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January 29, 2025
Paul Levesque To Headline WWE Hall Of Fame Class Of 2025
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
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7:46 PM
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Labels: Levesque Family News, Nick Khan, Paul Levesque Era, Shawn Michaels, Stephanie McMahon, The Undertaker, TKO Group Holdings, Triple H, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE, WWE Hall of Fame
August 17, 2024
Afa Anoa'i, part of WWE Hall of Fame tag team, dies at age 81
Afa Anoa'i, the WWE Hall of Famer best known for being one-half of the Wild Samoans pro wrestling tag team, has died at 81.
His death was announced by his family Friday, two months after his younger brother and tag team partner, Sika, died in June.
Afa is the uncle of WWE superstar Roman Reigns.
"It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of my father Afa Anoai Sr.," his son Samu wrote on Facebook. "It was a peaceful transition and he was surrounded by loved ones. Please respect our privacy as we mourn our father."
According to the Wrestling Observer, Afa had been recently admitted into hospice care and experienced two heart attacks while battling pneumonia in January.
WWE paid tribute to Afa on Friday, observing a moment of silence during "Friday Night Smackdown."
Afa and Sika were a prominent tag team in WWE (then WWF) during the early 1980s and were three-time WWF tag team champions. They worked in a number of promotions, including the NWA, Mid-South Wrestling, Georgia Championship Wrestling and the AWA, winning 20 tag team championships around the world.
The Wild Samoans were inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.
Afa and Sika last appeared in WWE at the "Hell in a Cell" premium live event in 2020 to celebrate Roman Reigns' victory over Jey Uso.
"Our family has suffered another great loss with the passing of my uncle and WWE Hall of Famer, Gataivasā Afa Amituana'i Anoa'i," Reigns wrote on X on Friday. "We thank everyone for their support and are comforted by the fact that he now rests in peace. Afa and my father, Pola'ivao Leati Sika Anoa'I were loving brothers, the greatest tag team of their generation, and now they're reunited together in heaven. Rest in Power Wild Samoans."
source: espn.com
July 7, 2024
John Cena Announces Retirement Tour, Wrestlemania 2025 Will Be His Last Match
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
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9:39 AM
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Labels: John Cena, WrestleMania, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
June 25, 2024
Sika Anoaʻi, One Half of The Wild Samoans and Father of Roman Reigns Passes Away Aged 79
May 7, 2024
WWE Takes Jerry “The King” Lawler Off The Air After 30-Plus Years
The WWE has declined to renew its contract with Hall of Fame wrestler and broadcaster Jerry “The King” Lawler.
Lawler joined the WWF (which later became the WWE) as a commentator in 1992, working on Superstars. In the early ’90s, he defeated Bret Hart and was named “Undisputed King of the World Wrestling Federation.” While he continued to wrestle, Lawler was a broadcaster for Raw, SmackDown! and WWE pay-per-views until 2016.
Lawler has not been been featured on a WWE TV broadcast for over a year, but he still has a legends deal that allows him to work with the organization on merch and other licensing. Despite his departure from the broadcast team, Lawler is said to still have a great relationship with the company. Indeed, he was backstage at SmackDown in Memphis in March.
He is known for his feud with comedian Andy Kaufman, and together they created one of the most memorable early moments of Late Night with David Letterman. The NBC late-nighter was about eight months old when comic, performance artist and then-Taxi star Kaufman was a guest, along with Lawler. Kaufman had made waves by wrestling women until April 1982, when he took on veteran his first male opponent, then-pro grappler Lawler, who clobbered him in the ring.
Arriving on the Late Night set with a neck brace, Kaufman sat next to Lawler, and things went fine — for a while. Lawler drew boos as he began to bad-mouth the comic. Kaufman demanded an apology from Lawler, who was having none of that. Eventually, Kaufman said, “I could have sued you for everything you’re worth, and I didn’t because I’m not that kind of a guy.” Lawler seized on that, saying, “What kind of a guy are you?” As Letterman prepared to go to commercial, Lawler stood up and slapped Kaufman across the face, knocking him over in his chair.
Seventeen years later, Lawler portrayed himself in the 1999’s Man on the Moon, in which Jim Carrey played Kaufman.
