Author: John Bass

Cody Rhodes Escapes Serious Injury Following Brutal WrestleMania 42 Encounter with Randy Orton

Cody Rhodes walked out of WrestleMania 42 still holding the Undisputed WWE Championship, but the victory over Randy Orton came at a physical cost that quickly became impossible to ignore.

During the match, Rhodes suffered a nasty eye injury after taking a stiff shot from Orton, and things only got worse after the bell. In the post-match angle, Orton delivered his signature punt to Rhodes’ head, leaving the champion with visible damage that carried over into the following night.

By the time Rhodes appeared on Monday Night Raw, the aftermath was clear. Sporting a heavy black eye, “The American Nightmare” also reportedly needed stitches for facial damage along with four staples to close a wound on the back of his head. Despite how severe it looked, early indications suggest Rhodes avoided the worst-case scenarios.

According to reports, there’s currently no belief that Rhodes suffered a concussion or a broken orbital bone, even though he was placed in concussion protocol as a precaution. Internally, there’s said to be a sense of relief within WWE that the injury wasn’t more serious.

Rhodes himself echoed that sentiment in a recent social media update, sharing a blunt but telling remark from his doctor: being told he wouldn’t lose his eye was both reassuring and surreal given the situation.

While the champion appears to have avoided long-term damage, his immediate in-ring future remains uncertain. WWE has yet to confirm whether Rhodes will be cleared in time for Backlash, which is just a few weeks away. Although the rivalry with Orton is far from finished, the company could opt to give Rhodes additional time to recover before booking the next chapter in their feud.

For now, Rhodes remains champion—but clearly, the battle with Orton left its mark.

WWE NXT Revenge Week 2 Preview 4/21/2026

WWE NXT Revenge Week 2 tonight on The CW and Netflix internationally.

  • NXT Women’s North American Championship Casket Match: Tatum Paxley (c) vs. Blake Monroe
  • WWE Men’s Speed Championship: EK Prosper (c) vs. Lexis King
  • NXT North American Championship: Myles Borne (c) vs. Dion Lennox
  • Last Woman Standing Match: Sol Ruca vs. ZARIA
  • Keanu Carver vs. Joe Hendry

NJPW Wrestling Redzone 4/25/2026 (Card)

New Japan Pro-Wrestling has announced the full lineup for this weekend’s NJPW Wrestling Redzone. The upcoming show is being held at the Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall in Hiroshima, Japan.

  • IWGP Tag Team Championships Match: Knockout Bros. (OSKAR & Yuto-Ice) (c) vs. Bishamon (Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI)
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag team Championships Match: Unbound Co. (Robbie X & Taiji Ishimori) (c) vs. TMDK (Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles)
  • Unbound Co. (Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji, Gedo & Daiki Nagai) vs. The United Empire (Callum Newman, Jake Lee, Jakob Austin Young & Zane Jay)
  • Yuya Uemura & Tomoaki Honma vs. TMDK (Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson)
  • Boltin Oleg, Aaron Wolf, Tiger Mask & Togi Makabe vs. HOUSE OF TORTURE (Ren Narita, Don Fale, DOUKI & Dick Togo)
  • Taichi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Masatora Yasuda vs. The United Empire (HENARE, Great-O-Khan & Francesco Akira)
  • Shota Umino, Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato vs. The HOUSE OF TORTURE (Chase Owens, Yujiro Takahashi, SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru)
  • Tatsuya Matsumoto vs Taisei Nakahara

NXT Stars Ethan Page & Joe Hendry Officially Moved to Raw as WWE Bolsters Post-WrestleMania Roster; Sol Ruca Note

The annual post-WrestleMania shake-up is already in motion, and this year’s wave of call-ups has officially brought two standout NXT names to Monday nights. Ethan Page and Joe Hendry are now confirmed members of the WWE Raw roster, signaling a fresh injection of talent into the red brand.

Ethan Page wasted no time making an impression. Appearing in a backstage segment alongside Raw General Manager Adam Pearce, Intercontinental Champion Penta, and Je’Von Evans, Page was formally introduced as Raw’s newest addition. The announcement quickly turned physical, as Page squared off with Evans in a match later in the night.

Thanks to a timely assist from Rusev, Page picked up the win—though the chaos didn’t end there. Rusev continued the assault on Evans after the bell, prompting Penta to intervene. However, Page re-entered the fray to tip the scales back in Rusev’s favor, leaving both men standing tall. With that, Page has immediately positioned himself in the middle of a heated Intercontinental Title scene that now includes Penta, Evans, and Rusev.

