ESPN Will Create Its Own WWE Shows for Coverage of ‘Wrestlepalooza’

ESPN raised eyebrows when it struck a deal with TKO that gave it the rights to show WWE premium live events including “WrestleMania.” Now, the Disney sports giant may surprise further: it’s launching some of its own bespoke programing to accompany the professional-wrestling antics.

ESPN will produce two pre-event shows for the looming “Wrestlepalooza” event slated to take place September 20. An “ESPN Wrestlepalooza Special” will air Friday, September 19 at 3 p.m. on ESPN2 and the ESPN App and a “Road to Wrestlepalooza” show will be available on September 20 at 4 p.m. on ESPN’s social media feeds as well as on the ESPN app.

“Wrestlepalooza” is a new WWE event crafted for ESPN after the two entities struck a new five-year deal that had ESPN getting the rights to all of WWE’s live spectaculars in 2026. But the deal is starting earlier than expected. ESPN will also show WWE’s “Crown Jewel” on October 11, and “Survivor Series” on November 29.

The “Wrestlepalooza” card includes a main event that features John Cena squaring off against Brock Lesnar, and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes taking on Drew McIntyre. The event starts at 7 p.m. on September 20 from Indianapolis, and can be seen by ESPN streaming subscribers with an “unlimited” tier subscription and also on the ESPN App.

The new pre-show events give ESPN a chance to meld its talent with WWE performers. Peter Rosenberg will host the “ESPN Wrestlepalooza Special” alongside guest analyst and Indiana Pacer Tyrese Haliburton. Various WWE personalities will also appear. The “Road” show will be co-hosted by actor and musician O’Shea Jackson, Jr. and TJ Jefferson, who host “No Contest Wrestling.” They will be joined by various ESPN and WWE personalities. “Road” will lead into pre-event coverage for the new WWE special.

Even “SportsCenter” will be dispatched. SportsCenter with Elle Duncan hits the road. Anchor Elle Duncan will be on site in Indianapolis ,and her segments covering “Wrestlepalooza” will feature meet-ups with WWE stars.

Katie Feeney, who joined ESPN in August as a sports and lifestyle creator, will offer her own perspective on the event as he attends her first WWE live spectacular.

Meanwhile, WWE personalities are expected to appear on ESPN programs throughout the week leading up the to “Wrestlepalooza.” Among those scheduled to turn up are WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, AJ Lee, CM Punk, Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso, Drew McIntyre and Bron Breakker.

Careful ESPN viewers may have already noticed some activity. Jey Urso appeared on ESPN’s regulary Sunday-night baseball coverage, tossing out a ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park, live on ESPN before a telecast of the New York Yankees taking on the Boston Red Sox.

AJ Lee Comments On Fan Reactions To Her WWE Return

AJ Lee reacts to all of the support she’s received from fans since returning to WWE. Despite being rumored in the week leading up to it, AJ Lee’s return to WWE was one of the most shocking moments of the year. Many believed it would never happen, but when it finally did, AJ was met with an overwhelmingly positive amount of feedback.

One fan gathered a compilation of streamers recording their live reactions to seeing AJ’s return on SmackDown in Chicago, and now AJ has responded to everyone who wished her well.

AJ Lee reacts to all of the support she’s received from fans since returning to WWE.

Despite being rumored in the week leading up to it, AJ Lee’s return to WWE was one of the most shocking moments of the year. Many believed it would never happen, but when it finally did, AJ was met with an overwhelmingly positive amount of feedback.

One fan gathered a compilation of streamers recording their live reactions to seeing AJ’s return on SmackDown in Chicago, and now AJ has responded to everyone who wished her well.

“You all made my year,” AJ Lee wrote on Twitter/X.

“You’re an angel and an OG and i appreciate you,” AJ wrote in response to another.

AJ said that her “dark heart can’t take” getting emotional over another post by Paige Prinzivalli. However, she called Paige precious and asked to hear more about her dog.

AJ Lee previously said that her return was for her “wonderful weirdos” who had her back for the past ten years while she was away.

Last week on RAW, AJ went into more details about her original WWE exit and said that ten years ago, she believed she accomplished all of her in-ring dreams. She went on to accomplish her other dreams, but she also went to therapy and worked on turning her mental chaos into her very own superpower.

Now that she is back in WWE, she is focused on taking Becky Lynch down. AJ and her husband, CM Punk, will face off with Lynch and Seth Rollins in a mixed tag team match at WWE WrestlePalooza on September 20. All four participants are also scheduled to meet face-to-face on RAW one more time before the event.

source: yahoo.com

AJ Lee Returns To WWE

Sports Illustrated's 10 Greatest WWE Women's Wrestlers Of All Time

Women's wrestling is more popular than it has ever been in WWE. Some of the biggest stars, matches and moments are now centered around the talented ladies on the roster.

Throughout WWE history, many female stars have stood head and shoulders ahead of the pack. Whether it be dominating every other woman or moving over to compete against the men, these ladies have defined what it means to excel in the company.

Based on their career accomplishments in the company, match quality, promos, character work, impact, influence and legacy, here are the 10 greatest WWE women's wrestlers of all time.

10. Alundra Blayze/Madusa
9. Bianca Belair
8. Asuka
7. Chyna
6. Bayley
5. Sasha Banks
4. Lita
3. Trish Stratus
2. Charlotte Flair
1. Becky Lynch

*Honorable mentions: The Bella Twins, Mickie James, Beth Phoenix, AJ Lee and Victoria

AJ Mendez Confirmed As Executive Producer For ‘WOW’ Revival

Former WWE Divas Champion AJ Mendez (AJ Lee) is returning to the “WOW: Women of Wrestling” promotion on commentary. WOW World Champion The Beast and former champion Tessa Blanchard will lead the roster.

ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group announced a new multi-year distribution deal with WOW today. The women’s wrestling promotion is owned by Los Angeles Laker owner Jeanie Buss, and created by David McLane.

New episodes of WOW will launch in weekend syndication beginning in the fall of 2022, according to a press release issued to us tonight. ViacomCBS has already secured 160 markets for the show, representing 70%of the United States via licensing agreements with deals that include CBS-owned-and-operated stations and the Sinclair Broadcast Group. Previous WOW seasons are expected to begin airing on CW Seed and Pluto TV this December.

AJ will provide color commentary on each broadcast, but will also serve as Executive Producer, along with Buss. WOW creator and founder McLane is the Executive Producer of production, along with two-time Emmy winner Nick Staller. ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group will distribute the series in the United States and internationally.

CM Punk Responds To Rumors Of AJ Lee Coming To AEW

CM Punk recently spoke with the New York Post about his newfound career in All Elite Wrestling, and he was asked about his wife: former WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee, and if we will ever see her return to the ring.

Punk shot down the rumors immediately.

“I just want to say no...just because of her neck. The reason she stopped wrestling is because of her neck. I wouldn’t want her to jeopardize her health and neither would she, so we’ll put an end to that rumor right now."

AJ hasn't wrestled since 2014, having to retire due to a neck injury. Since then, she has mainly focused on writing.

Triple H On CM Punk And AJ Lee Potentially Returning To WWE, Getting Older In The Business

"The Game" Triple H recently spoke on a media call that featured questions from Metro.co.uk, including how Hunter feels about a potential return from former stars CM Punk and AJ Lee.

Triple H thinks that as long as everyone involved is satisfied with the deal, he would be open to seeing the power couple back with WWE.

"If it was right for them, for the company, for everyone involved, then absolutely [I'd like to see them return]. I don't think that's ever been a factor, of somebody saying, 'This person should be here, or that person should be here,'" Hunter said. "'Incredible talent are always incredible talent – but there's so much more to the business than just being a talented performer...

"In a perfect world? Yeah, sure. Again, you've heard Vince echo that sentiment so many times of the years, 'Never say never!'"

Hunter says that he wishes he was once again a young man performing in his prime so that he could face today's best talent in epic matches. However, he's well aware that as his age increases, the long storylines and physical matches he's involved in will continue decreasing.

"Sometimes I look at the talent and I think, oh man, if I was 25 and could step in the ring with them – but then the reality quickly comes back to me. 'You're not 25 and you can't do that!' The business evolves, and in some ways I look at it from a story telling standpoint," Hunter said. "That's what we're sort of teaching them, and that comes from experience. But the physicality of it and the things that a lot of talent are able to do, I couldn't do that anyway!

