Latest news with #WorldHeavyweightChampionship
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Reportedly Planning Major Push for Fan-Favorite Superstar
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. Jacob Fatu has been a dominant force since arriving in WWE, and the company is reportedly preparing to put its full promotional weight behind him. A new report suggests that a major marketing push is in the works for the former United States Champion, signaling his ascent to top-tier status. According to a report from WrestleVotes Radio on WrestleBinge, WWE is planning a push for Fatu that extends far beyond his on-screen booking. This move comes after Fatu recently turned babyface, opening him up to a broader audience. A Major WWE Push The report indicates that WWE is working on exclusive, city-themed merchandise specifically for Jacob Fatu. This is a strategy typically reserved for the company's biggest babyfaces, like John Cena and Cody Rhodes, and is a clear sign that the company views Fatu as a potential "franchise name." In addition to the merchandise line, the company also plans to feature Fatu in more public-facing appearances. The goal is to build his visibility and make him a recognizable face for the company both in and out of the ring. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation The "Samoan Werewolf" Before signing with WWE, Jacob Fatu established himself as one of the most dominant and feared champions on the independent circuit. As the "Samoan Werewolf," he held the Major League Wrestling (MLW) World Heavyweight Championship for an incredible 819 days. His reign was defined by explosive, unpredictable, and violent matches that made him a must-see attraction. The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as... The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as executive chairman and its board of directors following allegations of sexual assault made public in a lawsuit in Connecticut. A former employee Janel Grant accused McMahon, 78, of sexual assault and sexually trafficking her. MoreHis arrival in WWE was met with massive hype, not only because of his MLW run, but also because of his heritage. Fatu is the son of wrestling legend Sam Fatu (The Tonga Kid) and a real-life member of the legendary Anoa'i family, making him a cousin of Roman Reigns and The Usos. A Dominant First Year In WWE Fatu made an immediate impact in WWE, showcasing a unique and terrifying blend of raw power and surprising agility. He quickly rose through the ranks, capturing the United States Championship and establishing himself as an unstoppable force. Fatu's recent turn to a babyface role was a major character shift that has been well-received by the WWE fans, paving the way for this new promotional strategy. While no official comment has been made by the company, this reported marketing plan is a clear message. WWE doesn't just see Jacob Fatu as a top wrestler; they see him as a cornerstone of the company for years to come. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
Newsweek
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Goldberg Stopped His Son From Signing 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. Just days after his retirement match, WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg has revealed that he recently put a stop to his son, Gage, signing a deal with WWE. In a new interview, Goldberg stated that the financial offer made to his son was not acceptable, adding another layer of intrigue to his recent, complicated exit from the company. The WWE legend competed in what was billed as his final match this past Saturday at the Saturday Night's Main Event premium live event. He unsuccessfully challenged GUNTHER for the World Heavyweight Championship. G oldberg Puts The Brakes On WWE NIL Deal Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Goldberg disclosed that WWE had approached his son, Gage Goldberg, with an offer to join their "Next In Line" (NIL) program. However, Goldberg was not impressed with the terms of the deal. "They tried to give him an NIL (deal) but when I found out how much they were going to give him, I put the brakes on that one," Goldberg stated. He added, "But they would be ignorant if they didn't have an idea that it could be in his future." This revelation comes just days after Goldberg expressed his own disappointment with how WWE handled his retirement match. It also follows comments from Triple H at the post-Evolution press conference, where he publicly stated that the door was open for Gage to join WWE if his football career didn't work out. LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 08: Bill Goldberg speaks at the roundtable panel during HISTORY's Live Event 'Evel Live' at Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace on July 8, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 08: Bill Goldberg speaks at the roundtable panel during HISTORY's Live Event 'Evel Live' at Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace on July 8, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation WWE's "Next In Line" program was launched in 2021 to recruit and develop future superstars by creating a pathway from collegiate athletics to WWE. The NIL deals allow WWE to sign promising young athletes, providing them with access to the WWE Performance Center and company resources while they are still in college. It has become a major pipeline for the company to scout and develop talent. Gage Goldberg, a standout football player for the University of Colorado, fits the exact profile of the elite college athletes WWE targets for this program. A deal would allow him to begin his journey in the wrestling business while still pursuing his football career. Goldberg Protecting His Son Goldberg's rejection of the deal appears to be rooted in his long history as a top-tier attraction and a savvy businessman. Throughout his career in both WCW and WWE, Goldberg was always one of the highest-paid stars. Goldberg's actions can be seen as a father looking out for his son's best interests and ensuring that his value, which is enhanced by the legendary Goldberg name, is properly recognized by the company. While the Goldberg legacy in a WWE ring may continue one day through his son, it seems it will only happen if the price is right. The ball is now back in WWE's court. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
