
    • I’ll be quite honest, Bruce Prichard, I battled with him online lately. He rips my husband on his podcast a lot of times or little clips. And I’m thinking, why are you even on here talking about him? We know you don’t really care for him. So I would have rather had people that had positive things to say and really meant them.
  • On his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T called Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano’s MMA fight the “biggest heist” he’s ever seen:
    • This fight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, I’ve seen a lot of fights in my life. I’ve seen a lot of fights in my life. And I’ve been in the wrestling business for 35 years now. It’s three things I look for when it comes to combat, you know, when I’m in certain places, especially when I’m watching something like this. And it’s a work, it’s a worked shoot, and it’s a shoot, okay?
    • This was a worked shoot. That was not real, that thing wasn’t real. I mean, it was real as far as the takedown goes. But everything after that, it was, ‘I’m ready. I’m ready. Let’s go home.’ It was one of those type of deals. And if you go back and watch it and study it, you’re going to come to the same consensus that I’m saying right now. That fight, that was not fair. That fight was not fair for the people for Ronda Rousey to come back. And literally, that was like the biggest heist I’ve ever seen.
  • LA Taco published a story on Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins’ new coffee brand AMO.
  • Saturday Night Live cast member Michael Che was the guest on this week’s episode of Stephanie McMahon’s “What’s Your Story?” podcast.
  • WWE Vault uploaded the full “Superfan” documentary on Vladimir Abouzeide, who is battling Parkinson’s disease and was hospitalized this week due to a fall.

Other Wrestling

  • NJPW announced that, the day before night one of G1 Climax 36, the promotion will be holding a fan fest in Chicago on July 10. It will include a talk show segment as well as meet and greets with some of the G1 competitors:
    • NJPW fans! Make your plans to be in Chicago early for a special G1 Climax Fan Event ahead of opening night G1 Climax 36 action!
    • The July 10 event will feature a special talk show segment, along with two meet & greet sessions with select G1 Climax 36 participants!
    • More details are coming soon but get ready to be in Chicago for this great fan experience!
  • While speaking with The Takedown on SI, MJF said Vince McMahon is to blame for some fans being preconditioned to believe that hair match stipulations are a joke:
    • You can thank Vince McMahon for that. It wasn’t comedy in Memphis, it wasn’t comedy in World Class, it wasn’t comedy in Mexico. Listen, I can’t speak for anybody else, all I know is – I make money off of this hair. I’m in movies. I’m a top guy in this industry. And if I want to be a top guy in this industry, I can’t be bald. Bald doesn’t sell. It just doesn’t.
  • Shelton Benjamin told The Wrestling Classic that, aside from getting Cedric Alexander back in the group, Kevin Knight would be his first choice for a new Hurt Syndicate member. Benjamin sees Knight as someone who will be a star for the next 10-20 years:
    • If it were my choice today, if I said I wanted a new member in the Hurt Syndicate, the Hurt Syndicate wants a fourth member, without a doubt, my first pick would be Cedric Alexander. My second pick would be Kevin ‘Jet’ Knight.
  • Bobby Steveson (formerly known as Damon Kemp in NXT) teased an in-ring return while confirming that he was backstage at Monday’s ROH TV taping in Jacksonville: “Felt good to be back around the squared circle.. Soon?…”
  • Trevor Lee vs. Austin Aries (taped in January) will be part of the lineup for MLW Fusion’s return episode on May 30.
  • Evil Uno’s Mystery Wrestling promotion announced three new events:
    • July 25 at Bain Mathieu in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    • August 29 at Big Penny Social in London, England
    • September 13 at The Rec Room in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Chris Jericho interviewed Frankie Kazarian on Talk is Jericho.
  • Comedians/wrestling fans Dan Soder & Will Sasso were guests on Insight with Chris Van Vliet.

New details emerge on Ludwig Kaiser battery arrest

Posted on by Joseph Currier

New details have emerged regarding the arrest of WWE star Ludwig Kaiser (Marcel Barthel).

