Latest news with #WWEWomen'sWorldChampionship
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Saudi Arabia Angling for For Very Own Wrestlemania Headlined By...
Last Updated: In a recent development, sources say that the oil-rich nation is pushing for its very own personal WrestleMania with The Rock headlining the show. The Middle Eastern nation of Saudi Arabia has expanded its sporting portfolio in an aggressive fashion in recent years, roping in a multitude of sporting properties to thrill the subjects of the country and a bigger motive of building a solid culture around sports. In a recent development, sources say that the oil-rich nation is pushing for its very own personal WrestleMania with The Rock headlining the show. There are discussions about holding two #WrestleMania events in one calendar year, with one potentially taking place in Saudi Arabia. Recent talks suggest this could happen as early as 2027. Saudi has experience of hosting top-level wrestling events thanks to their venture into the Crow Jewel which was received well by the wider wrestling fanbase barring certain humanitarian concerns about the level of freedom afforded for the subjects in the Kingdom. However, the advent of an event on the level of Wrestlemania would revolutionise the landscape of the sport-entertainment business. Iyo Sky defeated Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair To Retain WWE Women's World Championship, while McIntyre got the better of Damien Priest in a Sin City Street Fight. Son of the legendary Rey Mysterio, Dominik, clinched the Intercontinental Championship as he pipped Bron Breakker, Penta, and Finn Balor to the coveted title. Randy Orton outclassed Joe Hendry, while Logan Paul got the better of AJ Styles, while Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria sunk Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodrigues to seal the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. However, the biggest billing of the annual event was the return of the iconic John Cena, who beat Cody Rhodes to clinch the WWE Undisputed Championship title. view comments First Published: August 09, 2025, 09:59 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Miami Herald
4 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
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night 2 Pre-Show Breakdown (August 3, 2025): Full Matchcard, Storylines and What's at Stake
SummerSlam 2025 (Image via X) Night 2 of WWE SummerSlam 2025 is only a little while away as the pre-show inches towards its conclusion. The MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is once again packed to the brim, as the second night of the big event is set to produce even bigger fights than the first. The Street Fight between John Cena and Cody Rhodes is, of course, the main event of the night, but the other five matches set to take place tonight are equally exciting. As Triple H posted, WWE is currently in stealth mode, and everything is pretty hush-hush for tonight. So let's take a look at what we know so far, and what WWE has in store for the fans for Night 2 of SummerSlam. SummerSlam 2025 Night 2 match cards in order (expected) WWE Women's World Championship : Naomi (c) vs. IYO SKY vs. Rhea Ripley WWE Tag Team Championship: Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. #DIY vs. Street Profits vs. Fraxiom vs. Motor City Machine Guns vs. Andrade & Rey Fenix (TLC match) WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria WWE United States Championship: Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jacob Fatu Dominik Mysterio vs. AJ Styles WWE Undisputed Championship: John Cena (c) vs. Cody Rhodes (Street Fight) The WWE Women's World Championship is going to open Night 2 A lot of chatter has been ongoing about the WWE Women's World Championship fight that will take place tonight in a three-way match. Naomi is the current title holder, after pinning IYO SKY at Evolution, when she very shockingly cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase at the very end of the show. Now both Rhea Ripley and Sky will be back with vengeance to get the belt, but Naomi is not someone they can easily toy with. These three women are at the top of their game when it comes to WWE's women's division. And this three-way match will be bloody, brutal, and brilliant, because that's just how good they are. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Signs Of Heart Attack That Shouldn't Be Ignored (Take A Look) TheDaddest Undo This match is supposed to open Night 2, and given that Ripley and Sky were the closing act at Evolution 2025, this seems pretty fitting. WWE Tag Team Championship TLC match The WWE Tag Team Championship match will be chaotic to say the least, and everyone knows it. With 6 tag teams competing in a Table, Ladder, and Chair match for the tag team belts, which will be hanging on top of the ring, fans already know what to expect, except maybe who will finally come out on top. John Cena and Cody Rhodes to end the night in a spectacular fashion Now that John Cena has turned Baby Face once more, or so it seems, is it time for Cody Rhodes to do the unthinkable, and turn heel? Or will it be a double heel and Cena never actually turned Face at all? Tonight's Street Fight match between these two heavyweights, who were last seen sharing a beer together after Rhodes welcomed Cena back, will be the last match of the night, and the action is supposed to be unmatched. Rhodes has been saying from the beginning that he wanted to face the real John Cena, and it looks like that's exactly what he is about to get. But as it has been said quite a few times by now, will Cody be able to hone in on his instincts and do what needs to be done to face Cena tonight? Whatever happens, WWE is very tight-lipped about it. With only a few minutes before the show starts, the crowd is absolutely going wild, and we can't wait to see what happens tonight. Also Read: WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night 2: US, UK, Saudi Arabia, India timings, full match card, streaming options, and more 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!
