Latest news with #ToughEnough
Newsweek
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Departing WWE Star Fires Back At Hurtful Fan Label
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. Following a series of WWE talent releases in 2025 that included main roster names like Braun Strowman and NXT departures such as Cora Jade, it emerged that Shotzi's contract with the company would also not be renewed. Despite this news, and a planned feud with Chelsea Green reportedly being scrapped, Shotzi is apparently already being "overwhelmed by interest" from other promotions ahead of her WWE deal concluding in July. Amid these developments, Shotzi took to social media to forcefully address online fans who have labeled her "injury prone," particularly after an ACL injury sidelined her for much of 2024. She directly refuted these claims, stating, "You idiots don't know what injury prone means one major injury in 12 years is 'injury prone.'" 'Injury prone' is a term that you wanna be smart marks overuse to sound smart. 100% of the wrestlers you are calling injury prone are not, they are just human. — Shotzi (@ShotziWWE) May 25, 2025 She further criticized the misuse of the term: "'Injury prone' is a term that you wanna be smart marks overuse to sound smart. 100% of the wrestlers you are calling injury prone are not, they are just human." Shotzi's journey with WWE began with the 2015 season of Tough Enough, though a failed medical led to her early withdrawal from the competition. She officially signed with the company in late 2019, making her mark on the NXT brand as Shotzi Blackheart. Her distinctive punk-rock inspired persona, complete with a signature miniature tank entrance, quickly resonated with fans, leading to her being named the NXT Breakout Star of the Year in 2020. A significant highlight during her time in NXT was capturing the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Ember Moon in March 2021. Randy Orton has some fun in the crowd during Backlash France at LDLC Arena on May 4, 2024 in Lyon, France. Randy Orton has some fun in the crowd during Backlash France at LDLC Arena on May 4, 2024 in Lyon, France. WWE/Getty Images More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Promoted to the SmackDown brand in July 2021, Shotzi initially formed a tag team with Tegan Nox and later partnered with Raquel Rodriguez. One of her most prominent main roster moments came when she challenged Ronda Rousey for the SmackDown Women's Championship at Survivor Series WarGames in November 2022. In 2023, Shotzi was involved in a deeply personal storyline with Damage CTRL, during which she bravely shaved her head on television, an act that also served as a poignant real-life tribute to her sister who was battling cancer at the time. She made a return to NXT in late 2023 and early 2024, briefly aligning with Gigi Dolin and Tatum Paxley, before the recent news of her upcoming contract expiration surfaced. Given her established name on the independent scene prior to WWE, Shotzi is expected to have numerous opportunities available to her. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Star Joins AEW
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. AEW has made a notable pickup behind the scenes with a new talent signing. After runs in WWE and TNA, the rival promotion has made an interesting hire. Now, Josh Mathews has confirmed that he has started a new role working with Tony Khan. He is now involved with the production side of both AEW and Ring of Honor (ROH). He shared this news about his new position while talking with Maven Huffman backstage at a recent AEW show. Mathews gave details about his current work in the production department for both companies. He stated, "Right now, [I'm] shadowing Mike Mansury. So, I'll do the Ring of Honor matches before. Then I'll sit and watch Collision. Then I'll do the Ring of Honor matches after." This statement from Mathews aligns with earlier news reports. Those reports already noted that he was working with AEW's production team following his departure from TNA Wrestling. This photo shows AEW owner Tony Khan on April 20, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Khan spoke with Newsweek recently about the company coming to New York City for a large event. This photo shows AEW owner Tony Khan on April 20, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Khan spoke with Newsweek recently about the company coming to New York City for a large event. AEW Josh first became known to wrestling fans in 2001. He did very well and was a runner-up on the first season of WWE's TV competition show, Tough Enough. Even though he did not win the Tough Enough competition, WWE hired him. This started a long career with the company that lasted for thirteen years, until 2014. During his time with WWE, Mathews became a well-known face to WWE fans through many different jobs. He served as a main backstage interviewer, seen most often on the WWE SmackDown brand. He was also a busy commentator and announcer, calling the matches for many shows including Velocity, the newer ECW brand, WWE NXT during its early days, WWE Superstars, Saturday Morning Slam, and WWE Main Event. In addition, he hosted online shows for such as the program "Byte This." While he was mostly known for his work as a broadcaster, Mathews even had a short time wrestling in the ring in 2004, where he did not lose any matches, and notably teamed with Booker T. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Following his release from WWE in June 2014, Mathews soon started working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), which later changed its name to Impact Wrestling. He quickly became an essential part of their broadcasts, taking over as the lead play-by-play announcer for their main show, Impact Wrestling, starting in January 2015. Around 2021, Mathews stopped doing full-time commentary for TNA/Impact and took on important backstage jobs, working as the company's Senior Producer and later also taking the role of Senior Director of Digital Media. After nearly ten years of helping TNA both on TV and behind the scenes, Mathews left the company in February 2025. This happened while the organization was making many changes. His recent arrival at AEW now brings another experienced person to their growing production team. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Superstar Snuck Backstage At AEW Event
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. Former WWE Tough Enough winner Maven Huffman recently shared an entertaining video on his popular YouTube channel, documenting what he humorously portrayed as an attempt to "sneak" backstage at an AEW Collision event. The footage captures his journey through an All Elite Wrestling show in New Jersey. In the video, despite not being an official AEW employee or possessing credentials for the event, Maven successfully navigated past an initial security checkpoint. He convinced a guard that he was part of the talent roster, thereby gaining access to the talent parking area. Maven documented his exploration through the production and TV truck zone. He eventually entered the main backstage area of the AEW Collision taping. Once inside, he had a friendly encounter with his old friend and former WWE colleague, Billy Gunn. The two veterans were seen reminiscing about their time working together at WrestleMania 18. During his unauthorized tour, Maven also met several other AEW personalities. These included interactions with former AEW Women's World Champion Thunder Rosa and commentator Josh Mathews. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. More He also showed viewers the wrestlers' monitor viewing area and the catering spread available to talent and staff. The entire venture was presented with a lighthearted and adventurous tone for his channel's content. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Maven Huffman first rose to prominence in the wrestling world as the co-winner of WWE's inaugural season of the reality competition series Tough Enough in 2001. This victory secured him a coveted WWE contract. His most enduring WWE moment occurred early in his career at the 2002 Royal Rumble. As a rookie, Maven famously delivered a dropkick that sent The Undertaker over the top rope, shockingly eliminating the legend from the match. This audacious act led to The Undertaker's brutal post-elimination assault but significantly elevated Maven's profile. It even propelled him to capture the WWF Hardcore Championship on three occasions, once by pinning The Undertaker on SmackDown with assistance from The Rock and Al Snow. Throughout his WWE tenure, which lasted from 2001 to 2005, Maven was often cast as an underdog. He teamed with his former Tough Enough trainer Al Snow and had memorable interactions and matches against top-tier stars like Chris Jericho and Evolution, even challenging for the World Heavyweight Championship. Despite these notable moments, Maven was released from WWE in July 2005. He has since attributed his relatively short run to issues with immaturity at the time. In recent years, Maven has experienced a resurgence in popularity through his candid YouTube channel. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Superstar Set To Depart From The Company
