AEW Dynamite live on TBS and HBO Max from the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, OH.
The ongoing WWE-TNA partnership may be generating mixed reactions from fans, but it could be paying off in a major way behind the scenes. According to a new report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, TNA Wrestling may be closer than ever to locking down a new, more prominent weekly TV deal — with both A&E and The CW reportedly in the mix.
The rumored networks are notable for their existing ties to WWE. A&E currently airs multiple WWE-related shows, including the docuseries WWE LFG, and The CW is home to WWE NXT: Level Up. This has fueled speculation that WWE could be playing a direct role in helping TNA secure a higher-profile broadcast partner as part of their growing working relationship.
The report also notes that scheduling is still being discussed, with Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays all on the table. Wednesdays would be a competitive choice, placing TNA in the middle of the weekly wrestling war between AEW Dynamite and WWE programming. On the other hand, Thursday or Sunday nights could offer TNA a clearer path, avoiding direct head-to-head competition.
In fact, TNA IMPACT! could end up as a lead-in for WWE LFG on Sunday nights, which might help both brands benefit from shared viewership.
TNA President Carlos Silva added fuel to the fire during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, where he confirmed that negotiations for a new media deal have been ongoing since early 2025. Silva emphasized the importance of reaching a wider audience and revealed that talks had been “accelerating” over the past few months. He also hinted that by the end of the year, fans could see both IMPACT! and additional TNA programming move to a new network — possibly with live broadcasts replacing the current taped format.
If finalized, the deal would mark a major step forward for TNA, which has been looking to regain its foothold in the wrestling landscape. With WWE’s support and new champions from its own roster appearing on TNA programming, this potential media move could help turn the renewed partnership into a long-term win for both sides.
Stay with Wrestling News Blog for the latest updates as TNA’s media future comes into focus.
Veteran wrestler Dustin Rhodes has revealed that he’s heading into double knee replacement surgery later this month. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the 56-year-old star shared that both of his knees are “destroyed” and that he’ll be undergoing the procedure on August 21st.
“They can’t actually fix the damage, so we are getting two knee replacements,” Rhodes wrote. “Damn! #KeepSteppin … By the way… this is NOT THE END.”
Rhodes had recently mentioned needing “major” surgery, and now the specifics are confirmed. According to Fightful, he is expected to be out of action for the remainder of 2025.
The announcement comes just days after Rhodes dropped the TNT Championship to Kyle Fletcher on AEW Collision, where Fletcher launched a post-match assault on Rhodes. That loss capped a brief but emotional title run for Rhodes, who captured the belt at AEW All In: Texas in July.
With his surgery now scheduled and recovery time looming, serious questions are being raised about the status of the titles Rhodes still holds in Ring of Honor. He’s currently one-half of the ROH World Tag Team Champions alongside Sammy Guevara and also holds the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Titles with Ross and Marshall Von Erich.
ROH has yet to comment on what will happen with either set of championships. Their next major event, Supercard of Honor, is set for August 23 at the legendary 2300 Arena in Philadelphia—just two days after Rhodes goes under the knife.
While the road to recovery won’t be short, Rhodes made it clear that this isn’t the end of his in-ring journey. Given his decades-long resilience and enduring fan support, it’s hard to count out The Natural.
WWE NXT live TONIGHT at 8 ET/7 CT on the CW Network
Karrion Kross and Scarlett’s time in WWE may be coming to an abrupt end.
According to a new report from Fightful Select, the on-screen duo was notably absent from this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, and their absence could be tied to an expiring contract situation. Sources within WWE have confirmed that both Kross and Scarlett’s current deals are set to expire this weekend — and as of now, no new offers have been made.
Even more concerning, the couple reportedly hasn’t even been informed by WWE officials that their contracts are winding down. That radio silence behind the scenes has cast serious doubt on their future with the company, with one higher-up suggesting they may not be re-signed at all.
If no last-minute deal is reached, Kross and Scarlett will officially become free agents before the end of the week.
The duo returned to WWE in 2022 after a previous stint that ended with Kross’ underwhelming main roster run, during which he was infamously repackaged with a drastically different look and no Scarlett by his side. Since coming back under Triple H’s leadership, they’ve remained a package deal but haven’t had consistent storylines or major screen time.
Should they depart WWE, there’s bound to be interest from other promotions — especially given Kross’ past success in IMPACT Wrestling and Scarlett’s charisma as both a manager and performer.
We’ll keep an eye on this story as it develops. For now, the sands may be slipping through the hourglass for Kross and Scarlett in WWE.
The long-rumored WWE takeover of AAA is now official—and the shake-ups are already underway.
As confirmed in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE has finalized its acquisition of the Mexican lucha libre promotion AAA, and with that comes a significant cultural and structural overhaul. At the heart of WWE’s plan: blending its trademark sports-entertainment formula with the rich traditions of lucha libre, while laying the foundation for long-term talent development south of the border.
One of the most immediate changes will be the launch of a WWE Performance Center in Mexico. According to Dave Meltzer, WWE plans to hire Mexican trainers, fly them to the U.S. for instruction in the “WWE style,” and then have them return to Mexico to teach a hybrid style that combines lucha libre flair with WWE’s polished in-ring storytelling. That means new AAA recruits will be learning how to work matches and cut scripted promos—a major shift from the more improvisational, in-ring-centric traditions of Mexican wrestling.
AAA’s current Spanish commentary team—Jose Manuel Guillén and Roberto Figueroa—is expected to stay in place, and most referees will be retained as well. However, the famously over-the-top antics of AAA referees are going to be scaled back, in favor of a more grounded presentation that aligns with WWE’s overall production style.
WWE is also reportedly not planning to hold onto most of AAA’s veteran talent. Instead, they’ll be looking to bring in younger indie stars and some crossover names from WWE’s own roster. One notable example is Dominik Mysterio, who is expected to work in AAA as part of the new creative direction, alongside newly-signed talent El Grande Americano.
While many speculated that WWE would raid rival promotion CMLL for talent to boost its revamped AAA brand, Meltzer shut that down—at least for now. WWE is reportedly trying to keep operating costs low and avoid an all-out promotional war. That said, Meltzer also noted that a “war is inevitable,” especially with CMLL recently locking down several of its luchadors through dual deals with AEW.
Whether those AEW-CMLL contracts influenced WWE’s current strategy is unclear, but it’s evident that the rivalry between the two major Mexican promotions—and their respective U.S. partners—is starting to heat up.
WWE’s full-scale entry into the lucha libre world is one of the most ambitious international moves in company history. With a Performance Center on the way, younger talent being scouted, and its own stars primed for crossover appearances, WWE is setting the stage to reshape Mexican wrestling—and the global wrestling landscape—in a major way.
Brock Lesnar made headlines with his shocking return at SummerSlam 2025, appearing moments after Cody Rhodes dethroned John Cena to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. “The Beast Incarnate” marched down to the ring and laid out Cena with a brutal F5, instantly igniting what appears to be the final chapter in their long-running rivalry. But behind the scenes, Lesnar’s comeback wasn’t just a creative decision—it was a legally calculated move that’s been in the works for weeks.
According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, Lesnar was quietly cleared by WWE’s legal team roughly four weeks before his return. The delay in bringing him back reportedly stemmed from concerns surrounding the ongoing Janel Grant lawsuit, in which Lesnar’s name was indirectly tied to allegations against Vince McMahon. While WWE had previously stayed silent on Lesnar’s future, it appears they were simply waiting for the legal green light.
“It wasn’t a moral decision to keep him off TV,” Meltzer explained. “It was purely legal. The moment the lawyers said yes, he was back in the fold.”
Interestingly, Meltzer also revealed that WWE chose not to hold its usual post-SummerSlam press conference this year specifically to avoid media questions about Lesnar’s return and the legal situation surrounding it. Despite the controversy, Lesnar was never suspended or released during his absence. He remained under contract the entire time—and continued receiving his regular pay.
“They never fired Brock. He was always under contract. He was always getting paid,” Meltzer added.
While Lesnar’s return has received a mixed reaction from fans and critics alike, there’s no denying the buzz it’s generated heading into the fall. With Cena now locked into a farewell feud with his longtime rival, WWE is betting big on nostalgia and star power to carry the story forward—controversy and all.
John Cena’s dramatic heel turn at WrestleMania 41 had fans buzzing, but just a few months later, the 17-time world champion is once again flashing that trademark smile. Now we’re learning more about why WWE scrapped his villainous persona—and what it means for his final run.
On a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez broke down the decision to pivot Cena back to a babyface. According to Meltzer, WWE “dropped [the heel story] because it sucked,” but also because a feud with Brock Lesnar—now in motion—makes far more sense with Cena as the fan favorite and Lesnar playing the monster heel. Alvarez added that Cena simply performs better in the ring and connects more naturally with the audience when he’s playing the hero.
Cena’s return to the light officially happened on SmackDown, when he cut a passionate promo alongside Cody Rhodes, setting the tone for a more heartfelt run. That momentum carried into SummerSlam 2025, where Cena came up short against Rhodes in a hard-fought battle for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The real shocker came moments later, when Brock Lesnar made a surprise return and dropped Cena with a brutal F5—immediately launching what’s expected to be Cena’s final major rivalry.
During the post-show press conference, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque revealed that Lesnar’s comeback wasn’t just a creative decision—it was personally requested by Cena. As part of his retirement tour, Cena reportedly gave Levesque a list of opponents he wants to face one last time, and Lesnar was at the top.
“This is Cena writing his final chapter,” Levesque said. “We’re just helping him tell the story the way he wants to.”
With Cena’s farewell tour in full swing and a marquee clash with Lesnar looming, WWE fans can expect more high-profile moments as the company gives one of its all-time greats a send-off worthy of his legacy.
WWE Raw live tonight on Netflix from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY
Night 2 of WWE SummerSlam 2025 delivered the fireworks fans hoped for—and then some. Triple H opened the show with a passionate speech, declaring this the biggest SummerSlam in history. With the crowd fired up, the action kicked off with a stacked Women’s World Title triple threat and never let up. Let’s run down the biggest moments from an absolutely wild night in Cleveland.
Naomi made special ring entrance with her father playing guitar.
WWE Women’s World Championship
Naomi (c) def. Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY
The three-way bout between Naomi, Rhea Ripley, and IYO SKY was nonstop chaos from bell to bell. Naomi fought off both challengers with creativity and resilience, using everything from a split-legged moonsault to a crafty low enzuigiri to stay alive.
A mid-match Asai moonsault by SKY leveled both opponents on the floor, and a massive Avalanche Riptide from Ripley nearly sealed it—until Naomi snuck in with a schoolboy roll-up on Rhea, grabbing a handful of tights to keep her title in dramatic fashion.
TLC legends the Hardy Boyz and Dudley Boyz were in the crowd.
TLC Match – WWE Tag Team Championship
Wyatt 6 (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) (c) def. #DIY, Street Profits, Motor City Machine Guns, Andrade & Rey Fenix, Fraxiom
The 25th anniversary of TLC got the tribute it deserved—and then some. In a wild six-team brawl featuring ladders, chairs, and more broken tables than a Dudley Boyz reunion, chaos reigned supreme. From Candice LeRae, B-Fab and Nikki Cross got involved. Candice taking a horrific ladder bump off a ladder in the ring through a ladder on the outside, to Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy fending off high-flying challengers at every turn, this was a match filled with carnage. Erick Rowan also got involved.
After Uncle Howdy interfered to wipe out DIY, the path was cleared for Lumis and Gacy to reclaim their place atop the tag division, retrieving the titles to remain champions.
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship – No DQ Match
Becky Lynch (c) def. Lyra Valkyria
This No Disqualification showdown got violent fast. Crowbars, toolboxes, steel chairs, and even fire extinguishers came into play as both women went to war. Valkyria showed incredible heart, fighting back even after being zip-tied, slammed into exposed steel, and blasted with a wrench.
Bayley made a shocking run-in late in the match, refusing to help Lynch but accidentally taking out Lyra instead. That allowed Becky to hit the Manhandle Slam and score the win, ending Valkyria’s hopes of another title shot while Lynch holds the gold.
WWE United States Championship – Steel Cage Match
Solo Sikoa (c) def. Jacob Fatu
Two of WWE’s most dangerous heavy-hitters collided inside the steel, and the result was every bit as brutal as fans expected. Jacob Fatu seemed poised for victory, surviving interference from The Bloodline and breaking free from handcuffs at one point. But when Talla Tonga smashed the door into both men, it gave Solo just enough of an edge to crawl out and retain his United States Title.
Post-match, Fatu got a measure of revenge by moonsaulting off the cage onto the pile of Bloodline members below.
WWE Intercontinental Championship
Dominik Mysterio (c) def. AJ Styles
AJ Styles came close to dethroning Dominik multiple times, but in true Mysterio fashion, Dom escaped with the title intact thanks to underhanded tactics. A loaded boot and a distracted ref helped him survive a grueling contest filled with classic reversals, near-falls, and a failed Eddie Guerrero chair trick.
Styles had the Calf Killer locked in multiple times, but Mysterio’s slipperiness (literally slipping out of his boot at one point) saved him once again. A frog splash sealed the deal after a ref bump, keeping the gold around Dirty Dom’s waist.
Stephanie McMahon in the ring to announce tonight’s attendance at 60,561 and the combined attendance of 113,722 for both nights of SummerSlam
WWE Undisputed Championship – Street Fight
Cody Rhodes def. John Cena (c)
In what may have been John Cena’s final SummerSlam match, he and Cody Rhodes tore the house down in a violent, emotionally charged street fight. Cena brought out steel steps, slammed Cody through announce tables, and even delivered an Avalanche AA through a table. But Cody refused to stay down.
Late in the match, Rhodes used a detached turnbuckle rod to pummel Cena, then survived two more Attitude Adjustments before finally landing an Avalanche Cody Cutter through a table and a series of Cross Rhodes to capture the WWE Undisputed Championship.
Post-match, Cena handed Rhodes the title and raised his hand before taking in one last ovation—until Brock Lesnar suddenly hit the ring and delivered a shocking F-5 to Cena, sending a disturbing message on the final note of the show.
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