Pink Villa
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Rhea Ripley reveals why she hated husband Buddy Matthews at first: ‘Sir, how dare you?'
Rhea Ripley surprised fans when she recently confessed that she once couldn't stand her now-husband, AEW star Buddy Matthews. In a playful social-media post, Ripley shared a reel showing partners who drift apart—then quipped that her own relationship went the opposite way. The WWE Women's World Championship contender admitted that she despised him in the beginning, all because Matthews had laid out popular NXT wrestler Sway with a forearm to the face. Today, the duo is happily married and proving that first impressions can be overturned. From heel heat to husband Ripley told Insight host Chris Van Vliet that her initial dislike stemmed from seeing Matthews punch Sway during their Australian independent-circuit days. 'I used to hate him,' she laughed, recalling her outrage at the move. Despite praising his in-ring skill, saying that 'he moves so incredibly well for the size that he is,' Ripley admitted she 'hated him with a passion' when he debuted as a heel. She tells Vliet: 'Because I loved Sway, which was a female wrestler… and he just punched Sway straight in the face. I was like, sir, how dare you?' A love story in reverse Their romance began in 2022, and quickly blossomed into an engagement in August 2023. The wrestler duo ultimately tied the knot with a private wedding last June. Ripley recently celebrated the milestone with a cheeky Instagram story, writing 'Reverse the role @snm_buddy' alongside a video of partners growing apart, pointing out how the contrary happened with them. During the interview, she also told Vliet that over time, her relationship with Matthews got better, until eventually, he became 'someone special' to her: 'Matt is the best husband I could ever ask for. He does absolutely everything for me.' Today, Ripley competes for WWE's top women's prize at Evolution 2, while Matthews recovers from injury in AEW.
Newsweek
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Rhea Ripley Reveals New Injury Nearly Led to Missing WWE WrestleMania
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. Top WWE star Rhea Ripley has revealed she is dealing with a persistent lower back injury. The issue almost caused her to miss her championship match at WrestleMania 41. Rhea Ripley was part of a three-way match for the WWE Women's World Championship on Night Two of the event. She faced champion IYO SKY and Bianca Belair in a match that many fans considered a highlight of the weekend. Rhea Ripley Details Her Back Injury In a new appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Ripley opened up about the lower back issue. She believes the injury started during a match in NXT. "Normally, my lower back, especially lately, I don't know what's been going on," Ripley said. "I think it actually started from the match I had with Raquel in NXT, where she gave me the back body drop onto the announce table, but we undershot it and I hit the very edge of the table, like right on my lower back." She stated that her back has never been the same since that moment. She relies on her masseuse to keep her ready for the ring. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: Rhea Ripley is introduced before the Women's World Championship title match against Iyo Sky and Bianca Belair during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: Rhea Ripley is introduced before the Women's World Championship title match against Iyo Sky and Bianca Belair during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. More"Sometimes it gets really bad," she explained. "I didn't think that I would be able to wrestle at WrestleMania 41." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Rhea Ripley's WrestleMania 41 Scare Ripley detailed how bad the pain was in the days leading up to the big event. She required intensive work from her masseuse just to be able to compete. "WrestleMania 41, I didn't think I was going to be able to compete because my back was so bad leading up to it," Ripley said. "The two nights beforehand, I got [my masseuse] Matthew to come to my room... I was like, I need you to make sure I can walk tomorrow." She noted that the treatment worked just in time for the match. However, the pain is a constant issue that she manages. "It gets really bad," she stated. "I don't know if it's a sciatic thing or whatnot... But it does go down, and it definitely revs up sometimes, and sometimes it's just bearable." Ripley is set to compete at this Saturday's WWE Night of Champions event. She will face Raquel Rodriguez in a Street Fight. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
