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Newsweek
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Top WWE Superstar To Undergo Surgery: 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. Following the chaotic main event of SummerSlam Night One, a new report has confirmed that the bloody nose suffered by GUNTHER was a planned storyline angle. The spot was reportedly used to write the former champion off of television so he can undergo legitimate nose surgery. The shocking and dramatic conclusion to the show saw CM Punk win the World Heavyweight Championship, only to immediately lose it to a cashing-in Seth Rollins. GUNTHER's "injury" was a key part of the layered story. The Bloody Angle Was "100% Worked" Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer confirmed his own previous report that GUNTHER was dealing with a real-life nose issue. He stated that the bloody finish to the match was a deliberate and planned way to write him out for surgery. The angle occurred at the conclusion of a brutal main event that saw CM Punk finally achieve his goal of winning a WWE world title after more than a decade. The emotional victory ended GUNTHER's dominant, year-long reign as World Heavyweight Champion. The post-match scene, with a bloodied GUNTHER, was used to sell the severity of the fight and protect the former champion in defeat. More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match This use of blood, even "worked blood," is extremely rare in modern WWE. It is a tactic reserved for major angles to add a sense of realism and intensity to a story. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. More The Ultimate Deception The drama did not end there. Moments after CM Punk's victory, Seth Rollins, who was believed to be out with a legitimate, career-threatening knee injury, sprinted to the ring with his Money in the Bank briefcase. In a shocking turn of events, Rollins revealed his injury was a masterful deception. He immediately cashed in his contract on the exhausted and celebrating Punk. One Stomp later, Seth Rollins was the new World Heavyweight Champion, ending Night One of SummerSlam in what is already being called one of the most shocking finishes in the event's history. GUNTHER's storyline injury now gives him a reason to be off TV while this new, chaotic chapter of the World Heavyweight Championship story begins. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Hulk Hogan was an icon. Terry Bollea was a mess.
Terry Bollea was Hulk Hogan. Hulk Hogan was not Terry Bollea. That's what we're left to grapple with upon the news Bollea -- best known as professional wrestling icon and six-time WWE world champion Hulk Hogan -- died at age 71. Hogan was an inspiration. A real life superhero. A pile of muscles stacked upon muscles who fought for justice and freedom powered by prayers and vitamins. Bollea, on the other hand, was something else. His life and the icon he created became so intertwined it became unclear, even to Bollea himself, where the person stopped and the wrestler began. One thing was clear. Hogan, the superstar, was simple. He stuck to a script. His matches mostly played out the same way. When he did change things up, he only became more powerful. His surprising heel turn (from a good guy to a bad one) birthed "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and made World Championship Wrestling (WCW) the biggest promotion in the world for a stretch. It's one of the biggest moments in wrestling history. Bollea, the person, was complex. He was messy. When he made changes in his personal life, they typically showcased someone insecure and lacking the strength he projected on the world. He was, by his own admission (in a sex tape lawsuit that would eventually take down a media conglomerate), "a racist." He was anti-union and exceedingly selfish. He used his position atop the then-WWF and the since-shuttered WCW to hold other potential stars back and keep his place at the top of the food chain in a business where every bump is real but the outcomes remain predetermined. He once apparently blamed a traumatic injury caused by his son's reckless driving on God's intervention for the victim's behavior. He threatened to body slam a female presidential candidate. He went on the Arsenio Hall Show to deny taking steroids, then admitted his steroid use when his boss, Vince McMahon, was forced to stand trial for allegedly supplying the drugs to his locker room (McMahon was acquitted). You could make a book out of the totally inconsequential lies Hogan told over the years. One man turned it into a Twitter thread that scrolled at least 61 tweets deep. It's remarkable Bollea and Hogan were separate entities in the public eye for so long. Only recently did everything outside the ring finally catch up to "The Immortal." Hogan had his WWE contract terminated in 2015 after his racist comments leaked to the world. He was still welcomed back three years later to host the company's Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia and later hosted WrestleMania. He only really felt blowback from the fans earlier this year, when his appearance on Monday Night Raw's Netflix debut with longtime manager Jimmy Hart was met with boos -- "go-away heat," in wrestling parlance -- from the Los Angeles crowd. Bollea received second, third, fourth, fifth, etc chances because he understood his business. He created a legend. Hulk Hogan in the ring was a sword, but in the real world he was a shield. Bollea could be a conniving, lying politician and self-described racist behind the scenes, but when his music hit -- and it's great music, even if Bollea (who once told the world he was nearly Metallica's bassist) doesn't play a lick of it -- he was a hero. He persisted long enough that kids who grew up idolizing him could tell their kids about him, and then their *grandkids.* He mostly played these dual roles like a virtuoso. Terry Bollea was the problem. Hulk Hogan was the solution. He was a brand so trustworthy you could slap his image on anything -- blenders, beer, even fast food pasta restaurants at the Mall of America. The problem was, like Hogan, once you drilled past the surface there was something different underneath. Something that failed to live up to the superhero we were promised. Now the man is gone, leaving the superhero to live on unabated. Terry Bollea has died. Hulk Hogan will live on for years. Whether he's a hero or a villain with hinge entirely on your ability to separate the two.
