Latest news with #EliminationChamber
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The D'Amore Drop: Why WWE's Money In The Bank books best with a heel winner
The D'Amore Drop is a weekly guest column on Uncrowned written by Scott D'Amore, the Canadian professional wrestling promoter, executive producer, trainer and former wrestler best known for his long-standing role with TNA/IMPACT Wrestling, where he served as head of creative. D'Amore is the current owner of leading Canadian promotion Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling. WWE presents its annual Money in the Bank PLE this weekend from Los Angeles. Advertisement Money in the Bank is two great concepts in one. First, it's the continuation of the ladder match, which always reminds me of where it originated: Stu Hart's Stampede Wrestling, which ran from the 1940s to the 1980s up in Calgary. As hardcores know, Bret Hart brought the idea to WWE in the early '90s and then it was made world famous by Shawn Michaels and Scott Hall, was elevated by Edge and Christian, then the Hardys and the Dudleys in the 2000s, and now takes its place alongside the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber as an annual WWE super-gimmick. There's a rumor that Triple H doesn't love the MITB match, but used sparingly it can be an amazing spectacle, and I expect two classics this Saturday. Then there's the second part of Money In The Bank — the concept of having two wrestlers (one man, one woman) who can claim immediate WWE title shots at any time by cashing in the contracts in the briefcases. Advertisement My old roommate Adam 'Edge' Copeland established the concept back in 2006, cashing in on John Cena after Cena had barely survived a brutal Elimination Chamber. It's a gimmick that works best when a heel has the briefcase, as he or she becomes a storm cloud over the champion. At any moment, at the worst moment, that lighting can be called down upon them. Most people expect Seth Rollins to secure the briefcase in the men's match — and I'd agree that seems the most logical choice. We took some abuse for 'copying' the Money In The Bank gimmick with the Call Your Shot Gauntlet in TNA. In our defense, the original concept was that the winner of Call Your Shot would be able to schedule a title match for themselves — much like the X-Division Champion has the 'Option C' to be able to give up their title in exchange for a World Championship match at an upcoming event. Advertisement But we wanted to do the shocking end to Bound for Glory in 2021, when Josh Alexander didn't even get three minutes with his long-awaited world title before Moose came in and ruined it. We were going to tell a more in-depth story where the referee panicked and only thought Moose had the right to call for the match to start there and then, but it'd be ruled that — sorry Josh, you agreed to the match and the ref started the match. In the end, we felt fans would get it and we told the story quicker. Likewise, the popular Ultimate X matches in TNA — that was the result of TNA thinking, 'How can we do something like a ladder match, but without the ladder?' The main event of Saturday's PLE is Cody Rhodes returning to team with World Champ Jey Uso versus WWE Champ John Cena and Logan Paul. Advertisement Paul was given a WWE title challenge in his third-ever professional match, losing to Roman Reigns back at the 2022 Crown Jewel, but that was a cash-in and attention grab using his celebrity outside WWE. No one thought he was beating Reigns that night. Now, going into his 20th match, he's getting presented as if he belongs there with Rhodes, Cena and Uso. And some in wrestling really don't like that. Here's my two cents: Logan is an unbelievable athlete. He deserves comparisons to the likes of Owen Hart, Seth Rollins and the others who just had 'it' from their very first match. He works hard, he takes his bumps and clearly has a passion for the business. Even his detractors have to admit his performances are really good. Advertisement Now, Logan is a hard guy to like and one of the most shameless self-promoters to ever walk the Earth. That gives him the chops to be a natural heel, but also makes him a target for accusations that he hasn't earned his spot. Well ... of course he hasn't! He's there because of his massive online celebrity. There's a part of me that shudders that a part-time celebrity gets handed these top spots. This isn't Dennis Rodman showing up in the nWo for a couple of months, or Bad Bunny having a one-off match … Logan Paul is entering his third year as a fixture at or near the top of the WWE card. Back in my day as an active performer, you had to pay dues and learn the craft by wrestling seven nights a week and twice on Sundays. You learned through repetition and you got good or the small-hall fans would let you — and your promoter — know that you sucked. Advertisement But the whole business has changed. It's fine if you don't like those changes but they are here no matter your feelings. Logan Paul knows how to make you hate him. (Cooper Neill/WWE via Getty Images) (WWE via Getty Images) How much has wrestling changed since I was a in-ring talent in the '90s? Well, Logan Paul is praised for buying himself a full-sized ring and flying training partners to his house to practice his matches. When I was in WCW, I got mocked relentlessly when I accepted an offer to go work out at the WCW Power Plant in Atlanta. I had more than one veteran come up to me and flat-out tell me I was a mark for 'wrestling for free.' They thought since I was in WCW, I shouldn't be taking bumps without getting paid. Advertisement I remember thinking, 'Do you really think Tom Cruise doesn't practice delivering his lines? That the top NFL teams don't practice?' But that was the mindset then. Now it's expected that wrestlers never stop working on their craft. It's one of the reasons that we see more five-star matches