Latest news with #SurvivorSeries2023
NDTV
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
CM Punk Accuses Vince McMahon For Sabotaging His WWE Return, Years Before Comeback At Survivor Series 2023
CM Punk has revealed that Vince McMahon, the former chairman of the WWE, sabotaged his return to the company, years before he made a momentous came back at Survivor Series 2023. Punk, who will be challenging Gunther for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Summerslam in New Jersey next month, recalled that he had a secret meeting with McMahon and Triple H, the current chief operating officer of the WWE around 2018 or 2019, to discuss a potential WWE return. Punk went on to add that they had an "handshake agreement" for the same and how it didn't work out, also accusing McMahon on "ghosting" him. The former WWE champion also revealed that McMahon was personally calling him to cut out the middleman, having initially communicated with him through his agents. "We had a meeting and we had a handshake agreement and then he ghosted me. So, that's why it didn't happen. Unbelievable," Punk was quoted as saying by Fightful. Punk also revealed how the meeting help him and Triple H bury the hatchet over their ever-so-volatile relatioship over the years. "That would have been probably the first time that me and Triple H probably started chipping it away at any problems or drama that we had in the past," he said. "That was the first instance." Punk had left WWE after Royal Rumble 2014 due to a fallout with the management, accusing them of ignoring his serious health issues. His departure from WWE led to a bitter rift that lasted for years, before both the parties made up to give his return a green light in 2023. He made his return to the WWE, appearing after the mainevent Men's WarGames match in his hometown Chicago. Punk appeared post-match after Cody Rhodes, Seth "Freakin" Rollins, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, and Randy Orton defeated The Judgment Day (Damian Priest, Finn Balor, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, and JD McDonagh) and Drew McIntyre. However, this led to a strong reaction from Rollins, who didn't seem happy with Punk coming back to the WWE, paving the way for an ongoing storyline.
Newsweek
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
CM Punk Details How Vince McMahon Ruined Past WWE 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. CM Punk has revealed new details about a secret meeting he had with Vince McMahon and Triple H to discuss a potential WWE return, years before he actually came back at Survivor Series 2023. In a new interview, Punk detailed a "handshake agreement" that was made, and how it all fell apart. Speaking with Robbie Fox on the My Mom's Basement podcast, the former WWE Champion shared the story of the clandestine meeting. He said it took place in 2018 or 2019, long before his eventual return to the company. CM Punk's Secret WWE Meeting Punk explained that after his agents had been in contact with WWE, Vince McMahon began calling him personally to "eliminate the middleman." This led to a face-to-face meeting in Atlantic City with both Vince McMahon and Triple H. "We had a meeting and we had a handshake agreement and then he ghosted me," Punk revealed (H/T to Fightful). "So, that's why it didn't happen. Unbelievable." He added that this story corrects the internet perception that he tried to return to WWE and was rejected, which then led him to take the analyst job on FOX's WWE Backstage show. He clarified that the failed return plan is what led to the FOX opportunity, not the other way around. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 27: CM Punk speaks during WWE Monday Night RAW at State Farm Arena on January 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 27: CM Punk speaks during WWE Monday Night RAW at State Farm Arena on January 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. WWE/Getty Images The Infamous 2014 WWE Exit The fact that a meeting even took place was significant given the circumstances of Punk's departure from WWE in 2014. He famously walked out of the company following the Royal Rumble that year, citing creative burnout and serious health concerns that he felt were being ignored. His grievances were aired in a legendary podcast interview that created a deep and bitter rift between him and the company, which included lawsuits and public animosity that lasted for years. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation The fallout from his exit made a potential return seem impossible for nearly a decade, which is why this secret meeting was such a monumental step. Mending Fences With Triple H The meeting was also a pivotal moment in Punk's historically contentious relationship with Triple H. During his first run, Punk was very public about his belief that Triple H never saw him as a top star and actively worked against his creative direction. Punk revealed that this secret meeting was the first time he and Triple H began to repair their broken relationship. "That would have been probably the first time that me and Triple H probably started chipping it away at any problems or drama that we had in the past," he said. "That was the first instance." While that return plan ultimately fell through after McMahon "ghosted" him, the initial conversation was a crucial first step. It laid the groundwork for the working relationship with Triple H that would eventually facilitate his shocking and successful return at Survivor Series 2023. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Is AJ Lee returning to WWE? Roxanne Perez is doing everything to make it happen
AJ Lee and Roxanne Perez (Image via WWE) WWE 's big all-women's event, Evolution 2, is almost here, and fans are already excited for all the matches. But one WWE Superstar has her eyes on something even bigger. Roxanne Perez, one of the current Women's Tag Team Champions, has made it clear that her biggest dream is to face former Divas Champion AJ Lee in a match. This is not just a random dream. Roxanne is working hard to make it come true. She's even using her connections to try and bring AJ Lee back to the ring. Could this be a hint that AJ Lee might return to WWE after almost a decade? Roxanne Perez shares her dream match Roxanne Perez is known as 'The Prodigy' in WWE. She's still very young but has already achieved a lot. Right now, she holds the Women's Tag Team Championship with her tag partner, Raquel Rodriguez. Even though she has a big title match coming up, Roxanne is thinking about something that could make history. In an interview with WWE Español, Roxanne was asked about her dream match. Without thinking twice, she said her top choice is AJ Lee. 'That would have to be Roxanne Perez – The Prodigy – versus AJ Lee,' Perez said. 