"...There are a lot of talent that I look back on my career and think, if I was in my prime, I'd be all over pitching ideas to do something with this talent," Hunter continued. "But the reality is, you're not young anymore. It all moves on and it's a young man's business, and hopefully that always continues."

Stephanie McMahon Comments On CM Punk and AJ Lee Return To WWE

Stephanie McMahon Comments On CM Punk and AJ Lee Return To WWE
In an interview with The Metro, Stephanie McMahon commented on wanting CM Punk and AJ Lee back in WWE.

She said:

"I think Punk’s been pretty vocal that he’s not interested in an in-ring return right now, but for sure, that would be interesting. And I would love to see AJ Lee back in the women’s division. I think AJ Lee was an incredibly compelling character,’ she said. ‘You know, I’m a big fan of AJ Lee’s, I really am."

Verdict Reached In The CM Punk/Colt Cabana vs Dr Chris Amann Trial

WWE Senior Ringside Physician Chris Amaan's libel and slander trial against CM Punk and Colt Cabana wrapped in Cook County, Illinois today with the jury ruling in favor of Punk & Cabana on all counts filed by Amann. The former WWE Superstars will not have to pay anything to Amann.

It was noted that Punk & wife AJ Lee were hugging and crying after the verdict was read.

The trial kicked off last Wednesday over comments Punk made about Amann on Cabana's "Art of Wrestling" podcast in 2014, a few months after his WWE release. The jury deliberated for just a few hours today.

No word yet on what is next for the parties involved but we will keep you updated. Amann remains employed by WWE while Cabana continues to work indies. Punk has not wrestled since leaving WWE but he will return to the Octagon this Saturday at UFC 225 in Chicago, facing Mike Jackson, who also has a record of 0-1-0.

WWE's Next Scooby-Doo Movie

Get ready...Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon is coming this Summer to Blu-ray, DVD and DHD! pic.twitter.com/exrlCBs7YU

— WWE Studios (@WWEStudios) March 29, 2016

CM Punk And AJ Lee Starring In Movie Together

CM Punk and AJ Lee are starring in a movie together.

According to mbnnewsvideoweb.com, the former WWE Superstars will co-star in Hellstorm, an action-horror motion picture. The plot is as follows:

After the collapse of the world's financial system and a devastating world war, a group of mismatched survivors are forced to band together and battle a variety of unexplainable and horrific beasts that descend on their tiny makeshift community.

The film also stars Mat Fraser (American Horror Story), Colleen Camp (American Hustle), Selene Luna (My Bloody Valentine), Kate Hodge (Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III) and Brian Goff (BorderCross). Shooting begins in mid-November in Ohio.

Nikki Bella Comments On Breaking AJ Lee's Record, Thanks John Cena, Fans And Her Trainers

WWE Divas Champion Nikki Bella, who is now the longest reigning WWE Divas Champion in history, posted the following on Instagram tonight after retaining her title on RAW:

I made history! Your Longest Reigning Divas Champion in WWE History! Words can't even describe how I feel right now! I am so beyond blessed and honored! Tonight goes out to my Pop Pop. He taught me so much. He taught me to always be a hard worker, be respectable and kind to others, put God first and family second, and always stay humble. He always told me he was proud of me, I'll never forget that. He lead by example. I wish I could call him right now and tell him about this moment but instead I'll look above me and pray and know he was watching and is listening. Never give up on your dreams because if you have heart and passion they will come true! Pop Pop I can just imagine your smile right now and the big south Philly hug I would have gotten! Thank you for teaching me to be a strong, hard working, independent woman! I love you so much, always and forever! As well as my #BellaArmy I would be nothing without you all! You created Nikki Bella, Team Bella and the Divas Revolution! None of this wouldn't exist without your voices! Thank you! And to my coaches from the beginning who taught me so much at FCW Steve Keirn, Dr Tom Prichard, and Billy Kidman! Thank you! And thank you to my Love @johncena for teaching me so much and my sister @thebriebella for always be being my side! Love you all! Omgoodness! Tears and chills! Trying to take all this in right now!