today than 30 years ago. AEW made the most of their special four hour Dynamite last night. The big news, of course, was Kenny Omega will wrestle Kazuchika Okada once more at AEW All In on July 12 in Texas. This is a return to one of — if not the best — wrestling feud/match series ever. These two going at it in classics was huge part of NJPW's glory years and part of the buildup to the movement that lead to the formation of AEW. Advertisement Wrestling historian Dave Meltzer gave one of their clashes seven stars — the only match he's ever ranked so highly. I can't wait to see them share a ring once more. Speaking of Omega, him vs. Brody King vs. Mascara Dorada vs. Claudio Castagnoli for the AEW International Title was an amazing four-way. All the better for being on free television. It went 20 minutes but it was so fast-paced that it felt like a sprint the whole time. Great to see Maple Leaf Pro alumnus Kevin Knight scoring a big win in AEW when he, Mike Bailey (another MLP regular) and Mexican star Komander scored a win in a six-man tag over Rush, Dralistico, and Mortos. Advertisement Looks like we might be heading for a Kevin Knight vs. Rush feud — and I'm here for it. I've said it before and will keep screaming from the roof tops: Knight will be a star! I understand fan frustration that Ron 'R-Truth' Killings has not had his contract renewed by WWE after 17 years with the company. Ron is one of the nicest guys in the industry — as has been underlined by so many WWE stars saying how much they will miss him. If Ron wants to, he'll be able to make a fortune and do some really cool things by following the example of Matt Cardona. Ron has made a success of every single role he's ever been given — from a main-eventing world champion who delivers amazing matches to one of the funniest comedy acts of all time. He's an all-time great. I am excited to see what he does next.
New York Post
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Roxanne Perez opens up on her ‘insane' WWE rise as massive Money in the Bank chance looms
It's all come fast for Roxanne Perez. Over the past five months, the two-time NXT Women's champion made history by lasting the longest ever in a women's Royal Rumble, had matches with both women's world title holders, partook in her first Elimination Chamber and was officially called up to 'Monday Night Raw' two weeks ago. The 23-year-old Perez, who has been thrust right into the middle of The Judgment Day storyline, next gets to fulfill a dream by taking part in her first Money in the Bank ladder match at the Intuit Dome on Saturday (7 p.m., Peacock). She can grab the briefcase with the championship-match contract before Giulia, Naomi, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss and one other competitor to be determined. Before the big match, Perez caught up with The Post's Joseph Staszewski for some Q&A.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
John Cena reveals the real reason behind his retirement from WWE on Stephanie McMahon's show
is on his final run in , and fans are feeling emotional. After years of being one of WWE's biggest stars, Cena is now saying goodbye. He recently returned for a farewell tour and even won the Undisputed Championship at WrestleMania 41. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But why is he retiring? Cena finally explained the real reason during a talk with on her show Stephanie's Places. C ena has been a WWE legend for over 20 years. He started as a full-time wrestler and later moved to Hollywood, becoming a part-time performer. At 48 years old, Cena shocked everyone last year by announcing that he would retire in 2025. Now, he is on his retirement tour to celebrate his last moments in the ring. John Cena shares about his body and retirement In his recent interview with , Cena spoke honestly about his health and why he chose to retire. The episode was filmed at his personal gym in Tampa, Florida, where he built his strong work ethic. "I can't do even do these lifts anymore because my body's so beat up. So, as soon as I got through that jagged pill of like, 'Oh man, I'm never gonna overhead press 375 pounds ever again. But let's work to see what best I can for today is.' You know, it's a very similar course to WWE. My skills are on regress,' he said. Cena also shared how wrestling full-time would hurt not just him but also his personal life. 'If I continue at a full-time physical capability or involvement, I'm not gonna run right, my partner is not gonna run right, and our relationship isn't gonna run right. Sorry, kid, it's time to close this chapter. I wish I was 18. I wish I felt great because I don't feel more at home, besides in the arms of my wife, than I do on a canvas," he added. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Stephanie's Places with John Cena (ep.10) He explained that the decision was not easy, but he knew it was the right time to step away. Cena wants to enjoy life outside wrestling, while still being able to stay healthy and strong for his family. John Cena's journey and legacy in WWE road to success was not easy. He said it took time for fans to support him. One big change came when he created the 'Doctor of Thuganomics' character, which helped him connect with fans. Stephanie McMahon also played a big part in helping him shape that character. Besides wrestling, Cena is known for his work outside the ring. He holds the world record for most wishes granted through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Cena said it means a lot to him to bring happiness to children with serious illnesses. Also Read: Cena is currently working on his final WWE storyline with . Their feud began when Cena turned heel at Elimination Chamber. The rivalry will continue through 2025, and many fans believe Rhodes could be the one to finally retire him.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"Rattled me off the bat": Stephanie McMahon and John Cena share funny moments and WWE secrets in podcast