Joe Hendry’s arrival was handled a bit differently, but no less officially. While he didn’t appear live on the show, WWE aired a graphic promoting a “celebration concert” for next week’s Raw. Commentary confirmed that Hendry is now part of the Raw roster, fresh off his recent appearance in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on SmackDown. His full debut looks set to bring a unique flair to Monday nights.

Meanwhile, another NXT name teased a potential call-up. Sol Ruca made a surprise appearance to confront newly crowned Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan. The confrontation led to an impromptu match, where Morgan managed to escape with a win after interference from Zaria. While Ruca hasn’t officially been moved to the main roster, her involvement—and her ongoing rivalry with Zaria—suggests it may only be a matter of time.

With Page already mixing it up in a title picture and Hendry’s debut looming, WWE is clearly leaning into fresh talent to reshape Raw’s landscape in the post-WrestleMania season.

Former WCW Star Van Hammer Passes Away at 66

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of former WCW talent Van Hammer, real name Mark Hildreth, who has passed away at the age of 66. The news was shared by longtime friend and fellow wrestler Marc Mero, who announced the passing on social media over the weekend.

Mero paid tribute to Hammer with a heartfelt message, remembering him as someone who faced life’s challenges head-on and never stopped pushing forward. He also noted that those close to Hammer are still awaiting more information regarding the cause of death.

The two shared a deep bond that went back to their earliest days in the business. According to Mero, Hammer once drove him eight hours to secure his first WCW contract—a moment that spoke volumes about their friendship. They trained together, lived together, and eventually worked side-by-side promoting WCW during their early careers.

Van Hammer was signed to WCW in 1991 by Dusty Rhodes and debuted with a memorable “Heavy Metal” rock star persona. He remained with the company through early 1995 before stepping away for a period. Hammer later returned in 1997 as part of Raven’s Flock, showing a different side of his character during one of WCW’s more unique factions.

His run with the group included a notable storyline where he defeated Perry Saturn in a “loser leaves the Flock” match—only to be ousted from the faction anyway. He later experimented with a short-lived hippie-style gimmick as his WCW run wound down. While Hammer challenged for the United States Heavyweight Championship during his time with the company, he never captured a major title.

Following his departure from WCW in 2000, Hammer continued wrestling on the independent scene, including a stint with Maryland Championship Wrestling and a tour with Big Japan Pro Wrestling in 2001. He remained active in the ring for several years, with his final match taking place in April 2009, where he picked up a win over Champ Champagne.

Van Hammer may not have held championship gold, but his contributions to WCW and the friendships he built along the way left a lasting impression. He is remembered by fans and peers alike as a resilient figure who stayed passionate about the business throughout his life.

WWE Reportedly Scaled Back Pat McAfee Angle Following Fan Backlash

With WrestleMania now in the rearview, attention has quickly shifted to the fallout from WWE’s biggest event of the year—and it looks like Pat McAfee may be one of the first major pivots coming out of the weekend.

Leading up to WrestleMania, the reveal that McAfee was the mystery person Randy Orton had been referencing didn’t exactly land the way WWE may have hoped. Instead of excitement, many fans were left scratching their heads. That confusion only grew after McAfee delivered a pair of promos that were widely criticized, including comments that seemed to take aim at the product itself.

Fan reaction turned negative in a hurry, and according to Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer, that response may have forced WWE to rethink its plans in real time. While McAfee was generating buzz, it reportedly wasn’t the kind of heat the company was aiming for. Meltzer noted that WWE ultimately “backed off” the storyline, suggesting that whatever direction was originally planned got scrapped once it became clear the audience wasn’t buying in.

There had been talk of a tag team match at Backlash featuring Cody Rhodes and celebrity guest Jelly Roll teaming up against Orton and McAfee. However, Meltzer indicated there were no clear signs at WrestleMania that such a match was still on track, reinforcing the idea that the company pulled back on the angle altogether.

Despite the pivot, McAfee’s involvement did bring extra attention to WrestleMania, which may have been part of WWE’s initial goal. Still, the situation highlights how quickly plans can change when fan reaction doesn’t align with expectations.

Injury concerns may have also played a role in the shifting landscape. Orton was reportedly dealing with some level of physical issues heading into the event, though the severity remains unclear. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes appeared worse for wear after his match, with noticeable swelling around his eye. That injury has already impacted his schedule, as a planned fan appearance was canceled, and his in-ring status moving forward is uncertain.

