Latest news with #WorldTitle
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rikishi voices frustration over Jey Uso's WWE direction, calls for booking overhaul
Image via WWE WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi has voiced strong concerns over the creative direction surrounding his son Jey Uso, who is currently enjoying his first reign as World Heavyweight Champion. While Jey remains a prominent figure in the promotion, Rikishi believes WWE's decision to book him in a tag team match at Money in the Bank (MITB) 2025 undermines his stature as a singles champion. Speaking on his Off The Top podcast, Rikishi criticised WWE's creative team for what he called 'confusing booking' and even joked that he should be allowed to book Jey's matches instead. 'Bro why? Why? I mean, Jey is a World Heavyweight Champion by himself… just book me so I can book my son's matches out there,' he quipped. Rikishi shows concern over storyline momentum Jey Uso is set to team up with Cody Rhodes to face Logan Paul and John Cena at MITB on June 7. While the lineup looks star-studded on paper, Rikishi questioned the decision to place a reigning world champion in a non-title tag match instead of spotlighting him in a marquee singles bout. 'You beat Logan Paul the first time they lock up? I wouldn't have done that. Should've waited for a gimmick match,' Rikishi added, pointing out that Paul's star power could've been better utilized. YADADAMEAN?! Rikishi Fatu - Off The Top (Episode 61) He also took aim at the upcoming World Title match scheduled for June 9 on RAW, where GUNTHER will challenge Jey Uso. According to Rikishi, the match should've happened much sooner and with added stakes, possibly a stipulation that matches their in-ring reputations. While Rikishi may not be pleased with Jey's creative arc, he was full of praise for two other members of the Samoan dynasty - Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo (formerly Jeff Cobb). Rikishi labeled Fatu a 'future Hall of Famer' and lauded his rise from personal struggles to becoming one of WWE's hottest new stars. He also applauded Mateo's quick impact since debuting at WWE Backlash and likened his physical presence to that of a prime Taz, highlighting his suplex-heavy style and agility despite his build. 'To see him get that financial stability after grinding on the indies - man, I'm proud,' Rikishi said. Fans online appear to agree with Rikishi's sentiment. Many have questioned the lack of title defenses for Jey and criticized WWE for relying too heavily on tag matches featuring champions at Premium Live Events.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former TNA Champion Furious World Title Held By WWE 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. Professional wrestling fans were shocked during NXT Battleground when TNA World Champion lost his title to former NXT Champion Trick Williams. This marked the first time a TNA title has been won by a WWE superstar while they were still signed with WWE. More Pro Wrestling: Former AEW Wrestler To Make WWE In-Ring Debut Despite this being a history-making moment in pro wrestling, not everyone is happy with the move. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: Randy Orton (R) celebrates after defeating Joe Hendry during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: Randy Orton (R) celebrates after defeating Joe Hendry during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, a recent interview with WhatCulture, former TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth, formerly known as Dolph Ziggler in WWE, said how he truly felt that the title was now in the hands of an NXT Superstar. "I'm absolutely furious and pissed off about it, and that's not a joke or a game," Nemeth said, per Corey Brennan of Fightful. "I feel like Joe Hendry has accomplished so much and he's brought so many eyes to TNA and he's kicked so much ass. "This isn't a world of participation medals and awards that says, 'hey, great job. You lost our world title to a different guy from a company from a different company.' "So I don't go, hey, great job, buddy. Thanks for trying really hard and losing our title to a different company. I say, I congratulate him when he brings people in, when he defends that title, he beat me, and I said, 'damn it, you beat me. You got me.' And when you lose and you mess up, just like I do to myself, or I get on Ryan's case, when we make mistakes, we own up to it. "He lost our world title. I am not okay with that. I feel like we might need to bring back wrestler court or something, or pull him aside with everybody in the locker room. Because if everyone's gonna pat him on the back for the good things, we need to let him know that he messed up and lost our world title. More Pro Wrestling: Wrestling Legend Mick Foley Shuts Down Outrageous WWE Rumor "Trick Williams is a badass. He's awesome. He's got a great future, but he is an NXT talent who now is the TNA world champion, and I am pissed off about it." "I'm gonna be the one to take the TNA World Title from you!"@Santana_Proud did not hold back on @_trickwilliams! 😲#WWENXT — WWE (@WWE) May 28, 2025 Williams is now set to defend the championship against TNA wrestler Mike Santana on the June 3 episode of NXT. There has been no word on what the future holds for Joe Hendry. More Pro Wrestling: WWE Is Planning To Call-Up Top NXT Stars: Report Bryan Danielson Makes Surprise Wrestling Appearance Amid AEW Hiatus Pro Wrestling Legend Jim Ross Shares Major Surgery Update For more WWE, TNA, and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Logan Paul knocks out Jey Uso after Raw goes off the air
