Author: John Bass

SPOILER – TNA Wrestling To Introduce A New Championship

TNA Wrestling is shaking things up once again. The company has officially retired the Digital Media Championship and unveiled a brand-new title: the TNA International Championship.

The first-ever champion will be crowned at TNA Unbreakable 2025, set to take place during WrestleMania Week at the Cox Pavilion in Paradise, Nevada. The championship will be decided through three-way qualifying matches, leading up to the grand showdown at Unbreakable.

This marks a significant shift for TNA, as the Digital Media Championship had been part of the promotion since 2021. With the introduction of the International Championship, it appears the company is looking to expand its global reach and add more prestige to its mid-card division.

Unbreakable 2025 will air live on pay-per-view, making it a must-watch event for TNA fans. Stay tuned as more details, including participants for the qualifying matches, are revealed in the coming weeks!

Jerry “The King” Lawler Gives Health Update, Opens Up About Stroke Recovery

WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler recently provided an update on his health, discussing his ongoing recovery from a 2023 stroke and revealing details about his recent knee surgeries. The legendary commentator and former in-ring competitor spoke with Sportskeeda’s Bill Apter, sharing both the challenges he’s facing and his determination to keep moving forward.

Lawler’s Knee Surgery & Future Plans

At 74 years old, Lawler remains active but admitted that his knees have been giving him trouble. He recently underwent knee replacement surgery on his right knee, with another procedure expected for his left knee in the future.

“I feel great. I feel good except my knees are a little bit under the weather. I had my right knee replaced about six or seven months ago, and they said that takes about a year to get back to normal. My left knee needs to be replaced, too, but I’m going to wait a while on that one.”

Despite these setbacks, Lawler remains in good spirits and continues to make public appearances when possible.

Stroke Recovery: A Daily Battle

Lawler also reflected on the lingering effects of his 2023 stroke, admitting that while he has recovered enough to resume some activities, the impact is something he deals with every day.

“That’s [stroke] something that’s here constantly every day. I haven’t gotten over [it] because the effects of the stroke are always there. My whole right side of my body is damaged, and I can’t write real good, I can’t draw, but I can still sign autographs. Other than that, I feel fine.”

Fans will recall that Lawler was hospitalized following the stroke but made an inspiring recovery. While his days of wrestling and regular commentary are behind him, “The King” still finds ways to connect with the WWE Universe.

Lawler’s WWE Status & Recent Appearances

After decades as one of WWE’s most recognizable voices, Lawler’s long-standing contract with the company was not renewed in 2024. However, WWE still acknowledges his legacy, and he was seen on-camera during the February 7, 2025 edition of SmackDown, where he was shown in the crowd and received a warm ovation from the Memphis audience.

Although his full-time days in WWE may be over, Lawler remains a beloved figure in wrestling history. His resilience through health struggles is yet another testament to why he is, and always will be, The King.

Rey Fenix Set for WWE SmackDown Debut Next Week

The WWE roster just got even more exciting, as Rey Fenix is officially set to debut on SmackDown next week. The announcement was made during WWE SmackDown in London, England, confirming that the high-flying luchador will appear on the blue brand when WWE returns to the United States ahead of WrestleMania 41.

Rey Fenix Keeps His Name in WWE

After weeks of video teases and reports of his WWE signing, fans were eager to see what name Fenix would use in his new home. Unlike his brother and longtime tag partner Penta—formerly Pentagon Jr., whose name was shortened upon joining WWE Raw—Fenix will continue wrestling under the Rey Fenix moniker.

The decision follows a recent trend of WWE tweaking names for incoming talent. Former AEW star Ricky Starks, for example, recently rebranded as Ricky Saints upon joining WWE NXT. However, Fenix keeping his established ring name suggests WWE recognizes his international appeal.

Fenix’s Path to WWE

Fenix’s jump to WWE comes after months of speculation regarding his AEW status. AEW President Tony Khan initially extended Fenix’s contract due to injury time, preventing him from signing with WWE alongside his brother, Penta. However, Khan ultimately reversed his stance and granted Fenix his release in early May, paving the way for his WWE debut.

Reports had circulated that the Lucha Bros were in discussions with WWE before their AEW contracts expired, making Fenix’s arrival in WWE highly anticipated. With his explosive lucha libre style and a resume that includes championship reigns across multiple promotions, Fenix could quickly become a major player on SmackDown.

What’s Next for Rey Fenix?

Now that Fenix is officially WWE-bound, the big question is: How will he be introduced? Will he immediately enter the singles scene, or will WWE reunite the Lucha Bros on-screen? With WrestleMania 41 just around the corner, there’s no better time for Fenix to make an impact.

Fans won’t have to wait long to find out—Rey Fenix makes his WWE debut next Friday on SmackDown!

Hart Vs. Austin At WrestleMania XIII To Be First Match Inducted Into WWE Hall Of Fame – “Immortal Moment”

WWE is set to break new ground with its 2025 Hall of Fame class, introducing a brand-new category of recognition: the induction of individual matches. During WWE SmackDown, the company announced that the legendary WrestleMania 13 bout between Bret “The Hitman” Hart and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will be the first match honored as an “Immortal Moment.”

A Defining Match in WWE History

The Hart vs. Austin showdown from WrestleMania 13 (1997) is widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in WWE history. Not only did it showcase elite in-ring storytelling, but it also played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of WWE’s most successful era. The match is best remembered for its dramatic double-turn, where the fan-favorite Hart became a villain while the rebellious Austin won over the crowd despite losing the match.

The unforgettable finish saw a bloodied Austin refusing to tap out to Hart’s Sharpshooter, ultimately passing out due to the pain. Hart’s refusal to release the hold cemented his heel turn, while Austin’s resilience solidified his status as WWE’s next breakout star. This match played a crucial role in launching the Attitude Era, with Austin eventually becoming one of the most iconic figures in wrestling history.