It was first reported on Wednesday night that Kaiser had been arrested in Orange County, Florida on May 20 on charges of battery. According to arrest records, the incident took place on April 24 at the Orlando apartment complex Kaiser lives at. The alleged victim is identified as a fellow male resident, who accuses Kaiser of attacking him outside of an elevator. The attack is said to have happened after Kaiser and a female were acting “uncontrollably intimate” by aggressively kissing in the elevator. The victim says he told them to “please have some manners,” leading to the attack.

The affidavit says:

  • [The victim] stated he was battered by an unknown white male just outside the elevator on the 12th floor. [The victim] advised that at approximately 1830 hours, he entered the elevator and was followed by an unknown white male and an unknown white female. [The victim] stated that as the elevator ascended, the male and female began acting in an ‘uncontrollably intimate’ manner, which he described as aggressively kissing.
  • [The victim] stated that once the elevator reached the 12th floor, he exited the elevator and told the couple to ‘please have some manners.’ [The victim] advised that immediately after making the statement, the unknown male began attacking him. [The victim] described the attack as the male punching him multiple times and pushing him to the ground. [The victim] further stated the male made threats of additional violence toward him.

A responding officer observed a “large, fresh scratch” on the victim’s head and redness in the same area. Security footage was obtained showing a white male punching and pushing the victim outside of the elevator. Kaiser was identified as a possible suspect, and the victim immediately pointed to him as the attacker when presented with a photographic lineup of six individuals.

Per the terms of his bond, Kaiser cannot have any contact with the victim and cannot possess a firearm, consume alcohol to intoxication, or possess drug paraphernalia/controlled substances unless they are prescribed. He must also maintain separate residences from the victim.

Motion to continue traveling for WWE —

Kaiser became aware of the warrant on May 19 while in Mexico for WWE/AAA. He made plans to return to Orlando the next day and turn himself in. He was released on $1,000 bond and maintains his innocence in the case, submitting a written plea of not guilty. With that, he has filed a motion requesting that he be allowed to continue traveling both domestically and internationally:

  • Mr. Barthel is an international performer who is required to travel throughout the United States and around the world to remain employed. His primary residence is the apartment complex in downtown Orlando where the alleged incident occurred.
  • Mr. Barthel has no prior criminal history anywhere in the world and is not a danger to others. He maintains his innocence and has retained undersigned counsel to assist him in this matter. He has every intention of appearing at all required court appearances related to these allegations.
  • Wherefore, for the foregoing reasons, the Defendant respectfully requests this Honorable Court to enter an Order allowing him to travel out of the State of Florida and internationally.

The 35-year-old Kaiser, who is originally from Germany, has a highly anticipated mask vs. mask match scheduled for AAA Noche de los Grandes on May 30. It will be El Grande Americano (Kaiser) facing off against Original El Grande Americano (Chad Gable).

Daily Update: Nikki Bella, new John Cena movie trailer, Michael Tarver

Posted on by Joseph Currier

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Wednesday Update

Darby Allin | AEW
Darby Allin celebrates winning the AEW World title on Dynamite. (Image credit: AEW)

WWE

  • During an interview with USA Today, Nikki Bella said she’s hoping to return from her ankle injury by the end of June:
    • Injuries are so funny. I always try to ask that (asking the medical team for updates). (They’re like) ‘not until I see what your ankle looks like in June,’ and I’m like, ‘But if you were to just guess,’ and they’re like, ‘Don’t know, not until June,’
    • I’m hoping, for me in my head, end of June would be incredible, but I also don’t want to go back too early, because you know the big part about when people get reinjured is because their strength isn’t matching, so I need to make sure the calves, the quads, glutes, I need to make sure they’re all built up.
  • WWE uploaded the full Tatum Paxley vs. Lizzy Rain NXT Women’s North American Championship match from last night.
  • The Mark Moses Show interviewed NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo.
  • Charlotte Flair appeared on the latest episode of TMZ’s Inside the Ring podcast.
  • Bianca Belair shared photos (part one, part two) of her baby shower, which was attended by many WWE colleagues including Liv Morgan, Nattie, Angelo Dawkins, Alexa Bliss, Ivy Nile, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Maxxine Dupri, Michin, Solo Sikoa, LA Knight, Omos, IYO SKY, and Jey Uso
  • Netflix released the official trailer for the upcoming John Cena-Eric Andre comedy “Little Brother.” The movie debuts on June 26:
    • Rudd (John Cena) has the perfect life – great job, loving family, and a thriving career as a real estate agent… until his little brother, Marcus (Eric Andre), crashes back into his world as a full-blown agent of chaos, stress-testing every part of Rudd’s carefully controlled existence.
  • To mark yesterday being the 30th anniversary of the “Curtain Call,” WWE Vault uploaded the 2015 documentary “The Kliq Rules.”

