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.
The wrestling world is in mourning today following the shocking news that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71. According to TMZ, Hogan—real name Terry Bollea—died of cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning, July 24. Emergency services were called to the scene at 9:51 a.m., but sadly, the icon could not be revived.
While Hogan’s longtime friend Jimmy Hart recently tried to quiet whispers about Hogan’s health, speculation had lingered in recent weeks after a reported hospitalization. Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and his two children, Brooke and Nick Hogan.
A Legacy Larger Than Life
Terry Bollea’s journey in pro wrestling began in 1977, and no one—least of all the man himself—could have predicted he’d become one of the most recognizable figures in the industry’s history. After sharpening his skills in various territories and spending time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Hogan made his official WWF debut in late 1983. By January 1984, “Hulkamania” was born when Hogan toppled The Iron Sheik to win his first WWF World Heavyweight Championship.
The years that followed redefined sports entertainment. Hogan headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, going toe-to-toe with some of the biggest names in the business—Randy Savage, Andre the Giant, Sgt. Slaughter, and more. Whether it was the bodyslam heard around the world or his larger-than-life promos, Hogan was pro wrestling’s first true mainstream crossover star.
In 1994, after a decade of dominance in WWF, Hogan signed with WCW and shocked the wrestling world again two years later with his infamous heel turn and the formation of the New World Order (nWo), altering the industry’s landscape forever.
An Enduring, If Complicated, Legacy
Hogan’s later career saw him bounce between promotions, including memorable WWE returns in the early 2000s to face off with The Rock and Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 18 and 19. He also had a run in TNA starting in 2009, helping to reshape the company’s creative direction.
Though controversy followed him in 2015 with the release of a racially charged audio recording—leading to a temporary severing of ties with WWE—Hogan was eventually brought back into the fold in 2018 and continued to make guest appearances.
His final televised match came in 2011 during his TNA tenure, where he lost to Sting. Hogan is a rare two-time WWE Hall of Famer, inducted first as a singles star in 2005 and later as part of the nWo in 2020. His accolades speak for themselves: six-time WWE Champion, six-time WCW World Champion, two-time Royal Rumble winner, and a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
Farewell to the Immortal
“Hulkamania” wasn’t just a gimmick—it was a cultural phenomenon. Hogan’s red and yellow became synonymous with ’80s wrestling, and his charisma turned him into a household name far beyond the squared circle. Whether adored or booed, he remained a magnetic force in wrestling for decades.
The impact of Hulk Hogan’s legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come. Today, we say goodbye to a larger-than-life icon whose presence will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
Rest in peace, Hulkster. The ring will never be the same without you.
The wrestling world is in mourning today following the shocking news that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71. According to TMZ, Hogan—real name Terry Bollea—died of cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning, July 24. Emergency services were called to the scene at 9:51 a.m., but sadly, the icon could not be revived.
While Hogan’s longtime friend Jimmy Hart recently tried to quiet whispers about Hogan’s health, speculation had lingered in recent weeks after a reported hospitalization. Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and his two children, Brooke and Nick Hogan.
A Legacy Larger Than Life
Terry Bollea’s journey in pro wrestling began in 1977, and no one—least of all the man himself—could have predicted he’d become one of the most recognizable figures in the industry’s history. After sharpening his skills in various territories and spending time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Hogan made his official WWF debut in late 1983. By January 1984, “Hulkamania” was born when Hogan toppled The Iron Sheik to win his first WWF World Heavyweight Championship.
The years that followed redefined sports entertainment. Hogan headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, going toe-to-toe with some of the biggest names in the business—Randy Savage, Andre the Giant, Sgt. Slaughter, and more. Whether it was the bodyslam heard around the world or his larger-than-life promos, Hogan was pro wrestling’s first true mainstream crossover star.
In 1994, after a decade of dominance in WWF, Hogan signed with WCW and shocked the wrestling world again two years later with his infamous heel turn and the formation of the New World Order (nWo), altering the industry’s landscape forever.
An Enduring, If Complicated, Legacy
Hogan’s later career saw him bounce between promotions, including memorable WWE returns in the early 2000s to face off with The Rock and Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 18 and 19. He also had a run in TNA starting in 2009, helping to reshape the company’s creative direction.
Though controversy followed him in 2015 with the release of a racially charged audio recording—leading to a temporary severing of ties with WWE—Hogan was eventually brought back into the fold in 2018 and continued to make guest appearances.
His final televised match came in 2011 during his TNA tenure, where he lost to Sting. Hogan is a rare two-time WWE Hall of Famer, inducted first as a singles star in 2005 and later as part of the nWo in 2020. His accolades speak for themselves: six-time WWE Champion, six-time WCW World Champion, two-time Royal Rumble winner, and a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
Farewell to the Immortal
“Hulkamania” wasn’t just a gimmick—it was a cultural phenomenon. Hogan’s red and yellow became synonymous with ’80s wrestling, and his charisma turned him into a household name far beyond the squared circle. Whether adored or booed, he remained a magnetic force in wrestling for decades.
