Latest news with #WWEVault
New York Post
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
How Hulk Hogan authored one of the most shocking moments in wrestling history
These days, wrestling fans are more or less in on the act. But there was a time that fans were so enraged by an unforeseen twist that they peppered the men in the ring with trash, disgusted by the ultimate act of betrayal. Hulk Hogan, who died Thursday morning at the age of 71, turned heel — wrestling parlance for a hero transforming into a villain — at WCW's 'Bash at the Beach' in Daytona, Fla. on July 7, 1996 in one of the most shocking moments in wrestling history, aligning himself with fellow ex-WWE stars Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to form the New World Order (nWo) faction that completely changed the industry and pop culture. Advertisement Hogan had been the ultimate good guy for 12 years, a larger-than-life All-American icon who implored fans to take their vitamins and say their prayers. So when he marched down to the ring that night in Daytona during the main event between heroes Sting, Randy Savage and Lex Luger vs. Hall, Nash and a mystery third man who had yet to appear, fans cheered as they thought he was going to help fend off the bad guys. Advertisement As Hogan made his way toward the ring, Bobby Heenan asked on the broadcast, 'Whose side is he on?' 'What are you talking about?!' Dusty Rhodes responded incredulously. Hogan then hit his signature leg drop on longtime rival Savage, leaving fans stunned as he high-fived Hall and Nash. 4 Hulk Hogan turns heel by hitting a leg drop on Randy Savage at Bash at the Beach 1996. YouTube/WWE Vault Advertisement 4 Hulk Hogan (c.) celebrates alongside Scott Hall (l.) and Kevin Nash (r.) at Bash at the Beach 1996. YouTube/WWE Vault 4 Hulk Hogan (c.) talks to Gene Okerlund alongside Scott Hall (l.) and Kevin Nash (r.) at Bash at the Beach 1996. YouTube/WWE Vault As fans threw garbage into the ring, WCW backstage reporter Gene Okerlund asked Hogan, 'What in the world are you thinking?' 'Mean Gene, the first thing you need to do is to tell these people to shut up if you want to hear what I've got to say,' a mustachioed Hogan, in red pants and a yellow bandana, said as boos rained down upon him, formally turning his back on the fans. Advertisement Hogan declared that he, Hall and Nash were 'the future of wrestling' and that they were going to 'destroy everything in our path.' Hogan began to wear black wrestling gear and added a black beard to his blond mustache as he and his ever-expanding group took over WCW. 4 Hulk Hogan in 1997 sporting his all-black villainous look. Corbis via Getty Images The formation of the nWo flipped the wrestling business on its head. The black nWo shirt with white lettering became immensely popular and WCW ended up beating WWE in the ratings for 83 consecutive weeks until April 1998. WWE then took the reins in the 'Monday Night War,' and WCW began to spiral. WWE later bought WCW in 2001, and Hogan returned there with the nWo in 2002.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE Teases Massive Return of Former Divas Champion and Cornerstone of the Women's Revolution
Image via Imagn It has been nearly 10 years since WWE kick-started their 'Women's Revolution' initiative, with the company focusing on women's in-ring action instead of treating them as side characters and eye candy. This resulted in the first-ever all-women's PLE way back in 2018, with Evolution 1 taking center stage. However, one vital figure was missing from the event, who was as important for women's wrestling as Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Sasha Banks. The woman in question is AJ Lee. Lee is a former Divas Champion and was known for her anti-establishment and ruthless persona, similar to her real-life husband, CM Punk. While she quit the company in 2015, fans have been buzzing her name ever since. And just days ahead of the second edition of Evolution, it seems that WWE might do the unthinkable once again. Could AJ Lee Make Her Return to WWE at Evolution 2? The promotion set social media on fire with their 'WWE Vault' YouTube channel. It is famous for posting classics, legendary feuds and backstage footage from the promotion's past. And with just 3 days left for Evolution 2, the channel posted a video titled 'Story of the rise of AJ Lee.' For the unversed, it is the second time this week that the company has posted some media related to Lee, with the channel posting Lee's Divas' title bout against Paige at SummerSlam 2014. Evolution 2 is set to take place on July 13 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, and with Lee being a cornerstone of women's wrestling in WWE, fans would be elated if they could see the former Divas title holder return for one last time. Story of the rise of AJ Lee (2013-14) Lee quit the company right after teaming up with Paige to face The Bella Twins at WrestleMania 31 due to lingering back issues. However, it was also speculated that she did so owing to CM Punk's issues with the company back then. But with Punk making his own grand return at Survivor Series 2023, Lee could likely be on her way back to the ring. Moreover, her name was heavily used in Punk's feud against Drew McIntyre. So, if there was ever a good time to return, Evolution 2 could be it. The all-women's PLE is stacked at the moment with Iyo Sky taking on Rhea Ripley for the Women's World title, Tiffany Stratton taking on Trish Stratus for the WWE Women's title, Jacy Jayne facing Jordynne Grace for the NXT Women's title, and much more. Also read: WWE star Charlotte Flair reacts to mean public reactions on her physical appearance Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Causes Massive AJ Lee Return Speculation
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. WWE has set social media ablaze this week by posting multiple videos featuring former Divas Champion AJ Lee. The timing of the posts, coming just days before the all-women's Evolution 2 premium live event, has sparked massive speculation about a potential return for the beloved star. This week, the WWE Vault YouTube channel released a video titled "Story of the rise of AJ Lee," which followed another recent video showcasing one of her classic matches against Paige. This sudden focus on a star who has been retired for nearly a decade has fans buzzing. The Social Media Frenzy For AJ Lee The WWE Universe reacted immediately, with fans expressing a mix of excitement and cautious skepticism. Many fans posted on X that they were trying not to get their hopes up, with one user writing, "wwe uploaded ANOTHER playlist of ajlee .......... please stop giving me false hope." Another user summed up the feeling of many, posting, "I am not falling for this again WWE, okay? (HOLY SH** AJLEE IS FINALLY RETURNING!! THAT'S GREAT)." The overwhelming sentiment is one of hope, as fans are clamoring to hear her "Let's Light It Up" theme song one more time this Sunday, July 13th, in Atlanta. You can see other responses below: WHY DOES WWE ALL OF THE SUDDEN KEEPS POSTING ABOUT AJ LEE — 🎀 𝑯𝒘𝒂 🎀 (@angryhwabird) July 9, 2025 AJ Lee returning at Evolution confirmed. (being delusional again) — Roman Reigns SZN 💥 (@reigns_era) July 7, 2025 WWE Vault has uploaded Paige vs AJ Lee for the Divas Championship to their official channel ‼️‼️ — EVOLUTION HERE WE COME!! — t. (@FlairFantasy) July 7, 2025 @LucciVee as far as AJ Lee's return to the WWE goes I'll have to see it to believe it if she don't return by the 13th of this month then she won't unless WWE keeps it top secret surprise like they did with CM Punk when he returned back in November of 2023 — jordan mccluskey (@jordanmccl26343) July 3, 2025 Guys I know we all really want Aj Lee to return for Evolution and while I would love for it to happen it's so obvious that she had been thriving since leaving WWE. — Sarah 🎈 (@Cody_Rhodes_17) July 1, 2025 More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation A Trailblazer Of The Divas Era AJ Lee was one of the most popular and influential female superstars of her time. A three-time Divas Champion, she held the title for a then-record 295 consecutive days. Her "Geek Goddess" and later "Black Widow" personas were a stark contrast to the models featured on Total Divas, a reality show she famously ran down in her own version of a "pipe bombshell" promo, cementing her status as a unique, anti-diva character. HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 01: AJ Mendez attends the Beyond Fest Premiere Of "Girl On The Third Floor"at the Egyptian Theatre on October 01, 2019 in Hollywood, California HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 01: AJ Mendez attends the Beyond Fest Premiere Of "Girl On The Third Floor"at the Egyptian Theatre on October 01, 2019 in Hollywood, California Lee's popularity was immense, and her work on the microphone and in the ring was a precursor to the "Women's Revolution" that would follow her retirement. Lee abruptly retired from professional wrestling in 2015 at the age of 28, citing permanent damage to her cervical spine as a primary reason. For years, a return seemed impossible due to the severity of the injury. However, with the recent return of her husband, CM Punk, to WWE after his own long absence, many fans believe that the door for her own comeback may now be open. While WWE may simply be highlighting the career of a beloved legend, the timing is too coincidental for many to ignore. The Evolution event is a celebration of women's wrestling, making it the perfect stage for one of the most influential women in WWE history to make a shocking and long-awaited return. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
