Triple H And Shawn Michaels Kick Off WWE NXT Homecoming

Last night’s special edition of WWE NXT, titled Homecoming, aired live on The CW and marked a return to Full Sail University—NXT’s original home. The show opened with a nice video package of NXT’s history including many of today’s stars who are on the main roster that made their WWE debut here.

Full Sail University served as the home base for WWE NXT from 2012 until 2020. During this period, NXT evolved from a developmental territory into a globally recognized brand. Full Sail allowed for close interaction between fans and performers, helping cultivate a passionate fan base. Many of WWE’s current top stars—including Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss started their WWE career in this venue.

Triple H addressed the crowd, stating, “It feels good to come home.” He emphasized that NXT exists because of the passion of its fans and the dedication of its talent.

Shawn Michaels, who has served as a creative leader for NXT in recent years, said the current roster is ready to “steer the ship into the future.” In a tongue-in-cheek exchange, Triple H asked what would happen if he wanted to return. Michaels replied, “We would have a big problem,” referencing their long-standing friendship and professional rivalry.

Former NXT General Manager William Regal entered and simply declared, “War Games.” The phrase is a callback to Regal’s tenure, where he popularized the War Games match format in NXT starting in 2017.

The reigning WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, came to the ring. Flair stated, “The women have always run NXT because this is where the women’s revolution started.” Bliss added that the women will always run NXT.

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

Maybelline New York named first-ever official cosmetic partner of WWE

WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, and Maybelline New York, the number one cosmetic brand in the world, announced today a new partnership in which the beauty brand will become the first-ever Official Cosmetics Partner of WWE.

The new agreement commences with Maybelline serving as the Presenting Partner of Evolution – the all-women's Premium Live Event on Sunday, July 13 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

“WWE is excited to collaborate with Maybelline, a partner that not only leads the beauty industry but also shares our vision for highlighting amazing individuals across the roster," said Brit Santypal, Senior Vice President of Partnership Marketing, TKO.

"Maybelline New York is proud to partner with WWE and have the opportunity to put our products to the ultimate test,” said Amy Whang, President of Maybelline New York. “As the presenting sponsor of Evolution, we’re not just showing up in the ring; we’re supporting a global community that inspires confidence and self-expression, both in and out of the spotlight."

In addition to the Presenting Partner designation at Evolution, Maybelline will receive center mat ring branding, a custom vignette and social media integrations. The partnership and activation strategy were developed in collaboration with Beauty Co-Lab, L’Oréal’s media agency of record.

"Maybelline continues to lead the way by moving at the speed of culture — connecting beauty with entertainment in bold, inclusive, and unexpected ways,” said Delphine Hernoux, CEO, Beauty Co-Lab. “At Beauty Co-Lab, we’re proud to have helped shape this milestone partnership with WWE, which reflects the kind of innovative thinking that keeps the brand ahead of the curve."

Tyra Mae Steele and Jasper Troy Win WWE LFG Season One

The journey to find WWE’s next breakout stars reached its climax during the season finale of LFG, which aired Sunday on A&E. In a dramatic and emotional conclusion, Tyra Mae Steele and Jasper Troy emerged as the winners of the show’s inaugural season. While the series culminated with them signing NXT contracts, it was noted that all participants are already training at WWE’s Performance Center.

Steele, mentored by The Undertaker, triumphed over Bubba Ray Dudley’s standout, Zena Sterling. Meanwhile, Troy, who was on Booker T’s team, secured victory against Team Undertaker’s Shiloh Hill. With two of his rookies reaching the finals, The Undertaker was crowned the first-ever WWE LFG Champion.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated after their win, Steele shared her excitement: “I’m so excited. It’s been a long time coming. I swear I’ve just been waiting for my moment to shine,” she said. “I just feel elated. I just feel so, so freaking blessed.”

Troy echoed the emotion, reflecting on what the win meant to him: “This is the first thing I ever won,” he said. “I’ve never won a championship or a playoff, you know. So to me, this is like a Super Bowl moment. But I see how someone like DeVonta Smith or A.J. Brown will be like, ‘winning the Super Bowl was cool, but now it’s like what’s next?’”

Steele, whose real name is Tamyra Mensah-Stock, made history as the first Black woman to win Olympic gold in women’s freestyle wrestling at the Tokyo 2020 Games. She signed with WWE in 2023 and has already competed on NXT Level Up. Troy, real name Antione Frazier, brings a football background and debuted in WWE programming last year.

