Category: Wrestling News

Warner Bros. Discovery Rejects Paramount’s Hostile Takeover Offer

The fight over control of Warner Bros. Discovery is heating up, and it could have ripple effects across the entertainment landscape — including All Elite Wrestling.

Warner Bros. Discovery, AEW’s longtime broadcast and streaming partner, has officially rejected a hostile acquisition attempt from the Paramount Skydance group led by David Ellison. The move comes after WBD recently agreed to a major deal with Netflix, which would see the streaming giant acquire a significant portion of WBD’s assets, including Warner Bros. Pictures and HBO Max.

Following that agreement, Paramount launched an aggressive all-cash tender offer directly to WBD shareholders, offering $30 per share and valuing the company at roughly $108 billion. Unlike Netflix’s proposal, Paramount’s bid would include WBD’s entire portfolio, including its linear television networks.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, WBD’s board has now formally rejected Paramount’s offer, telling shareholders it is “inferior” to Netflix’s deal and warning that the bid carries “numerous significant risks and costs.” With that decision made, Paramount’s options are limited: either convince shareholders to sell at the current price or return with a higher offer in hopes of disrupting the Netflix agreement.

WBD Board Chair Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr. said the rejection followed a comprehensive review of Paramount’s proposal. In a statement, Di Piazza said the board determined the offer undervalued the company while placing unnecessary risk on shareholders. He added that the bid failed to resolve issues WBD had already raised during discussions around Paramount’s six previous proposals.

Di Piazza emphasized that WBD believes the Netflix transaction offers stronger and more certain value, stating the company is confident in the long-term upside of that partnership.

THR noted that the board’s response was widely expected. Paramount’s tender offer closely resembled a proposal submitted earlier in December, shortly before WBD finalized its agreement with Netflix. WBD has repeatedly expressed concerns about Paramount’s financing, particularly questions surrounding foreign investment and whether Oracle founder Larry Ellison would fully guarantee the deal.

In a December 17 filing, WBD specifically pointed to issues with the backstop provided by Ellison’s revocable trust, citing a lack of transparency regarding the trust’s assets and liabilities. The filing also raised red flags about funding tied to Middle East sovereign wealth funds, including $10 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, $7 billion from Abu Dhabi, and another $7 billion from the Qatar Investment Authority.

Paramount has already had to adjust its financing structure. Tencent, which was expected to contribute $1 billion, was removed from the bid, while Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners has reportedly pulled out of a $200 million commitment. WBD has also stated it sees no meaningful regulatory advantage in Paramount’s proposal compared to Netflix’s.

Looking ahead, THR reports that Ellison and his team were waiting on WBD’s response before deciding their next move. If Paramount increases its offer, Netflix would have the opportunity to counter, potentially setting off a full-scale bidding war. Netflix, for its part, sent a letter to shareholders on December 17 calling its proposal “the right deal, with the right partner, at the right time.”

The report also revealed that Ellison texted WBD CEO David Zaslav just hours before the Netflix deal was finalized, signaling Paramount’s willingness to go higher than $30 per share. Notably, Ellison pointed out that the offer was not labeled “best and final.”

Despite the rejection, Paramount reaffirmed its $30 per share tender offer in a statement released today. Ellison reiterated his belief in the deal, arguing it offers superior value, a clearer path to closing, and avoids leaving shareholders with what he described as an overleveraged linear TV business.

Ellison and senior Paramount executives have continued lobbying investors, including at a recent UBS conference in New York. One attendee told THR they left believing Paramount is prepared to raise its bid and questioned whether Netflix could realistically match a higher offer given recent stock movement following the $83 billion announcement.

With several major WBD shareholders reportedly intrigued by Paramount’s all-cash proposal, pressure could continue to mount. If Paramount ups the ante, WBD may yet find itself forced to reconsider — setting the stage for an even bigger showdown in the media world.

Andrade El Idolo Cleared To Wrestle — But Only In Puerto Rico

Andrade El Idolo’s strange post-WWE situation appears to finally be moving forward, though it comes with a very specific restriction.

After weeks of uncertainty surrounding his WWE non-compete clause, Andrade is officially set to return to the ring tonight in Puerto Rico, where he will compete for the World Wrestling Council (WWC). The former WWE star is scheduled to challenge Xavant for the WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship, marking his first sanctioned match in some time.

According to reports, WWE initially enforced a non-compete clause following Andrade’s brief and controversial return to AEW. That clause put his in-ring career on pause, even after he resurfaced on AEW Dynamite to attack Kenny Omega — an appearance that ultimately led to WWE issuing a cease-and-desist notice to AEW and Andrade being pulled from television entirely.

However, new details suggest Andrade’s legal team has been hard at work behind the scenes. Sources indicate that negotiations with WWE resulted in a compromise that allows Andrade to wrestle — but only in Puerto Rico. The agreement reportedly went into effect today, December 13, and bars Andrade from competing for any promotion outside of the island for now.

Andrade himself confirmed the breakthrough during a recent interview, expressing relief that the long-standing issue had finally been resolved. He explained that his lawyer received official, signed documentation from WWE granting him clearance to wrestle for WWC, ending what he described as months of uncertainty tied to a 12-month non-compete dispute.

“I’m so happy to be in Puerto Rico. I want to say thank you to my lawyer because he now has a letter from the WWE, because we had problems with the no-compete for 12 months. Today, my lawyer texted me and told me, ‘Andrade, I have a letter, signed, that you can participate tonight in Puerto Rico in WWC. I can get back to the ring tonight. I’m so happy because after all these problems — not problems, but just what happens in life — I don’t know what to say. I want to be ready for tonight.”

The timing couldn’t be better. Andrade hasn’t competed since winning The Crash Heavyweight Championship on October 3, and fans have been waiting to see when — and where — he would be allowed back between the ropes. Tonight’s WWC appearance represents his first step back into active competition following his WWE release earlier this year, which stemmed from alleged wellness policy violations.

While Andrade’s future beyond Puerto Rico remains unclear, this development at least puts an end to his in-ring limbo. For now, Puerto Rico is the only place fans can see Andrade El Idolo compete — but it’s a meaningful return that could open the door to bigger things once his contractual situation fully clears.

Dakota Kai (Now “Charlie”) vs. Kris Statlander Set for Pro-Wrestling: EVE’s Wrestle Queendom 8

Former WWE standout Dakota Kai is officially stepping back into the ring next year — and her return comes with a brand-new name and a huge championship opportunity.

Kai, released by WWE in May, has been announced for Pro-Wrestling: EVE’s biggest event of the year, Wrestle Queendom 8, taking place March 8, 2026, at the O2 in London. The news was revealed by Will Ospreay, who is currently part of EVE’s creative team.

Going forward, Kai will compete under the ring name Charlie, and her first assignment is massive: she’ll challenge Kris Statlander for the EVE International Championship. It will also mark the first-ever singles meeting between the two.

Despite plenty of chatter linking Kai to AEW after her release, the former two-time NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion hasn’t signed with or appeared for any promotion since leaving WWE. Her last non-WWE-affiliated match came all the way back in 2017 for PROGRESS.

Statlander, meanwhile, has been a busy dual champion. She captured the EVE International Title from Anita Vaughan in July and has already racked up two defenses — against Nina Samuels in September and in a four-way against Vaughan, Alex Windsor and Yuu in November. On top of her UK gold, Statlander also holds the AEW Women’s World Championship, making this showdown even more intriguing.

Wrestle Queendom 8 now has a marquee matchup locked in:
Charlie vs. Kris Statlander — first time ever — for the EVE International Championship.

TNA Announces Major TV Deal With AMC

After months of speculation and whispers across the wrestling world, TNA has officially locked in a major new television home — and it’s a huge step forward for the company. Beginning January 15, 2026, TNA’s flagship series will air live on AMC, confirming the long-running rumors linking the promotion with the network best known for prestige dramas and massive mainstream reach.

The newly rebranded “Thursday Night iMPACT” will keep its familiar two-hour slot, running 9–11 p.m. ET every Thursday, and will simulcast on the network’s streaming platform AMC+. The premiere episode will broadcast live from the Curtis Caldwell Center in Garland, Texas, just outside Dallas, marking TNA’s first major TV night under the AMC banner.

AMC’s Influence Already Showing

According to Sports Illustrated, TNA won’t waste any time expanding its footprint on the new network. The company has locked in TV tapings for January 22 and 23 in Albuquerque, New Mexico—a city closely tied to AMC thanks to powerhouse hits Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. The synergy is impossible to miss, and it’ll be interesting to see if AMC leans into that connection in its promotional push.

TNA is also gearing up for its Genesis pay-per-view in January, though details are still under wraps beyond the show taking place somewhere in the Dallas area.

What About TNA’s Relationship With WWE?

One of the biggest questions surrounding the move has been how it might impact TNA’s unprecedented working relationship with WWE. The cross-promotion has produced some major moments over the past few years, especially with NXT talent appearing in TNA rings and vice versa.

Writer Jon Alba reported on X that when he asked whether the partnership was wrapping up, his sources “adamantly denied” any such plans. So for now, fans can expect the inter-promotional door to remain wide open heading into 2026.

A Massive Jump in Visibility

Moving from AXS TV — which is owned by TNA’s parent company Anthem — to AMC gives the promotion a dramatic increase in reach. “Thursday Night iMPACT” is expected to land in roughly 60 million homes, more than double what was possible on AXS. For a company that’s been fighting to rebuild momentum, this exposure could be transformational.

With a bigger platform, a fresh name, and a major network backing them, TNA enters 2026 with more buzz than it’s had in years. If the product delivers, “Thursday Night iMPACT” could be the company’s biggest breakout opportunity in over a decade.

Jimmy Hart Dealing With Stolen Megaphone After WrestleCade Appearance

Wrestling icon Jimmy Hart has spent decades building his brand around loud jackets, louder energy, and of course, the loudest accessory of all – his trademark megaphone. But this weekend at WrestleCade in Winston-Salem, that famous prop suddenly went missing.

WrestleCade officials announced on Sunday that Hart’s megaphone was stolen sometime during his Saturday appearance at the convention. While the WWE Hall of Famer isn’t interested in pressing charges, he does want the item returned — no questions asked.

However, Hart’s patience isn’t unlimited. Event organizers noted that if the megaphone isn’t brought back or if the culprit doesn’t contact WrestleCade by Tuesday, the situation will officially become a police matter. The Benton Convention Center, which hosted the event, is equipped with high-definition security cameras and is already preparing to hand footage over to authorities.

The theft ended up becoming the most talked-about moment of the entire weekend, which is saying something considering WrestleCade featured a few surprises of its own — including Jushin Thunder Liger briefly coming out of retirement to squash Joey Janela during the SuperShow.

For now, Hart and WrestleCade are simply hoping the megaphone finds its way home. After all, the “Mouth of the South” just isn’t the same without it.

Jushin Thunder Liger Shocks Fans With Surprise In-Ring Return At WrestleCade

WrestleCade weekend delivered one of its biggest surprises ever when Japanese wrestling icon Jushin Thunder Liger briefly stepped out of retirement for an unexpected showdown with The Bad Boy Joey Janela.

Liger officially wrapped up his legendary 35-plus–year career back in 2020, closing the book with a tag match in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. But the 61-year-old Hall of Famer proved he still had one more run-in left in him, answering Janela’s open challenge at the Winston-Salem convention. According to Wrestling Observer, the quick exhibition went about four minutes, with Liger picking up the victory to the delight of the crowd.

Janela didn’t leave with the win, but he left with a bucket-list moment. The former AEW star shared just how surreal it felt to find himself across the ring from the masked legend he grew up watching.

“I thought I saw a ghost! In high school when I was 16, I would bring a portable DVD player on the bus and watch a seven-hour Jushin Liger compilation. Twenty years later, somehow WrestleCade made this wizardry happen! Spectacular feels!” Janela wrote.

Since hanging up the boots, Liger has stayed active in the business through commentary work in NJPW and even popped up in AEW during the 2023 Owen Hart Cup, where he had a brief segment with Ricky Starks.

This year’s WrestleCade was stacked as usual, featuring appearances from Ricky Morton, the Hardy Boyz, JBL, Matt Cardona, Nic Nemeth, and plenty more. But Liger’s unadvertised return easily stole the show — a rare treat for longtime fans and a reminder of why his legacy still resonates across generations.

AEW Dynamite Thanksgiving Eve Preview 11/26/2025

The AEW Thanksgiving Eve themed episode of Dynamite airs live tonight on TBS and HBO Max, from The Pinnacle in Nashville, Tennessee.

  • Fallout from Full Gear
  • AEW Continental Classic Gold League: Kyle Fletcher vs. Kazuchika Okada
  • AEW Continental Classic Gold League: Darby Allin vs. Kevin Knight
  • AEW Continental Classic Blue League: Jon Moxley vs. Mascara Dorada
  • AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship Tournament Semifinal: Babes of Wrath (Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron) vs. Sisters of Sin (Julia Hart and Skye Blue)
  • The Opps to celebrate new AEW World Champion Samoa Joe

Legendary Mid-Atlantic & WCW Announcer Bob Caudle Passes Away at 95

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic voices, as Bob Caudle, a staple of Mid-Atlantic, NWA, and WCW programming for decades, has passed away at the age of 95. His son Mike confirmed the news, sharing that Caudle died peacefully in his sleep.

Caudle’s career in broadcasting began humbly in Wilmington, North Carolina, before moving to Savannah, Georgia, where he first stepped into the world of wrestling as the host of a studio show. After returning to North Carolina, he became the weatherman for Raleigh’s WRAL — the same station where NWA Atlantic Wrestling was taped weekly — setting the stage for the role that would cement his place in wrestling history.

For fans of Jim Crockett Promotions, Caudle’s voice is unforgettable. He fronted some of the company’s most recognizable programs, including All-Star Wrestling, Wide World Wrestling, Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, and World Wide Wrestling. His calm, steady delivery and genuine warmth made him one of wrestling’s most beloved broadcasters.

Caudle also teamed with Jim Ross on several major NWA/WCW pay-per-views in the late ’80s, adding credibility and tradition during a transformative time for the company. After leaving WCW in 1991, he continued calling action in Smoky Mountain Wrestling until the promotion closed its doors.

Bob Caudle’s contributions helped shape the sound and feel of an entire era of professional wrestling. His legacy lives on through countless classic broadcasts and the many fans who grew up hearing his signature sign-off: “So long for now.”

WrestlingNewsBlog extends heartfelt condolences to the Caudle family and everyone touched by his legendary career.

John Cena Finally Becomes a Grand Slam Champion After Winning Intercontinental Title in Boston

John Cena has officially completed the ultimate WWE milestone — the 16-time World Champion is now a Grand Slam Champion. In an emotional and hard-fought victory, Cena defeated Dominik Mysterio in the opening match of WWE Raw from his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts, to capture the Intercontinental Championship for the very first time in his storied career.

The night began with Triple H kicking off Raw and introducing Cena to a massive hometown ovation. But before Cena could address the crowd, “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio interrupted, leading the WWE COO to make the match official right then and there.

Dominik tried to play his usual mind games, even attempting to walk away early, but Cena wasn’t about to let the moment slip away. The action quickly spilled to the outside, with Mysterio throwing Cena into the steel steps. Despite the punishment, the veteran refused to stay down and made it back into the ring just in time to beat the count.

The match became a mix of tribute and trickery — Mysterio hit a slick sequence of the Three Amigos and tried to channel Eddie Guerrero by faking a chair shot. Cena matched his antics, mirroring Dominik’s ploy and turning the tables in classic fashion. A referee bump briefly halted the match, as Mysterio tapped out to the STF with no official to call it. By the time a second referee arrived, Dominik had recovered enough to keep the match going.

In the end, Mysterio connected with a 619 and went for the frog splash, but Cena rolled through mid-air, hoisting him up into an Attitude Adjustment to secure the pinfall and the Intercontinental Championship.

After the bell, Cena celebrated with the Boston crowd, proudly declaring, “The champ is here!” as fireworks lit up the arena. The victory not only marks Cena’s first run with the Intercontinental Title but also cements his place among WWE’s most elite — joining the ranks of those who’ve captured every major championship in company history.

At long last, John Cena’s WWE résumé is complete.

Raven Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles in New Documentary

ECW legend and former WWE, WCW, and TNA star Raven is known to wrestling fans as one of the sharpest minds and most captivating talkers of the 1990s. But behind the dark promos and brooding character, the man behind the persona—Scott Levy—was fighting an emotional battle that fans never saw.

In his newly released documentary, Nevermore: The Raven Effect, the hardcore icon opens up about his journey to sobriety and the mental health challenges that shaped both his life and career.

Raven revealed that he lives with multiple personality disorders, a diagnosis he discovered by accident during treatment. “You’re not supposed to know your diagnosis,” he explained, “but I happened to read it upside down on my doctor’s desk… it said histrionic personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder. To me, it was freeing—now I understood why I behaved the way I did.”

The former ECW World Champion went on to describe how those disorders affected his life and relationships. “Narcissistic Personality Disorder is basically egomania,” he said. “But histrionic is more twisted—needing to be the center of attention, being overly dramatic, using appearance to draw attention. I checked all the boxes.”

Raven connected much of his emotional turmoil to his complicated relationship with his father. He recalled that his dad’s constant insults and sarcasm shattered his self-esteem, leading him to overcompensate through ego and bravado. “If I brag about myself and convince you that I’m great,” Raven admitted, “maybe you’ll convince me that I am.”

He shared that it wasn’t until his father’s passing that he was finally able to move forward. “When he died, that’s when I finally became an adult. I was 35, but before that, I was still a kid chasing my dad’s approval.”

For fans who followed Raven’s career through the chaos of ECW, the bright lights of WWE, and the creative freedom of TNA, this revelation offers a deeply human look at the man behind one of wrestling’s most complex characters.

Raven’s story is a reminder that even the toughest minds in the business fight battles that go unseen—and his willingness to open up about those struggles continues to make him one of wrestling’s most compelling voices, both in and out of the ring.