Seth Rollins Makes Big Caitlin Clark Statement Before Wrestlemania
Before Seth Rollins steps into one of the biggest matches of his WWE career at WrestleMania 41, the Iowa native took a moment to highlight someone else who's been dominating headlines in a different arena — Caitlin Clark.
During an appearance on "Outta Pocket with RGIII" on Tuesday, Rollins opened up about his admiration for the former University of Iowa basketball star and the way his home state has rallied around her.
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"I love Caitlin Clark, man. I love Caitlin Clark," Rollins said when asked about her rise.
He continued by explaining just how much her influence has grown — drawing a comparison to one of basketball's biggest icons.
"I love it," Rollins said. "I don't wanna get blasphemous here, but, I mean, it's Jordanesque. ... She's changed the game. She's so unassuming, you know. You look at her, you don't think anything.
"You don't think she's a star. You don't think she's gonna just be balling out on everybody. And she does, you know. Yeah. And to see what she's done for ... women's sports in general."
Rollins also pointed out the increased conversation and competitiveness at the top of the women's game — and how Clark has been a major reason for it.
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"Even even the fact that, like, you get ... all this conflict at the top in the WNBA now about arguing, like, whether or not it should be her or, you know, you know, is like Paige Bueckers is coming out. Yeah. This year, and now she's gonna be the top dog. And, like, just this con like, is it Angel Reese? Like, who deserves the credit? The fact that we're even having that conversation, I think, is amazing."
Rollins also acknowledged how Clark's success has energized his home state.
WWE star Seth Rollins.Getty Images
"And to see what she's done and the amount of money she's been able to bring in for the women in sports, I love it. You know, in Iowa, we ain't got much, man. We ain't got no sports teams. That's why I'm a Bears fan. And so to see, like, people rally behind her is so cool."
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Rollins said he's already looking forward to what's next for Clark.
"I think she's great," he said. "I can't wait to see, like, her sophomore year, what she's gonna do."
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NBC Sports
an hour ago
- NBC Sports
2025 WNBA Power Rankings (Week 4): Collier leads Lynx to 9-0 start; Fever find wins without Clark
We're almost a month into the WNBA season. While teams like the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx are tried and true, other teams like the Las Vegas Aces and Seattle Storm are still searching for consistency. With another week of WNBA action in the books, it's time to update power rankings. WNBA Power Rankings These rankings reflect where each WNBA team stands after week four of the 2025 season. Teams are ranked 1-13 and are grouped by tiers. Past Rankings: Preseason, Week 1, Week 2, Week 3 New York Liberty (8-0) | Prior Rank: 1 - The Liberty continued their win streak into week four after beating the Washington Mystics on Thursday. New York got the win, but Jonquel Jones rolled her right ankle in the first quarter and did not return to the game. It's been reported that Jones avoided significant injury, but it's unclear when she will return to play. The Liberty are a deep enough team that they should be able to manage without Jones for a few games if needed. The good news for the Liberty is that Nyara Sabally will likely be returning for their next game against the Chicago Sky on Tuesday. Sabally's return will be a boost, especially if Jonquel has to miss any time. Since New York refuses to lose a game, they will hold on to the top spot this week. Nyara Sabally is a full participant in Liberty practice today, looking set to return. No Jonquel Jones (ankle), but the team is relieved that she avoided significant injury. They'll practice again tomorrow before hosting the Sky on Tuesday, so more JJ updates to come. @Winsidr— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) June 8, 2025 New York Liberty (8-0) | Prior Rank: 1 - The Liberty continued their win streak into week four after beating the Washington Mystics on Thursday. New York got the win, but Jonquel Jones rolled her right ankle in the first quarter and did not return to the game. It's been reported that Jones avoided significant injury, but it's unclear when she will return to play. The Liberty are a deep enough team that they should be able to manage