Category: WWE

Backstage Disruption: SummerSlam 2025 Set Construction Hit By Severe Weather in New Jersey

With SummerSlam 2025 just days away, WWE’s production crew is racing against the clock — and the elements. As Superstars get ready for “The Biggest Party of the Summer,” the weather in the tri-state area has thrown a wrench into the ambitious plans to transform MetLife Stadium into a two-night spectacle.

Set to take place August 2 and 3 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, SummerSlam’s setup was hit hard by intense storms on Thursday. According to Fightful Select, severe weather forced construction to halt temporarily, with crews ordered to evacuate the field at approximately 2:15 p.m. ET. A protective shelter was also brought in to cover the partially constructed set, which reportedly features a multi-tiered stage design.

New Jersey and parts of New York were placed under a State of Emergency, as heavy rainfall and flash flood warnings blanketed the area. The inclement weather also disrupted air travel, with numerous flights into Newark and New York airports delayed or canceled — adding yet another logistical headache for WWE ahead of its biggest summer event.

Despite the setbacks, WWE officials remain confident that the set will be completed in time for Saturday night’s kickoff. Construction crews are reportedly on standby, ready to resume work as soon as conditions improve.

Meanwhile, the SummerSlam weekend is still expected to deliver a loaded card. Friday night’s SmackDown will go down at the Prudential Center in Newark, featuring Giulia defending the WWE Women’s United States Championship against Zelina Vega.

On night one of SummerSlam, CM Punk is slated to challenge GUNTHER for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in what’s expected to be a hard-hitting showdown. Then on night two, Cody Rhodes will put his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against John Cena in a massive main event that promises to be a generational clash.

Weather may have slowed things down, but WWE is pushing full steam ahead. The countdown to SummerSlam is still on — rain or shine.

Report: Hulk Hogan’s Cause of Death Linked to Private Cancer Battle

Report: Hulk Hogan’s Cause of Death Linked to Private Cancer Battle

The wrestling world is still reeling from the loss of WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, who passed away just a week ago. While fans and fellow wrestlers have spent the last several days paying tribute to the iconic figure, a new report has shed light on a previously unknown struggle Hogan endured behind the scenes.

According to Page Six, official documents have confirmed that Hogan had been quietly battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia — a type of cancer that targets white blood cells. This diagnosis was never made public during Hogan’s life, and his death has officially been attributed to natural causes.

Further details indicate that the 70-year-old legend will be cremated following his memorial services.

Close friends of Hogan, including fellow WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, appeared unaware of the cancer battle. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Flair shared that his last conversation with Hogan revolved around business ventures — specifically Hogan’s Real American Beer company and a looming $10 million lawsuit. Flair expressed deep admiration for Hogan’s charitable efforts, especially his longstanding involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Flair also noted that Jimmy Hart, Hogan’s longtime confidant and frequent on-screen ally, gave no indication that Hogan was in declining health during their last exchange — which reportedly took place just one day before Hogan’s passing. This suggests that aside from close family and possibly Hart, very few knew the true state of Hogan’s health in recent years.

Hulk Hogan was not just a wrestling legend — he was a cultural icon. And while his death marks the end of an era, revelations like this highlight the quiet resilience of a man who chose to keep his personal struggles private while continuing to be a larger-than-life presence for millions.

Drew McIntyre Returns to the U.S. – SummerSlam Tag Match Locked In

Drew McIntyre is officially back on American soil, and his WWE SummerSlam 2025 status is no longer in question.

In a video shared on social media, McIntyre confirmed he’ll be teaming with Logan Paul at this year’s SummerSlam — putting to rest speculation about his availability. The clip also featured a cheeky dismissal of The Miz’s offer to step in as Logan’s new tag partner, with Paul responding to the idea with a definitive “hell no.”

McIntyre, never one to shy away from humor, joked that country music star (and apparent heel for the night) Jelly Roll tried to stop him from making the trip. But, thanks to Logan Paul’s connections, a private jet was dispatched to bring the Scottish Warrior back in time.

Now, the match is set: Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre will go toe-to-toe with the unlikely duo of Jelly Roll and Randy Orton in what’s shaping up to be one of SummerSlam’s most unpredictable showdowns.

Whether fans are tuning in for the celebrity crossover appeal, the ongoing tension with Orton, or just to see if Jelly Roll can hang in the ring, this tag team clash is bound to get people talking.

Former WWE Tag Champs The War Raiders Set For Bloodsport XIV, Natalya vs. TNA’s Masha Slamovich, Plus a Few Other WWE Stars

While WWE gears up for its two-night SummerSlam extravaganza at MetLife Stadium this weekend, the underground fight scene in pro wrestling is heating up just a short drive away. Game Changer Wrestling’s Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIV is set to kick off Saturday afternoon in New Jersey, and a pair of former WWE World Tag Team Champions are officially stepping into the no-ropes ring for the very first time.