UPI
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
WWE 'Raw': Roman Reigns returns, CM Punk earns title shot
July 15 (UPI) -- Roman Reigns made a triumphant return to WWE to help out his cousin Jey Uso and CM Punk on WWE Raw. Uso and Punk were involved in a Gauntlet match on Monday to determine who will face World Heavyweight Champion Gunther at SummerSlam. Bron Breakker kicked off the Gauntlet by taking on Penta. Breakker and manager Paul Heyman were without their leader, Mr. Money in the Bank Seth Rollins, who is recovering from an injury. Heyman, earlier in the night, refused to give an update on Rollins' status but stated that Rollins would not be relinquishing the Money in the Bank briefcase. Breakker defeated Penta with a Spear before taking on LA Knight. Breakker won the match after raking Knight's eyes and nailing him with a Gutbuster and Spear combo. Uso was up next against Breakker, who was joined by his partner Bronson Reed. Uso was in control of the match until Reed got involved, allowing Breakker to hit another Spear and gained another victory. Punk was the last competitor to enter the Gauntlet match and went to battle with Breakker. Reed once again got involved; however, Uso returned to even the odds. Punk was able to counter a Spear attempt by Breakker and landed the GTS to earn the three count. Punk will go on to face Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam. Breakker and Reed, upset at the result, started to beat down Punk and Uso until Reigns arrived onto the scene. The Original Tribal Chief delivered Superman Punches and Spears to both Breakker and Reed as the crowd cheered. Reigns then helped Uso up and shook his hand as Raw went off the air. Reigns was last seen in March following WrestleMania 41. SummerSlam will take place over two nights on Aug. 2 and 3. Rapper Cardi B will host the event. WWE superstars past and present John Cena arrives for interviews after a news conference for "WrestleMania" at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on March 16, 2018. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Fox News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Roman Reigns makes dramatic WWE return as CM Punk earns title shot at SummerSlam
Roman Reigns made his return to a WWE ring on "Monday Night Raw" as he helped thwart a post-match beatdown on CM Punk from Bronn Breaker and Bronson Reed. Punk pinned Breakker to earn a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship against Gunther at SummerSlam next month. However, as the bell sounded, Reed launched into an attack on Punk. Jey Uso tried to break it up, but he was met with a spear from Breakker. Reed was attempting to pile Uso on top of Punk and hit a "Tsunami" from the top rope, but Reigns' music hit. The crowd at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, nearly blew the lid off. Reigns marched down to the ring and immediately dispatched Reed and Breakker, sending them scurrying to the ramp with Paul Heyman shuffling behind them. The "Original Tribal Chief" hadn't been seen since his WrestleMania 41 defeat, when Heyman turned on Reigns and Seth Rollins hit him with a chair to secure the victory. Punk was also in the match, and he didn't exactly give Reigns a warm greeting when he showed up to fend off Breakker and Reed. There still appears to be a lot of hurt feelings between the two competitors. Regardless, Punk and Gunther will meet at SummerSlam, and Reigns' fate and business with Heyman, Reed and Breakker will be dealt with in the coming weeks. Rollins was not seen during the show. He appeared to suffer a leg injury during his match against LA Knight during "Saturday Night's Main Event." Heyman told Raw's Jackie Redmond that Rollins' health was irrelevant because he still has 11 months to cash in his Money in the Bank contract and could take all the time he needs to make an impact. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Roman Reigns shocks WWE Universe with return on Raw, rescues CM Punk and Jey Uso
The WWE Universe was rocked on the July 14 episode of Monday Night Raw , as Roman Reigns made a shocking return to close out the show in Birmingham, Alabama. Absent since WrestleMania 41 , Reigns reappeared to a thunderous ovation at the Legacy Arena, stunning fans who hadn't seen the former WWE Champion and Tribal Chief in months. The surprise came during the final moments of a high-stakes Gauntlet Match between CM Punk and Bron Breakker , with the winner earning a shot at Gunther's World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam . — WWE (@WWE) After Punk secured the win in a brutal contest, chaos erupted as Bronson Reed joined Breakker in attacking Punk. Jey Uso rushed in to help but was quickly overpowered. That's when Reigns' music hit, igniting the crowd. He charged into the ring, fending off the attackers and helping Punk and his cousin Jey Uso to their feet. — WWE (@WWE) With SummerSlam just weeks away at MetLife Stadium, Reigns' return has sparked speculation about a blockbuster showdown - possibly Roman Reigns vs Bron Breakker - as WWE builds toward one of its biggest events of the year. Live Events