WWE has already confirmed LFG will return for a second season. Michelle McCool is set to join as a new coach, replacing Mickie James.

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

Triple H Unveils New WWE ID Championships To Spotlight Up-And-Coming Talent

As announced by Triple H Tuesday afternoon, the Men's and Women's WWE ID Championships will be defended across the independent scene in the near future.

WWE Chief Content Officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque has unveiled new men's and women's championship titles for the WWE Independent Development (WWE ID) program.

The WWE ID program, which launched last fall, was created to help provide assistance and publicity to some of the best wrestlers on the independent circuit. In many cases, the program would provide talent with recourses they need in order to properly pursue their dreams of being signed to a major promotion.

Levesque showcased the Men's and Women's WWE ID Championship belts in a post on social media Tuesday afternoon, writing:

The top independent wrestling prospects have been ID’d… and now, we’re ready to spotlight the best of the best.

Here’s your first look at the Men’s and Women’s WWEID Championships.

source: si.com

Michelle McCool will be inducted into the 2025 WWEHOF

Netflix Announces Several New WWE Shows Debuting On Their Platform On January 1

In addition to WWE Raw airing every Monday night on the platform, Netflix will be hosting a number of additional digital and other original WWE shows fans have seen, and some new ones. This week, Netflix announced the following list of WWE programming that will be debuting on their platform starting on January 1, 2025: WWE Top 10 “Monday Night Raw hosts some of the biggest and best matches in WWE history, featuring Superstars John Cena, Triple H, Becky Lynch and more.” WWE RAW Classics “Big E hosts this collection of most-see Raw matches and moments, featuring WWE Superstars and Legends including CM Punk, Becky Lynch and Triple H.” WWE Road to WrestleMania “The Road to WrestleMania goes through Raw, where WWE’s top Superstars raise the stakes in must-see matches and thrilling moments.” WWE Superstar Profiles “WWE Superstars step inside the squared circle in pursuit of championships and glory in front of the WWE Universe.” WWE Legends Profiles “Legendary Superstars of WWE make history with unforgettable matches and moments inside the squared circle.” As noted, WWE Raw debuts on Netflix starting on January 6, 2025 from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA.

Triple H Calls Rhea Ripley And Bianca Belair Superheroes: If They’re Not, I’m Not Sure Who Is

Business is booming in the world of professional wrestling. Especially when it comes to WWE, the company has been seeing huge profits in recent years. One of the key factors in this sudden surge in popularity is the fact that Triple H has taken charge. It is also to be noted that now wrestling is not the only profession for wrestlers. The art of professional wrestling also paves the way for talents to enter into the acting business.

Recently, WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H was a special guest on the Roommates Show. During the interview, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque shared his thoughts on wrestlers entering the world of Hollywood. He also mentioned that stars like the Original Tribal Chief Roman Reigns and former WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley would perfectly fit in an action movie. He also shared that he sees stars like Ripley, Bianca Belair, and Jade Cargill as Superheroes.

“Wrestling is accepted now. If somebody goes and does a movie or TV film, it’s so accepted to where it’s not, ‘What’s this wrestler doing in this movie?’ Now, they can sort of fit in and people are more accepted of it. I think over the years, you’ll see some of that. Guys like Roman Reigns, and some of our women too. Rhea Ripley or people like that. Especially with action movies and the superhero genre, if Rhea Ripley is not a superhero, I’m not sure who is. Bianca Belair is another. Jade Cargill. If they’re not superheroes, what is?” Triple H said.

[H/T Fightful.com]

Triple H Calls Chyna The Real MVP of DX: She Is The Glue That Kept It Together

One of the most popular factions in WWE is D-Generation-X. The members of the iconic group were X-Pac, Road Dogg Jessie James, Badass Billy Gunn, former WWE World Champion Shawn Michaels, Chyna, and the Chief Content Officer Triple H. Recently, Paul Levesque [Triple H] named who he thinks was the MVP of the group.

While speaking on the Roommates Show, Triple H named the Ninth Wonder of the World, Chyna as the real MVP of DX.

“On DX, I would say Shawn, but there is part of me that would say Chyna. Shawn, only because, at the time when we first started and Shawn was in DX with me, I was learning so much from him on a day-to-day basis about the business. Chyna was the glue that held that together. If you look at the crew, I’m like the guy that doesn’t drink or do any other stuff, so I’m easy to deal with.

