Category: Independent Promotions

Former WWE Stars Nikki Cross & Big Damo Take Over PROGRESS Wrestling, Become Co-Owners Of DEFY

Two well-known names from WWE and the international wrestling scene are stepping into major leadership roles in professional wrestling.

Former WWE stars Nikki Cross and Killian Dain — also known worldwide as Big Damo — have officially acquired PROGRESS Wrestling in the United Kingdom and have also become co-owners of Seattle-based DEFY Wrestling.

The announcement marks a major shake-up for the independent wrestling landscape, especially considering both promotions have built strong reputations over the years. DEFY, in particular, has become closely linked with AEW talent, hosting appearances from stars such as Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Swerve Strickland, Brody King, and Marina Shafir. The promotion also helped launch the careers of Darby Allin and Nick Wayne, while AEW’s Bryan Keith currently reigns as DEFY World Champion.

In the official statement released by PROGRESS, Damo and Nikki emphasized their commitment to growing both companies while continuing to spotlight rising wrestling talent from the UK, Ireland, and beyond.

Damo called the acquisition a huge opportunity to continue building on PROGRESS’ legacy.

“We both started in the UK and Ireland and fully believe this is host to the greatest talent pool on earth,” Damo stated. “PROGRESS is well positioned to showcase this generation and the next generation.”

He also praised the previous ownership group for steering the company through difficult years following the pandemic while helping create international relationships with promotions like Pro Wrestling NOAH and DEFY.

The former WWE star made it clear that developing new stars will remain a major priority moving forward, highlighting current PROGRESS names including Cara Noir, Luke Jacobs, Ethan Allen, Alexxis Falcon, Rhio, Kanji, and others as examples of the promotion’s deep roster.

Meanwhile, Nikki Cross becomes the first female co-owner in PROGRESS history, bringing a unique perspective after years competing at the highest level in WWE. During her WWE run, Nikki captured the RAW Women’s Championship, won Money in the Bank, and held multiple Women’s Tag Team Championships.

Nikki said she hopes to help elevate both promotions while expanding opportunities for women’s wrestling.

“It is not lost on me that there are few female owners in professional wrestling,” Nikki said. “I want to bring my experience and insights to the table and elevate PROGRESS and DEFY to new levels.”

One of the biggest announcements coming from the new ownership team is plans for the first standalone women’s Super Strong Style 16 tournament in 2027 following positive reactions to this year’s women’s tournament.

The duo also revealed that PROGRESS plans to expand into additional cities across the UK in the near future.

PROGRESS Wrestling has long been viewed as one of the most influential promotions in Europe, helping elevate names like Gunther, Pete Dunne, Toni Storm, and Will Ospreay before they became global stars.

Outgoing owners Martyn Best and Lee McAteer praised Nikki and Damo as the right people to lead the company into its next era, pointing to their worldwide experience and credibility within the wrestling business.

The new era officially begins with PROGRESS Chapter 195: Wonderbrawl II in Manchester on June 7, followed by Chapter 196: Scorchio! at London’s Electric Ballroom. The London event will also feature Nikki Cross making her first UK wrestling appearance since leaving WWE earlier this year.

With major industry connections, strong ties to both WWE and AEW talent, and plans for expansion already underway, the future of both PROGRESS and DEFY could become one of the more interesting stories in independent wrestling moving forward.

The full announcement from PROGRESS on both acquisitions can be read below:

In a seismic shift for British and Irish wrestling, two globally renowned figures are coming home. Damian Mackle, known internationally as former WWE star Killian Dain and Big Damo and his wife, Nicola Glencross, known as Nikki Cross and Nikki Storm, fresh off a decade-long tenure with WWE, are taking ownership of PROGRESS Wrestling, the UK’s premier independent wrestling promotion, as well as DEFY Wrestling, one of the biggest independent wrestling promotions in the United States.

The couple, who first made their names in the UK scene before achieving global fame, have vowed to ensure PROGRESS remains a launchpad for today’s and tomorrow’s stars.

Big Damo, who wrestled in PROGRESS before and after his WWE success, and is a former PROGRESS Men’s World, Tag Team and Atlas Champion, said,

“We are delighted to be the new co-owners of PROGRESS. We both started in the UK and Ireland and fully believe this is host to the greatest talent pool on earth and PROGRESS is well positioned to showcase this generation and the next generation.

