Latest news with #ToughEnough
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WWE star Chelsea Green celebrates 10th anniversary of Tough Enough fail
The post WWE star Chelsea Green celebrates 10th anniversary of Tough Enough fail appeared first on ClutchPoints. Sometimes, it takes several opportunities to make it in professional wrestling, as former WWE Women's United States Champion Chelsea Green knows after competing on Tough Enough. Advertisement On Sunday, June 15, 2025, Green celebrated the 10th anniversary of her failed tryout for WWE's Tough Enough reality series. She posted several pictures of herself at the Performance Center as well as a screenshot of a message she posted on Facebook. 'Wow, it has been a VERY long 7 days… I will finally be on my way home from Orlando tomorrow,' her post from June 15, 2015, began. 'I didn't end up making the final cast of Tough Enough. But I've got plenty of amazing opportunities coming up that I can't wait to share!! 'Good luck to the 6 girls that did make the finals. I'm proud of all of them[.] and I will definitely be voting 😉 …and if you decide you aren't Tough Enough, don't worry, I'll step in for ya!' she continued. Advertisement The waiting game would pay off for Green. She would eventually be signed by WWE, joining the company in 2018 before her release in 2021. She would later return to WWE in 2023, and she has become a big part of the women's division. Since joining WWE after her Tough Enough elimination, Chelsea Green has received several high-profile opportunities. She won a tournament to become the inaugural Women's United States Champion, and she recently interviewed Ana de Armas for Ballerina, the new John Wick spin-off movie. Her return occurred at the 2023 Royal Rumble. Green was eliminated within seconds of joining the battle royal by Rhea Ripley. This kickstarted a 'Karen' gimmick that she has perfected, and she is frequently arguing with WWE officials. To win the Women's United States Championship tournament, Green had to go through several big names on the roster. She defeated Bianca Belair, Blair Davenport, and Bayley on her way to the finals. In the finals, she defeated Michin. Advertisement Green would continue to feud with Michin after winning the title. She had several successful title defenses against her before their feud ended. Her reign would last 132 days before dropping the title. Green eventually lost it to Zelina Vega during an episode of Friday Night SmackDown in April 2025. A rematch was held the following month at Saturday Night's Main Event. While Green put up a good fight, she lost, and her nose was injured as well. Related: WWE star Liv Morgan celebrates 'Daddy' Dominik Mysterio on Father's Day Related: Rikishi delivers incredible rant after Jey Uso WWE Championship loss
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vince McMahon's short but powerful words after Maven Huffman's injury
is a man who lives and breathes wrestling, and for many WWE Superstars, he's a tough boss, a strong leader, and someone whose opinion can make or break a career. Maven Huffman, a former superstar, has shared about his struggles under Mr. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now McMahon's watch, sharing a dramatic moment when he kept wrestling even with a serious injury just to keep going for the fans. This is a story that shows just how much pressure is placed on a superstar. Maven's match against Christian back in 2002 was a big moment in his career, a moment that proved his toughness, loyalty, and ability to keep going, even when things get difficult. What was Vince McMahon's reaction to Maven Huffman's injury? Back in 2002, was still a newcomer in WWE. He had won Tough Enough and was making a name for himself. But during a match with Christian on SmackDown, something went wrong, Maven broke his leg. The moment was painful, but instead of stopping, Maven kept wrestling, much to Mr. McMahon's happiness. Speaking to his Youtube channel Maven shared: 'The thought of not continuing never entered my mind. I knew we were in front of an audience, and more importantly, I knew Vince McMahon was right back there. He didn't even know my leg was broken until later on that night. When someone told him, he said, 'Finish the match,' and he was happy. That's just a big wrestler thing: if you get injured, you continue, you finish.' My Wife Reacts to My Spiciest WWE Moments While Maven recovered from his injured leg, he had to take a break from wrestling for six months, a dramatic pause in a career that was just starting to grow. The moment Maven Huffman and Vince McMahon Connected Maven's choice to keep going showed more than just toughness. It proved he and Vince shared a bond built on trust and respect. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Vince trusted Maven to do what was right for the show, and Maven trusted Vince's words to guide him. The Worst Injury of My WWE Career! s simple order, 'Finish the match', became a lesson for wrestlers everywhere. It reminded everyone that even when you feel you can't go on, you dig deep and push through. For Maven, it was a test of will. For Vince, it was proof that his words could inspire real bravery. Vince McMahon is a man whose decisions can make or break a superstar's future. Maven's experience shows that Mr. McMahon's tough discipline pushes you forward. That moment made Maven's name stand out in WWE history. It showed every wrestler that sometimes the hardest thing you do is keep going. Also Read:
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.
Newsweek
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Star Joins AEW
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. AEW has made a notable pickup behind the scenes with a new talent signing. After runs in WWE and TNA, the rival promotion has made an interesting hire. Now, Josh Mathews has confirmed that he has started a new role working with Tony Khan. He is now involved with the production side of both AEW and Ring of Honor (ROH). He shared this news about his new position while talking with Maven Huffman backstage at a recent AEW show. Mathews gave details about his current work in the production department for both companies. He stated, "Right now, [I'm] shadowing Mike Mansury. So, I'll do the Ring of Honor matches before. Then I'll sit and watch Collision. Then I'll do the Ring of Honor matches after." This statement from Mathews aligns with earlier news reports. Those reports already noted that he was working with AEW's production team following his departure from TNA Wrestling. This photo shows AEW owner Tony Khan on April 20, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Khan spoke with Newsweek recently about the company coming to New York City for a large event. This photo shows AEW owner Tony Khan on April 20, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Khan spoke with Newsweek recently about the company coming to New York City for a large event. AEW Josh first became known to wrestling fans in 2001. He did very well and was a runner-up on the first season of WWE's TV competition show, Tough Enough. Even though he did not win the Tough Enough competition, WWE hired him. This started a long career with the company that lasted for thirteen years, until 2014. During his time with WWE, Mathews became a well-known face to WWE fans through many different jobs. He served as a main backstage interviewer, seen most often on the WWE SmackDown brand. He was also a busy commentator and announcer, calling the matches for many shows including Velocity, the newer ECW brand, WWE NXT during its early days, WWE Superstars, Saturday Morning Slam, and WWE Main Event. In addition, he hosted online shows for such as the program "Byte This." While he was mostly known for his work as a broadcaster, Mathews even had a short time wrestling in the ring in 2004, where he did not lose any matches, and notably teamed with Booker T. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Following his release from WWE in June 2014, Mathews soon started working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), which later changed its name to Impact Wrestling. He quickly became an essential part of their broadcasts, taking over as the lead play-by-play announcer for their main show, Impact Wrestling, starting in January 2015. Around 2021, Mathews stopped doing full-time commentary for TNA/Impact and took on important backstage jobs, working as the company's Senior Producer and later also taking the role of Senior Director of Digital Media. After nearly ten years of helping TNA both on TV and behind the scenes, Mathews left the company in February 2025. This happened while the organization was making many changes. His recent arrival at AEW now brings another experienced person to their growing production team. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Superstar Snuck Backstage At AEW Event
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. Former WWE Tough Enough winner Maven Huffman recently shared an entertaining video on his popular YouTube channel, documenting what he humorously portrayed as an attempt to "sneak" backstage at an AEW Collision event. The footage captures his journey through an All Elite Wrestling show in New Jersey. In the video, despite not being an official AEW employee or possessing credentials for the event, Maven successfully navigated past an initial security checkpoint. He convinced a guard that he was part of the talent roster, thereby gaining access to the talent parking area. Maven documented his exploration through the production and TV truck zone. He eventually entered the main backstage area of the AEW Collision taping. Once inside, he had a friendly encounter with his old friend and former WWE colleague, Billy Gunn. The two veterans were seen reminiscing about their time working together at WrestleMania 18. During his unauthorized tour, Maven also met several other AEW personalities. These included interactions with former AEW Women's World Champion Thunder Rosa and commentator Josh Mathews. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. More He also showed viewers the wrestlers' monitor viewing area and the catering spread available to talent and staff. The entire venture was presented with a lighthearted and adventurous tone for his channel's content. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Maven Huffman first rose to prominence in the wrestling world as the co-winner of WWE's inaugural season of the reality competition series Tough Enough in 2001. This victory secured him a coveted WWE contract. His most enduring WWE moment occurred early in his career at the 2002 Royal Rumble. As a rookie, Maven famously delivered a dropkick that sent The Undertaker over the top rope, shockingly eliminating the legend from the match. This audacious act led to The Undertaker's brutal post-elimination assault but significantly elevated Maven's profile. It even propelled him to capture the WWF Hardcore Championship on three occasions, once by pinning The Undertaker on SmackDown with assistance from The Rock and Al Snow. Throughout his WWE tenure, which lasted from 2001 to 2005, Maven was often cast as an underdog. He teamed with his former Tough Enough trainer Al Snow and had memorable interactions and matches against top-tier stars like Chris Jericho and Evolution, even challenging for the World Heavyweight Championship. Despite these notable moments, Maven was released from WWE in July 2005. He has since attributed his relatively short run to issues with immaturity at the time. In recent years, Maven has experienced a resurgence in popularity through his candid YouTube channel. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