without Jones for a few games if needed. The good news for the Liberty is that Nyara Sabally will likely be returning for their next game against the Chicago Sky on Tuesday. Sabally's return will be a boost, especially if Jonquel has to miss any time. Since New York refuses to lose a game, they will hold on to the top spot this week. Nyara Sabally is a full participant in Liberty practice today, looking set to return. No Jonquel Jones (ankle), but the team is relieved that she avoided significant injury. They'll practice again tomorrow before hosting the Sky on Tuesday, so more JJ updates to come. @Winsidr Minnesota Lynx (9-0) | Prior Rank: 2 - The Lynx have the best record in the WNBA, and like the Liberty, are also undefeated. Napheesa Collier stuffed the stat sheet in their most recent win against the Dallas Wings on Sunday. Another game, another reminder that Napheesa Collier is built different! She showed out again in the @minnesotalynx's win vs. the Wings ⬇️ 28 PTS 10 REB 4 AST 4 STL 3 BLK 10-19 FG WNBA Commissioner's Cup presented by @coinbase WNBA (@WNBA) June 8, 2025 While the Lynx are first in the standings by virtue of playing one more game than the Liberty, the Lynx are currently second (behind the Liberty) in Offensive, Defensive and Net Rating. So, they will keep the No. 2 spot for this week. Minnesota Lynx (9-0) | Prior Rank: 2 - The Lynx have the best record in the WNBA, and like the Liberty, are also undefeated. Napheesa Collier stuffed the stat sheet in their most recent win against the Dallas Wings on Sunday. Another game, another reminder that Napheesa Collier is built different! She showed out again in the @minnesotalynx's win vs. the Wings ⬇️ 28 PTS 10 REB 4 AST 4 STL 3 BLK 10-19 FG WNBA Commissioner's Cup presented by @coinbase While the Lynx are first in the standings by virtue of playing one more game than the Liberty, the Lynx are currently second (behind the Liberty) in Offensive, Defensive and Net Rating. So, they will keep the No. 2 spot for this week. Phoenix Mercury (6-4) | Prior Rank: 3 - The Mercury land at No. 3 for the third week in a row. The Mercury have been without Kahleah Copper and Natasha Mack all season. They have also played their last five games without Alyssa Thomas. Despite being short-handed, the Mercury have maintained a winning record all season and their top four defense is a large reason why. For now, with a record two games above .500, the Mercury edge out the Atlanta Dream and Seattle Storm for third this week. Atlanta Dream (5-3) | Prior Rank: 4 - Atlanta will also keep their No. 4 spot this week. The Dream went 0-1 in week four. Their loss came at the hands of the Connecticut Sun, who they blew out earlier this season, but struggled against the second time around. The Sun are a rebuilding team with a 2-7 record. This was a bad loss for a Dream team that finally had its full roster available. Atlanta missed out on an opportunity to create some separation in the standings. Since the Dream beat Seattle in their head-to-head match up earlier this year, they will come in one spot higher at No. 4 Seattle Storm (5-4) | Prior Rank: 6 - The Storm are back to a winning record after losing three games in a row. They move up one spot this week after going 2-0 in week four. Their wins came against the Dallas Wings, who have the worst record in the league and the Mercury, who are still without the services of Alyssa Thomas. While the Storm have beaten the Mercury this season with Thomas playing, they also got blown out. A move to No. 5 this week is warranted by Seattle's recent play, but they need some better quality wins to move up higher in these power rankings. Las Vegas Aces (4-3) | Prior Rank: 5 - The Aces continue to play inconsistently and drop one spot to No. 6 this week. Like the Dream, Las Vegas only played one game last week and lost to the Golden State Valkyries. But it wasn't just any loss. The Aces had five days to prepare for the Valkyries and got blown out by 27 points. This is the second embarrassing loss of the season for the Aces, but it's also their third loss by double digits. It's unclear what to make of this Aces team, but they will get the sixth spot this week as they continue to work through their struggles. Indiana Fever (4-4) | Prior Rank: 8 - The Fever have rebounded well after dropping the first two games they had to play without Caitlin Clark, who is recovering from a left quad injury. It's only been a week since Indiana signed Aari McDonald via the league's emergency hardship exception, but it's already paying dividends for the Fever. Since the signing, the Fever have gone 