Author: John Bass

WWE Raw Preview 6/16/2025

WWE Raw will air live globally tonight, from the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with a start time of 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT.

  • Nick Alids as the Acting Raw General Manager for one night
  • King of the Ring Fatal 4-Way Tournament Match: Rusev vs. Sheamus vs. Bronson Reed vs. Jey Uso
  • Queen of the Ring Fatal 4-Way Tournament Match: Asuka vs. Ivy Nile vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Stephanie Vaquer
  • A new era with Gunther as WWE World Heavyweight Champion begins
  • Reports that Goldberg will appear tonight
  • Liv Morgan will address her attack on WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella, who is scheduled to appear
  • Liv Morgan vs. Kairi Sane
  • Bayley to appear

AEW & Jon Moxley Hit With Lawsuit By Former Crew Member Over Alleged Backstage Incident During 2023 Dynamite Tapings

All Elite Wrestling and current AEW World Champion Jon Moxley are at the center of a new legal storm, as a former production crew member has filed a lawsuit accusing both parties of negligence and civil assault. The suit stems from an incident that allegedly took place during the May 10, 2023 episode of AEW Dynamite at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena.

According to court documents obtained by The Takedown, the plaintiff, Christopher Dispensa—a longtime veteran of wrestling and entertainment production—was working that night as a contracted crew member. His role, as stated in the lawsuit, was to hand Moxley a screwdriver during a match against Kenny Omega, part of an ongoing storyline between The Elite and Blackpool Combat Club.

However, Dispensa claims that what was supposed to be a scripted handoff turned violent without warning. The lawsuit alleges that Moxley “violently shoved” him to the ground, resulting in serious injuries that required surgery and continued medical treatment. The alleged moment did not air as a focal point during the broadcast, but it reportedly took place ringside amid the chaos of the bout.

The suit further claims that AEW bears responsibility due to what Dispensa describes as negligent hiring practices, stating the company failed to properly train, monitor, or discipline talent to ensure a safe working environment for non-wrestling personnel. Moxley’s alleged history of “unpredictability” and “lack of control” is also cited as a contributing factor, with Dispensa accusing the former AEW World Champion of acting with “clear intent to harm” or showing “complete disregard” for safety protocols.

Dispensa is pursuing damages related to medical costs, lasting physical injury, emotional trauma, and punitive compensation for the distress caused.

This legal development arrives at a time when AEW is already navigating multiple legal battles. The promotion recently succeeded in moving lawsuits filed by ex-commentator Kevin Kelly and tag team The Tate Twins to arbitration, while former AEW talent Ryan Nemeth dropped his lawsuit voluntarily in April.

As of now, neither AEW nor Jon Moxley has publicly commented on the allegations.

WWE SmackDown Preview 6/13/2025

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network and Netflix for international fans from Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

  • Fallout from Money in the Bank
  • Women’s Money in the Bank winner Naomi to appear
  • Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena to appear
  • United States Champion Jacob Fatu to appear
  • King and Queen of the Ring tournament matches continue
  • Hikuleo reportedly will be backstage. Could be making WWE debut.

Other Pro Wrestlers to Join The Miz for Amazon Prime’s ‘American Gladiators’ Reboot

The arena is about to get a lot more intense — and a whole lot more jacked — as professional wrestling meets classic ‘90s nostalgia in the upcoming American Gladiators reboot.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, five pro wrestlers have been tapped to star in the new American Gladiators series, which is coming soon to Amazon Prime’s FAST Channels. While a premiere date has yet to be announced, the cast already has fans buzzing thanks to its heavy dose of wrestling star power.

Leading the charge is none other than WWE’s A-Lister himself, The Miz, who will serve as the show’s main host. Joining him from the world of wrestling are:

  • Eric Bugenhagen (formerly known as Rick Boogs in WWE)
  • Wardlow, the AEW powerhouse and former TNT Champion
  • Jessie Godderz, a former TNA Wrestling standout and reality TV alum
  • Kailey Latimer, better known to AEW and NWA fans as Kamille

Rounding out the broadcast team will be 106 & Park alum Rocsi Diaz as sideline reporter and veteran sports broadcaster Chris Rose handling play-by-play duties.

