Latest news with #GUNTHER
Metro
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
WWE Backlash 2025 preview and UK start time for 'last time ever' match
Despite initial concerns from some fans about the build, WWE Backlash looks set to be a huge show. Just weeks removed from an industry-shaking WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, the sports entertainment company is moving on with new champions and intense rivalries. For this weekend's five-match card, John Cena will defend his 17th Undisputed WWE Title for the first time against an old rival, while three other champions have gold on the line. Raw commentator Pat McAfee will also wrestle his first singles match since 2023, while there are rumours about potential returns and debuts. With Money In The Bank, the first ever two-night SummerSlam and Clash In Paris all approaching in the coming months, WWE will be looking to put their best foot forward. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Here is everything you need to know about this weekend's show. WWE Backlash airs tomorrow night (Saturday, May 10), with a midnight start time for UK fans. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video As with all WWE programming now, you can stream Backlash live or on demand via Netflix. In recent years, these premium live events were available on the WWE Network or TNT Sports Box Office, but the streaming giant is now WWE's official home in the UK. It's all included as part of your subscription, so simply log into your account, and you're good to go. Undisputed WWE Title – Last Time Ever : John Cena (c) vs. Randy Orton : John Cena (c) vs. Randy Orton Women's Intercontinental Title : Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Becky Lynch : Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Becky Lynch GUNTHER vs. Pat McAfee Intercontinental Title : Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Penta : Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Penta United States Title: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Drew McIntyre vs. LA Knight vs. Damian Priest Fans haven't seen WWE and WCW icon Goldberg since a surprise appearance in the crowd during Bad Blood in October 2024. That night, he got mocked by GUNTHER, with WWE appearing to tease a match between the Hall of Famer, 58, and the 37-year-old Ring General. Since then, Goldberg has made it clear he's agreed to one more retirement match in WWE, with fans speculating the former world champion could be his opponent. This weekend would be as good a time as any to set up the showdown, potentially with Goldberg costing GUNTHER in his bout with McAfee. Another heavyweight rumoured to appear is Jeff Cobb, who shocked the wrestling world when he quit New Japan Pro Wrestling. He's not officially been announced as signing with WWE, but it's reported he's on the internal roster with his debut said to be coming imminently – potentially as soon as this weekend. Cobb has tried to throw fans off the scent by posting on social media about 'retirement', but all signs point to him continuing his career on Raw or SmackDown. It's not clear where he'd fit in with the matches on the card, but his arrival on Saturday night would certainly be a newsworthy moment to get people talking. WWE is returning to the UK this summer as part of the Road To Clash In Paris Tour. More Trending Tickets are available now for the France shows on August 31 and September 1. Pre-sale for the below tour dates starts May 14 at 10am local time. Fans can register now to receive an exclusive presale offer here, with general sale starting on May 16. August 22: 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland (SmackDown) August 23: M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool August 24: Utilita Arena in Newcastle August 25: bp pulse Live in Birmingham (Monday Night Raw) August 26: AO Arena in Manchester August 27: First Direct Arena in Leeds August 28: Utilita Arena in Cardiff August 29: LDLC Arena in Lyon, France (SmackDown) August 31: Paris La Defense Arena (Clash In Paris) September 1: Paris La Defense Arena (Monday Night Raw) View More » Here are the premium live events (PLEs) WWE has already announced for the rest of 2025: Saturday Night's Main Event – May 24 in Tampa, Florida – May 24 in Tampa, Florida Battleground – May 25 in Tampa, Florida – May 25 in Tampa, Florida Worlds Collide with WWE and AAA – June 7 in Inglewood, California with WWE and AAA – June 7 in Inglewood, California Money In The Bank – June 7 in Inglewood, California – June 7 in Inglewood, California Saturday Night's Main Event – July 12, location TBA – July 12, location TBA SummerSlam – August 2 and 3 in New Jersey – August 2 and 3 in New Jersey Clash In Paris – August 31 in Paris, France – August 31 in Paris, France Crown Jewel – October 11 in Perth, Australia – October 11 in Perth, Australia Survivor Series – November 29 in San Diego, California Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'Shocking' movie with disturbing twists finally streaming on Netflix today MORE: Cancel weekend plans to binge 'incredible' thriller worth paying £6.99 for MORE: 'Compelling' thriller lands 100% Rotten Tomatoes score after two-year wait for season 2
Newsweek
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Goldberg's WWE Return May Be Closer Than Fans Think
