Latest news with #PaulLevesque
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Popular Wrestler Reportedly Signs With WWE
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. Lucha libre star Mr. Iguana is reportedly finalizing a deal with WWE, according to Fightful Select. The viral sensation is expected to sign with the company for future appearances. This news follows his breakout performance at the recent Worlds Collide event. He also made a follow-up appearance on the latest episode of WWE NXT. WWE And AAA For decades, WWE and AAA operated in separate spheres with limited interaction. However, in April 2025, WWE announced the historic acquisition of AAA. This move marked a major expansion for WWE into the Latin American market and a new chapter for the family-operated lucha libre promotion. The first major joint event, Worlds Collide, took place on June 7, 2025, featuring talent from both WWE and AAA. The event was a massive success, setting viewership records and earning praise for its blend of American sports entertainment and Mexican lucha libre styles. Who Is Mr. Iguana? Mr. Iguana is a Mexican luchador who made a name for himself in Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. He debuted in 2009 and has become a popular star in his home country. US business executive and former pro-wrestler Paul Levesque aka Triple H, attends Netflix's "WWE Monday Night RAW" premiere at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California on January 6, 2025. US business executive and former pro-wrestler Paul Levesque aka Triple H, attends Netflix's "WWE Monday Night RAW" premiere at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California on January 6, 2025. Michael Tran / AFP/Getty Images His character is known for its unique and highly entertaining comedic style. He often incorporates his iguana hand puppet, named Yezka, into his matches, creating memorable and viral moments. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Details On The WWE Agreement Reports indicate that Mr. Iguana and WWE are in the final stages of completing an agreement. This deal comes after his performance at Worlds Collide impressed company officials. His recent appearance on NXT was a direct result of the positive reception from fans and personnel. The new deal will secure his services for more appearances going forward. Confusion Over Main Roster Comments There was some confusion regarding his immediate future with the company. Mr. Iguana stated in an interview that he was told he would be going directly to the main roster, bypassing NXT. That interview was later edited, leading to questions about the comment's accuracy. However, reports confirmed he did initially make the statement. It is not known if the comments created any internal issues with WWE management. His subsequent appearance on NXT suggests things are moving forward for him within the company. He could be used as a comedy figure going forward, something most would expect to see out of him. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shotzi Blackheart: WWE's Ron Killings controversy 'shows you how much power the fans do have'
Shotzi Blackheart is one of the many wrestlers happy to see Ron "R-Truth" Killings make his unexpected return to WWE this past Saturday. The past couple of months have been chaotic for WWE regarding talent releases and contract expirations. Blackheart received her walking papers in early May, making her the first of many eventual casualties from the WWE roster. However, no departure had as large of an impact as Killings' brief exile before fan outcry led to his surprise return at WWE's Money In the Bank main event. Advertisement Debate on the legitimacy of Killings' release has raged throughout the wrestling community since WWE CEO Paul "Triple H" Levesque claimed that it was "all part of the show." Appearing in-studio Tuesday on Uncrowned's "The Ariel Helwani Show," Blackheart, 33, expressed how much inspiration a situation like Killings' can give to a veteran wrestler like herself. "I do think that they actually let him go," Blackheart said. "I just feel like [that] because, also at the same time, Carlito and Sarah Logan, [WWE] told them that their contract wasn't getting renewed. So I think it would be really messed up of WWE to capitalize on that, too. 'I think the fans got him [to get re-signed] back, and that just shows you how much power the fans do have. I think that's really cool ... it's amazing. Yes, he's 53, [but] that just gives us hope that I could be 53 years old and be put in some crazy storyline, right?' Killings' unexpected saga has already bled into "WWE Raw." In a viral segment on Monday, he declared that he'll no longer be known as "R-Truth," the persona Killings wrestled under for the past 17 years. Advertisement Prior to her own release, Blackheart said she did her best to find her lane within the WWE universe. 'I was really hopeful that I was going to get something on 'SmackDown,'" Blackheart said. "They told me I would possibly be working with Chelsea [Green] in something. I was pitching some storylines with her. It was just week after week, they were like, 'Oh, we're going to move it back.' Then it wasn't until around [WrestleMania 41] where I was like, 'Maybe they're not going to renew my contract.' So it started to get real around then.' Blackheart remembered feeling a strong mix of emotions when she sat idle during that time. In an effort to remain positive, the former NXT Women's Tag Team Champion said she'd convince herself that WWE's creative team would eventually use her again, so she continued pitching ideas left and right. Blackheart returned to NXT this past December after an ACL tear took her off WWE television in early 2024. Upon her arrival, she was told it'd only be a two-month stint with NXT before her main roster return. But that return never came, and Blackheart instead was sitting around alone at home when the call came that she was no longer needed in WWE. Advertisement 'Part of me was like, 'OK, I need to get ready for this because my contract is going to be up and I don't get those 90 days to figure out my stuff and get bookings lined up, get merch lined up,'" Blackheart said. "So I also have to think, 'OK, what am I going to do if they don't re-sign me?' I was kind of just in the mode of, 'Get to work.' 