Category: WWE

Backstage Reaction to R-Truth’s WWE Exit: “Total Nonsense,” Say Superstars

In a move that’s left the WWE locker room stunned, R-Truth has reportedly been told he won’t be re-signed once his current contract expires — a decision that’s sparked major backlash behind the scenes.

According to Fightful Select, the veteran performer — real name Ron Killings — was informed over the weekend by WWE’s talent relations team that his deal would not be renewed. The call reportedly caught Truth off guard, and it’s easy to see why: he’s been viewed as a WWE lifer, a beloved figure both in front of the camera and backstage.

Importantly, sources confirmed that the decision wasn’t disciplinary in nature. Truth wasn’t released for misconduct or any backstage issues. In fact, WWE made it clear he’d done nothing wrong — which only added to the confusion surrounding the call.

Backstage, the mood has reportedly been anything but calm. Several WWE talents have privately expressed disappointment and frustration, with one top name calling the move “total nonsense” and another labeling WWE leadership “ruthless.” It’s one of the most vocal negative reactions to a talent departure in recent memory, underscoring just how much respect Killings commands among his peers.

Adding to the confusion is the fact that R-Truth remains one of WWE’s most reliable merchandise movers. His “Ron Cena” T-shirt — a parody creation leading into his recent Saturday Night’s Main Event tag match with John Cena — was among the company’s top sellers in May.

For fans keeping track, this isn’t the first time Killings has had to navigate life outside WWE. Before becoming a mainstay on Raw and SmackDown, he made waves in TNA and the NWA as Ron “The Truth” Killings, where he became one of the first Black world champions in a major American promotion. He also produced his own entrance theme music during that run — and reportedly still owns the rights — a useful tool if he decides to step back into the ring elsewhere.

Though no final date for his WWE exit has been announced, interest from indie promotions is already heating up. Expect R-Truth to have options — and a spotlight — wherever he lands next.

Stay locked in with WrestlingNewsBlog.com for updates on Truth’s post-WWE future.

R-Truth and Carlito Reportedly On Their Way Out of WWE – Contracts Not Being Renewed

It looks like the WWE roster will be getting a little thinner in the coming weeks.

According to recent reports, longtime WWE talents R-Truth and Carlito have been informed that their contracts will not be renewed. Both deals are nearing their expiration dates, with Carlito specifically noting that he has about two weeks left on his current deal. Once his contract officially ends, his non-compete clause will kick in — likely keeping him on the sidelines for about 30 days before he’s free to explore opportunities elsewhere.

The news comes as something of a surprise, especially for R-Truth, who’s been a staple of WWE programming for years and recently returned to TV in comedic fashion as part of The Judgment Day saga. As for Carlito, his return to WWE was a fan-favorite moment last year, but he hasn’t been consistently featured in recent months.

While nothing is official until those contracts expire, it looks like both veterans will soon hit the open market. Whether they find themselves back in WWE down the line or pop up in another promotion remains to be seen.

 According to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, the decision to let go of R-Truth and Carlito comes down to roster changes. WWE is currently undergoing changes to make room for fresh talent from NXT

R-Truth and Carlito responded to the news with post on X which you can see below:

Mariah May Removed from AEW Roster, WWE Move Reportedly Imminent

Another chapter appears to be closing in AEW, as “The Glamour” Mariah May has been officially removed from the company’s roster page — a move that almost always signals a wrestler’s exit from the promotion.

Though the update happened without fanfare earlier today, it doesn’t come as a complete surprise. Behind the scenes, whispers of May’s AEW contract nearing its end have been circulating for weeks. The buzz only intensified recently, with many within the industry speculating that she could be WWE-bound once free agency came into play.

Now, it seems those rumors may be turning into reality. According to Fightful Select, a source within WWE has confirmed that the company is expecting May to sign on in the near future.

