Latest news with #Smackdown
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
What Is WWE's Goal with the AAA Purchase and Worlds Collide Show?
What Is WWE's Goal with the AAA Purchase and Worlds Collide Show? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. If you wrestle for WWE, you're not necessarily performing for millions on Raw and Smackdown every week. NXT is the developmental brand, and then Evolve and LFG are new shows that are searching for the next WWE superstar. Advertisement So what's going on with AAA? On the WrestleMania 41 preshow, WWE made the shocking announcement that it was purchasing Mexico's No. 2 promotion. This was surprising because WWE never made a big deal out of Lucha Libre. The company spent two decades looking for the next Rey Mysterio (who still wrestles there), and the answer may be his son, Dominik. WWE's partnership with AAA will begin on Saturday with the Worlds Collide show. Looking at the card will give us some clues about WWE's intentions with the Lucha promotion. Stephanie Vaquer (Getty) Stephanie Vaquer, who lost the NXT women's title in a shocker to Jacy Jayne this week, will compete at Worlds Collide. She will team with NXT's Lola Vice against AAA's Chik Tormenta & Dalys. The latest Worlds Collide match announcement came from an unlikely source. Comedian Gabriel 'Fluffy' Iglesias announced that the Latino World Order (Dragon Lee, Joaquin Wilde & Cruz del Toro) will wrestle Octagon Jr., Mr. Iguana, & Aero Star. This is appropriate because the original Octagon teamed with El Hijo del Santo at the WCW-AAA Worlds Collide show in 1994, beating Eddy Guerrero & 'Love Machine' Art Barr in a double-mask vs. double-hair match. Advertisement The rest of the show includes these WWE vs. AAA matches: · Chad Gable vs. El Hijo del Vikingo · NXT North American champion Ethan Page vs. Je'Von Evans vs. Rey Fenix vs. Laredo Kid in a Fatal Four-Way match · Angel, Berto & Santos Escobar vs. Psycho Clown, Pagano & El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. So it looks like WWE is trying to raise the profile of AAA and introduce the Lucha brand to an American audience. WWE doesn't seem to be challenging CMLL for promotional supremacy in Mexico. Instead, WWE may have purchased AAA as a shortcut to starting an NXT Mexico brand. The company already started NXT UK before folding it into the regular NXT, and it could try again with a new version of NXT Europe. Advertisement The good news for Lucha Libre fans is that they can watch Worlds Collide for free on YouTube in English or Spanish. The show will start at 3 p.m. Eastern on Saturday. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
John Cena on setting up his own gym, training wrestlers who later challenged him in WWE ring: ‘I was just sick of…'
John Cena is currently going through his farewell tour in the WWE and will be retiring from in-ring performances at the end of this year. Cena debuted on Smackdown in 2002, when he accepted Kurt Angle's open challenge and decided to showcase his own brand of 'ruthless aggression'. 23 years and 17 world titles later, he is finally closing the curtain on his storied career, and in a conversation with his former boss Stephanie McMahon, the wrestler discussed his in-ring career and how he created a home for himself and other wrestlers away from the ring. In a special interview hosted by ESPN, WWE's former co-CEO Stephanie talked to Cena about his career in the company once helmed by her dad, Vince McMahon. While Cena didn't talk in detail about his current character, he did share some interesting anecdotes from his own gym, a place which became a haven for wrestlers before the opening of WWE's own performance centre. When asked about how the 'Hard Nocks' gym came to be, Cena said, 'We opened the doors to here in 2008, and believe it or not, I was just sick of working out at sh**** places. This building came up, and I bought it.' ALSO READ: WWE Raw: Logan Paul feels the 'yeet' as Jey Uso hits him with a superkick ahead of their title match at Smackdown. The name Hard Nocks comes from another gym situated in Amesberry, Massachusetts, where Cena trained in his formative years. He added, 'This is a very safe place for conversation to be kicked around, for you to have a bad day but not stay in it. In here we right the ship.' Stephanie explained in a voice-over that the gym not only means a lot to Cena but also to many other WWE superstars such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, who followed in Cena's footsteps and eventually challenged him in the ring. Cena then showcased a record board alongside the American flag, which holds all the power-lifting records held by people in the gym, a list which has WWE superstar Big E on the top in many categories. Cena continued, 'It's been really cool to see it evolve. From the weightlifting competitions we used to have, to becoming the kind of place where the family gets together now.' Cena is currently on his final championship run in the WWE. After winning his 17th world title against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, he defended his belt against Randy Orton at Backlash. He will next be facing Rhodes and Jey Uso at Money in the Bank, with influencer-turned-wrestler Logan Paul on his team.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tiffany Stratton roasts legends on SmackDown; Alexa Bliss hits back!
