Latest news with #FightfulSelect
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Is WWE reportedly planning to host WrestleMania 42 in London or Saudi Arabia?
WWE is gearing up for the upcoming edition of WrestleMania 42, the following year in 2026. The company is now aiming to hold the event outside of the USA, and is aiming to host it in London or Saudi Arabia. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, it has now come to light that WWE is reportedly facing significant hurdles when it comes to securing its location, and the latest updates suggest that the event's future home is still uncertain. WWE's strategy for selecting the host city for WrestleMania 42 has taken an unexpected turn. The company is currently busy making negotiations to encourage cities to submit more bids for hosting the show. Earlier, the Showcase of the Immortals was originally scheduled to take place next April at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, but news broke late last week that it would no longer host the event, and a new venue is yet to be announced. WWE is reportedly pressuring cities into bigger bids to host WrestleMania 42 WWE is reportedly putting pressure on cities to make bigger bids to host WrestleMania 42. The company is using the uncertainty surrounding the event's location as a tactic to prompt cities to increase their bids. By doing this, WWE may be creating a competitive environment where the hosts feel compelled to offer more attractive financial packages to secure the event. According to Fightful Select , 'WrestleMania 42 isn't in New Orleans, and officially doesn't have a home, though it's expected to be Las Vegas once again.' This comes as a surprise to many that the company is considering Las Vegas again, as Las Vegas was initially viewed as the frontrunner for the 2026 edition of WrestleMania. Despite the ongoing speculation, WWE is yet to confirm the venue, and sources within the company have remained tight-lipped, without declaring any official word on the matter. In the meantime, some sources have mentioned the possibility of other cities hosting the event, particularly London. The UK has been a point of discussion for hosting , but the high cost of hosting the event in London could be a major factor in whether the company moves forward with this option. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Again, Ringside News has reported that Saudi Arabia is another possible venue that could be taken into consideration. They stated, 'Saudi Arabia, which has long shown interest in hosting WrestleMania, is another rumored location, but it doesn't seem to be a feasible option in the immediate future. A longtime WWE employee weighed in, stating that if WrestleMania were to be held in Saudi Arabia, it would likely happen in the future, possibly rebranded as 'Super WrestleMania. ' In reality, the contest to host is fierce, as it contributes significantly to the country's economy. As WrestleMania 41 was hosted at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in April 2025, a city known for its high-profile events and substantial tourism revenue. Also Read : As the situation develops, potential host cities and fans are expected to wait as WWE makes the final announcement regarding the new venue selected for WrestleMania 42 in 2026.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Will Vince McMahon buy back WWE? Legal hurdles and speculation mount
Image via WWE The wrestling world was sent into a frenzy earlier this week following rumors that Vince McMahon , the former CEO of WWE , was considering buying back the company from TKO Group Holdings. The claims first surfaced on a podcast hosted by ex-WWE broadcaster Jonathan Coachman and quickly gained traction across social media platforms and wrestling news sites. However, multiple reputable sources have since dismissed the possibility as nothing more than speculation. Industry insiders and financial experts have weighed in, pointing out the many obstacles McMahon would face in attempting such a move. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select provided a detailed breakdown of the situation, firmly stating that McMahon does not have the financial means or corporate leverage to regain control of WWE. 'McMahon would almost certainly not have the financial means at this point to purchase the company,' Sapp wrote. 'He doesn't have the ability to buy back a controlling interest.' Though McMahon still holds a stake in TKO Group Holdings, it is reportedly comparable to that of other major investors such as the Vanguard Group. The majority ownership lies with corporate giants Endeavor, Silver Lake Equity Partners, and Egon Durban, who together control over 60% of the company. Legal troubles cloud the horizon McMahon's ongoing legal challenges further diminish any chances of a business comeback. He remains embroiled in a sexual misconduct lawsuit filed by former WWE employee Janel Grant, alleging serious accusations. Recently, John Laurinaitis, a former WWE executive also named in the lawsuit, was dropped as a defendant after agreeing to provide evidence against McMahon. This development adds to the legal pressure on McMahon and complicates any potential plans he might have to re-enter WWE's management or ownership. Since McMahon officially stepped down from WWE in early 2024, the company has continued to flourish. Under the creative and operational leadership of Paul 'Triple H' Levesque and TKO's management, WWE has reported record-breaking numbers in live event attendance, viewership ratings, and merchandise sales. The market valuation of WWE has also risen significantly since the acquisition, making the prospect of McMahon buying back the company a steep financial mountain to climb. Despite expert reports debunking the buyback rumors, discussions about a Vince McMahon return persist among wrestling fans and industry watchers. While his legendary role in shaping WWE's history fuels speculation, insiders maintain that the doors to WWE ownership are firmly closed to the former chairman - at least for now.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Former Tag Team champion Titus O'Neil's current WWE status revealed
