Latest news with #Belair
USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
WWE SmackDown takeaways: Bianca Belair returns; Andrade, Naomi qualify for MITB
WWE SmackDown takeaways: Bianca Belair returns; Andrade, Naomi qualify for MITB WWE Friday Night SmackDown on May 30 took place at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., and featured a face-to-face with Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, John Cena and Logan Paul. This week's episode was packed with solid segments and very good matches. There were two more Money in the Bank qualifiers and Bianca Belair returned. JC Mateo pinned R-Truth, the entire tag team division had a melee including the Wyatt Sicks, and we heard Damian Priest call out Jacob Fatu. Check out the top takeaways from this episode: Bianca Belair gets hometown welcome, warns Naomi Kicking off this week's show was Knoxville's own Bianca Belair, who returned to WWE programming after a few weeks away to heal up, but is still sporting tape and a splint on her left hand. Belair took the mic and started the University of Tennessee's unofficial fight song, "Rocky Top," which went over well with the crowd. After Belair talked about her recovery and eventual return, Naomi joined her in the ring. Naomi begged for Belair's forgiveness for her betrayal. She said she even went to Belair's parents' house and let herself in when nobody was home. Belair said if she ever came around her family again that putting Jade through the roof of a car would pale in comparison to what she would do to her. Naomi dropped the forgiving vibe and then let through a sinister laugh as she said she'd hate for Bianca to join her mother in a wheelchair (Belair's mother was sitting front row in a wheelchair). Jade Cargill's music hit, and she quickly cleared Naomi from the ring. Cargill and Belair stared at each other, but their friendship remains unclear. This was an intense promo between Belair and Naomi. Bringing in the real-life family just adds a whole different layer to the story. It's unfortunate that Belair is injured, which has paused the story's progression, but this was a great way to keep it fresh. Naomi qualifies for Money in the Bank The first match of the show was a triple threat Money in the Bank qualifier. Two of the competitors were already near the ring, Naomi and Jade Cargill. The third woman was Nia Jax. The big spots in this match kept the crowd invested, most of which were from Jax. We saw a second-rope leg drop, a double cross body, and a second-rope Samoan drop from the former champ. Cargill had her displays of power throughout the match as well. But the finishing sequence was another big moment from Jax - a superplex powerbomb followed by an Annihilator to Cargill. Jax had them both stacked initially, but Naomi moved at the last moment, and secured a three count by rolling up Jax. A win here was big for Naomi, as her heel persona continues to look very strong. The match was solid and Jax's big moments looked legitimately damaging. But what does this mean for Cargill and Jax? Will they find their way into the MITB match? Je'Von Evans, Rey Fenix shine in tag match vs. Los Garza The bouncy one from NXT, Je'Von Evans made his SmackDown debut in a tag match alongside Rey Fenix against Berto and Angel, as Santos Escobar and Ethan Page watched from ringside. Seeing Evans and Fenix on the same team felt like something straight out of WWE 2K as they flew around the ring, inside and out, wowing the Tennessee audience. Unfortunately for the high-flying team, Page got involved, attacking Fenix and Evans from behind while the referee was distracted. Los Garza hit their double-team finisher to score the pin. Page, the NXT North American Champion, will put his title on the line at Worlds Collide next weekend against Evans, Fenix and Laredo Kid. This match was obviously a primer for that match, while also getting Los Garza a much needed win. Everyone looked great here, and it was a fun match that the crowd enjoyed. Zelina Vega disrespected, defends title against Alba Fyre Zelina Vega continues to be the most disrespected current titleholder. For her match against Alba Fyre, Vega's entrance wasn't televised. No, instead, it was "Sign of the Night" time, and then we return to the ring to see Vega holding her Women's United States Championship high while sitting on the ropes. Meanwhile, Fyre, along with Chelsea Green and Piper Niven got a full entrance. Maybe that was payback for Vega breaking Green's nose at Saturday Night's Main Event. Green covered her injury with a colorful, bedazzled facemask, which we first saw in a backstage segment earlier when she demanded Vega be stripped for causing the injury, which led to the match between Vega and Fyre. The match was moving along nicely, until Green decided to get involved when things spilled to the outside. Green removed the facemask, revealing her severely bruised face. She attempted to hit Vega with the mask as Niven held her up, but the champ ducked. A moment later, Vega hit a Code Red to pin Fyre. When was the last time a champion didn't get an entrance on television? I can't recall. WWE seems to treat Vega as if she's a jobber even while holding gold, and this was just the latest example. Yes, the accident at SNME sucked, but those things can happen to anyone at anytime. Her reign might not be long since Giulia has set her sights on belt, but until that happens, do right by Vega, WWE. Andrade qualifies for MITB The second MITB qualifier was between United States Champion Jacob Fatu, Carmelo Hayes and Andrade. Unsurprisingly, Fatu dominated early, and even took out The Miz after he tried to prevent him from attacking Hayes. But as the match wore on, Hayes and Andrade had their moments, which was fun to watch because they always work so well together. "This is awesome" chants poured in after Andrade hit his top-rope moonsault into a backflip on Fatu. "Holy sh*t" chants soon followed when Fatu attempted to send both opponents through the barrier, but they moved at the last moment. The match continued to cook until Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo arrived ringside to cause distractions. Fatu was putting the finishing touches on the match. He hit his signature top-rope moonsault, but before he could go for the pin, Sikoa hopped on the apron telling him to do it again. Mateo hopped up too, demanding a second. Jimmy Uso appeared to attack Mateo. Meanwhile, Andrade and Hayes went at it in a wild back-and-forth sequence. Andrade hit his finisher to get the three count. Fatu was rightfully ticked off. On paper, this was one of the best qualifiers for MITB, and it certainly delivered. Andrade winning was somewhat of a surprise. Between him and Hayes, two wrestlers who deserve much more, one of them had to eat the pin here. Fatu didn't need the MITB, but Andrade and Hayes can greatly benefit from the briefcase. We'll see what happens with Andrade advancing to the big match. Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso get their hands on John Cena, Logan Paul The final segment of the show featured Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, John Cena and Logan Paul. Rhodes entered first and delivered a short promo before welcoming Uso to the ring. Cena came in next. After Cena called Rhodes and Uso "John Cena wannabes," Paul joined the group in the ring. With Paul and Cena set to tag against Rhodes and Uso, the hard sell was on for the heel team. Cena put over Paul, while Paul focused on belittling the crowd. He then likened the matchup to two "nepo babies" against two self-made men. Uso challenged Cena and Paul to throw down right now instead of at MITB. Cena wanted to leave, Paul wanted to fight. Rhodes delivered a sharp one liner, and the brawl was on until the show concluded. Paul did well on the mic here, but there was no back and forth, which left more to be desired. In fact, Rhodes and Uso only delivered one line each after Paul was done talking. The melee was expected, but it did show that Rhodes and Uso know how to work together, foreshadowing what could happen at MITB. Considering Cena showed up, the segment gets points on that alone, but it could have been better with more banter on the mic.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'WWE SmackDown' Live Results: Cody Rhodes Addresses John Cena Before MITB, Major Hometown Return
'WWE SmackDown' Live Results: Cody Rhodes Addresses John Cena Before MITB, Major Hometown Return originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As the clock winds down to "Money in the Bank 2025," WWE is set to air the penultimate episode of "SmackDown." Advertisement Friday's live episode will feature two qualifiers for the MITB ladder match set for June 7. WWE's biggest star of the present will once again confront the company's top ace of the past. "Friday Night SmackDown" will also feature the return of one prominent talent, who has been out of action since "WrestleMania 41." Following Cody Rhodes' shocking appearance at the conclusion of "Saturday Night's Main Event," the former Undisputed WWE Champion is back on the blue brand. He is set to address John Cena ahead of MITB, where the two will collide in tag team action. In a men's triple threat MITB qualifier, WWE United States Champion Jacob Fatu will look to add another distinction to his resume. He'll share the ring with Carmelo Hayes and Andrade. Three superstars will also be vying for a spot in the women's MITB match. Fierce rivals Jade Cargill and Naomi will collide with Nia Jax in triple threat action. Who will punch their ticket to WWE's most important ladder match of the year? That's not all, as a former multi-time world champion is set to make her return. After suffering a hand injury in her heavily praised triple threat match against Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley at "WrestleMania," Bianca Belair makes her way back to a WWE ring in her hometown. "WWE SmackDown" will air live on USA Network at 8 p.m. ET. Athlon Sports will be bringing you live coverage throughout the show. 'WWE SmackDown' Results Bianca Belair opened the show in her first appearance since April. Belair led the crowd in singing "Rocky Top." She said she needed to return to Knoxville to heal. Belair admitted she isn't 100 percent. She called herself the "EST" of Tennessee, which drew a big ovation from the crowd. Naomi then interrupted Belair. Belair was not receptive to Naomi's arrival. Naomi said she just wants Belair's forgiveness. She then admitted that she went into Belair's house uninvited and went through her photobook. Advertisement Belair told Naomi that if she ever goes near her parents again, then she'll hurt her worse than what she did to Jade Cargill. Naomi said it would be a shame if Belair and her mother were in a wheelchair. Things nearly broke down between the two, but Cargill stormed the ring and tossed Naomi through the middle rope. Nia Jax then made her way out for the women's MITB qualifier. Women's MITB Qualifier: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi vs. Nia Jax Naomi had Cargill seated in the corner. She then delivered a running dropkick. Naomi scored with the split-legged drop. Jax charged in, but Naomi moved, and Jax landed a hip attack on Cargill. Naomi went for a crossbody, but Cargill caught her and landed a fallaway slow. Jax broke up the pin before landing a Samoan drop on Cargill. Jax went high-risk and landed a leg drop on Naomi for a near fall. Jax and Naomi agreed to team up against Naomi. That agreement was short-lived, as Jax pulled Naomi off Cargill during a pin attempt. Advertisement Cargill hit a spinebuster on Jax. She then nailed Naomi with Jaded, but Jax broke up the pin. Cargill and Naomi were brawling, but Jax took both of them out with a crossbody. Cargill hit a splash on Jax and Naomi for a near fall. Cargill went for a superplex, but Jax wiped out both of her opponents with a Tower of Doom. Jax stacked Cargill and Naomi, but she only hit Cargill. Naomi then scored a crucifix pin on Jax. Winner: Naomi R-Truth Meets JC Mateo Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, and JC Mateo ran into R-Truth backstage. Sikoa poked fun at R-Truth for talking to himself. R-Truth touched Sikoa's arm and asked him if he had a problem. Advertisement Mateo was going to attack R-Truth, but Sikoa prevented him. R-Truth then told Mateo he's seen him in a day in his life. He then asked Sikoa if Mateo is his son. R-Truth then called Mateo "husky" and asked Sikoa if he could teach his "husky son" a lesson in the ring. Sikoa obliged. Fatu then told Sikoa and Mateo that they could have fun on their own. He said he has business to handle on his own. Related: WWE Expected to Sign Former AEW World Champion Imminently This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bianca Belair Emotionally Reflects On Her First WWE Tryout
It's been a long road to the top of WWE for The EST Bianca Belair. Bianca Belair might be one of the top WWE Superstars in the company today. But it didn't happen overnight. Belair signed her contract with the company following a tryout in April 2016. Advertisement The SmackDown Superstar took to social media today to reflect on her journey and posted an emotional message regarding her WWE tryout, tweeting out: 'From then to now…. My 1st tryout…I had no idea how to take a bump, I didn't even know what a 'bump' was let alone what a 'promo' was… I was so nervous you can hear the quiver in my voice. I had no idea what I was doing. The only thing I knew how to do was be me, because there is only ONE ME and that was my way to stand out. Shoutout to Mark Henry. 'So I wore my favorite rose outfit I made for a crossfit competition and showed that I may not come from this business, I may not know much but I will work my ass off and I will love and respect this business if I was given a chance. At 1st I always felt like I was stealing someone else's dream so I threw myself whole heartedly into this. 'I dealt with imposter syndrome for A LONG time. I always felt like I had something to prove. Now… I know exactly who I am. I know how much hard work I put in, I know my worth NO MATTER WHAT, and I know everything I've gotten and haven't gotten yet IS MINE. Dream big. Do things you didn't even think were meant for you. You never know. It might change your life and others along the way. #ESTofWWE #wrESTleMania41,' Bianca Belair said in a post. Bianca Belair's WWE tryout video You can check out a video from Belair's WWE tryout in the embedded video below: READ MORE: Jade Cargill Explains Why She Didn't Tell Bianca Belair That Naomi Took Her Out Advertisement What do you make of Bianca Belair's overall comments? Have you followed her through a majority of her WWE journey? Let us know your overall thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below. The post Bianca Belair Emotionally Reflects On Her First WWE Tryout appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Newsweek
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Biana Belair Confirms She Suffered Injury At WWE WrestleMania
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. Despite delivering a stellar performance in a high-stakes championship match at WrestleMania 41, Bianca Belair has confirmed reports of sustaining an injury during the contest. However, in a reassuring update for her fans, "The EST of WWE" indicated that the injury appears to be relatively minor and unlikely to sideline her for an extended period. Belair's quest for the Women's World Championship culminated in a thrilling Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania 41 on Sunday, April 20, 2025. She faced a formidable challenge against the reigning champion, IYO SKY, and the dominant Rhea Ripley. The bout lived up to its billing, captivating the audience with its intense action and earning widespread praise as one of the standout encounters of the entire WrestleMania weekend. Ultimately, SKY managed to retain her title by executing her signature Over the Moonsault, pinning Belair after a hard-fought battle. Earlier in the week, wrestling insider Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reported initial concerns regarding a potential injury to Belair's fingers sustained during the WrestleMania Sunday opener. This report highlighted the physical toll of such a demanding match on the athletes involved. Adding her personal confirmation to these reports, WWE's official YouTube channel released a behind-the-scenes vlog from WrestleMania 41 featuring Belair. The popular Superstar addressed the speculation in the video, stating, "I think I broke a finger. My finger is hurt, my feelings hurt. Nah, I'm so happy right now. That was amazing. Win or lose, it's WrestleMania." Despite the apparent pain, Belair's positive attitude shone through as she expressed her overall satisfaction with the WrestleMania experience. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: Bianca Belair is introduced before the Women's World Championship title match against Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: Bianca Belair is introduced before the Women's World Championship title match against Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. More Reflecting on the outcome of the championship match, Belair showed respect for the victor, saying, "The Mania streak is broken. I would prefer it to be IYO out of anybody. One of the greatest wrestlers on the planet. I can't be mad at that. Congratulations to IYO." However, she also sent a clear message to Ripley, indicating that their rivalry is far from over: "Rhea, I'm still coming for that ass, okay? This ain't over because it's your fault." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation At this time, it remains uncertain whether WWE will grant Belair any time off to allow her finger to heal completely, or if the Superstar will choose to work through the discomfort and continue to work. Belair's journey to her WrestleMania 41 championship opportunity was secured through a significant victory at the Elimination Chamber event held in Toronto on March 1, 2025. In a Women's Elimination Chamber match, with a guaranteed Women's World Championship shot at WrestleMania as the ultimate prize, Belair went over, last eliminating Liv Morgan to punch her ticket to the grandest stage of them all. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Bianca Belair Reportedly Suffered Significant Injury at WrestleMania
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. Bianca Belair may not have come out of WWE WrestleMania 41 unscathed, as a new report indicates that she was injured in her match at the biggest event of the year for WWE. Belair's journey to WrestleMania 41 was paved with a significant victory at the Elimination Chamber event held on March 1, 2025, in Toronto. In a Women's Elimination Chamber match, with a coveted Women's World Championship opportunity at WrestleMania on the line, Belair showcased her resilience and skill and went over. She did so by last eliminating Liv Morgan to secure her place in the championship match on the grandest stage of them all. The anticipation surrounding Belair's WrestleMania 41 appearance was major, given her impressive track record at previous editions of the event. She was a major favorite going into the match. Belair's quest for the Women's World Championship at WrestleMania 41 on Sunday, April 20, 2025, presented an interesting challenge. She found herself in a Triple Threat Match against the reigning champion, IYO SKY, and Rhea Ripley. The contest itself lived up to the hype, with all three women delivering a great match that was widely praised as one of the standout matches of WrestleMania 41. It ended when SKY executed her signature breathtaking Over the Moonsault, pinning Belair to retain her Women's World Championship. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: Bianca Belair is introduced prior to the Women's World Championship title match against Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: Bianca Belair is introduced prior to the Women's World Championship title match against Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. More Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp noted on Twitter that there was concern Belair was injured in the match. He wrote, "Sources within WWE told @FightfulSelect that there was concern that Bianca Belair suffered an injury to a couple of her fingers at WrestleMania." Sources within WWE told @FightfulSelect that there was concern that Bianca Belair suffered an injury to a couple of her fingers at WrestleMania. — Sean Ross Sapp of (@SeanRossSapp) April 23, 2025 This defeat marked the end of Belair's impressive WrestleMania winning streak, a testament to the competitive nature of the championship landscape in WWE. Her overall WrestleMania record now stands at three wins and two losses (counting the battle royal as a loss), or three wins and one loss in traditional singles/championship matches, showcasing her impact on WWE's premier event. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Her WrestleMania legacy began at WrestleMania 34 in 2018, where she participated in the WrestleMania Women's Battle Royal, although Naomi ultimately eliminated her. While this marked her debut on the grand stage, it wasn't a traditional singles or championship match. Her true WrestleMania breakthrough came at WrestleMania 37 in 2021, where she main-evented the show alongside Sasha Banks, defeating her to capture the SmackDown Women's Championship. Belair continued her WrestleMania dominance the following year at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, where she defeated Becky Lynch to win the Raw Women's Championship. Her winning streak at WrestleMania extended to WrestleMania 39 in 2023, where she successfully defended her Raw Women's Championship against Asuka. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
