All articles tagged with #pro wrestling
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair said on X that he and Wendy Barlow are renewing a 34-year friendship rather than resuming a romantic relationship after their 2024 split. He clarified they have separate residences, with Barlow visiting Tampa to help her parents, and stressed they remain on good terms as they continue their lives.
WWE confirms Jade Cargill vs. Charlotte Flair for Friday’s SmackDown fallout episode, a long‑anticipated TV clash following SummerSlam rather than a pay‑per‑view. The show also features CM Punk addressing Kevin Owens, Chelsea Green stepping up as interim Women’s Champion amid Rhea Ripley’s knee surgery, and a note that CageMatch records a prior house‑show Flair–Cargill bout. Fans are asked to predict whether the televised bout ends decisively or with a disqualification.
Chelsea Green won the interim WWE women’s championship at SummerSlam and, in the post-show moment, dedicated the title to producer Michael Hayes after his blunt remarks on WWE Unreal. Green later defended Hayes in a CBS Sports interview, saying he’s brutally honest but supportive, and that his comments reflect truth rather than malice, while noting the criticism was amplified by editing; she also hinted there were no regrets about the dedication.
Legendary pro wrestler Dory Funk Jr., a longtime Ocala resident and WWE Hall of Famer, died on August 4, 2026. He mentored future stars at the Funking Conservatory and held multiple world championships; his wife Marti and family will hold a private service with a public memorial planned in November to honor his life and impact on wrestling.
CM Punk retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes after Randy Orton’s run-in, Oba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar in Hell in a Cell to signal a rising era, Gunther defeated Nick Aldis, and Liv Morgan captured the Women’s World Championship by beating Iyo Sky; the night closed with a post-match moment as Brie Bella and Nikki Bella betrayed Paige.
Night 1 at SummerSlam in Minneapolis delivered six matches: Liv Morgan retained the Women’s Championship against Iyo Sky; The Usos and Jacob Fatu were defeated by Knight, Keys and Sikoa; Gunther defeated Nick Aldis; Fatal Influence defeated Paige and The Bellas; CM Punk defeated Cody Rhodes to retain the Undisputed Championship after Randy Orton appeared and hit Rhodes with an RKO; Oba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar in Hell in a Cell to establish himself as a rising top star. The show earned mixed grades (Punk-Rhodes was the clear highlight; Femi-Lesnar had moments) and closed with a C+ overall, with Night 2 expected to deliver a stronger finish.
Oba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar in the SummerSlam main event on Lesnar's hometown stage, signaling WWE's next era as Lesnar calls himself the past and Femi the future. At 28, Femi's rapid rise and wide fan appeal push potential matchups with Roman Reigns and other top storylines, while WWE weighs how to balance his monster persona with fresh, long-term storytelling.
Detroit's July 20 WWE Raw built momentum for SummerSlam, centering on The Bloodline's dominance in a main event that saw Jacob Fatu defeat LA Knight following run-ins, while Danhausen made a big hometown return and sparked backstage chaos. Oba Femi dominated JD McDonagh, Penta & Chad Gable beat Rusev & Ethan Page to fuel their IC title program, and Joe Hendry defeated Dominik Mysterio in a late match that teased a Danhausen–Dom clash; Solo Sikoa floated between alliances and Rollins, adding another wrinkle to the Bloodline storyline. The women's segment felt underutilized, leaving the show described as a placeholder with moments of strong in-ring action rather than a memorable blueprint for SummerSlam.
Tom Brady appears to be moving toward a pro-wrestling stint, with recent on-camera moments involving Logan Paul at Fanatics Fest fueling talk of a WWE crossover; the columnist calls the move contrived and beneath him, but acknowledges the momentum may keep Brady pursuing an entertainment crossover despite his other commitments.
Baron Corbin made his first WWE appearance since his 2024 release on SmackDown, ambushing Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams with End of Days and grabbing the United States Championship as a tease of his next move; he previously wrestled under the name Bishop Dyer in MLW and even appeared in AEW during his time away.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in a NewsNation interview with WWE executive Triple H, suggested pro wrestling might be real rather than predetermined, referencing the sport’s resilience and the idea that wrestlers must rebound from defeats.
WWE NXT taped for July 7 reveals Layla Diggs winning the North American Championship contendership; Niko Vance defeated Shiloh Hill but was chair-attacked by Shawn Spears; Keanu Carver beat Tank Ledger; Sean Legacy and Dorian Van Dux won the Tag Team Championship contendership as Kali Jordan and Lola Vice interrupted Kali Armstrong, whom Kali Armstrong laid out; Kendal Grey (c) defeated Nattie to retain the NXT Women’s Championship; and two #1 Contender Four-Way matches were set for 7/7.
Kendal Grey captured the NXT Women's Championship on a live episode, signaling a fast-tracked push but highlighting that she’s still developing her mic and in-ring skills, with Kurt Angle publicly backing her ascent as she grows into the role.
Joe Doering, a veteran pro wrestler who competed for All Japan Pro Wrestling and TNA, died at 44 after battling a brain tumor and entering hospice care earlier this week, prompting tributes from promotions and peers across the wrestling world.
AEW is partnering with The Last Match: A Pro-Wrestling Rock Experience to debut a West End rock-wrestling musical this fall—a first-ever collaboration between a major wrestling company and original theatre. The immersive show will fuse an 1980s-inspired rock score with theatrical storytelling and live wrestling inside a 52,000 sq ft West End venue, plus preshow wrestling installations and opportunities for AEW appearances on select nights. Tickets run from £30 to £80, with premium VIP add-ons.