Latest news with #WrestleMania34
Newsweek
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Champion Involved In Controversial Moment At Indie Show
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 mid-match walkout by former WWE Champion Raj Dhesi, formerly known as Jinder Mahal, at an independent event has been the subject of conflicting reports, with the latest suggesting the entire incident was a planned storyline. Dhesi has been active on the independent scene since his WWE release, including a run in AAA. This recent appearance at a Battleground Championship Wrestling (BCW) event in May, however, caused significant confusion. A Controversial Finish In a match against deathmatch veteran MASADA, Dhesi walked out mid-bout, resulting in a count-out loss and reportedly leaving the venue altogether. The promoter initially claimed the walkout was due to issues with hotel bookings. The story gained more attention after MASADA claimed on social media that Dhesi had arrived with a list of rules for what could and could not be done in their match. This painted a picture of a legitimate backstage dispute between the two performers. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Was It All A Work? According to a report from Fightful Select, the entire situation may have been a planned angle from the start. Sources close to Dhesi insist that the walkout was a complete "work" orchestrated by the BCW promoter to generate buzz for the promotion. BOGOTA, COLOMBIA - NOVEMBER 16: A general view of the AAA Mexican Lucha Libre friday night show at the Movistar Arena during an AAA World Wide Wrestling match on November 16, 2018 in Bogota, Colombia. BOGOTA, COLOMBIA - NOVEMBER 16: A general view of the AAA Mexican Lucha Libre friday night show at the Movistar Arena during an AAA World Wide Wrestling match on November 16, 2018 in Bogota, news re-frames the incident from a backstage issue into a deliberate attempt to blur the lines between reality and storyline. Regardless of the reason, Dhesi is not currently booked for any future dates with the promotion. Dhesi's Post-WWE Career Mahal's career in WWE is marked by two distinct runs, with his major accomplishments coming during his second tenure with the company after a significant physical transformation. Mahal is also a former United States Champion. He won the title at WrestleMania 34 in a Fatal 4-Way match, defeating champion Randy Orton, Bobby Roode, and Rusev. The controversial walkout comes after another notable event in Dhesi's post-WWE career. He and AEW's Satnam Singh won the AAA World Tag Team Championship in August 2024. However, after 241 days of inactivity and never defending the belts, the pair were stripped of the titles by the promotion in March 2025. It will be interesting to see where Mahal goes from here in his pro wrestling career. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Star May Be Headed To TNA Wrestling: 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. Free agent Cedric Alexander is reportedly a significant person of interest for TNA Wrestling following his departure from WWE earlier this year. A new report from has shed light on the situation. According to the report, there's been a lot of talk about TNA interest in Alexander with some believing he may be starting soon for the company. While the deal is not yet official, the report shareda sense of optimism about the possibility. PWInsider noted that they haven't been able to 100% lock down that he's coming in, but where there's smoke, sometimes there is indeed fire. Many people would agree that Alexander's in-ring talent, he would be a great fit for the current TNA roster. Alexander was released by WWE in February 2025, after a period of being used sparingly on television. His 90-day non-compete clause has since expired, making him free to sign with any promotion. Alexander's WWE journey began memorably with the 2016 Cruiserweight Classic. His performance in the tournament, particularly in a standout match against Kota Ibushi, drew chants of "Please sign Cedric" from the live crowd, ultimately leading to him receiving a WWE contract. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: A general stadium view during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: A general stadium view during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation He went on to become a cornerstone of the 205 Live brand, culminating in him winning the WWE Cruiserweight Championship in a tournament final at WrestleMania 34 in 2018. His most prominent main roster success came as a member of the dominant heel faction, The Hurt Business. Alongside MVP, Bobby Lashley, and Shelton Benjamin, Alexander thrived, capturing the Raw Tag Team Championship with Benjamin during the group's impressive run. Known for his incredible athleticism and smooth in-ring style honed in promotions like Ring of Honor before his WWE tenure, Alexander is seen by many as a perfect fit for TNA Wrestling's dynamic X-Division or as an immediate contender in their main event scene. There has been a lot of speculation that he would be coming into AEW to join MVP, Lashley and Benjamin as the group now includes MJF. The theory was that MJF would be kicked out by a debuting Alexander. However, that doesn't seem likely now. Regardless, Alexander will be a good fit for any promotion that he signs with. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
New York Post
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
The cracks in John Cena's armor are already hinting at WWE's endgame
We are starting to see the method to John Cena's madness. The biggest thing to remember is that Cena, as a babyface, hasn't won a one-on-one match since beating Triple H at the Greatest Royal Rumble in April 2018. It led to that character wondering if he was still good enough, if he had anything left. He went to WrestleMania 34 as a fan and lost to an aging Undertaker. Cena then lost to rising stars such as Austin Theory at WrestleMania 39 and Solo Sikoa at Crown Jewel in 2023 in the match that was framed as the one that would end his losing streak.
