Category: WWE

Referee Daphanie LaShaunn Speaks Out After Big SmackDown Main Event Botch

The closing moments of Friday’s WWE SmackDown women’s main event had fans buzzing for an unexpected reason — a botched pinfall that briefly threw the finish into question.

During the WWE Women’s Title Triple Threat Match, Tiffany Stratton appeared to have Nia Jax down for a three-count, but referee Daphanie LaShaunn (formerly known on the indies as Aja Smith) only registered a two despite Jax not kicking out. The hiccup was quickly overshadowed when Stratton went on to hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the actual finish, but the moment didn’t go unnoticed.

LaShaunn later addressed the incident on her Instagram Stories, showing humility and appreciation in her response:

“I see all the love. I’m just human, but I can promise that I strive to always be better. Which will forever be my goal as long as I’m on this journey. I love this just like y’all. That I can swear to you.”

According to reports, the finish of the match had already been slightly reworked after Jade Cargill suffered a cut earlier in the contest. Stratton was always planned to leave with the victory, but the sequence leading up to it ended up playing out differently than scripted.

As is often the case with live TV, WWE quickly cleaned up the mistake for its official YouTube upload, editing the missed count out of the footage.

While the botch sparked chatter online, LaShaunn’s professionalism and accountability in addressing the situation have earned her plenty of respect from fans. Mistakes may happen, but Stratton still got her big win — and SmackDown closed with the intended result.

Adam Scherr (Braun Strowman) Teases Possible Role as Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th Franchise

Braun Strowman may no longer be terrorizing opponents inside a WWE ring, but he could soon be terrorizing movie audiences on the big screen. The former Universal Champion, real name Adam Scherr, has been branching out since leaving WWE, diving into acting and even launching his own travel show. His next project? A role in the upcoming horror sequel Deathgasm 2: Goremageddon.

But according to Scherr, that might just be the beginning of his journey into horror. In a recent interview with Collider, the powerhouse revealed that he’s been in early discussions about playing none other than Jason Voorhees—the legendary slasher who’s been haunting campgrounds and movie screens for nearly five decades.

“If we could ever get everybody to get back on the same page and allow the things to work, I might be the next Jason Voorhees,” Strowman said, even adding that he’d shave off his trademark beard for the opportunity.

While it’s not clear how far along those conversations are—or if they’re directly connected to the current Friday the 13th projects—Scherr made it clear he’s more than interested in picking up the iconic hockey mask.

The franchise has been dormant on the big screen since 2009, marking its longest hiatus in 45 years. However, the property is starting to stir again. Peacock has a prequel series, Crystal Lake, in development, which is said to explore Jason’s backstory through the perspective of his mother, Pamela Voorhees. A new feature film is also in the works, which could open the door for someone like Scherr to step into the role of adult Jason.

For wrestling fans, the thought of Strowman’s imposing frame as the unstoppable Voorhees is easy to picture—after all, he’s spent years playing the monster among men. Whether it’s on the squared circle or the silver screen, Scherr seems ready to keep his reputation for destruction alive.

WWE NXT GM Ava Announces TNA Invasion TV Special For Same Night As AEW’s Title Tuesday “Homecoming”

The battle between NXT and AEW Dynamite on “Title Tuesday” is becoming a yearly tradition, and 2025 might be the most high-stakes showdown yet. During Saturday’s NXT No Mercy premium live event, General Manager Ava announced that the October 7 episode of NXT will be branded “Invasion”, with the black-and-gold brand facing off against stars from TNA Wrestling.

This means WWE’s developmental brand will once again go head-to-head with AEW’s annual Title Tuesday, which this year features a special “Homecoming” edition of Dynamite. And while AEW has yet to announce any matches for their card, NXT has already stacked the deck.

What’s on tap for NXT: Invasion?

  • Survival Matches: Both men’s and women’s teams will compete in elimination-style battles reminiscent of Survivor Series. Team lineups will be revealed on next week’s NXT.
  • Title-for-Title Matches:
    • NXT Tag Team Champions DarkState vs. The Hardy Boys, the reigning TNA World Tag Team Champions.
    • NXT Champion Oba Femi vs. TNA World Champion Trick Williams, with all outside interference banned following recent chaos on NXT.

