Latest news with #McCool
Newsweek
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Star Has Surprisingly Not Been Contacted for Evolution
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. As WWE prepares for its second all-women's premium live event, Evolution, fans are speculating about which legends might make a surprise appearance. However, one WWE Hall of Famer has confirmed that as of now, she has not been asked to be part of the show. Michelle McCool took to social media to address fans who were hoping to see her compete in the event's high-stakes battle royal. Her response indicates she is not currently scheduled to be in Atlanta for the July 13th show. Michelle McCool Says WWE Hasn't Called On X, a fan urged Michelle McCool to "pick up the phone" and get herself booked in the battle royal at Evolution. In a direct reply, McCool shot down the idea that she was holding out, stating that WWE simply has not reached out to her. McCool responded to the fan, "Hasn't rang!" This simple but clear statement seems to confirm she will not be one of the surprise entrants in the battle royal, where the winner will earn a future championship match. A History Of Surprise Returns McCool's potential involvement was a popular topic among fans due to her history of making surprise returns. Since retiring from full-time competition in 2011, she has made several popular one-off appearances in WWE. DORTMUND, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 01: Natalya competes in the ring against Shotzi during the WWE Live Show at Westfalenhalle on November 1, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany. DORTMUND, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 01: Natalya competes in the ring against Shotzi during the WWE Live Show at Westfalenhalle on November 1, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany. She has been a frequent surprise entrant in the Women's Royal Rumble match, competing in the 2018, 2022, and 2023 editions of the match, which created an expectation that she would be a likely candidate for the Evolution battle royal. She has remained involved with the company in other ways as well. McCool currently serves as a coach on the second season of the A&E series WWE LFG, alongside her husband, The Undertaker. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Michelle McCool's Trailblazing Career Michelle McCool is one of the most decorated and important competitors of her era. She made history by becoming the first-ever WWE Divas Champion in 2008. She later unified that title with the original WWE Women's Championship, making her the first person in history to have held both belts. Her dominant heel run alongside Layla as the team "LayCool" was a top act on SmackDown for years. In recognition of her trailblazing career, McCool was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. While she appears to be sitting this event out, the Evolution card is still loaded, with Trish Stratus challenging Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women's Championship and Iyo Sky defending her Women's World Championship against Rhea Ripley. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Michelle McCool talks about future plans for WWE return, The Undertaker has a big role in it
The Undertaker and Michelle McCool (Image via Getty Images) Could WWE Hall of Famer Michelle McCool be seen full-time in WWE again? With the success of WWE LFG and her involvement as a coach, many fans thought it was only a matter of time before the former Women's Champion returned to a bigger role. But now, McCool has finally addressed the rumors herself, and her response may not be what fans expected. McCool, who is not only a WWE Hall of Famer but also the wife of The Undertaker, played a key role in the recent season of WWE LFG alongside wrestling greats like The Undertaker, Booker T, Bubba Ray Dudley, and Mickie James. She has now shared about her future and made one thing clear. Michelle McCool enjoys coaching but rules out a permanent WWE job Michelle McCool joined WWE LFG as one of the main coaches, replacing Mickie James for season two. She worked alongside major wrestling names, including Booker T , Bubba Ray Dudley , and her husband, The Undertaker. Interestingly, reports suggest that The Undertaker himself only agreed to return for season two if McCool was given a coaching role. The show, which saw The Undertaker win a new title and two stars reportedly earn NXT contracts, has succeeded, but it does not mean McCool is ready for a weekly WWE schedule. Speaking to Takedown on Sports Illustrated, McCool explained that while she enjoyed coaching, she doesn't see herself working backstage full-time. The Undertaker & Michelle McCool will bring their competitive relationship to WWE LFG Season 2! 'I don't know about backstage on a weekly basis. But I really have enjoyed working with the kids down there. Going in, I kind of felt like an impostor. I'm like, with him and Booker and Bubba and Shawn's running the place, and, like, I tell all them what they do in front of these guys, I would have been so nervous, so intimidated every single day.' McCool also praised the young WWE talents for their ability to handle pressure and improve with each passing week. 'It's incredible that they can just literally get out there, perform, take the criticism, and grow week to week. But I've really enjoyed it. I think I kind of found my groove, and I've really enjoyed the coaching part and getting to help the guys and girls, and believing that I do have something to contribute to them, and having that confidence.' She is happy to coach, but not ready for weekly TV While McCool has enjoyed working with the future stars of WWE, she confirmed that being on WWE TV every week is not on her mind right now. Michelle McCool: WWE women today are built different | Six Feet Under 'So, I have enjoyed that, I don't know about a weekly basis at TV, but the ones down at developmental, I've really enjoyed it.' For now, the former champion is happy helping behind the scenes, but her full-time return? That's not happening anytime soon. Also Read: The morning after WWE WrestleMania 41 took a serious turn for The Undertaker For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Newsweek
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
The Undertaker Breaks Silence On Rumors He Got WWE Legend Fired
