Category: WWE

WWE (NXT) Heatwave 8/24/2025 (Card)

WWE NXT Heatwave – Sunday August 24, 2025 – Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts

CARD

  • NXT Championship: Oba Femi (c) vs. Je’Von Evans
  • TNA Knockouts World Championship: Jacy Jayne (c) vs. Masha Slamovich vs. Ash by Elegance
  • NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Jaida Parker vs. Kelani Jordan vs. Lola Vice
  • NXT Tag Team Championships: Hank Walker & Tank Ledger (c) vs. two members of DarkState
  • Jordynne Grace vs. Blake Monroe
  • Ethan Page & Chelsea Green vs. Tavion Heights & Tyra Mae Steele

Report: Medical Malpractice Possibly Linked to Hulk Hogan’s Death

The wrestling world is still reeling from the sudden loss of Hulk Hogan, and now new reports suggest his passing may be connected to medical malpractice.

According to a report from TMZ Sports, Clearwater police documents reveal that an occupational therapist was present at Hogan’s Florida home when he stopped breathing. The therapist allegedly told responding officers that Hogan’s death could be traced back to complications from a recent surgery.

While the exact procedure remains unclear — believed to have been either a heart-related operation or neck surgery — the therapist claimed that Hogan’s phrenic nerve was severed during the process. This nerve is essential because it activates the diaphragm, the muscle that makes normal breathing possible.

Sources close to the investigation noted that Hogan didn’t suffer a dramatic episode like chest pain or collapse. Instead, he simply stopped breathing. His wife, Sky, noticed the silence, realized something was wrong, and immediately called 911.

Police bodycam footage is said to have captured officers discussing the therapist’s claims at the scene, and the therapist’s direct statements may also be preserved on video.

Adding to the speculation, Hogan’s daughter Brooke has publicly called for a full autopsy. Sky Hogan later confirmed to TMZ Sports that her husband’s phrenic nerve was indeed “compromised” during surgery. She also revealed that an autopsy has already been conducted, though the family has chosen not to disclose the results at this time. Importantly, Hogan’s body has not yet been cremated.

This development raises major questions about whether one of wrestling’s most iconic figures may have lost his life due to surgical error. Fans and the industry alike will no doubt be following this investigation closely as more details emerge.

WWE SmackDown Preview 8/21/2025

WWE SmackDown Friday at 8/7C on USA Network and Netflix internationally from 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland

  • John Cena returns to SmackDown en route to battling Logan Paul at WWE Clash in Paris. 
  • Motor City Machine Guns vs. Melo Don’t Miz
  • R-Truth (Ron Killings) vs. Aleister Black

WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event Leaving NBC for Peacock as PLEs Head to ESPN

WWE’s big media shakeup continued Wednesday, as fresh details emerged about what’s staying on Peacock now that Premium Live Events are moving to ESPN’s new streaming service.

After announcing WrestlePalooza for September 20 as the first-ever PLE on ESPN’s platform, questions swirled about what this meant for WWE’s existing Peacock deal. By the end of the day, both sides cleared things up with a new press release confirming that Peacock will still be an important home for WWE programming—just with a different lineup.

The biggest change? Saturday Night’s Main Event is shifting away from its traditional NBC broadcast slot and will now stream exclusively on Peacock four times a year. That includes the highly anticipated December 13 edition, which doubles as John Cena’s farewell match.

Peacock will also keep WWE’s vast content library through the end of 2025, giving fans access to decades of classic pay-per-views and original specials. What happens after that remains a mystery, though reports have hinted that the library could eventually make the jump to YouTube.

Additionally, NXT Premium Live Events are staying put on Peacock through March 2026, since they were not part of the ESPN deal. Fans can also continue watching SmackDown the day after it airs on USA Network, ensuring Peacock subscribers still get a steady dose of current WWE action.

Interestingly, The Hollywood Reporter noted that Peacock itself signed off on WWE exiting the mainline PLE agreement earlier than expected. By running two-night versions of WrestleMania and SummerSlam, WWE was able to fulfill its content quota faster than planned, clearing the way for ESPN to jump in ahead of schedule.

With main roster PLEs heading to ESPN, SNME moving to Peacock, and Cena’s last match set for December, WWE is juggling multiple platforms—but fans won’t be short on ways to watch.