2-0 and overall are 2-2 without Clark, who will be reevaluated ahead of the team's next game on Tuesday against the Atlanta Dream. Caitlin Clark gives an update on her injury: "I'll be re-evaluater after this weekend. Not gonna rush coming back, it's just not worth it but after this weekend we'll have a better idea of when I'll return" AK (@Sudharsan_AK10) June 5, 2025 The addition of Aari McDonald, while not a replacement for Clark, helps to alleviate the pressure of rushing Clark back. McDonald has been much needed help on both ends of the floor since Sophie Cunningham is also out due to a right ankle injury. Aari McDonald has been a key early pickup for her new squad, averaging (9.5) points, (3.5) assists, and (3.0) steals off the bench. Today, she recorded 12 points, 2 assists, and 3 steals in the Indiana Fever's 79–52 win over Chicago. The team is (2–0) since her arrival. ✨ I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) June 8, 2025 The Fever have stopped the bleeding and are back to a .500 record, which warrants a bump to No. 7 in this week's rankings. Indiana Fever (4-4) | Prior Rank: 8 - The Fever have rebounded well after dropping the first two games they had to play without Caitlin Clark, who is recovering from a left quad injury. It's only been a week since Indiana signed Aari McDonald via the league's emergency hardship exception, but it's already paying dividends for the Fever. Since the signing, the Fever have gone 2-0 and overall are 2-2 without Clark, who will be reevaluated ahead of the team's next game on Tuesday against the Atlanta Dream. Caitlin Clark gives an update on her injury: "I'll be re-evaluater after this weekend. Not gonna rush coming back, it's just not worth it but after this weekend we'll have a better idea of when I'll return" The addition of Aari McDonald, while not a replacement for Clark, helps to alleviate the pressure of rushing Clark back. McDonald has been much needed help on both ends of the floor since Sophie Cunningham is also out due to a right ankle injury. Aari McDonald has been a key early pickup for her new squad, averaging (9.5) points, (3.5) assists, and (3.0) steals off the bench. Today, she recorded 12 points, 2 assists, and 3 steals in the Indiana Fever's 79–52 win over Chicago. The team is (2–0) since her arrival. ✨ The Fever have stopped the bleeding and are back to a .500 record, which warrants a bump to No. 7 in this week's rankings. Washington Mystics (4-6) | Prior Rank: 7 - The Mystics drop a spot this week to No. 8 after going 1-2 in week four. While there are no moral victories, the Mystics continue to show improvement. In their loss to the Liberty on Thursday, they had a much better showing in that game than just six days before when they played New York earlier in the season. Stef Dolson pulled the whole Mystics into the huddle after the buzzer sounded tonight. Jade Melbourne says Dolson said, "look at the growth from when we played New York last week. We were in that game." Tyler Byrum (@theTylerByrum) June 6, 2025 The Mystics' rookies, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, continue to impress. Both were part of the balanced scoring effort in Washington's 37-point win over the Connecticut Sun. It's no surprise that the May Rookie of the Month, Kiki Iriafen, was a team high +26. 🏀 @Kia Rookie of the Month 🏀 Kiki Iriafen averaged 13.9 PPG, 10.1 RPG, and 1.0 APG to earn May rookie of the month honors for the Washington Mystics!#KiaROTM | #WelcometotheW WNBA (@WNBA) June 4, 2025 The Mystics are going through some expected growing pains, but the growth is clear, which is why they continue to be in the mix and land at No. 8 this week. Washington Mystics (4-6) | Prior Rank: 7 - The Mystics drop a spot this week to No. 8 after going 1-2 in week four. While there are no moral victories, the Mystics continue to show improvement. In their loss to the Liberty on Thursday, they had a much better showing in that game than just six days before when they played New York earlier in the season. Stef Dolson pulled the whole Mystics into the huddle after the buzzer sounded tonight. Jade Melbourne says Dolson said, "look at the growth from when we played New York last week. We were in that game." The Mystics' rookies, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, continue to impress. Both were part of the balanced scoring effort in Washington's 37-point win over the Connecticut Sun. It's no surprise that the May Rookie of the Month, Kiki Iriafen, was a team high +26. 🏀 @Kia Rookie of the Month 🏀 Kiki Iriafen averaged 13.9 PPG, 10.1 RPG, and 1.0 APG to earn May rookie of the month honors for the Washington Mystics!#KiaROTM | #WelcometotheW The Mystics are going through some expected growing pains, but the growth is clear, which is why they continue to be in the mix and land at No. 8 this week. Golden State Valkyries (3-5) | Prior Rank: 10 - After a four-game losing streak, the Valkyries bounced back with a commanding win over the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday. In front of a sold out crowd, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase and Kate Martin one-upped their former team with a decisive 27-point win. Full circle game for Coach Nat. ✨🪽 Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) June 8, 2025 The Valkyries have proven to be a worthy opponent in most of their matchups this season. Even though the Valkyries beat the Mystics once this year in a close contest, the Mystics have a better Offensive, Defensive and Net Rating. So the Valkyries will come in at No. 9 this week, one spot below the Mystics. Golden State Valkyries (3-5) | Prior Rank: 10 - After a four-game losing streak, the Valkyries bounced back with a commanding win over the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday. In front of a sold out crowd, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase and Kate Martin one-upped their former team with a decisive 27-point win. Full circle game for Coach Nat. ✨🪽 The Valkyries have proven to be a worthy opponent in most of their matchups this season. Even though the Valkyries beat the Mystics once this year in a close contest, the Mystics have a better Offensive, Defensive and Net Rating. So the Valkyries will come in at No. 9 this week, one spot below the Mystics. Los Angeles Sparks (3-6) | Prior Rank: 11 - The Sparks are another team that only played one game last week, but they secured a win over the Dallas Wings. The Sparks play again Monday night against the Valkyries. The teams split their first two meetings of the season. Time will tell if the Sparks will be able to string together a few wins in a row, but they did get a boost in their last game with Rickea Jackson's return to the lineup. Still three games under .500, the Sparks will land at No. 10 this week. Chicago Sky (2-5) | Prior Rank: 9 - The Chicago Sky fall two spots this week and their outlook is very murky at the moment. The Sky went into their game against the Fever on Saturday trying to extend their two-game winning streak and lost much more than the game. Courtney Vandersloot sustained a right knee injury during the first quarter and did not return to play. It was later determined that she suffered a season-ending ACL injury. For a Chicago Sky team that was already struggling, this is a crushing blow. It's unclear how Chicago will rebound from this loss. For now, they get the No. 11 spot this week. Connecticut Sun (2-7) | Prior Rank: 13 - The Sun move up one spot this week to No. 12 after going 1-1 in week four. Their second win of the season (and first home win) came over the Atlanta Dream. Marina Mabrey led the Sun with 34 points, but the team got contributions from multiple players on their roster to seal the win over Atlanta. While the Sun did go on to lose their game on Sunday by 37 points to the Mystics, their win over the Dream helped elevate them to No. 12 this week. Marina Mabrey took control with a game-high 34 points 😤 She guided the @ConnecticutSun to their first home win and Commissioner's Cup victory, finishing with 34 PTS, 4 REB, and 4 AST. This notches her 1st 30-point performance of the szn! WNBA (@WNBA) June 7, 2025 Connecticut Sun (2-7) | Prior Rank: 13 - The Sun move up one spot this week to No. 12 after going 1-1 in week four. Their second win of the season (and first home win) came over the Atlanta Dream. Marina Mabrey led the Sun with 34 points, but the team got contributions from multiple players on their roster to seal the win over Atlanta. While the Sun did go on to lose their game on Sunday by 37 points to the Mystics, their win over the Dream helped elevate them to No. 12 this week. Marina Mabrey took control with a game-high 34 points 😤 She guided the @ConnecticutSun to their first home win and Commissioner's Cup victory, finishing with 34 PTS, 4 REB, and 4 AST. This notches her 1st 30-point performance of the szn! Dallas Wings (1-9) | Prior Rank: 12 - The Dallas Wings are still searching for their second win of the season while they await the return of Paige Bueckers to the lineup. They are currently on a five-game losing streak and have the worst record in the league. As a result, the Wings fall to No. 13 in this week's power rankings.
