Tag: wwe performance center

WWE introduces RFK Jr’s niece as part of latest rookie class

Posted on by Josh Nason

Even after making cuts last Friday, WWE is always continuing to add young talent to the Performance Center, formally announcing four new would-be wrestlers on Wednesday as part of their latest rookie class.

One of those joining the fray is Zoe Hines, the niece of U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, actress Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm).

A college softball player who graduated from Boston College, Hines also competed for France’s national softball team in addition to its U22 program. She was part of last year’s tryouts during SummerSlam weekend and her uncle revealed earlier this year that she had signed a deal.

Hines joins three others:

  • Alyssa Daniele: She took part in January’s tryouts and has a past in modeling.
  • Garrett Beck: A lacrosse player for Grand Canyon University, Beck signed a WWE NIL deal nearly a year ago.
  • Nicholas Panicali: He is a former volleyball player for Sacred Heart University.

Report: Injured WWE wrestler heading to Performance Center this week

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

After months of injury and a hiatus, Bron Breakker is reportedly on his way to the WWE Performance Center.

Last week, reports emerged that WWE was getting optimistic about Breakker’s in-ring return and potential feud with Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 42. Breakker and Rollins have been rumored to fight at WrestleMania, following their rivalry, which began last year, after Breakker and Bronson Reed turned their back on Rollins.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider recently reported on Sunday that Breakker is expected to report to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, this week as part of his medical clearance process.

Breakker suffered a hernia when he flipped off the heavy commentator’s table on an episode of WWE RAW. Breakker has reportedly been rehabbing like crazy ever since he underwent surgery for the hernia.

Breakker’s return news appears promising, since Rollins came back earlier this year and took down the remaining members of The Vision.

Hall of Famer coaching at the WWE Performance Center this week

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Morton is set to coach budding wrestlers at the WWE Performance Center this week.

In an earlier daily update by Dave Meltzer, it was noted that Hall of Famer Morton was scheduled for teaching at the WWE PC. Morton himself later confirmed the update when he shared a Tweet.

Writing on social media, the veteran tag team wrestler expressed his excitement about the opportunity of working with the upcoming WWE talent.

“Orlando, Florida for the week! Fortunate to be able to teach, train, & give back. Catch ya soon, PC,” Morton wrote.

Morton, 69, is best known for his run alongside Robert Gibson as The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, one of the most influential duos in wrestling history. The pair were honored for their contributions and inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017. Apart from WWE, the duo has also appeared in NJPW and AEW.

WWE announces four new Performance Center recruits

Posted on by Ian Carey

WWE has confirmed four new recruits for the Performance Center.

In a social media post on Wednesday, the WWE NXT account officially introduced Ahmed Essam Samy Twfiq, Ellen Akesson, Rayne Leat, and Delia Schweizer as wrestlers headed to the Performance Center in Orlando.

Twfiq is Egyptian amateur wrestler Ahmed Essam. His Instagram profile already lists WWE in his bio, and he is a two-time African champion and two-time Arab wrestling champion.

Akesson is a national champion powerlifter and world champion arm wrestler from Sweden.

Schweizer is a German fitness influencer with a background in CrossFit. Her Instagram also shows her participating in surfing and skateboarding.

Rounding out the group is former indie wrestler Rayne Leverkusen, who will now go by the name Rayne Leat. WWE named Leverkusen the MVP of the WWE SummerSlam tryouts held in New Jersey last year. She has wrestled for promotions including Progress, Hustle, and Eve. Leat is also the niece of original Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr and previously used the nickname “The Maiden of Metal.”

WWE NXT Atlanta show reportedly being moved

Posted on by Josh Nason

A live WWE NXT TV show at Atlanta’s Center Stage set for later this month is not happening, according to a new report from PWInsider.

The outlet noted that the February 24 event is expected to instead take place at the Performance Center in Orlando.

The reason is due to a local permit issue as WWE’s production trucks used to be set up in a parking lot next to the venue. However, the lot was sold off which makes it “far harder and less feasible to mount the broadcast production.” WWE has yet to formally announce the move, but will need to soon.

It’s unclear if other events are being affected given the slate of upcoming concerts and performances at the famed venue and how WWE is different than those other acts on the production side.