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. Talk surrounding WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg's anticipated final match has significantly intensified following a new report indicating renewed internal discussions about the legend. According to WrestleVotes Radio via Sportskeeda's Backstage Pass Patreon on May 8, 2025, Goldberg's name has recently surfaced within WWE creative and marketing circles. This development marks the first substantial internal mention of Goldberg since his memorable appearance last fall. The timing fuels speculation that plans for his promised farewell bout in 2025 might finally be taking shape. For context, Goldberg has publicly stated his intention to have one last match this year. This stems from a reported agreement with WWE CCO Paul "Triple H" Levesque to provide a proper retirement match, as Goldberg felt his last official bout against Roman Reigns in 2022 was not a fitting conclusion to his storied career. While absent from WWE programming for much of 2024, Goldberg made a significant appearance at the Bad Blood premium live event in his hometown of Atlanta on October 5, 2024. Attending ringside with his wife and son, he became the target of verbal jabs from the dominant then-World Heavyweight Champion, GUNTHER. The situation escalated when GUNTHER mentioned Goldberg's family, provoking the Hall of Famer to jump the security barricade. A tense confrontation ensued before officials separated the two massive competitors. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 5: Bill Goldberg poses in the ring with Triple H during Bad Blood at State Farm Arena on October 5, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 5: Bill Goldberg poses in the ring with Triple H during Bad Blood at State Farm Arena on October 5, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. WWE/Getty Images More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation The WrestleVotes report directly addresses this history and the current internal climate. "Following direct outreach from contacts, we can report that Goldberg's name has been discussed both creatively and within WWE's marketing division over the past week," the report stated. "Usually, this indicates a television appearance is in the works." The report continued, tying the discussion to recent events and rumors: "Goldberg has previously announced he will have one final match this year; his last WWE appearance to date took place at Bad Blood in Atlanta during an interaction with GUNTHER. Rumors and speculation have circulated for days suggesting Goldberg might get involved somehow in the upcoming GUNTHER vs. Pat McAfee match [at Backlash]." WrestleVotes elaborated on the potential logic behind such a scenario. "Now, if you boil it down, why might they be doing this? He's got the history with GUNTHER already. He has said he's doing one more match." The report also noted a connection between Goldberg and GUNTHER's current opponent. "If you want to bring someone in, you might as well do it where there is existing background. Obviously, Pat McAfee is also a former football player, much like Bill Goldberg, providing another connection." However, WrestleVotes was careful to clarify the current situation regarding this weekend's event. "So, if this is the direction they choose... However, we are not reporting that Goldberg is confirmed for Backlash. We don't have that for sure. What we're reporting is Goldberg's name has surfaced in Stamford and throughout the company. This suggests that if a return doesn't happen this weekend, it could be soon." "Let me just state: the fact that Goldberg is wrestling one more match isn't the mystery. The mystery is, who might it be? And all signs now indicate that it's looking like GUNTHER." More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Solo Sikoa screws over Jacob Fatu after WWE books his first title defense at Backlash
Drew McIntyre became the number one contender to Jacob Fatu's United States championship last week on SmackDown when he defeated LA Knight by disqualification. The DQ happened thanks to interference from Damian Priest and Solo Sikoa. Fatu showed up as well to destroy everyone, because why not? Solo's penchant for outside interference continued on tonight's (May 2) episode of SmackDown when he ruined the end of a match between Knight and Priest. Later in the show, GM Nick Aldis reacted to these disqualifications by booking Fatu in a 3-way title match at Backlash against Knight and Priest. Advertisement Solo Sikoa didn't appreciate Nick's decision, and correctly pointed out that Drew McIntyre is the number one contender and deserves the title match. The light bulb went off in the GM's head at that point, so he added Drew to the title match to make it a Fatal 4-Way at Backlash. Sikoa accused Aldis of trying to screw Jacob over, to which Nick quickly replied that Solo is the one who's actually doing that. Oh boy. Here's the updated card for Backlash: WWE Championship : John Cena (c) vs. Randy Orton Women's Intercontinental Championship : Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Becky Lynch United States Championship : Jacob Fatu (c) vs. LA Knight vs. Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre Pat McAfee vs. GUNTHER Catch up on all the results from SmackDown in our live blog right here. More from
Newsweek
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Gunther Is Taking Leave of Absence From WWE