San Francisco Chronicle
2 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Caitlin Clark will miss 5th game with quad strain but could soon start 'ramping back up'
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark will sit out a fifth consecutive game with a quadriceps strain when Indiana visits Atlanta on Tuesday, shifting the focus to whether the Fever star will return against the WNBA champion New York Liberty. Indiana coach Stephanie White stopped short Monday of saying Clark had been cleared for basketball activities, saying the club was ready for the reigning Rookie of the Year to start 'ramping back up.' The Fever initially said Clark would miss at least two weeks, and it has been 16 days since Clark was injured in a 90-88 loss to the Liberty. She finished the game, saying later adrenaline likely allowed her to play with the strain. Clark told reporters last week she was targeting a Tuesday return, but said she wouldn't rush it. White reiterated the patience part Monday. The rematch with the Liberty isn't until Saturday at home, which should give Clark some decent practice time. 'We're going to be smart, and we're going to be cautious and we're going to play the long game and work her back in very intentionally,' White said. Clark is averaging 19 points, 9.3 assists and six rebounds in four games this season. This is the first time in her college or pro career that she's missed games. She averaged 19.2 points and a WNBA-leading 8.4 assists as a rookie. ___
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
Former WWE Star Matt Riddle Takes Massive Shots At CM Punk
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former WWE superstar Matt Riddle did not hold back his feelings on CM Punk in a recent interview, while also recalling a tense backstage interaction with John Cena. During his time in WWE, Riddle achieved significant success, starting in NXT where he won the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and the NXT Tag Team Championship with Pete Dunne. After moving to the main roster, he captured the United States Championship. Riddle's most popular run came as part of the tag team RK-Bro alongside Randy Orton. The duo was a merchandise and ratings success, becoming two-time RAW Tag Team Champions before Riddle was released from the company in September 2023. While speaking with the Going Ringside podcast, Riddle was asked about potentially joining AEW and the subject of CM Punk's past drama with that company was brought up. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation "You know, I'm not a big fan of that guy either. That guy sucks at fighting and he's a bitch to work with in the back," Riddle stated. When asked for a reason, Riddle elaborated on what he had heard from his former colleagues in WWE. "Because he just belly aches and complains. This guy complains about getting multiple world title runs," he said (H/T to Fightful). "I've heard from my boys that still work there (WWE) that he is a headache, and this isn't a storyline, this is the facts." LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Seth Rollins (R) chokes CM Punk during their Triple Threat match with Roman Reigns during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Seth Rollins (R) chokes CM Punk during their Triple Threat match with Roman Reigns during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, also shared a story about his first backstage encounter with John Cena, which he described as a "little tiff." "I've worked with Cena. I like working with Cena. He was a great guy, a nice guy, professional," Riddle clarified before telling the story by. "The first time I met, I accidentally said I thought he would be bigger. I don't think he likes being called small, which isn't what I said, but I thought he'd be bigger," he recalled. "He kind of gave me a verbal lashing back and forth. He gave me crap for being the king of bros, tried to get me to explain what that was, and no answer was good enough for John Cena." CM Punk has yet to comment publicly on Riddle's comments. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