The impact of Hulk Hogan’s legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come. Today, we say goodbye to a larger-than-life icon whose presence will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
Rest in peace, Hulkster. The ring will never be the same without you.
The wrestling world is in mourning today following the shocking news that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71. According to TMZ, Hogan—real name Terry Bollea—died of cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning, July 24. Emergency services were called to the scene at 9:51 a.m., but sadly, the icon could not be revived.
While Hogan’s longtime friend Jimmy Hart recently tried to quiet whispers about Hogan’s health, speculation had lingered in recent weeks after a reported hospitalization. Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and his two children, Brooke and Nick Hogan.
A Legacy Larger Than Life
Terry Bollea’s journey in pro wrestling began in 1977, and no one—least of all the man himself—could have predicted he’d become one of the most recognizable figures in the industry’s history. After sharpening his skills in various territories and spending time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Hogan made his official WWF debut in late 1983. By January 1984, “Hulkamania” was born when Hogan toppled The Iron Sheik to win his first WWF World Heavyweight Championship.
The years that followed redefined sports entertainment. Hogan headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, going toe-to-toe with some of the biggest names in the business—Randy Savage, Andre the Giant, Sgt. Slaughter, and more. Whether it was the bodyslam heard around the world or his larger-than-life promos, Hogan was pro wrestling’s first true mainstream crossover star.
In 1994, after a decade of dominance in WWF, Hogan signed with WCW and shocked the wrestling world again two years later with his infamous heel turn and the formation of the New World Order (nWo), altering the industry’s landscape forever.
An Enduring, If Complicated, Legacy
Hogan’s later career saw him bounce between promotions, including memorable WWE returns in the early 2000s to face off with The Rock and Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 18 and 19. He also had a run in TNA starting in 2009, helping to reshape the company’s creative direction.
Though controversy followed him in 2015 with the release of a racially charged audio recording—leading to a temporary severing of ties with WWE—Hogan was eventually brought back into the fold in 2018 and continued to make guest appearances.
His final televised match came in 2011 during his TNA tenure, where he lost to Sting. Hogan is a rare two-time WWE Hall of Famer, inducted first as a singles star in 2005 and later as part of the nWo in 2020. His accolades speak for themselves: six-time WWE Champion, six-time WCW World Champion, two-time Royal Rumble winner, and a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
Farewell to the Immortal
“Hulkamania” wasn’t just a gimmick—it was a cultural phenomenon. Hogan’s red and yellow became synonymous with ’80s wrestling, and his charisma turned him into a household name far beyond the squared circle. Whether adored or booed, he remained a magnetic force in wrestling for decades.
The impact of Hulk Hogan’s legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come. Today, we say goodbye to a larger-than-life icon whose presence will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
Rest in peace, Hulkster. The ring will never be the same without you.
Things got heated on the July 22 edition of WWE NXT when WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker made a rare appearance — and delivered a chilling message to TNA World Champion Trick Williams. That message? Keep running your mouth, and you’ll be picking yourself up off the mat.
The episode, which aired live from Houston on The CW, saw Trick Williams confront the legendary Deadman in a fiery in-ring segment that ended with a thunderous chokeslam — and a statement no one watching will forget anytime soon.
Trick Talks Big, But Taker Talks Back
Trick didn’t come to the ring empty-handed — he came with an ego and some bold claims. Still riding high as the TNA World Champion, Williams wasted no time throwing shade at The Undertaker and his new LFG crew, made up of Shiloh Hill, Dani Sekelsky, Bayley Humphrey, and Drake Morreaux. According to Trick, Undertaker is soft now, and his squad is part of the problem.
Williams even claimed that The Undertaker never held down two brands the way he has, saying no one shines like him. That’s when the lights dimmed, the gong hit, and business picked up.
Undertaker Warns Williams: “Dead Man Walking”
Once in the ring, The Phenom kept his cool — at first. He told Trick he sees a lot in him, but not enough respect. According to Taker, Trick was more driven when he was NXT Champion and warned that his attitude could be his downfall.
“You’re a dead man walking,” Undertaker told him, before adding that with the way Williams is acting, it’s only a matter of time before he drops the TNA World Title.
Trick wasn’t trying to hear it. He dismissed the legend’s advice and flat-out said he didn’t care about the LFG crew or their attitudes. He claimed no one on that roster — or any roster — is a star like him.
That was the final straw.
A Swing, A Miss, and a Chokeslam to Remember
Taker responded in true Undertaker fashion: with cold words and a big-time warning. “You’re too light in the ass to step to an O.G. like me,” he told Trick. “But if you want, I can flip the switch and make you famous.”
Trick took the bait and swung — but Taker was ready. He caught him, planted him with a chokeslam, and left him staring up at the lights.
What’s Next for Trick Williams?