'Unfortunately, that's just how it is. I probably will never know why they released me, but WWE doesn't owe me anything. That's showbiz, right? They just didn't think that I was money, and that's OK. I can take that." Shortly before her release, Blackheart cut an emotional self-produced promo, highlighting her lack of utilization in WWE. The shoot-style promo was good enough that people around her worried whether it was the reason she was released. Blackheart herself doesn't believe that was the case, though. Advertisement Although the wounds are still relatively fresh, Blackheart didn't want to waste time and put her career on hold following her WWE departure. She made her GCW debut this past Sunday, competing against Matt Tremont and Jimmy Lloyd in a three-way deathmatch. Blackheart claimed she made as much money in her two days back on the independent circuit as she'd make in a week with WWE. 'I was like, I need to work as soon as my contract is up. That's me hustling, though," Blackheart said. "That's me, including what I've sold online and meet-and-greets, [plus] payout for my matches, of course. I know that it's not going to be like that forever. 'When you first get back on the indies, everyone's so hyped, so everyone wants to buy your merch and [support] you. I know that won't be forever, but it felt good that I can make it on my own." Whether the next chapter of her career continues to come on the independent scene or elsewhere, Blackheart made it clear that no doors are being closed on her options moving forward. Advertisement "I would love to be back in WWE. I loved working there," Blackheart said. "I didn't love not working there. It was only when I wasn't being used that I was unhappy, but any time I was being used, [it was a] good time. [I] loved the locker room, loved everyone I was working for. That's just it. I just don't want to go back and not work. 'I love TNA, I love AEW. AEW [could be a next step] for so many reasons. I love their freedom. I have a lot of friends there who are doing really awesome things. I've heard many stories of how [AEW owner] Tony [Khan] treats talent. I do love that he really cares for his talent. That is super important to me."
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WWE Announces New Location for 'WrestleMania 42'
WWE Announces New Location for 'WrestleMania 42' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The new location for "WWE WrestleMania 42" has been announced. During the "Money in the Bank 2025" PLE, a video package played of WWE chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque. During the video, Levesque confirmed that "WrestleMania" is returning to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Advertisement Speculation ran rampant about the new "WrestleMania 42" location after WWE decided to put New Orleans aside for the time being. Soon, it would be reported that WWE was working through some hurdles in order to return to Las Vegas for the two-night special. "WrestleMania 42" will take place April 18-19, 2026. In the announcement video, Levesque asked if fans were ready to "double down." WWE held "WrestleMania 41" in Las Vegas. It's been reported that WWE was offered more money to host its biggest event of the year in "Sin City" once again. It was also said that the company didn't want to stray away from where its convention and other pre-show events were held during the 2025 "WrestleMania." Advertisement While "WrestleMania 41 Sunday" was headlined by John Cena, things will be quite different in 2026, as Cena will retire before WWE returns to "Sin City." One man who figures to be a focal point of "The Grandest Stage of Them All" in 2026 is Cody Rhodes, who will likely have a rematch with Cena at some point. Many expect the two to collide again at "SummerSlam." Over on the female side, Rhea Ripley will also likely have a key role at "The Showcase of the Immortals." Related: 'WWE Money in the Bank 2025' Live Stream and Results: New Match Added This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WWE Money in the Bank big takeaways: R-Truth's release 'all part of the show,' says Triple H
John Cena's retirement tour saw another unexpected swerve with Ron Killings — aka R-Truth — returning at the conclusion of a wild WWE Money in the Bank 2025 event on Saturday night from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The show provided plenty of twists, with a new Women's Intercontinental Champion, two new contenders with the Money in the Bank briefcase, and Jacob Fatu yet again stealing the spotlight. Advertisement As we unpack all that went down, here are our biggest takeaways from WWE Money in the Bank 2025 as we march toward SummerSlam. 