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USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Prince, Brad Pitt, Britney Spears: All the celebs mentioned during the Diddy trial
Prince, Brad Pitt, Britney Spears: All the celebs mentioned during the Diddy trial Show Caption Hide Caption Diddy's former assistant 'Mia' says mentor caused PTSD Diddy's ex-assistant, a woman going by the pseudonym "Mia," returned to court and spoke out against her former boss. Much of Sean "Diddy" Combs' showbiz glory includes lavish White Parties in the Hamptons and star turns on the Met Gala red carpet. But in November 2023, the gilded walls of Combs' music kingdom came crashing down. That month, Combs' ex-girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine filed a lawsuit against him that opened the floodgates for various abuse allegations and kicked off a two-year legal saga for the former mogul. Then, last September, he was arrested by federal authorities at a Manhattan hotel. He has pleaded not guilty to his five counts on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. Diddy on Trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom with USA TODAY as Sean 'Diddy' Combs faces sex crimes and trafficking charges. Eight months later, Ventura Fine has now become one of the star witnesses in Combs' federal sex-crimes trial. Combs – who once claimed to be a billionaire – now spends his days in a Brooklyn prison, not his bicoastal mansions. Gone is the glitz and glamour. With Combs' trial underway, here is a look at all the Hollywood A-listers who have been name-dropped so far. Diddy's ex-girlfriend Cassie was prosecutors' star witness During her trial testimony, Ventura Fine brought forward new details about the abuse she allegedly faced in her decadelong relationship with Combs. The "Me & U" singer testified for four days the week of May 12 and laid bare the raw details of their complicated dynamic, including her alleged participation in drug-fueled sexual performances labeled "freak offs," physical and emotional abuse she said she faced early on in their relationship, and violence she reportedly witnessed while in Combs' orbit. Cassie Ventura takes the stand: Biggest moments from her Diddy trial testimony Her testimony also included an in-depth look at Combs' infamous assault of her at the now-closed InterContinental luxury hotel in Los Angeles, an alleged 2018 rape and her fear of leaving the Bad Boy Records founder due to potential retribution. Cassie shared a makeup artist with Rihanna Ventura Fine's friend and former makeup artist, Mylah Morales, took the stand in Combs' trial on May 22 to reflect on Cassie's turbulent relationship with Combs. Morales previously worked for pop star Rihanna for 13 years and during that time had other celebrity clients such as Cassie, Jennifer Lopez and even Diddy himself. During cross-examination, Morales was shown photographs from magazines and video shoots where she had done Ventura Fine's makeup, including stills of Cassie and Wiz Khalifa in the "Black and Yellow" music video, as well as a photo of Cassie, Rihanna and Ryan Leslie attending an awards show. Morales said Ventura Fine's look was "important to her.' Kid Cudi testified about Diddy allegedly breaking in, blowing up his Porsche Kid Cudi took the stand in Combs' trial on May 22 to discuss his one-time fling with their shared ex-girlfriend Ventura Fine. Cudi, whose legal name is Scott Mescudi, was previously mentioned in Cassie's November 2023 lawsuit against Combs. Ventura Fine previously testified that Combs allegedly blew up Cudi's car after Combs found out about the pairing. The "Me & U" singer's testimony mirrored details from her 2023 suit, which first featured the bombshell accusation. Diddy trial replay: What did Kid Cudi say about alleged break in, car explosion? Ventura Fine said Combs' violence toward her extended to others, including Cudi, whom she briefly dated in 2011 during a break in her relationship with Combs after they had musically collaborated. Cudi echoed Cassie's allegation about his damaged vehicle during court testimony and leveled additional claims that Combs broke into his home and locked his dog in a bathroom. The rapper also confirmed that Ventura Fine had told him about Combs' alleged physical abuse, including "that he would hit her, sometimes kick her." After finding out about the Cudi relationship during a "freak off," Cassie testified that Combs attacked her. Later, she told the court that she and Cudi split because she wanted to protect the rapper. Kid Cudi speaks out: What rapper revealed Cassie told him about Diddy Danity Kane member Dawn Richard claimed to have witnessed Diddy abusing Cassie After Ventura Fine's testimony ended May 16, former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard took the stand. Richard, discovered by Combs, was a prominent collaborator of the music mogul for a decade, including stints in the Bad Boy Records girl group and later the short-lived trio Diddy – Dirty Money. Her September lawsuit claimed Combs subjected her to physical