Category: Wrestling News

Evolution 2 Still in Limbo as WWE Remains Quiet on All-Women’s Event

The wait for a follow-up to WWE’s groundbreaking all-women’s Evolution event has been long and filled with plenty of fan demand — but whether 2025 will finally deliver the long-awaited sequel remains uncertain.

Back in March, optimism surged when multiple reports indicated that WWE was eyeing a summer return for Evolution, with early plans pointing to a premium live event in Connecticut this July. However, months later, clarity is still lacking, and WWE hasn’t officially confirmed anything.

According to PWInsider Elite, WWE is still “potentially” targeting early July for Evolution 2, but the initial Connecticut location has reportedly been swapped out for Atlanta, Georgia. A tentative date of July 13 has been floated — a weekend that’s already packed with wrestling action. Not only would Evolution land on the same weekend as AEW All In, but WWE is also scheduled to hold a Saturday Night’s Main Event special the night before, on July 12. If both shows do take place in Atlanta, it could point to a full weekend of WWE programming in the city — but again, nothing has been officially confirmed.

Adding to the confusion, WWE talent reportedly hasn’t been contacted about the event at all. Fightful Select noted that wrestlers are just as in the dark as fans, learning about the possible event only through online speculation. Even some legends of WWE who’ve spoken publicly about Evolution 2 seem to be reacting more to the buzz than any internal communication from the company.

The original Evolution PLE, held in October 2018, was widely praised as a landmark event, showcasing top-tier women’s wrestling across WWE’s brands and generating strong fan support for a recurring series. Yet, despite the success and repeated calls for a sequel, WWE has never revisited the concept — at least not yet.

As July inches closer, fans are still holding out hope that WWE will officially pull the trigger and give the women’s division the spotlight it deserves once again. But for now, Evolution 2 remains more rumor than reality.

Hardcore Legend Sabu Passes Away at 60, Just Weeks After Final Match

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of a true icon of the hardcore era, as Terrence Brunk—known to fans across the globe as Sabu—has passed away at the age of 60.

PWInsider was first to report the heartbreaking news, though details surrounding the cause and exact time of death have not yet been made public. What makes this loss even more poignant is that it comes mere weeks after Sabu officially wrestled his final match. On April 18, during WrestleMania weekend, the “Homicidal, Suicidal, Genocidal” legend stepped into the ring one last time, defeating Joey Janela in the main event of Joey Janela’s Spring Break 9.

Sabu’s legacy is deeply entwined with the roots of extreme wrestling. A second-generation star and the nephew of the legendary Sheik, Sabu broke into the business in 1985, wrestling across various Midwest territories. While he had early stints in WWE and Japan’s FMW, it was in ECW where Sabu became a game-changer. His wild, no-holds-barred style made him a cornerstone of the promotion’s rebellious identity, influencing an entire generation of performers and fans.

His brutal, high-risk matches against the likes of Rob Van Dam and Taz were the stuff of underground legend, passed around on VHS tapes long before streaming made wrestling instantly accessible. Even a brief run in WCW couldn’t keep him away from the chaos of ECW, where he remained until the company’s eventual closure in 2001.

After ECW folded, Sabu continued to bring hardcore wrestling to audiences on the independent scene and through appearances in TNA Wrestling. He returned to WWE during its ECW revival in 2006, briefly rekindling the spirit of the original brand. That run included a notable clash with John Cena at Vengeance 2006, offering mainstream fans a glimpse of what made Sabu a cult hero. He was released from WWE in 2007 but never left the ring for long, continuing to compete well into his later years.

Sabu’s death marks the end of an era. Few wrestlers embodied the raw, dangerous, and unpredictable energy of ‘90s ECW like he did. Whether crashing through tables wrapped in barbed wire or flying through the air with little regard for his own safety, Sabu lived the “hardcore” label in and out of the ring.

From smoky bingo halls to pay-per-view spotlights, his legacy will endure wherever fans celebrate wrestling without limits.

Rest in peace, Sabu.

Former STARDOM Star Likely Headed To AEW

After a standout stint in Japan, Thekla is officially making her way to the United States—and she’s not coming without buzz. The former STARDOM star recently wrapped up her run with the promotion, and according to Fightful Select, she’s had her sights set on relocating to the U.S. for quite some time.

Thekla’s next move hasn’t been made public yet, but that hasn’t stopped speculation from heating up. Both AEW and WWE have reportedly been keeping tabs on her, with WWE sources noting they’ve been watching her closely. Meanwhile, AEW’s interest has reportedly grown since late last year, and insiders now believe she’s likely headed their way.

It’s not just the major leagues either—independent promotions are also in the mix, hoping to capitalize on Thekla’s unique in-ring style and international experience. For now, the mystery remains, but it’s clear that wherever Thekla lands, she won’t be short on opportunities.

Who Is Thekla?
Known as the “Toxic Spider,” Thekla is an Austrian-born wrestler who made a name for herself in Japan, particularly with World Wonder Ring STARDOM. Blending technical prowess with a hard-hitting, unorthodox style, she became a standout in the Donna del Mondo faction and developed a strong fanbase thanks to her charisma and in-ring intensity. Fluent in multiple languages and experienced across the European, Japanese, and now potentially American scenes, Thekla brings an international flair that makes her a unique asset in today’s wrestling landscape.

Hulk Hogan & Eric Bischoff Launch Real American Freestyle Wrestling League

Wrestling fans were thrown for a loop this week when WWE legends Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff teased a major announcement with a cryptic nWo-style video on social media. Given Bischoff’s prominent role in the podcasting world, most assumed the pair were reviving something audio-based, perhaps with frequent collaborator Conrad Thompson. But when the curtain was pulled back, the surprise was something no one saw coming: a brand-new freestyle wrestling league.

On Wednesday morning, Hogan and Bischoff revealed the launch of the Real American Freestyle Wrestling League (RAFWL), a new organization focused on amateur-style freestyle wrestling. Joining them as the all-important “third man” is Izzy Martinez, a renowned freestyle coach who’s trained top UFC talent like Jon Jones and Holly Holm — the latter of whom he coached to her legendary upset victory over Ronda Rousey.

In interviews with both the Associated Press and Forbes, Hogan explained that the idea for RAFWL sparked earlier this year while watching Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Henderson defeat Gable Steveson at the NCAA Championships. That bout, which saw a college standout topple a former WWE star and Olympic gold medalist, inspired Hogan to explore a new vision for the sport. Now, he, Bischoff, and Martinez are aiming to build something big, and they’re already eyeing both Henderson and Steveson for involvement in the league.

RAFWL is set to feature eight men’s weight classes and four women’s divisions, with Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blades already confirmed as part of the roster. Hogan has declared Blades the “face” of the women’s division — a bold move signaling their commitment to showcasing high-level female athletes from the jump.

The league’s leadership structure is also coming into focus: Hogan will act as commissioner, while Martinez has been named Chief Operating Officer. Bischoff’s role remains a bit mysterious for now, though Hogan noted he’ll be contributing on the production side, which makes sense given Bischoff’s long history behind the camera.

The first RAFWL event is scheduled for August 30 in Cleveland, Ohio, with additional shows expected to be announced in the coming months. While the transition from sports entertainment to true freestyle wrestling might seem like a curveball, Hogan and Bischoff have never been afraid to disrupt the status quo — and with a proven coach like Martinez steering the ship, this may just be the beginning of something big.

Are Hogan and Bischoff about to shake up wrestling all over again — this time, on the mat instead of the mic? We’ll find out soon enough.

WWE Hall of Famer Reveals He Broke Both of His Heels at MLW Battle Riot VII

WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam shocked fans recently with a painful revelation: he broke both of his heels during his surprise appearance at MLW Battle Riot VII earlier this month. The injury occurred during the April 5 event in Los Angeles, and RVD opened up about the incident on the latest episode of his One Of A Kind podcast.

RVD entered the chaotic 40-man Battle Riot match as the final surprise entrant at #40, only to be eliminated by eventual winner Matt Riddle. The injury happened in the final moments of the night when Riddle shoved him off the top rope. Van Dam landed on his feet, but not in the way he intended.

“A lot of people don’t know that I got hurt because it was the very last move in the night. But I went up to the top rope and Matt Riddle pushed me off and then I landed on my feet. Normally I kind of like, hug the guardrail and my weight goes into it. This one I must have misjudged it a little bit, and I just landed on my feet...both heels blew. I thought that my ankles were sprained. I crawled out of there. I haven’t been able to walk since. And so I got the x-rays, both heels broke. It’s not something that I’m not used to, I kind of routinely kind of go through this thing, but, man, it definitely made me cancel a lot of plans that I had for the next few months and Wrestlecon and WrestleMania week, I made it through all the obligations.”

Despite the injury, RVD still managed to honor a handful of commitments during WrestleMania week, including WrestleCon appearances. However, he admitted that the break has forced him to cancel several plans moving forward.

RVD, known for his high-risk, high-impact style, has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his legendary career. But breaking both heels in one move is a rare and brutal reminder of the toll pro wrestling can take — even on the most seasoned veterans.

Naomi Opens Up About Nearing The End Of Her Wrestling Career, Wants To Be A Mother

During a heartfelt conversation with The Bella Twins, Naomi revealed that she’s preparing for life after wrestling as she hopes to start a family soon.

Naomi pointed out that she is currently 37 and has a limited timeframe remaining to start a family.

She said, “I always wanted kids young. I always wanted a lot. Your girl is getting up there. I’m 37. Time. I’ve got to figure this out like yesterday. I’m asking myself and struggling with that question. I’m definitely leaning towards it, but I’ve had health issues. I only have one ovary. Even if I wanted to continue wrestling longer, my biological clock, I can’t. We got a lot to figure out. I have to step away and take care of my health and myself. If we’re going to have kids, I have to start that process very soon. With that on my mind and on my plate, I think that makes my time left here even more special and valuable to me. That’s why I’m so passionate about what I’m doing because I think this might be it.”

Steve “Mongo” McMichael Passes Away at 67 After Courageous Battle With ALS

The wrestling and sports worlds are mourning the loss of a true warrior today, as Steve “Mongo” McMichael has passed away at the age of 67. The former Chicago Bears defensive standout, turned WCW star, died Wednesday following a four-year fight with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

McMichael’s legacy spans far beyond the gridiron. A cornerstone of the legendary 1985 Super Bowl-winning Chicago Bears—famously dubbed the “Monsters of the Midway”—McMichael was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024. But wrestling fans remember him just as fondly for his larger-than-life persona in the squared circle.

“Mongo” made a smooth transition from football to pro wrestling in the mid-90s, becoming a colorful figure in WCW. He initially joined the promotion as a commentator but quickly stepped into the ring, aligning himself with one of the most iconic factions in wrestling history: The Four Horsemen. During his in-ring tenure, McMichael captured the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship in 1997 by defeating Jeff Jarrett, a moment that cemented his place in wrestling lore.

McMichael’s later years were marked by a brave public battle with ALS, which he was diagnosed with in 2021. His health struggles became increasingly severe, and earlier this year he was hospitalized with MRSA and required a blood transfusion. On Wednesday, reports emerged that McMichael had entered hospice care after being taken off a ventilator. His passing was confirmed by WGN’s Jarrett Payton, who was with him during his final moments.

“With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight with ALS surrounded by loved ones,” Payton posted on X (formerly Twitter). “I’m grateful to have been with him in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family in your prayers.”

From hard-hitting tackles to Horsemen beatdowns, Steve McMichael lived every moment with intensity and charisma. Whether you knew him from Soldier Field or the WCW ring, “Mongo” left a lasting impression. His resilience, both as an athlete and as a man fighting a devastating disease, will not be forgotten.

WWE issued the following statement on Mongo’s passing on X (formerly Twitter):

“WWE is saddened to learn that Steve “Mongo” McMichael has passed away. WWE extends its condolences to McMichael’s family, friends, and fans.”

JD McDonagh Returns on Raw, Helps Dominik Mysterio Retain IC Title

Another familiar face is back on the red brand. JD McDonagh made his surprise return to WWE on the Raw After WrestleMania, jumping right into the action to lend a controversial hand to his Judgment Day ally, Dominik Mysterio.

Monday’s show in Las Vegas featured Dominik’s first Intercontinental Championship defense, just 24 hours removed from his WrestleMania 41 win. He faced off against a debuting Penta, who seemed moments away from dethroning the newly minted champ—until McDonagh made his presence felt.

With the referee conveniently distracted, McDonagh struck, laying out Penta and clearing the path for Dominik to hit his trademark frog splash for the pinfall victory. The assist wasn’t just McDonagh’s way of reasserting himself in the storyline—it was a clear signal that despite recent fractures within The Judgment Day, some alliances are still holding strong.

This marks McDonagh’s first appearance since suffering serious injuries back in January. The Irish star was sidelined with broken ribs and a punctured lung following a tag team match on the January 27 edition of Raw, where he teamed with Dominik against The War Raiders. His return couldn’t come at a more chaotic time.

The Judgment Day has been anything but unified lately. Finn Balor, long seen as the group’s leader, has been increasingly isolated and is now teasing a possible move against Dominik’s newly won Intercontinental Title. That development throws McDonagh’s return into an even more intriguing light—especially given his past loyalty to Balor.

Is McDonagh still loyal to the original Judgment Day architect, or is he staking his future alongside the group’s younger rising star? With tension boiling over and championship gold now in the mix, don’t be surprised if McDonagh finds himself caught between two Judgment Day forces in the very near future.

GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII Results

GCW held their event Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII Thursday night at the Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Here are results:

  • Leyla Hirsch def. Jordan Blade via TKO
  • Maika def. Karmen Petrovic via submission
  • Charlie Dempsey def. Shinya Aoki via TKO
  • Karrion Kross def. JR Kratos via submission
  • Pete Dunne def. Timothy Thatcher via submission
  • Natalya def. Miyu Yamashita via submission
  • Tavion Heights def. Royce Isaacs via TKO
  • Shayna Baszler def. Komani via TKO
  • Zack Sabre Jr. def. Jonathan Gresham via KO. The match went to a time limit draw, resulting in a five-minute overtime.
  • Gabe Kidd def. Josh Barnett via TKO

GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII 4/17/2025 (Card)

GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII – Thursday, April 17, 2025 –
Pearl Theater At Palms Casino Resort – Las Vegas

CARD

  • Royce Isaacs vs. Tavion Heights
  • Shayna Baszler vs. Konami
  • Josh Barnett vs. Gabe Kidd
  • Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Jonathan Gresham
  • JR Kratos vs. Karrion Kross
  • Maika vs. Karmen Petrovic
  • Charlie Dempsey vs. Shinya Aoki
  • Nattie Neidhart vs. Miyu Yamashita
  • Leyla Hirsch vs. Jordan Blade
  • Timothy Thatcher vs. Pete Dunne