May’s time in AEW, while relatively short, was impactful. After arriving with plenty of hype thanks to her international pedigree, she quickly made a name for herself in the women’s division, even capturing the AEW Women’s World Championship during her run. Her blend of charisma, in-ring ability, and character work made her a standout on AEW programming and a frequent talking point among fans and analysts alike.

If the reports are accurate and May is indeed heading to WWE, she’ll be the latest in a growing list of talent to make the leap from AEW to the Stamford-based giant. And with the depth of WWE’s women’s roster across Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, the possibilities for fresh matchups and storylines are wide open.

No official statement has been made by either AEW or WWE regarding May’s status, but all signs point to a major transition on the horizon for the former champ. Stay tuned — this is one move that could shake things up in a big way.

WWE SmackDown Preview 5/30/2025

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network and Netflix for international fans, beginning at 8:00 pm ET. from the Thompson–Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.

  • Appearances by Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena and former champion Cody Rhodes
  • Men’s Money in the Bank Triple Threat Qualifying Match: Andrade vs. Jacob Fatu vs. Carmelo Hayes
  • Women’s Money in the Bank Triple Threat Qualifying Match: Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax vs. Naomi
  • Homecoming for Bianca Belair

WWE SmackDown’s Three-Hour Format Isn’t Going Anywhere—For Now

Despite earlier chatter about WWE SmackDown possibly trimming its runtime back to two hours this summer, it looks like the blue brand is sticking with its three-hour format for the time being.

According to a new report from WrestleVotes, the USA Network is reportedly happy with how the longer version of SmackDown has been performing in the ratings. That satisfaction seems to have put any plans for a June rollback on hold, at least for now.

The three-hour format, which had previously been exclusive to Monday Night Raw, has been a point of debate among fans since it was introduced for SmackDown. While some appreciate the expanded screen time for more in-ring action and storyline development, others feel it leads to pacing issues and viewer fatigue.

Still, if the numbers are strong, it’s hard to argue with the strategy from a business perspective. USA Network’s confidence in the extended format could be a sign that WWE is delivering the kind of content they’re looking for—and that fans are tuning in to see it.

With this latest update, it appears WWE is content to ride the momentum and keep SmackDown at three hours… at least until further notice. Whether fans will continue embracing the extended show remains to be seen, but for now, Friday nights are going long.

Nic Nemeth Is Legitimately Furious Over Trick Williams’ TNA World Title Win

In one of the most shocking cross-promotional moments of the year, Trick Williams walked out of NXT Battleground 2025 as the new TNA World Champion—defeating Joe Hendry in a high-profile clash that’s sent ripples through both brands. But while fans are buzzing over the surprise result, not everyone is thrilled—especially former TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth, who’s made it clear he’s furious over the title changing hands.

Speaking candidly in a new interview with WhatCulture, Nemeth didn’t mince words. “I’m absolutely furious and pissed off about it, and that’s not a joke or a game,” he said, clearly frustrated by what he sees as a major misstep for the TNA brand.

Nemeth, who lost the title to Hendry earlier this year, praised his former rival for raising TNA’s profile, but didn’t hold back when it came to the result at Battleground. “Joe Hendry has accomplished so much… he’s brought so many eyes to TNA… and then he loses our world title to a guy from a different company?” Nemeth fumed.

While he made sure to acknowledge Trick Williams as a legitimate talent—calling him “a badass” with “a great future”—the veteran wrestler emphasized that the optics of an NXT star now holding TNA’s most prestigious championship don’t sit well with him.

“This isn’t a world of participation medals… I don’t go, ‘hey, great job, buddy’ when you lose our world title,” Nemeth continued. “When you mess up, you own up to it. Joe lost our world title. I am not okay with that.”

In a move that may raise some eyebrows backstage, Nemeth even suggested old-school accountability might be needed. “We might need to bring back wrestler’s court or something,” he said, half-joking but clearly serious about the gravity of the situation in his eyes.

