Latest news with #KingoftheRing
Newsweek
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Star Is Set For In-Ring Return
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. A former WWE star is slated to step back into the squared circle and work another match. Not only is this a return match, but one that will be her first one in 15 years. Queen Sharmell Sullivan-Huffman, widely recognized by WWE fans as Queen Sharmell, is poised to make a surprising return to in-ring competition after a hiatus of sixteen years. The WWE Hall of Famer is scheduled to step back into the squared circle at Reality of Wrestling's No Limits event on May 10, 2025. This announcement has generated considerable buzz, particularly considering Sharmell's last official match took place in 2009 during TNA's First Impact Tour, after which she transitioned into more behind-the-scenes roles within the wrestling industry. Sharmell's initial break into the business in WWE in 2001 was with aspirations of becoming an active wrestler and backstage interviewer. She was sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) to hone her skills, where she managed The Suicide Blondes under the moniker Sister Sharmell. Her in-ring training was prematurely curtailed due to an injury, forcing her to step away from active competition. She served as a backstage interviewer on SmackDown! in late 2001 and early 2002, showcasing her on-screen presence in a non-wrestling capacity. The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as... The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as executive chairman and its board of directors following allegations of sexual assault made public in a lawsuit in Connecticut. A former employee Janel Grant accused McMahon, 78, of sexual assault and sexually trafficking her. MoreHer return to WWE in 2005 marked a significant shift in her on-screen persona. Debuting as the initial face valet for her husband, Booker T, Sharmell soon embraced a heel turn alongside him, becoming a big element of his character. Booker T claimed the King of the Ring crown and adopted the King Booker gimmick. It was during this memorable era that Sharmell fully embodied the role of Queen Sharmell. As the queen, she became a heel manager. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Her portrayal was instrumental in amplifying the heat surrounding Booker T, and helped his World Heavyweight Championship reign from 2006 to 2007. Booker feuded with the likes of Kurt Angle and The Boogeyman during this time. Following their departure from WWE in the fall of 2007, Sharmell continued to work alongside Booker T in TNA Wrestling, maintaining her role as his manager. Beyond her managerial duties, Sharmell and Booker T also established their own wrestling promotion and training academy, Reality of Wrestling (ROW), based in Houston, Texas. Sharmell's contributions to the industry, particularly her iconic portrayal of Queen Sharmell, were formally recognized in 2022 with her induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
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.
Newsweek
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Bloodline Member Reportedly Sidelined With Significant Injury
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 injury bug appears to have taken another bite out of the WWE roster, as recent reports indicate that Tama Tonga, a key member of the revamped Bloodline faction, is facing a spell on the sidelines. Sources, including and PWN's Cody Whoades, have corroborated information suggesting that Tonga is dealing with an undisclosed injury that may need surgery. While the precise nature of the situation and the anticipated timeline for his return to the squared circle remain uncertain, this development adds to the existing injury woes within the Samoan stable. They wrote the WWE star off television last week on Friday Night SmackDown. LA Knight is believed to have carried out an on-screen assault that resulted in Tonga being written off television as he addressed this unspecified physical issue. This storyline allows Tonga's removal from TV without directly acknowledging the real-life injury, a common practice in professional wrestling. Tonga's current prominence in WWE sees him aligned with Solo Sikoa and his brother, Tonga Loa, in the new iteration of the dominant Bloodline. Before this setback, Tonga had demonstrated his in-ring skills during the recent King of the Ring tournament. He successfully went through the initial rounds, securing victories over Angelo Dawkins and LA Knight, before Randy Orton halted his journey in the semi-finals. Furthermore, Tonga is a former WWE Tag Team Champion, This unfortunate news regarding Tonga's injury follows closely on the heels of a previous injury suffered by his Bloodline stablemate and biological brother, Tonga Loa. In November 2024, during the intense Men's WarGames match at Survivor Series, Loa sustained a torn bicep. The circumstances surrounding Loa's injury involved an attack by CM Punk, who struck Loa's arm with a toolbox during the chaotic match. Solo Siko, Tama Tanga, Jacob Fatu and Tona Loa of The Bloodline enter the arena during SmackDown at Colonial Life Arena on October 18, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. Solo Siko, Tama Tanga, Jacob Fatu and Tona Loa of The Bloodline enter the arena during SmackDown at Colonial Life Arena on October 18, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. WWE/Getty Images Following the WarGames event, Loa underwent surgical procedures to address the torn bicep. Initial projections estimated a recovery period spanning several months. It looks like he won't be back until this summer. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Before making his impactful arrival in WWE, Tama Tonga had already established himself as a top star. He is the nephew and adopted son of the revered wrestling legend Haku, also known as Meng. Tonga played a pivotal role as a founding member of the Bullet Club stable in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 2013, alongside notable names such as Bad Luck Fale, Karl Anderson, and Prince Devitt. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Chyna Planned For Solo WWE Hall Of Fame Induction
