Category: WWE

Hart Vs. Austin At WrestleMania XIII To Be First Match Inducted Into WWE Hall Of Fame – “Immortal Moment”

WWE is set to break new ground with its 2025 Hall of Fame class, introducing a brand-new category of recognition: the induction of individual matches. During WWE SmackDown, the company announced that the legendary WrestleMania 13 bout between Bret “The Hitman” Hart and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will be the first match honored as an “Immortal Moment.”

A Defining Match in WWE History

The Hart vs. Austin showdown from WrestleMania 13 (1997) is widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in WWE history. Not only did it showcase elite in-ring storytelling, but it also played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of WWE’s most successful era. The match is best remembered for its dramatic double-turn, where the fan-favorite Hart became a villain while the rebellious Austin won over the crowd despite losing the match.

The unforgettable finish saw a bloodied Austin refusing to tap out to Hart’s Sharpshooter, ultimately passing out due to the pain. Hart’s refusal to release the hold cemented his heel turn, while Austin’s resilience solidified his status as WWE’s next breakout star. This match played a crucial role in launching the Attitude Era, with Austin eventually becoming one of the most iconic figures in wrestling history.

Bret Hart & Steve Austin Set to Appear at Hall of Fame

Both Austin and Hart, who have previously been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for their individual careers (Austin in 2009, Hart in 2006), will be present at the 2025 ceremony to accept this historic honor. With this recognition, Bret Hart also becomes the first-ever three-time inductee, having been previously honored in 2019 as part of The Hart Foundation.

2025 Hall of Fame Class

This year’s WWE Hall of Fame class already boasts an impressive lineup, including:

  • Paul “Triple H” Levesque
  • Lex Luger
  • Michelle McCool
  • The Natural Disasters (Earthquake & Typhoon)

With WrestleMania season approaching, WWE’s decision to honor WrestleMania 13’s defining match as an “Immortal Moment” is a fitting tribute to the impact Austin and Hart had on shaping the industry. Fans can look forward to their appearance at the ceremony, which promises to be one for the history books.

Stay tuned for more Hall of Fame announcements as WWE continues to build an unforgettable Class of 2025!

WWE SmackDown Preview 3/28/2025

WWE SmackDown tonight on USA Network from the O2 Arena in London, England

  • WWE United States Championship: LA Knight (c) vs. Braun Strowman
  • WWE Tag Team Championship: The Street Profits (c) vs. Pretty Deadly
  • Roman Reigns, CM Punk and Seth Rollins sign contract for Wrestlemania match
  • Drew McIntyre to appear

Gail Kim Issues Statement On Her Shocking Firing From TNA

Gail Kim worked as the Head of Talent Relations. Her departure came as a shock to many. The TNA Hall of Famer issued the following statement on her Instagram page earlier today:

“I Just wanted to say thank you to the fans, friends and especially my peers for all the support you have given me over the last few days. I’ve received such an enormous amount of love and it really has helped process this change for me. More than anything I am grateful for all the years and opportunities I was given to help build something I always dreamed of. The KO division is and will always be my heart and all the women who were a part of it. Thanks to the incredibly hard working and passionate TNA talent & crew that I have had the pleasure of working with. This will not end my passion or my love for wrestling and this is not the end of Gail Kim in the wrestling world. You don’t put in 17 years in one company and stop when you are this passionate. I look forward to sharing my journey and am taking some time for myself and prepare for what’s ahead. Looking forward to the future.

THANK YOU ❤️❤️ and one last thought……. More women in leadership roles. Not less. ????????

#womenswrestling #wrestling #TNA #WWE #AEW #NXT #champion #knockout #tnawrestling”

Below is the same statement she posted on X.

WWE NXT Preview 3/25/2025

WWE NXT tonight on The CW.

  • NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Jaida Parker
  • NXT Women’s North American Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Fallon Henley
  • NXT Heritage Cup: Lexis King (c) vs. Je’Von Evans

North Carolina Senate Proposes “RIC FLAIR” Act to Explore Wrestling Hall of Fame

North Carolina is looking to cement its place in pro wrestling history with a proposed Hall of Fame, and they’re doing it in true legendary fashion—by naming the bill after “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair.

The bipartisan Senate Bill 404, also known as the “RIC FLAIR” Act, aims to allocate $500,000 to study the feasibility of creating a professional wrestling Hall of Fame in the state. The bill is sponsored by Senators Jay Chaudhuri, Danny Britt, and Ralph Hise, and if passed, would require the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to conduct the study and present a report by the summer of 2026.

