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Express Tribune
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
WWE Backlash results: John Cena retains against Randy Orton in their final-ever match
John Cena retained the WWE Universal Championship at Backlash 2025 in St. Louis, defeating long-time rival Randy Orton after a chaotic match that saw interference from R-Truth. John Cena and Randy Orton's decades-long rivalry reached what may be its final chapter at WWE Backlash 2025, with the WWE Universal Championship on the line. In a match defined by nostalgia, reversals, and chaos, Cena emerged victorious after interference from R-Truth helped tilt the balance. The match opened with mutual respect as Cena offered a handshake. Orton accepted, but the moment quickly devolved into a brutal exchange. The pair revisited old favourites, from Orton's signature stomps to Cena's chain of shoulder tackles and a Five Knuckle Shuffle. In a throwback to their iconic battles, Orton countered an Attitude Adjustment into an RKO, igniting the St. Louis crowd. Cena dodged a Punt Kick, only for Orton to evade a retaliatory strike. A mistimed referee bump prevented a decisive count following a second RKO. The action spilled ringside, where Orton delivered another RKO and sent Cena crashing through a table. Despite flattening every official in sight, Orton was unable to secure a pin. As the match reached its peak, R-Truth rushed to the ring, intervening in defence of Cena, whom he has long called a 'childhood hero.' Orton landed an RKO on Truth, but the distraction gave Cena enough time to strike a low blow and blast Orton with the title belt. Cena secured the three-count as the crowd erupted in mixed reactions. Climbing to the top rope with mic in hand, Cena declared himself 'the last real champion,' closing the night on a defiant note.
Newsweek
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Recently Released WWE Superstar Could Return Sooner Than Expected: Report
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. Shortly after WrestleMania 41, WWE released well over a dozen Superstars from its roster. This included multiple fan-favorite wrestlers, including Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, and Dakota Kai as well as a plethora of NXT talent. More Pro Wrestling: Released WWE Superstar Retires From Pro Wrestling Needless to say, fans are wondering what will be next for all of the released wrestlers. However, one of these Superstars may return to WWE sooner than expected. COLOGNE, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 07: Baron Corbin competes in the ring against Braun Strowman during the WWE Live Show at Lanxess Arena on November 7, 2018 in Cologne, Germany. COLOGNE, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 07: Baron Corbin competes in the ring against Braun Strowman during the WWE Live Show at Lanxess Arena on November 7, 2018 in Cologne, to a report from Bill Apter from WrestleBinge, Strowman was released because the company's view of him changed, and the amount he was being paid didn't match the role they wanted him to play. More Pro Wrestling: Logan Paul Issues Heartfelt Apology To Stone Cold Steve Austin "I think that this time around, they never envisioned him as a full-time, long storyline player," Apter said. "I don't want to use the term filler, but just a good hand to have around to get the excitement going and maybe put some guys over, which he did. But nothing that they were planning on for a long period, and I don't know if he actually wanted to be part of this for long periods of time." Strowman has more than done his duty putting guys over. He had an incredible feud with Bronson Reed and also served as the perfect opponent to elevate current United States Champion Jacob Fatu. Both of these Superstars are now seen as future main eventers in the company, proving Strowman's ability to make opponents seem bigger than ever. Apter then stated that Strowman could return for brief stints to fill those types of roles again. "I heard that it was not an angry break, and if they call him six months or a year down the road, 'We need you for three or four months,' he'd be willing to do it again," Apter said. More Pro Wrestling: Former WWE Superstar To Make AEW Debut Strowman first signed with WWE in 2013 and debuted as a member of The Wyatt Family in 2015. Since then, he has consistently been one of the most exciting, athletic, and explosive big men in the history of the company. During his time with WWE, Strowman took home the WWE Universal Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship twice. Strowman also won Money in the Bank in 2018, the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal in 2019, and the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018. More Pro Wrestling: WWE Superstar Set To Depart From The Company Former WWE Star Reacts to Backstage Situation That May Have Led to Release For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Braun Strowman Details Brutal Injuries Suffered With 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. Braun Strowman is easily one of the best big men in modern professional wrestling, boasting immense strength, impressive athleticism, and the ability to connect with an audience. It's because of this that Strowman has remained one of the most beloved wrestlers of his style. More Pro Wrestling: Karrion Kross Teases Former AEW Stars Joining WWE Despite his dedication to WWE, Strowman was released alongside a bevy of other talent, much to the chagrin of WWE fans ever since. And their feelings got even more complicated when it was revealed how much he actually went through. PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 19: Braun Strowman (L) in action vs Kevin Owens during WWE Live AccorHotels Arena Popb Paris Bercy on May 19, 2018 in Paris, France. PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 19: Braun Strowman (L) in action vs Kevin Owens during WWE Live AccorHotels Arena Popb Paris Bercy on May 19, 2018 in Paris, an interview with Miles Addy, Strowman shared all of the injuries he had sustained during his time with WWE and how they had an impact on his time with the company. "Before I even debuted on TV, I ruptured my L5S1, which paralyzed my left leg 100 percent," Strowman said. "Had emergency surgery, I got 85 percent of it back, so my entire career, I've wrestled with a 15 percent paralyzed left leg from my low back." "I've had elbow surgery twice," Strowman continued. "My teeth are fake. All these scars when I went through the windshield in the Wyatt Family Swamp fight. I broke my neck, have a metal plate four screws in my neck. "I tore my groin two minutes into the Last Man Standing match with Bronson Reed, went 20 more minutes with a torn groin. They all suck, but it's part of the game." More Pro Wrestling: Shelton Benjamin Takes Massive Shot at Hulk Hogan Over Latest Controversy Now, having been released, it has been reported that Strowman is taking time to focus on what he wants to do next, whether it's working for another promotion or retiring from professional wrestling altogether. No matter what he chooses, there is no doubt that Strowman has had an excellent career. After working as a strongman, Strowman began training with WWE in 2013, appearing in dark matches. He eventually made his television debut as a member of The Wyatt Family Aug. 24, 2015. More Pro Wrestling: Released WWE Star Breaks Silence On Departure Strowman would remain with WWE until he was first released in 2021, operating as one of the most popular big men in the company. In that time, he took home the WWE Universal Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship twice. Strowman also won Money in the Bank in 2018 and the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royale in 2019. What is the point of rehiring him if you gonna release him again . Braun strowman is actually few one of the athletic big men we have . He elevated bronson and Jacob fatu . It sucks man . Look how emotional he looked when he came back — Reigns Is Greatness (@spiritbomb_goku) May 2, 2025 Strowman would return to WWE in 2022, teaming with Ricochet and having memorable feuds with Gunther, Bronson Reed, and Jacob Fatu. More Pro Wrestling: Becky Lynch Takes Major Shot at Hulk Hogan Following Comparison Remarks For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Multiple WWE Superstars Released Including Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai
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. According to a recent report from Fightful, multiple WWE Superstars have been released from the company. WWE Releases Braun Strowman — Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) May 2, 2025 The biggest name on the list is Braun Strowman, who was most recently seen feuding with current Intercontinental Champion Jacob Fatu. He has won the WWE Universal Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and Money in the Bank in 2018. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: Braun Strowman enters the arena during Smackdown at Pechanga Arena on January 17, 2025 in San Diego, California. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: Braun Strowman enters the arena during Smackdown at Pechanga Arena on January 17, 2025 in San Diego, California. WWE/Getty Images Other main roster names that have been released include Dakota Kai, Shayna Baszler, Katana Chance, and Kaden Carter. The releases/departures from WWE we've heard so far - Braun Strowman - Kayden Carter - Katana Chance - Shayna Baszler - Dakota Kai We may hear that some of their contracts weren't renewed — Sean Ross Sapp of (@SeanRossSapp) May 2, 2025 Additionally, multiple members of the NXT roster have been released as well: Gigi Dolin, Cora Jade, Eddie Thorpe, and Jakara Jackson. More Pro Wrestling: WWE Superstar Retires From Pro Wrestling Former WWE Superstar Is Returning To NXT For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports. This story is currently being updated...