This marks a rare moment of genuine tension bleeding out into the open between brands, as TNA and WWE’s NXT continue to explore a working relationship that’s seen talent appear across both promotions. Trick’s win could open the door for more crossover storytelling—but it’s also created internal friction, at least for those like Nemeth who view the TNA World Title as sacred ground.

Whether TNA management or locker room leaders will echo Nemeth’s outrage remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Trick Williams has everyone talking—and that might be exactly what both companies wanted.

Jordynne Grace and Stephanie Vaquer Reportedly Headed to WWE Main Roster

The winds of change continue to blow through WWE NXT, and Tuesday night’s episode only added fuel to the fire. Two of the brand’s biggest female stars appear to be on the verge of major promotions, and the timing couldn’t be more telling.

According to wrestling journalist Cory Hays, Stephanie Vaquer and Jordynne Grace are expected to make the leap to the main roster imminently. Hays posted a text screenshot on X (formerly Twitter) that simply reads: “Stephanie Vaquer is expected to join ‘Raw.’ Jordynne Grace is expected to join ‘SmackDown.'” While Hays didn’t disclose the source of the message, he did note that Grace’s time in NXT was never intended to be long-term.

Grace officially signed with WWE in February after multiple cameo appearances while she was still with TNA. Her contract reportedly placed her on the main roster from the start, but WWE held off on her Raw or SmackDown debut until they had a meaningful spot for her—especially with WrestleMania 41 on the horizon. Her most recent in-ring action came at NXT Battleground, where she unsuccessfully challenged Vaquer for the NXT Women’s Championship.

As for Vaquer, her loss on last night’s episode of NXT may have been her curtain call for the brand. She dropped the title to Jacy Jayne in a chaotic match that saw interference from Jayne’s Fatal Influence allies Jazmyn Nyx and Fallon Henley. Vaquer, who signed with WWE last summer and won the title from Giulia in March, will get one final NXT spotlight when she competes at Worlds Collide next weekend in Inglewood, California.

These anticipated call-ups align with WWE’s recent pattern of bolstering the main roster with fresh faces from NXT. Giulia and Roxanne Perez were recently elevated, and both are already carving out their spaces on the big stage. Meanwhile, Ricky Starks also lost his title last night, hinting at a possible call-up of his own, though nothing has been confirmed yet regarding his next steps.

If the reports prove true, WWE is building a formidable new generation on both Raw and SmackDown, and fans should expect some serious shake-ups heading into the second half of 2025.

Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for all the latest updates on these potential roster moves and more!

WWE NXT Preview 5/27/2025

WWE NXT live tonight on The CW from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL.

  • NXT North American Championship Match: Ricky Saints (c) vs. Ethan Page
  • NXT Women’s Championship Match: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Jacy Jayne
  • Jasper Troy vs. TBA
  • Mike Santana vs. Tavion Heights
  • Tatum Paxley vs. Jaida Parker
  • The New TNA World Champion Trick Williams appears
  • Fallout from WWE Battleground

WWE Announces Weekend Takeover in Atlanta With SNME, Evolution, & The Great American Bash

WWE announced dates for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event and the return of WWE Evolution on July, along with NXT: The Great American Bash 2025. WWE has now confirmed a massive weekend takeover in Atlanta, Georgia with all three events.

The State Farm Arena will host Saturday Night’s Main Event on Saturday, July 12, followed by WWE Evolution on Sunday, July 13. Meanwhile, The Great American Bash will also be held in Atlanta at the Center Stage Theater on Saturday (July 12) afternoon before SNME. Tickets for the events go on sale tomorrow (May 28) at 10:00 am ET/7:00 am PT. Ticket pre-sale access for the shows starts later today.

