Latest news with #CharlotteFlair
Forbes
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Ric Flair Slams Recent Promo Targeting Charlotte, ‘It Was Hurtful'
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JULY 29: Ric Flair speaks onstage at The Roast of Ric Flair at Nashville ... More Fairgrounds on July 29, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by) Ric Flair is still a live wire with an open mic. The 76-year-old legend was a guest on Ariel Helwani's show on Monday and he was asked about a number of recent topics, not least of which was about the death of his contemporary and fellow wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. Helwani also asked Flair how he felt about his daughter Charlotte's current storyline with Alexa Bliss. Flair said he thinks 'it's the best part of the show.' Helwani also made mention of a recent promo from current women's WWE champion Tiffany Stratton that strayed into a very personal area. 'You know what? I'm embarrassed for her…,' Flair said. 'I'm not gonna say anymore because I don't want it to affect anything, but that was the cheapest s**t I've ever heard in my life.' Helwani said he didn't know if it was a shoot or a work. 'Well, whatever it was (whether it was a work or a shoot), it was hurtful,' Flair said. "If it was a shoot, that's even worse, because that's nothing to joke about.' In case you missed it, Flair is referring to the promo from the April 4 episode of SmackDown ahead of Charlotte and Stratton's championship match at WrestleMania. Stratton made comments about Charlotte Flair being alone and having an 0-3 record outside of the ring. That was a shot at Charlotte's three marriages and subsequent divorces. Yeah, it was pretty nasty, and Charlotte looked visibly and legitimately bothered. She even fired back, "Is that why Kaiser is in my DMs?" That was a reference to Ludwig Kaiser, Stratton's real-life boyfriend. Here is a look at the segment. We've seen promos flow into some uncomfortable places over the years, but this was one of the cringiest spots I can recall. I can imagine Ric wouldn't have appreciated his daughter's business being referenced that way. The two went on to have a strong match at WrestleMania, and Charlotte has rebounded well. As Flair and Helwani mentioned in their interview, the current program that has Flair and Alexa Bliss chasing the WWE Women's Tag Team titles is strong. Charlotte is as over with the crowd as she's been her entire career, and most importantly, she seems happy. Stratton is an outstanding performer, and at 26, she is one of the brightest stars in WWE. In 10 years, it will be interesting to see if she regrets taking that promo to a forbidden place, or if there are other things behind the scenes that led to the ether. As it is, Stratton is still the WWE Women's Champion, and both women are thriving in their current roles.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ric Flair Breaks Silence On Hulk Hogan's Death: 'Absolutely Shocked'
is mourning the loss of a longtime friend and fellow wrestling legend. Shortly after news broke that had died at the age of 71 following a reported cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home, Flair took to social media to share a deeply personal and emotional tribute to the man he called one of his closest friends. Ric Flair Pays Tribute To Hulk Hogan Following Wrestling Icon's Death 'I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend @HulkHogan!' Flair wrote on X (formerly Twitter). 'Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father!' Flair's message offered fans a rare and heartfelt look into the depth of their decades-long bond, one built not just inside the ring, but through some of life's most difficult chapters. 'Our friendship has meant the world to me,' Flair continued. 'He was always there for me, even when I didn't ask for him to be.' The wrestling legend went on to reveal that Hogan was among the first people to visit him during a life-threatening hospitalization several years ago. 'He was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital with a 2% chance of living, and he prayed by my bedside,' Flair shared. Ending his tribute with powerful emotion, Flair wrote, 'Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you! Rest in peace, my friend!' Charlotte Flair also shared a tribute. "When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan," she said. My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Rest in peace, brother." Hogan's Ex-Wife Linda Recalls 'The Good Old Days' Hulk Hogan's ex-wife, Linda Hogan, actually shared a poignant memory just days before his passing. On July 19, she posted a nostalgic photo from 1996, capturing a moment at the NATPE Convention in Las Vegas. 'The good old days!' she captioned the throwback, showing the couple during their high-profile years together. Linda and Hulk were married from 1983 until 2009 and shared two children, Brooke and Nick. Their son, Nick Hogan, honored his father with a heartfelt Father's Day post just last month. 'Had a great Father's Day with the goat! Happy Father's Day to all the awesome dads!' he wrote, alongside a vintage photo of the two together. Fellow Celebrities Remember Hulk Hogan While WWE stars flooded social media with heartfelt tributes, public figures beyond the wrestling world also reflected on Hogan's far-reaching legacy. Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk called Hogan a 'uniquely American creation,' writing on X, 'Fearlessly original. Flawed but unbowed… He never stopped fighting for his country. An American icon. He will be missed.' Donald Trump Jr. also shared a simple but powerful tribute: 'R.I.P to a legend. HULK HOGAN.' TNA President Carlos Silva Honors Hulk Hogan's Legacy In Heartfelt Statement Among the many tributes pouring in following Hulk Hogan's death, TNA Wrestling President Carlos Silva shared a touching message reflecting on the late wrestling legend's profound impact on the sport and pop culture at large. 'I am saddened to learn of the passing of pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan,' Silva wrote. 'Hogan's name was synonymous with professional wrestling, transcending the industry to become an American pop culture fixture. My condolences go out to his fans, friends and family. Rest in peace.' A Look Back At Hogan's Legacy Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling, known for his larger-than-life persona, signature catchphrases, and decades-long impact on sports entertainment. As fans continue to process the news of his passing, Flair's words serve as a poignant reminder of the deep friendships formed behind the spotlight, and the legacy Hogan leaves behind, not just as a wrestler, but as a loyal friend.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Charlotte Flair Requested Major Change To WWE Plans: Report
