Latest news with #WrestleMania39
New York Post
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
The cracks in John Cena's armor are already hinting at WWE's endgame
We are starting to see the method to John Cena's madness. The biggest thing to remember is that Cena, as a babyface, hasn't won a one-on-one match since beating Triple H at the Greatest Royal Rumble in April 2018. It led to that character wondering if he was still good enough, if he had anything left. He went to WrestleMania 34 as a fan and lost to an aging Undertaker. Cena then lost to rising stars such as Austin Theory at WrestleMania 39 and Solo Sikoa at Crown Jewel in 2023 in the match that was framed as the one that would end his losing streak.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
3 WWE accolades Trish Stratus can win in the modern era
Trish Stratus still has some accolades missing from her illustrious resume. Trish Stratus is one of the biggest names in the history of women's wrestling. The former Diva of the Decade has paved the way for future generations and proved herself as a true trailblazer and accomplished WWE superstar. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Not only that, but Stratus has returned to WWE on numerous occasions and has shown that she can still go toe-to-toe with the stars of the current roster. Moreover, Stratus came back to WWE in 2023 for an extended run that lasted for months. Should she decide to do that re-run again in the future, her goal could be to etch accolades that she did not win in WWE during her active years or previous appearances. Here are the three top accolades that Trish Stratus can win if she returns to WWE for another extended tenure: 3. WWE Women's Tag Team Championships The WWE Women's Tag Team Championships were introduced years after Trish Stratus retired from the ring as a full-time competitor. Despite that, she was involved in a tag team title match after WrestleMania 39. Stratus filled in for her best friend, Lita, to team up with Becky Lynch. However, if she returns to WWE for another run, this time it could be a full-fledged run with the tag gold, possibly with Lita or a top star of today's roster. One choice for her could be Tiffany Stratton, with whom she last teamed up and emerged victorious at the 2025 WWE Elimination Chamber PLE against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae. 2. Money in the Bank Trish Stratus got to compete in her first Money in the Bank ladder match back in 2023, but she was unsuccessful in capturing the briefcase. With some experience now under her belt, she could resurface in WWE and compete in the ladder match, potentially winning the match. This could add a missing accolade to her resume and pave an easy path for her to another WWE Women's Championship reign. 1. Secondary WWE Women's Championship Another new opportunity was introduced for the WWE women's division in the modern era. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now That was secondary Women's titles for the division, i.e, the Intercontinental and United States Championships. Trish Stratus is a seven-time Women's Champion, and she can add an 8th title to her resume. However, this time it could be one of the new titles introduced for the WWE landscape should she make her return to in-ring action again. Also read:
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WWE's heel problem is real and it's everywhere
Does it matter that WWE fans keep cheering the heels? TNA supremo Scott D'Amore made a persuasive case in his Uncrowned column this past week that we shouldn't get hung up on it. But is the guy who brought us the brilliance of the X Division really correct on this one? I agree with Scott that fans cheering on nWO-style rebels is no bad thing. But when WWE has staked much of its product on the much-vaunted John Cena heel turn — and then to have the fans cheering the guy who wants to 'ruin wrestling' anyway? It's hard to look at that situation and see a win here. Advertisement We all knew the Cena heel turn was going to be risky. In honesty, executing the dramatic rug pull at Elimination Chamber was the easy part. What was always going to be difficult was taking the adrenaline of that moment and turning it into something substantive after that. With Cena booked for much of the European tour, that's what I figured we'd get: An explanation as to why WWE's longest-running babyface had decided to embrace the dark side. Instead, we got some slightly meandering, navel-gazing promos which left us with more questions than answers. Sure, there were the occasional memorable moments when Cena criticized the fans — not least when he made that poor child go viral — or when he finally went face-to-face with Cody Rhodes. But it never made a coherent case for why the former golden boy was now suddenly the bully. It was always going to be a tall order: Reinventing the guy who spent more two decades being not just a babyface, but also a genuine philanthropist, and — in kayfabe — an occasional stand-in for the American military to boot. That's not the sort of image you can change overnight, even with one of the best promo guys in wrestling history. Advertisement Remember, it isn't like WWE had to play this card either. But they did — and they ended up with their biggest crowd of the year cheering on John Cena to win the Universal Championship. In other words, not exactly the mark of a successful heel turn. In the age of smart fans, internet promos and wrestling promotions having full-scale writers' rooms, it's easy to over-complicate things. But fundamentally, the role of a big-match heel is as simple as it ever was: It's the guy who you don't want to win the match. Think back to some of the angles we saw during the record-breaking Roman Reigns title run. Sure, most people respected 'The Tribal Chief' as a talent and performer — not to mention a cancer survivor. But that didn't mean we were rooting for him to beat the good guys. When he got one over on Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39, the majority of the wrestling world felt a gut punch — like we were meant to. The reason we don't feel the same about Cena is that we haven't been given any reason to do so. It's been too much mic work, and too little action and storytelling. Seth Rollins is getting a similar reception to Cena despite his dastardly deeds. () (Ethan Miller via Getty Images) The Cena situation isn't the only misfire we've seen on the heel front. Scott mentioned the "WWE Raw" crowd serenading Seth Rollins right after the beatdown on Sami Zayn. But we also had the WrestleMania audience giving a standing ovation to Dominik