Other Wrestling

  • In a feature story for ESPN, Darby Allin discussed potentially becoming a father at some point and whether that would change him:
    • Will having kids of my own change me and make me tone it down? No, I don’t believe so. And I’ll tell you why. Because the moment I have a kid, I want to keep showing them that there’s no age limit that says you must calm down. You have to be that much more inspiring to them, because, who am I if I’m playing it safe with my 5-year-old? That’s not Darby Allin. But if I’m strapping the 5-year-old to a Can-Am and going on some jumps? That’s who I am. I want my kids to have the confidence I never had growing up.
  • The Allin story is the first AEW-focused piece to appear on ESPN’s website in quite some time. It was written by Andreas Hale, who was declined a credential for WWE WrestleMania 42 after covering the Janel Grant/Vince McMahon story for ESPN.
  • MJF made an appearance on SNY’s Baseball Night in NY.
  • Mark Briscoe celebrated today being the 26th anniversary of he and his late brother Jay making their in-ring debuts.
  • The Wrestling Classic interviewed Shelton Benjamin.
  • Will Ospreay praised NJPW wrestler Robbie X, who defeated Kosei Fujita in the main event of today’s Best of the Super Juniors show:
    • Robbie X is legitimately has been the best jr heavyweight for the last 4 years.
    • Seeing him get his flowers and rocking korakuen hall is a different level of special to see!!
  • Wrestling broadcaster Sam Laterna thanked Tony Khan for giving her the opportunity to serve as an on-screen interviewer at this week’s ROH TV tapings in Jacksonville:
    • If there’s one thing I’ll always bet on, it’s myself.
    • Huge thank you to Ring of Honor and Tony Khan for bringing me in for interviews at this round of ROH TV tapings. It was so wonderful seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and getting to work in such a fun environment!
  • Claressa Shields, a top women’s boxing star, showed up for Sukeban in New York City last night and got physically involved by delivering a punch and even earning a pinfall victory during the surprise appearance.
  • Fabian Aichner has filed a trademark for the nickname “Il Gladiatore,” which translates to “The Gladiator.”
  • Former Nexus member Michael Tarver is retiring from the ring with his final shows happening this Saturday and Sunday:
    • This is emotional week
    • This is my official goodbye to the pro wrestling Biz (in ring)
    • I finish my now 22 year journey with the 2 brothers who took me in 22 years ago in Barberton in a little dive bar called the Shamrock night club Josh E Robinson , Lamont Williams my brothers for life. I will be sharing some of my favorite moments of my career over the next week. Drew Jeffrey Andrew Taylor, from my start in UWC, CAPW, AIW, PWU, NWA to WWE / NXT and NJPW
    • From Akron Ohio to Japan to London to India to Puerto Rico to South Africa
    • From signing a @wwe contract homeless to being a part of a WrestleMania main event and main eventing SummerSlam

WWE files trademark for Blake Monroe nickname

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Blake Monroe’s WWE main roster debut could be imminent, if a new trademark filing is any indication.

WWE filed a trademark application on Tuesday (May 19) for Monroe’s nickname “The Glamour.” It’s a move that suggests WWE is progressing toward Monroe’s SmackDown debut. The company began hyping her arrival with videos airing on SmackDown after WrestleMania, with her first appearance expected to come soon.

