Zelina Vega On Returning To WWE, Developing New Moves and Gear

Following her return to WWE, Zelina Vega sat down with Digital Spy to discuss the reasoning for it.

"More than anything, WWE has always been a place where I felt like I had unfinished business. For me, as a kid, I want to a champion and there are so many things I want to accomplish. Coming back, I set my eyes on the SmackDown Women's Championship. That's what I'm focused on the most and seeing where that takes me. After Bianca vs. Sasha, who knows. Will it be Bianca that remains champion or will it be Sasha? Either one, I'm coming after them and I can't wait for that."

When asked about coming up with new ideas for moves and gear, Vega spoke:

"I had time for both. Sometimes, you do need that mental break. It may not be wrestling, it may be anything. You take your time, revitalize yourself, get refreshed and you can dive back into that creative side of you and think 'what can I do differently?' or 'how can I add to this style to my moveset?' There are a lot of things you'll see now with my outfits, especially my jacket. I feel like I've taken them to a whole new level and how intricate they are and what certain things mean. Who I'm cosplaying and why, there is always a meaning. Then, feeling like I want to add more striking to my moves. As a manager, I never got to add too much of a lucha style to me. Now, I can display that, especially with people like Toni Storm, Bianca, and Sasha. It's cool to mix it up with them and see a whole new side of me."

WWE Releases 12 NXT Superstars

While WWE aired the SmackDown on FOX broadcast, the following names were released – Bronson Reed, Tyler Rust, Bobby Fish, Leon Ruff, Mercedes Martinez, Jake Atlas, Ari Sterling, Asher Hale, Zechariah Smith, Giant Zanjeer, Kona Reeves, and referee Stephon Smith.

Jim Ross On Critics Who Say Triple H’s Success Is Due To Marrying Stephanie McMahon

“The Masked Assassin” Jody Hamilton Passes Away

“The Masked Assassin” Jody Hamilton has passed away at the age of 82.

Earlier today, it was revealed that Hamilton had entered into hospice care. His son, former WCW/WWE referee Nick Patrick (Joe Hamilton Jr.), made the announcement on Facebook this afternoon, noting that his father passed away at 2:16pm.

“It is with heavy heart that I make this post. At 2:16 today my father took his last breath on this earth. He passed comfortably, surrounded by the people that love him. Now our attention has to shift over to taking care of my mom. I want to thank everyone that sent out prayers and support for my family. I will put more information about pop out, but right now I’m kinda numb,” he wrote.

The legendary Hamilton debuted back in 1955 and worked for numerous promotions throughout his career, has been retired since 1988 after suffering a broken back. He worked behind-the-scenes and in managerial roles for WCW after that, and later as a trainer at the WCW Power Plant.

Hamilton re-launched his Deep South Wrestling promotion in 2005, and that fed operated as a WWE developmental territory until 2007. DSW ceased operations shortly after that, and Hamilton filed a lawsuit against WWE over their working agreement for the developmental territory. The suit was settled out of court in early 2010, but terms were never revealed.

Hamilton was inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame in 1994, and inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2013.

Fans Point Out Bizarre Trend Between Randy Orton, AEW and Released Wrestlers

Ric Flair No Longer With WWE

Wrestling Inc. and Fightful have confirmed that Ric Flair is no longer with the WWE.

According to sources close to the situation, Flair requested the release and it was granted, effective today.

Flair had re-signed with WWE last year. He was recently involved in a relationship angle with Lacey Evans that was ultimately nixed after Evans got legitimately pregnant.

Shane McMahon Announced As Executive Chairman Of Ideanomics

Ideanomics announced Shane McMahon has been appointed Executive Chairman of the Board. Jim Cassano will become the new Vice Chairman.

McMahon has been involved with the company since 2010, and previously served as Vice Chairman. Prior to Ideanomics, McMahon served as Executive Vice President of Global Media for World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., where he oversaw the company’s consumer products, digital media and publishing divisions worldwide as well as all international revenue streams for WWE.

“We recently launched the transformation of Ideanomics as we vertically enter the exciting EV and hydrogen fuel cell space. We now have a powerful management team in place to ensure Ideanomics’ success,” said McMahon. “I’m proud of what the new team has achieved in such a short amount of time and more importantly, I am thrilled for what’s yet to quickly come. I look forward to helping the company’s growth, vision, and momentum stay on track as we enter this new phase for Ideanomics.”

Bray Wyatt Released From WWE

WWE announced Bray Wyatt has been released.

“WWE has come to terms on the release of Bray Wyatt. We wish him the best in all his future endeavors,” WWE wrote.

It was recently reported that WWE was keeping Wyatt off TV for the time being for reasons that were not related to creative.

Wyatt was told by John Laurinaitis that his departure was due to budget cuts, according to F4WOnline. Wyatt is among a string of stars who have been released as of late for the same reason.

Florida Middle School Now Named After Titus O’Neil

The Hillsborough County School Board voted unanimously to add Titus O’Neil’s Thaddeus M. Bullard Academy to Sligh Middle Magnet School, reflecting recognition for service to the Hillsborough County Public School System, as well as a rebranding of the work at the school around creative and immersive mentoring of students.

The Bullard Academy at Sligh Middle Magnet School will be a beacon for the community where Bullard and his Bullard Family Foundation have transformed the lives of students, families, and faculty districtwide.

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Tiffany Haddish to Host Official WWE SummerSlam After-Party

Actress Tiffany Haddish is set to host the official WWE SummerSlam After-Party.

Haddish will host the exclusive, invite-only event on Saturday, August 21 in Las Vegas. The party will take place after the pay-per-view, and will feature WWE Superstars, celebrity guests & influencers, and more. Pure Life Purified Water is the sponsor of the party.

WWE will be making a financial contribution to the She Ready Foundation, which was founded by Haddish. The foundation’s mission is to protect, provide resources, and ensure normalcy for foster children through sponsorship, suitcase donations, mentoring, and counseling.

“I’m really glad that me hanging out at the SummerSlam After-Party with WWE Superstars is helping out foster kids. I’ve never hung out with WWE Superstars before, but I’ve definitely helped a lot of foster kids,” Haddish said in a press release issued to us.

WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon added, “WWE’s mission is to put smiles on people’s faces and one person who does just that is the official host of the SummerSlam After-Party, Tiffany Haddish. We are proud to support Tiffany and the She Ready Foundation during our biggest event of this year, SummerSlam, live from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.”

Happy Birthday Murphy

Murphy Claire Levesque
July 28, 2008

Happy Birthday Triple H

Paul Michael Levesque
July 27, 1969