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. WWE will be without one of its top stars, Gunther, for the foreseeable future, as he is taking a leave of absence. Following the intense fallout from WrestleMania 41, where Gunther's reign as World Heavyweight Champion came to an end at the hands of Jey Uso, the "Ring General" unleashed a brutal display of frustration on the fallout episode of Raw. His actions, which included an attack on commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee, have resulted in significant repercussions from WWE management. On Friday, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce delivered a formal ruling, confirming that Gunther has been both fined an undisclosed sum and suspended indefinitely from WWE programming. The timeframe for Gunther's return to television remains uncertain after this announcement. Cole's outburst was motivated by the title loss and his desire to express his frustration. He voiced his concern regarding the attack and their safety to Pearce. Adding another layer to this development, wrestling insider Cory Hays took to X to offer insight into Gunther's absence. Hays reported, "Gunther requested some time off, which is why he has been suspended indefinitely." Gunther's journey in WWE throughout 2024 and early 2025 has been marked by achievements and a clear evolution in his character's prominence. In 2024, he etched his name in the history books by becoming the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion, shattering Honky Tonk Man's long-standing record with an impressive 666-day tenure. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 2: The World Heavyweight Champion, GUNTHER enters the arena during Crown Jewel at Mohammed Abdo Arena on November 2, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 2: The World Heavyweight Champion, GUNTHER enters the arena during Crown Jewel at Mohammed Abdo Arena on November 2, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. WWE/Getty Images More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation He would win the King of the Ring tournament, culminating in a decisive win over Randy Orton in the final and earning him a coveted shot at the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam. The summer of 2024 saw Gunther reach the pinnacle of WWE, as he defeated the reigning champion to capture the World Heavyweight Title. Prior to WrestleMania, reports surfaced indicating that Gunther had signed a new, lucrative contract with WWE. This deal included a significant perk typically reserved for the company's biggest stars: a personal tour bus. There was speculation surrounding a potential dream match between Gunther and WWE legend Goldberg, possibly slated for a WWE event in Saudi Arabia in June 2025. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Metro
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Top WWE star 'suspended indefinitely over disgusting actions' on Raw
WWE has announced GUNTHER has been 'suspended' over his actions on the Raw after WrestleMania. Just 48 hours after losing the World Heavyweight Championship to Jey Uso in Las Vegas, the Ring General retaliated by targeting commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee on the Netflix show. He unleashed a brutal beatdown on both men, with McAfee being replaced at the desk by SmackDown star Joe Tessitore, while Cole returned to the booth. As part of the ongoing storyline, Raw general manager Adam Pearce has announced action being taken against the former champ. He said: 'After conferring with representation of all three men, GUNTHER has been fined an undisclosed amount, and suspended indefinitely.' The in-character video means the Austrian star could be off screen for a period of time, although WWE could still have him appear unannounced to continue his reign of terror. In the video announcing the suspension, Pearce said: 'By now, everyone has seen what happened on Raw between GUNTHER, Michael Cole and Pat McAfee. 'First thing's first, Pat and Cole are OK. Pat's in Green Bay covering the NFL Draft, and Cole's doing what he always does, preparing for Raw in a Hall of Fame way. 'As for you, GUNTHER. Your actions were reprehensible and disgusting. You will never again put your hands on a member of my announce team, because there ain't no heat in beating up an announcer. 'You're frustrated because you lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Jey Uso, and I get that, but if you wanna blame someone then park your ass in front of a mirror and ask the person staring back at ya.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Speaking on his own Pat McAfee Show, the former NFL star played up to the storyline and insisted he initially feared 'something in the neck' as a result of the attack. 'There are security and there is nobody [helping] as I'm getting my life choked out of me. What am I supposed to do? I found out quickly there isn't much to do when GUNTHER has that thing on you. I felt my body slithering away. You kind of disappear from existence,' he said. 'Everybody who said they are happy it happened to me, I hope we meet in person so I can punch you in the f***ing face. I was sticking up for Michael Cole. What happens next? You tell me. 'I'm bout it, bout it for whatever. If you think choking me out is going to end me, you're wrong. You think you're going to bury me publicly, and I'm gonna quit showing up? You're wrong.' GUNTHER could be on a collision course with McAfee when he's back on screen. Shortly before his match with Jey, the former champ opened up on people's doubts – including his own – about their storyline, and urged his opponent to 'step up'. More Trending '[I'm] always very proud of the work I do – I don't know about Jey! I think we're in a very good spot,' GUNTHER told Metro. 'There is a lot of people that followed me before WWE, they wanna see me in those technical ring matches, but in WWE, that's not really what it's about, it's about more aspects. 'You can't deny it, think about Jey whatever you want, but most people – I was under the ring at Madison Square Garden ready to jump that guy, and that floor was shaking when he made his entrance.' View More » Netflix is the home of WWE in the UK, including weekly episodes of Raw, NXT and SmackDown. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Cancel your weekend plans to binge this Netflix thriller fans called 'exceptional' MORE: The Simpsons has run into a problem that needs updating in 2025 MORE: Soap star and horror film legend Lar Park Lincoln dies aged 63