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. New details have emerged regarding the card for WWE SummerSlam, and a major match has reportedly been altered from the original plans at the request of a top superstar. According to a new report, a planned singles match between Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss has been changed. The report from Bryan Alvarez of sheds light on the evolving creative direction for the women's division heading into the two-night premium live event in August. A Major WWE Creative Pivot Alvarez reported that the original plan for SummerSlam was a one-on-one match between the two multi-time former champions, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. However, Flair reportedly made a request to WWE creative to keep her and Bliss together as a tag team. As a result of this request, the plans for the singles match were scrapped. The duo will now team up at the event to challenge Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. The Influence Of "The Queen" Charlotte Flair is one of the most decorated superstars in WWE history. A record-setting 14-time Women's World Champion and a multi-time WrestleMania main eventer, she is a performer who holds significant influence backstage. Flair's reported desire to continue teaming with Bliss shows a commitment to their new partnership and to bolstering the women's tag team division with their combined star power. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Charlotte Flair poses in the ring before her WWE Women's Championship match against Tiffany Stratton during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Charlotte Flair poses in the ring before her WWE Women's Championship match against Tiffany Stratton during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, and Bliss recently challenged for the tag team titles at the Evolution premium live event but were unsuccessful. This match at SummerSlam will be their second chance at championship gold as a team. For Bliss, who made her return to WWE at the Royal Rumble in February after a two-year absence, the partnership with Flair has been the central storyline of her comeback. More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match SummerSlam Card Takes Shape The report also provided other updates on the women's matches scheduled for "The Biggest Party of the Summer." The grudge match for the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship between the champion, Becky Lynch, and her former protege, Lyra Valkyria, is currently scheduled for Night One on Saturday, August 2nd. Other major women's championship matches planned for the event include Tiffany Stratton defending the WWE Women's Championship against the 2025 Queen of the Ring, Jade Cargill. In another high-profile bout, Naomi is slated to defend her Women's World Championship against both Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY in a Triple Threat match. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tiffany Stratton: I'm Here To Take Charlotte Flair's Place
Tiffany Stratton isn't backing down from Charlotte Flair as she approaches the biggest match of her career later this month at WWE WrestleMania 41. WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton was a recent guest on the OneFall Podcast. When asked about her match with Charlotte Flair next weekend at WrestleMania, Stratton made it clear that this match has been coming for her well before Flair won the Royal Rumble. Advertisement 'Yeah, I think this match doesn't even start with the past six weeks. It doesn't even start with her winning the Rumble and her picking me. I think it starts with she's the reason why I got into wrestling,' Tiffany Stratton said. 'She is who I looked up to, who I saw on my TV screen. 'Who I idolized, and I had it already set in my mind that she is a dream match of mine, even before I got signed to WWE. So this goes back much farther than that. She's obviously one of my idols, and at WrestleMania, I think this is when I solidify that I am the new generation and I'm here to take her place.' Stratton will defend the WWE Women's Championship against Flair on night one of WrestleMania 41 later this month. READ MORE: Report: WWE Happy With Tiffany Stratton & Charlotte Flair Segment On SmackDown Advertisement What do you make of Tiffany Stratton's comments? Do you think she'll retain her championship over Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 41? Let us know your thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below. If you use any of these quotes, please credit OneFall Podcast with a link to this article for the transcription. The post Tiffany Stratton: I'm Here To Take Charlotte Flair's Place appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE SmackDown results (7/18/2025): A chaotic contract signing with John Cena and Cody Rhodes, Stephanie Vaquer wins, and more