'I'm gonna keep trying until she gets back over here. I know someone who knows someone, but I'm still trying, I'm still trying.' Roxanne hinted that she might talk to someone close to AJ, likely her husband, CM Punk, who returned to WWE. With Punk now back in the company, fans believe AJ Lee's return is possible too. Could AJ Lee return to WWE soon? AJ Lee has not wrestled a match since she retired in 2015. But since CM Punk came back at Survivor Series 2023, fans have been hoping that AJ could also make a comeback. While AJ has not said anything yet, the news around her return keeps getting stronger. Roxanne and Raquel will defend their Women's Tag Team Titles at Evolution 2 in a huge four-way match. They will face top teams like Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss , Asuka & Kairi Sane , and the rising duo of Sol Ruca & Zaria. But even with all this happening, Roxanne still dreams of standing face-to-face with AJ Lee in the ring one day Roxanne Perez (Image via WWE) If AJ does return, it would be a big moment for WWE. A match between her and Roxanne would be a dream come true for fans, a true battle between a legend and a rising star. There's no official news about AJ Lee coming back to WWE, but Roxanne Perez is doing everything she can to make it happen. With Evolution 2 taking place and CM Punk already back, this could be the perfect time. AJ's return would be huge, and Roxanne might be the one to bring her back. Also Read: Will Gunther turn babyface at Saturday Night's Main Event? WWE legends predict a shocking turn For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Randy Orton Reflects Upon Intense Weight Gain During Injury Layoff
Image via WWE Randy Orton has been the cornerstone of the WWE since 2002. The 14-time World Champion has faced every legend of his era and the era beyond to establish himself as one of the greats. To sustain a career that has continued for over 23 years, one must remain in pristine shape, especially in a physically intensive business like professional wrestling. 'The Viper' has done just that. However, the past few years have been challenging for the now 45-year-old. The most prominent physical challenge Orton faced in recent years was a spinal fusion surgery that kept him out of action between May 2022 and November 2023. During this time, the usual 250ish Orton experienced a tremendous amount of weight gain while recovering. Randy Orton Says He Weighed Over 300 Pounds During His Recovery Speaking to Stephanie McMahon on her 'What's Your Story' podcast, Orton revealed that after his injury, his diet changed a lot, which led to a massive tick in weight. "I went from like, kind of 240 to 250-ish. Over the winter, I had some time off, and I was a little over 300 pounds. Like, 'Oh, this guy gets a spinal fusion and he gains 80 pounds,' smart." Orton said that his weight gain was mainly attributed to his affinity for sweet consumables, which he termed as a 'sugar tooth from hell'. Moreover, 'The Viper' listed some items that became part of his diet during his recovery. "I went through like, a Nutella phase,' he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo 'And that's one of the reasons I was just over 300 over Christmas. Is because, like, the big tub of popcorn that has, like, the different… chocolate and caramel… I killed a couple of those, and it's like, I'll start fuc***g with a tin of fu***ng some shit over Christmas. Servings are 84 servings. Killed this thing in two nights.' But once he returned to training, this approach changed, and he focused on getting in shape to come back to the ring. As a result, Orton finally made his return at Survivor Series 2023 in Chicago to team up with Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, and Seth Rollins to face The Judgment Day and Drew McIntyre. And ever since returning, 'The Viper' has been a prominent face on the blue brand. Moreover, fans noticed that Orton's physique was different than before. He carried more muscle than usual and was billed at around 275-290 pounds, which is a 25-pound increase from his previous weight of 245 pounds. Now, Orton will face McIntyre at Saturday Night's Main Event on July 12 in Atlanta. Also read: Randy Orton set to clash against returning superstar at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
ECW Legend Defends CM Punk's Alleged Hypocrisy Over Performing at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia
Image via WWE: CM Punk CM Punk is perhaps the most outspoken and controversial star in WWE history. Examples of this quality are well-documented with his 2011 'Pipebomb' promo and rants outside the ring about various issues, ranging from the independent circuit and backstage stories. However, one major rant came in 2020 when Punk lambasted The Miz online in relation to the WWE star performing in Saudi Arabia for cash despite the country's alleged history of human rights violations. But in 2025, Punk wrestled John Cena at Night of Champions in the Arab nation. This wasn't free of controversy. On the NOC kick-off show, Punk was targeted by a WWE fan in the crowd about his comments, after which Punk publicly apologized for his rant from years ago. And naturally, this has attracted many naysayers calling Punk a hypocrite owing to his persona of being outspoken but still apologising after reaping the benefits of performing in Saudi Arabia. However, Rob Van Dam has stepped in to defend the former WWE Champion. Rob Van Dam Feels Differently About CM Punk's Change of Heart Taking to his '1 of a Kind' podcast, the former ECW World Champion said, "I don't consider it hypocrisy unless it was done at the same time. People can grow. Their perspective can change. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Viaja al Caribe 2025 en crucero todo incluido Cruceros | Anuncios de Búsqueda Más información Undo If he said something 5 years ago, and then now he feels different about it. That's not what a hypocrite is. We all grow, feel different.' The WWE Hall of Famer further added, 'Let's say you're a kid in school and you think this kid's a jerk, and then you start talking to him, and then you find out he's really cool, and he becomes your friend. Are you a hypocrite? No. You just have more information now than you had before, and so your view has changed." This reflection from Van Dam speaks highly about Punk's transformation since returning to the WWE at Survivor Series 2023. The former WWE Champion is no longer the guy with an extremely edgy attitude and is now firmly established as the locker room leader. Moreover, he even main-evented his first-ever WrestleMania this year against Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. Apart from this, Punk's change of heart even received appreciation from WWE CCO Triple H, who was happy with Punk's newfound perspective. Also read: Former ECW World Champion accuses current WWE Champion John Cena of getting other Superstars fired For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