“Shawn is a mess. Road Dogg is a mess. X-Pac is a mess. Billy is a mess. The glue that sort of held that all together is Chyna because she kept everybody in line. There is only so much shit I can tell them and control them before they’re like, ‘F off,’ and we get in a fight about it. Nobody is going to give her a hard time, so whatever she says goes. She is kind of the glue there,” Triple H said.

[H/T Fightful.com]

WWE Announces "WWE ID" Developmental Designation

WWE announced that it has launched a new program called "WWE ID", a developmental program designed to provide independent wrestlers a potential path to WWE.

WWE announced today that it is expanding its footprint in the developmental world.

In a press release, WWE announced that it has launched a new program called WWE ID, short for WWE Independent Development, a developmental program designed to provide independent wrestlers a potential path to WWE.

“WWE ID is the latest in our efforts to identify and support the journey of up-and-coming wrestlers, in turn raising the profile of and strengthening the independent wrestling ecosystem,” WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque is quoted in the press release.

In the program, WWE plans to provide prominent independent wrestling schools with the WWE ID designator with the purpose of providing new trainees and existing talent with enhanced developmental opportunities.

The concept, innovative for its approach, provides a new level of financial assistance to independent wrestling schools not seen before by WWE. In the Triple H Era, WWE has expanded its approach to promotions outside the realm of the WWE Universe, most notably by working agreements with TNA and Pro Wrestling NOAH, as well as acknowledgment on air by Michael Cole and other commentators regarding Superstars’ previous accomplishments and championships in other promotions.

Multiple questions still loom, however, on the granular parts of these new agreements, such as exclusivity and signing rights deals for designated prospects that may prevent them from exploring other career opportunities and whether WWE will integrate the more prominent independent wrestling schools to become extensions of the WWE brand.

WWE announced the first five independent wrestling schools to receive the WWE ID designation: Booker T’s “Reality of Wrestling” in Houston, TX, Cody Rhodes’ “Nightmare Factory” in Atlanta, GA, Seth Rollins’ “Black and Brave Academy” in Davenport, IA, “Elite Pro Wrestling Training Academy” in Concord, NH, and “KnokX Pro Academy” in Los Angeles, CA.

In addition to the school’s designator, WWE ID will also identify top independent wrestling prospects with a WWE ID “Prospect” designation, which will allow WWE to support their development with financial opportunities, training, mentorship, access to their facilities and in-ring training. WWE is also planning on showcasing these prospects and their paths through WWE’s social media accounts.

source: www.si.com

Sports Illustrated: 20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time

20 - Becky Lynch

19 - Mick Foley

18 - Chris Jericho

17 - CM Punk

16 - Andre the Giant

15 - Randy Orton

14 - Edge

13 - Rowdy Roddy Piper

12 - Kurt Angle

11 - Macho Man Randy Savage

10 - Bruno Sammartino

9 - Bret Hart

8 - Shawn Michaels

7 - Triple H

6 - The Undertaker

5 - Roman Reigns

4 - John Cena

3 - The Rock

2 - Hulk Hogan

1 - Stone Cold Steve Austin

WWE NXT Viewership Jumps 44% in CW Debut

The debut of WWE‘s NXT on The CW Tuesday night saw a significant jump in viewership.

The broadcast network debut of WWE’s weekly show featuring developmental talent averaged 895,000 viewers from 8-10 p.m. That is up 44% compared to last week’s episode, which aired on USA Network. Viewership peaked between 8:15 and 8:30 with 965,000 viewers. The episode was also the number one telecast on CW this year among adults 25-54 and adults 18-49 with 406,000 viewers and 354,000 respectively.

The viewership represented a 143% increase in total viewers over CW’s Tuesday primetime average this season, with affiliates in markets like New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Detroit also notching triple digit increases in viewership versus last week.

source: variety.com

Triple H Unveils WWE Speed Women’s Tournament Set to Debut on September 4th

There's a major update for WWE fans following the Speed series. Chief Content Officer Triple H recently announced that the first-ever WWE Speed Women’s Championship Tournament will make its debut on September 4th. This exciting event will air exclusively on X (formerly known as Twitter) at 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT.

In his announcement, Triple H expressed his enthusiasm:

“Time to turn #WWESpeed up another notch… excited to announce that the WWE Speed Women’s Championship Tournament will premiere Sept. 4 at 12pm ET / 9am PT, exclusively on @X.”