This means both The Great American Bash and Saturday Night’s Main Event will be running up against AEW All In Texas, which is also scheduled for Saturday, July 12 on pay-per-view. Here’s the full announcement for the massive weekend takeover in Atlanta for WWE:

WWE ANNOUNCES MASSIVE WEEKEND TAKEOVER IN ATLANTA JULY 12 & 13

State Farm Arena to Host Saturday Night’s Main Event® on Saturday, July 12 & Evolution® on Sunday, July 13

The Great American Bash® to Emanate from Center Stage Theater on Afternoon of Saturday, July 12

Two-Day Combo Ticket Packages for Saturday Night’s Main Event & Evolution On Sale Tomorrow, May 28 at 10am ET/7am PT

Presale Access Begins Today at 10am ET/7am PT

May 27, 2025 – As announced in Saturday’s broadcast, WWE will host a multi-event weekend takeover in Atlanta on Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13, featuring Saturday Night’s Main Event, Evolution and The Great American Bash.

As a part of the takeover, State Farm Arena will host the NBC primetime special Saturday Night’s Main Event on Saturday, July 12, and Evolution – the groundbreaking all-women’s Premium Live Event which originally debuted in 2018 – on Sunday, July 13. Additionally, The Great American Bash will emanate from Center Stage Theater – formerly the home of WCW Saturday Night – on Saturday, July 12, prior to Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Two-day combo ticket packages for Saturday Night’s Main Event and Evolution will go on sale starting tomorrow/Wednesday, May 28 at 10am ET/7am PT via https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E0062A8E1F8625B. An exclusive pre-sale is available starting today at 10am ET/7am PT until 11:59pm ET/8:59pm PT via Ticketmaster.com.

Additional information regarding individual tickets for Saturday Night’s Main Event, Evolution and The Great American Bash will be announced at a later date.

Official Saturday Night’s Main Event and Evolution Priority Passes are available now through exclusive partner On Location, giving fans the opportunity to purchase ticket packages before they go on sale to the general public. These passes offer fans the chance to be ringside for every exhilarating moment, including premium seating, all-inclusive pre-show hospitality featuring WWE Superstar appearances, ringside photo opportunities, and more. To learn more or purchase your package today, please visit https://onlocationexp.com/wweatlanta.

The city of Atlanta has a storied WWE history that spans decades, having hosted WrestleMania® XXVII (2011), Survivor Series® (2015), Royal Rumble® (2002, 2010), Day 1® (2022), and most recently Bad Blood® (2024).

Saturday Night’s Main Event will air live coast-to-coast on NBC at 8pm ET/5pm PT on Saturday, July 12, and simulcast on Peacock.

WWE Battleground 5/25/2025 (Results), Trick Williams Wins TNA Title

NXT lit up Battleground with championship clashes, and some serious statement-making performances. From Sol Ruca’s breathtaking title defense to Trick Williams’ historic TNA World Title win, here’s everything that went down on May 25, 2025.

NXT Women’s North American Championship:

Sol Ruca (c) def. Kelani Jordan

The high-octane opener between Ruca and Jordan was an all-out showcase of athleticism and innovative offense. Early exchanges saw both women dodge and flip their way into a stalemate that had fans on their feet. Jordan nearly captured gold off a Vader Bomb axe kick and a gorgeous Northern Lights suplex, but Ruca’s resilience held strong.

The champion weathered a wild Asai moonsault from Jordan and survived a breathtaking avalanche Frankensteiner. As the bout spiraled into chaos, Zaria attempted to interfere but was ejected, setting up the final sprint. After a missed moonsault from Jordan, Ruca struck with a Sol Snatcher from halfway across the ring, sealing the deal and retaining her title.

Mike Santana Arrives, Confronts NQCC

Backstage, Mike Santana spoke about finally debuting in WWE after a 16-year grind—and wasted no time aiming high, declaring he’s coming for the TNA World Title. But Charlie Dempsey and the No Quarter Catch Crew didn’t take kindly to another TNA name in NXT’s yard. Tension built until Tavion Heights diffused the situation and offered Santana a match on Tuesday—an offer he gladly accepted.

Hank & Tank and Josh Briggs def. The Culling

This trios clash was pure chaos. Briggs, Walker, and Ledger overwhelmed early with a triple dive spot, but The Culling turned things around with vicious offense, especially targeting Hank. Still, the babyfaces fought back, and Briggs nearly ended it with a moonsault.