and sexual abuse throughout their professional relationship. Combs' lawyers at the time said Richard was trying to "rewrite history." Richard testified that she witnessed Combs attack Ventura Fine, discussed a suspected assault of Combs' longtime girlfriend Kimberly "Kim" Porter and claimed Combs threatened her and fellow Dirty Money member Kalenna Harper with statements like, "You want to die today," and "I end people." Dawn Richard appears at Diddy trial: Danity Kane singer describes violent assault on Cassie Diddy's former assistant recalls 'magical' moments with Jennifer Lopez, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mick Jagger While reviewing texts with Combs' lawyers, Diddy's former assistant, going by the pseudonym "Mia" in court, recalled moments between her and the music mogul as they brushed shoulders with Hollywood's biggest names. In messages to Combs, Mia described some of their "magical, hilarious" and "hysterical" memories together: One was of a night in Paris when Mick Jagger tried to take her home; another was of a night when Jennifer Lopez wouldn't stay out with them; yet another was of a high-stakes poker game between Combs and Leonardo DiCaprio. In the text message she wrote that Combs said, while cursing: "That 'Titanic' (guy) doesn't know (anything). He won $10,000, I won $650,000." Diddy auditioned for James Brown biopic, a role that went to Chadwick Boseman Mia also took time out to mourn with the record exec. In a May 14, 2020, text, Mia told Combs: "Puff, my heart is broken about Dre," seemingly about the late Uptown Records founder Andre Harrell. In a message from August 2020, Mia texted Combs, "Thinking of you with Chadwick Boseman," following the actor's death. Mia said on the stand that Combs was "auditioning for the role" of James Brown in the "Get On Up" biopic that Boseman ended up playing, and she said she texted Combs, saying that she had his audition tape and would send it to him. Is Usher testifying at Diddy trial? So far, neither prosecutors nor the defense have announced plans to call on R&B singer-songwriter Usher as a witness in Combs' trial. However, Usher's name was brought up during Richard's cross-examination on May 19. Richard told the court about a dinner around 2009 where she allegedly saw Combs punch Ventura Fine. She said Usher was one of the music stars in attendance. Usher and Combs have previously linked up in the studio. The two have collaborated on the songs "I Need a Girl, Part 1," "I Don't Know," "Better on the Other Side" and "Looking for Love." Former assistant says Diddy assaulted Cassie at Brad Pitt movie premiere at Cannes In Diddy's former assistant Mia's testimony on June 2, she alleged that in 2012 she witnessed a discussion between Combs and Ventura Fine escalate at the premiere of the Brad Pitt film "Killing Them Softly," during the Cannes Film Festival in France. She claimed she saw Combs grit his teeth while digging his nails into Ventura Fine's arm, and eventually insist Ventura Fine leave, which she did. What is music executive Jimmy Iovine's connection to Diddy? Jimmy Iovine, co-founder of Interscope Records, has not appeared at Combs' trial, but the music executive has been referenced in court testimony. During Richard's cross-examination on May 19, the Diddy – Dirty Money alum said Iovine was present at a dinner party around 2009, during which Combs allegedly punched Ventura Fine. Interscope Records co-distributed Diddy – Dirty Money's 2010 album "Last Train to Paris" alongside Bad Boy Records. During her May 27 testimony, Capricorn Clark – a former personal assistant who worked in various other roles for Combs and his businesses from 2004 to 2012, then again in 2016 – mentioned Iovine. Clark told the court that as she sought a new job, Combs tried to blackball her. She alleged that she met with Iovine for what she thought was a job opportunity, but the co-founder of Interscope Records and Beats Electronics, among others, gave her a warning on Combs' behalf. "They were there to tell me to leave Puff alone and that this wasn't going to end well for me," Clark said. Britney Spears, Dallas Austin attended Cassie's birthday party In court, Ventura Fine detailed the A-list attendees at her 21st birthday party, which included pop princess Britney Spears and hit producer Dallas Austin. Ventura Fine told the court that the "Toxic" hitmaker wasn't there because of her: "That was all him. I didn't know them." In a questionnaire given to potential jurors prior to the trial's start, Austin's name is mentioned. The reason is still unknown, but he previously dated Combs' ex Porter, who died of pneumonia in 2018. Cassie once linked to 'Sinners' star Michael B. Jordan During her May 15 testimony, Ventura Fine touched on a connection to actor Michael B. Jordan as Combs' attorneys scrutinized her relationships with other men. Ventura Fine said Combs suspected that she was in a relationship with the Emmy-nominated actor after the pair broke up in 2015, per Fox News. At the time of their split, the singer-actress was filming a movie