Truly, there is no rest for the weary. Just moments after World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso survived his first title defense Monday night on Raw, a surprise challenger appeared after the show went off the air. Moments after Uso retained his title in a thrilling match against Seth Rollins, he took a victory lap around the ring with fans. But one ringsider in a dark hoodie did more than high-five Uso; he knocked him out cold with a single punch. That ringsider? None other than Logan Paul. Last week on Raw, Paul confronted Uso, issuing him a challenge for the World Title. While he didn't formally accept Paul's challenge, Uso let him know he's welcome to step up and try. Tired of Paul's trash talk, Uso blasted him with a superkick to the face before walking off. Advertisement Well, one good smack deserves another, as Paul retaliated when Uso least expected it. These two are clearly on a collision course, but a time and date for their showdown have yet to be determined. More from
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Wins & losses don't define me any more, says Sourav Kothari
Sourav Kothari clinched the 2025 IBSF World Billiards title in Ireland, beating in the final. This timed-format win comes 35 years after his father, Manoj Kothari, won the same title. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a chat with CT, the Kolkata cueist reflects on his twin world titles, life's lows, and more. How did you discover your love for billiards? When my father won the World Title in 1990, it was a national sensation – Doordarshan aired the final live over two days, and hundreds gathered at the airport to welcome him home. I was just five then, too young to understand it all, but something clicked. I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I wasn't allowed in the billiards rooms at that age, so I turned a passage in his bedroom into a makeshift table, used half a cue and tennis balls to mimic his shots. My mother was also the West Bengal ladies' state billiards and snooker champion – so I guess I was destined to fall in love with it. What's your mantra for staying focussed and dealing with negativity in a sport like billiards? For me, meditation and focus are lifelong practices, especially in a sport like billiards, where concentration and sharp eyesight are musts. I've realised that negative people – those uncomfortable with your success – will always be around. At one point, I used to take it personally, but over time, I've learned to pick my battles. 'Not every comment deserves my energy,' I tell myself now. A lot of this calm comes from my father, who taught me to value forgiveness over confrontation. True meditation, to me, is about mental discipline – staying focussed, rising above the noise, and being able to sleep in peace. Did 2012 mark a turning point in your journey? In 2012, after disappointing results, I was almost about to quit. I felt lost, but my father's words changed everything: 'Who gave you the right to make that decision? He reminded me that talent is a gift, and my worth can't be defined by wins or losses. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Despite wanting to walk away, I returned to practise the next day. That moment transformed my career, leading to multiple titles, including the World title win in 2018. It was my father's belief, and my mother's quiet strength, that carried me through. Sourav's father Manoj Kothari with the IBSF trophy in 1990 My parents' belief carried me through my dark times. With hard work & faith, you can turn things around : Sourav I don't have a special someone yet. But maybe a kind-hearted CT reader might fancy a coffee with me? : Sourav I love Bengali films. Jeet is one of my favourites. I admire Srabanti too for her talent and screen presence : Sourav 'It's more about the process now' Sourav says he has grown immensely between his 2018 and 2025 world titles. 'Back then, I was obsessed with winning,' he reflects, adding, 'But now, I've realised that while I may not always be at my best, it's important to keep showing up.' For him, it's no longer about the scoreboard but about the process – daily training, small improvements, and enjoying the grind. 'I now play with freedom and belief,' he adds. 'I might lose, but I'll never be defeated' Sourav believes success & failure are both part of life. 'Failure makes you value your wins. As I say, I might lose, but I'll never be defeated. I may not be the brightest in the room, but I know I'll burn longer than most. It's this perspective that takes the pressure off and keeps me grounded,' says Sourav. Sourav with his IBSF trophy 'I wore the same shirt on all days of the competition' When it comes to superstitions, Sourav's habits tend to change with each tournament. 'During back-to-back tournaments, including the IBSF World Billiards title, I wore the same white shirt every single day,' he laughs, adding, 'I wore it on day one, felt good in it, and since I wasn't sweating, I wore it again on day two.' He admits, 'I couldn't let go of it, so for all 12 days of competition, I wore the same shirt. Thankfully, it was laundered once!' Pix: Anindya Saha