WWE Confirms Premium Live Events Jumping to ESPN’s New Streaming Service Sooner Than Expected – WrestlePalooza In Indianapolis Set as First Show 9/20/2025

WWE’s deal with ESPN is kicking in way earlier than fans thought. Instead of waiting until 2026, WWE announced this week that its Premium Live Events (PLEs) will move to ESPN’s brand-new direct-to-consumer streaming service immediately following Clash in Paris. That event, set for August 31, will mark the final WWE PLE airing on Peacock in the United States.

The shift comes after WWE reportedly hit its PLE quota with Peacock. According to Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline, the extra day of SummerSlam plus shows like Evolution helped WWE fulfill its contractual obligations ahead of schedule. What isn’t clear yet is where the massive WWE library—including decades of pay-per-views, documentaries, and specials—will end up once the Peacock deal fully wraps.

Starting August 21, fans can subscribe to ESPN’s DTC platform, with WWE events included under the “Unlimited Plan.” Select shows will also simulcast on ESPN’s linear TV channels, giving PLEs more visibility outside of just streaming.

And WWE isn’t wasting any time launching the new era. The company confirmed WrestlePalooza for September 20 at Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Not only is this the long-rumored counter to AEW’s All Out weekend, but it also marks the very first WWE PLE to air exclusively on ESPN’s streaming service.

For fans, this raises plenty of questions about accessibility, costs, and how the ESPN subscription tiers will affect viewing. But one thing is certain: WWE is making another big play to expand its reach, and ESPN is putting wrestling front-and-center as it launches its next big digital project.

ESPN provided further information on its DTC service page outlining the subscription packages.

WWE Premium Live Events Could Land On ESPN Much Sooner Than Expected

The streaming home for WWE’s biggest shows may be changing a lot earlier than fans thought.

While WWE’s $1.6 billion deal with ESPN isn’t scheduled to officially kick in until 2026, new reports suggest the company could begin shifting Premium Live Events (PLEs) from Peacock to ESPN’s streaming service as soon as next month.

On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez hinted that the transition could already be in motion. “I’m hearing we may have ESPN going forward,” Alvarez said, adding that the September 20th Wrestlepalooza event — rumored to be headlined by John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar — may serve as the first major test run for the new partnership.

WWE’s current deal with Peacock doesn’t expire until March 2026, but Alvarez pointed out a key detail that could explain the early exit: event quotas. According to him, WWE may have already satisfied its contracted number of shows with Peacock. The addition of extra events — such as the second night of SummerSlam and the Evolution special — could mean WWE has already gone beyond its required obligations, freeing them up to pivot to ESPN early.

If true, the shift would mark a significant moment in WWE’s media landscape. ESPN brings a wider sports-focused audience and potentially more crossover visibility for WWE’s product, while Peacock subscribers could be left adjusting to the change much sooner than expected.

Nothing has been made official yet, but the possibility of WWE’s biggest matches — like Cena vs. Lesnar — being part of ESPN’s streaming lineup in 2024 is a game-changer for fans and for the company’s future direction.

Dave Meltzer Reports That there Is Talk About Chris Jericho Potentially Leaving AEW For WWE

Chris Jericho could be at a major career crossroads as speculation heats up about his AEW contract status and the possibility of a WWE return.

The former AEW World Champion, who was the company’s first-ever titleholder back in 2019, has been absent from AEW programming since April. His last appearance came at AEW Dynasty, where he dropped the ROH Championship to Bandido. On the following episode of Dynamite, Jericho told his Learning Tree protégés, Big Bill and Bryan Keith, to hold things down in his absence — and he hasn’t resurfaced since.

Now, with Jericho’s current deal reportedly running through December (unless it was extended during his time off), the rumor mill is churning. Over the weekend, Jericho “liked” an Instagram post teasing a potential WWE return, sparking even more fan speculation.

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer confirmed both Jericho’s contract situation and WWE’s interest. “There’s lots of talk there about Jericho,” Meltzer noted, pointing out that many fans and insiders are even speculating about a Royal Rumble appearance if he does make the jump.

From WWE’s perspective, Meltzer explained, Jericho would be an instant shot in the arm. “A guy from AEW that goes to WWE is going to be over like crazy,” he said.