The next wrestling event taking place there is for MLW who is running an event in mid-March.

WWE legend Jazz back with company in new role

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE legend Jazz is back with the company in a new role.

The former Women’s Champion announced on Friday morning that she has officially joined the WWE Performance Center as a coach. She already has experience working behind the scenes in the NWA and TNA and made multiple visits to the Performance Center last year as a guest coach.

“Giving God all the Glory! I can officially say as of 2026 I’m now a part of the coaching staff at the @wwenxt Performance Center!,” Jazz revealed. “Professional wrestling has been my life for 30 yrs. Now I get to work with the next generation of Superstars! I’m a true testament of never giving up . No matter how long the process may seem!”

Bayley, Mickie James, Bianca Belair, Natalya, Allie/The Bunny, Kamille, and NWA announcer Joe Galli were among those who responded to Jazz’s post and congratulated her.

“OMG NXT talent are so lucky!,” Belair wrote. “I’m coming back to train! Congratulations!”

Jazz’s guest coaching stints at the Performance Center were well-received, with NXT wrestler Karmen Petrovic calling Jazz an “absolute trailblazer” when she visited last May.

In her wrestling career, Jazz (real name Carlene Begnaud) was a champion for WWE and the NWA and also worked for ECW and TNA. She made a surprise in-ring return for TNA in 2025 as a battle royal entrant.

The Performance Center coaching staff is led by Matt Bloom and also includes Sara Amato, Norman Smiley, Robbie Brookside, Terry Taylor, Steve Corino, Fit Finlay, and more.

John Cena visits WWE Performance Center again

Posted on by Ethan Renner

John Cena’s in-ring career is winding down but not before the 17-time World Champion has imparted some wisdom to the next generation of WWE talent.

After visiting the Performance Center last week, Cena was back there on Wednesday to spend more time with WWE’s up-and-coming talent. He made a social media post thanking all of the recruits who shared their thoughts on the wrestling business with him.

Cena wrote:

Being coachable can open our minds to learn. Thank you to all the superstars at the WWE PC for sharing with me different perspectives of our business. I spent the week digesting their feedback & was grateful to be able to return today for another chance to learn & share wisdom.

Current NXT Tag Team Champion Dion Lennox was one of the PC trainees to post about his time with Cena:

Cena’s wrestling career will come to a close on Saturday, December 13 at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, DC. His final WWE Raw appearance as a regular member of the roster will take place on Monday, November 17 from Madison Square Garden in New York City.

WWE reveals newest Performance Center rookie class

Posted on by Josh Nason

Five men from outside North America make up the newest WWE Performance Center rookie class, announced by the promotion on Friday.

Jaime Garcia, Mike Derudder, Dusan Novakovic, Cyril Coquerelle and Nathan Cranton have reported to Orlando as they try and take the next step in their wrestling careers.

Jamie Garcia

The Madrid, Spain, native competed as Zozaya. The 6’3″ 23-year-old is looking to follow in the footsteps of Axiom/A-Kid who made a surprise appearance to present Garcia with the Nino Anonimo Cup in March while WWE was touring in Spain.

Mike Derudder

The 29-year-old Belgium native wrestled as Mike D Vecchio, making name in promotions like wXw and other European indies like Progress and RevPro as well as All-Japan Pro Wrestling.

Cyril Coquerelle

Formerly Aigle Blanc on the indies, the French-born 27-year-old has been a pro since 2014. He also has experience across Europe as well as All-Japan Pro Wrestling.

Nathan Cranton

Wrestling as Nathan Angel, the England native is 22 and has been a pro since 2022. He is also a former Mr. International competitor.

Dusan Novakovic

Novakovic is a former pro MMA fighter from Serbia with no wrestling experience.

John Cena feeling ‘truly grateful’ following WWE Performance Center visit

Posted on by Joseph Currier

John Cena is feeling grateful after getting to spend some time at the WWE Performance Center.

As he approaches the end of his in-ring career, Cena stopped by the Performance Center on Monday and visited with some of WWE’s up-and-coming stars. NXT wrestlers Blake Monroe and Izzi Dame shared pictures with Cena on social media, with Dame writing that it’s always a blessing to be able to pick Cena’s brain about the industry.