(Image via WWE) WWE star Titus O'Neil, whose real name is Thaddeus Bullard, has been absent from in-ring competition since November 2020. Despite his long hiatus, the WWE star remains associated with the company, and he's still very much a part of the WWE family. The star has revealed details about his current WWE status and clarified that he is not retired but is currently rehabbing from a knee procedure, leaving the door open for a potential return to the ring in the future. Let's take a look at the fresh insights that have emerged recently. Backstage update on Titus O'Neil's current WWE status Fresh insights have emerged about Titus O'Neil's current WWE status, who has been away from the ring since 2020. Despite his absence, the wrestler has been actively associated with WWE and other philanthropic work. A recent backstage update suggests that he is not retired and fully plans to return to the ring one day. According to Fightful Select , the former WWE Tag Team Champion remains 'affiliated with the company,' even though there are no current plans for him to compete in the ring. Meanwhile, WWE has no plan to book him for the active roster, but Titus hasn't ruled out stepping back into the squared circle. In fact, O'Neil has made it clear to Fightful 'a number of times' that he's open to wrestling again 'under the right circumstances.' Titus O'Neil: WWE star shares unimaginable life events, healing trauma & purpose in family|The Pivot The former WWE Tag Team champion revealed the same thing just six months ago, in an interview with ' The Business of the Business. ' During the interview, he revealed, "I do get the itch to get back in the ring. I love competing, I love entertaining, but as I said in previous interviews here recently, if there's an opportunity that works well for me to do…' Since joining WWE in 2009, Titus has built a versatile career, debuting on the second season of NXT in 2010. He found success as part of The Prime Time Players alongside Darren Young, capturing the WWE Tag Team Titles in 2015. O'Neil also had singles runs and led the Titus Worldwide faction before stepping away from active competition in late 2020. Titus O'Neil is proud to be a WWE Global Ambassador: Raw, July 18, 2022 Though he is very much a part of WWE, the star is not fully prepared to come back to the ring. Over the years, the WWE global ambassador has done an immense amount of charity work for the company over many years. Also Read : Titus O'Neil Commends Vince McMahon Amid Netflix Docuseries Controversy | WWE News - Times of India O'Neil has received the WWE Hall of Fame 2020 Warrior Award, and he is a former WWE Tag Team Champion and was the inaugural holder of the WWE 24/7 Championship. He was last seen in action in November 2020, where he unsuccessfully challenged Bobby Lashley for the WWE United States Championship. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE star Asuka's return to the ring 'not imminent' in 2025
(Image via X/@knwrestling) WWE superstar Asuka, who was reportedly on the verge of making her long-awaited return to the ring, nearly a year after suffering a serious knee injury, has come up with a new backstage update. This year, there was a growing interest in her eventual return. Sources suggested her comeback could happen as early as May 2025, after the Backlash event, but fresh insights suggest that the Empress of Tomorrow's return is not imminent in 2025. Asuka's last WWE television appearance was in May 2024 at Backlash: France, where she and tag team partner Kairi Sane lost the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships to Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. Let's take a look at what fresh insights have emerged on the appearance of Asuka and when fans can expect her return to WWE. WWE star Asuka 's return is not happening soon in 2025 It's been almost a year since WWE star Asuka last appeared on WWE television, and while anticipation for her return is building, it seems fans will have to wait a while longer before The Empress of Tomorrow steps back into the ring. According to a new report from Fightful Select , internal creative discussions regarding Asuka's comeback have been taking place in recent months, but her return is still considered 'not imminent.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] - 2025 Top Trending Search - Local network access Esseps Learn More Undo WWE insiders were reportedly taken aback by how early storyline ideas were being discussed, with some creative pitches hinting at a possible return of Asuka in early 2025. Sources suggest that Asuka's return is not happening this year as she has yet to receive medical clearance to return. This has also been reported by PWUnlimited on X, stating, "Asuka has been out of action since last summer. Even though creative plans were brought up for her earlier this year, there have been no "imminent" plans for an Asuka return in recent months." Earlier, PWNexus reported that Asuka's return could take place following the Backlash premium live event on May 10. But, it seems that her return is not possible at this moment, keeping her fans waiting for her next television appearance. It is to be noted that Asuka is still listed on WWE's Raw roster and remains affiliated with the Damage CTRL faction. However, the group itself has struggled with injury setbacks, including Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai, casting doubt on whether the faction will remain intact upon Asuka's return. Also Read : Asuka set for WWE return after year-long injury break, Fans await surprise comeback - The Times of India Despite her absence, the former multi-time champion remains one of the most celebrated and dynamic performers of WWE. However, it is anticipated that her return will surely create a huge buzz, shaking up the women's division with a surprising comeback. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Liv Morgan's return confirmed? WWE star set to rejoin Raw on May 26
Liv Morgan could be back on WWE TV as early as tonight's episode of Raw, May 26. The Women's Tag Team Champion hasn't been seen on-screen for about a month, but that break was due to her role in the upcoming film Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo, where she stars alongside Lily James. She recently returned home after wrapping up her part in the movie. Since then, fans have been buzzing about when she'll be back—and now there's more reason to believe it's happening tonight. Fightful Select first reported that she might be making her return on the May 26 edition of Raw. PWInsider also backed that up, saying WWE creative has already added her to tonight's plans. Could Liv Morgan enter the Money in the Bank picture? Time to rejoice as Liv Morgan returns to #WWERaw tonight! Monday Night Morgan is back baby!!! With WWE building up towards the Money in the Bank event on June 7, the timing lines up. Liv could enter the mix for the women's ladder match, especially since she's still one-half of the Women's Tag Team Champions. Her return would add excitement to a Raw episode that's already packed with key matches. Tonight's show will also feature two big Money in the Bank qualifying matches and a triple threat tag title clash. Add Liv Morgan's possible return into the mix, and Raw might just deliver one of its strongest episodes in weeks.