The Oba vs. Trick matchup is especially noteworthy. While Williams currently represents TNA as world champion, his roots remain firmly in NXT. He captured the TNA World Title back in May at NXT Battleground, defeating Joe Hendry. The crossover has only deepened since then: the night before No Mercy, Kelani Jordan won the TNA Knockouts World Championship at Victory Road after Ash By Elegance vacated the title, while Je’Von Evans is scheduled to challenge for the X-Division Championship at Bound For Glory.

Why it matters

This Invasion special signals just how serious WWE is about counter-programming AEW. With championships from both promotions on the line and marquee names like the Hardy Boys involved, it feels less like a side attraction and more like a statement.

And while AEW hasn’t yet revealed what’s in store for Homecoming, WWE has made sure fans know the October 7 TV war will be must-see.

WWE NXT No Mercy 9/27/2025 (Results)

Quick Results

  • Je’Von Evans def. Josh Briggs
  • NXT Women’s Speed Championship: Sol Ruca (c) def. Jaida Parker
  • Weaponized Steel Cage Match: Jordynne Grace def. Blake Monroe
  • NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page (c) def. Tavion Heights
  • NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne (c) def. Lola Vice
  • NXT Championship: Ricky Saints def. Oba Femi (c)

Je’Von Evans vs. Josh Briggs

Je’Von Evans finally got his revenge on Josh Briggs, surviving a hard-hitting clash to open No Mercy. Briggs used his size to dominate early, but Evans battled back with a big dive to the outside and a Frog Splash that nearly sealed it. Briggs looked to finish things with an Avalanche Chokeslam, but Evans countered late—turning one Chokeslam attempt into a Cutter before hitting a Flying Cutter for the win.

Sol Ruca Retains the NXT Women’s Speed Championship

Sol Ruca overcame a surprise challenger in Jaida Parker after Lainey Reid was ruled out of action. Parker nearly stole the title after hitting her Hipnotic on the floor, but outside chaos played a role—Lash Legend and Zaria both got involved, throwing things off balance. With just seconds to spare, Ruca nailed the Sol Snatcher to keep the gold.

Jordynne Grace Tops Blake Monroe in a Weaponized Steel Cage

The rivalry between Jordynne Grace and Blake Monroe hit a violent peak inside a cage filled with weapons. Monroe fought dirty, using everything from kendo sticks to scissors, even cutting Grace’s hair mid-match. But Grace powered through, planting Monroe on a pile of diamonds before finishing things with a crushing Air Raid Crash through a table for the victory.

Ethan Page Keeps the North American Title

“All Ego” Ethan Page is still champion, but Tavion Heights pushed him to the limit. Heights nearly submitted the champ with an Ankle Lock and came close with a suplex attempt, but Page turned the tide in dramatic fashion, countering into his Twisted Grin to escape with the win.

Jacy Jayne Holds On To the Women’s Title

Jacy Jayne left No Mercy still NXT Women’s Champion, though controversy followed. Lola Vice had the match in hand after surviving Jayne’s technical assault, but outside interference changed the outcome. Fallon Henley first tried to disrupt the count, then a hooded figure blindsided Vice with a knee strike, allowing Jayne to hit Rolling Encore and score the three-count.

Ricky Saints Becomes NXT Champion

The main event saw Ricky Saints dethrone Oba Femi in a dramatic battle. Femi’s power was overwhelming early, including a devastating Chokeslam, but Saints dug deep and rallied with a big Spear. After surviving Femi’s Fall From Grace, Saints turned a second attempt into a Tornado DDT to score the biggest win of his career and capture the NXT Championship.

WWE NXT No Mercy 9/27/2025 (Card)

WWE NXT No Mercy – Saturday, September 27, 2025 – FTL War Memorial in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

CARD

  • NXT Championship: Oba Femi (c) vs. Ricky Saints
  • NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne (c) vs. Lola Vice
  • North American Championship: Ethan Page (c) vs. Tavion Heights
  • NXT Women’s Speed Championship: Sol Ruca (c) vs. Lainey Reid
  • Weaponized Steel Cage: Blake Monroe vs. Jordynne Grace
  • Josh Briggs vs. Je’Von Evans

WWE SmackDown Preview 9/26/2025

WWE SmackDown live on USA Network from the Kia Center in Orlando, Fl

  • Fallout from Wrestlepalooza
  • WWE Women’s Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Nia Jax vs. Jade Cargill
  • Giulia & Kiana James vs. Michin & B-FAB
  • WWE United States Championship – Open Challenge: Sami Zayn (c) vs. TBD
  • Cody Rhodes to appear

AJ Styles Confirms Retirement Plans for 2026

The end of an era is officially on the horizon—AJ Styles has confirmed that he’ll be stepping away from in-ring competition in 2026.