In the goods and services section of the application, WWE says the trademark is for performances by a professional wrestler:

  • Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment

Monroe’s “The Glamour” nickname dates back to her pre-WWE career. She used the moniker in NXT, it’s featured on her merchandise, and WWE has included it in the vignettes leading into her main roster debut.

Though she hasn’t appeared yet, Monroe has been backstage at SmackDown events in recent weeks. She told Spanish-language outlet Marca that she’s excited to learn from Paul “Triple H” Levesque on the main roster after already having gotten tips from another legend in Shawn Michaels during her NXT run. Monroe, who joined NXT after departing AEW, was a one-time NXT Women’s North American Champion on the brand.

Upcoming WWE SmackDown schedule —

SmackDown is being held in Lexington, Kentucky this Friday before heading to Barcelona, Spain the following week. The Barcelona event is SmackDown’s go-home show for Clash in Italy, with the brand then heading to Bologna, Italy the following week.

Next month, SmackDown has a taping in Monroe’s hometown of London, England on June 23.

Chelsea Green responds to backlash over UFC White House fan fest appearance

Posted on by Joseph Currier

On social media today, Chelsea Green responded to the backlash she’s received over being included in UFC’s Freedom 250 Fan Fest.

It was announced on Monday that several WWE names will have meet and greets at the fan fest, which is happening in Washington, D.C. during the weekend of UFC’s White House event. Green is among those set to appear, and she’s received criticism from fans given that the political stances she’s publicly taken do not align with those of the current administration.

One fan on X accused Green of prioritizing money over her support of trans rights. In response, Green framed this appearance as a job obligation and said she will continue to advocate for the causes she cares about.

“Doing my job and supporting the community are not mutually exclusive,” Green, who is originally from Canada, wrote. “I’ll continue to do what I can to advocate for human rights whether you approve or not. [heart emoji]”

Green is one of the wrestlers that WWE most frequently uses for public and media appearances like this. Last year, she received similar backlash from fans for speaking positively about Hulk Hogan on the day of his death and not addressing the racism controversy that Hogan was involved in. That situation led to Green taking a social media break due to name calling and death threats.

WWE wrestlers at UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest —

Green, Charlotte Flair, The Miz, Trick Williams, The Usos, Tiffany Stratton, and Bron Breakker are the WWE wrestlers announced to appear at this event. It’s taking place from June 13-14, and having WWE stars present during the weekend is seemingly aimed at maximizing public interest given how significant this is to WWE & UFC parent company TKO. UFC is hyping its fight card as being the “most historic sporting event of all time.”

The fan fest will take place at The Ellipse just outside of the White House, with the June 14 fights set to be held on the White House’s South Lawn. At the fan fest, there will be a ceremonial weigh-in, live shows with UFC fighters, celebrity appearances, and live music including a concert by Zac Brown Band.

MJF: There’s something ‘very enchanting’ to me about never going to WWE

Posted on by Joseph Currier

If he could write the story for the rest of his career, it sounds like MJF would never leave AEW for WWE.

MJF opened up about his future while appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show on Tuesday, addressing the interest WWE has had in him. While claiming that WWE “hypothetically” was willing to offer him huge money in the past, MJF says it was not difficult to turn that down. His goal is to become the greatest wrestler of all time and join Batista, John Cena, and The Rock as the greatest wrestler-turned-actors ever. The idea of doing that without the WWE machine behind him is very intriguing to MJF.

“Was it tough? No,” MJF said about turning down WWE to stay in AEW. “You have to know your worth, and I know my worth. And my worth was built because of the legacy that I’m building in AEW. There is something very enchanting to me, no matter how much money did, or does, or will get thrown at me. And trust me it was a lot, hypothetically. It was a f***ing lot, hypothetically. It doesn’t matter because I care about my legacy more than anything…

“The idea of going down as the greatest of all time is really important to me. And I also think that there’s something very special about being able to say that with having never worked ‘there.’ I think that that’s really cool. I think the idea of that happening in the wrestling world, and to me the Mount Rushmore of professional wrestlers-turned-actors are Dave Bautista, John Cena, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. As you know, Mount Rushmore has how many heads? Four. My goal is to be that fourth head. And if I could pull that off on my name alone and the legacy that I’ve built on my own back, not from a machine, just the Maxwell machine — I think it would feel all the more sweeter.”