Newsweek
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Two WWE Stars Reportedly Sidelined With Injuries
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. The WWE tag team New Catch Republic is reportedly on the injured list. Both Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate have been absent from television since late May. According to a report from Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live, both members of the team are currently sidelined with injuries. The team's last match was a victory over A-Town Down Under on the May 26th edition of WWE Main Event. Injuries Halt WWE Tag Team's Momentum At this time, the nature of the injuries to Dunne and Bate is unknown. There is also no official timeline for how long either superstar will be out of action. This is an unfortunate development for the tag team. It is especially so for Tyler Bate. Setback For Tyler Bate This latest issue marks a significant setback for the "Big Strong Boy." Bate only returned to the ring in March of this year. He had been on the shelf for nine months prior to that return. He was recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. More Since his return, he and Dunne have competed mainly on WWE Main Event. During Bate's previous absence in late 2024, Dunne had a brief singles run as a heel. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Both stars are foundational figures of the NXT UK brand, forever linked by their classic rivalry. Bate became the first-ever WWE United Kingdom Champion in 2017, but Dunne dethroned him in a legendary match, beginning a historic 685-day reign as champion. Both men also found success winning the NXT Tag Team Championship with different partners. On the main roster, Dunne was repackaged as "Butch" of the Brawling Brutes before reverting to his original name. He and Bate then officially reunited in early 2024 to form the tag team New Catch Republic, bringing their acclaimed chemistry to the main roster. The team has challenged for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles and is praised for their hard-hitting, technical style. WWE will miss these two stars who can match up with anyone and get younger talents over. They also present a situation where WWE can plug them into any program or match needed and know what they deliver inside of the squared circle. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Superstar Wants To Join AEW
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. Elayna Black, known to WWE fans as Cora Jade until her release on May 2, 2025, has stated her openness to joining All Elite Wrestling. The former NXT Women's Tag Team Champion shared her thoughts on her future and AEW's creative environment during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. Black expressed a clear interest in potentially working with AEW. "I would definitely be open to going to AEW. I loved my time there. I have a lot of friends there," she said. The former WWE star made a brief appearance on AEW Dark in 2020 as Elayna Black before signing with WWE. Her positive sentiment towards the promotion is also fueled by its creative approach. "I watch all the shows. I love the fact that they have as much creative freedom as they do," Black noted. She further explained her appreciation for AEW's style. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation She stated, "I'm so much for storylines and character, so I feel they are very creatively free in that way." Black signed with WWE in early 2021 and quickly made a name for herself in NXT as Cora Jade. She developed a rebellious "Generation of Jade" persona. She captured the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Roxanne Perez, with whom she also had a memorable, intense feud after turning heel. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. More Throughout her NXT tenure, she was involved in several prominent storylines and was considered a key part of the brand's women's division. Following her WWE departure, she has reverted to her Black ring name and has been actively preparing for the next chapter of her career. She's done so by launching an OnlyFans account and taking independent bookings as her 30-day non-compete period ended around June 1, 2025. Her comments about AEW signal a significant potential landing spot for the young star. AEW may be the right landing spot for her, considering that she is still so young and could use the rival promotion as a launching pad for her career on a short-term basis. A one or two-year deal would be something she could use greatly to her benefit and perhaps make her way to WWE one day if she impresses enough. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former AEW Wrestler To Make WWE In-Ring Debut
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. Mike Santana made a surprise WWE debut appearance at the NXT Battleground premium live event on Sunday, May 25, 2025. This signals a new chapter for the acclaimed wrestler, who is now set for his first-ever match on WWE television. It was reported earlier on the day of the show that Santana was present backstage, and he appeared in an interview segment. During the NXT Battleground broadcast, Santana was being interviewed by Sarah Schreiber when the No Quarter Catch Crew confronted him. This led to a heated argument, particularly with Tavion Heights, culminating in a challenge being issued and accepted. As a result, it was announced that Santana will face Heights in his "first ever match on WWE television" on the upcoming week's episode of NXT. Santana's journey to WWE has been noteworthy. He initially rose to up the ranks in AEW as one-half of the popular tag team Proud N' Powerful alongside Ortiz, debuting with the company in August 2019 as part of Chris Jericho's Inner Circle. During his AEW tenure, Santana participated in numerous high-profile feuds and notable matches, including Stadium Stampede and Blood & Guts, before an ACL injury in June 2022 sidelined him for an extended period. Upon his return in 2023, he embarked on a singles run before his AEW contract reportedly expired in early 2024, leading to his departure. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. More More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Following his AEW exit, Santana significantly impacted the independent circuit and notably returned to TNA Wrestling. In TNA, he quickly re-established himself as star, even recently having a backstage encounter with Trick Williams on TNA iMPACT!, teasing a potential future program there. Santana's appearance at an NXT event occurs amidst an unprecedented working relationship between WWE and TNA Wrestling. This collaboration has seen former TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace compete in the WWE Women's Royal Rumble and challenge for the NXT Women's Championship, and former TNA World Champion Joe Hendry defended his title at NXT Battleground. Tatum Paxley from NXT also appeared on TNA programming. This "forbidden door" activity has created considerable buzz, with Santana's arrival in NXT further fueling speculation about the depth and future of this inter-promotional synergy. It will be interesting to see if he gets more chances in WWE to shine. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