A timely save from Hank kept the match alive, and after some underhanded help from Izzi Dame was countered, it was Hank & Tank’s assisted powerslam on Brooks Jensen that sealed the win. Post-match, The Culling tried to beat down the victors—until Yoshiki Inamura stormed in and wrecked house with a chair in hand. Big pop. Bigger moment.

Ethan Page Sends a Message

“All Ego” Ethan Page made it clear he doesn’t respect Ricky Saints—claiming the NXT North American Champion is a poser masking insecurity. Page promised to take the title Tuesday night, and Ava Raine confirmed the match will open the show. Worlds Collide implications were teased, but Page didn’t care—he just wants gold.

Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo def. Tony D’Angelo

What started as a gritty brawl between brothers-in-arms ended in heartbreak. The Don and his former right-hand man tore into each other, with D’Angelo controlling early before Stacks turned the tide with steel steps and calculated strikes.

The turning point came when Tony hesitated mid-match, clearly torn about hurting someone he still saw as family. That hesitation cost him—Stacks kicked low after Luca Crusifino’s ringside distraction and finished it with a Sick Kick to the back of the head. Post-match, Luca entered for a potential beatdown—but D’Angelo walked away, leaving questions in his wake.

NXT Women’s Championship:

Stephanie Vaquer (c) def. Jordynne Grace

This was a war of styles and wills. Vaquer’s technical precision met Grace’s brute power, and both pushed each other to the brink. Jordynne took control after electric-chairing Vaquer into the announce table, but Stephanie answered with rope-assisted submissions and a nasty Devil’s Kiss DDT.

In the closing stretch, both women emptied the tank, with Grace nearly stealing it with a backfist and power offense. But Vaquer rose again, hitting a Spiral Tap to retain her title. Dalys was spotted in the crowd post-match, clearly signaling her intentions—and things got heated quickly backstage when Chik Tormenta and Jacy Jayne confronted the champ, leading to a chaotic pull-apart brawl.

Ricky Saints Responds—and Gets Jumped

Ricky Saints hit the ring to cut an impassioned promo about pride, respect, and why Ethan Page can’t stop chasing him. He didn’t mince words—he’s ready to defend Tuesday, and he’s open to challenges from any brand. But before he could finish, Page ambushed him! A pull-apart brawl ensued, with Saints diving onto Page and security from the top rope in an exclamation point.

NXT Championship:

Oba Femi (c) def. Myles Borne

Myles Borne gave Oba Femi one of the toughest fights of his reign. The Ruler imposed his will early, with brutal power moves and targeted offense to the ribs and spine. But Borne fought back with high-risk dives, DDTs, and even a snap German suplex that brought the crowd to their feet.

As the match escalated, Borne came within inches of a miracle win—hitting a top-rope splash and a late-match rana. But Oba weathered the storm, nailed two consecutive Falls From Grace, and retained the NXT Title. Post-match, Femi showed respect with a subtle nod—Myles earned it.

TNA World Heavyweight Championship:

Trick Williams def. Joe Hendry (c)

This was the show-closing statement win Trick Williams needed. From the start, it was hard-hitting and personal, with both men throwing bombs and brawling outside. Trick gained momentum after a Book End through the announce table, but Hendry fought back and nearly stole it with Standing Ovation.

Williams kicked out, fired up, and drilled Hendry with a Trickshot—after a sneaky title belt assist—and scored the three-count to become the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion. The crowd exploded as Trick added another accolade to his resume in a landmark NXT moment.

Final Notes:

  • Oba Femi, Sol Ruca and Stephanie Vaquer continue to shine as dominant champions.
  • Trick Williams is now holding one of wrestling’s most historic titles.
  • Battleground delivered action, drama, and planted plenty of seeds for Worlds Collide and Tuesday’s loaded episode of NXT.