The reboot promises to blend both modern flair and retro thrills, bringing back fan-favorite challenges from the original series — including “Gauntlet,” “Hang Tough,” and of course, the ultimate test of endurance: “The Eliminator.”

While this isn’t the first attempt to revive American Gladiators, this version might just have the right mix of athleticism, entertainment, and star power to stick the landing. With The Miz at the helm — no stranger to reality TV or over-the-top competition — and a roster filled with legit in-ring talent, the show looks poised to bridge generations of fans.

For now, there’s no official launch date, but expect more updates to drop soon as Amazon ramps up promotion. Wrestling fans and ‘90s kids alike might want to start prepping for battle — because American Gladiators is about to suit up for a new era.

Seth Rollins’ Faction Reportedly Getting New Name and Theme Song from Mainstream Music Artist

WWE appears to be going all-in on the rise of Seth Rollins’ new faction, with reports suggesting the company is planning a major rebranding — including a fresh theme song produced by a mainstream music artist.

According to a new report from Bodyslam.net, WWE is working on a new entrance theme for Rollins and his group, signaling a potential shift in the faction’s presentation. While details about the artist haven’t been revealed, the move suggests that WWE sees big things ahead for the trio, and wants to elevate their presence with a high-profile sound to match.

Rollins has long had one of the most iconic entrances in modern WWE, with his current theme — a mix of his “Burn It Down” era music and a massive singalong chorus — becoming a fan-favorite in arenas around the world. That song has become so synonymous with his character that even WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray recently commented that Rollins “wouldn’t be as over” without it.

So, changing it is a big deal — and speaks volumes about WWE’s investment in this new stable.

The faction has been on a steady ascent since forming in the aftermath of WrestleMania 41, when Rollins shocked fans by aligning himself with Paul Heyman. The partnership opened the door for Bron Breakker to join the group on the RAW after ‘Mania, and more recently, Bronson Reed was added to the mix. The trio has already picked up big wins, including a decisive victory over Sami Zayn and CM Punk at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Their influence has only grown since then, culminating in Rollins capturing the Money in the Bank briefcase for the second time in his career — a win that was no doubt aided by his powerful allies.

With the group on a hot streak, a new name is reportedly on the way as well, likely solidifying their identity as a long-term fixture on the red brand. While fans are still speculating about what the new moniker could be, the pairing of Rollins’ charisma, Heyman’s mastermind reputation, and the raw power of Breakker and Reed is clearly clicking behind the scenes — and on-screen.

Between the rumored musical collaboration, faction branding, and Rollins’ Money in the Bank victory, WWE is clearly positioning this group as one of RAW’s top acts heading into the summer.

Goldberg Returning to WWE RAW Ahead of Atlanta Event — Retirement Match Imminent

WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg is officially heading back to Monday Night RAW, and all signs point to a potential farewell match in the city where his legend began.

Per PWI Elite, the former Universal Champion is set to appear on the June 16 episode of RAW, with expectations that he’ll be featured regularly in the lead-up to WWE’s highly anticipated return to Atlanta, Georgia next month. The timing aligns with previous hints from Goldberg himself, who recently teased that his retirement match would happen “in the South” — a region many speculated (correctly, it seems) referred to his hometown of Atlanta.

That speculation only intensified after WWE confirmed two major shows for the Atlanta market on July 12: The Great American Bash and Saturday Night’s Main Event. While it hasn’t been officially confirmed, sources suggest Saturday Night’s Main Event is currently the most likely landing spot for Goldberg’s final in-ring appearance.

If that proves true, it would mark the end of a career that began in WCW in the late ’90s — and that helped make Atlanta a hotbed for pro wrestling during the Monday Night Wars.