Mysterio — the same guy they used to jeer out of the arena. Advertisement Maybe "Dirty Dom" has done his time as the designated bad guy. But who is going to replace him? The New Day have massively lost steam since their own shocking heel turn last year. The once cocky Carmelo Hayes is doing comedy Snickers advertisements. And Gunther is at war with the most divisive guy on the commentary desk. Confusion reigns on the women's side too. Becky Lynch gets the biggest pop of WrestleMania 41 and then the next night turns out on her tag-team partner. Charlotte Flair never really hit her stride going into WrestleMania. Two weeks ago WWE even tried to position Chelsea Green — one of the most popular women on the roster — as the bad guy during her feud with Zelina Vega. Honestly, just where are the real heels?! Who knows, perhaps that will change once we get to Saturday's WWE Backlash PLE. Having Cena defeat Orton to finish their 20-year feud is the sort of opportunity you hope that WWE won't fluff — even after the massive anticlimax they served us in Las Vegas last month. But let's see. Scott, I think you're one of the greats — and I'm well aware that you've probably forgotten more about wrestling that I'll ever know. But I'm going to stick with my gut instinct on this one: WWE really needs to get us booing the bad guys again.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Is Charlotte Flair ready to move on after her third divorce? WWE star attends NBA Playoffs with Minnesota Timberwolves owner Alex Rodriguez
Shane McMahon Alex Rodriguez Charlotte Flair (Image via X) Charlotte Flair is the Queen of WWE, even though she lost her most recent match against Tiffany Stratton during WrestleMania 41. But other than her wrestling abilities, Flair has recently been making headlines after her third divorce from WWE star Andrade. The former couple got married in 2022 and divorced less than 2 years later in October of 2024, although the news was only made public earlier this year. But looks like the Nature Girl is ready to move on from her past, as she was seen attending the NBA Playoffs alongside Alex Rodriguez. Alex Rodriguez attended the NBA Playoffs with Charlotte Flair Alex Rodriguez and Charlotte Flair are rumored to have come to the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers game together and then were seen sitting together at courtside. While there has been no word on this link-up from either party, fans are already speculating what could be going on behind the cameras. Charlotte Flair is fresh off her third divorce, from wrestling star Andrade. But A-Rod, until this recent rumor, was known to be dating fitness instructor and JacFit founder, Jaclyn Cordeiro. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Historic Figures Who Were Actually Photographed Gloriousa Undo The two have not posted much about each other in the last few weeks, which is why rumors of A-Rod and Flair's chemistry are gaining traction. But given Cordeiro posted a story of the Minnesota Timberwolves advancing in the Playoffs after eliminating the Lakers, many are confused if the two have broken up or are still together. Shane McMahon also attended the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers game It was not just Charlotte Flair who was in attendance for the night, as another professional wrestler - the son of Vince and Linda McMahon was also courtside for the Timberwolves vs. Lakers game. Shane McMahon was also seen chatting with Flair and Rodriguez before the game. McMahon was last seen making an appearance in the WWE during WrestleMania 39. Since then, he has been keeping himself away from the squared ring and focusing on other ventures. But it was nice seeing him catch up with an old friend as he and Charlotte Flair were seen chatting up before the Playoff game began. Also Read: Savannah James greets a dejected LeBron James with a kiss as Los Angeles Lakers get eliminated in NBA playoffs
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pat McAfee to face Gunther at Backlash after reckless demand — is this bravery or pure stupidity?
Pat McAfee is stepping back into the WWE ring in dramatic fashion. After a shocking on-air attack by former WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther during a recent episode of Monday Night Raw, McAfee will now face 'The Ring General' at WWE Backlash 2025 in what's shaping up to be a high-stakes grudge match. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Gunther's violent outburst leads to WWE suspension and Pat McAfee's retaliation The confrontation that sparked this unexpected bout came shortly after WrestleMania 41, where Gunther lost his title to Jey Uso. Frustrated and furious, Gunther interrupted the RAW broadcast to vent, only to be drowned out by chants of 'You tap out' from a relentless crowd. The insult cut deep, and instead of addressing the fans, he turned his anger toward the commentary team. In an unhinged moment, Gunther grabbed lead commentator Michael Cole by the collar, attempting to choke him out live on air. Pat McAfee, known for his energy and loyalty, intervened in defense of his longtime broadcast partner. But the confrontation escalated quickly—Gunther caught McAfee in a brutal chokehold of his own, leaving him unable to finish the broadcast. The WWE responded swiftly. RAW General Manager Adam Pearce announced Gunther's indefinite suspension for his outburst and assault. But McAfee wasn't about to let things end there. Pat McAfee demands Gunther's return for a fight This week on RAW, McAfee addressed the incident publicly. Reflecting on his life, the former NFL punter and media star emphasized that nothing has ever come easy for him. 'When I'm dead and gone, they'll say I was a loyal motherf*****,' he declared in a fiery promo, referencing his bond with Cole and his commitment to standing up for what's right. He demanded that SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis lift Gunther's suspension to make the match happen. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While Aldis initially refused, he eventually gave in to the pressure — officially confirming Gunther vs. Pat McAfee at WWE Backlash on May 10 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Also Read: This will be McAfee's first WWE match since WrestleMania 39, where he defeated The Miz. But Gunther is a far more dangerous opponent. A dominant former champion with a brutal style, he poses a serious threat to McAfee — both physically and professionally. With pride, loyalty, and unfinished business on the line, Backlash 2025 could mark a turning point in McAfee's WWE legacy — or the end of it.
