Latest news with #BacklashFrance
Newsweek
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Departing WWE Star Fires Back At Hurtful Fan Label
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. Following a series of WWE talent releases in 2025 that included main roster names like Braun Strowman and NXT departures such as Cora Jade, it emerged that Shotzi's contract with the company would also not be renewed. Despite this news, and a planned feud with Chelsea Green reportedly being scrapped, Shotzi is apparently already being "overwhelmed by interest" from other promotions ahead of her WWE deal concluding in July. Amid these developments, Shotzi took to social media to forcefully address online fans who have labeled her "injury prone," particularly after an ACL injury sidelined her for much of 2024. She directly refuted these claims, stating, "You idiots don't know what injury prone means one major injury in 12 years is 'injury prone.'" 'Injury prone' is a term that you wanna be smart marks overuse to sound smart. 100% of the wrestlers you are calling injury prone are not, they are just human. — Shotzi (@ShotziWWE) May 25, 2025 She further criticized the misuse of the term: "'Injury prone' is a term that you wanna be smart marks overuse to sound smart. 100% of the wrestlers you are calling injury prone are not, they are just human." Shotzi's journey with WWE began with the 2015 season of Tough Enough, though a failed medical led to her early withdrawal from the competition. She officially signed with the company in late 2019, making her mark on the NXT brand as Shotzi Blackheart. Her distinctive punk-rock inspired persona, complete with a signature miniature tank entrance, quickly resonated with fans, leading to her being named the NXT Breakout Star of the Year in 2020. A significant highlight during her time in NXT was capturing the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Ember Moon in March 2021. Randy Orton has some fun in the crowd during Backlash France at LDLC Arena on May 4, 2024 in Lyon, France. Randy Orton has some fun in the crowd during Backlash France at LDLC Arena on May 4, 2024 in Lyon, France. WWE/Getty Images More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Promoted to the SmackDown brand in July 2021, Shotzi initially formed a tag team with Tegan Nox and later partnered with Raquel Rodriguez. One of her most prominent main roster moments came when she challenged Ronda Rousey for the SmackDown Women's Championship at Survivor Series WarGames in November 2022. In 2023, Shotzi was involved in a deeply personal storyline with Damage CTRL, during which she bravely shaved her head on television, an act that also served as a poignant real-life tribute to her sister who was battling cancer at the time. She made a return to NXT in late 2023 and early 2024, briefly aligning with Gigi Dolin and Tatum Paxley, before the recent news of her upcoming contract expiration surfaced. Given her established name on the independent scene prior to WWE, Shotzi is expected to have numerous opportunities available to her. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bayley's WrestleMania 41 removal sparks contract end speculation with WWE
Image via WWE WWE star Bayley's removal from WrestleMania 41, which was held on April 19, 2025, and April 20, 2025, at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, has sparked speculation among fans about her contract ending with WWE. In a surprising turn of events at WrestleMania 41, WWE superstar Bayley was pulled from the Women's Tag Team Championship match , which ignited speculation of her leaving WWE. As per reports, she was originally planning to lock horns with Lyra Valkyria against champions Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. However, she has reportedly been replaced by Becky Lynch, who is returning after nine-months of hiatus. Is WWE champion Bayley leaving WWE soon after her contract ends? After reports of Bayley getting replaced by Becky Lynch for the WrestleMania 41 Women's Tag Team Championship match, speculations are doing rounds that the WWE champion might end her contract with WWE soon. However, the reason behind her absence was cited to be a backstage attack, though reports indicate that it was a planned decision made prior to the event. This incident did not go well with the fanbase and raised a lot of eyebrows and criticisms. FULL MATCH: Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Stratton | WWE Women's Title Triple Threat Match: Backlash France This unexpected turn of events might affect Bayley's future with WWE. But, as per Fightful Select , Bayley signed a new contract with WWE in late 2023 or early 2024. While the terms remain confidential, it's common for all WWE contracts to span at least five years. Though many did not appreciate how Bayley was brushed off, however, her efforts have not gone unnoticed by the higher-ups in the company. Despite her absence at WrestleMania 41, WWE Chief Content Officer (CCO) Triple H praised her and mentioned her as a team player in the women's division. Bayley On WrestleMania, Damage CTRL, Life After Wrestling, Mercedes Moné Post WrestleMania 41, WWE CCO Triple H in a press conference said, "Don't worry, guys, Bayley will be just fine. [She's] A true pro. Cannot say enough good things about her. True pro." As per reports, critics and sports enthusiasts have pointed out that this is a case of the broader issue within WWE's creative direction. This absence and removal of characters from events shows inconsistent storytelling and abrupt plot shifts which is affecting the top talents of WWE. As WWE moves forward with its creative landscape, Bayley's role and future storyline will be closely watched by fans and sports enthusiasts.
Newsweek
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
AJ Styles Was Not Happy With WWE WrestleMania Match
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. AJ Styles' WrestleMania 40 encounter with LA Knight on Night Two of the event was a highly anticipated matchup between two significant stars in WWE. However, according to Styles himself, the match didn't quite reach its full potential in terms of length. During a recent live signing event for Fanatics, Styles offered his perspective on the WrestleMania 40 match against LA Knight. While acknowledging the significance of the moment and his respect for his opponent, Styles expressed a slight disappointment with the duration of the contest. "That match wasn't as long as I would've liked it to be. It was kind of a blur," Styles admitted. Despite the brevity, Styles made sure to highlight his admiration for LA Knight's journey and his rapid ascent in WWE. "I have a lot of respect for LA Knight because I feel like he did exactly what I did to get to WWE. When they finally gave him a chance to be LA Knight, he blew up overnight. I can't say enough good things about his career." Notably, the match between Styles and Knight clocked in as the third shortest match on WrestleMania Sunday that year. Styles' extensive WrestleMania career spans nine events as of WrestleMania 41. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation His journey on WWE's grandest stage began at WrestleMania 32 in 2016 with a loss to Chris Jericho, marking his debut after a celebrated career outside of WWE. The following year at WrestleMania 33, Styles secured a victory against Shane McMahon in a surprisingly well-received match. LYON, FRANCE - MAY 04: AJ Styles makes his entrance during Backlash France at LDLC Arena on May 4, 2024 in Lyon, France. LYON, FRANCE - MAY 04: AJ Styles makes his entrance during Backlash France at LDLC Arena on May 4, 2024 in Lyon, France. WWE/Getty Images WrestleMania 34 saw him lose a WWE Championship match to Shinsuke Nakamura, a bout that many fans felt didn't live up to expectations. At WrestleMania 35, Styles was defeated by Randy Orton, in a match often considered less memorable. WrestleMania 36 in 2020 presented a unique challenge as Styles lost a cinematic Boneyard Match to The Undertaker, marking the latter's final match. Styles found himself in a tag team match at WrestleMania 37 in 2021, winning the Raw Tag Team Championship with Omos against The New Day. A singles match against Edge at WrestleMania 38 in 2022 resulted in a loss for Styles. Returning to singles competition at WrestleMania 41 in 2025, Styles was defeated by the rising star Logan Paul, in a match Styles wished had been longer. Overall, Styles' WrestleMania record stands at two wins and seven losses. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
