Author: John Bass

AJ Styles Opens Up About Life After Retirement, New Role Behind the Scenes

AJ Styles may be done competing inside the ring, but “The Phenomenal One” is far from stepping away from the wrestling world altogether.

In a recent update shared on his Phenomenally Retro YouTube channel, Styles gave fans a glimpse into his new routine following retirement—and it sounds like he’s still figuring things out as he transitions into this next chapter of his career.

Rather than slowing down, Styles has shifted his focus to developing the next generation of WWE talent. He’s been actively working with up-and-coming stars, including WWE’s NIL recruits, while also taking a hands-on approach in training his son, who has aspirations of becoming a professional wrestler himself.

Styles admitted that adjusting to life after active competition hasn’t been completely smooth. Despite no longer performing in matches, he’s treating his new responsibilities with the same level of intensity that defined his in-ring career. He explained that he’s trying to fully understand the ins and outs of his role, particularly when it comes to scouting and coaching talent.

Even with the change in pace, Styles hasn’t exactly left the ring behind. He noted that he’s still spending time in it—just in a different capacity—helping others sharpen their skills while continuing to stay involved in the craft he’s mastered over decades.

Of course, some things never change. Styles also joked that one of his biggest post-retirement challenges is staying in shape now that he’s no longer competing regularly, making it clear that fitness is still very much on his mind.

While fans won’t be seeing him wrestle again, they won’t have to wait long to see him on a WWE stage. Styles is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2026, joining a class that includes Stephanie McMahon, Dennis Rodman, Demolition, and the late Sid Eudy (Sycho Sid). True to form, Styles has already promised that his Hall of Fame speech will be “short and sweet.”

Even in retirement, AJ Styles remains deeply connected to the business—just now, he’s focused on shaping its future instead of stealing the show inside the ring.

WWE Hall Of Famer Jimmy Valiant Set for Final Match at 83, Closing the Curtain on a 60+ Year Career

It’s often said in wrestling that retirement rarely sticks—and for many legends, the pull of the ring never fully fades. That sentiment rings especially true for WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Valiant, who is preparing to lace up his boots one last time at the age of 83.

The iconic “Boogie Woogie Man” has announced that his upcoming match on April 25 will officially be his final appearance inside the squared circle. The bout is scheduled to take place at a NAWA Championship Wrestling event in Lancaster, South Carolina, marking what’s being billed as a historic night for the promotion.

While Valiant has been officially retired, he hasn’t been completely absent from in-ring action in recent years. Since 2022, he’s made sporadic appearances, with his most recent outing coming in a six-man tag team match for NAWA. As of now, his opponent for this farewell performance hasn’t been revealed.

In a statement addressing the milestone, Valiant made it clear that this time, he means it when he says goodbye. After decades of stepping away and returning, he emphasized that this match will truly be his “final dance.” Reflecting on his incredible journey, Valiant noted he has competed in over 15,000 matches across a staggering 62-year career, traveling millions of miles to entertain fans around the world.

What makes this moment even more special is the timeline it represents. Valiant pointed out that this match will allow him to say he performed across seven different decades, dating back to his debut in 1964. He also shared his desire to make one last walk to the ring to his classic entrance theme, “Boy From New York City,” soaking in the atmosphere one final time.

NAWA promoter Michael Elliott didn’t downplay the significance of the occasion, calling it an honor for the company to host such a legendary sendoff. For a regional promotion, being part of a moment tied to wrestling history is no small feat.

Valiant’s career résumé speaks for itself. Over the years, he captured numerous championships, including the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship and multiple regional titles across the NWA and AWA territories. Known for his charisma and connection with audiences, he was a standout figure during the territorial era, including memorable rivalries like his feud with Jerry Lawler in Memphis.

Beyond his own accomplishments, Valiant has also left his mark on future generations. He played a role in training current stars, including former AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page, extending his influence far beyond his own time in the spotlight.

Now, fans will have one final chance to witness the “Boogie Woogie Man” in action. Tickets for the event are currently on sale, as Valiant prepares to close the book on one of the longest and most unique careers in professional wrestling history.

WWE NXT Preview 3/24/2026

WWE NXT tonight at 8/7 c on The CW Network in the United States and on Netflix internationally from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.

  • Tag Tournament Match for NXT Tag Team Titles Shot: Eli Knight & Elio LeFluer vs. The Culling (Shawn Spears & Niko Vance)
  • Sol Ruca and ZARIA meet face-to-face
  • Ricky Saints (w/ Ethan Page) vs. Tony D’Angelo
  • Thea Hail vs. Kelani Jordan
  • Fatal Influence (Lainey Reid & Fallon Henley) vs. Wren Sinclair & Kendal Grey
  • NXT North American Championship Number One Contender Gauntlet Eliminator: Jackson Drake vs. Shiloh Hill vs. Dion Lennox vs. Charlie Dempsey vs. TBA

Fandango To Screen WrestleMania 42 In Cinemas

WWE is expanding how fans can تجربه WrestleMania 42, as the company has partnered with Fandango to bring the biggest show of the year to the big screen. It’s been announced that both nights of WrestleMania—set for April 18 and 19—will be broadcast live in movie theaters across the country.

Tickets are already available through Fandango’s website, giving fans another way to catch the action outside of the traditional home viewing experience. For those who opt for the theater route, there are some added perks as well. Ticket buyers will receive bonus digital content for the WWE Champions mobile game, including unlockable characters like Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, and Liv Morgan.

That’s not the only bonus tied to the promotion. Fandango has also partnered with Fanatics to offer an exclusive merchandise bundle. Fans who secure their theater tickets will have the option to purchase a limited-edition WrestleMania 42 T-shirt for $49.99.

This year’s WrestleMania will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, continuing WWE’s trend of hosting the event in major destination venues. As for how to watch at home, WrestleMania 42 will stream live on the ESPN App in the United States, while international viewers will be able to tune in via Netflix.

Between in-person attendance, at-home streaming, and now the theater experience, WWE is making sure WrestleMania weekend is more accessible—and more immersive—than ever before.

Backstage Update on Toni Storm’s AEW Absence: Not Injury-Related

AEW fans were left stunned last week on Dynamite when “Timeless” Toni Storm was written off television in a dramatic backstage segment that quickly sparked speculation. The former champion was discovered laid out and bloodied in her dressing room, surrounded by cryptic clues pointing toward multiple potential suspects on the roster—clearly setting the stage for a mystery-driven storyline.

Given the timing, many initially assumed the angle may have been covering for an injury, especially following Storm’s recent match against Marina Shafir at Revolution, where she also had a notable interaction with Ronda Rousey. However, according to Dave Meltzer, that’s not the case.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer indicated that Storm’s absence is not tied to any physical issue. Instead, he noted that the situation developed suddenly behind the scenes.

According to Meltzer, Storm was originally scheduled to compete on last week’s Dynamite, but plans changed the day of the show. AEW reportedly had to pivot quickly, creating the backstage attack angle to explain her sudden removal from television. Mina Shirakawa ultimately stepped in as her replacement and picked up a win over Shafir.

While the storyline explanation is already unfolding on-screen, the real-life timeline may be even more significant. A report from Fightful Select suggests that Storm could be out of action for an extended period, potentially missing all of 2026.

That leaves AEW in an interesting position creatively. The “whodunnit” angle offers a built-in way to keep Storm relevant during her absence, while also elevating other names in the women’s division as suspects or key players in the unfolding story.

For now, fans can expect the mystery surrounding Toni Storm’s “attack” to continue developing on television—even if the real reason behind her hiatus remains outside the ring.

Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch Enter the Coffee Game with AMO Launch

Life on the road isn’t easy, and for pro wrestlers constantly hopping between cities and continents, finding ways to stay energized is key. Coffee has long been a go-to solution—and in recent years, it’s also become a bit of a passion project for several names in the industry. From the Motor City Machine Guns to Danhausen and Prince Nana, wrestlers diving into the coffee business has quietly become a trend.

Now, one of wrestling’s top power couples is joining that list.

Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch have officially announced the launch of their own coffee brand, AMO Coffee. After teasing the project online, the pair made things official with a reveal on Monday, giving fans a glimpse into what inspired the venture.

In a video shared on Instagram, Rollins explained that the idea has been brewing for years. He noted that the two have spent the better part of seven years traveling the world together, sampling coffee from different countries, cities, and cultures along the way. That shared experience ultimately sparked their desire to create something of their own, with AMO serving as a way to pass that passion on to fans.

The branding leans into that personal connection. A black-and-white promotional image posted on AMO’s social channels features the couple alongside the phrase “a simple love for coffee,” while the caption signs off with “From Colby + Rebecca, with love”—a nod to their real-life identities outside the ring.

While full details are still under wraps, the rollout is already underway. The official website currently features a countdown clock pointing to an April 26 launch date, and fans can sign up for early access notifications ahead of the debut. Lynch has also hinted that more announcements tied to the brand are coming soon.

Of course, both Rollins and Lynch have plenty going on inside the ring as well. Rollins recently returned from a shoulder injury at Elimination Chamber and has quickly reinserted himself into the spotlight. Meanwhile, Lynch is gearing up for a major opportunity at WrestleMania, where she’s set to challenge for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.

Between championship pursuits and a new business venture, it’s clear this duo isn’t slowing down anytime soon—and now, they’re bringing their taste in coffee along for the ride.

Sid Eudy (AKA Sycho Sid) Announced For WWE Hall Of Fame 2026 Legacy Induction

WWE continues to round out its 2026 Hall of Fame class, and the latest addition brings a larger-than-life presence from wrestling’s past back into the spotlight. Sid Eudy—known to fans as Sycho Sid, Sid Justice, and Sid Vicious—has officially been announced for induction as part of this year’s Legacy Class.

The news was revealed by WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H, who highlighted Sid’s commanding aura and unforgettable intensity. Whether fans remember him from WWE or WCW, Sid’s reputation as a dominant force and main event-caliber star has long cemented his place in wrestling history.