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 Undertaker officially retired from professional wrestling in 2020. His final match was a Boneyard Match against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36. Despite his retirement, The Phenom remains a significant figure in the industry. He made a memorable appearance at WrestleMania 40 to assist Cody Rhodes. During the main event, The Undertaker appeared in the ring. He delivered a Chokeslam to The Rock. The A&E series WWE LFG has been renewed for a second season. Michelle McCool will join the show as a coach. McCool replaces Mickie James from the first season. She will work alongside Bully Ray, Booker T, and her husband, The Undertaker. This change led to speculation among wrestling fans. Rumors suggested The Undertaker used his influence to get his wife the position. World Wrestling Entertainment star The Undertaker makes his way to the ring during a match at the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Super Showdown event in the Saudi Red Sea port city of Jeddah late on... World Wrestling Entertainment star The Undertaker makes his way to the ring during a match at the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Super Showdown event in the Saudi Red Sea port city of Jeddah late on January 7, 2019. More AMER HILABI/AFP via Getty Images The Undertaker addressed these accusations during an interview with SHAK Wrestling. He clarified the situation surrounding his wife joining the show. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation The Undertaker On WWE LFG Rumors He directly took on the rumors about McCool replacing James. He explained the original plans for the show's first season. The Undertaker stated that both he and McCool were offered coaching roles initially. They could not accept at the same time due to their family commitments. He said, "Yes, I got Mickie [James] fired so I could bring her [Michelle McCool] in. And since we're already down the lane, because I would never address it any other place, but you get the scoop." He continued, "It was like, when I was presented the opportunity to be a coach, she was presented the opportunity at the same time. We couldn't do it together because of our kids." Michelle McCool's Role In Season One The scheduling conflict was the primary issue. This is why McCool only made limited appearances in the first season. The Undertaker said, "It was too much, and that's why she had the few spots on season one [of WWE LFG]." He explained that they needed time to manage their schedules. This would allow them both to participate in the second season. "We were trying to figure out schedules and what it would be like. If she was to do season two, we get it worked out," he stated. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
The Undertaker And Michelle McCool Predict The Next Breakout Stars In 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. During an interview with Andrew Ravens of to promote the second season of WWE LFG, The Undertaker and Michelle McCool were asked what they look for in young talent. McCool stated it is about consistent growth, while The Undertaker said it comes down to having the desire to be great. The Undertaker Predicts The Next "Household Name" When asked to name potential breakout stars, The Undertaker was quick to praise one of the prospects from the show. "I tell you what, who I really am high on, and it's not because, you know, we're promoting LFG, but I think Shiloh [Hill]," The Undertaker stated. "Shiloh has so many layers to his character that we have barely yet begun to scratch the surface of how deep this guy is. I think, for, you know, maybe five years down the road, he's going to be a household name." INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: Rhea Ripley and The Undertaker celebrate at Netflix's LA Premiere of WWE Monday Night RAW at Intuit Dome on January 6, 2025 in Inglewood, California. INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: Rhea Ripley and The Undertaker celebrate at Netflix's LA Premiere of WWE Monday Night RAW at Intuit Dome on January 6, 2025 in Inglewood, California. WWE/Getty Images Michelle McCool Names Two Future WWE Main Roster Stars McCool agreed with his assessment and named two other talents who have impressed her. "And I think what we saw from Jasper Jordan last week, I mean, I think that was impressive," McCool said. "I think he's going to do big things. And speaking of LFG, and not just because it's on our brains all the time, but I think Penina is going to be a breakout star. She's going to be a breakout star on the main roster within that short five-year period. I do. I think you got to keep your eyes on her." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation What Is The WWE LFG Series On A&E? The second season of WWE LFG premieres on Sunday, June 22, 2025. It will air on A&E at 10 p.m. ET/PT. WWE LFG, which reportedly stands for "Looking For Greatness," is a reality series created through the ongoing partnership between WWE and the A&E network. The show provides an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the next generation of WWE talent as they train at the company's Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. The series follows a group of promising prospects from the NXT developmental brand, documenting their struggles and successes as they work to become future WWE Superstars. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Herald Sun
14-06-2025
- Health
- Herald Sun
WWE icon The Undertaker reveals ‘terrifying' heart condition he never knew he had
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News. WWE legend The Undertaker has bravely opened up about how a lifesaving heart operation helped him escape death. The Hall of Fame wrestler, whose real name is Mark Calaway, retired back in 2020 after one of the most legendary careers in sport's entertainment. Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. He was a staple piece of WWE for decades and has since continued to give back through his Six Feet Under podcast and ambassadorial role for the company. In the weeks leading up to the WrestleMania 41 weekend in April, Calaway was quietly battling something far more real than the on-screen storylines of the wrestling world. According to his wife Michelle McCool, the warning signs began in March, when routine cardiac tests flagged something off with her husband's heart, The Sun reports. Follow-up checks revealed Taker had likely been in chronic atrial fibrillation (AFib) for an unknown length of time. The 60-year-old had no noticeable symptoms beyond occasional breathlessness — something he'd chalked up to nothing serious. He was eventually hospitalised for four nights with an ejection fraction (a measure of how much blood the heart pumps with each beat) of just 30 per cent — a dangerously low number for a man of his size and age. And yet, even with his heart rate unstable, Taker insisted on going to WrestleMania two weeks later, to be there for McCool's Hall of Fame induction — and to induct her personally. McCool, a two-time WWE Women's Champion, said on the Six Feet Under podcast: 'You weren't supposed to go anywhere. You didn't want me to tell anybody. 'That's that old school mentality. I'm not mad at it — because I'd probably be the same patient — but it was terrifying. 'The next morning after returning home from WrestleMania, we were in the hospital in Las Vegas at 6am for a little bit of heart surgery.' Taker, whose older brother died from a heart attack in 2020, then begrudging admitted: 'I wasn't supposed to go to Vegas.' McCool, who is Taker's third wife, added: 'You didn't want me to tell anybody. I couldn't focus on anything else. 'All I wanted to focus on was you, your heart, getting the best cardiologists, a lot of phone calls, several nights in the hospital. And by the grace of God, you are here. 'But out of the words of the doctor himself 'it could have turned out badly if we had not found out that very day'.' Taker then coyly joked: 'Yeah, well now I'm as strong as a Bull.' Before McCool, who is 15 years his junior, joked back: 'And thankfully you can still pretend that you're a dead man. Because I saved your life.' This article originally appeared in the The Sun and was reproduced with permission Originally published as The Undertaker reveals 'terrifying' heart condition he never knew he had
