Latest news with #AndretheGiantMemorialBattleRoyal
New York Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Carlito reveals WWE departure after R-Truth stunner
WWE is letting another longtime performer walk away from the company. The wrestling world was shaken up Sunday when news broke that R-Truth was not getting his contract renewed by WWE, and the 17-year veteran wrestler isn't alone now as Carlito is the latest victim of WWE's roster trimming. 'My contract is up in 2 weeks. It will not be renewed,' Carlito posted to X Sunday evening. 3 Carlito announced WWE will not be renewing his contract and he's leaving the company in two weeks. WWE via Getty Images Carlito made his WWE debut in 2004 when he defeated John Cena for the United States championship. He then stuck around in WWE until 2010 before mainly returning to WWC, where he began his career in 1999, and made inconsistent WWE appearances throughout the years. 3 Carlito (l.) with fellow Judgment Day members Finn Balor (bottom center) and Dominik Mysterio (top center). WWE via Getty Images In 2023, he re-signed with WWE full-time, where he was primarily comedic relief for 'The Judgment Day' group and had only made one televised match in 2025, when he participated in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Carlito poked some fun at himself for his limited WWE action over the past few years. 'On top of that, WWE is demanding I pay back the $ they paid me for apparently 'stealing money' from the company,' he joked. 'I've had my lawyers look into it and after reviewing my footage on Netflix for the past months they suggested I pay them back the money. 'All jokes aside, gracias WWE & especially the WWE universe,' Carlito added. '[I love you very much!]' In addition to the United States championship he won in 2004, Carlito won the Intercontinental championship, the WWE Tag Team championships and the World Tag Team championships across his career. Outside of WWE, Carlito just won the Puerto Rican championship in WWC over the weekend when he defeated Ray González during the WWC Summer Madness event. The 46-year-old Puerto Rican star will now continue his career in WWC moving forward. 3 Judgement Day members Carlito (r.), Finn Balor (second from r.), JD McDonagh (second from l.) and Dominik Mysterio (l.) Getty Images for Netflix That is, unless he makes a surprise return to WWE sometime down the road like he did the last time he parted ways with the company. 'PS…I'll reappear again in another 13yrs,' Carlito concluded his X post. '[God bless you!]'
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Omos to return to WWE programming soon? Nigerian star has this to say
It's been a while since fans last saw Omos in a WWE ring. Known for his towering presence and powerhouse style, the Nigerian Giant has quietly stepped out of the weekly spotlight in recent months. His last WWE appearance came in April 2024, when he featured in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on SmackDown. Since then, Omos has been off the radar, sparking questions, speculation, and plenty of curiosity among fans and wrestling insiders. Now, in a new interview on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, Omos has spoken openly about his situation. He's not injured. He hasn't been forgotten. He's waiting for the right time to make an impact again. The 7-foot-3 WWE star also opened up about his time in Japan, why he sees himself as a special attraction, and how WWE legend The Undertaker continues to guide him through key moments of his career. His comments give fans a rare look behind the curtain and make it clear that Omos is far from finished. 'I'm just waiting': Omos on being absent from WWE programming Omos must have the best laugh ever WWE fans would love to see him back Omos made it clear that his absence is part of a bigger picture. He called himself a 'special attraction' in WWE, someone who appears for big moments, not every week. 'I don't know. I'm just waiting,' he told YouTuber Chris Van Vliet. 'I'm kind of in a scenario where I'm like a special attraction. Whenever that time comes, I'm ready.' That kind of role isn't new in wrestling, but for someone still early in their career, it's unique, and it speaks to how WWE views his presence. During his break from WWE programming, Omos spent time competing in Japan's Pro Wrestling NOAH. He teamed up with Jack Morris to win the GHC Tag Team titles at the beginning of 2025, a huge moment in his career. Although their reign was short-lived, the trip meant a lot to Omos. He shared how excited he was just to be there, especially after hearing Great Muta name-drop him in an interview as someone he wanted to see wrestle in Japan. He also credited The Undertaker as a massive influence during this time. Omos explained how 'Taker has become a mentor figure, someone he speaks with often for advice. 'He can't be my dad, sorry Taker, but he's been such a great influence on me,' Omos said. 'I always ask, what would Undertaker do?' Right now, there's no clear date for his return. But Omos made it clear that he's not idle; rather, he's just being patient. Whether it's another showdown with a top name or a surprise return on a major stage, the Nigerian Giant sounds ready. And when the moment comes, he wants to make sure it's unforgettable.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Brunson and the unique crossover relationship between the NBA and pro wrestling