All in all, WrestleMania’s aftermath is already proving to be unpredictable, with WWE seemingly adjusting on the fly—starting with the sudden cooling of the McAfee storyline.

WWE Raw After Mania Preview 4/20/2026

WWE Raw After Mania live tonight at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT on Netflix from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

There is no information about tonight’s Raw or matches announced at the time of this posting. Below is what will and could be expected tonight.

  • Fallout from WrestleMania 42
  • Likely appearances from new WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns, new Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan, new Women’s IC Champion Becky Lynch.
  • Seth Rollins will probably looking for payback on Bron Breakker
  • We may see the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Brie Bella and Paige (who made her WWE return at Mania 42)
  • We could see some main roster callups from NXT

Update On Cody Rhodes’ Condition Following WWE WrestleMania 42

Cody Rhodes may have survived WrestleMania 42 with the Undisputed WWE Championship intact, but the physical toll of his main event clash with Randy Orton is becoming a major talking point coming out of the weekend.

During the WrestleMania 42 night two pre-show, Jackie Redmond revealed that “The American Nightmare” has not yet been medically cleared following Saturday’s brutal encounter. While Rhodes celebrated a successful title defense, it came at a steep cost. Reports indicate he needed three stitches to close a facial wound, along with four staples in the back of his head after being busted open during the match.

The damage didn’t stop there. Rhodes’ right eye was visibly swollen shut, and WWE is attributing that to the vicious punt kick Orton delivered after the match had already concluded. Even nearly 24 hours later, the swelling reportedly hadn’t subsided, leaving serious questions about the condition of his orbital area.

Additional details suggest the injury may have started earlier than initially thought. According to backstage reports, Orton landed a punch late in the match that contributed to the orbital damage before escalating the chaos with an RKO to referee Charles Robinson. From there, things only spiraled further.

Because of the injuries, Rhodes was pulled from a scheduled appearance at WWE World on Sunday, and there’s currently no firm timetable for when he’ll be cleared to return to action. WWE officials are said to be monitoring the situation closely.

Rhodes only recently reclaimed the Undisputed WWE Championship, defeating Drew McIntyre on the March 6 episode of SmackDown. His WrestleMania opponent, Randy Orton, earned his title shot by winning the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber, setting the stage for what ultimately became one of the most chaotic main events of the year.

With Rhodes’ condition still uncertain, it remains to be seen how WWE will handle the immediate future of its top champion—and whether Orton’s brutal assault will have longer-term storyline implications.

Brock Lesnar Appears to Retire After WrestleMania 42 Loss to Oba Femi

WrestleMania 42 Sunday opened with a generational clash—and it may have quietly marked the end of one of WWE’s most dominant careers.

In front of a packed Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Oba Femi scored the biggest win of his young career by defeating Brock Lesnar in a hard-hitting opener. But while the result itself was shocking, what happened after the bell is what has the wrestling world buzzing.

Oba Femi Slays “The Beast”

The match played out like a true battle of heavyweights. Femi more than held his own early, matching Lesnar in strength during a series of lockups and power exchanges. Still, Lesnar’s veteran instincts quickly took over, dragging the fight outside and unleashing his trademark suplex-heavy offense.

At one point, it looked like the end for the rising star after Lesnar connected with an F-5. But instead of staying down, Femi powered back to his feet in a defining moment, planting “The Beast” with a chokeslam before finishing things off with his Fall From Grace to secure the three-count.

With that, the NXT standout officially arrived on the grandest stage—defeating one of WWE’s most feared competitors clean in the middle of the ring.

Post-Match Moment Steals the Show

As impressive as the victory was, the tone inside the stadium shifted immediately afterward.

Lesnar slowly sat up and began removing his gloves and boots—an unmistakable gesture in professional wrestling that often signals retirement. The crowd quickly caught on, breaking into loud “Thank you, Brock” chants as the moment sank in.

Paul Heyman entered the ring and shared an emotional embrace with his longtime associate. Lesnar acknowledged the crowd, appearing reflective before taking a final walk around the ring.

While nothing has been officially confirmed, the visual of Lesnar leaving his gear behind strongly suggests that his in-ring career may have come to an end.

End of an Era?

If this is indeed the last time we see Brock Lesnar compete, it closes the book on a legendary run that began back in 2002. Over the years, Lesnar built a reputation as one of the most dominant forces in WWE history, racking up multiple world championships and becoming synonymous with brute force and legitimacy.