“We are also very excited to be the new co-owners of DEFY Wrestling. Home to the most feverish fan base in the Pacific North West. Nikki and I have an affinity with Seattle, and I always had an incredible experience wrestling on the DEFY shows in front of the Defyance.”

“We would like to thank Martyn Best and Lee McAteer for being wonderful custodians and bringing new levels of professionalism to our industry. They steered PROGRESS after a worldwide pandemic, created an incredible wrestling network in Hooked On Wrestling TV, created a phenomenal working partnership with Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan and DEFY in USA and showed ambition, and an incredible drive to give multiple talented men and women visas to compete in the USA, and opportunities in so many other countries.

“Our job now is to guide PROGRESS through the coming years, identify new talent and integrate them with the current phenomenal roster. I’m proud to say we have some of the best wrestlers in the world performing for us right now. Our men’s World Champion Cara Noir and Charlie Sterling are performing at the highest level. Our Tag Team Champions Luke Jacobs and Ethan Allen are two of the best wrestlers in the world under 30. Our women’s division is host to some of the best women wrestlers alive. Women’s champion Alexxis Falcon, Rhio, Kanji, Emersyn Jayne and so many more. We also have Hollywood actor Paul Walter Hauser regularly walking the Hollywood red carpets with his PROGRESS Proteus Championship belt. Then there is Gene Munny, Charles Crowley, former WWE star Axel Tischer, Hollie Barlow, Simon Miller, Man Like DeReiss, Spike Trivet, Lykos Gym, and so many more.

“I could go on all day but Nikki and I want to continue to give these amazing athletes a platform to create engaging stories, while also leaving plenty of room for absolute masterpieces in ring.

“We also want to capitalise on our great relationships with talent and promotions worldwide, and create new partnerships that not only bring phenomenal talent to our shores, but also export our best talent to new ventures abroad.”

Nikki, a former WWE Women’s RAW World Champion, Money in the Bank Winner and also WWE Tag Team champion with Alexa Bliss and Rhea Ripley, becomes PROGRESS Wrestling and DEFY Wrestling’s first female co-owner, bringing a completely fresh point of view.

“It is not lost on me that there are few female owners in professional wrestling, so I want to bring my experience and insights to the table and elevate PROGRESS and DEFY to new levels.

“We were deeply encouraged by the first PROGRESS Women’s Super Strong Style 16 tournament. Rhio and Gisele competed in an incredible main event, and Rhio proved to be a worthy winner! We will soon be announcing that next year, in 2027, we will host the first stand alone female Super Strong Style 16.

“We are also in the process of bringing PROGRESS to new cities across the UK, and will be excited to announce those details soon”

PROGRESS Wrestling has been a cornerstone of British wrestling for 14 years, paving the way for stars like Pete Dunne, Toni Storm, Gunther and Will Ospreay. Now, with Damo and Nikki at the helm, the promotion is poised for its next chapter.

Expect exciting collaborations, new talent initiatives, and a renewed focus on the UK scene, all the while maintaining PROGRESS’s gritty, intimate atmosphere, and building upon their growing global presence.

PROGRESS was established in 2012, and dramatic and ground-breaking growth came to a halt in 2020 with the impact of the pandemic. Two years later, Martyn Best and Lee McAteer revived the promotion and have since delivered over 70 shows across the UK, USA, Germany, Canada and Dubai whilst re-establishing it as the leading UK promotion with many fine relationships across the globe.

Fresh from their success at the Collective in Las Vegas over WrestleMania weekend and the annual Super Strong Style 16 two day event which featured both a Men’s and Women’s tournament for the first time, Best & McAteer recognised that the influence and impact of Big Damo and Nikki Storm was needed to maintain this momentum.

Best added, “It’s been a fascinating and interesting journey with PROGRESS and I’ve personally made some very fine friendships. I’m so proud of what Lee and I have achieved and as with every successful and growing business it’s now time for its next chapter. Big Damo and Nikki Cross bring that extra massive oomph of global credibility and legitimate experience that PROGRESS now needs and I will certainly be supporting them and following their “progress” with huge interest.”

Lee McAteer said, “Being a custodian of PROGRESS Wrestling has been one of the greatest honours of my life and with fellow owners Martyn Best and Matt Buczek we have restored and protected PROGRESS and leave it in a stronger place for it to grow to the next level. I have been so proud of the connection we have nurtured with our loyal fans and it will be something I will always treasure.