Tiffany Stratton and Alexa Bliss (Image via WWE) The road to WWE Money in the Bank just got a lot more explosive. Tiffany Stratton, the current WWE Women's Champion, didn't hold back when she grabbed the mic on SmackDown. With the ladder match drawing near, Stratton used her moment to deliver a fiery message, but it quickly turned into a storm. Two major names from WWE's past, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair weren't too happy with what she had to say, and things got personal in a hurry. Stratton's confidence was off the charts as she reminded fans of how far she's come. She talked about her huge leap from being a rookie with hype last year to now holding the Women's Championship. She made sure everyone remembered that she beat top stars like Nia Jax and Charlotte Flair, and warned that whoever wins the upcoming Money in the Bank match better think twice before cashing in on her. Alexa Bliss brings the heat into the conversation, Charlotte Flair wants it all Tiffany Stratton's promo was going smoothly until Alexa Bliss showed up. Bliss didn't just return to say hi, she came with a warning. She reminded Stratton and the crowd that she's a five-time Women's Champion and a past Money in the Bank winner. Bliss pointed out that Stratton's title win was a copy of what she did years ago. She even hinted that she might cash in on Stratton if she wins again. That wasn't the end. Charlotte Flair then walked out, getting loud boos from the crowd. Still, she stood firm and told Stratton that while she's done almost everything in WWE, the Money in the Bank briefcase is the one thing missing from her career. Flair made it clear that she's not just looking for another title; she's after the spotlight, too. Stratton looked both veterans in the eye and made a statement that instantly grabbed attention. Tiffany Stratton's 'vintage' line sparks reactions Tiffany Stratton hit back hard with a bold insult, saying: 'You guys are a little too vintage for me.' This line was aimed at Bliss and Flair's age and long-time careers in WWE. Stratton, just 26 years old, made it clear that she sees herself as the future. She told them they might've been the standard in the past, but now she is the upgrade. Her words left a strong impact, but they also caused a backlash. Alexa Bliss quickly responded online. She posted on social media: 'funny being called 'vintage' by the cheap imitation #Smackdown #BlissInTheBank' Meanwhile, Charlotte Flair tried to qualify for the Money in the Bank match but failed. Giulia won the match by pinning Zelina Vega. Bliss, on the other hand, has already qualified. She'll join Roxanne Perez, Rhea Ripley, and Giulia in the ladder match, with two spots still open. Tiffany Stratton may be the champion for now, but with legends and new stars coming for her, the pressure is rising fast. 'Tiffy Time' might be ticking toward trouble. Also Read: Top SmackDown stars qualify for the WWE Money in the Bank ladder match 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.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
WWE Raw: Logan Paul feels the ‘yeet,' as Jey Uso hits him with a superkick ahead of their title match at Smackdown
WWE Raw: Influencer-turned-professional wrestler Logan Paul walked out to a sold-out Greenville crowd at last night's Raw, and tried to rile up the audience for his upcoming title match with Jey Uso. As the crowd refused to hear him out and kept chanting 'yeet' in support of Jey, Paul became visibly frustrated, and to add to his problems, the former heavyweight champion Gunther came out to give his two cents. Logan started the segment by pointing out some 'facts,' for the crowd while addressing himself in the third person, emulating The Rock. 'Jey Uso has eyes on everyone in this company except for Logan Paul. My favourite fact of them all is that I have knocked out Jey 3 times, I have left him unconcious, flatlined and face-first on the floor. Guess what? sorry Greenville, I am going to do it again this Saturday.' Before Paul could finish his last sentence about becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion, the 'Ring General' Gunther interrupted him. ALSO READ: 'Act like a champion': How Ric Flair talked John Cena into a $70K party binge Gunther had previously announced that he was going to face the winner of the match between Jey and Logan, and even though the crowd started mocking him for tapping out at Wrestlemania 41, Gunther proceeded to focus his attention on Paul. He said, 'You seem very confident that you can beat the guy, that beat me for my World Heavyweight Championship. So I need to assume that you believe, you're better than me.' Gunther acknowledged Paul's confidence and admitted that people in the company owe him more respect. He added that the WWE might just be another 'business' or means to an end for Paul, but it is extremely personal to him. 'It might be a business to you, but it is very personal to me, beating Jey Uso for the title is personal to me and if you take that away from me, I will take that as disrespect.' Gunther warned Paul of the consequences of winning his match on Smackdown and started walking away from the ring. As distance between the two superstars grew, Paul became more vocal but Gunther started smiling as Jey Uso made his way into the ring, Logan having no idea of hid presence. Cheers from the crowd grew as Logan turned right into a superkick by Jey. The current heavyweight champion stood over Logan and said, 'I am going to see you on Saturday, and Gunther, I am going to see you in Phoenix. The Monday Night Raw, where Gunther will face the winner of the match on Saturday will take place in Phoenix on June 9.
