WWE NXT live tonight on The CW.
The WWE roster just got even more exciting, as Rey Fenix is officially set to debut on SmackDown next week. The announcement was made during WWE SmackDown in London, England, confirming that the high-flying luchador will appear on the blue brand when WWE returns to the United States ahead of WrestleMania 41.
After weeks of video teases and reports of his WWE signing, fans were eager to see what name Fenix would use in his new home. Unlike his brother and longtime tag partner Penta—formerly Pentagon Jr., whose name was shortened upon joining WWE Raw—Fenix will continue wrestling under the Rey Fenix moniker.
The decision follows a recent trend of WWE tweaking names for incoming talent. Former AEW star Ricky Starks, for example, recently rebranded as Ricky Saints upon joining WWE NXT. However, Fenix keeping his established ring name suggests WWE recognizes his international appeal.
Fenix’s jump to WWE comes after months of speculation regarding his AEW status. AEW President Tony Khan initially extended Fenix’s contract due to injury time, preventing him from signing with WWE alongside his brother, Penta. However, Khan ultimately reversed his stance and granted Fenix his release in early May, paving the way for his WWE debut.
Reports had circulated that the Lucha Bros were in discussions with WWE before their AEW contracts expired, making Fenix’s arrival in WWE highly anticipated. With his explosive lucha libre style and a resume that includes championship reigns across multiple promotions, Fenix could quickly become a major player on SmackDown.
Now that Fenix is officially WWE-bound, the big question is: How will he be introduced? Will he immediately enter the singles scene, or will WWE reunite the Lucha Bros on-screen? With WrestleMania 41 just around the corner, there’s no better time for Fenix to make an impact.
Fans won’t have to wait long to find out—Rey Fenix makes his WWE debut next Friday on SmackDown!
WWE’s blue brand is getting a fresh voice, as Mark Shunock has officially been named the new ring announcer for Friday Night SmackDown. Shunock, a seasoned host with experience in sports and entertainment, is set to bring his signature energy to WWE starting this week.
Shunock made the big announcement himself on social media, posting on X:
“Stepping into a new ring with @WWE. Thrilled to join Friday Night SmackDown. Mark ‘Nash’ will see you tomorrow night @TheO2. #WWE #WWESmackDown #SmackDown #RingAnnouncer”
With Alicia Taylor handling duties on Raw and Mike Rome on NXT, Shunock now completes WWE’s ring announcer lineup across all three major brands.
While this may be Shunock’s first role with WWE, he’s no stranger to hyping up a live crowd. A former Canadian Hockey League player turned performer, he has an extensive background in both entertainment and sports announcing.
Fans may recognize him from his time as the in-arena host for the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. He has also worked as the ring announcer and host for Top Rank Boxing, bringing excitement to some of the biggest fights in the sport.
Shunock takes over the SmackDown ring announcer role from Lillian Garcia, who has been handling the position since early January. Before that, Garcia was the voice of Raw following her return to WWE in late 2023.
With his mix of sports, theater, and hosting experience, Shunock seems like a natural fit to carry the energy of SmackDown into this new era. Fans will get their first taste of his WWE debut at The O2 Arena in London, where he’ll introduce the superstars of Friday Night SmackDown.
North Carolina is looking to cement its place in pro wrestling history with a proposed Hall of Fame, and they’re doing it in true legendary fashion—by naming the bill after “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair.
The bipartisan Senate Bill 404, also known as the “RIC FLAIR” Act, aims to allocate $500,000 to study the feasibility of creating a professional wrestling Hall of Fame in the state. The bill is sponsored by Senators Jay Chaudhuri, Danny Britt, and Ralph Hise, and if passed, would require the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to conduct the study and present a report by the summer of 2026.
Senator Chaudhuri emphasized the deep connection between professional wrestling and North Carolina, stating, “Our shared cultural heritage in this state is college basketball, NASCAR, and professional wrestling. Professional wrestling still hasn’t gotten the recognition it deserves.”
North Carolina has long been a major hub for wrestling, with the legendary Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling promotion calling the state home before evolving into Jim Crockett Promotions, a key player in the rise of the NWA and WCW. Ric Flair himself became a household name while wrestling in the region, making the bill’s namesake a fitting tribute.
If the study leads to the creation of a Hall of Fame, North Carolina could establish itself as a premier destination for wrestling history alongside WWE’s Hall of Fame, which currently exists as a virtual entity without a dedicated physical location.
Could we see a brick-and-mortar wrestling shrine in North Carolina in the future? Only time will tell, but if there’s one thing Ric Flair knows how to do, it’s make history. Woooo!
The wrestling world has lost a true broadcasting icon, as Bill Mercer, best known as the voice of World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), passed away on Sunday at the age of 99.
Mercer’s journey in wrestling began in the 1950s in Oklahoma before he made his mark in Texas. By 1976, he was a familiar voice in the industry, but it was his time calling WCCW from 1982 to 1987 that cemented his place in wrestling history. His commentary became synonymous with the golden era of WCCW, where he narrated the rise of legends like The Von Erichs, The Fabulous Freebirds, and Gino Hernandez.
However, Mercer’s talents extended well beyond the squared circle. His broadcasting career spanned 60 years, covering baseball, football, basketball, and even historic news events. He was on the ground as a news reporter covering the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 in Dallas, a moment that forever shaped American history.
Beyond his work in media, Mercer was also a dedicated educator. From 1966 to 2006, he taught at the University of North Texas, shaping the careers of over 700 students in radio and television broadcasting. His contributions to the industry were recognized with inductions into both the Texas Radio Hall of Fame (2002) and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame (2020).
Before his passing, Mercer held the distinction of being the oldest living past president of the Dallas-Fort Worth SAG-AFTRA, an organization he served during the 1960s.
Bill Mercer’s influence on wrestling, sports, and journalism is undeniable. His voice provided the soundtrack to some of wrestling’s most unforgettable moments, and his impact will live on through the many students and broadcasters he mentored over the decades.
Rest in peace, Bill Mercer—your voice and legacy will never be forgotten.
TNA Wrestling star Chris Bey took center stage at FSW Mecca X in Las Vegas this past Sunday, delivering an emotional speech to the fans who supported him through his difficult recovery. The event, which aired on TrillerTV, served as a benefit show for Bey, who has been sidelined since October due to a serious neck injury.
Accompanied by his girlfriend, Brittnie Brooks, Bey walked to the ring to a warm reception. Once inside, he embraced Karrion Kross and Hammerstone, who had just competed in the main event. He then called for his long-time tag team partner, Ace Austin, to join him in the ring before addressing the crowd.
In an emotional speech, Bey expressed his deep appreciation for the wrestling community, emphasizing the support he has received from fans, fellow wrestlers, and everyone behind the scenes.
“I’d be lying if I said I did it by myself because I truly and honestly believe that because of each and every one of you, and everybody in the back, that’s the reason why I’m standing here right now.”
Bey spoke about his lifelong love for wrestling, his gratitude for the opportunity to live his dream, and how much the overwhelming support has meant to him during this time.
“Love is a real thing, and all my life, all I’ve ever truly, truly, truly loved—until I met her [Brittnie]—was professional wrestling.”
The TNA star encouraged everyone in attendance to cherish the moment, embrace their emotions, and appreciate the significance of the night.
Bey’s injury occurred last October during a TNA Tag Team Title match against Matt and Jeff Hardy at an IMPACT taping in Detroit following Bound for Glory. A botched move resulted in a broken neck, forcing him to undergo surgery and take an indefinite hiatus from the ring.
While his in-ring return remains uncertain, Bey’s heartfelt words at FSW Mecca X made it clear that he hasn’t lost his passion for wrestling—or the fans who have stood by him. His speech was a powerful reminder of the bond between wrestlers and their supporters, proving that even in the toughest moments, the love for the business remains unshaken.
With an unforgettable night in the books, the question now remains: When will Chris Bey make his return to the ring?
The wrestling world was left stunned earlier this month when Homicide, a former Ring of Honor World Champion and TNA Tag Team Champion, revealed that he would be stepping away from the ring. His farewell match took place on March 20, where he teamed with former WWE star Bull James against TNA’s Mike Santana and Afa Jr. However, while fans initially speculated on why Homicide was retiring while still actively competing, he has now provided clarity on his decision.
One day before his final match, Homicide took to Facebook to explain that his retirement is due to a serious health issue—a cyst on his brain that has worsened over time.
“Reason I’m leaving cause I went to my Doctor and found cyst my brain,” Homicide shared. “Had it for months getting worst. My vision, speech is bad. Cause the hard hitting getting knock out and hitting a plane to travel.”
The 46-year-old veteran has built a reputation for his hard-hitting, no-nonsense style, competing in countless brutal battles throughout his career. Unfortunately, the physical toll of his in-ring wars has now led him to step away for the sake of his health.
Despite the circumstances, Homicide made it clear that he wanted his final match to be a celebration rather than a somber farewell.
“I want people to party, and smile, except for Afa Jr.,” Homicide joked. “I’m survivor, I always win bS battles, bottom my heart. Thank you for your support. This not a goodbye. This is I see you later.”