“I am delighted that we are handing the company over to two people I have great admiration for, and are highly respected throughout the wrestling community. Big Damo and Nikki Cross are British and Irish wrestling royalty and after hearing their thoughts, I know that the most exciting chapter in PROGRESS’s history is still to come.

“To all the PROGRESS fans, wrestlers, colleagues and partners, thank you. I am incredibly excited for the future of PROGRESS under Big Damo and Nikki.”

The first order of business? The next show is in Manchester on 7th June at the O2 Ritz Academy, Chapter 195: Wonderbrawl II followed by the undoubted excitement of a homecoming show in London, at the Electric Ballroom.

Chapter 196: Scorchio! will feature Nikki making her first UK appearance since leaving WWE in April. Damo and Nikki will no doubt raise the roof with the PROGRESS faithful in the iconic Ballroom home of the company and set the tone for what’s to come. Tickets for those shows are available here.

Wrestling fans, both in the UK and worldwide, won’t want to miss what promises to be a landmark moment in the industry, and both shows will be available to watch live on Hooked On Wrestling TV.

Garrett Borden, Sting’s Son, Makes Pro Wrestling Debut At Dustin Rhodes’ Indie Promotion

Another member of Sting’s family has officially entered the wrestling world.

Garrett Borden, the son of WWE Hall of Famer and AEW legend Sting, recently made his in-ring debut at a Rhodes Wrestling Association event in Texas. Footage of the match surfaced online early Monday through JJA Sport Studio on X, giving fans their first look at Garrett in action.

The Rhodes Wrestling Association is operated by AEW veteran Dustin Rhodes, who also runs the Rhodes Wrestling Academy. In the clip making the rounds online, Garrett faced Brandon Barretta and showcased several moves tied closely to his father’s legacy. Among the highlights were multiple Sting Splashes and a big clothesline before he finished the bout with a Torture Rack-style Samoan Drop — a move that many fans connected to Lex Luger, Sting’s longtime friend and tag team partner.

Garrett’s wrestling debut comes as somewhat of a surprise, as there had been little public indication that he was training for a career in the business. His brother, Steven Borden, has been more visible on the wrestling scene over the last year after training alongside names like Darby Allin and FTR. Steven has already competed in dark matches for AEW and appeared for independent promotions including DEFY and Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling.

While Garrett’s training background hasn’t been confirmed, there is already a family connection to Dustin Rhodes’ school. Garrett’s wife, Kaetlyn Borden, previously trained under Rhodes and competed as “Jael” for the Rhodes Wrestling Association, Ring of Honor, and several other promotions before later transitioning into a backstage role with AEW.

Although this was Garrett’s first official match, longtime wrestling fans may remember seeing him years ago during Sting’s run in TNA Wrestling. He was briefly involved in a storyline with Jeff Jarrett during the mid-2000s. More recently, Garrett appeared alongside Steven during Sting’s retirement run in AEW in 2024.

The brothers played a memorable role at Sting’s final match at AEW Revolution, where they helped neutralize The Young Bucks after weeks of attacks on their father. Steven appeared dressed as Wolfpack Sting, while Garrett paid tribute to Sting’s classic Surfer Sting look during the surprise appearance.

With both of Sting’s sons now stepping into the wrestling spotlight, it’ll be interesting to see whether Garrett continues pursuing an in-ring career moving forward.

Report: TNA Potentially Pulling Talent From Indie Matches Against AEW Stars

A new report suggests TNA Wrestling could be tightening restrictions on its roster, particularly when it comes to facing AEW talent on the independent scene.

According to Fightful Select, Moose was recently pulled from Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling’s “Multiverse” event scheduled for WrestleMania weekend. While initial explanations pointed to a scheduling conflict, there’s more to the story. Moose had reportedly already received approval from TNA to appear, raising eyebrows about why the decision was reversed so close to the event.

That move may signal a broader shift in TNA’s approach. There’s growing speculation that the company is actively working to prevent its wrestlers from competing against AEW talent altogether, even outside of official company shows. Internally, concerns have been raised about upcoming indie matches involving TNA names like Leon Slater and Nic Nemeth, who are slated to face AEW’s Ricochet and MJF, respectively.

For clarity, those bouts aren’t tied to the Multiverse show. Slater vs. Ricochet is currently booked for WrestleCon’s Mark Hitchcock Memorial Supershow during WrestleMania week, while Nemeth vs. MJF is scheduled for Create-A-Pro Wrestling’s “Monumental Moment” event on May 1.

As for what’s driving this apparent shift, there are a couple of theories making the rounds. One points to recent scheduling friction, specifically AEW Collision airing head-to-head with TNA iMPACT. Some within TNA reportedly believe President Carlos Silva was unhappy with that situation, even though the decision likely came from Warner Bros. Discovery rather than AEW itself.

Another explanation, per PWInsider, is more strategic. TNA may simply want to avoid scenarios where its talent could be perceived as weakened, particularly if they lose to wrestlers from another promotion in high-profile indie matches. Protecting the brand—and its stars—appears to be a growing priority.

At this point, it’s unclear whether external partners like WWE or AMC have influenced the decision, or if this is purely an internal call. Either way, if TNA does follow through with limiting these crossover appearances, it could mark the end of a quiet but notable trend of AEW vs. TNA clashes happening beyond the confines of their respective promotions.

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.

Shotzi Shares Update After Brother Reported Missing, Says He Has Been Found Safe

Former WWE star Shotzi Blackheart recently experienced a frightening situation involving her family, but thankfully the story now has a positive update.

On Tuesday, March 10, Shotzi took to social media to alert fans that her brother, Dean Urbanski, had gone missing. In the now-deleted post, she explained that Urbanski had been involved in a car crash near Fort Mason in California. According to CCTV footage referenced in the post, he was seen leaving the crash site on foot shortly afterward and was believed to be disoriented.

The situation quickly spread across social media as fans and members of the wrestling community helped share the message in hopes of locating him.

Not long after the initial post, Shotzi returned with good news. She revealed that her brother had been located and taken to a hospital for care. In her update, she thanked everyone who helped circulate the information during the search.

Writing

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who shared the post, reached out, and helped spread the word. The support and kindness from so many people truly means the world to our family. Thank you all so much.

Shotzi has previously spoken about the important role her brother played in her path to professional wrestling. While she wasn’t initially a big wrestling fan herself, Urbanski was deeply into it. She has recalled spending time watching wrestling with him and playing wrestling video games together growing up.

Years later, Shotzi began watching WWE again with her sister. What started as a joke about potentially getting involved in wrestling eventually turned into something much more serious for Shotzi, who ultimately pursued a career inside the ring and made a name for herself on the independent scene before signing with WWE.

Family has always been a significant part of Shotzi’s story. In 2021, she shared a heartfelt tribute following the passing of her father. In that emotional message, she spoke about how fortunate she felt to have strong relationships with both her biological father and her stepfather. She described her dad as someone who brought energy and joy to every gathering and was often the one organizing family holidays and trips.

Shotzi also reflected on the many lessons he taught her throughout her life and the memories she will always cherish.

While the past few days have undoubtedly been stressful for Shotzi and her family, the positive outcome regarding her brother has brought relief — and plenty of gratitude toward those who helped spread the word. 🙏

Mercedes Moné’s Championship Empire Under Threat Amid Recent Losing Streak, Has 3 Upcoming Title Defenses 

After a historic run of collecting championships across the world, AEW’s Mercedes Moné has hit a skid after failing to defeat Kris Statlander for the AEW Women’s World Championship at Full Gear. Since then, Moné has lost the Ring of Honor Women’s Television Championship to Red Velvet, the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship to Alex Windsor, the AEW TBS Championship to Willow Nightingale, the CMLL World Women’s Championship to Persephone, and the Bestya Women’s Championship to Swan.

Unfortunately, the hits may keep on coming for Moné over the next 10 days. On X Wednesday morning, Revolution Pro Wrestling announced that Moné would be taking on UK star Alexxis Falcon at RevPro High Stakes on March 21. But this will not be any ordinary singles match, as Moné will be putting both the BODYSLAM Scandinavian and Discovery Scotland Women’s Championships on the line. The match comes a week after Moné is scheduled to be in Paris, where she’ll wrestle Ophelie in a match for Moné’s EWA Women’s Championship and Ophelie’s Rixe Women’s Championship.

As a result of these two shows, all part of Moné’s March tour outside of AEW, the CEO could be leaving Europe with either one more belt added to her arsenal, or continued diminishing returns, as losses to Ophelie and Falcon could leave her with just three championships remaining. The hits could keep on coming after as well, as Mone is scheduled to wrestle for Prime Time Wrestling in Poland on March 28, where she’s expected to defend the PTW Women’s Championship, and Winnipeg Pro Wrestling on March 31, where she’ll defend the WPW Women’s Championship. Losses in those matches, and in Europe, would see Mone end March having lost all but one of her titles.

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Multi-Promotional Slam Fest Announced For WrestleMania Week In Vegas (5/15-5/18)

WrestleMania Week in Las Vegas just got even more stacked.

Former WWE Superstar Dean Muhtadi (Mojo Rawley), in partnership with Paragon Talent Group, has officially unveiled Slam Fest Las Vegas — a multi-promotional wrestling showcase set to take over the Palms Casino Resort this April.

The wrestling series will run April 15–18 at the Pearl Concert Theater and feature five live events across multiple international promotions. Confirmed participants include CMLL, Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling (TJPW), STARDOM, House of Glory (HOG), and Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling (MLP).

And yes — there’s history involved.

CMLL’s event during Slam Fest will mark the first standalone show held outside of Mexico in the legendary promotion’s 92-year history, a significant milestone for one of wrestling’s oldest and most respected organizations.

Full Slam Fest Wrestling Schedule

Thursday, April 16 – Pearl Concert Theater

  • TJPW: 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. PT
  • CMLL: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. PT
  • House of Glory: 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. PT

Friday, April 17 – Pearl Concert Theater

  • TJPW Fan Fest Meet & Greet: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT
  • STARDOM: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. PT
  • Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling: 9:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. PT

The lineup gives fans a rare opportunity to experience major Japanese, Mexican, Canadian, and U.S.-based promotions all under one roof during wrestling’s biggest week of the year.

Major Live Experiences Announced

Slam Fest isn’t stopping at in-ring action.

Several marquee events will also take place at the Ghostbar inside the Palms:

  • Wednesday, April 15: Mick Foley presents “40 Years of Mick Foley,” a comedy and storytelling show featuring behind-the-scenes tales from his legendary career.
  • Friday, April 17: Saraya hosts a live episode of Rulebreakers with Saraya, promising unfiltered conversation and special guests.
  • Saturday, April 18: Matt and Jeff Hardy bring the Hardy Party to Vegas. Matt will share stories from his three-decade career during The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy experience, followed by a fan Q&A — and Jeff Hardy will perform live in concert afterward.

Poolside Finale With Major Names

The weekend will wrap up with a high-profile poolside celebration at the Palms on Saturday, April 18. Confirmed appearances include:

  • Matt & Jeff Hardy
  • Mick Foley
  • Saraya
  • The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley, MVP, Shelton Benjamin)
  • Elayna Black
  • Ash by Elegance
  • Mojo Muhtadi
  • And additional celebrity guests

WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair is also scheduled to make a special appearance.

Between the international wrestling showcase, live podcasts, comedy shows, concerts, and celebrity meet-and-greets, Slam Fest Las Vegas is positioning itself as one of the most ambitious WrestleMania Week experiences in recent memory.

Tickets officially go on sale Friday, February 27 at 10 a.m., and with this kind of lineup, they may not last long.

Nixon Newell Reveals 2026 Likely Her Final Year as an In-Ring Competitor

Another familiar name from the modern wrestling era is preparing to step away from active competition. Former WWE star Nixon Newell, best known to many fans as Tegan Nox, has confirmed that she’s likely entering the final year of her in-ring wrestling career.

Speaking recently on Casual Conversations with The Classic, Newell explained that this timeline has been on her mind since her WWE release in 2024. At the time, she gave herself a rough two-year window, and with one year already gone, she now sees the end of her full-time wrestling run coming into focus.

According to Newell, the decision isn’t rooted in burnout or frustration with wrestling itself. Instead, her passion has simply shifted. These days, she finds far more fulfillment behind the scenes — producing matches, training talent, and helping others grow within the industry.

Newell has already begun embracing that role. She’s been producing shows alongside Miranda Alize and assisting with training at Evolution Dojo in Houston, experiences she described as genuinely rewarding. Helping others succeed, she said, has always come naturally to her, and that mindset has only grown stronger as her career has progressed.

After spending more than a decade wrestling across the globe — including stints in Japan, Europe, Canada, the UK, and several years inside WWE — Newell feels she’s reached a point where lifting others up means more to her than chasing personal accolades.