In September 2012, Lawler had a heart attack at the announcer’s table and was administered CPR, with updates being given throughout the broadcast. He was rushed to the hospital where he underwent an angioplasty. Remarkably, despite a slow recovery, the 60-something Lawler eventually returned to both broadcasting and the ring for the WWE.
source: deadline.com
Female referee Jessika Carr makes history at WWE Backlash 2024
WWE Backlash 2024 undoubtedly left an indelible mark in the annals of WWE history, not only as one of the most successful premium live events but also as a ground breaking moment for women in the industry. This edition of Backlash not only ventured beyond North America for the first time but also made its debut in France, captivating audiences worldwide.
The magnitude of the event was evident with its record-breaking attendance, marking the largest gateway for any Backlash arena event in WWE history. With a line up of five highly anticipated matches, each bout delivered edge-of-your-seat excitement, captivating fans throughout the night.
Among the notable highlights of Backlash 2024 was the historic moment involving WWE referee Jessika Carr. Carr etched her name in the annals of wrestling history by becoming the first female referee to officiate in the main event of a World title match. Her presence as the official for the Undisputed WWE Championship clash between Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles added a significant milestone to her already impressive career.
In the electrifying main event, Carr's professionalism and expertise were on full display as she ensured a fair and impartial contest between Rhodes and Styles. As Rhodes emerged victorious, capturing the championship in a memorable showdown, Carr's pivotal role in overseeing the match underscored the progress and inclusivity within WWE.
Cody Rhodes acknowledged her accomplishment on X, after the match by writing, “Wanted to mention this after the contract signing, (and forgive me if I’m wrong but I don’t think I am…) It’ll be the VERY FIRST PLE Main Event for The Undisputed WWE Title officiated by a women @WWELadyRefJess” To which Jessica Car thanked him saying, “Honored and incredibly grateful”
Carr's historic moment at Backlash 2024 serves as a testament to the ongoing strides towards gender equality and representation within the world of professional wrestling. Her groundbreaking achievement not only inspires future generations of female referees but also reinforces WWE's commitment to diversity and inclusion on the grandest stage of sports entertainment.
April 27, 2024
Vince McMahon Sells Final TKO Shares for $776M+ to End WWE Ties After 50+ Years
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
12:20 PM
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Labels: Nick Khan, TKO Group Holdings, Vince McMahon, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
April 9, 2024
WrestleMania 40 Shatters Multiple WWE Records to Become Highest-Grossing Event in Company History
WrestleMania 40 broke multiple WWE records and has become the most successful live event in the company’s history.
WrestleMania 40 took place over two nights at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Per WWE, the gate for the event was up 78% compared to the previous record set during WrestleMania 39, with 145,298 in attendance across both nights this year. The company also says viewership was up 41% versus last year, while merchandise sales — in partnership with Fanatics — was up more than 20% over last year.
But the live events on Saturday and Sunday nights are just one part of the story. WWE set up a massive presence in Philadelphia from Thursday-Monday. The company, along with Fanatics Events, hosted the WWE World experience at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where fans could pay to get up close with authentic WWE memorabilia from their archives as well as take part in immersive experiences. This was coupled with the WWE Superstore, which featured a wide range of branded merchandise from apparel to toys and beyond.
The April 5 episode of “SmackDown” originated from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, drawing the largest gate in “SmackDown” history. Likewise, the April 8 episode of “Monday Night Raw” drew the largest gate in “Raw” history. WWE also put on the NXT live event “Stand and Deliver” on Saturday afternoon at the Wells Fargo Center, which drew a record breaking crowd of 16,545, the most ever for an NXT event.
On social media, over 660 million views were generated across WWE’s social channels, while the WWE YouTube channel had its biggest day ever on Sunday with 67 million views in 24 hours.
WrestleMania 40 featured a number of smash hit matches, most notably the WWE Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes on Night 2. On Night 1, the two squared off with the aid of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Seth Rollins, respectively, in a tag team match that marked Johnson’s first match for WWE since 2016.
source: variety.com
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
2:36 PM
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Labels: Paul Levesque Era, TKO Group Holdings, Triple H, WrestleMania, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
April 7, 2024
Stephanie McMahon rings in the Paul “Triple H” Levesque era
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
8:44 PM
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Labels: Levesque Family News, Paul Levesque Era, Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, WrestleMania, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
March 13, 2024
Thunderbolt Patterson to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024
As first reported by Andscape, Thunderbolt Patterson will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
A hugely influential, although often overlooked, figure in sports-entertainment history, Patterson’s captivating abilities on the microphone inspired a generation of talkers that followed in his footsteps.
Growing up in Iowa, Patterson moved to Texas and worked with legendary promoter Dory Funk Sr. (father of WWE Hall of Famers Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk) where he began performing incredible interviews using a delivery inspired by Black Southern pastors.
Patterson backed up his talents on the microphone in the ring as he captured titles across North America while defeating iconic opponents like Bruiser Brody and WWE Hall of Famer The Sheik. Thunderbolt was also a decorated tag team competitor, most famously teaming with Ole Anderson before their partnership erupted into a brutal rivalry, which helped launch the legendary Four Horsemen.
Patterson was also a contemporary of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, and was often credited with inspiring The American Dream’s charismatic persona.
Patterson’s work as a captivating performer was self-evident, but he was also a fierce advocate for the health and welfare of competitors outside of the ring.
His legacy as a showman with his signature quick punches, his incredible blend of power and speed, and his compassion for his fellow man live on as his influence can still be seen in the ring today.
February 13, 2024
The Rock Recalls Getting Emotional After Recent WWE Headquarters Tour With Triple H
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
9:17 AM
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Labels: Rocky Johnson, The Rock, Tony Atlas, Triple H, Wrestling History, WWE
January 27, 2024
End Of An Era 2.0
For the first time since its inception as the Capitol Wrestling Corporation in the 1950's, the only member of the McMahon family currently with the WWE is a Levesque. End of an era.
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
11:24 AM
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Labels: Endeavor, Linda McMahon, Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, TKO Group Holdings, Triple H, Vince McMahon, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
January 26, 2024
Vince McMahon Resigns from Executive Roles at TKO Group Amid Legal Turmoil
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
8:57 PM
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Labels: Nick Khan, TKO Group Holdings, Vince McMahon, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
September 12, 2023
Endeavor Announces Close of UFC® And WWE® Transaction To Create TKO Group Holdings, A Premium Sports And Entertainment Company
Endeavor Announces Close of UFC® and WWE® Transaction to Create TKO Group Holdings, a Premium Sports and Entertainment Company
New Company to Begin Trading Today, September 12, on the New York Stock Exchange Under “TKO” Ticker Symbol
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. & STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR) (“Endeavor”) and World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (previously NYSE: WWE) (“WWE”) today announced the close of their previously announced agreement and the launch of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) (“TKO”).
TKO brings together UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, and WWE, an integrated media organization and the recognized global leader in sports entertainment, to create a new premium sports and entertainment company serving more than one billion young and diverse fans1, reaching viewers in 180 countries, and producing more than 350 annual live events. Through this combination, TKO will leverage Endeavor’s expertise in areas including domestic and international media rights, ticket sales and yield optimization, event operations, global partnerships, licensing, and premium hospitality to drive revenue growth.
“The creation of TKO marks an exciting new chapter for UFC and WWE as leaders in global sports and entertainment,” said Ari Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor and TKO. “Given their continued connectivity to the Endeavor network, we are confident in our ability to accelerate their respective growth and unlock long-term sustainable value for shareholders. With UFC and WWE under one roof, we will provide unrivaled experiences for more than a billion passionate fans worldwide.”
“This is the culmination of a decades-long partnership between Endeavor and WWE across strategic initiatives including talent representation and media rights. Given our collaborative, trusted relationship and Endeavor’s incredible track record of success growing UFC, we believe WWE is optimally positioned for future growth and success as part of TKO,” said Vince McMahon, Executive Chairman of TKO. “Our focus remains on delivering for our fans across the globe as we take the business to the next level alongside UFC and Endeavor.”
TKO will begin trading today on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “TKO,” with Endeavor holding a 51% controlling interest in the new company and existing WWE shareholders holding a 49% interest in the new company, on a fully diluted basis.
As previously announced, TKO is led by:
Ariel Emanuel, Chief Executive Officer, who continues as Chief Executive Officer of Endeavor;
Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer, who continues as President and Chief Operating Officer of Endeavor;
Andrew Schleimer, Chief Financial Officer; and
Seth Krauss, Chief Legal Officer, who continues as Chief Legal Officer of Endeavor.
Dana White is now Chief Executive Officer of UFC and Lawrence Epstein remains Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of UFC. Nick Khan continues at WWE in the role of President.
The Board of Directors of TKO is led by Vince McMahon as Executive Chairman of the Board and consists of 11 members, including Mr. Emanuel, Mr. Shapiro, and Mr. Khan, in addition to the following directors:
Peter C.B. Bynoe, Senior Advisor at DLA Piper LLP;
Egon P. Durban, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Silver Lake;
Steven R. Koonin, Chief Executive Officer of the Atlanta Hawks, LLC;
Jonathan A. Kraft, President of the Kraft Group LLC;
Sonya E. Medina, President and Chief Executive Officer of Reach Resilience;
Nancy R. Tellem, Executive Chairperson and Chief Media Officer of Eko; and
Carrie Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer and a board member of Opendoor Technologies Inc.
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
12:28 PM
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Labels: Ari Emanuel, Endeavor, Linda McMahon, Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, TKO Group Holdings, Triple H, UFC, Vince McMahon, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
September 11, 2023
End Of An Era
Tonight's WWE Raw will be the last WWE show under the full majority control of Vince McMahon. End of an era.
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
6:51 PM
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Labels: Endeavor, Linda McMahon, Raw, Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, TKO Group Holdings, Triple H, UFC, Vince McMahon, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
August 24, 2023
WWE Star Bray Wyatt Dead At 36
WWE superstar Bray Wyatt, whose real name is Windham Rotunda, has died, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque announced on social media Thursday. Wyatt was 36.
"Just received a call from WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda who informed us of the tragic news that our WWE family member for life Windham Rotunda - also known as Bray Wyatt - unexpectedly passed earlier today," Levesque wrote on X, the company formerly known as Twitter. "Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time."
The news of Wyatt’s death was a shocking and devastating revelation as a report surfaced earlier this month that the former champion was nearing a return to the ring after battling a "life-threatening illness."
Earlier in the year, Wyatt got COVID that exacerbated a heart issue. He suffered a heart attack. Pro wrestlers and fans sent their condolences across social media.
Back in October, Wyatt had made a return to the WWE in one of the most mysterious build-ups the company had done in a while. A white rabbit, mystery QR codes and other messages appeared on WWE programming leading up to Wyatt’s eventual return at Extreme Rules. The hints pointed toward his return about 15 months since he was released in July 2021.
Wyatt’s "Fiend" character was among the favorite programs that WWE ran in recent years. WWE was able to make the character thrive through the height of the coronavirus pandemic, and he was put into epic feuds with John Cena and Randy Orton.
Wyatt’s cult leader character was also well-received when it began in 2013. However, Wyatt was released on July 31, 2021. His release marked the end of a 12-year run at WWE.
After his return on the premium live event, Wyatt cut a heartfelt promo thanking fans for welcoming him back and helping him through the tough times after his release.
"I am incredibly grateful. I’m really, really nervous to be here. I never thought this would happen," Wyatt said. "This right here, this is just me OK? This is a version of me I never got to introduce to you guys before. This is just me being me – genuine me – for the first time."
Wyatt explained at the time that over the last year, he lost a lot of friends and things in his life.
"I lost my career. I lost my self-confidence. I lost two people who were very, very close to me. I lost my way," he said. "And I got to a point where I thought that everything that I’ve ever done here or otherwise, it was all meaningless. Nothing I’ve ever did has ever mattered to anyone. And I was wrong.
"Once I was done feeling sorry for myself, I decided to go out in the world again and see … people everywhere that would say, ‘Thank you Bray, man. When you coming back home?’ And then every once in a while there would be someone I would meet that would be truly remarkable, and you know who you are. But these people they would come to me. They would come to me, and they would say, ‘Bray, I just wanted to thank you, man, because I was in a time of need, and I lost people that were close to me, and I lost my self-confidence, and I felt weak, and I felt vulnerable, and in this weakened state I found your words, Bray. I found your words, and I just wanted to thank you, man. You saved my life, Bray.’
"The truth is, I don’t think about stuff like that. And the thing about that is, is that I can sit here right now today, and I can look all of you in the eyes, and I can say you were there when I was weak, when I was vulnerable, when I was down, and I just wanted to say, ‘Thank you, you all saved my life.’"
Wyatt feuded with LA Knight, which culminated in a Pitch Black match at Royal Rumble. He was set to start a program with Bobby Lashley before he reportedly fell ill.
He was angled for a September return before his unexpected death, according to Fightful Select.
Wyatt had two daughters with his ex-wife and a son and daughter with former WWE announcer JoJo Offerman. His father, Mike Rotunda, was known in the WWE as Irwin R. Schyster (IRS).
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
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7:46 PM
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Labels: Bray Wyatt, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE
August 23, 2023
Wrestling Legend Terry Funk Dead At 79
WWE wrestling icon Terry Funk has died at age 79, his manager Timothy Beal confirmed to CBS News Wednesday. His cause of death was not immediately released, but Beal said that Funk "was in bad health for some time" and was "in a nursing home."
Funk's death was also confirmed in a statement by the WWE.
For Funk, wrestling was a family affair. Growing up in in Amarillo, Texas, his father, Dory Funk, Sr., was a professional wrestler, and he started out as a tag-team wrestler with his brother Dory Funk, Jr., according to his WWE biography.
Funk broke out as a wrestling star in the 1980s when he appeared in a tag team with his brother at WrestleMania 2. He then competed singularly throughout the U.S. and in Japan over the course of his 50-year career, the WWE said.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame with his brother in 2009. His final wrestling match was in 2017.
Funk was also known for his breakout roles in Hollywood films. He appeared in "Roadhouse" with Patrick Swayze, "Paradise Alley" and "Over the Top."
July 2, 2023
Natalya Received Six Guinness World Record Certificates
Backstage at Saturday's WWE Money in the Bank premium live event, WWE "Raw" Superstar Natalya received a total of six Guinness World Record certificates. Of course, Nattie reacted to the news via Twitter, noting that "wrestling is a singles sport that you can't do on your own.
"These kinds of stats paint the picture that I want for my legacy, long after I'm done. Each one of these records was attained while trying my hardest to build a division, not a person. That's what my family has taught me. Wrestling is a singles sport you can't do on your own," she tweeted.
The records include — Most WWE matches (female) with 1,514 matches, Most WWE wins in a career (female) with 663 wins, Most WWE PLE appearances (female) with 75 appearances, Most WWE WrestleMania appearances (female) with 8, Most WWE "Raw" matches with 174 matches and Most WWE "SmackDown" matches with a total of 200.
Natalya's first WWE match, according to Cagematch.net, was a Dark match against Victoria on the November 27, 2007 episode of "SmackDown." Since then Natalya has been a fixture in the WWE Women's roster. She has held the WWE Divas Championship, the "SmackDown" Women's Championship, and her most recent title was in 2021 — the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. Nattie's last televised "Raw" match was on the June 5 episode, where she lost to Zoey Starks in a Money In The Bank Qualifying match. On June 30, she faced Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women's Title at a non-televised event.
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
7:10 PM
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Labels: Natalya, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE, WWE Womens Division
June 7, 2023
WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik passes away
From WWE.com:
May 17, 2023
WWE Legend Billy Graham Dead At 79
WWE Hall of Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham has died ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.
Billy's family tells us he died Wednesday after being taken off life support. We're told Billy's wife and daughter were by his side when he passed. As we reported, Billy's wife Valerie announced Monday he had been in the ICU for three weeks as a result of various health issues. She said doctors wanted to take Billy off life support Monday night, but she initially refused.
Known for his prowess as a wrestler and a bodybuilder, Billy rose to fame back in the day wrestling for the American Wrestling Association and later the World Wrestling Federation.
Billy mentored big-time wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, Scott Steiner, Ric Flair and Jesse Ventura ... and in 2004 the WWE inducted Billy into its Hall of Fame.
Billy's recent health issues took a toll on his body ... his family says he lost 45 pounds while suffering from congestive heart failure, diabetes, hearing loss, and a significant infection in his ears and skull. We're also told his kidneys were failing.
Tributes are now pouring in from across the wrestling world ... with Ric tweeting, "THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INFLUENCE On My Career!"
Billy was 79.
~ Kayfabe by
Kaliqo~
at
10:14 PM
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Labels: Superstar Billy Graham, Wrestling History, Wrestling News, WWE