Latest news with #WWEWomen'sChampionship


Newsweek
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Superstar May Be Returning: Report
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. Wrestling legend Gail Kim has been backstage at recent WWE NXT tapings, fueling speculation about her future. The TNA Hall of Famer is one of the industry's most sought-after free agents. According to a new report from Fightful Select, this week was not the first time she has been at the WWE Performance Center lately. Her visits have been kept very quiet. WWE's Interest In Gail Kim The Fightful report notes that when WWE sources were asked about her status, they confirmed she is not officially with the company "as of this moment." However, they did not deny her presence. The report adds that WWE has been interested in bringing Kim on board since she became available. This suggests that ongoing discussions could be taking place. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Gail Kim Becomes A Top Free Agent After TNA Departure Gail Kim became a free agent earlier this year. She was fired from her longtime backstage role as a producer and the head of the Knockouts division for TNA Wrestling. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Sami Zayn talks to the crowd after winning his match during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Sami Zayn talks to the crowd after winning his match during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Alex BierensHer departure immediately made her a top name on the open market. It was widely expected that both WWE and AEW would have interest in hiring her for a similar leadership role. Kim's time in WWE is defined by two distinct, and very different, runs with the company. While she found immense success elsewhere, her WWE career was marked by a historic debut and a controversial exit. Kim's first run began on the June 30, 2003, episode of Monday Night Raw. In a rare feat, she won the WWE Women's Championship in her debut match, a seven-woman battle royal. However, her reign lasted only four weeks before she lost the title to Molly Holly, and she was released from the company in 2004. After becoming the cornerstone of the TNA/Impact Wrestling Knockouts division for several years, she returned to WWE in 2009. This second run was largely underwhelming, with Kim being underutilized and expressing frustration with the "Diva" focus of the women's division at the time. Her exit in 2011 became infamous: during a battle royal on Raw, she intentionally eliminated herself in the opening seconds and quit the company. The Legacy Of Gail Kim Gail Kim is a trailblazer in modern women's wrestling. She is a former WWE Women's Champion but is most celebrated for her legendary career in TNA. As a multi-time Knockouts Champion, she is considered by many to be the greatest competitor in the history of that division. Her experience and respected mind for wrestling make her a valuable asset for any company. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.


Newsweek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Champion Is Returning In A New Role: Report
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. A new report has revealed that a respected veteran is set to return to the WWE Performance Center. Former two-time WWE Women's Champion Jazz is reportedly slated for another run as a Guest Coach next month. The news comes from a recent report by PWInsider. It notes that word around Orlando last week was that the legendary competitor will be back to work with WWE's developmental talent. A Valued And Respected Mentor This upcoming stint as a Guest Coach follows a previous visit that was very well-received. According to the report, Jazz left a strong, positive impression on both talent and staff. Sources noted that Jazz received "really good feedback" from the NXT superstars she worked with. This has reportedly led to the company inviting her back to share her knowledge once again. The Legacy Of A Powerhouse Champion Jazz, real name Carlene Begnaud, is widely regarded as one of the most intense and credible competitors of her era. She was a powerhouse during WWE's Ruthless Aggression era in the early 2000s. During her time with the company, she captured the WWE Women's Championship on two occasions. She is remembered for her physical feuds with fellow Hall of Famers like Trish Stratus and Lita. Beyond her WWE success, Jazz also had a dominant reign as the NWA World Women's Champion. Her tough, no-nonsense style set her apart throughout her celebrated career. 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 Sharing Knowledge After Retirement After officially announcing her retirement from in-ring competition in 2021, Jazz has continued to give back to the wrestling business. She has focused on training and coaching opportunities. Her return to the Performance Center marks another chance for WWE's up-and-coming talent to learn from a true veteran of the sport. While no official dates have been announced by WWE, her presence is seen as a major benefit for the NXT roster. The guest coaching position often serves as a "tryout" for both the company and the former star. WWE can assess a legend's ability to teach and connect with the current generation, potentially leading to a full-time role as a coach or producer. At the same time, the veteran can determine if they enjoy the coaching lifestyle and want to commit to it without being locked into a long-term contract immediately. For young superstars in the NXT system, having a childhood hero or a WWE Hall of Famer in the ring with them is incredibly motivating. It validates their journey and pushes them to work harder. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.


Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
The Best WWE Muscle Mommy Wrestlers Of All Time
WWE has had many females wrestlers throughout the years. Even if you don't actively watch WWE, some of these women have impressive physiques that you can't help but admire! Beth Phoenix Known as the "Glamazon," Beth Phoenix has made history in her past duration with WWE. She won the WWE Women's Championship 3 times (2007, 2008, and 2010) and also won the WWE Divas Championship at Hell in a Cell 2011. Beth Phoenix was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017. Beth Phoenix is definitely one of the most iconic muscle mommies in WWE. Natalya Natalya has been known for her family connections with the Hart family, learning from the best-of-the-best Bret "the Hit Man" Hart. She has won a few titles over her years in WWE. In 2010, she won WWE Divas Championship and in 2017 at SummerSlam, she won WWE Women's World Championship. She has been an iconic queen in WWE since the beginning of her wrestling career. Her most recent career win was in 2021 on Smackdown. She won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship!*Fun fact: Natalya and Beth Phoenix are besties! Trish Stratus Trish Stratus should definitely be in everyone's top list as one of the greatest women wrestlers of all time. She is one of the most iconic wrestlers. She has won the WWE Women Championship seven times! How iconic is that! She retired after her last championship, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013. Trish Stratus is the best of the best! Chyna Chyna is undeniably one of the greatest women of all time. Chyna was known as "The Ninth Wonder of the World." Spoiler: She is my #1 favorite wrestler all of time. She accomplished so much and broke many, many barriers in her time on WWE. She was a bold powerhouse in her day and definitely one of my icons. She won WWE Intercontinental Championship in 1999, January 2000, and August 2000. Then, she won the WWE Women's Championship in 2001. She was also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame is 2019. Chyna is the true definition of muscle mommy. Ivy Nile Previously on NXT in 2021, she joined WWE Raw in 2023. This muscle mommy is one of my favorites and has full potential in winning some titles in the future. Just look at those arms. How could I NOT put her on this list? Goals! Bianca Belair Bianca Belair is known as "The EST." She previously reigned on NXT, then joined WWE in 2020 on Wrestlemania 36. She won Women's World Championship in 2021. She won the WWE Women's Championship in 2022 and in 2023. She won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship twice in 2024. Just by looking at her physique, you can tell she's been an athlete her entire life! Jade Cargill Jade Cargill entered into WWE in 2023. On day one, I knew she would be BIG money by just looking at her physique. That is MAJOR goals! She has won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship twice with Bianca Belair in 2024. Rhea Rhipley Known as "Mami," Rhea Rhipley is one of my absolute favorites of all time (she's up there with Chyna!). When I'm at the gym, I aspire to be like Rhea. She was previously apart of NXT in 2017, then joined WWE in 2021. She won the NXT Women's Championship in 2019. Rhea has won several titles in WWE, including: WWE Women's Championship in 2021, WWE Women's Tag Team Championship in 2021, Women's Royal Rumble winner in 2023, and Women's World Championship in 2023 and 2025. She has accomplished so many wins and title reigns, and will continue winning titles in future! Jordynne Grace She wrestled in TNA with big impact and won TNA Knockouts World Championship three times in 2020, 2022, and 2024. Known as "The Juggernaut," she wrestles on NXT and has become a powerhouse. She is known for her fantastic physique, putting her on this list as a muscle mommy. Zaria Zaria started wrestling under NXT 2024 as her debut. She has been a powerhouse in her matches, following Rhea Rhipley's footsteps. She has one of the greatest physiques and looks.


Newsweek
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Fans React To WWE Star Tiffany Stratton's Wild First Pitch
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. WWE Women's World Champion Tiffany Stratton threw the first pitch at Thursday's New York Mets home game against the Washington Nationals. Her toss was compared to some of the most infamous celebrity MLB first pitches. Stratton's throw sailed over the left-handed batters' box and one-hopped the backstop, well out of reach for Mets outfielder Jared Young, who was the ceremonial catcher. The Mets chose Stratton to throw the first pitch after her recent successful title defense as the WWE Women's Champion. She won the title in January and has made many successful defenses. The former United States national team gymnast joined the SmackDown brand in 2024 after a dominant run in NXT. Stratton debuted in WWE in November 2021 after winning weightlifting and bodybuilding championships following her gymnastics career. Infamous Celebrity First Pitches Stratton's throw brought to mind other ceremonial first pitches that went wrong. One of the most infamous also happened at a Mets home game at Citi Field. Rapper 50 Cent missed the plate by an unbelievable margin when he threw the first pitch at a May 2014 game in Queens. That gaffe remains a major celebrity lowlight on the mound a decade later. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Tiffany Stratton holds up her belt as she celebrates her victory over Charlotte Flair in their WWE Women's Championship match during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19,... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Tiffany Stratton holds up her belt as she celebrates her victory over Charlotte Flair in their WWE Women's Championship match during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. More More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation You can see how social media reacted below: She can do moonsault but struggle to throw a ball. Make it make sense. 😂🤷🏻♂️ — Francisco (@fciscol7) June 12, 2025 You can wrestle just not throw a good first pitch — Nicholas Abel (@Voltron_1973) June 12, 2025 — MY OH MY Sports Cards and Collectibles (@MYOHMYCards) June 12, 2025 She still Throws better than she Wrestles — Brody Alphonso (@AlphonsoBrody) June 12, 2025 It's Whiffy Time 😆 🤣 😂 — RONAMAN ☘️☘️🎺🪗🩺🏀 (@ronaman35) June 12, 2025 105 velocity 20 control — Jahmeir D. ✭ (@JDCowboys2) June 12, 2025 Might need more practice ⚾ — Evan Guthrie (@EvanGuthrie) June 12, 2025 Tiffany Stratton joins the list of all-time bad MLB ceremonial first pitches. Not quite Baba Booey but not far off, either. At least it was at a Mets game. They're used to seeing throws like that. 😂 — Eh, what's up Doc (@rabbitSZN2) June 12, 2025 While 50 Cent's throw is a benchmark for bad ceremonial first pitches, he is not alone. "Call Me, Maybe" singer Carly Rae Jepsen spiked a ball directly into the turf in 2013 at Tropicana Field before a Tampa Bay Rays game. Other Sports Stars and Celebrities Miss the Mark Stratton is not the only combat sports star to go viral for a bad first pitch. UFC legend Conor McGregor had a moment to forget at Wrigley Field in 2021. He launched a fastball to the backstop, far beyond the right-handed batters' box. The throw bounced off the brick wall and sharply towards the first base dugout. On international soil, five-time Grammy Award winner Mariah Carey tossed a ball into the turf well in front of the plate in 2008. Wearing high heels and 2000s attire, Carey threw the first pitch at the Tokyo Dome before a game between the Yomiuri Giants and Rakuten Eagles. Her offering did not even make it halfway to the catcher. Ceremonial first pitches come with significant pressure, and some celebrities handle the moment better than others. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.


Newsweek
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Bayley Teases Return From WWE Hiatus
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 Women's Grand Slam Champion Bayley, who has not been seen on WWE programming since a backstage attack before WrestleMania 41, is strongly hinting at an impending return. This has WWE fans speculating about her comeback. The storyline attack occurred during the Countdown show for WrestleMania 41 Night One on April 19, 2025. This assault wrote Bayley off the two-night premium live event and television. She was originally scheduled to team with Lyra Valkyria to challenge Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. A returning Becky Lynch ultimately took Bayley's place in the match, winning the titles alongside Valkyria. Having recently declared on social media that it was "comeback season," Bayley has now amplified these teases. She recently shared an image on her X account showing her wrestling boots placed in the corner of a training ring. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation This is a clear indication that she is preparing for in-ring action. This latest post has further fueled WWE fan excitement about her return. The person behind Bayley's absence was later revealed to be Lynch herself. Lynch confessed she did the attack to take Bayley's WrestleMania spot, adding another layer of betrayal to their storied history and setting up a compelling feud upon Bayley's return. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 07: Bayley reacts after defeating IYO SKY for the WWE Women's Championship during Night Two at Lincoln Financial Field on April 07, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 07: Bayley reacts after defeating IYO SKY for the WWE Women's Championship during Night Two at Lincoln Financial Field on April 07, 2024 in Philadelphia, Bayley's would-be partner, has also recently commented on the "'bittersweet' change of WrestleMania 41 plans," acknowledging the difficult circumstances in a recent interview. Bayley's career in WWE has been highly decorated. She is one of the original "Four Horsewomen" of NXT, a former NXT Women's Champion, RAW Women's Champion, and holds the record for the longest single reign as SmackDown Women's Champion. She also captured the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship and was the first-ever Women's Grand Slam Champion. While an official return date for Bayley has yet to be announced by WWE, her social media activity suggests "The Role Model" is gearing up to make her presence felt once more. WWE has booked Lyra vs. Lynch for the Women's Intercontinental Title at the Money in the Bank premium live event next month. This is a rematch from Backlash, where Lynch put Lyra over and Lyra retained. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.