in South Africa. (Cassie starred in the musical drama "Honey 3: Dare to Dance," which was set in South Africa and reportedly concluded filming in December 2015.) Ventura Fine's former friend, Kerry Morgan, in her May 19 testimony confirmed Cassie "had started talking to Michael B. Jordan before she went to South Africa." "She was speaking to Michael B. Jordan," Morgan said. "They were not together, and (Combs) was jealous ... She was trying to leave (Combs)." Then on May 29, Ventura Fine's friend and former stylist, Deonte Nash, told the court: "Yes, I did hook her up with Michael B. Jordan." Nash clarified that Cassie was "somewhat" pursuing dating Jordan. They were "dating, talking and getting to know each other." Diddy trial: Cassie testifies about Michael B. Jordan relationship Did Cassie Ventura cheat on Diddy with Chris Brown? An alleged incident between Ventura Fine and R&B singer-songwriter Chris Brown was referenced during Combs' trial on May 16 after the rapper's lawyer Anna Estevao asked Cassie about two instances where Combs suspected she was cheating on him. "Do you remember the incident where he suspected you of dancing with Chris Brown?" Estevao asked of an alleged 2013 incident. Ventura Fine said she did not remember the instance, but she "was not dancing" with the singer. Brown and Combs have collaborated on numerous occasions, including the Diddy – Dirty Money tracks "Yesterday" and "I Know." Biggie's longtime friend D-Roc on why he 'trusted' Netflix doc's filmmaker with unseen footage Ex-assistant said Diddy attacked Cassie at Prince's house party During her May 29 testimony, the prosecution asked Mia about a party that took place at the late musician Prince's house around 2011 or 2012. Mia said she'd convinced Ventura Fine to go to the "intimate" party despite Combs' instructions for them to stay home. At the event, they danced, hung out with friends and Prince performed on a table. But when Mia spotted Combs walking in, she and Ventura Fine "booked it" outside the house. However, she said, "Puff caught up to Cass and had her on the ground." He started to attack her, but Prince's security intervened. Why was former President Barack Obama mentioned in Diddy trial? While on the stand May 20, former Combs staffer David James testified that he once retrieved ecstasy from the embattled mogul's medicine bag for one of his friends. James said the rapper had several different types of ecstasy pills, including "one in the shape of a former president's face," later clarifying that the pill was shaped like former President Barack Obama. Jurors asked about Mike Myers, Lauren London, Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child Potential jurors in the Combs trial were asked about Ventura Fine's longtime close friend and actress Lauren London, who has been vocal about Combs' support of her in the wake of the 2019 shooting death of her late partner, rapper Nipsey Hussle. Ventura Fine and London frequently comment on one another's Instagram posts. London commented "Love you guys" with blue heart emojis on Ventura Fine's February pregnancy announcement. Potential jurors were also asked about Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams and "Austin Powers" star Mike Myers. On May 29, Combs' former assistant Mia mentioned she'd been Myers' personal assistant before working for Combs. Diddy feuds with 50 Cent, Suge Knight brought up during trial Capricorn Clark, Combs' former assistant, told jurors on May 27 that she had a connection to one of Combs' foes, Suge Knight, who is the father of her best friend's children. She said the connection sowed distrust in Combs. Along with his bodyguard, Combs took Clark to Central Park the night of her first day of work, Clark said, alleging he "told me he didn't know I had anything to do with Suge Knight and if anything happened, he would have to kill me." She also recalled an instance early on while working for Combs, when she accompanied him to do press at MTV and overheard him saying he didn't like nonsense and people, but he did "like guns." Clark told jurors that 50 Cent was at MTV that day and Combs "had an issue with 50 Cent." 50 Cent, Diddy fights spill into court as former assistant reveals long-running feud Ventura Fine previously referenced the music mogul's longstanding feud with Suge Knight, as she took the witness stand and spoke about weapons allegedly stored in Combs' homes. On May 13, Ventura Fine testified that Combs left his Los Angeles house after being tipped off by a bodyguard that Knight was at a diner nearby. At the time of Combs' departure, Ventura Fine said she told Combs, "Please don't do anything stupid" as she screamed and cried in fear. Diddy security guard 'D-Roc' was in car when childhood friend Biggie died A name that has been repeatedly mentioned in court is Combs' security guard "D-Roc," whose real name is Damion Butler. Butler was once aligned with another famous rap figure: Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace, who was his childhood friend. Before his 1997 drive-by shooting death, Wallace was signed to Combs' Bad Boy Records. D-Roc was also in the car when Biggie was shot dead, according to a 2022 book "It Was All a Dream: Biggie and the World That Made Him." The 2021 Netflix documentary "Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell" features never-before-seen footage filmed by Butler. Before her February death, Biggie's mom Voletta Wallace told Rolling Stone she wanted to "slap" Combs in May 2024 after footage of Combs' hotel assault of Ventura Fine surfaced. Contributing: Marina Pitofsky, Aysha Bagchi, Patrick Ryan, Taijuan Moorman, KiMi Robinson and Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish via chat and at 800-656-4673. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Obama, Britney Spears, Michael B. Jordan: All the celebs mentioned during the Diddy trial
Obama, Britney Spears, Michael B. Jordan: All the celebs mentioned during the Diddy trial Show Caption Hide Caption Cassie Ventura's mother testifies at Diddy trial Regina Ventura, the mother of Sean Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura Fine, told the court she was "physically sick" over the rapper's alleged abuse. Much of Sean "Diddy" Combs' showbiz glory includes lavish White Parties in the Hamptons and star turns on the Met Gala red carpet. But in November 2023, the gilded walls of Combs' music kingdom came crashing down. That month, Combs' ex-girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine filed a lawsuit against him that opened the floodgates for various abuse allegations and kicked off a two-year legal saga for the former mogul. Then, in September, he was arrested by federal authorities at a Manhattan hotel. He has pleaded not guilty to his five charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. Eight months later, Ventura Fine is now the star witness in Combs' federal sex-crimes trial. Combs — who once claimed to be a billionaire — now spends his days in a Brooklyn prison, not his bi-coastal mansions. Gone is the glitz and glamour. With Combs' trial underway, here is a look at all the Hollywood A-listers who have been name-dropped so far. Diddy trial replay: What did Kid Cudi say about alleged break in, car explosion? Diddy's ex-girlfriend Cassie is star witness During her trial testimony, Ventura Fine brought forward new details about the abuse she allegedly faced in her decadelong relationship with Combs. The "Me & U" singer testified for four days the week of May 12 and laid bare the raw details of their complicated dynamic, including her alleged participation in drug-fueled sexual performances labeled "freak offs," physical and emotional abuse she said she faced early on in their relationship, and violence she reportedly witnessed while in Combs' orbit. Cassie Ventura takes the stand: Biggest moments from her Diddy trial testimony Her testimony also included an in-depth look at Combs' infamous assault of her at the now-closed InterContinental luxury hotel in Los Angeles, an alleged 2018 rape and her fear of leaving the Bad Boy Records founder due to potential retribution. Cassie shared makeup artist with Rihanna Ventura Fine's friend and former makeup artist, Mylah Morales, took the stand in Combs' trial on May 22 to reflect on Cassie's turbulent relationship with Combs. Morales previously worked for pop star Rihanna for 13 years and during that time had other celebrity clients such as Cassie, Jennifer Lopez and even Diddy himself. During cross-examination, Morales was shown photographs from magazines and video shoots where she had done Ventura Fine's makeup, including stills of Cassie and Wiz Khalifa in the "Black and Yellow" music video, as well as a photo of Cassie, Rihanna and Ryan Leslie attending an awards show. Morales said Ventura Fine's look was "important to her.' Kid Cudi testifies in Diddy trial after mogul allegedly blew up car Kid Cudi took the stand in Combs' trial on May 22 to discuss his one-time fling with their shared ex-girlfriend Ventura Fine. Cudi, whose legal name is Scott Mescudi, was previously mentioned in Cassie's November 2023 lawsuit against Combs. Ventura Fine previously testified that Combs allegedly blew up Cudi's car during her short-lived relationship with the "Pursuit of Happiness" hitmaker after Combs found out about the pairing. The "Me & U" singer's testimony mirrored details from her 2023 suit, which first featured the bombshell accusation. Ventura Fine said Combs' violence towards her extended to others, including Cudi, whom she briefly dated in 2011 during a break in her relationship with Combs after they had musically collaborated. Cudi echoed Cassie's allegation about his damaged vehicle during court testimony and leveled additional claims that Combs broke into his home and locked his dog in a bathroom. The rapper also confirmed that Ventura Fine had told him about Combs' alleged physical abuse, "that he would hit her, sometimes kick her." After finding out about the Cudi relationship during a "freak off" sex session, Cassie testified that Combs attacked her. Later, she told the court that she and Cudi split