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Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
HBCU Dad shines at WWE SummerSlam event
The spotlight hit MetLife Stadium. The beat dropped. And with over 70,000 fans watching, WWE Women's World Champion Naomi, real name Trinity LaShawn Fatu, made her way to the ring at SummerSlam Night 2-escorted not by pyrotechnics or dancers, but by her own father, ripping live guitar riffs to her entrance theme. It was an unforgettable moment. And yes, there's an HBCU connection at the heart of it all. Before she stepped into the ring to defend her title against IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley, Naomi walked proudly to the sound of her father, Shawn McCray, playing her theme song live. The moment was epic, but for McCray-known professionally as Derek Mack-it was more than just a performance. It was the culmination of decades of musical mastery, built from the ground up, stage by stage, tour by tour… and campus by campus. A WWE Moment Rooted in Musical Legacy Shawn McCray didn't just show up for the moment-he helped build it. A lifelong musician and leader of South Florida's acclaimed Derek Mack Band, McCray is known for his high-energy performances across genres like R&B, classic rock, contemporary jazz, and blues. He's shared stages with legends like The Commodores, BB King, and Cameo, and served as a music director at Disney World's Buena Vista Palace Resort. But long before SummerSlam or stadium tours, McCray's musical journey began in his grandmother's Pentecostal church in West Palm Beach, Florida. He picked up guitar at age 6 and later studied music theory at the Chauncey Westbrook Guitar School. His first bands played at birthday parties and school shows-small stages with big dreams. The HBCU That Helped Shape the Sound And here's where the HBCU piece fits in: according to his LinkedIn profile, McCray is a proud graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, one of the most historic HBCUs in the country. While studying business administration at the Daytona Beach campus, he formed his second band, Sporty, which quickly became a sensation on campus and in local clubs. That experience-collaborating, performing, grinding-would shape the rest of his career. Through the years, McCray has remained rooted in community, often bridging entertainment and education. He even taught high school music while touring, always giving back the same energy that fueled his own journey. A Family Entrance for the Ages At SummerSlam, that journey came full circle. As Naomi walked the aisle to defend her WWE Women's World Championship, it was her father's guitar that signaled strength, legacy, and love. It wasn't just showmanship-it was soul. And for fans who recognized the man behind the music, it was a subtle but powerful tribute to HBCU excellence on one of the world's biggest stages. In an industry that thrives on spectacle, this entrance stood out for its simplicity and depth: a daughter walking into battle, and a father playing her there-grounded in rhythm, culture, and a legacy built by hand. The post HBCU Dad shines at WWE SummerSlam event appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE Summer Slam 2025 Day 1 and Day 2 Full Schedule, Date, Start timings, How to Watch and More
Roman Reigns (Image Source: Getty) WWE SummerSlam to be held at the historic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for the first time each day of the night. The event will take place from Saturday, August 2, to Sunday, August 3, 2025, and will be an unmissable event filled with high-level competition, star-studded appearances, and long-awaited match-ups. Cardi B will host this mega event. Night 1 highlights: Two-night format, big title bouts and celebrity appearances SummerSlam Night 1 will take place Saturday, August 2, starting the main show at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT. This expanded pre-show will air earlier in the day and will include exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes segments. Here are all the blockbuster matches on the Day 1 card: World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk WWE Women's Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill Women's Tag Team Championship: Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross That combination of title matches, celebrities, and returning veterans hopes to create a defining weekend of wrestling. Night 2 highlights: High-stakes stipulations and major title showdowns Sunday, August 3 features Night 2 and the main card also getting underway at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT. As well, we have even more stipulation-fueled fare to quote the format of the old way, and a denser pack of titles than ever before, trying to wind up just right for the occasion. Confirmed matches include: Undisputed WWE Championship – Street Fight: John Cena (c) vs. Cody Rhodes Tag Team Championship – Six-Pack TLC Match: The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. DIY vs. Street Profits vs. Motor City Machine Guns vs. Fraxiom vs. Andrade & Rey Fenix United States Championship – Steel Cage Match: Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jacob Fatu Women's World Championship – Triple Threat: Naomi (c) vs. IYO SKY vs. Rhea Ripley Women's Intercontinental Championship – No DQ Match: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. AJ Styles With stipulations like TLC, No DQ, and Steel Cage matches, Night 2 is set to deliver the drama and physicality fans have been craving all year. How to watch and stream details WWE SummerSlam 2025 will be available to stream live in the United States via Peacock to those subscribed to either the Premium or Premium Plus tiers. The pre-show will be accessible on WWE's official channels. Also Read: WWE SummerSlam 2025 Predictions: All Superstars who can Win in Day 1 Internationally, top WWE programs are offered as part of a global streaming deal with Netflix that launched earlier in 2023. This will include the event for fans such as the UK, Canada, and Australia. The joint venture makes it easier for fans to watch worldwide without traditional pay-per-view services. For fans in eligible countries, watching WWE's biggest event of the summer is easily accessible as both nights will be streaming LIVE for Netflix subscribers. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