Bret Hart & Steve Austin Set to Appear at Hall of Fame

Both Austin and Hart, who have previously been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for their individual careers (Austin in 2009, Hart in 2006), will be present at the 2025 ceremony to accept this historic honor. With this recognition, Bret Hart also becomes the first-ever three-time inductee, having been previously honored in 2019 as part of The Hart Foundation.

2025 Hall of Fame Class

This year’s WWE Hall of Fame class already boasts an impressive lineup, including:

  • Paul “Triple H” Levesque
  • Lex Luger
  • Michelle McCool
  • The Natural Disasters (Earthquake & Typhoon)

With WrestleMania season approaching, WWE’s decision to honor WrestleMania 13’s defining match as an “Immortal Moment” is a fitting tribute to the impact Austin and Hart had on shaping the industry. Fans can look forward to their appearance at the ceremony, which promises to be one for the history books.

Stay tuned for more Hall of Fame announcements as WWE continues to build an unforgettable Class of 2025!

AEW Collision Preview 3/29/2025

AEW Collision live tonight on TNT at 8/7c from the The UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, WI.

  • Jamie Hayter vs Queen Aminata
  • Top flight vs. Big Bill & “Bad Apple” Bryan Keith
  • Jay White vs, Kevin Knight
  • Wheeler Yuta vs. Dax Hardwood
  • AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Moné in action

WWE SmackDown Preview 3/28/2025

WWE SmackDown tonight on USA Network from the O2 Arena in London, England

  • WWE United States Championship: LA Knight (c) vs. Braun Strowman
  • WWE Tag Team Championship: The Street Profits (c) vs. Pretty Deadly
  • Roman Reigns, CM Punk and Seth Rollins sign contract for Wrestlemania match
  • Drew McIntyre to appear

Gail Kim Issues Statement On Her Shocking Firing From TNA

Gail Kim worked as the Head of Talent Relations. Her departure came as a shock to many. The TNA Hall of Famer issued the following statement on her Instagram page earlier today:

“I Just wanted to say thank you to the fans, friends and especially my peers for all the support you have given me over the last few days. I’ve received such an enormous amount of love and it really has helped process this change for me. More than anything I am grateful for all the years and opportunities I was given to help build something I always dreamed of. The KO division is and will always be my heart and all the women who were a part of it. Thanks to the incredibly hard working and passionate TNA talent & crew that I have had the pleasure of working with. This will not end my passion or my love for wrestling and this is not the end of Gail Kim in the wrestling world. You don’t put in 17 years in one company and stop when you are this passionate. I look forward to sharing my journey and am taking some time for myself and prepare for what’s ahead. Looking forward to the future.

THANK YOU ❤️❤️ and one last thought……. More women in leadership roles. Not less. ????????

#womenswrestling #wrestling #TNA #WWE #AEW #NXT #champion #knockout #tnawrestling”

Below is the same statement she posted on X.

WWE Introduces New SmackDown Ring Announcer Mark Shunock (Mark Nash)

WWE’s blue brand is getting a fresh voice, as Mark Shunock has officially been named the new ring announcer for Friday Night SmackDown. Shunock, a seasoned host with experience in sports and entertainment, is set to bring his signature energy to WWE starting this week.

Mark Shunock Steps Into the WWE Spotlight

Shunock made the big announcement himself on social media, posting on X:

“Stepping into a new ring with @WWE. Thrilled to join Friday Night SmackDown. Mark ‘Nash’ will see you tomorrow night @TheO2. #WWE #WWESmackDown #SmackDown #RingAnnouncer”

With Alicia Taylor handling duties on Raw and Mike Rome on NXT, Shunock now completes WWE’s ring announcer lineup across all three major brands.

A Voice with Experience

While this may be Shunock’s first role with WWE, he’s no stranger to hyping up a live crowd. A former Canadian Hockey League player turned performer, he has an extensive background in both entertainment and sports announcing.

Fans may recognize him from his time as the in-arena host for the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. He has also worked as the ring announcer and host for Top Rank Boxing, bringing excitement to some of the biggest fights in the sport.

Replacing a WWE Veteran

Shunock takes over the SmackDown ring announcer role from Lillian Garcia, who has been handling the position since early January. Before that, Garcia was the voice of Raw following her return to WWE in late 2023.

With his mix of sports, theater, and hosting experience, Shunock seems like a natural fit to carry the energy of SmackDown into this new era. Fans will get their first taste of his WWE debut at The O2 Arena in London, where he’ll introduce the superstars of Friday Night SmackDown.

TNA Impact Preview 3/27/2025

TNA Wrestling will present a new episode of Impact tonight on AXS TV, with several WWE superstars set to compete.

  • Nic Nemeth vs. Leon Slater
  • Masha Slamovich vs. Jacy Jayne
  • Chavo Guerrero Jr. and the Aztec Warriors vs. First Class & Frankie Kazarian
  • Ash & Heather by Elegance vs. Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley
  • Eric Young vs. Ace Austin
  • What’s next for Joe Hendry?

ROH TV Preview 3/27/2025

Ring of Honor will present a new episode of ROH TV tonight on HonorClub.

  • Athena and Diamante team up
  • Okumura vs. Dark Panther
  • Dustin Rhodes, Sammy Guevara & Willie Mack vs. MxM Collection & Johnny TV
  • Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari vs. Dark Order (Alex Reynolds & Evil Uno)
  • Queen Aminata vs. Viva Van
  • Atlantis Jr., Fuego & Titan vs. Vorador Jr., Rugido & Bárbaro Cavernario