Homicide’s contributions to professional wrestling, particularly in Ring of Honor, TNA, and the independent scene, have left an undeniable mark on the industry. His legacy of grit, passion, and intensity will continue to inspire future generations.
For fans looking to relive some of Homicide’s greatest moments, AEW has released a special episode of “ROH Timelines: Homicide” on their YouTube channel. The episode highlights his incredible career in Ring of Honor, including classic matches against Bryan Danielson and other top names.
While his in-ring career has come to an end, Homicide’s impact on wrestling will never be forgotten. Whether he stays involved behind the scenes or simply enjoys a well-earned rest, his influence remains undeniable.
A former WWE Champion has found himself in hot water south of the border.
Alberto El Patrón (formerly known as Alberto Del Rio in WWE) has been suspended from wrestling in Tijuana, Mexico, for 180 days. The decision was handed down by the Tijuana Wrestling Commission following a controversial incident at a recent event.
Translated from Spanish by Google
“Alberto El Patrón (also known as Alberto del Río in WWE) has been suspended by the Tijuana Commission for six months due to what happened at a AAA event this past Friday.
During his main event match against Dr. Wagner Jr., Alberto confronted a fan who threw several coins at him, which angered him and prompted him to go look for him in the audience.
This got to the point where El Patrón threw a chair at the fan, only to be hit with another chair himself, starting a fight in which an elderly woman was injured and had to be taken to the hospital.
He will not be able to fight in Tijuana for the next 180 days.”
Below is a statement from the Tijuana Commission:
“In the city of Tijuana, Baja California, on the 17th day of March 2025, in the facilities of the honorable wrestling commission, located at 12421 Diaz Ordaz Boulevard, estate El Paraiso, zip code 22440, in an extraordinary meeting and with the presence of a legal quorum, it was determined that in accordance with the established in the wrestling regulations for the city of Tijuana, Baja California, it was determined that the wrestling regulations for the city of Tijuana, Baja California, would be in effect on the 17th day of March, 2025.
Tijuana Baja California.The professional wrestler Alberto Del Rio is suspended for 180 days in the city of Tijuana.
In the city of Tijuana, Baja California on the 17th day of the month of March, 2025, the present notice is hereby given, for all the effects that may be applicable, at the offices of the Honorable Wrestling Commission, in the city of Tijuana, Baja California”.
While specific details about what led to the suspension remain unclear, it’s not the first time El Patrón has faced issues outside the ring. The former WWE Champion has had a history of controversies throughout his career, both professionally and personally. This latest development could have significant implications for his status in the Mexican wrestling scene, as Tijuana is a major hub for lucha libre promotions.
El Patrón has continued to wrestle on the independent circuit following his last WWE run, making appearances in various promotions across the U.S. and Mexico. However, this suspension could limit his opportunities in one of Mexico’s most active wrestling markets.
It remains to be seen if El Patrón will address the suspension publicly or if any appeals will be made. For now, he will have to sit on the sidelines in Tijuana for the next six months.
Mickie James will not be returning for the second season of WWE LFG, as she has been replaced on the show’s judging panel by Michelle McCool. Reports indicate that The Undertaker, a host of the series and McCool’s husband, was behind the push to have his wife join the program. However, sources clarify that The Undertaker did not request James be removed—only that McCool be added.
Despite this change, fans haven’t seen the last of Mickie James in WWE-related appearances. According to Fightful Select, James still has upcoming promotional commitments with WWE, meaning she’ll continue to be involved with the company in some capacity.
James originally appeared on WWE LFG alongside The Undertaker, Booker T, and Bubba Ray Dudley, as they mentored aspiring wrestlers hoping to land a WWE contract. While her absence will be felt, McCool—a former multi-time WWE Women’s Champion—brings her own veteran experience to the role.
Though she’s off WWE LFG, Mickie James is staying busy inside the ring. She’s set to face Maki Itoh at WrestleCon’s Mark Hitchcock Memorial Supershow during WrestleMania weekend. The match was officially announced on Sunday, adding another exciting bout to the highly anticipated event.
The updated card for the April 17th show now features:
🔹 Minoru Suzuki vs. Butterbean (Special Guest Enforcer: Dan Severn)
🔹 Mickie James vs. Maki Itoh
With James remaining active in both WWE-affiliated promotions and independent events, it’s clear she’s not slowing down anytime soon. Fans eager to see her in action won’t have to wait long, as her WrestleCon showdown with Itoh promises to be a must-see match.
Ring of Honor will present a new episode of ROH TV tonight on HonorClub, with several matches announced. The lineup includes:
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