Her future plans extend beyond wrestling production as well. Newell is actively studying personal training and massage therapy, with a focus on injury recovery for athletes. That path is deeply personal, given her own well-documented history with major injuries.

During her WWE run, Newell suffered multiple devastating setbacks, including an ACL tear just weeks before the inaugural Mae Young Classic and a horrific injury during the 2018 tournament that saw her fracture her tibia while tearing her ACL, MCL, and meniscus. Those experiences, she says, shaped her desire to help others navigate the long and difficult road back from serious injuries.

While she hasn’t completely closed the door on wrestling opportunities that may arise in the next year, Newell made it clear that her priorities have changed. Her focus is now firmly on education, licensing, and building a future centered around coaching, rehabilitation, and mentorship.

Newell’s most recent match took place in December 2025 for Riot Cabaret Pro Wrestling in London. Whether or not fans see her step into the ring again, it’s clear her impact on the wrestling world is far from over — it’s simply entering a new chapter.

Sting’s Son Steven Borden Preparing for First Wrestling Match This October

The Borden family legacy looks set to continue inside the squared circle. Steven Borden, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Sting, is reportedly preparing to make his in-ring debut this October.

Fans last saw Steven earlier this year at AEW Revolution 2024, where he and his brother Garrett paid tribute to their father during Sting’s emotional retirement match. Dressed in one of Sting’s classic looks, Steven even got physical, hitting the Young Bucks with his dad’s iconic Stinger Splashes in a memorable moment that had the wrestling world buzzing.

Now, according to PWInsider Elite, Steven is moving beyond cameos and stepping fully into the ring. His debut is scheduled for shows at New York’s 52 Walker gallery space on October 3 and October 10.

Training Under Darby Allin

What makes this debut even more fitting is who’s helping Steven prepare — none other than Darby Allin, Sting’s final tag team partner and one of the men most influenced by The Icon’s legendary career.

Allin reportedly began working with Steven shortly after Revolution, easing him into wrestling after the younger Borden had been reluctant to follow in his father’s footsteps. Earlier this year, Allin noted that Steven “has big shoes to fill” but emphasized that their training journey has been about respect, legacy, and giving back to Sting, who became both a mentor and friend to him in AEW.

A New Chapter for the Bordens

While Steven Borden made his mark as a football player at the University of Kentucky, his decision to step into the wrestling world is a significant moment. It’s not just about carrying the Sting name — it’s about seeing if the next generation can carve its own path.

With Darby Allin guiding him and the wrestling world watching closely, Steven’s debut this October will be one of the most intriguing stories to follow this fall.

Matt Riddle Explodes on Social Media After No-Show Allegations, Insults Fans Over 2020 “Speaking Out” movement Accusations

Matt Riddle’s name has been making plenty of headlines yesterday, and not for the best of reasons. The former WWE star and current MLW World Heavyweight Champion was called out over the weekend for reportedly no-showing a charity wrestling event in the UK. On top of that, the organizers claimed he refused to return the deposit he had already been paid.

Riddle initially addressed the situation with a video on X, attempting to give his side of the story. But instead of cooling things down, the “Original Bro” poured gasoline on the fire with a second video that quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons.

In the profanity-laced clip, Riddle unloaded on critics and fans who have questioned him in recent years. Much of his anger was directed toward those who believed the accusations made against him during the 2020 “Speaking Out” movement. Riddle was accused at the time by independent wrestler Candy Cartwright, who later filed a lawsuit against him, WWE, EVOLVE, and Gabe Sapolsky. WWE, EVOLVE, and Sapolsky were dismissed from the case in 2021, and Cartwright voluntarily dropped the suit entirely soon after.

In his rant, Riddle dismissed those allegations as “bulls***” and took aim at fans who supported them. He bragged about continuing to get booked, teased a possible return to fighting, and even promoted his OnlyFans account, making sure to emphasize he wasn’t worried about backlash. His message was blunt: those who don’t like him should unfollow him, because he doesn’t care.

While Riddle insisted “the cream rises to the top,” this latest outburst has left many wondering if he’s doing more harm than good to his own career. MLW has not yet commented on the controversy, but it remains to be seen if Riddle’s unfiltered social media presence will impact his standing with the promotion—or future opportunities elsewhere.