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. Former WWE NXT Women's Tag Team Champion Shotzi has confirmed that her tenure with WWE will conclude in July 2025 when her current contract expires. The company has reportedly informed her that her contract will not be renewed. This news surfaced shortly after WWE conducted a series of talent releases on May 2nd, which included names like Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, and Dakota Kai, though Shotzi's situation pertains to a non-renewal rather than an immediate release. Despite the impending departure, Shotzi is said to be optimistic about her future. In a now-deleted social media post addressing her status. She stated in a no-deleted tweet: "Just to clarify, I still have a good amount of time on my contract. But come July I will be full time balls to the walls!" Her profile has since been moved to the alumni section of WWE's website. I am about to dominate! Lets get busy! Shotzibooking@ — Shotzi (@ShotziWWE) May 4, 2025 I am more than grateful for the wild ride! Can't wait to see where this crazy journey takes me next! I hope to make all my believers proud. 💚 — Shotzi (@ShotziWWE) May 3, 2025 More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Shotzi first connected with WWE through the 2015 season of Tough Enough, though a failed medical forced her withdrawal. She officially signed with the company in late 2019, debuting on the NXT brand as Shotzi Blackheart. Her unique, punk-rock inspired persona, complete with a signature tank entrance, quickly made her a fan favorite, earning her the NXT Breakout Star of the Year award in 2020. WWE Monday Night Raw at Rose Garden arena in Portland. WWE Monday Night Raw at Rose Garden arena in Portland. A major highlight of her NXT run was capturing the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Ember Moon in March 2021. Promoted to SmackDown in July 2021, Shotzi initially teamed with Tegan Nox and later formed a partnership with Raquel Rodriguez. During this period, she memorably challenged Ronda Rousey for the SmackDown Women's Championship at Survivor Series WarGames in 2022. In 2023, she bravely shaved her head as part of a storyline with Damage CTRL, an act that also served as a poignant real-life tribute to her sister,r who was battling cancer. Shotzi made a return to NXT in late 2023 and early 2024, aligning with Gigi Dolin and Tatum Paxley, before the recent news of her upcoming contract expiration. Shotzi will be someone who won't be hurt for work as she had a name on the independent scene before signing with WWE and will pick up where she left off before going to WWE. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Talent Reportedly Signs With AEW
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. AEW has picked up an interesting hire. The promotion has brought in a name that WWE and TNA Wrestling fans may be familiar with. Veteran wrestling broadcaster and producer Josh Mathews has landed a new role with All Elite Wrestling, as confirmed by This move comes just a few months after he departed from TNA Wrestling earlier this year. According to the report, Mathews is now contributing to AEW's behind-the-scenes operations. He has been working in the production trucks lately, helping to facilitate communication between the production team and the coaches/producers. This position leverages his extensive experience over two decades across major wrestling promotions in various capacities, both on-screen and off. Mathews, whose real name is Josh Lomberger, entered the wrestling consciousness as a standout participant and runner-up on the inaugural season of WWE's reality competition show, Tough Enough, in 2001. Although he didn't win the competition, WWE hired him, launching a lengthy career with the company until 2014. Mathews became a familiar face to fans during his thirteen years with WWE through multiple roles. He served as a primary backstage interviewer, most notably on the SmackDown brand. He was a versatile commentator and announcer, calling the action for shows including Velocity, the revived ECW brand, NXT during its early phases, Superstars, Saturday Morning Slam, and Main Event. All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023. All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023. Courtesy of AEW Additionally, he hosted digital content for such as the webcast "Byte This." While primarily known for his broadcasting work, Mathews even had a brief, undefeated run competing in the ring in 2004, notably teaming with Booker T. Following his release from WWE in June 2014, Mathews quickly found a new home with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), later rebranding as Impact Wrestling. He made an immediate impact, taking over as the lead play-by-play commentator for their flagship show, Impact Wrestling, in January 2015. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation This was a significant transition, as he replaced Mike Tenay, who had been the voice of the promotion for many years. Mathews remained in the lead announcer chair for several years, sharing commentary duties with partners like Taz and D'Angelo Dinero. Around 2021, Mathews transitioned away from full-time commentary duties within TNA/Impact and moved into crucial backstage positions. He took on significant responsibilities as the company's Senior Producer and later added the title of Senior Director of Digital Media. After nearly a decade contributing to TNA both on-air and behind the scenes, Mathews departed the company in February 2025 amidst organizational changes. His arrival at AEW now adds another experienced hand to their growing production team. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