As a reminder, the inaugural WWE Speed tournament saw Ricochet crowned as the first Speed Champion. He eventually lost the title to Andrade, who is set to defend it against the winner of this upcoming tournament.

Women-led ‘WWE NXT’ episode posts highest viewership figure since January

World Wrestling Entertainment’s NXT once again scored a strong viewership number.

Tuesday, June 4th’s episode of WWE’s proving ground brand drew its highest P2+ viewership since early January of this year.

A week after rapper Sexxy Red appeared on the brand, NXT’s audience tuned in in droves. According to Wrestlenomics, the episode had an average of 768,000 viewers and a P18-49 rating of 0.22.

On Tuesday night, the show had a women-heavy lineup, a common occurrence dating back to 2014 but one that clearly led the way throughout. TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace, who will wrestle Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Championship at NXT Battleground in Las Vegas, led off the show with a match that Perez made sure to be seated for. Four of the five scheduled Tuesday night show matches featured women’s superstars. NXT has helped bring along a cavalcade of stars over the past decade, including WWE Women’s Champion Bayley, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, current WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan, and a host of others. That trend is sure to continue with the bounty of talented women that the NXT brand currently holds onto.

The show has gone through some transition in 2024, so ratings have fluctuated a bit over the past few months. They’ve hit a floor as low as 564,000 in the last few months and have mostly stayed within the 600,000-660,000 range. This increase follows another increase week-to-week last week, when the show scored 703,000 viewers, up from 654,000 during May 21st’s episode.

As NXT prepares for its move to the CW Network, they could be in store for another hot summer on the brand. And if the last two weeks are any indication, they’re starting to get people’s attention.

[Data cited from Wrestlenomics Patreon]

WWE: Next Gen debuts April 1 on Roku

WWE Reportedly Sets All-Time Record At Madison Square Garden Live Event

Business is booming for WWE right now, with the promotion reportedly setting an all-time record at the recent Madison Square Garden live event.

"Fightful Select" has reported that the December 26 live event at the iconic New York venue is the highest-grossing domestic non-televised event in the history of the promotion. The show saw CM Punk wrestle for the first time since his return to WWE, defeating former "NXT" North American Champion, Dominik Mysterio, whom he will face once again at a live event in California. The report added that WWE has stated internally that the show was sold out, with WrestleTix revealing that over 15,000 tickets were sold for the show. 

"Fightful" has also revealed that the live event in Baltimore, featuring the "WWE SmackDown" roster, was the highest-grossing non-televised WWE show in the region.

The stacked card at the Madison Square Garden show featured several of "WWE Raw's" top stars, including the likes of Rhea Ripley, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Becky Lynch, and Cody Rhodes. Rollins and McIntyre closed out the event, where the former retained his WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Finn Balor and Damian Priest retained their tag team titles against Sami Zayn and Jey Uso, while WWE Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley defeated Ivy Nile and Shayna Baszler in a triple threat match.

The "Raw" and "SmackDown" rosters have a string of live events lined up ahead of the new year. This week's "SmackDown" will air a best-of show, recapping the highlights of 2023 from the blue brand, much like the "Raw" show on Christmas day.

Injured WWE Star Liv Morgan Arrested For Drug Possession

Injured WWE Star Liv Morgan Arrested For Drug Possession

Former WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Liv Morgan was arrested in Florida for drug possession after a traffic stop. According to PWInsider, the 29-year-old was arrested for possession of marijuana and possession of drugs, possibly that of a synthetic cannabinoid, on Thursday evening. The injured star was arrested after a Sumter County sheriff's deputy saw the Jeep she was driving cross over the white and yellow lines of the road. 

When the deputy approached Morgan's vehicle, they smelled marijuana, according to the arrest report. According to PWInsider, a small plastic bag of marijuana and a vape pen that "held an oil-like substance" that later tested for marijuana were found in the vehicle. Morgan bonded out of jail and was released Thursday night around 10:00 p.m. WWE has yet to either comment to the outlet or release a statement.

Morgan has been out of action since suffering an injury on a July episode of "WWE Raw" that saw WWE Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley attack her before their advertised match, an angle to write her off television. Morgan had just returned to the ring from a previous shoulder injury before suffering another, reportedly to her opposite side. The initial injury led Morgan and tag team partner Raquel Rodriguez to vacate the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships.