Author: John Bass

Natalya Falls Short in NWA Women’s Title Bid at Crockett Cup 2025

WWE veteran Natalya stepped into unfamiliar territory this past weekend, making her long-awaited debut in the National Wrestling Alliance — but came up just short in her pursuit of gold.

Competing under the name Nattie Neidhart, the multi-time WWE champion challenged reigning NWA World Women’s Champion Kenzie Paige during the Crockett Cup 2025 event at the historic ECW Arena in Philadelphia. Despite a hard-fought effort, Neidhart was unable to unseat Paige, who retained her title in a match that was taped for an upcoming episode of NWA Powerrr.

This cross-promotional showdown had been brewing since last month’s GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII, where Paige ambushed Natalya following her victory over Miyu Yamashita. That post-match confrontation laid the groundwork for the NWA title clash, which marked Natalya’s first bout since Bloodsport — and her first ever inside an NWA ring.

Though not active in the WWE ring since that Bloodsport appearance, Natalya has continued to appear on Raw, occasionally featured in backstage segments alongside Maxxine Dupri and the Alpha Academy. For her NWA debut, she made a powerful statement with her presentation, once again entering to Rage Against the Machine’s iconic “Killing in the Name” — backed by her crew, giving the entrance a defiant and gritty vibe fitting the venue and occasion.

Natalya has been vocal about her passion for wrestling beyond the confines of WWE, citing her longtime friendship with NWA owner and Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan as one reason she pushed hard to compete in the promotion. “I’ve wanted to wrestle in NWA for years,” she said in a recent interview, adding that she did “everything in [her] power” to make the Crockett Cup appearance happen.

While the NWA World Women’s Championship slipped through her fingers, Natalya isn’t slowing down. She remains ambitious about her future in WWE, where she’s got her eyes on newly launched titles: the Women’s United States Championship and the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. With decades of experience and a renewed fire, it’s clear that Natalya is looking to carve out her legacy both inside and outside of WWE rings.

AEW Star Darby Allin Successfully Reaches Mt. Everest Summit

Darby Allin may be thousands of miles away from the AEW ring, but he’s just taken a massive step toward making his long-awaited return to the company — by literally standing on top of the world.

The former TNT Champion has officially reached the summit of Mount Everest, according to updates from the online log tracking his journey. Allin began the dangerous climb in April, and as of yesterday, he and his team have successfully made it to the top of the world’s highest peak. Now comes the equally treacherous descent — and then, eventually, a return to AEW.

Allin was the only first-time climber in his group, making this accomplishment even more remarkable. However, the climb hasn’t been without consequence to his wrestling career. Originally, he was slated to return to AEW in time for the 2024 Owen Hart Cup, but delays in his Everest expedition forced him to miss the tournament entirely. That means fans will have to wait a bit longer for the next chapter in his simmering feud with AEW World Champion Jon Moxley.

Allin’s last appearance on AEW television came in December, when he was violently written off programming — thrown down a flight of stairs by Moxley’s Deathriders faction. The brutal exit was designed to give Allin time to prepare for Everest, but it also left unfinished business between him and the champion.

With Allin out of the Owen Hart Cup, the tournament’s spotlight has shifted to its final matchup between Will Ospreay and Hangman Page. The two will clash at Double or Nothing on May 25 in Glendale, Arizona, with the winner earning a title shot against Moxley at All In: Texas on July 12 at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

As for Allin, there’s still no confirmed date for his AEW return — and it remains to be seen how the physically demanding expedition might affect his in-ring readiness. But if there’s one thing Darby Allin has made clear, it’s that he doesn’t shy away from a challenge — whether it’s a 29,000-foot mountain or Jon Moxley waiting for him at the top of AEW.

AEW Collision ‘Beach Break’ Preview 5/17/2025

AEW Collision ‘Beach Break’ airs Saturday night on TNT and Max, beginning at 8:00 pm ET taped from the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

  • A Tribute to Steve “Mongo” McMichael – with Ric Flair
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Match: CRU vs. ROH World Tag Team Champions Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara
  • Kyle Fletcher vs. AR Fox
  • Anna Jay vs. Megan Bayne
  • Blake Christian vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey
  • Chicago Street Fight: Bryan Keith & Big Bill vs. Gates of Agony

WWE SmackDown Preview 5/16/2025

WWE SmackDown live tonight on USA Network and Netflix International, beginning at 8:00 pm ET. from the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC.

  • Fallout from Backlash
  • Cody Rhodes is set to make his first appearance on WWE programming since WrestleMania 41
  • The first set of qualifying matches for both the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches. WWE
  • Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa and Jeff Cobb are all expected to appear

WWE Star Rey Mysterio to Receive Award From National Hispanic Media Coalition at 2025 Impact Awards Gala

WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio is set to receive a prestigious honor recognizing his legendary contributions to sports entertainment and cultural representation. The National Hispanic Media Coalition has announced that Mysterio will be one of the honorees at this year’s Impact Awards Gala, taking place on Friday, June 6th, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

Mysterio will be presented with the Legend Impact Award, a recognition of his groundbreaking influence in professional wrestling and his role in bringing Lucha Libre culture to a global audience. The longtime WWE star has long been celebrated for bridging the gap between cultures in sports entertainment, and his latest accolade cements his legacy not just in the ring, but also in the wider media landscape.

The 2025 ceremony will be hosted by comedians and actors Al Madrigal and Jessica Marie Garcia, and will honor a number of influential Hispanic figures across entertainment and media. Mysterio joins an impressive list of past honorees including Salma Hayek, Rosario Dawson, Danny Trejo, Diego Luna, and even James Cameron, who has been recognized for his inclusive storytelling.

Though Mysterio continues to earn accolades, the wrestling icon is currently on the sidelines recovering from a torn abductor muscle. The injury, which required surgery, has kept him out of the ring in recent months. According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Mysterio had aspirations of competing at WrestleMania 41, but doctors reportedly advised against it to avoid jeopardizing his long-term recovery. As of now, his in-ring return isn’t expected for another four to six months.

Despite his injury status, Mysterio is still actively involved in promoting the upcoming AAA x NXT: Worlds Collide event, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. While his physical presence in the ring may be missed, his influence continues to loom large—both on television and in the cultural zeitgeist.

From his early days electrifying ECW and WCW crowds to becoming a global icon in WWE, Mysterio’s journey has inspired generations of fans and performers alike. His latest honor is yet another reminder of the powerful legacy he’s built—not just as a wrestler, but as a trailblazer for Hispanic representation in sports and entertainment.

Congratulations to Rey Mysterio on this well-deserved recognition from all of us here at Wrestling News Blog.

Jim Ross Diagnosed with Colon Cancer, Set for Surgery in Coming Weeks

Wrestling legend and iconic commentator Jim Ross has announced he’s once again facing a battle with cancer. In a heartfelt update posted to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Ross revealed that he was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this week and is preparing to undergo surgery within the next two weeks. The AEW announcer also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans during this difficult time.

This marks the second time Ross has had to confront cancer. In 2021, he revealed a skin cancer diagnosis, which led to successful treatment but left lingering side effects that continued to impact him for years. Despite those health challenges, Ross remained an enduring presence in professional wrestling, especially through his work with All Elite Wrestling.

Most recently, “Good Ol’ JR” was part of the commentary team at AEW Dynasty in April. While his appearances have become more sporadic in recent years, Ross has remained a valued part of AEW’s broadcast team, especially for high-profile pay-per-view events. His voice—familiar, passionate, and unmistakably authentic—has long been a staple of pro wrestling history.

Jim Ross joined AEW in 2019, lending his gravitas and decades of experience to the upstart promotion from its inception. But his legendary career started well before AEW was ever conceived. Ross began in the industry in the mid-1970s, initially working as a referee before moving behind the commentary desk. He made his name in Jim Crockett Promotions, which eventually became WCW, and by the early ’90s, Ross had become one of the most respected voices in the business.

In 1993, Ross made his WWE debut at WrestleMania IX and soon became the voice of a generation during the company’s Attitude Era. Known for his emotional storytelling, iconic catchphrases, and no-nonsense delivery, JR’s commentary was instrumental in elevating some of the biggest moments and stars in WWE history. Though his tenure with Vince McMahon’s company included several ups and downs, Ross remained a cornerstone of WWE television until his departure in 2013.

Following WWE, Ross took his talents overseas to provide English commentary for NJPW before returning for a short WWE stint, eventually finding a new home in AEW.

As Ross prepares for surgery and takes time to focus on his health, the wrestling world is rallying around him once again. His legacy is cemented, but fans and colleagues alike are hoping this Hall of Fame-caliber voice has many more chapters left to tell.

Wrestling News Blog sends their best to Jim Ross—wishing him strength, healing, and a swift recovery.

TNA IMPACT Preview 5/15/2025

TNA Wrestling will present a new episode of Impact tonight on AXS TV as the build continues for Under Siege.

  • #1 Contenders Match for International Championship: Matt Cardona vs. Elijah vs. Ace Austin vs. Mance Warner
  • Nic Nemeth vs. Jeff Hardy
  • Tessa Blanchard & Victoria Crawford vs. Masha Slamovich & Nikkita Lyons
  • Rosemary vs. Xia Brookside
  • The Rascalz vs. The Great Hands
  • Indi Hartwell vs. TBD
  • Frankie Kazarian will address Under Siege

ROH TV Preview 5/15/2025

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

  • The Frat House vs. The Dark Order’s Alex Reynolds & Evil Uno
  • Wheeler Yuta vs. Matt Mako
  • Trish Adora vs. Rachael Ellering
  • MxM Collection & Premier Athletes vs. Dustin Rhodes, Sammy Guevara & The Von Erichs

TNA President Carlos Silva Clarifies Recent Report, Says There Is No Ban On Bleeding

There’s been some confusion swirling around TNA Wrestling this week, but President Carlos Silva has stepped in to clear the air regarding reports of a supposed ban on blading and intentional blood during matches.

Speaking with The Takedown on SI, Silva stated point blank that intentional bleeding is not banned in TNA. Instead, the promotion is simply encouraging talent to be more selective and strategic when it comes to using blood in matches. The clarification comes after the company featured two violent bouts in a short span, including a brutal dog collar match between Steve Maclin and Eric Young on TNA Impact! — a match that clearly pushed the limits of the show’s current tone.

The initial report about a potential blading ban originated from PWInsider, which claimed that talent had been informed that the practice was no longer allowed outside of very specific situations. According to that report, the move was tied to efforts to keep Impact! more advertiser-friendly as TNA and parent company Anthem continue their search for a new television partner in the U.S.

Silva did confirm to The Takedown that the company is indeed being mindful of how it’s perceived by potential advertisers and media partners. He also backed up reports that Anthem is actively shopping TNA for a new media rights deal, making presentation a key priority. But he made it clear: the red isn’t going away entirely—it’s just being reined in.

Fans should expect to see less blood on weekly TV, but Silva emphasized that this is about moderation, not elimination. There was no direct mention of TNA’s ongoing partnership with WWE, which is famously anti-blading, but Silva’s comments suggest that TNA isn’t looking to fully mirror WWE’s PG philosophy.

Meanwhile, Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer had speculated that the move might be a nod toward WWE-style presentation, but Silva’s statements seem to put that theory to rest. TNA appears to be walking a fine line—staying true to its edgier roots while positioning itself for a more mainstream platform.

Bottom line: blood isn’t banned in TNA, but it’s not going to be used as freely as it once was. It’s not about going soft—it’s about playing smart as the company looks to level up its TV presence.

AEW Dynamite ‘Beach Break’ 5/14/2025

AEW Dynamite ‘Beach Break’ airs live tonight on TBS and Max, beginning at 8:00 pm ET from the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

  • AEW World Championship – Steel Cage Match: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Samoa Joe
  • AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator Match: Toni Storm (c) vs. Mina Shirakawa vs. Skye Blue vs. AZM
  • Will Ospreay and Hangman Adam Page vs. Don Callis Family’s Konosuke Takeshita and Josh Alexander
  • Ricochet vs. Zach Gowen
  • Bobby Lashley will give his answer to MJF