Cena then posted his own tweet today commenting on the visit.

“Thank you to everyone at the @WWE PC for allowing me to learn from our incredibly gifted future,” he wrote. “Staying curious and open minded is a gateway for new knowledge and ideas. Any time I get to spend with the present and future of the business I love challenges the way I see it and I always leave with new perspectives. I can’t express how meaningful these visits are for me. Truly grateful.”

There are now less than two months remaining before Cena hangs up his wrestling boots for good. He only has four announced appearances remaining on his WWE retirement tour:

  • Monday: November 10: WWE Raw (Boston, Massachusetts)
  • Monday, November 17: WWE Raw (New York City, New York)
  • Saturday, November 29: WWE Survivor Series (San Diego, California)
  • Saturday, December 13:  WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event (Washington, D.C.)

While not announced yet, Dominik Mysterio and Gunther are rumored options for Cena’s last two matches.

John Cena visits WWE Performance Center

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The WWE Performance Center got a visit today from one of the most popular stars in company history.

John Cena was at the Performance Center on Monday, as seen in pictures posted by Blake Monroe and Izzi Dame on social media. An account for The CW Network shared Monroe’s post and called it “very interesting” that Cena was at the PC — though there is no confirmation if that’s teasing an NXT TV appearance for Cena.

“Always a blessing and such an inspiration getting to sit with John and pick his brain about our business,” Dame wrote in her post. “Grateful for the wisdom and perspective every time!”

Cena — who recently defeated AJ Styles at Crown Jewel: Perth — does not have a WWE appearance announced until the November 10 episode of Raw in Boston. After that, his retirement tour only has three more stops: Raw in New York City (November 17), Survivor Series in San Diego (November 29), and Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C. (December 13).

Tuesday’s NXT episode is taking place at the Performance Center and is the go-home show for Halloween Havoc.

Triple H makes announcement regarding future of WWE Performance Center

Posted on by Ian Carey

Triple H says WWE is in the process of building a new Performance Center.

WWE’s Chief Content Officer was a guest on Nightcap with Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson recently and revealed the news, saying the new Performance Center, also in Orlando, will be bigger and better than the one they currently have.

“We’re in the process of building a new one now in Orlando. It’ll be even bigger and better,” he said on the show.

The current facility first opened in 2013 and is roughly 26,000 square-feet, with seven training rings. In March 2020, the Performance Center (briefly under the name the Capitol Wrestling Center) became the host venue for episodes of WWE Raw, SmackDown, and 205 Live due to the global pandemic. In October 2020, episodes of WWE NXT began being filmed from the venue as well. Renovations were done in 2020 to add LED screens and additional seating for fans.

Triple H’s full appearance on Nightcap is available below:

WWE touts signing of three Olympians

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE is touting the arrival of three new Performance Center recruits.

Olympians Aaron Fara, Shady Elnahas, and Francois Prinsloo have now joined the WWE Performance Center after being offered developmental contracts by the company in 2024. They were signed after taking part in a WWE tryout that featured 17 Olympic athletes. Fara and Elnahas have a background in judo, while Prinsloo is a track and field athlete.

Fara and Elnahas are both 27 years old. Fara is from Austria, while Elnahas was born in Egypt before moving to Canada.

The 23-year-old Prinsloo is from South Africa and later competed in track and field at the University of South Alabama.

WWE.com wrote about the three new additions:

Aaron Fara

Hailing from Austria, the same country as ‘The Ring General’ Gunther, Aaron Fara is a globally renowned star in the world of judo. A former world champion, Fara won the gold medal at the 2023 IJF Grand Slam and represented his country at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Shady Elnahas

A former gold medal winner at the IJF Grand Prix, IJF Grand Slam, Commonwealth Games, Pan American Championships and Pan American Games in judo, Shady Elnahas was born in Egypt before immigrating to Canada at a young age. A two-time Olympian, Elnahas has had an astonishing 12 Grand Slam medals throughout his career.