Indianapolis Star
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
No script needed. Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Brunson ready for playoff rematch after WWE showdown
INDIANAPOLIS -- Lifelong professional wrestling fan Tyrese Haliburton appreciates a good heel storyline, so it wasn't a tough sell to get him to get him to play one at the world's most famous arena. The Pacers star already had a sense that Knicks fans were developing legit animosity toward him after the Indiana took down the Knicks in seven games in last year's Eastern Conference semifinals, beating them in New York with a record-setting shooting performance in Game 7. So when WWE approached him about appearing in Madison Square Garden for a "Smackdown" event in late June, that wasn't even hard call. "I have a really good relationship with WWE, really good relationship with Triple H," Haliburton said after practice Monday in preparation for the Pacers' upcoming rematch with the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. "I got a call that they wanted me to come to the Garden. I'm like, 'Pfftt. No question I'll be there.'" But he didn't know who else was coming. WWE had also contacted Knicks All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson, who Haliburton had become close friends with on Team USA at the FIBA World Cup in 2023. Haliburton knew Brunson was a WWE fan, and they hadn't discussed anything about the "Smackdown" event. "Had no idea Jalen was going until I got there and they're like, 'Where's Jalen?'" Haliburton said. "I called Jalen and I'm like, 'Are you coming?' And he's like' 'Yeah,' and I was like, 'Oh, so we're really doing this thing? We're really tying this all together.' I had no idea until we got there. I think he knew, but I had no idea." Brunson's presence meant he'd be in even more of a heel role as the two-time All-Star and NBA Clutch Player of the Year has become perhaps the most beloved active athlete in New York. But Haliburton gladly played the part. Haliburton had just had a black T-shirt made that said Tyrese 3:17 on the front — a reference to 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin's Austin 3:16 but changed to include the Indianapolis area code — and wore that with cutoff jean shorts and boots. During a three-man event involving wrestlers Logan Paul and LA Knight, Paul motioned for him to go get a set of brass knuckles from one of his friends and join the fight. Brunson, playing more of a white hat, came out of the stands to stop Haliburton from getting involved and Knight ended up winning the match. Afterward, Paul and Haliburton lined up together and seemed to be preparing to gang up on Knight, but Brunson entered the ring with a steel folding chair which ultimately drove them away. Haliburton and Brunson spent several moments on stage together jawing at each other as if they were about to fight — something obviously neither their teams nor agents would allow — before Haliburton ultimately left the ring with Paul. During the whole scene Haliburton was righteously booed and seemed to welcome it. "Obviously a life-long dream of mine to do anything with WWE," Haliburton said. "To do it there and be booed and all that stuff was a lot of fun." Brunson was asked about the experience by reporters in New York on Monday and didn't have as much detail to add, but did say it was something he enjoyed being a part of. "It was a cool experience for both of us, something that you just check off your bucket list," Brunson said. "A really cool experience to be a part of that." With the Knicks and Pacers back in the Eastern Conference Finals, WWE has taken its moment to capitalize on the return. Triple H quote-tweeted ESPN's announcement of Pacers-Knicks as the Eastern Conference Finals pairing and posted a picture of him with Haliburton and one of him with Brunson with the caption "It's almost like we wrote it..." Haliburton got a laugh out of that. "It's pretty cool that happened this summer and here we are," he said. "It's a pretty cool storyline. I'm all into long-term booking and all those things. I'm sure it goes along with everybody who thinks there's a script and think Triple H had something to do with it. I'm excited about that."