MJF did give the caveat of “never say never” and said this is just how he’s feeling in this moment at 30 years old. He and Sting have had conversations about how much pride Sting took in making his name outside of WWE and never going there until 2014.

MJF as an actor —

Balancing both wrestling and acting full-time is MJF’s plan going forward. His biggest role so far has been playing one of Happy Gilmore’s sons in “Happy Gilmore 2,” which led to MJF forming a friendship with Adam Sandler.

MJF is set to feature in the Christmas-themed action comedy “Violent Night 2” later this year. When he dropped the AEW World Championship to Darby Allin in April, there was speculation that MJF could be taking time off for another movie role, but those rumors were untrue. He’s remained on AEW television and will get his rematch against Allin at Double or Nothing 2026 this Sunday. It’s a hair vs. title match where MJF’s hair and Allin’s championship are both on the line.

Goldberg, son Gage tease potential new reality show

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A new reality show featuring WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg and his son Gage could be coming to Discovery Channel.

During an interview at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis, Goldberg shared that he and Gage are “up for the possibility” of a new Discovery Channel show. He did not reveal specific details of the project but said it would be outdoors-focused. He stressed the importance of having range as both a wrestler and human being and believes showing the outdoorsman side of his personality is what led Discovery Channel to be interested in this .

“The reality is, as a human being and as a performer, you’re of no value unless you have range. I like to say that I can pick up the giant, slam him and growl, and then get out of the ring and grab a baby and take a selfie,” he said. “The reality is that the further your range is, the more things that fall in between that range that you can accomplish and that you can do and that you can put your effort toward. Like Patriot Tactical, I’m trying to raise awareness for a company that, you know, years ago people may not have thought that I would be attached to.

“But I’m an outdoorsman. And right now, Gage and I are up for the possibility of doing an outdoor show on Discovery Channel. They may not have known that I was an outdoor freak unless I was associated with Patriot Tactical. And so, your passions tend to lead to other opportunities later in life — and you never know where you’re going to be. So like I said, you just put your nose to the grindstone, you work 100 percent, and you try to be the best at anything and everything you’re doing that day.”

Patriot Tactical is a company that sells knives, clothing, and protective equipment. Goldberg was announced as partner and chief executive officer this February, with this being a new pursuit for him after retiring from wrestling with a loss to Gunther at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in July 2025.

Gage Goldberg is part of the University of Colorado football roster, playing under coach Deion Sanders after joining the team as a walk-on in 2024. In December of that year, Gage noted that Paul “Triple H” Levesque has told him the door is open if Gage ever wants to get into WWE down the line.

WWE wrestler Jordynne Grace training to get pilot’s license

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Outside of the ring, WWE SmackDown wrestler Jordynne Grace is working toward achieving a lofty goal.

Grace shared on Instagram that she has now completed more than six flight lessons as she prepares to get her pilot’s license. In the latest training session, Grace took off and landed unassisted without help from her co-pilot instructor. Her ultimate goal is to join the charity organization Pilots N Paws, whose mission is to have volunteer pilots “fly abandoned pets from kill shelters and rescue groups to safe shelters and forever homes.”

Before documenting this pilot’s license journey on social media, Grace waited until five lessons in when she was sure she would actually go through with the pursuit and not let nerves overwhelm her. She joked that wrestlers can sometimes succeed without knowledge and experience, but that is not an option for pilots.

“I’ve spent the past 16 years in a physically demanding career field where talent, knowledge, and experience sometimes matter, but mostly not,” she wrote. “But if you say you know how to fly a plane, the test is either pass or fail when you get in one.”

Formerly one of the top stars in all of TNA, Grace made her official WWE debut in 2025 and spent a year in NXT before being called up to SmackDown at the start of 2026. She was recently in the Women’s United States Championship mix but lost a number one contender’s match to Tiffany Stratton, who went on to dethrone Giulia for the belt.