Sid’s career spanned decades, with major success across multiple promotions. He captured the WWF Championship twice and also held the WCW World Heavyweight Title on two occasions, proving his ability to thrive at the very top in both companies during wrestling’s most competitive eras.

WrestleMania fans will especially remember his presence on the grandest stage. Sid headlined WrestleMania VIII against Hulk Hogan in 1992, and later returned to the main event scene at WrestleMania 13, where he faced The Undertaker. Those marquee matches, along with high-profile rivalries against stars like Bret Hart and Roddy Piper, helped define his legacy as a true main event attraction.

One of Sid’s most iconic moments came at Survivor Series 1996, where he defeated Shawn Michaels at Madison Square Garden to win the WWE Championship. The moment—complete with his unforgettable entrance and the electric crowd reaction—remains a standout highlight from the New Generation era.

After stepping away from the national spotlight, Sid continued wrestling for several years on the independent scene, including appearances in promotions like the NWA and Memphis Wrestling. He officially retired in 2017, bringing an end to a career that stretched roughly three decades.

In August 2024, the wrestling world lost Sid Eudy at the age of 63 following a battle with cancer. His passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and peers alike, many of whom reflected on his imposing presence and unique charisma.

Now, with this Legacy induction, WWE is ensuring that Sycho Sid’s contributions to the business are remembered on one of its biggest platforms. He joins a 2026 Hall of Fame class that already includes names like AJ Styles, Stephanie McMahon, Demolition, and Dennis Rodman—making this year’s ceremony one of the more eclectic and star-studded lineups in recent memory.

WWE Raw Preview 3/23/2026

WWE Raw live today at 8/7c on Netflix from TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

  • WWE World Tag Team Championship: The Usos (c0 vs. The Vision (Logan Paul & Austin Theory)
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Penta (c) vs. Dominik Mysterio
  •  Brock Lesnar returns to Raw after being taken out by Oba Femi
  • Appearances by WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, Roman Reigns and Becky Lynch
  • Lyra Valkyrie & Bayley vs. Kabuki Warriors
  • Je’Von Evans vs. Grayson Waller

Ronda Rousey’s AEW Status Remains Unclear Following Surprise Revolution Appearance

Ronda Rousey made headlines at AEW Revolution 2026 with a shocking appearance that instantly got fans talking—but as it turns out, her long-term future with the company is anything but certain.

The former WWE and UFC star emerged during Toni Storm’s segment at the pay-per-view, teasing a potential confrontation with the “Timeless” champion. Before the situation could escalate, officials rushed in to break things up. That distraction opened the door for Marina Shafir—Rousey’s longtime ally—to ambush Storm from behind, adding another layer to the ongoing tension.

Despite the buzz generated by the cameo, a new report from Fightful Select suggests that Rousey has not officially signed with AEW. Sources within the company reportedly believe that, at least for now, her appearance was more of a one-off than the start of a full-time run. There’s also no clear indication yet whether AEW has concrete plans to bring her back in the near future.

The fallout from Revolution carried over to “AEW Dynamite,” where Storm was scheduled to face Shafir in a No Holds Barred match. However, things took a chaotic turn before the bout could even begin. Storm was found backstage, bloodied after an apparent attack that left her unable to compete. Mina Shirakawa stepped in as a replacement and picked up the win over Shafir, finishing things off with a spinning back fist followed by Storm Zero. Notably, Rousey was absent from the entire situation, adding more mystery to her involvement.

As for how the Revolution appearance came together, it appears to have been a mix of convenience and strong relationships. Rousey reportedly lives near Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, where the event was held, and she maintains a positive rapport with AEW CEO Tony Khan—something Khan himself confirmed during the post-show media scrum.

Rousey is no stranger to the AEW/ROH orbit, having previously teamed with Shafir in Ring of Honor competition. Still, whether this latest appearance leads to something more substantial in AEW remains to be seen.

For now, fans are left with more questions than answers—and plenty of intrigue surrounding what Rousey might do next.

AEW Collision Preview – Slam Dunk Saturday & Sunday 3/21/2026 -3/22/2026

AEW Collision Slam Dunk Saturday and Slam Dunk Sunday taped from Save Mart Center in Fresno, California, airs Saturday and Sunday immediately following NCAA Basketball Tournament on TNT and HBO Max.

Slam Dunk Saturday:

  • TNT Championship: Kyle Fletcher (c) vs. Robbie Eagles
  • Daniel Garcia & Claudio Castagnoli vs. Komander and Mascara Dorada
  • Sisters Of Sin vs. The Brawling Birds
  • RUSH, Dralistico, and The Beast Mortos vs. TBA

Slam Dunk Sunday:

  • AEW World Trios Championship: JetSpeed & Mistico (c) vs. Don Callis Family (El Clon, Josh Alexander & Konosuke Takeshita)
  • Orange Cassidy & Roderick Strong vs. Jay Lethal & Lee Johnson
  • Tommaso Ciampa vs. Lio Rush
  • AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champions Devine Dominion (Megan Bayne & Lena Kross) in action