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Superstar Braun Strowman Was Released For Two Major Reasons: 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. Additional details have surfaced concerning the recent WWE release of former Universal Champion Braun Strowman, shedding more light on the company's decision. In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Strowman's departure on May 2, 2025, was influenced by more than just general budget considerations. Meltzer stated that specific circumstances were pivotal for Strowman, who was among several talents released by WWE in early May. The report points to a combination of his substantial contract and ongoing concerns about his physical condition following significant injuries. There were other reasons in play as well as Meltzer pointed out that Strowman's release was said to be a combination of his high salary and injuries. The newsletter elaborated on how injuries reportedly impacted his in-ring performance. It pointed out how he had not been moving well in the ring since coming back from a major hamstring injury, and one person there noted that he was hurt worse than people realized. Strowman first signed with WWE in 2013, debuting on the main roster in August 2015. He was introduced as "The Black Sheep," a monstrous new member of The Wyatt Family. Braun Strowman looks at his old black sheep mask Braun Strowman looks at his old black sheep mask WWE After the 2016 WWE Draft, Strowman was separated from The Wyatt Family and began a dominant run as a singles competitor on Raw. Dubbed "The Monster Among Men," he quickly became known for his incredible feats of strength and a destructive path through the roster. His early singles career featured memorable, hard-hitting feuds with top stars like Roman Reigns, Kane, and The Big Show. These rivalries often included spectacular moments, such as Strowman flipping an ambulance with Reigns inside. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Strowman achieved significant championship success, including an Intercontinental Championship reign and two reigns as Raw Tag Team Champion. One of his tag title wins was a unique WrestleMania 34 moment where he picked a young fan, Nicholas, as his partner. His crowning achievement came at WrestleMania 36, where he defeated Goldberg to capture the Universal Championship. Despite this success, Strowman was first released by WWE in June 2021 amidst company budget cuts. He made a highly anticipated return to WWE in September 2022. However, his second stint with the company was unfortunately marked by significant injuries, including requiring neck fusion surgery in mid-2023 and the aforementioned major hamstring injury. There are many landing spots for the former WWE star whether that be NJPW, AEW, or TNA Wrestling. It's possible he does a bunch of independent dates. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Interested in Working with Ronda Rousey Again: 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. Despite negative comments made against the company, WWE would still like to do business with Ronda Rousey should the opportunity come about. Post-WWE, Rousey has been critical of her experience, particularly the creative environment during what she termed the "death throes of the Vince McMahon era," which she described as "needlessly stressful." She expressed admiration for Triple H, wishing her tenure occurred under "the Triple H era" and noting he "believed in me from the very beginning." Rousey also cited her concussion history as a factor contributing to her departure from wrestling. According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live, WWE remains interested in potentially working with former multi-time Women's Champion Ronda Rousey again in the future. Alvarez noted that this interest could also impact the status of Shayna Baszler, who was recently released by WWE. Baszler had Rousey's last match in WWE at SummerSlam 2023, effectively "retiring" her from the company in storyline. However, Alvarez suggested Baszler's departure might not be permanent if Rousey makes a comeback and requests her longtime friend's involvement. "WWE does still want to do something with Ronda Rousey," Alvarez stated. "Shayna Baszler obviously retired Ronda Rousey—or at least [that was] her last match in WWE. So I could not say that there's no chance we'll never see Shayna Baszler again." Ronda Rousey turned her back on the WWE Universe on RAW Ronda Rousey turned her back on the WWE Universe on RAW WWE He elaborated on the connection, adding, "I cannot say we'll never see Shayna again because if WWE makes a deal with Ronda and Ronda wants Shayna back, she'll be back." This suggests that any potential future negotiations with Rousey could directly influence whether WWE re-signs Shayna Baszler. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Following a decorated career in judo and UFC, Ronda Rousey signed full-time with WWE in 2018, debuting impressively at WrestleMania 34 alongside Kurt Angle against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. She quickly captured the Raw Women's Championship and was instrumental in the women's division's rise, main-eventing the all-women Evolution PPV and the first women's WrestleMania main event (WrestleMania 35). After a break, Rousey returned in 2022, winning the Royal Rumble and securing the SmackDown Women's Championship twice. She later teamed with Shayna Baszler to win and unify the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships before losing her final WWE match to Baszler at SummerSlam 2023. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