Of course, AEW President Tony Khan won’t want to lose one of his top stars without a fight. Meltzer suggested Khan could throw big money at Jericho to keep him, but acknowledged that WWE would likely match or exceed whatever AEW is willing to offer. The main difference would come down to creative freedom — Jericho has historically had more leeway with his storylines in AEW, while WWE’s structure may be more restrictive, albeit with a more tailored schedule.

At 53, Jericho has nothing left to prove, but the idea of him returning to WWE — even for one last run — would be a massive moment. Whether it’s a Rumble surprise, a WrestleMania story, or simply one more chapter in a legendary career, the wrestling world will be watching closely as December approaches.

WWE NXT Preview 8/19/2025

WWE NXT live on The CW Network from The Met Presented by Highmark, Philadelphia, PA

  • Trick Williams vs. Je’von Evans – (Winner faces Oba Femi for the NXT Championship at WWE Heatwave)
  • Jasper Troy vs. Ricky Saints
  • Face-To-Face with Blake Monroe and Jordynne Grace
  • Street Fight: Josh Briggs vs. Yoshiki Inamura
  • Ethan Page & Chelsea Green seek a Peace Treaty with Tavion Heights & Tyra Mae Steele
  • Joe Hendry to appear

Naomi Announces Pregnancy, Steps Away from WWE Women’s World Championship on RAW

This week’s episode of WWE RAW delivered one of the most emotional and surprising moments of the year when Raw GM Adam Pearce introduced Women’s World Champion Naomi to the ring.

Naomi didn’t waste any time addressing the WWE Universe, turning everyone’s attention to the big screen for a special reveal. A clip from Stephanie McMahon’s What’s Your Story? podcast aired, featuring Naomi alongside her husband Jimmy Uso. In the video, Jimmy proudly announced that the couple is expecting their first child together.

The live crowd erupted with cheers, and Pearce congratulated Naomi on the huge life update. But the champion made it clear she wasn’t about to quietly hand over her gold. With her usual fire, Naomi told Pearce she wasn’t “giving him the title back” before demanding he leave the ring. Pearce wisely obliged, allowing Naomi to address the women’s division directly.

Naomi reminded the locker room that they should be grateful to Jimmy Uso—because without him, she would still be running through the competition week after week. She then turned her focus to the future, saying The Bloodline legacy would continue, and placed her custom Women’s World Championship in the center of the ring.

With a confident smile, Naomi announced that she’s giving the division “nine months to do what you want with it”—but promised she’ll be back to reclaim her spot at the top. Her parting words were a warning to whoever rises to champion in her absence: proceed with caution.

Naomi’s announcement now leaves the Women’s World Championship picture wide open. Will Pearce declare the title vacant and crown a new champion through a tournament, or will someone step up immediately to claim it? One thing is certain—when Naomi returns, the entire division better be ready.

Back in April 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.

WWE Planning “Wrestlepalooza” PLE Opposite AEW’s All Out — Could Air on ESPN

WWE looks to be stirring the pot in a big way this fall. According to multiple reports, the company is gearing up for a brand-new premium live event called Wrestlepalooza, set for Saturday, September 20 — the very same night AEW runs its annual All Out show from Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena.

If the name sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Wrestlepalooza was originally used by ECW for a series of events between 1995 and 2000. WWE now appears ready to dust it off for what could be a high-profile night of wrestling head-to-head competition.

The September 20 show is expected to take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, with Gainbridge Fieldhouse (a regular WWE stop) being the likely venue. Rumors have swirled for weeks that the event could feature a blockbuster clash between John Cena and Brock Lesnar, which would instantly make Wrestlepalooza one of the most talked-about cards of the year.

What makes this even more intriguing is where the event might air. PWInsider reports there has been serious industry chatter that WWE could broadcast Wrestlepalooza on ESPN. That would serve as a major preview for the promotion’s new partnership with the network, which officially kicks off in April 2026.

Interestingly, WWE currently has no PLE locked in for Peacock during September, which could open the door for this show to stand on its own as a special attraction. As of now, both WWE and ESPN are keeping quiet on the matter, but word is that an official announcement is coming soon.

If confirmed, Wrestlepalooza would not only bring back a piece of ECW nostalgia but also set the stage for another chapter in the WWE vs. AEW scheduling wars. With AEW’s All Out traditionally being one of its biggest events of the year, WWE planting a PLE with possible Cena vs. Lesnar on the same night could be a deliberate shot across the bow.

Stay tuned — this one could shake up the wrestling calendar in a major way.