Josh Barnett took to social media to break the news himself, declaring: “WAR is coming to Bloodsport.” That’s right—Erik and Ivar, collectively known as The War Raiders, are making their long-awaited debut at the gritty hybrid shoot-style event.

Last seen on the July 10 episode of WWE Main Event, where they steamrolled LWO’s Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro, Erik and Ivar will now test their mettle in one of wrestling’s most unforgiving formats. True to Bloodsport tradition, their match will be contested in a ring stripped of ropes and turnbuckles, with a hard-hitting MMA-meets-pro-wrestling ruleset. Their opponents for the event have yet to be revealed.

They won’t be the only WWE talents on the card, either. Raw veteran Natalya is set to face off against TNA Wrestling’s dangerous and unpredictable Masha Slamovich, while SmackDown‘s Pete Dunne brings his brutal British strong style to a clash with Jonathan Gresham. Also announced: NXT’s Charlie Dempsey returns to Bloodsport following his loss to Tavion Heights earlier this month. His opponent remains under wraps for now.

WWE’s growing crossover with Bloodsport isn’t exactly new. Last year’s Bloodsport X featured Shayna Baszler and Charlie Dempsey, both of whom picked up big wins—Baszler over Slamovich (with Zoey Stark in her corner) and Dempsey over Matt Makowski. The appearances signaled a surprising but intriguing collaboration between WWE and GCW, one that seems to be gaining more momentum with each event.

Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIV kicks off Saturday at 1 PM ET, offering a violent, visceral counterpoint to the polished spectacle of SummerSlam. Whether it’s WWE talent, indie legends, or international heavy-hitters, expect no frills—just fights.

Backstage Update on Pete Dunne: What’s the Bruiserweight Been Up To?

It’s been a quiet few months for Pete Dunne on WWE TV, and fans have been wondering what’s next for the Bruiserweight—especially after his New Catch Republic partner, Tyler Bate, made a brief return earlier this year. While the duo had a glimmer of main roster exposure with a short-lived feud and an appearance in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, they’ve since faded from the spotlight, primarily popping up on “WWE Main Event.”

But behind the scenes, Dunne has been far from idle.

According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, Dunne has been putting in work backstage with WWE’s involvement in AAA (Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide), though the specifics of his role are still under wraps. Meltzer noted that Dunne hasn’t wrestled for AAA, but has been a consistent backstage presence at shows, potentially in a producer or agent-like capacity.

“Pete Dunne’s now working on… kind of the AAA side anyway right now,” Meltzer said. “They’re using him as… I don’t know if it’s like an agent or whatever.”

The revelation came during a conversation about this week’s Raw, where Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh defended the World Tag Team Titles against Legado Del Fantasma members Cruz del Toro and Joaquin Wilde. The match featured interference from a mysterious third El Grande Americano—an increasingly recurring masked gimmick on WWE TV that has previously involved Ludwig Kaiser and Chad Gable. While Meltzer didn’t confirm Dunne was under the mask this time, he acknowledged it’s “possible,” even if he remained skeptical.

So what does all this mean for Dunne’s future?

WWE might be testing the waters with him in a backstage role or simply keeping him engaged while creative determines the next on-screen step. With Triple H’s increasing influence behind the curtain and a track record of reinvigorating overlooked talent, a repackaged or re-energized Dunne might not be out of the question—especially with Bate back in circulation.

For now, Dunne fans will have to stay tuned. Whether he’s working in gorilla, donning a mask as El Grande Americano, or plotting his in-ring return, it’s clear WWE still sees value in the Bruiserweight—even if it’s just not on our screens… yet.

WWE NXT Preview 7/29/2025

WWE NXT tonight on The CW.

  • NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page (c) vs. Santino Marella
  • Jaida Parker vs. Jazmyn Nyx
  • Lash Legend vs. Fallon Henley

Backstage Report On WWE Star Drew McIntyre’s Travel Issues

With WWE SummerSlam just around the corner and marquee matches like Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena and CM Punk vs. Gunther already locked in, one of Night 1’s more buzzworthy bouts could be in jeopardy—thanks to a surprising real-world issue.

According to a report from Fightful Select, Drew McIntyre is currently stranded in the UK due to a passport mishap that prevented him from boarding his flight back to the U.S. McIntyre, who resides in Nashville, had traveled to England for a friend’s wedding, only to be blocked from flying home after he was unable to use his British passport.

The issue stems from travel restrictions that require U.S. residents to enter the country with an American passport, something McIntyre apparently didn’t have on hand. Though frustrating, WWE insiders reportedly believe the issue will be sorted out in time for the show. Still, with the clock ticking, concern is creeping in.

McIntyre himself took to social media to vent, posting a video filmed somewhere in the English countryside. “Does that look like an American scenic countryside? No! I’m in England still,” he quipped, clearly irritated but staying in character. The Scottish Warrior even threw some classic heel shade at his SummerSlam tag team opponent Jelly Roll, accusing the country star of pulling strings to keep him grounded.

“You realized when I took off my shirt on SmackDown, you went, ‘Oh my God, oh the horror, I’m screwed!’” McIntyre said, laying blame at Jelly Roll’s feet for sabotaging his training week. He then promised vengeance upon his return, finishing with a shot at the musician’s weight in typical villain fashion: “Eventually, you’re gonna gain all that weight back and look like one of these f***ers,” he said while pointing his camera at a herd of cows.

The planned match would see McIntyre team with Logan Paul against Randy Orton and Jelly Roll, in what WWE has marketed as a celebrity-laced showdown. While Logan Paul and Jelly Roll are expected to bring the entertainment factor, McIntyre’s real-life passport problems might delay—or even derail—the moment.

For now, it’s a waiting game. If Drew can resolve the travel snag, expect him to show up at SummerSlam angrier than ever—and ready to take it out on Jelly Roll.

WWE Raw Preview 7/28/2025

WWE Raw airs live today globally on Netflix, from the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, with a start time of 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT.

-WWE World Tag Team Championship Match: Judgment Day (Finn Balor & JD McDonagh) (c) vs. LWO (Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde)

-Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Nikki Bella & Stephanie Vaquer vs. Naomi, Chelsea Green and the Secret Hervice (Piper Niven & Alba Fyre)

-WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther to appear

-Jey Uso vs. Bronson Reed

-Roman Reigns to appear

-CM Punk prepares for his SummerSlam World Heavyweight Title Match against Gunther

WWE SmackDown Preview 7/25/2025

Friday Night’s WWE SmackDown from the Rocket Arena in Cleveland, OH, live on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix internationally.

  • WWE Tag Team Championship: The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacey & Dexter Lumis) (c) vs. Andrade & Rey Fenix
  • Alexis Bliss w/Charlotte Flair vs. Roxanne Perez w/Raquel Rodriguez
  • Randy Orton, Jelly Roll, Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul to appear

Pat McAfee Issues Public Apology After Spreading False Rumors About Ole Miss Student

WWE personality and sports media host Pat McAfee has publicly apologized after spreading false and damaging rumors involving an Ole Miss student, Mary Kate Cornett. The former NFL punter addressed the controversy on The Pat McAfee Show, taking full responsibility for his role in amplifying an internet-fueled story that turned out to be completely untrue.

The Rumor That Sparked a Firestorm

Cornett was at the center of a bizarre and scandalous viral rumor earlier this year, one that accused her of cheating on her boyfriend—with his father, a high-profile banker based in Texas. Despite the story having no factual basis, it exploded across social media platforms, gaining traction to the point that McAfee mentioned it during coverage of the NFL Scouting Combine.

His comments helped push the narrative even further into the mainstream, eventually drawing legal threats and backlash from Cornett’s family. On his show this week, McAfee acknowledged the harm that had been caused, both by his own remarks and by the platform his show provided to the misinformation.

“I have since learned that the story was not true, and that my show played a role in the anguish caused to a great family, and especially to a young woman, Mary Kate Cornett,” McAfee said in a heartfelt statement.

A Private Apology, Then a Public One

McAfee revealed that he had taken time to meet personally with the Cornett family before issuing a public retraction. He explained that he delayed commenting publicly out of respect for the family, choosing to speak with them directly first.

“I got a chance to sincerely apologize to them and acknowledge that what I said about Mary Kate was based solely on what others were saying on the internet or what had previously been reported by others,” he said.

The sports media personality also made it a point to express appreciation to Mary Kate’s father for granting him the opportunity to apologize face-to-face.

“Our program played a role in his daughter’s pain,” McAfee said, reflecting on his own perspective as a fellow “girl-dad.”

Others Involved — and Not

Cornett’s family also called out other public figures and platforms, including former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown and Barstool Sports, for their part in fanning the flames. While Barstool founder Dave Portnoy clarified that Brown’s comments never appeared on their official channels, he still issued a general apology for the way the situation was handled.

A Lesson Learned

McAfee ended his apology by describing the Cornett family as “wonderful people” and expressing hope that the ordeal serves as a reminder of the real-world consequences of reckless online gossip.

“Our goal at this show is to make the world a happier place, a better place. To celebrate life and sports and unify folks. I, and we, don’t always get it right. But we’ll never stop trying,” McAfee added. (Per NYPost).

As the dust settles on the controversy, it’s a sobering reminder that rumors—especially those involving private individuals—can have lasting and deeply personal impacts. For McAfee, it seems this was a hard but necessary lesson in accountability.