1. R-Truth Out, Ron Killings In John Cena's final run is certainly unlike anything we've seen before. It felt like his matches with Randy Orton and R-Truth were his odes to the past before he moved on to the current day and the future of WWE on his way out. His tag-team match with Logan Paul against Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso on Saturday provided the right level of chaos, and his breakdown with Paul was perfectly played. Cena used the title as a weapon once again and was on his way to another win over Rhodes before Ron Killings made his unexpected return, just days after his reported release. Advertisement Whether this was the plan the entire time or something that was a reaction to the fans, it's fascinating to see where we go from here, though WWE Chief Creative Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque claimed Killings' release was "all part of the show" in his post-event press conference. Regardless, it's clear for now that WWE is doing its best to keep Rhodes and Cena on the back burner. 2. Naomi's Next Step With a blend of former champions and rising up-and-coming stars involved in the Women's Money in the Bank match, Naomi had the most to gain from pulling down the briefcase. She had a standout performance at WrestleMania 41 and seemed well-positioned for a main-event spot, but it's never a guarantee to get to the top of the mountain. Advertisement Once at risk of getting lost in the shuffle, Noami has now secured herself a title shot and rightfully been rewarded for her work over the past year, both individually and elevating other talent. She legitimately has a chance to be the top heel in WWE as she rises to the top of the card. 3. Big Time Becky Is Back Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkryia have incredible chemistry, and this rivalry feels like it has legs to get us through SummerSlam. For the feud to get there, Lynch was eventually going to have to take the belt — and Money in the Bank felt like the perfect time to pull the trigger. Lynch is doing some of her best work in this rivalry, both in the ring and throughout their interactions. Her winning the belt with a hold of the tights, then demanding Valkyria celebrate her around the ring until she'd had enough, was incredibly executed. With Evolution 2 slated for July 13 and this feud far and away the best in the women's division, don't be surprised if Lynch-Lyra 3 heads toward the main event. 4. Jacob Fatu Rockets Up the Roster Jacob Fatu's turn on Solo Sikoa was only a matter of time, with the final seeds being planted just one night ago on Friday's "WWE Smackdown." When he hit the ring to help take out Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, his turn on Sikoa was a brutal swerve to cost Sikoa the Money in the Bank briefcase and set himself down his own path. Advertisement Sikoa was predominantly involved in the main-event scene as Roman Reigns' top aide, and he seemed destined to eventually find his way to the top as the leader of the new Bloodline. He just never quite made the strides to stand on his own, and now it looks like Fatu may just leapfrog him as his stock only continues to rise. 5. The Safe Choice Was Seth Rollins WWE could have gone plenty of different directions with the Men's Money in the Bank winner. LA Knight and Solo Sikoa have been on the cusp of respective main title runs for the past few years. El Grande Americano was perhaps a dark horse alongside Penta. Meanwhile, an established star like Seth Rollins felt like an easy way out — which is where WWE landed. Where Rollins plugs in is intriguing. Monday night's "WWE Raw" provides an opportunity for him to cash in on Jey Uso, when the World Heavyweight Champion takes on Gunther once again. Regardless of where he cashes in, though, it feels like only a matter of time before Rollins is champion again.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WrestleMania 42 will be at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18-19, WWE announces
WWE will hold its WrestleMania event in Las Vegas for the second consecutive year. (Photo by Rich Wade/WWE via Getty Images) WrestleMania 42 will be held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18-19, 2026, WWE announced on Saturday. The promotion's showcase event will return to Las Vegas for the second consecutive year, chief content officer Paul Levesque confirmed during the "Money in the Bank" broadcast. This will be the second time that WWE will present WrestleMania at the same venue for two straight years. WrestleMania IV and WrestleMania V were both held at the Atlantic City Convention Hall in New Jersey in 1988 and 1989. "In my experience, anything worth doing is worth doing twice," Levesque said in a pre-recorded video. "So I've got just one question for you. Are you ready to double down?" In addition to WrestleMania 42, Las Vegas will host several other WWE events during the weekend of April 18-19, including "SmackDown," the Hall of Fame ceremony, "NXT Stand and Deliver" and "Raw After WrestleMania" at nearby T-Mobile Arena. Advertisement WWE's signature event was originally scheduled to be held in New Orleans on April 11-12, 2026. WrestleMania 42 will reportedly be moved back a week due to a scheduling conflict with a concert event at Allegiant Stadium. The reason for taking the event out of New Orleans was not reported, though there have been rumblings that WWE management believes more money is to be made in Las Vegas after drawing 117,380 fans across both nights of WrestleMania 41 this year. Additionally, WWE received $4.24 million in tax breaks from the city, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. New Orleans has reportedly been promised a future WrestleMania by WWE, in addition to a "Money in the Bank" next year. The city has hosted a WrestleMania previously in 2018 and drew 78,240 fans to the Caesars Superdome. Before Las Vegas was confirmed, other cities that were rumored for possible new locations were London and Saudi Arabia.