Nine years ago, the New York Times Magazine ran a column asking "Is Everything Wrestling?" At the time, they were mainly referencing the 2016 presidential election, which had an injection of professional wrestling vibes seemingly unlike any before it, but it was a signal that the art of sports entertainment had fully engrained itself in the mainstream. There was a truth in the answer then, and it remains valid nearly a decade later — Yes, everything to an extent is wrestling. Unlike the rest of society, sports and entertainment, however, the NBA and pro wrestling have been tightly intertwined for the better part of three decades now. Shaquille O'Neal has multiple appearances, including wrestling in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, LaVar Ball and his sons Lonzo and LaMelo Ball appeared in a bizarre, off-script segment with The Miz on "Monday Night Raw," Joel Embiid has adopted the "D-X" crotch chop as his unofficial celebration, even former Celtics center Enes Freedom (Kanter) has held a championship in WWE. Advertisement For some reason, when the intensity gets ratcheted up as the NBA calendar turns to the playoffs, the world's best basketball players decide to enter the squared circle. Sometimes, these interactions happen in the aftermath of a major series or once a team has been eliminated. Other times, like in 1998, two of the biggest NBA stars in the world will work a professional wrestling angle into the NBA Finals, as Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone did. In Marc Raimondi's upcoming book on the NWO and its influence on American culture, titled "Say Hello to the Bad Guys," the Rodman-Malone feud is one of the signature moments that illustrates the crossover appeal that professional wrestling has within the NBA. As the Bulls — in Jordan's "Last Dance" season nonetheless — and Jazz squared off for the Larry O'Brien trophy, Rodman and Malone were building toward a tag-team match alongside Hollywood Hogan and Diamond Dallas Page for Bash at the Beach 1998. Advertisement 'Legitimate sports crossing over with wrestling is a tale as old as time — from Muhammad Ali to Ernie Ladd to Steve 'Mongo' McMichael to Shaquille O'Neal," Raimondi told Uncrowned. "Wrestling as an art has captured the imagination of many a sports star, just like it has laymen in the U.S. and beyond." The Rodman and Malone feud was polarizing, but it accomplished its goal when you look at the biggest measures of success in pro wrestling — it drew eyeballs and sold tickets. Rodman was a cultural lightning rod in the late 1990s and to this day is one of the more recognizable names from the iconic NWO run in WCW. Malone, while not having the same penchant for chaos as Rodman, showed he could more than hold his own in the ring. Fast forward to September 2021, WWE tapped into the NBA playoffs well once again, this time enlisting the help of Hawks All-Star Trae Young. Young, fresh off an Eastern Conference finals trip, still had very real heat among the Madison Square Garden faithful after he scored 30-plus points in all three first-round playoff games at MSG. Naturally, WWE used him to draw a chorus of boos and create a moment from an otherwise forgettable 10-man tag match. Advertisement The playbook stayed relatively the same in June 2024, with MSG hosting an episode of "SmackDown." Weeks after the Pacers eliminated the Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson became involved in a match between Logan Paul, LA Knight and Santos Escobar. Haliburton, like Young years before him, was a natural heel in The Garden and tried to aid Paul by handing him a pair of brass knuckles. Brunson intervened and after the match was decided entered the ring with a steel chair, chasing off the heels (and giving Knicks fans a scare about his surgically repaired hand in the process). Once the Knicks dispatched the Celtics last week, the clip of Haliburton and Brunson on "SmackDown" resurfaced and became a trending topic in both the NBA and wrestling worlds. It's hard to say why the NBA — particularly some of the biggest stars and during the biggest moments — and pro wrestling cross over so well. Perhaps it's the nature of the sport itself. It's remarkably more difficult for one player to take over a game — and draw opposing fans' ire — in the NFL or MLB compared to basketball. Also, while the NFL essentially generates interest yearlong and is a ratings juggernaut, there still may be somewhat of a disconnect when it comes to culture. When is the last time an NFL player released a popular pair of sneakers? Does the parity of the league and relatively short career span hurt the league compared to the NBA in the crossover department? Advertisement There may be no concrete rhyme or reason behind it, but the fact remains, the NBA and professional wrestling are a tag team unlike any other in sports right now. Considering the history there and rivalry between the Knicks and Pacers (then, now, forever, anyone?) there could be plenty of more runway for Tyrese 3:17 and 1A. "Brunson and Haliburton have a chance to be a modern-day Rodman and Malone, especially if they continue their NBA rivalry in WWE," Raimondi said. "I wouldn't be shocked if that happened.'
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shocking Name Wins 2025 Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal On WWE SmackDown
Image Credit: WWE In a surprising turn tonight, Carmelo Hayes took home the win during the 2025 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. In the now annual match ahead of WrestleMania 41, things got chaotic from the start. There were some funny moments, including spots with R-Truth stealing Carlito's apple, as well as The Miz getting into it with his former friend. Advertisement In the end, the final four were Hayes, Shinsuke Nakamura, Andrade, and Rey Fenix. Nakamura got dropped out of the ring by Andrade, and both he and Fenix nearly got tossed out by Hayes together. However, the pair got back into the ring, and Fenix was primed to eliminate Hayes, when none other than El Grande Americano showed up to eliminate him. In the end, it was down to Hayes and Andrade. Hayes won after pushing Andrade off the top rope as the latter went for a springboard. The superstar celebrated by posing with the gigantic trophy as the crowd cheered on the up-and-coming star. What did you think of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal? Was Hayes winning surprising to you? Let us know in the comments below. Advertisement READ MORE: WWE SmackDown Results: Review, Grades, Card For April 18 The post Shocking Name Wins 2025 Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal On WWE SmackDown appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Forbes
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
WWE SmackDown Results, Winners And Grades On April 18, 2025
John Cena returns to WWE SmackDown. WWE SmackDown before WrestleMania 41 advertised a John Cena appearance alongside Cody Rhodes, the Street Profits defending the WWE Tag Team Championships against the Motor City Machine Guns and the return of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Seth Rollins battled 'CM Punk' and 'OTC' chants by mocking CM Punk by sitting down, Indian style. 'Seth Rollins said CM Punk came back to wrestling, but he didn't come back to WWE. Rollins said Punk came back to wrestling, not for the fans, but for a 'big, fat check.' Rollins said the same about Punk's return to WWE. Rollins called Punk a 'liar, a fraud and a coward.' Despite getting booed, Rollins cut another all-world promo. He said despite the fact that his stepdad was dying of cancer last year, he still sacrificed himself as Cody Rhodes' shield. Rollins, who name-dropped Dean Ambrose on national TV, interestingly said that Paul Heyman brought himself and Roman Reigns to WWE. I'm more convinced that Seth Rollins will win than ever. After Rollins predicted a WrestleMania win, he said 'that's not a prediction, it's a spoiler.' Rey Fenix (who was made to look like a star, of course) and Shinsuke Nakamura were the only two wrestlers who received an entrance. Otehr notable names include The Miz, Legado del Fantasma, Andrade, Otis, Akira Tozawa, Carlito, R-Truth, the Creed Brothers, Pete Dunne, Austin Theory, Grayson Waller and Carmelo Hayes. Fans booed when Dragon Lee eliminated Karrion Kross. Then they cheered when Nakamura eliminated Lee. The Final 4 was Shinsuke Nakamura, Rey Fenix, Andrade and Carmelo Hayes. There was an audible gasp when Shinsuke was eliminated by Andrade, and even a couple of boo's. Andrade seemed pleased with himself. Rey Fenix was eliminated by El Grande Americano after all the luchadors ganged up on Chad Gable. This led to a Final 2 of Carmelo and Andrade. Carmelo Hayes won, which should quiet down the fake narrative of Black men struggling in WWE. Rhea Ripley vowed to walk out of WrestleMania as the three-time women's world champion. The colonizers in Vegas booed Bianca Belair more than ever during Belair's attempt at a promo. Even when Naomi interrupted, fans booed Bianca more than Naomi. Bianca inevitably has to turn heel, join Naomi and it will be the best thing in wrestling. Jade Cargill interrupted Naomi and begin arguing with Bianca Belair. Rhea got in Jade's face. A brawl ensued between all the women except Iyo Sky, who was now the fifth wheel instead of the third wheel. Iyo answered with a moonsault on everybody. Fans were cold to this match early, but with every passing minute of great wrestling they became more invested. There were chants of 'we want the smoke,' and MCMG hit their patented basement dropkick/neck vice combo. After an awesome Montez Ford dive, DIY hit the ring, forced a DQ and stole the titles. Perhaps the Street Profits will get a WrestleMania match afterall. Backstage, Nick Aldis got int the middle of a would-be brawl between MCMG, Street Profits and DIY. Aldis said next week (the crowd booed) there would be a TLC Match between all three teams (the crowd cheered). Randy Orton said he'd show up with just a little baby oil on his skin and challenge any of the boys in the back to a WrestleMania match. Orton's quick was short sand to the point. Nobody showed up to answer his challenge. This tells me that whoever shows up is going to be a huge name. There were loud 'Chelsea' chants to start the match. As a callback to her countout loss weeks ago, Chelsea barely beat a 10-count. Despite the support for Chelsea, fans popped huge after a rollup win by Zelina Vega. There wasn't much to this match, but Chelsea Green is one of the most over performers in all of WWE and that's what matters. There was an attempted set reveal of the WrestleMania stage. The video glitched and ended immediately. Fans were infuriated, chanting 'you f—ked up!' Fans continued to boo the screen glitch, but like a pacifier for a baby, WWE hit LA Knight's music and they cheered. This was yet another match that ended in disqualification between Solo Sikoa and LA Knight. Jacob Fatu crashed the match, followed by Braun Strowman. Nick Aldis announced a tag team match as a make-good. Fans still go crazy for Braun Strowman's running train attack. Strowman hit the running move on both Samoans. LA Knight pinned Solo for the win, which tells me Jaob Fatu's odds to win his first title in WWE just went up. These three teams went crazy after being given more time than any match. It was a showcase of luchadors, especially Rey Fenix, with no sighting of El Grande Americano. WWE re-aired the WrestleMania set reveal to a huge pop. John Cena told Cody Rhodes that Sunday at WrestleMania would be the last time he'd compete at the event. He even admitted nobody believed him because 'there's no such thing as a wrestling retirement, there's always one more match.' Cena called every other wrestler a 'scared, insecure loser.' Cean cut a great, scathing promo on Cody. He said Cody will lose because he cares about 'them" (the crowd). He said he had previously told Cody that every day the WWE Title gets heavier, and Sunday it'll be too heavy to hold. Cena said that despite the fact that Cody wants to be somebody, Cena is going take his title and make him somebody. Fans turned on Cody and booed him like he was Bianca Belair. John Cena ad-libbed and said 'these are the people you fight for?' Cody won the fans back by saying 'you call me underwhelming, but you're overrated.' Cody then went crazy and read John Cena, calling out his 'stack of dimes" of a neck, making fun of John walking around naked at the Oscars and polishing his silver bullet with the phrase 'you can't wrestle.' Cena responded by saying he doesn't need to wrestle to beat Cody, however an F5 was countered with a Cross Rhodes.