Senator Chaudhuri emphasized the deep connection between professional wrestling and North Carolina, stating, “Our shared cultural heritage in this state is college basketball, NASCAR, and professional wrestling. Professional wrestling still hasn’t gotten the recognition it deserves.”

North Carolina has long been a major hub for wrestling, with the legendary Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling promotion calling the state home before evolving into Jim Crockett Promotions, a key player in the rise of the NWA and WCW. Ric Flair himself became a household name while wrestling in the region, making the bill’s namesake a fitting tribute.

If the study leads to the creation of a Hall of Fame, North Carolina could establish itself as a premier destination for wrestling history alongside WWE’s Hall of Fame, which currently exists as a virtual entity without a dedicated physical location.

Could we see a brick-and-mortar wrestling shrine in North Carolina in the future? Only time will tell, but if there’s one thing Ric Flair knows how to do, it’s make history. Woooo!

WWE Officially Announces The Natural Disasters for WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Earlier this month, Typhoon confirmed that he and Earthquake, known as The Natural Disasters, will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

WWE has now officially announced this news.

The Natural Disasters will join Triple H, Michelle McCool, and Lex Luger in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

You can check out the official announcement below:

“One of the most physically imposing duos in professional wrestling history, Earthquake (John Tenta), and Typhoon (Fred Ottman), known together as The Natural Disasters, will enter the WWE Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2025.

Typhoon joined forces with Earthquake in late 1990 and the pair ran roughshod over the WWE due in part to their combined weight of nearly 900lbs. The tandem would go on to claim the WWE Tag Team Titles and engage in epic in-ring showdowns with Money Inc., The Legion of Doom and The Nasty Boys during their run as champions.

A talented group with the in-ring acumen to complement their enormous size, The Natural Disasters were a vital piece in the growth of WWE to where it is today. The pair reigned supreme in an era full of incredible tag teams and even teamed with inaugural WWE Hall of Fame inductee Andre the Giant at one point.

Considered a gentle giant by his peers outside of the ring, Earthquake was a former two-sport athlete as a wrestler and football player at Lousiana State University. He broke into the wrestling business in Japan where he was a decorated Sumo champion to go along with a successful career in All Japan Pro Wrestling. Earthquake awed fans across the world with his incredible size and memorable rivalry with Hulk Hogan during a golden age of wrestling before sadly passing away in 2006.

Typhoon, meanwhile, came up in Championship Wrestling from Florida alongside fellow Hall of Famers Diamond Dallas Page and Dusty Rhodes where he became the promotion’s Heavyweight Champion. He later married The American Dream’s sister and is the uncle of Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

A larger-than-life pairing that changed the game regarding tag team wrestling, The Natural Disasters will be remembered forever for their collective destruction and indomitable fighting spirit as they take their place in the WWE Hall of Fame as members of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025.”

WWE Raw Preview 3/24/2025

WWE Raw airs live today globally on Netflix from the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, with a special start time of 4:00 pm ET/1:00 pm PT.

  • Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Raquel Rodriguez
  • Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Penta
  • Jey Uso and a mystery partner vs. A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory)
  • Dragon Lee vs. Chad Gable
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to appear
  • John Cena to appear
  • CM Punk to appear

The Latest On Sting Possibly Inducting Lex Luger Into WWE Hall Of Fame

The 2025 WWE Hall of Fame will feature a long-overdue induction, as Lex Luger is set to take his place among wrestling’s greatest legends. But when it comes to who will induct him, Luger has made his request clear—he wants Sting.

As reported earlier here on Wrestling News Blog, WWE plans to ask Sting about making the appearance if they haven’t done so already.

According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Luger personally asked WWE to have his longtime friend and former tag team partner Sting do the honors. WWE reportedly has no issue with the request, but the decision ultimately lies with AEW CEO Tony Khan.

Will AEW Approve Sting’s Appearance?

Historically, AEW has been open to allowing its talent to appear on WWE programming under certain conditions. However, there have been exceptions. When WWE held a D-Generation X reunion, AEW star Billy Gunn (aka “Daddy Ass”) was invited, but Khan reportedly wanted WWE to acknowledge Gunn’s AEW affiliation—something WWE wasn’t willing to do. As a result, Gunn did not appear.

This situation could unfold similarly. While Khan will likely give Sting the freedom to make his own decision, there’s always a chance AEW and WWE will negotiate terms.

Adding another wrinkle to the situation, Luger was not permitted to appear on-screen when Sting wrestled his final match at AEW Revolution 2024. Given that precedent, it’s unclear whether Khan would be willing to let one of AEW’s biggest legends take part in a WWE event without some form of recognition for AEW.