because she wanted to protect the rapper. Kid Cudi speaks out: What rapper revealed Cassie told him about Diddy Danity Kane member Dawn Richard testifies After Ventura Fine's testimony ended May 16, former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard took to the stand. Richard, discovered by Combs, was a prominent collaborator of the music mogul for a decade, including stints in the Bad Boy Records girl group and later the short-lived trio Diddy – Dirty Money. Her September lawsuit claimed Combs subjected her to physical and sexual abuse throughout their professional relationship. Combs' lawyers at the time said Richard was trying to "rewrite history." Richard testified that she witnessed Combs attack Ventura Fine, discussed a suspected assault of Combs' longtime girlfriend Kimberly "Kim" Porter and claimed Combs threatened her and fellow Dirty Money member Kalenna Harper with statements like, "You want to die today," and "I end people." Dawn Richard appears at Diddy trial: Danity Kane singer describes violent assault on Cassie Is Usher testifying at Diddy trial? So far, neither prosecutors nor the defense have announced plans to call on R&B singer-songwriter Usher as a witness in Combs' trial. However, Usher's name was brought up during Dawn Richard's cross-examination on May 19. Richard told the court about a dinner around 2009 where she allegedly saw Combs punch Ventura Fine. She said Usher was one of the music stars in attendance. Usher and Combs have previously linked up in the studio. The two have collaborated on the songs "I Don't Know," "Better on the Other Side" and "Looking for Love." What is music executive Jimmy Iovine's connection to Diddy? Jimmy Iovine, co-founder of Interscope Records, has not appeared at Combs' trial, but the music executive has been referenced in court testimony. During Diddy — Dirty Money alum Dawn Richard's cross-examination on May 19, Richard said Iovine was present at a dinner party around 2009, during which Combs allegedly punched Ventura Fine. Interscope Records co-distributed Diddy — Dirty Money's 2010 album "Last Train to Paris" alongside Bad Boy Records. Britney Spears, Dallas Austin attended Cassie's birthday party In court, Ventura Fine detailed the A-list attendees at her 21st birthday party, which included pop princess Britney Spears and hit producer Dallas Austin. Ventura Fine told the court that the "Toxic" hitmaker wasn't there because of her: "That was all him. I didn't know them." The real reason why Austin's name was on the questionnaire given to potential jurors is unknown, but he previously dated Combs' ex Porter, who died of pneumonia in 2018. Cassie once linked to 'Sinners' star Michael B. Jordan During her May 15 testimony, Ventura Fine touched on a connection to actor Michael B. Jordan as Combs' attorneys scrutinized her relationships with other men. Ventura Fine said Combs suspected that she was in a relationship with the Emmy-nominated actor after the pair broke up in 2015, per Fox News. At the time of their split, the singer-actress was filming a movie in South Africa. (Cassie starred in the musical drama "Honey 3: Dare to Dance," which was set in South Africa and reportedly concluded filming in December 2015.) When asked about Combs' reaction to an alleged relationship with Jordan, Ventura Fine said she "wasn't there to see it," according to NBC News, but added that Combs attempted to get in contact with her. Diddy trial: Cassie testifies about Michael B. Jordan relationship Did Cassie Ventura cheat on Diddy with Chris Brown? An alleged incident between Ventura Fine and R&B singer-songwriter Chris Brown was referenced during Combs' trial on May 16 after the rapper's lawyer Anna Estevao asked Cassie about two instances where Combs suspected she was cheating on him. "He found out you were dancing with another person in the entertainment industry? Do you remember the incident where he suspected you of dancing with Chris Brown?" Estevao asked of an alleged 2013 incident. Ventura Fine said she did not remember the instance, but she "was not dancing" with the singer. Brown and Combs have collaborated on numerous occasions, including the Diddy — Dirty Money tracks "Yesterday" and "I Know." Jurors asked about Mike Myers, Lauren London, Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child Potential jurors in the Combs trial were asked about Ventura Fine's longtime close friend and actress Lauren London, who has been vocal about Combs' support of her in the wake of the 2019 shooting death of her late partner, rapper Nipsey Hussle. Ventura Fine and London frequently comment on one another's Instagram posts. London commented "Love you guys" with blue heart emojis on Ventura Fine's February pregnancy announcement. Potential jurors were also asked about Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams and "Austin Powers" star Mike Myers. Diddy security guard 'D-Roc' was in car when childhood friend Biggie died A name that has been repeatedly mentioned in court is Combs' security guard "D-Roc," whose real name is Damion Butler. Butler