Fans last saw Goldberg in WWE at the Bad Blood premium live event in October 2024, where tensions unexpectedly flared between him and GUNTHER. During the event, “The Ring General” delivered a stinging promo targeting both Goldberg and his son, Gage. The WWE legend responded by hopping the barricade, clearly ready to throw down, but security intervened before things escalated further. While there were rumblings of a possible confrontation between the two on this week’s RAW in Phoenix — which ended with GUNTHER regaining the World Heavyweight Championship — those plans were reportedly pulled late in the game.

Goldberg’s last official match came more than three years ago at Elimination Chamber 2022, where he fell to Roman Reigns in a high-stakes title clash. Since then, fans have speculated on if — or when — he’d get one final moment in the spotlight.

Now, it looks like that moment is fast approaching.

With Atlanta serving as the emotional home base of Goldberg’s legacy and WWE stacking up big names for July’s events, the stage feels set for a proper sendoff. Whether it’s GUNTHER, someone from the past, or a surprise opponent, Goldberg’s last ride is about to begin — and fans won’t want to miss a second of it.

Hikuleo, Reportedly Will Be Backstage At WWE SmackDown – Could The Bloodline Be Calling?

Nearly a year after word first broke of his WWE signing, it looks like Hikuleo is finally stepping into the WWE spotlight.

According to a new report from PWI Elite, the towering former NJPW standout is set to be backstage at this Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown in Lexington, Kentucky. While Hikuleo has been listed on WWE’s internal roster for some time now, this marks the first indication that the company may finally be ready to integrate him into the on-screen product.

The timing is intriguing — and so is the potential creative direction.

Given his real-life family ties to Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa (all three were members of NJPW’s Guerrillas of Destiny), speculation has long pointed to Hikuleo eventually becoming part of WWE’s ever-evolving Bloodline saga. With the faction undergoing a major shake-up in recent weeks, now might be the perfect time for a new piece to be added to the puzzle.

At Money in the Bank this past weekend, the Bloodline story took another wild twist. Jacob Fatu, who recently debuted and already holds the United States Championship, shockingly cost Solo Sikoa the briefcase opportunity — going as far as to yell “Solo, I hate you!” as he shoved him off the ladder. That moment allowed Seth Rollins to capture the contract, and it signaled that the cracks in this next-gen version of The Bloodline are only getting deeper.

If Hikuleo is coming in now, the big question is: whose side is he on?

It’s worth noting that fellow NJPW alum Jeff Cobb (now competing as JC Mateo) recently aligned with Jacob Fatu, helping him retain his title at WWE Backlash. Could Hikuleo follow suit, or might he be walking into the chaos to back up his brother Tama Tonga — or even Solo Sikoa?

Before signing with WWE, Hikuleo spent eight years making his mark in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He held the IWGP Tag Team Titles, the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship, and had brief appearances in AEW and TNA as well. At 6’8”, with a unique blend of raw power and agility, he certainly brings a physical presence that fits WWE’s main event scene.

Whether Friday’s SmackDown marks his on-screen debut or simply the start of his transition to TV, the message is clear: Hikuleo is on WWE’s radar — and perhaps on a collision course with the chaos surrounding The Bloodline.

TNA Impact Preview 6/12/2025

TNA Wrestling will present a new episode of Impact tonight on AXS TV.

  • Fallout from Against All Odds
  • 8-4-1 Match: Indi Hartwell, Killer Kelly, Jody Threat and Tasha Steelz vs. Tessa Blanchard, Xia
  • Brookside, Dani Luna, and Rosemary
  • First Class vs. The Hardys
  • Jason Hotch vs. Leon Slater
  • The IInspiration vs. TBD
  • First Class Penthouse w/ Trick Williams
  • Santino Marella kicks off Impact
  • Steve Maclin sounds off
  • We’ll hear from Mance Warner & Steph de Lander

Luke Gallows’ Lariato Pro Wrestling Lands Broadcasting Deal, Announces “HEATWAVE” TV Debut Event

Big things are brewing in the world of independent wrestling, as Lariato Pro Wrestling, the Georgia-based promotion founded by former WWE and NJPW stars Luke Gallows (aka Doc Gallows) and Karl Anderson, has officially signed its first-ever broadcasting deal with STGN 49 Media Group.

