Mets vs Reds (7/18/25)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
10 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How to stream WWE PLEs on ESPN without paying $29.99 per month
WWE fans got a taste of what it's like to be in the ring, getting blindsided before the opening bell. Two weeks ago, WWE and ESPN announced a deal to bring WWE's Premium Live Events (PLEs) to a new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming platform being launched by ESPN. Originally, the plan was to roll things out in 2026. But, as the saying goes in pro wrestling, plans change. On Wednesday, ESPN and WWE revealed that the new partnership will kick off much sooner than expected. Starting September 20, WWE's PLEs will debut on ESPN's DTC service with a brand-new event called Wrestlepalooza. For fans used to paying a modest price of around $10 a month to stream events — first via WWE Network, then Peacock — the shift represents a major price bump: $29.99 per month on ESPN's new service. But not everyone will have to pay for the new platform. Per ESPN, subscribers to Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV (streaming only), Fubo TV, or Spectrum TV will have access to what it calls ESPN Unlimited as part of their existing pay-TV packages. Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics and Sports Business Journal both report that Verizon subscribers will also get access. The Journal added that 'More deals are being worked on, with notable absent names (for now) including Comcast Xfinity, YouTube TV, Dish, Sling TV and Cox.' Domestically, Netflix is WWE's broadcast partner for Monday Night Raw. In most international markets, the streaming giant is home to Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and all of WWE's PLEs. Some fans have suggested that using a VPN (virtual private network) — which can make it appear as though your device is connecting from another country — could be a way to bypass ESPN altogether and access WWE content through Netflix. But according to Netflix, 'You can't use a VPN while watching a live event on Netflix or with an ad-supported experience.' Users who do may get the error code E106 or this message: 'You seem to be using a VPN or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.' As WWE and ESPN treat their fans like wrestlers — getting the jump on them — they shouldn't be surprised if fans respond in kind, acting like heels and finding a rogue way to beat the system.
Yahoo
10 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Humpy Wheeler, the 'P.T. Barnum of motorsports,' dies at 86
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Humpy Wheeler, a pioneering motorsports promoter and former president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, has died, NASCAR said. He was 86. Charlotte Motor Speedway said Wheeler died of natural causes Wednesday in Charlotte, surrounded by his family. 'Humpy Wheeler was a visionary whose name became synonymous with promotion and innovation in our sport,' said NASCAR chairman Jim France. 'During his decades leading Charlotte Motor Speedway, Humpy transformed the fan experience through his creativity, bold ideas and tireless passion. His efforts helped expand NASCAR's national footprint, cement Charlotte as a must-visit racing and entertainment complex.' Howard Augustine Wheeler Jr. was born in 1938 in Belmont, North Carolina, and gained his first major publicity job with Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. He held several other positions after Firestone shut down its racing program in 1970 and was hired at Charlotte Motor Speedway by owner Bruton Smith as president in 1975. He became a transformative figure in promoting racing and was known as the 'P.T. Barnum of motorsports' for flashy pre-race stunts, elaborate productions and sparing no expense in ensuring fans had the most enjoyable experience possible at his events. Wheeler earlier this year was named winner of NASCAR's prestigious Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR, to which he'd have been inducted into the Hall of Fame next year. 'Humpy's contributions to and accomplishments in NASCAR are without parallel. The breadth and depth of his legacy, and those whom he influenced, assisted and mentored, cannot be overstated,' said Winston Kelley, executive director of the Hall of Fame. "Frequently adding new dynamics to the sport, Humpy's visionary leadership and creativity helped shape today's fan experience. 'Through his innovative promotions and stunts, Wheeler's contributions expanded NASCAR's national and international presence during the 1990s and early 2000s, solidifying Charlotte as 'NASCAR's Home for Racing.'' Wheeler mentored 'hundreds, if not thousands,' of people throughout his life, Kelley said, including inaugural NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt and Landmark Award recipient Janet Guthrie. Wheeler spent 33 years running Charlotte Motor Speedway. His innovation and pre-race extravaganzas recreated numerous military operations — including the invasion of Grenada — that made the facility a gold standard in NASCAR. He promoted school-bus races during the week, grassroots series for young aspiring racers, stunts and even the 'Robosaurus,' a towering, fire-breathing, car-crunching mechanical robot. Wheeler and his boss, the late Smith, grew Charlotte Motor Speedway into the ownership group Speedway Motorsports Inc., which acquired multiple race tracks that play a pivotal role in American motorsports today. Charlotte was the first track to build condominiums on site, built a restaurant overlooking the race track and was the first speedway of its size to install lights for night racing. 'Charlotte Motor Speedway was blessed to have a leader in Humpy Wheeler who can only be described as ONE of a kind,' the speedway said in a statement. ' For more than 30 years, Humpy was a promoter's promoter at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Alongside our founder Bruton Smith, Humpy pushed the speedway to new and greater heights — establishing the famed 1.5-mile superspeedway as not only the most innovative facility in NASCAR for fan, partner and competitor amenities, but also one of the most progressive in all of sports. 'Humpy's engaging smile and flair for promotion were legendary, and his impact on every stakeholder in motorsports will be long-lasting. Humpy not only made his mark with publicity, but also with a laser-focus toward the fans," the speedway continued. 'He would often tell his staff to pay attention to 'the three Ts — tickets, traffic and toilets,' in order to ensure fans have the best possible experience. He would also say it was our job to put a little 'technicolor in people's black-and-white lives.'" Wheeler retired from Charlotte Motor Speedway and Speedway Motorsports in 2008 after a bitter falling out with Smith, but remained active in motorsports through his own consulting company and was on the voting panel for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife, Pat; daughters, Traci and Patti; son, Trip; and four grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending and the family request donations be made in Wheeler's name to the Belmont Abbey College Motorsports Management Program, which Wheeler was instrumental in launching more than 20 years ago. ___ AP auto racing: Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press
Yahoo
10 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Keys for the Buccaneers' defense against the Bills offense
With one preseason game remaining, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' coaching staff is using every snap to evaluate depth, development, and defensive discipline. As they take on the Buffalo Bills this Saturday, most starters will remain on the sideline, placing the spotlight squarely on young defenders and rotational veterans. Here are the three key defensive priorities for the Bucs heading into the preseason finale: Generate Pressure with Depth The Bucs' pass rush has been active this preseason, and it needs to stay that way. With players like Nick Jackson, Markees Watts, and Anthony Nelson expected to get plenty of run, pressure off the edge and from inside blitz packages will be crucial. Buffalo will likely play backup quarterbacks, so disrupting timing early will go a long way toward controlling the game. This is also a golden opportunity for fringe linemen to stand out before cutdown day. Win Situational Downs Third downs and red zone defense will be critical measuring sticks. The coaching staff will look closely at communication and execution in those tight moments. Young defensive backs must show awareness in zone coverage and physicality in man coverage. Clean tackling and minimal penalties will be key to limiting Buffalo's scoring opportunities. Lock In Special Teams and Contain Runs The Bucs are still sorting out gunners, return units, and coverage teams, and many defensive backs play dual roles. Edge setters and inside linebackers must keep contain against Buffalo's rushing attack, particularly on early downs. Linebackers like Nick Jackson and John Bullock will be closely watched for gap integrity and sideline-to-sideline pursuit. This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Keys for the Bucs' defense against the Bills offense