Stephanie McMahon and John Cena (Image via WWE) John Cena appeared on the latest episode of Stephanie's Places, and it turned out to be full of laughs and touching memories. The episode gave fans a closer look at Cena's amazing WWE journey, but it also started with a funny moment that caught everyone's attention. The show, hosted by Stephanie McMahon , features WWE stars sharing stories about their careers in places important to them. Big names like Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Stone Cold Steve Austin have already been on the show. This time, it was John Cena's turn, and the episode was both funny and heartwarming. John Cena's suit surprise at the gym Stephanie McMahon visited John Cena at his personal gym, Hard Knocks South. They were ready to talk about his 20+ years in WWE, but something funny happened before they even started. Cena showed up wearing a suit, thinking it would be a formal interview. But Stephanie came in gym clothes, ready to work out! Cena laughed and joked that only one of them was dressed right for the gym. Stephanie later shared the moment on her X (formerly Twitter) account. "Rattled me off the bat! Always dress for the occasion! :))) Thank you @JohnCena for all of the time, stories and perspective I will never forget Hard Knocks South! #StephaniesPlaces @WWE @ESPNPlus @OmahaProd" Even with the outfit mix-up, the episode was very special. Cena gave Stephanie a tour of his gym and talked about how he stays fit and focused, even as his career starts to slow down. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Fans got to see a more personal side of him, away from the bright lights of WWE. John Cena thanks Stephanie McMahon for helping with his heel character In this episode, John Cena also shared about how Stephanie helped him in his latest WWE role. At Elimination Chamber, Cena became a heel (a bad guy) and later won the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. His new character has been different, and he gave credit to Stephanie for inspiring him. Stephanie's Places with John Cena (ep.10) He said, 'Can I just say I had some really good people to learn from. You are on a very short list of names that falls into. I flat out steal a lot from you. So, thanks for helping me through this.' This shows how much Cena respects Stephanie, not just as a host, but as someone who has helped him grow in WWE. Apart from this, Cena is also busy with his next match. At Money In The Bank, he will team up with Logan Paul to face Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso. The match was made after Cena helped Paul during a recent title match, which led to a big tag team challenge. Also Read: WWE's Triple H fondly remembers the beginning of his relationship with Stephanie McMahon This episode of Stephanie's Places gave fans, stories and real moments between two important WWE names. As a whole, it was fun and emotional, but Cena showing up in a suit at the gym added a light moment of embarrassment that fans, and Cena, will never forget. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
John Cena Reveals He 'Flat Out Steals' From Surprising WWE Name
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. Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena, who has embraced a surprising heel character during his 2025 retirement tour, recently acknowledged Stephanie McMahon as a significant influence on his ability to portray a compelling villain. Cena, who famously turned heel at the Elimination Chamber premium live event earlier this year by aligning with The Rock, had spent most of his two-decade career as WWE's ultimate babyface. During that time, he often found himself at odds with various on-screen antagonists, including Stephanie McMahon in her capacity as a powerful heel authority figure. Speaking directly to Stephanie on her ESPN+ show, Stephanie's Places, Cena explained how her performances helped shape his understanding of being an effective heel. "Can I just say I had some really good people to learn from. You are on a very short list of names that falls into [that category]," Cena told McMahon. He added, "I flat out steal a lot from you. So, thanks for helping me through this." This admission highlights the respect Cena has for McMahon's character work and her ability to generate reactions from WWE fans. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Cena's history with Stephanie McMahon in WWE storylines is extensive, primarily featuring her in antagonistic authority roles during his peak years as the company's top babyface. From 2013 to 2016, as part of "The Authority" alongside Triple H, McMahon used her power to create obstacles for Cena, delivering scathing promos and unfair scenarios against him. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: John Cena celebrates after defeating Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: John Cena celebrates after defeating Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, in his career, during her tenure as SmackDown General Manager, she also had memorable confrontations with a then-rising Cena, often disapproving of his "Doctor of Thuganomics" persona. These on-screen rivalries provided Cena with countless opportunities to observe McMahon's mastery of heel tactics, crowd manipulation, and promo delivery. As Cena navigates the final months of his in-ring career, which is set to end in December 2025, he does so as the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, fully embracing his heel side. WWE fans will see this heel champion in action at the Money in the Bank premium live event on June 7th, where he will team with United States Champion Logan Paul to take on Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes. From there, speculation is Cena will face Rhodes. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