After nearly a decade of steady growth and grassroots momentum, Lariato Pro is leveling up in a major way. The promotion will now air live events, pay-per-views, and original content across STGN 49’s global platforms, which include ROKU, Amazon Firestick, and Turkish Television, reaching audiences in 33 countries including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the UAE.

According to Gallows and Anderson — collectively known as The Good Brothers, one of the most decorated tag teams in the business — the partnership couldn’t have come at a better time. “We don’t take no for an answer,” the duo emphasized in a statement, calling STGN 49 their “forever home.”

The move is seen as a major win for both sides. STGN 49 Program Director Veronica J. Woodard, along with Lariato’s own talent and event coordinators Chris and Jessica Johnson, will oversee production of the promotion’s upcoming programming slate. Television executive Eric Mitchell praised the deal as an ideal match for STGN’s rebranded direction and family-friendly expansion goals.

First Stop: HEATWAVE

The new era officially kicks off this Saturday, June 14th, with “HEATWAVE” — Lariato Pro’s first televised event under the STGN 49 banner. Set to take place in Dublin, Georgia, the card is headlined by a Triple Threat Match for the LPWG Heavyweight Championship, featuring:

Bryce Cannon (c) vs. Matt Hardy vs. QT Marshall

The champ Cannon faces a tall task defending against two veterans with major company experience — will he survive the heat, or will Hardy or Marshall walk out with the gold?

Also scheduled to appear:

  • The Good Brothers
  • John Skyler
  • Fry Daddy
  • Dax Anthony
  • And more surprises in store

Bell time is 7:30 PM, and tickets are still available at www.theLPWG.com.

With a TV deal now in hand and star power like Matt Hardy and QT Marshall in the mix, Lariato Pro Wrestling Guild is proving it’s ready to take the next step — bringing southern wrestling grit and high-caliber talent to a worldwide stage.

Omega vs. Okada Set for AEW All In 2025 in Blockbuster Title Unification Match

AEW just raised the stakes for All In 2025 in a massive way — and fans are already responding.

On this week’s AEW Summer Blockbuster special, it was officially announced that Kenny Omega will go one-on-one with Kazuchika Okada in a high-stakes title unification match, pitting the AEW International Championship against the AEW Continental Championship. The winner will walk out of Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas as the inaugural AEW Unified Champion.

According to Fightful Select, this dream clash has been in the works for nearly a year, with AEW reportedly locking in plans for Omega vs. Okada as far back as December 2024 — before Omega’s recent return to New Japan Pro Wrestling. The match not only reunites two of the most iconic rivals of the last decade, but also repositions AEW’s mid-card titles under a single, more prestigious banner.

While some speculated the new belt might carry the historic “Intercontinental” label, sources say AEW never seriously considered that name. Instead, the AEW Unified Championship is internally viewed as a major title — not just a mid-card placeholder, but a division-defining accolade meant to sit just beneath the World Championship in prominence.

And the announcement is already paying off. AEW reportedly moved over 1,400 additional tickets for All In 2025 in the week following the reveal — a clear sign that the Omega-Okada rivalry still draws major attention.

For fans worried about the fate of the Continental Classic tournament — don’t be. Despite the title merger, AEW is expected to continue the annual tourney in future years, likely with new stakes or perhaps feeding into the Unified title picture.

With two of the best wrestlers of this generation set to collide on one of AEW’s biggest stages, All In 2025 is shaping up to be another can’t-miss moment in wrestling history. The road to All In Texas just got a lot more epic.