A Legendary Friendship

Luger and Sting’s careers have been intertwined for decades, from their days as tag team champions in WCW to their storied rivalry. Their bond extended beyond the ring, as Sting played a significant role in Luger’s personal redemption story after his career-ending spinal injury in 2007.

Having Sting induct Luger into the WWE Hall of Fame would be a fitting tribute to their history, but whether AEW allows it remains to be seen.

What’s Next?

With WrestleMania season approaching, WWE will likely reach out to AEW (if they haven’t already) to discuss the possibility of Sting appearing at the Hall of Fame ceremony. If AEW agrees, it would mark a rare moment of collaboration between the two companies and a heartfelt moment for wrestling fans.

Will AEW give Sting the green light? Or will WWE need to find another inductor for Luger? Stay tuned.

Backstage Update on Wyatt Sicks & Alexa Bliss Ahead of WrestleMania

With WrestleMania 41 fast approaching, fans have been wondering about the status of Alexa Bliss and the eerie Wyatt Sicks faction. Bliss made a surprise return at the Royal Rumble in February, fueling speculation that she would soon align with the group inspired by the late Bray Wyatt. However, after falling short in the Elimination Chamber match, Bliss has been absent from WWE programming—just like the Wyatt Sicks, who haven’t been seen since their loss to Karrion Kross’ Final Testament (a faction that has since mostly disbanded).

So, what’s going on with Bliss and the Wyatt Sicks? And will they be involved in WrestleMania?

Wyatt Sicks Cleared, Waiting for the Right Time

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE plans to keep Bliss off TV until the Wyatt Sicks return to SmackDown. Meanwhile, Fightful Select reported that the reason for the group’s lengthy absence was an injury to their leader, Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy). However, Dallas—and the faction as a whole—has now been medically cleared to compete.

While WWE’s creative team is actively discussing their return, there’s no official word on exactly when they’ll be back. The company is reportedly waiting for the perfect moment to bring them back into the fold.

Is Bliss Still Set to Join the Wyatt Sicks?

Since Bliss’ return, WWE has dropped multiple hints about her potential involvement with the Wyatt Sicks, including subtle flashes of the faction’s emblem appearing on screen when she was on camera. Given her history with Uncle Howdy, dating back to early 2023 before she took time off for pregnancy, many believe she’s destined to be the sixth member of the group.

Recent reports caused some confusion when Bliss was removed from certain WrestleMania Week appearances, but it was later clarified that these were WWE World events, not WrestleMania itself. While it’s unclear if Bliss and the Wyatt Sicks will be part of The Show of Shows, their return seems inevitable.

What’s Next?

With WrestleMania just weeks away, could we see the Wyatt Sicks and Alexa Bliss make their return on the Grandest Stage of Them All? Or will WWE hold off and bring them back in a more calculated fashion after the event?

For now, it’s a waiting game, but when the Wyatt Sicks do return, expect them to make an impact—and possibly bring Bliss along for the ride.

Rey Fenix Officially Signed To WWE Contract

WWE is on the verge of adding another high-flying sensation to its roster, as reports indicate that Rey Fenix has officially signed with the company. The news follows a mysterious vignette aired last week on WWE SmackDown, which many fans speculated was teasing Fenix’s arrival. Now, per Fightful Select, those suspicions have been confirmed.

Fenix Bound for SmackDown

According to reports, WWE plans to introduce Fenix on SmackDown, the same brand where his teaser aired. However, an exact debut date remains unknown. The signing comes after weeks of speculation, as Fenix underwent routine medical evaluations before finalizing his WWE deal.

This move marks the latest chapter in the career of the former AEW Tag Team Champion, who made a name for himself alongside his brother Penta as one of AEW’s most dynamic duos. While both men had been linked to WWE interest as early as last year, Fenix’s jump to WWE was delayed due to injury-related contractual obligations in AEW. Initially, Tony Khan extended Fenix’s contract to account for missed time, but he later reversed the decision, ultimately granting Fenix his release.

Another AEW Star Makes the Jump

Fenix now joins a growing list of former AEW stars transitioning to WWE. In the past year alone, WWE has welcomed the likes of Ethan Page, Ricky Saints (formerly Ricky Starks), Shawn Spears, and his own brother Penta, who debuted on WWE Raw in January with a win over Chad Gable.

With Fenix expected to join SmackDown, the question now is: How will WWE utilize one of the most electrifying luchadors in modern wrestling? Could a reunion with Penta be in the cards, or will Fenix carve out his own singles path in WWE? Fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out.

UPDATE

The latest Rey Fenix teaser video: