Latest news with #WrestleMania38
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Cody Rhodes And Brandi Rhodes Address AEW Departure
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. Cody Rhodes, a foundational figure in the launch of All Elite Wrestling and a former WWE Champion, recently opened up alongside his wife, Brandi Rhodes, about the portrayal of their departure from AEW in early 2022. Speaking on the premiere episode of Cody's podcast, What Do You Wanna Talk About?, which debuted this week, the couple briefly touched upon how they felt the narrative surrounding their exit was handled. Cody and Brandi were a huge part of AEW's formation in 2019, with Cody serving as an Executive Vice President and Brandi as the Chief Branding Officer. Their decision to leave the company after three years was a big moment in the wrestling landscape, leading to Cody's eventual return to WWE at WrestleMania 38. While they didn't delve deeply into all the specifics of their departure on the podcast, Cody suggested their story was altered after they left. "We're not gonna get too far into it, but when we left the alternative promotion, we were also slightly rewritten," Cody stated. He then added that they "[We] were portrayed very Dark Knight-esque." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation This "Dark Knight-esque" allusion refers to the 2008 Batman film, where the hero takes the fall for crimes to protect the city's image, becoming a hunted figure despite his heroic deeds. Cody seemed to imply a similar scenario where their public view was shaped into a more villainous or misunderstood light following their AEW exit. Brandi Rhodes, also present on the podcast, appeared to embrace this darker portrayal with a touch of humor. "No. Believe it all for me. Let the darkness in. Just enhances my beauty. I'm like the wicked stepmother or something," Brandi commented, playing into the "Dark Knight-esque" comparison. Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes of TNT's All Elite Wrestling attend the WarnerMedia Upfront 2019 arrivals on the red carpet at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on May 15, 2019 in New York... Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes of TNT's All Elite Wrestling attend the WarnerMedia Upfront 2019 arrivals on the red carpet at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on May 15, 2019 in New York City. More The couple primarily shared stories from other promotions during the rest of the podcast episode and did not expand further on their reasons for leaving AEW. While Brandi has not officially signed with WWE, she has made several appearances on WWE programming, notably celebrating with Cody when he won the WWE Championship at WrestleMania XL in 2024. Cody made his own impactful return to WWE television at Saturday Night's Main Event on May 24, 2025, setting up a major tag team match for Money in the Bank. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Triple H Says Vince McMahon Thought Iconic WWE Moment Would Not Work
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 Chief Content Officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque recently reflected on his poignant in-ring retirement announcement, revealing that former WWE CEO Vince McMahon initially had reservations about how the segment would be received. Levesque, however, perceived the moment as one of triumph and celebration. The powerful segment occurred at the start of night two of WrestleMania 38, hosted at AT&T Stadium. It was there that Levesque formally concluded his storied in-ring career, a decision that followed a serious cardiac procedure for a heart issue from which he has since made a full recovery. Discussing this memorable event on a recent episode of "Stephanie's Places," Levesque shared McMahon's initial perspective. He recounted how McMahon questioned the idea of opening such a grand show with what he perceived as a somber announcement. Levesque detailed the conversation, stating, "The moment in Dallas (at WrestleMania 38), Vince (McMahon) asked me to go open the show. The idea of going and putting my boots in the ring was not what he had in mind. Like, 'Why do you wanna -- I gotta open the show with a downer,' and I said, 'I don't see it as a downer. I see it as kind of a triumphant moment. I'm back." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation In separate news concerning Vince McMahon, developments continue in the sex trafficking lawsuit filed against him, WWE, and former executive John Laurinaitis by ex-WWE employee Janel Grant. An update on May 7th, 2025, indicated that a judge had permitted Grant to proceed with an updated version of her lawsuit against the defendants. Superstar Triple H and Chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment, Vince McMahon, attend the World Wrestling Entertainment "Denver Debacle" press conference at the Hard Rock Cafe, Times Square on May 21, 2009 in New York City.... Superstar Triple H and Chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment, Vince McMahon, attend the World Wrestling Entertainment "Denver Debacle" press conference at the Hard Rock Cafe, Times Square on May 21, 2009 in New York City. MoreFurthermore, a significant decision was made in the legal proceedings to temporarily halt the discovery process in the case. This pause means that the phase where both sides gather evidence and information from each other is currently on hold, pending further legal deliberations or rulings. The lawsuit has scrutinized McMahon and WWE, with allegations detailing serious misconduct. The allowance of the amended complaint and the stay on discovery represent the latest procedural steps in what is expected to be a complex and closely watched legal battle. Triple H has been praised by WWE fans since taking over creative and breathing new life into the product. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Stone Cold Steve Austin Reveals What Would Get Him Back in the Ring
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's electrifying return to the ring against Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, his first official match in nearly two decades, sparked speculation about potential future bouts. While both Austin and Owens fondly remember the match, and many fans view it as a fitting final chapter, Austin recently addressed his own feelings about his in-ring future during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. When asked if he was at peace with the critically acclaimed match against Owens being his last, the Texas Rattlesnake confirmed he was, while also revealing the low-pressure scenario that might still hold some appeal for him. "Totally," Austin responded when asked if he was at peace. "There is always that part in the back of your mind — there was a match, I think they billed it as an exhibition match between Nick Bockwinkel and Billy Robinson in Japan. Those two guys put on a really nice clinic. It was about 11 to 15 minutes, and the Japanese people really appreciated that match. Those guys were badass and could really work." He elaborated on why that specific match style holds interest for him now, differentiating it from a high-stakes comeback attempt of having a full-blown wrestling match. "To do something like that would be fun. It's an exhibition, you're not trying to go out there and steal the show, just go out there to do it one more time in front of the fans because you love the business as much as you do and it would be very interesting," he explained. "You always think in the back of your mind about something like that. Exhibition-style, so you don't have all that pressure of trying to be who you were in your athletic prime." HOUSTON - APRIL 04: 2009 WWE Hall of Fame inductee Stone Cold Steve Austin attends the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania's WWE Hall of Fame at the Toyota Center on April 4, 2009 in Houston, Texas.... HOUSTON - APRIL 04: 2009 WWE Hall of Fame inductee Stone Cold Steve Austin attends the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania's WWE Hall of Fame at the Toyota Center on April 4, 2009 in Houston, Texas. More More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Austin acknowledged the physical realities of performing years after his peak. "When you're out of prime, there is a night and day difference of how you can perform. That's the way it is for any athlete in any sport." Ultimately, Austin reiterated his contentment should the Owens match stand as his final in-ring performance. "If that was my last endeavor in the ring, I'm totally at peace with it. I ran hard, I had fun. We achieved a lot. It was what it was and I have no regrets. I gave it everything I had," he concluded. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Steve Austin breaks silence on WrestleMania 41 ATV crash: 'I was embarrassed'
WrestleMania 41 delivered big moments, but one of the most unexpected scenes came not in the ring, but on the ramp - when WWE Hall of Famer 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin lost control of his ATV during his entrance. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The moment quickly went viral as Austin, known for his iconic four-wheeler entrances, misjudged a turn and slammed into the barricade, accidentally knocking over a fan. The incident happened at Allegiant Stadium during Austin's second lap around the ring. While the WWE legend quickly checked on the fan and proceeded with his segment, backstage officials were visibly concerned. WWE President Nick Khan was seen approaching the fan to ensure everything was alright, as the moment had startled both the audience and company staff. Steve Austin opens up about the crash Now, Steve Austin himself has addressed the crash during an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, shedding light on what went wrong during the high-profile segment. According to Austin, the issue wasn't due to reckless driving but rather an unfamiliar throttle system on the vehicle. Stone Cold Steve Austin, Rampage Jackson, Eddie Hall, Patrice Evra, On The Nose, More | 4/30/25 'Different throttle setup than what I'm used to,' Austin explained. 'Long story short, just a different throttle system. I'm pretty dang handy on a four-wheeler.' Despite his experience, the miscalculation led to a very public slip-up, something Austin admits left him embarrassed. 'You go out there on the biggest night in wrestling, and you end up like that… It's not the greatest day at the office,' he added. What stood out, however, was how Austin handled the aftermath. Following his in-ring promo, where he cheekily questioned the official attendance figure and raised his signature beer toast, Austin went back to personally check on the fan involved. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now No legal action has been reported, and it appears the matter was quietly resolved. Online, fans were quick to praise Austin not only for addressing the issue candidly but also for his sportsmanship. The incident, while unfortunate, didn't overshadow his enduring popularity or legacy. The ATV mishap aside, WrestleMania 41 marked another chapter in Austin's storied career. His previous match at WrestleMania 38 and the recent induction of his 1997 submission bout with Bret Hart into the WWE Hall of Fame's 'Immortal Moments' show that the Texas Rattlesnake still commands attention. Even when things don't go as planned, Steve Austin proves he's still one of the most respected figures in the business.
Newsweek
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Stone Cold Steve Austin Explains What Led to Viral ATV Accident At 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. While Steve Austin's presence at WWE WrestleMania 41 was a highlight for many fans, his entrance wasn't without a minor, yet noticeable, hiccup. The WWE Hall of Famer made his grand arrival at Allegiant Stadium on a four-wheeler but collided with the ringside barricade during the entrance, an incident quickly noted by viewers. Following the slightly bumpy ride, Austin proceeded with his segment, engaging the massive crowd by questioning the officially announced attendance figure of 63,226. He playfully suggested the stadium felt fuller, joked about demanding a recount, and then concluded in classic Stone Cold fashion by sharing beers with the audience. During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Austin was asked directly about the ATV incident and explained the cause. "Oh, just different throttle setup than what I'm normally used to and that, long story short, just different throttle system because I'm pretty damn handy on a [four]-wheeler," Austin clarified. When asked about any aftermath from the collision, Austin admitted his embarrassment but confirmed no serious issues arose. "No, just, you know, I was embarrassed about it. I think everybody's okay. But I mean, you know, you go out there on the biggest night, you know, in wrestling, and you end up like that. It's not the greatest day at the office," he reflected. "You go out there and you want to give people best show that you can, and when you fall short of that, it's not great." LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 08: Actor and WWE personality "Stone Cold" Steve Austin appears at a news conference announcing the WWE Network at the 2014 International CES at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las... LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 08: Actor and WWE personality "Stone Cold" Steve Austin appears at a news conference announcing the WWE Network at the 2014 International CES at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on January 8, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. MoreMore news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation This appearance marked Austin's second consecutive WrestleMania involvement. At WrestleMania 38 in 2022, he famously returned to the ring for his first official match in 19 years, defeating Kevin Owens in an impromptu No Holds Barred contest. Although Austin has acknowledged pondering if he could have done more in that match, he remains firm that another in-ring return is not planned, effectively quashing fan hopes for dream matches against stars like CM Punk. Adding to his legendary status, Austin was also celebrated during the Hall of Fame ceremony preceding WrestleMania 41. His iconic Submission match against Bret "The Hitman" Hart from WrestleMania 13 was enshrined as the inaugural "Immortal Moment" in the WWE Hall of Fame, recognizing its historical significance. Despite the minor ATV mishap, Austin's WrestleMania 41 weekend further cemented his enduring legacy within WWE. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