Cody Rhodes and John Cena (Image via WWE) With SummerSlam a little over two weeks away, WWE is full steam ahead. And this means, this week's Friday Night SmackDown is basically a stepping stone for the upcoming Premium Live Event. From the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, the July 18 edition of SmackDown was already going to be an important one, as fans already knew of John Cena and Cody Rhodes coming together to sign their SummerSlam contract. Along with these two heavyweights, fans also got to feast on some exciting match cards, so let's get in with it already. The night started with a segment starring the MFTs, who had been in a car accident. SmackDown GM Adam Pearce and a few cops are seen talking to the stable where Solo Sikoa asks Pearce to get Jacob Fatu. But soon enough, the night moves towards its first fight when Charlotte Flair is seen backstage with Alexa Bliss , where the former tells the latter that she has gotten them a shot at the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles at SummerSlam. Charlotte Flair vs. Raquel Rodriguez Charlotte Flair and Raquel Rodriguez face each other inside the ring while Alexa Bliss and Roxanne Perez are standing outside. Both women seem to have a similar standing in the game, with neither being able to gain an upper hand. Perez tries to launch a sneak attack, but Bliss is there to take care of that. Finally, just when Perez thought she could create a distraction, Bliss hits Rodriguez with one of her pompoms, and Flair uses this opportunity to roll her for a pin and win. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair (Image via WWE) Charlotte Flair wins via pinfall against Raquel Rodriguez. The backstage segment with the MFTs starts again, and the cops take Jacob Fatu with them in suspicion of the accident earlier. Things then turn to Carmelo Hayes and Damian Priest, who, "Earlier Today," we're seen having a confrontation before a fight is announced between them. Carmelo Hayes vs. Damian Priest Carmelo Hayes started with a right hand into Damian Priest's back even before the bell rang, but Priest was not one to take it quietly. He retaliated with a big foot and the tone of the night was set. At the end, Priest slams Hayes face-first into the announce desk, and just as he was about to go for an Old School, Alistair Black shows up and trips Priest. Damian Priest wins against Carmelo Hayes by disqualification Jacob Fatu returns to SmackDown after SNME The MFTs are seen taking to the ring after the alleged car accident, where Solo Sikoa lays it on thick, blaming Jacob Fatu for what went down. But out of nowhere, Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu pop out from a police car, and everyone gets to know that Fatu had been cleared of all suspicion because of security footage. Fatu is inside the ring soon enough, and with Uso sneaking behind the MFTs, all hell breaks loose. Pearce is seen calling the cops when things get out of hand, and Sikoa is seen being led out by the cops for staging the earlier car crash. And the Steel Cage match between Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu at SummerSlam is also officially announced. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Alba Fyre Possibly for the shortest match of the night, Stephanie Vaquer faces Alba Fyre of the Secret Hervice with Piper Niven watching. They go after each other from the very beginning, but Vaquer is definitely the one with the upper hand here and soon goes for the Devil's Kiss, and then a package backbreaker. Though Fyre manages to give the slip the first time, the second time becomes too much, and Vaquer manages to get the three count after pinning her. Stephanie Vaquer wins via pinfall against Alba Fyre. Piper Niven, of course, comes after Vaquer, but the latter shoves her off. And though Niven tries to go after her again, Fyre stops her. Meanwhile, the Wyatt Sicks are seen trolling the Street Profits after their loss last week, right before a four-way tag team match is set to take center stage. Andrade and Rey Fenix vs. Motor City Machine Guns vs. Fraxiom vs. #DIY To determine the #1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championship, #DIY's Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, Rey Fenix & Andrade tag team, Fraxiom's Nathan Frazer and Axiom, and Motor City Machine Guns' Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley take to the ring. MCMG and Fraxiom are at it when #DIY jumps them. This brings Andrade and Rey Fenix into the mix as well. It's chaos inside the ring, but what else can we expect? Lastly, fans see Andrade hitting Ciampa with The Message and taking the win. Andrade & Rey Fenix are the new #1 contenders to the WWE Tag titles defeating MCMG, Fraxiom, and #DIY. John Cena and Cody Rhodes' SummerSlam contract signing Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for. Adam Pearce brings Cody Rhodes to the stage who right away signs the SummerSlam contract. He then asks the crowd, "What do you want to talk about?' He talks to the crowd for a while before Pearce brings John Cena out. And it's not what anyone is expecting. Cena tells everyone that Hollywood has been draining these days, and so, he won't be at SummerSlam. Everyone is shocked, but Cena goes on to say that maybe they can have the rematch later, but he won't be signing the contract now, as he does not intend to show up at the New Jersey event. He goes to walk away, and that's when things take a turn. Fans see Rhodes charging up the ramp and attacking Cena from behind. It's a mess, as both men try to gain the edge over the other. Cena tries to use his championship belt as a weapon, but Rhodes is not having that and grabs it from his opponent, smashing Cena with it. He then climbs the top rope and does a Frog Splash, driving Cena through the announcer's table. He then grabs a pen and forces Cena to sign the SummerSlam contract. The night ends with Cody Rhodes holding on to the Undisputed Champion belt. Also Read: WWE SummerSlam 2025 just got bloodier as Solo Sikoa v Jacob Fatu 2.0 moves inside the Steel Cage Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