Nikki Bella Teases Big Celebration For Raw

Charlotte announced on Raw last night that The Authority has granted her petition and she will get her title shot against WWE Divas Champion Nikki Bella on next week's RAW instead of at the Night of Champions pay-per-view.

Nikki noted on tonight's show that she will be having a special celebration on next week's RAW as she will be breaking AJ Lee's record then, if she can win the match against Charlotte.

It's possible they do a finish on RAW to where the match still happens at the pay-per-view.

Paige And Steve Austin On Who Started The Divas Revolution, More

Austin brings up Triple H being a big influence on her and she says he's been a huge influence. She went through a stage where she had bad luck - a car wreck, surgery, had to be out of action for 3 months, her bank account got hacked and her dog got hit by a car. She was ready to go back home but Triple H worked with her and soon after she made history by winning the NXT Women's Title. She says the whole Divas Revolution really was started by Triple H. The next Twitter question asks if Paige she thinks she started it. Triple H was the one who started it with NXT. She brings up AJ Lee and says she looked up to her. She talks about how surprised they were when Triple H gave she and Emma 20 minutes at the first NXT special. She says he started it but her and Emma got the ball rolling. She says they opened the door for other Divas like Charlotte and Bayley but she gives huge props to trainer Sara Del Rey. She also gives props to Finlay and Dean Malenko, who she goes to a lot these days...More?

Chris Jericho - Stephanie McMahon Podcast Recap: Ronda Rousey, Shane McMahon, Her Parents, AJ, More

Chris Jericho's live WWE Network interview with Stephanie McMahon kicks off from WWE TV studios in Stamford, CT. Jericho welcomes us to the second edition of "Live! with Chris Jericho." He welcomes his old rival Stephanie and says people want the hard-hitting questions so he's going right to that. Stephanie just came from the annual WWE staff party and Jericho says he never knew that party existed. Stephanie says it's just a way of saying thanks to their employees. Jericho imagines Vince McMahon walking around with a tray of h'orderves and Stephanie says he doesn't do that. Jericho says he's been at the studios all day and it's "insane." Stephanie says WWE currently has 800 employees.

Stephanie talks about being in Singapore, Beijing and Shanghai recently on behalf of WWE and as an Eisenhower Fellow. Stephanie talks about what the program is. She notes that she will be going on another trip for the program later this year. Stephanie mentioned having to defend WWE while on tour and Jericho can't believe that they still have to defend WWE but they do. Stephanie says that's part of her job. She touts some WWE talking points and says they're a pioneer. Jericho asks about working for dad and she says it's very challenging. She says Vince is exceptionally driven and passionate. Jericho says Vince is off to the side right now giving them the middle finger. Stephanie says there's a lot of pressure on Vince's kids to do better. She says Vince didn't grow up with a silver spoon in his mouth and while he's given her all of her opportunities, he still wants her to fight for it every day and that's what she does. She talks about messing up before and says disappointing Vince is the worst. As a performer, Vince has made her re-shoot certain angles. Jericho says he has had to do that before and it makes you feel like a loser. Jericho says Stephanie is just like Vince on TV. Stephanie says her brother Shane McMahon calls her the "Vincess." Stephanie says she's unaware that she emulates him but she's watched him all her life and there's no one better.

Jericho says Vince has left the set and jokes that he scared him off. Jericho asks if people get the Chief Brand Officer mixed up with the on-screen Stephanie when she's out working. She talks about how she tells kids at the "be a STAR" anti-bullying rallies that she plays a bully on TV but that's not who she is in real life. They talk about her childhood and she says she did understand what her dad did. One of her earliest memories was between 3-6 years old, walking backstage and running into George "The Animal" Steele in full character. She says she was scared to death and ran back to Vince but George just started laughing. She says George was laughing as if he didn't take her fear seriously and that confused her at the time. She says Vince also thought it was hilarious and that's when she started putting it together. She would watch Vince announce on WWF and she had her favorites - The Killer Bees and Tito Santana. She says she gravitated more towards the heels as a kid and did not root for Hulk Hogan.

More?

AJ Lee Retires From WWE, WWE Issues Statement

From WWE.com:

AJ Lee (April Mendez) has decided to retire from in-ring competition with WWE. We wish AJ the very best.