was once aligned with another famous rap figure: Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace, who was his childhood friend. Before his 1997 drive-by shooting death, Wallace was signed to Combs' Bad Boy Records. D-Roc was also in the car when Biggie was shot dead, according to a 2022 book "It Was All a Dream: Biggie and the World That Made Him." The 2021 Netflix documentary "Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell" features never-before-seen footage filmed by Butler. Before her February death, Biggie's mom Voletta Wallace told Rolling Stone she wanted to "slap" Combs in May 2024 after footage of Combs' hotel assault of Ventura Fine surfaced. Biggie's longtime friend D-Roc on why he 'trusted' Netflix doc's filmmaker with unseen footage Why was former President Barack Obama mentioned in Diddy trial? While on the stand May 20, former Combs staffer David James testified that he once retrieved ecstasy from the embattled mogul's medicine bag for one of his friends. James said the rapper had several different types of ecstasy pills, including "one in the shape of a former president's face," later clarifying that the pill was shaped like former President Barack Obama. Contributing: Marina Pitofsky, Aysha Bagchi, Patrick Ryan, Taijuan Moorman, KiMi Robinson and Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wrestling Fans React to the Biggest 'What Ifs' in WWE History
One of the most engaging parts about sports and media discourse is discussing what could have been. There's a natural human desire to lament all possible outcomes from the past. It sparks intense debates and allows for endless hypotheticals. Recently, a fan took to X and asked about the most significant "what-ifs" in wrestling history. The post went viral and sparked endless responses, so I decided to consolidate it to make it WWE-centric while plucking out some of the more intriguing replies. Bret would've been about 44 at the time, and was such a technically sound worker, he likely would've had a few great years left in the ring. "The Hitman" would've made for an excellent leader of The Alliance. This has always been a popular sliding door, but of the group that competed with the Black and Yellow armband at SummerSlam 2010, who has been a star in any promotion, at any point, outside of Wade Barrett? It was a group with a shelf life that was too short, but fans have wildly overrated the stable's personnel in the years since. If Hogan had cold feet and stayed a face, he would have been released within the next few years due to his lucrative salary and diminishing fan support. The NWO doesn't reach the mainstream in the same way, but without Hogan politics, WCW booking doesn't crater, and the company remains a viable competitor far past 2001. Mr. Kennedy would've had a chance to be a main event star, but it would've been so hard to land the plane on this angle. It was a rare creative risk that was intriguing, but there were almost no viable payoffs. The world would keep spinning. This is tough for me. In the immediate aftermath, Creative was likely hesitant to push him in the same way, but he's been an ironman since. The likes of Seth Rollins and Charlotte Flair have been hurt more frequently, yet have never tumbled down the card. It seems like Balor has been more of a victim of sloppy angles than the inopportune injury. Advertisement Related: Wrestling Insider Makes Bold Prediction About Logan Paul's WWE Future Related: John Cena's Farewell Tour Has Been a Total Flop
USA Today
07-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Why the Cowboys acquisition of mercurial Pickens is a perfect risk-reward addition
Why the Cowboys acquisition of mercurial Pickens is a perfect risk-reward addition The Cowboys have gambled a third-round pick on a reported diva, but there are many levels of compensation that could be recovered from the investment. George Pickens comes with a flashing-red-light warning label. The fourth-year receiver has accomplished a bunch in his limited stint in the NFL, but it's all come with a huge asterisk. It doesn't take much internet sleuthing to find negative news about the newest member of the Dallas Cowboys' wide receiver corps. "George Pickens' attitude is wearing thin on Steelers teammates' patience." "Steelers' Pickens must 'grow up', Mike Tomlin says." "Steelers' Pickens perfectly summarizes attitude of this team." Readers can certainly gather that last one wasn't about a kumbaya moment. The former Georgia product was plucked in the second round of the 2022 draft by Pittsburgh, a team that has struggled to fortify an identity on offense for several years. For all of the homage paid to the Steelers for their consistency as playoff contenders, their wide receiver room has been a revolving door of headaches and unfulfilled promise for years. Antonio Brown. JuJu Smith-Schuster. Chase Claypool. Dionte Johnson. Now Pickens; they've all been solid to great, but the diva aura has staked it's claim to that position group like few others across the league. Now, Dallas is taking on the task of trying to exact a top performance out of the latest castoff from the Black and Yellow soap opera. And if they don't make a misstep, they are currently perfectly insulated. Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and yes, of course, he's seeking a new deal. The Cowboys shouldn't give it to him. The reasons are multiple. For starters, Pickens ability to make huge money needs to be tied into his performance in 2025. For one, it's not Jerry Jones' modus operandi to pay players for performances with another organization. That's been covered in these pages for years now. The Cowboys don't pay on speculation, they dole out big contracts as rewards for contributions to their organization. Pickens has the opportunity to show the maturity issues and his lack of accountability are not just in his past, but were a result of the previous culture. If he avoids issues in Dallas, he and his agent can proclaim he can be an asset if in the right environment. If he acts up with the Cowboys, well that's two organizations in four years that have grown tired of him; a damaging label that will limit his earning potential and ability to lock in guaranteed money and a long-term deal. If he is a relatively model citizen with the Cowboys, Dallas will have a lengthy window of exclusive negotiating rights. They can extend him at some point during this regular season, if the mood strikes them, or they can work on an extension during the offseason before the new league year kicks off in March 2026. And if there's no extension agreed to, either because they aren't interested or Pickens wants to test the open market, he's a prime entrant into the comp pick ledger. This year's wide receiver market was thinner than a deli slice during the Great Depression. The three biggest fish were a 33-year old Davante Adams and 32-year old Cooper Kupp and Stefon Diggs. They certainly have more accomplishments than Pickens, but they are a bit long in the tooth. Christian Kirk, who in six years has just one 1,000-yard campaign under his belt, signed for $18 million a year this past offseason. In other words, a strong Pickens performance likely puts him in the range to bring the Cowboys back at least a fourth-round comp pick in 2027, if they don't offset him with an equal signing. So if the Cowboys' don't pony up yet, they stand to reap the benefit of an extremely talented, field-stretching wideout who has to be on his best behavior in order to earn the big payday he is looking for. If he doesn't work out, they'll receive a solid amount of future compensation to offset some of what they gambled on the acquisition. If he flops, it will be a recoup of the fifth rounder they sent away. If he balls out and doesn't return, it will offset some portion of the third rounder they gave up. If he balls out and does return, they have one of the league's strongest wideout rooms. The worst-case scenario is that Pickens is a one-year distraction; but most observers were predicting the Cowboys to miss the playoffs before the acquisition. In that vein, giving up a top-75 pick in next year's haul would hurt, but it's worth the risk.
News18
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Wiz Khalifa On Why He Believes Earth Is A ‘Flat Plane': ‘It's Only Because I've Travelled So Much'
Wiz Khalifa seemingly believes Earth is flat and "we live on a flat plane". Wiz Khalifa seemingly believes Earth is flat. The 'Black and Yellow' rapper has rejected the notion the planet is round and is convinced that humans reside on a 'huge flat plane". Asked if he thinks Earth is round, he said in a Patreon episode of 'The Joe Budden Podcast': 'No. 'I just believe that we live on a flat plane, like a huge flat plane. 'It's only because I've travelled so much." But guest host and academic Marc Lamont Hill then asked Wiz if he had ever travelled to the edge of the Earth. Seemingly referring to the supercontinent of Pangaea, he said: 'Nah, it's not that. I think that there's more masses than just what we see because it was one thing before and it spread out. 'Because when I travel, the routes that we take and how we do it, it's not possible to go up and down. You're just going straight. That's the only reason I think that." The 37-year-old musician also cast doubt on space exploration. He said: 'I don't believe in space exploration at all. I don't believe that they explore space as much as they say that they do." Despite his comments, the 'See You Again' hitmaker's latest album, 'Kush + Orange Juice 2', features a photo of a round Earth on its cover. The record is a follow-up to his 2010 album but Wiz recently admitted he 'wasn't into doing a sequel" and 'would always leave 'Kush + Orange Juice' alone", but his thoughts changed when he began working on the record. He told 'I just thought, 'What would be the most satisfying for the fans and the people who support me? Should I start over and do something brand new, or re-create something that they already love and that they're already used to?' 'So that's what made me make the decision to work on a follow-up." First Published:
