Category: WWE

WWE HOFer Stacy Keibler Pays Emotional Tribute To James Van Der Beek Following His Passing

WWE Hall of Famer Stacy Keibler is mourning the loss of a close friend.

Keibler took to Instagram this week to share a heartfelt message honoring “Dawson’s Creek”and “Varsity Blues” star James Van Der Beek, who passed away Wednesday after battling stage three colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old.

In an emotional post, Keibler revealed that she spent time with Van Der Beek in his final days — something she described as a profound and spiritual experience. Alongside her message, she shared a photo of the two watching a sunset together, a moment she said now carries even deeper meaning.

Reflecting on that evening, Keibler wrote that they spoke openly about life, the uncertainty of the world, and something greater beyond it all.

“We talked about how this world can feel upside down… and how maybe heaven needs your spirit now to help steady us down here,” she shared. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Keibler noted that a shooting star appeared in the sky — a moment she described as feeling anything but coincidental.

The former WWE star also praised Van Der Beek as a devoted husband to his wife, Kimberly, and a loving father to their six children. She called it a blessing to stand beside the family during such an intimate and difficult time, emphasizing how powerful it was to witness the strength and love surrounding him.

Keibler concluded her tribute with a simple but powerful message of gratitude and remembrance, writing that her friend had changed her life and that she would carry his memory with her always.

News of Van Der Beek’s passing was confirmed on his official Instagram account, where a statement asked for privacy as his family grieves. The actor publicly revealed his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024 and had been undergoing treatment in the months leading up to his death.

While best known for his breakout role as Dawson Leery, Van Der Beek’s impact clearly extended far beyond Hollywood. As Keibler’s moving tribute shows, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched — both on screen and off.

WWE Talent Reportedly Unhappy Over Creative Plans For WrestleMania 42

Backstage Frustration Growing in WWE as WrestleMania 42 Plans Remain Unclear

WWE is no stranger to creative shake-ups, especially in the post-Vince McMahon era under Triple H. While the company initially saw a wave of positive momentum when Paul “Triple H” Levesque took over creative, the honeymoon period may be fading — and not just among fans.

Recent reports suggest that some WWE talent are feeling uneasy as WrestleMania 42 approaches, with several top stars reportedly unsure of their direction heading into the biggest show of the year.

Talent Reportedly in the Dark

According to claims made on the Self-Made Pro podcast — which, to be clear, remain unconfirmed — multiple main event-level WWE stars allegedly do not know what their WrestleMania plans are at this stage.

That uncertainty is said to be creating frustration internally. Several talents are reportedly “annoyed” about the constant shifting of creative direction and the lack of clarity regarding long-term plans.

One particularly interesting note making the rounds involves the perceived creative divide between RAW and SmackDown. There’s reportedly a growing sentiment among talent that being assigned to one brand over the other carries different creative implications. Some performers are said to be fully aware of what being on Friday nights might mean for their positioning compared to Mondays.

If accurate, that speaks to a broader internal perception issue — not just about creative instability, but about brand hierarchy.

WrestleMania 42 Advance Sales Causing Concern?

Dave Meltzer has echoed similar concerns regarding WWE’s current state of flux. According to Meltzer, WrestleMania 42 ticket sales are reportedly down around 18% compared to this time last year.

To put things into perspective, roughly 36,000 tickets have reportedly been distributed so far. That’s hardly a disaster by most standards. However, WWE has grown accustomed to WrestleMania being an instant sell-out-level attraction in recent years. By comparison, this year’s advance may feel underwhelming internally.

Meltzer noted that there’s disappointment within the company regarding the current pace, even though the event is still expected to fill the venue. One complicating factor is that early ticket numbers can include complimentary tickets, making it difficult to get a fully accurate picture of true demand at this stage.

Still, the perception of softer sales appears to be influencing decision-making.

Creative Changes Under Scrutiny

Perhaps more concerning is the reported internal criticism directed at Triple H. Meltzer claims there has been frustration over constant creative changes, with plans being adjusted repeatedly rather than sticking to a set course.

Some within WWE reportedly feel the frequent pivoting resembles the old Vince McMahon-style last-minute rewrites — something many believed would be a thing of the past under Levesque’s leadership.

The logic behind the changes? According to reports, there’s a belief that altering the WrestleMania card could boost interest. However, critics internally have pointed out that fans don’t even fully know what the card looks like yet. With only one match — CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns — reportedly locked in, there isn’t a finalized lineup for fans to react to in the first place.

Even heavily speculated matches, including a potential Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre bout, are said to be far from guaranteed.

At this stage, everything outside of Punk vs. Reigns is reportedly fluid.

A Pivotal Road to WrestleMania

It’s important to note that WrestleMania is still expected to be a major success. By most industry standards, the ticket numbers are strong — especially given modern pricing structures. However, WWE’s recent run of red-hot WrestleManias has likely raised internal expectations to historic levels.

The bigger concern may not be ticket sales at all, but perception. If talent feel directionless and creative plans remain in flux, morale can take a hit during what should be the most focused and cohesive stretch of the year.

As the Road to WrestleMania 42 continues, all eyes will be on how WWE solidifies its biggest matches — and whether stability returns behind the scenes.

For now, it appears the only certainty on the Grandest Stage of Them All is CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns. Everything else? Still up in the air.

WWE NXT Preview 2/10/2026

WWE NXT tonight at 8pm ET on The CW.

  • NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contenders Match: Wren Sinclair & Kendal Grey vs. Sol Ruca & ZARIA
  • Whoever gets the pinfall or submission becomes #1 contender to the title
  • WWE Men’s Speed Title #1 Contender Tournament Finals: Josh Briggs vs. Elio LeFleur
  • Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes vs. Hank & Tank
  • Jaida Parker vs. Blake Monroe

The Sandman Set To Face An Unusual Opponent In Final Match

The Sandman’s wild, beer-soaked ride through professional wrestling is finally coming to an end — but in true Sandman fashion, he’s doing it in the most unconventional way possible.

After an incredible 37-year career, the former WWE star and ECW icon is set to wrestle his final match this April at Joey Janela’s Spring Break. When Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” hits for the last time, fans will witness a farewell that nobody could have predicted: The Sandman vs. The Invisible Man.

Joey Janela revealed the surprising matchup on social media Monday night, dropping a trailer that instantly sent the wrestling world buzzing. While retirement matches are often emotional, straight-ahead affairs, this one leans fully into the absurd and creative energy that Spring Break has become known for — and that’s exactly why it fits Sandman so well.

For those unfamiliar, The Invisible Man is one of GCW’s most infamous long-running gimmicks. He rose to prominence during his surreal feud with Invisible Stan in 2019, which culminated in a fully officiated match at Joey Janela’s Spring Break 3, complete with AEW referee Bryce Remsburg calling the action. Despite being declared “dead” later that year, The Invisible Man has made sporadic returns ever since, popping up in GCW matches in 2020, 2022, and as recently as 2025.

Sandman’s retirement bout also continues a recent Spring Break tradition. He becomes the second consecutive ECW legend to close out their career on Janela’s stage, following the late Sabu, who wrestled his own final match last year in a brutal No Ropes Barbed Wire bout against Janela himself.

There’s also a bit of poetic irony in this matchup. This will mark the first time in Sandman’s career that he’s literally unable to see his opponent in a wrestling context — a fitting callback to one of the most memorable angles of his ECW run. In 1994, Sandman famously pretended to be blinded during an I Quit match against Tommy Dreamer, only to later reveal the injury was all a mind game.

Whether it turns out to be chaotic, comedic, emotional, or all of the above, The Sandman’s final match feels perfectly on-brand. It won’t be traditional. It won’t be predictable. And it certainly won’t be forgotten.

One last Singapore cane shot, one last beer smash — and one last swing at the invisible.

https://twitter.com/JANELABABY/status/2021022830465265852

WWE Raw Preview 2/9/2026

WWE Raw airs live tonight at 8pm ET on Netflix from the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

  • WWE World Tag Team Championship: The Usos (c) vs. Alpha Academy
  • Nattie vs. Maxxine Dupri
  • Elimination Chamber qualifying matches TBA
  • CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, The Vision, Stephanie Vaquer, Becky Lynch, Gunther, The New Day, and Iyo Sky set to appear

Kelly Kincaid Says WWE Exit Was Not Her Decision

Kelly Kincaid has provided more clarity on her upcoming departure from WWE, and it turns out the decision wasn’t in her hands.

One day after revealing on social media that Saturday, February 14 will mark her final day with the company, the NXT backstage interviewer responded to a fan on X who asked whether she had chosen not to renew her WWE contract. Kincaid confirmed that she was never given the option to renew, making it clear that the move was initiated by WWE rather than herself.

Kincaid joined WWE in early 2022, making her debut on the now-defunct NXT Level Up brand. Over the past few years, she became a familiar presence in NXT as a backstage interviewer, steadily carving out a role as part of the show’s presentation. Before signing with WWE, Kincaid had experience working in Ring of Honor and also spent time competing in the women’s division in 2021, giving her a well-rounded background both in front of the camera and in the ring.

Outside of WWE, Kincaid’s personal life has also been in focus. She is in a relationship with Pretty Deadly’s Elton Prince, who has been sidelined since last May after suffering a neck injury. Prince recently underwent neck fusion surgery last month. The couple also welcomed a child together in September 2024.

As Kincaid prepares for her final WWE appearance, her confirmation that the exit wasn’t voluntary adds to the growing list of talent departures that have caught fans’ attention. What’s next for her remains to be seen, but given her experience across multiple promotions, she’ll likely have options once her WWE chapter officially closes.

Bron Breakker Undergoes Surgery, WrestleMania Plans Now in Question

Bron Breakker’s momentum has hit an unfortunate roadblock, as a new report indicates the powerhouse star has undergone surgery to repair a significant hernia. The news comes via the Wrestling Observer, and as of now, there’s no clear timeline for when Breakker could be back in action.

The injury didn’t stop Breakker from making headlines during Royal Rumble weekend. Entering the Men’s Royal Rumble at No. 2, he was taken out before even stepping into the ring after being blindsided by a mysterious hooded attacker. Despite that, Breakker eventually made it into the match, only to be eliminated later on by Oba Femi.

What raised eyebrows was that Breakker still appeared on the RAW that followed, unleashing a chaotic rampage around the ringside area. His destruction became the backdrop for LA Knight confronting Logan Paul and Austin Theory, adding another layer of intrigue to an already wild segment. Paul Heyman later addressed the situation, claiming Breakker was looking for a fight with Knight, but said Knight had already been escorted from the arena. Heyman also suggested officials should remove Breakker as well, further teasing internal tension.

Behind the scenes, Breakker had been heavily rumored as Seth Rollins’ WrestleMania 42 opponent, though WWE never made the match official. Rollins is reportedly on track to be medically cleared in time for the show, but Breakker’s surgery now puts that potential showdown in doubt.

For now, WWE is keeping things quiet regarding Breakker’s recovery, leaving fans to wonder how long he’ll be sidelined and whether WrestleMania plans will need to change. Given how prominently he’s been featured, his absence would be a significant shake-up — both creatively and on the road to WrestleMania.

WWE Rallies Around Referee Daphanie LaShaunn Donate To GoFundMe Page After Devastating House Fire

The WWE community has come together in a major way following a heartbreaking tragedy involving SmackDown referee Daphanie LaShaunn, real name Aja Smith.

Earlier this week, LaShaunn’s family was struck by an unimaginable loss when a house fire claimed the lives of her grandmother, grandfather, uncle, and cousin. In the aftermath, LaShaunn launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs and support surviving family members who were left displaced by the fire.

The response from within WWE has been overwhelming. As of this writing, the fundraiser has surpassed $110,000 toward its $160,000 goal, with donations pouring in from current and former WWE talent alike. Liv Morgan and Bayley each donated $5,000, while Kevin Owens stepped up with a $10,000 contribution. Other notable donors include Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, Austin Theory, Zelina Vega, Maxxine Dupri, and veteran referee Charles Robinson. Former WWE stars Shotzi, Scarlett, and CJ Perry (Lana), who is currently signed under a Legends deal, also showed their support.

LaShaunn addressed the tragedy publicly in an emotional Instagram post, sharing photos of the family members she lost and opening up about the pain she and her loved ones are enduring. She spoke about the difficulty of planning multiple funerals while also helping a family of seven — including five children — who were left without a home or belongings.

Beyond the tragic circumstances, LaShaunn’s story carries historic significance within WWE. She joined the company in February 2020 and made history as the first full-time African-American female referee signed by WWE. She later broke another barrier by becoming the first African-American female referee to officiate at WrestleMania. Today, she remains a key part of the SmackDown officiating team.

While nothing can undo such a devastating loss, the outpouring of generosity from WWE’s locker room and fanbase highlights the tight-knit nature of the wrestling world. LaShaunn’s GoFundMe campaign remains active for those looking to contribute or help spread the word during an incredibly difficult time.

NXT Backstage Interviewer Kelly Kincaid Announces WWE Departure Soon

Kelly Kincaid’s time with WWE is coming to an end.

The NXT backstage interviewer and former NXT Level Up ring announcer revealed on social media that her WWE contract is set to expire soon. In a brief message to fans, Kincaid confirmed that she will no longer be with the company as of February 14, prompting an outpouring of support and well-wishes from the wrestling community.

Kincaid joined WWE in 2022, transitioning fully into an on-air role after establishing herself as a versatile presence across multiple promotions. While WWE fans primarily came to know her through NXT interviews and announcing duties, her résumé stretches well beyond her time in Stamford.

Before signing with WWE, Kincaid built a strong reputation on the independent scene under the name Quinn McKay. She debuted in 2018 and quickly made an impact, most notably capturing the ECWA Women’s Championship after winning the 2019 Super 8 ChickFight Tournament. Her run in Ring of Honor further elevated her profile, as she balanced in-ring competition with backstage interviews and color commentary, showcasing her adaptability in front of the camera.

Although she hasn’t competed regularly in recent years, Kincaid’s final recorded match came in December 2021, when she defeated Ray Lyn to win the MCW Women’s Championship. That same month, she also made her last ROH appearance, teaming with Roxanne Perez (then known as Rok-C) in a victory over Holidead and Willow.

Outside the ring, Kincaid experienced major life changes in 2024. She welcomed her first child, a daughter, with her husband Elton Prince of Pretty Deadly. Prince also dealt with significant health concerns, undergoing major neck surgery earlier this year following an in-ring injury sustained last May.

As of now, Kincaid has not indicated what her next move will be once her WWE contract officially expires. Given her experience across wrestling, broadcasting, and commentary, she’ll likely have no shortage of options if she chooses to remain in the industry.

Whether this marks a new chapter inside or outside professional wrestling, Kincaid’s departure adds to the growing list of behind-the-scenes changes in WWE as 2025 continues to take shape.

WWE SmackDown Preview 2/6/2026

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network in the United States and on Netflix for international fans at 8:00 pm ET from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

  • Fallout from Royal Rumble
  • Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tama Tonga
  • Women’s Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan announced on this past Monday’s Raw that she will be SmackDown, as she is still deciding if if she will challenge for the Women’s World Championship or the Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 42.
  • Royce Keys (FKA Powerhouse Hobbs) rumored to be appearing
  • United States Champion Carmelo Hayes will probably be having a open challenge match