After that confrontation, the message is crystal clear: legends don’t get talked down to — especially not by someone still trying to carve out their legacy. Whether Trick bounces back with more fire or starts taking Taker’s warning seriously remains to be seen.
But if there’s one thing we learned from this NXT moment, it’s that no matter how long he’s been gone, when The Undertaker shows up, everyone listens.
It looks like “The Low Key Legend” is taking her talents to Mexico. WWE veteran Natalya Neidhart is being advertised for an upcoming Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide event set for this Friday in Mexico City — but fans shouldn’t expect the classic WWE version of Nattie.
The appearance, promoted by AAA on social media, will take place at the Gimnasio Olímpico Juan de la Barrera. While her opponent hasn’t been revealed yet, anticipation is high — especially given the gritty reinvention Natalya’s been showcasing lately outside of WWE.
A New Edge for a WWE Veteran
In recent months, Natalya has been shaking things up with surprise appearances in promotions like Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, Reality of Wrestling, and the NWA. Embracing a harder edge, she’s been entering to Rage Against the Machine mixed with the iconic Hart family guitar riff — a nod to her legendary wrestling roots with a rebellious twist. She’s even started leaning into the nickname “Nattie” more than ever before.
When AAA announced her involvement, Natalya made it clear that fans might be getting more than they bargained for, posting:
“I know you have Natalya on your poster, but you might get NATTIE.”
Natalya isn’t the only WWE talent heading south of the border. The card for AAA’s Friday event is shaping up to be a cross-promotional spectacle. El Grande Americano will go one-on-one with Octagon Jr., and NXT’s Lola Vice is booked for a triple-threat tag match, teaming with a mystery partner against Lady Shani & Faby Apache and the team of Dalys & Chik Tormenta.
Meanwhile, AAA fan favorite Mr. Iguana will link up with Psycho Clown and Pagano to take on the trio of Mecha Wolf, Sansón, and Forastero in what’s expected to be a chaotic six-man tag showdown.
WWE x AAA: The New Reality
This flurry of WWE crossover comes on the heels of WWE’s blockbuster acquisition of AAA, announced during WrestleMania 41 weekend. Since then, the partnership has opened the door for talents from both promotions to cross paths in exciting new ways. Notably, Angel and Berto of Los Garza — now AAA World Tag Team Champions — have already made waves since the merger.
As the walls between WWE and AAA continue to break down, stars like Natalya are taking full advantage — reinventing themselves in fresh environments and giving fans something different.
Whether we get Natalya the technician or Nattie the rebel this Friday, one thing’s certain — she’s not just showing up. She’s making a statement.
Another young star is stepping away from the ring — at least for now.
Former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion Elayna Black, known to WWE fans as Cora Jade, has announced she’s taking an extended break from professional wrestling. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Black opened up about the importance of prioritizing her mental health, telling fans she plans to take the rest of the year off to “take care of me and go from there.”
Black also apologized to both fans and promoters, acknowledging that her decision means stepping away from previously scheduled bookings. “I’m sorry to anyone I’ve let down, but this is something I need right now,” she wrote.
Before this announcement, Black had remained active on the independent scene following her time with WWE, most recently teaming with Brooke Havoc to face off against The IINspiration (Cassie Lee and Jessica McKay) at Prestige Wrestling’s Combat Clash on July 13.
While there’s no timetable for her return, the wrestling world has shown overwhelming support for Black’s decision, echoing a growing trend of talent putting personal well-being first. It’s a reminder that even in a business built on larger-than-life personas, mental health matters.
We wish Elayna Black the very best during her time away and look forward to seeing what the future holds for her — both inside and outside the ring.
WWE Raw airs globally today from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT.
WWE World Tag Team No. 1 Contenders Match: The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) vs. The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus) vs. The LWO’s Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch has an offer for Lyra Valkyria
In one of the most unforgettable moments of TNA Slammiversary, AJ Styles made his long-awaited return to TNA Wrestling, sending the crowd into an absolute frenzy.
Walking out to his classic “Get Ready to Fly” entrance theme, Styles soaked in the reaction before taking the mic. Reflecting on his storied career, he admitted it’s been a long journey—but emphasized that he’s finally back where it all began.
Styles didn’t shy away from addressing the doubts that swirled over the years about whether he’d ever step into a TNA ring again. But as he put it, now that he’s here, the lights shine a little brighter—and the talent roster has never looked stronger.
One star in particular earned Styles’ praise: Leon Slater. After Slater’s milestone victory over Moose to become the youngest X-Division Champion in TNA history, Styles gave him a heartfelt nod, saying Slater didn’t just earn the title—he deserved it.
AJ also paid tribute to the names that built TNA from the ground up, mentioning legends like Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, Chris Sabin, Jerry Lynn, Austin Aries, Amazing Red, and others who helped lay the foundation for the company’s legacy.
But as Styles made clear, tonight belonged to Leon Slater. The young champion may have made his name at Slammiversary—but now, Styles challenged him to build his legacy as the face and future of TNA.
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