Francois Prinsloo

From Worcester, South Africa, and then the University of South Alabama, Francois Prinsloo is a decorated track and field star with a background in the discus throw. Prinsloo won the Division I title in discus with a throw of 63.51 meters before competing at the 2024 Olympics later that same year.

Wrestling Observer Radio: Sid Vicious memories, WWE Performance Center updates, Dynamite & NXT recaps

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Image: AEW

After returning back from our trip to London, Wrestling Observer Radio with Dave Meltzer and I is back with tons to talk about including remembering the life of Sid Vicious, Fritz Von Goering passing away, what’s up with the WWE Performance Center story, Gable Steveson getting cut from the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, AEW Dynamite and NXT notes, a look ahead to All Out, all the PPVs coming up this weekend and more.

A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:
Start: Dave’s thoughts on Sid Vicious
31:32: Fritz Von Goering passes away
37:33: What is going on with the WWE Performance Center?
43:54: Gable Steveson cut by Buffalo Bills
49:30: Ratings
53:41: AEW Dynamite recap
1:16:06: WWE NXT notes, lineups for the weekend

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WWE denies Performance Center is moving to Las Vegas

Posted on by Ian Carey

Update:

Per Dave Meltzer, WWE has denied the below story, saying that Mark Shapiro talked about Las Vegas at today’s meeting but only as an area for future growth and addressed potentially opening a headquarters there at some point. However, there are no definite plans to move the Performance Center to Las Vegas, and certainly not anytime soon.

Original story:

WWE is looking at making a big change to its developmental program.

President and COO of TKO Group Holdings Mark Shapiro held a meeting in Stamford, Connecticut on Monday and revealed that WWE will begin using Las Vegas as a developmental territory. However, it’s not clear if this will replace the WWE Performance Center in Orlando or be in addition to it.

WWE talent and staff in Orlando are said to have been “shocked” by the news.

Our own Dave Meltzer posted to X on Monday, writing:

“Waiting for more from WWE but Shapiro did a town hall meeting in Stamford and Vegas will be a developmental location. May be replacing Orlando or in addition.”

WrestleVotes also posted to X regarding today’s meeting in Stamford, writing:

“According to a source there was an all employee meeting today at WWE HQ in Stamford hosted by Mark Shapiro. I’m told the biggest news to come out of the meeting is that the WWE Performance Center will be moving to Las Vegas in the near future.”

Our own Bryan Alvarez discussed the news on today’s episode of Wrestling Observer Live.

“Another breaking story here,” Alvarez said on the show. “WrestleVotes had a tweet out about the Performance Center moving to Vegas. I don’t have all the details but I believe that’s a true story.”

Alvarez later posted to his subscribers on X, writing:

“Performance Center to Las Vegas is true and talent is shocked. Nobody had any idea this was coming,” he wrote.

“Very few outside of the higher-ups were aware, and many on staff are said to be furious,” Alvarez added.

A possible venue for WWE to develop talent in Las Vegas is the UFC Apex, which is owned by TKO Group Holdings. WWE held NXT Battleground in the venue on June 9, 2024.

VIDEO: Jade Cargill arrives at WWE Performance Center

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has shared its first footage of Jade Cargill since she signed with the company.

On Tuesday morning, it was officially announced that Cargill has signed a multi-year deal with WWE. Cargill became a free agent earlier this month when her AEW contract expired.

WWE gave fans a first look at Cargill on Tuesday afternoon, posting a video on social media of her arriving at the WWE Performance Center.

Cargill also sent out her first message since joining WWE.

During a media call on Tuesday to promote AEW’s upcoming WrestleDream pay-per-view, Tony Khan was asked about Cargill signing with WWE. Khan wished Cargill the best in her future and said he only has positive things to say about her. Khan said Cargill would always be welcome in AEW.

Cargill’s final AEW match aired on the September 15 episode of Rampage. Kris Statlander defeated Cargill to retain the TBS Championship.

Cargill made her pro wrestling debut for AEW in 2021. She had a dominant run in the promotion that included being the inaugural TBS Champion. She held the title for more than 500 days.

It isn’t known if Cargill will be making her WWE debut on the main roster or in NXT. Dave Meltzer has reported that WWE is working on high priority main roster creative for Cargill.