Nikki Bella On AJ Lee's Comments About Diva Pay, Who Came Up With 30-Second RAW Match, More

WWE Divas Champion Nikki Bella recently spoke with Mark Madden on 105.9 in Pittsburgh. They discussed AJ Lee's WWE return, the 30-second RAW match that led to "#GiveDivasAChance" trending and more. Thanks to Diva-Dirt for the following highlights:

AJ Lee's comments about Divas pay:

"We're all here because we're living our dreams. Whether it's two minutes or twenty minutes on TV, I'm beyond grateful for that, because there are millions of people that wish they could get two minutes in that ring, and they can't, so I'm not going to be one to b---h about it. But do I think Divas should definitely get more time on TV? 100%. But do I think pay is different? No."

Divas not having the star power to make money like John Cena, Roman Reigns or Brock Lesnar:

"Let me put it this way: if a Diva was to headline a show, would those seats sell out like it does when John Cena's headlining? Roman Reigns? Brock Lesnar? Absolutely not. We're not there yet. We're trying to get there, but we're not there yet. As far as merch goes, we all get the same percentage, so I don't know why anyone's crying about it. We all make the exact same percentage, so it's like, sell more merch if you wanna be like the guys. At the end of the day, we're in a man's world. People show up to watch men wrestle, and they look at us the 'pretty things on the side', but I think slowly, we're changing people's minds about that. It's not gonna happen overnight, but eventually we're gonna get there. We just need patience and time."

Who came up with the 30-second RAW match that led to #GiveDivasAChance trending:

"What's funny about that is we were given about three minutes. Three to four minutes. And we – us four girls who were in the match – we put our heads together and said look: we can either give them a two minute match, or we can give them nothing and get Brie and I so much heat and tell a great story…We're not gonna give people three minutes of BS, and it ended up being a big chance. It ended up turning into #GiveDivasAChance trending worldwide for two days. I mean, we could've gone out there, done a few moves and called it a day, but we were like, 'How do we tell a great story?' and at the end of the day, that's what we did. Brie and I got good heat at the end of it, we got trended for two days straight, and it was like, 'Whoa. We're storytelling now.' And that's what puts the Divas on the next level. Instead of just going out there and doing moves, we storytell. 'Cause that's what the boys do, and that's what we need to do."

Stephanie McMahon Responds To AJ Lee's Tweets

Stephanie McMahon tweeted the following tonight in response to AJ Lee:

Thank you @WWEAJLee, I appreciate your opinion. #UseYourVoice

AJ Lee Responds to Stephanie McMahon’s Tweet on Women’s Rights; Says WWE Divas Earn a “Fraction of the Wages” That Men Do

Earlier this week, Stephanie McMahon sent out the following Tweet in response to Patricia Arquette’s inspiring words at the Oscars, moments after winning the Best Supporting Actress for her role in Boyhood:

Thank You @PattyArquette for having the courage to fight for #WomensRights on such a grand platform. #UseYourVoice

Former Divas Champion AJ Lee, who hasn’t been seen on television since December, apparently thought McMahon’s words were a bit hypocritical:

@StephMcMahon Your female wrestlers have record selling merchandise & have starred in the highest rated segment of the show several times, and yet they receive a fraction of the wages & screen time of the majority of the male roster. #UseYourVoice

This comes after #GiveDivasaChance trended worldwide on Monday Night Raw this week, causing a wide range of responses from WWE Superstars, Divas and fans alike. AJ’s responses to Stephanie McMahon were re-tweeted collectively over 4,000 times within 30 minutes of being posted.

Top WWE Star Out of Action Until 2015 with Injury, Backstage Note on the WWE Divas Title

AJ Lee is currently out of action with an injury. She had been working hurt so they could wrap up the feud with Divas Champion Nikki Bella.

WWE officials were planning on doing a significant injury angle to write AJ off TV but that was nixed for an unknown reason.

AJ being away is why Naomi and Natalya were moved into contendership for Nikki's title. Original plans had Naomi challenging Nikki but they may go with Natalya.

The belief within WWE is that AJ will be back in 2015 some time.