Speaking with Tokyo Sports during WWE’s recent trip to Japan, Styles revealed that his time inside the squared circle is winding down. While he hasn’t locked in the exact date or match for his farewell, the Phenomenal One made it clear that next year will be his final run.

“I don’t want to show fans an AJ Styles who isn’t himself anymore,” he explained, noting that the decision stems from his desire to retire before his body gives out. “I’ve decided to walk away before I get to that point.”

Styles also hinted that WWE’s Supershow Japan event in Tokyo may end up being his last time competing in Japan—a country that played a huge role in his career resurgence during his New Japan Pro-Wrestling run. After retirement, he envisions staying involved with WWE, potentially working with young talent and preparing them for the main roster.

Interestingly, 2026 also marks the retirement year of Styles’ legendary NJPW rival Hiroshi Tanahashi. Styles praised Tanahashi as “a truly great wrestler,” and while he didn’t confirm anything, he left the door cracked open for one more dream clash with The Ace. “I still want to do it 1000%,” Styles admitted. “But we both have positions to consider, so I don’t know if it will happen.”

While fans wait to see how his final year shapes up, Styles won’t be short on big moments. WWE has already announced that he’ll face longtime rival John Cena during Cena’s own retirement tour at Crown Jewel. That showdown promises to be a major chapter in both men’s farewell journeys.

From TNA to NJPW to WWE, AJ Styles has done it all—world championships, show-stealing matches, and countless unforgettable moments. If 2026 truly is his last dance, he’s making sure it ends on his terms.

Update on WWE’s Piper Niven’s Injury

It looks like we have some encouraging news regarding Piper Niven’s health.

According to a new report from Fightful Select, Niven is currently sidelined with a neck injury and is waiting for an official diagnosis. While there was early fear that the situation could be very serious — even career-threatening — WWE sources now believe she is expected to return to action at some point down the road.

We previously noted the initial concern backstage this week that the injury might force Niven out long-term, but the latest update suggests her outlook is far more optimistic.

Niven has not competed since the August 22nd episode of SmackDown.

This is a positive turn for the former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, who has been gaining momentum in the women’s division. Hopefully, we’ll see her back in a WWE ring sooner rather than later.

Jazmyn Nyx Reportedly Finishing Up With WWE

Another NXT name looks to be wrapping up their time with WWE.

According to a new report from PWInsider, Jazmyn Nyx has decided not to renew her deal with the company. WWE did extend her a contract offer, but Nyx turned it down and will officially become a free agent once her current deal runs out.

The writing was already on the wall on this week’s episode of NXT. In a backstage segment, Nyx was shown laid out and unconscious. Her on-screen ally Jacy Jayne coldly declared it was time to move on from Nyx in Fatal Influence, delivering the line, “only the strong survive.” That moment now looks to be WWE’s storyline way of writing her out.

Nyx’s final in-ring appearance came during last week’s NXT Homecoming special, where she teamed with Jayne and Fallon Henley in a losing effort against Rhea Ripley, Lyra Valkyria, and CMLL’s Stephanie Vaquer.

For those unfamiliar, Nyx — real name Jade Gentile — signed with WWE in November 2022 and has been part of the developmental system for nearly two years.

With her WWE chapter coming to a close, Nyx will soon have the freedom to explore opportunities in other promotions. Given her young career and the visibility she’s gained through NXT, it’ll be interesting to see where she lands next.

WWE NXT Preview 9/23/2025

WWE NXT tonight on The CW. Last episode before No Mercy.

  • A TNA invasion is expected tonight
  • Title For Title: NXT Champion Oba Femi vs. TNA World champion Trick Williams
  • WWE Speed Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Candice LeRae vs. Lainey Reid
  • Lights Out Match: Lexis King vs. Myles Bourne
  • NASCAR’s Sam Mayer and Cole Custer make a special appearance