While Chyna has been recognized for her monumental contributions to professional wrestling with her induction into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the iconic D-Generation X, a discussion persists regarding her worthiness of a solo induction. Many within the wrestling community and her devoted fanbase argue that her achievements, including her groundbreaking reigns as both the Women's and Intercontinental Champion, warrant a separate and distinct honor. Addressing this very topic at the post-WrestleMania press conference, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H offered a perspective on the potential for a future solo induction for the late wrestler. He stated, "I don't know about next year, but it's definitely happening. There's a lot of people when you say the Hall of Fame, there's a lot of names that should be in that Hall of Fame, and should be in the Hall of Fame. But you just can't put them in all at once, right? And there will be the right moment." Triple H further elaborated on Chyna's significant impact, emphasizing her undeniable influence on the present generation of female performers. "As far as Joanie or Chyna, her contributions to the business alone — I mean, you see it. I can see it in all these women. We're at the age unfortunately where they all grew up idolizing her. And I see it in their work, I see it in their demeanor, I see it in what they think works and doesn't. It all in a lot of ways stems from that." 1999 Chyna And Hhh In Wwf Smackdown. Photo Wwf Ent 1999 Chyna And Hhh In Wwf Smackdown. Photo Wwf Ent "She is in the Hall of Fame with D-X, but she will be in the Hall of Fame by herself when the time is right. It's just a debate every year of who goes in, when, and how. And you can look no further than Ivan Koloff for that. Needed to be in there. Same with Kamala; they need to happen. We just have to be judicious about when and how it happens, so it's done right for everybody." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Chyna first stormed onto the WWE scene in 1997. Her initial role as the formidable bodyguard for the controversial duo of Triple H and Shawn Michaels instantly set her apart, and she quickly became an imposing force within the D-Generation X stable. Chyna also broke another barrier by entering the 1999 King of the Ring tournament, even securing a victory in her first-round encounter against Val Venis. Chyna became the first and remains the only woman to have held the Intercontinental Championship. She captured this title on two separate occasions, first over Jeff Jarrett in a memorable "Good Housekeeping" match at No Mercy in 1999, and later sharing the championship as a co-holder with Chris Jericho. Later in her WWE tenure, Chyna also became the Women's Champion, defeating Ivory at WrestleMania X-Seven. She held this title until she departed from the company in November 2001. Tragically, the wrestling world mourned her passing on April 20, 2016, when she was only 46. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Fox News
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Triple H, Michelle McCool lead WWE's Hall of Fame class of 2025
WWE will induct several new members into its Hall of Fame on Friday night as well as some familiar faces. Paul Levesque, Lex Luger and Michelle McCool will go into the Hall of Fame as individual members, The Natural Disasters tag team will go in as a group and an immortal moment will be enshrined for the first time. Former WWE stars Dory Funk Sr., Ivan Koloff and Kamala will also be enshrined as legacy inductees. Levesque will go into the WWE Hall of Fame as Triple H – the famed character he morphed into one of the most-hated heels and the most-loved babyfaces when he was a member of the D-Generation X stable. The faction was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a group in 2019. Shawn Michaels, who is the senior vice president of talent development, creative and leads the NXT brand, helped surprise Levesque at WWE headquarters as the first member of the 2025 class. Nick Khan, the president of WWE, lent Michaels a helping hand as well. Triple H was a 14-time WWE champion, five-time WWE Intercontinental champion, two-time European champion, three-time tag-team champion, a two-time Royal Rumble winner and the 1997 King of the Ring winner. The class will feature the first Immortal Moment – one of the best matches of all-time in Bret Hart's match against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in a no-disqualification submission match with Ken Shamrock as the special guest referee. The match took place at WrestleMania 13. Austin was bloodied in the ring and eventually Hart put him into the Sharpshooter. Shamrock stopped the match as Austin passed out. Hart continued the beatdown and caused a double turn as fans booed Hart and began to cheer for Austin. WWE named it the second-greatest WrestleMania match of all time. Luger plays a major role in the history of the "Monday Night Wars" between WWE and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He came to the then-World Wrestling Federation as The Narcissist at WrestleMania IX and then was repackaged as "The All-American: in an effort to build a new superstar to fill the hole left by Hulk Hogan. He was with the WWF until 1995 before he returned to WCW, making his return on the first "Monday Nitro" shows. He would be among the pro wrestlers to join the New World Order faction and also rival the faction. Injuries and a spinal stroke eventually took a toll on Luger. He's been in wheelchair with limited mobility. Luger had been working with Diamond Dallas Page's yoga rehabilitation program and was able to stand from his wheelchair on his own. Page is set to be the one to induct him. McCool, whose real name is Michelle Calaway, is the only woman in the class this year. She participated in the 2004 WWE Diva Search and later became the first Divas champion. She was with WWE from 2004 to 2011 and made occasional appearances after that. She was a four-time women's champion. McCool is married to the WWE legend known as The Undertaker. He will be inducting her into the Hall of Fame. The Natural Disasters are the lone tag team to be inducted this season. The group made up of Earthquake and Typhoon worked in the WWE from 1991 to 1993 before the team split up. John Tenta, the man known as Earthquake, died in 2006. Fred Ottman, the man known as Typhoon, is the uncle of Cody and Dustin Rhodes. He is the brother-in-law of Dusty Rhodes. The group were tag-team champions one time. WWE announced a new set of Legacy inductees, featuring Funk, Koloff and Kamala. Each wrestler had an impact on the business in different ways. Funk was a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Navy before he wrestled in Texas and the central U.S. He then served as promoter in Western States Sports. He died in 1973 but was posthumously inducted into the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame. Koloff, who was from Canada, was billed from Moscow amid the Cold War. Koloff had rivalries with Bruno Sammartino, Pedro Morales, "Superstar" Billy Graham and Bob Backlund. He also took part in the first-ever steel cage match against Sammartino in 1975. He was a one-time World Wide Wrestling Federation champion. He died in 2017. Kamala, whose real name is James Harris and was nicknamed the "Ugandan Giant," was a part of WWE at various times from the 1ate 1980s and the 1990s. He never won a championship in WWE, but his character was world famous. The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Friday. The ceremony can be seen on Peacock starting at 1 a.m. ET and 10 p.m. PT. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