In recent years, his appearances had become more limited, but his presence still carried major-event significance whenever he stepped into the ring.

Now, it appears that torch may have officially been passed.

A Star-Making Moment for Femi

For Oba Femi, this was more than just a win—it was a statement. Defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania instantly elevates him into a completely different tier and positions him as a major player moving forward.

Whether this match is remembered more for Femi’s breakout or Lesnar’s farewell remains to be seen—but either way, it’s a moment that will be talked about for years.

WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2 Results

WrestleMania 42 wrapped up in massive fashion with Night 2 delivering shocking results, emotional moments, and a blockbuster main event that reshaped WWE’s championship landscape. From Brock Lesnar’s apparent retirement to Roman Reigns once again standing tall at the top, here’s everything that went down.

John Cena Opens the Show

John Cena kicked off the night, hyping up the historic feel of WrestleMania airing live on ESPN for the first time. With over 55,000 fans in attendance for Night 2, the energy was undeniable as Cena welcomed everyone to the second half of WWE’s biggest event.

Oba Femi Defeats Brock Lesnar

In a true clash of powerhouses, Oba Femi went toe-to-toe with Brock Lesnar and didn’t blink. After surviving multiple German suplexes and an F-5, Femi fired back with a chokeslam and his devastating Fall From Grace to score the biggest win of his career.

The post-match moment quickly overshadowed the result. A shaken Lesnar removed his gloves and boots in the ring, embraced Paul Heyman, and soaked in “Thank You, Brock” chants from the crowd. It appears Lesnar has ended his wrestling career.

Penta Retains Intercontinental Title in Chaotic Ladder Match

The six-man Intercontinental Championship ladder match delivered exactly what you’d expect—absolute chaos. Penta, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Je’Von Evans, Rey Mysterio, and Rusev tore the house down with wild spots involving ladders bridged across the ring and floor.

After a series of brutal exchanges—including a flip piledriver onto a bridged ladder—Penta managed to climb the ladder and retain his title, surviving one of the most dangerous matches of the weekend.

Trick Williams Wins United States Championship

Trick Williams captured his first main roster singles title by defeating Sami Zayn in a hard-fought battle. Despite interference from Lil Yachty and Zayn’s aggressive tactics, Williams capitalized with the Trick Shot to secure the win.

The celebration that followed, with Williams sharing the moment with his family, marked a major milestone in his rise.

The Demon Finn Bálor Defeats Dominik Mysterio (Street Fight)

The Demon made a violent return and endured everything Dominik Mysterio threw at him—chairs, kendo sticks, and even a table-assisted assault.

Dominik pushed Bálor to the limit, but the Demon persona proved too much. A Coup de Grace through a table sealed the deal, giving Bálor a decisive and brutal victory.

Rhea Ripley Wins WWE Women’s Championship

In a powerhouse showdown, Rhea Ripley dethroned Jade Cargill in a physically intense match. Outside interference from both sides briefly shifted momentum, but Ripley ultimately connected with the Riptide to capture the title.

The win reestablishes Ripley at the top of the women’s division after a hard-hitting contest.

John Cena Segment Takes a Turn

Cena returned to the ring later in the night to announce the official attendance before being interrupted by The Miz and Kit Wilson.. What followed was a bizarre but memorable segment featuring Danhausen and a group of “Mini Danhausens,” ending with Miz and Kit getting embarrassed and Miz getting carried away by the Mini Danhausens.

Classic WrestleMania chaos.

Roman Reigns Defeats CM Punk to Win WWE World Championship

The main event delivered on every level. CM Punk and Roman Reigns battled in a gritty, hard-hitting war that saw both men push each other to the brink.

From announce table destruction to multiple near falls—including Go to Sleep and Spear exchanges—this one felt like it could end at any moment. Punk even resorted to underhanded tactics, but Reigns refused to stay down.

In the end, Reigns connected with a final Spear to secure the victory and reclaim the WWE World Championship.

Final Thoughts

WrestleMania 42 Night 2 had a bit of everything—career-defining wins, emotional exits, and major title changes. With Roman Reigns back on top, Rhea Ripley holding gold again, and new stars like Oba Femi and Trick Williams breaking through, WWE’s landscape looks very different coming out of WrestleMania.

And if Brock Lesnar truly took his final bow, it’s the end of an era that defined dominance for over a decade.