Express Tribune
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
All roads lead to WrestleMania 41
On the road to WrestleMania 40 last year, WWE struck gold with Roman Reigns, The Rock, Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at the center. The months-long buildup led to a memorable show where Rhodes finally "finished the story" by ending Reigns' almost four-year reign of terror and winning the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. This year's road to WrestleMania 41 has, in comparison, been rockier. Perhaps, 2024 set the bar too high. That's not to say that the buildup has been terrible, but rather relatively lacklustre outside of the main event scene where CM Punk, Rollins and Reigns will close night one and Cody vs John Cena will main event night two. Women's division The two-night event will feature four women's matches: three title matches and one grudge match. This is the first time in 19 years that a non-title women's match will be a part of WrestleMania, with the last one being a Playboy pillow fight between Torrie Wilson and Candice Michelle at WrestleMania 22. But Jade Cargill and Naomi's story has been interesting in the last few months. The former partners became enemies once Naomi turned out to be Cargill's secret attacker. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodiguez will battle Bayley and Women's Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Valkyria and Bayley wrestled each other two weeks ago on Monday Night Raw for the former's gold, and put on an absolute clinic. It was truly a WrestleMania calibre match. Since then, their chemistry has developed and the match against the tag champions Morgan and Rodriguez. The only downside would be that the newly established Women's Intercontinental Championship won't be defended at WrestleMania. Unfortunately, the women's world title pictures have been an absolute disaster. The continuous disrespect of the Women's World Champion Iyo Sky who's stuck in a feud between Rhea Rhipley and Bianca Belair has undermined the champion. That is the story WWE is telling, that the champion is also sick of being disrespected on a weekly basis. But it still hurts the champion's image to see the three women in a poorly acted corny story. All three wrestlers are main event players but the story hasn't done them justice this year. Another disaster WWE has on hand is Charlotte Flair. The legendary Ric Flair's daughter has been a liability for over six years and WWE is now beginning to realise it. They still messed up big when awarding her another Royal Rumble win this year, which was an undisputedly undeserving victory over wrestlers who have worked harder all year round. The cycle of Charlotte's stories in the last few years has looked like this: Get injured, return, win a title, get injured and repeat. And no woman has benefitted from wrestling her in years, despite the fact that she is undoubtedly talented in the ring. This year, Charlotte's unprofessionalism and dead-in-the-water character work and mic skills were fully exposed by her opponent WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton and the Chicago crowd a couple weeks ago. After being booed out of the building by the crowd who wouldn't let her speak, Charlotte tried to deliberately bury Stratton by mocking her voice and calling her own choice to fight the champion a 'charity'. But Stratton answered back in an equally personal attack about Charlotte's multiple divorces, which clearly got under her skin. It was a disaster of a promo segment, courtesy of Charlotte, who has acted unprofessionally, onscreen and off, numerous times over the years. There is no choice for WWE but to go with Stratton as the winner as Charlotte's decade-old stagnant shtick is way past its course and the roster doesn't need her anymore. There are plenty of other women ready to shine and build the division. Main Event, World Titles Jey Uso's Royal Rumble victory shocked everyone in February. His road to WrestleMania has been full of doubts, just like ours, over whether he can defeat the monster World Heavyweight Champion Gunther. Their buildup was underwhelming until the champion destroyed Jey's brother Jimmy Uso and bathed in his blood. It's an interesting story where Jey needs to come out on top to solidify his solo run, especially since he has never been able to defeat Gunther before. The most satisfying moment of WrestleMania this year has to be CM Punk finally fulfilling his dream and wrestling in the main event of the show. The man has wanted and deserved this moment for over a decade and there is going to be no better sight than seeing him walk down the ramp alongside his conflicted best friend Paul Heyman and possibly defeat the former Shield members. Cena's heel turn last month shocked the world. However, his limited appearances following the turn and the subsequent promos have been interesting but not exactly earth-shattering as they should have been. In over a month, the turn has already almost been forgotten. That's not to say that it's dead. WWE has plenty of time to slow burn this character, but the threads have been hanging loose and the interest has somewhat waned so far. Still, knowing that it's WrestleMania, the match dynamics will surely be off the charts with Cena vying for his last and record-breaking 17th world title against Rhodes, who's been the champion for a year. Watch out for twists and any new tricks by the Final Boss at 'Mania. Who knows, we might see Cena become the ultimate villain after winning the world title. Undercard The new beast on the block Jacob Fatu fights L.A. Knight for the US title while Bronn Breaker defends his IC title against Penta, Dominik and Finn Balor. The War Raiders defend the World Tag titles against the New Day. Damien Priest vs Drew McIntyre settle their year-long score in a street fight, whereas AJ Styles battles Logan Paul and Rey Mysterio fights it out with El Grande Americano, who is absolutely not Chad Gable under a mask (don't believe whoever says it's Gable). Kevin Owens' unfortunate neck injury took him out of action, which has led to his match against Randy Orton being cancelled. The rumour, however, is that Aleister Black might make a return and be Orton's surprise opponent. Rest assured, it might not be WrestleMania 40, but it's still a stacked card. WWE, as usual, might have a few surprises up their sleeve to make the weekend even more memorable.
