Category: WWE

Haku Returns To WWE, Leads Sons Tama And Talla Tonga On SmackDown

A WWE Hall of Famer made a shocking return on the final SmackDown before SummerSlam, as Haku appeared alongside his sons Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga to officially cement their new direction.

The surprise appearance came during the July 31 edition of WWE SmackDown, where Tama and Talla continued to distance themselves from Solo Sikoa and the MFT faction.

Haku Delivers Powerful Message To His Sons

Earlier in the show, WWE aired a vignette featuring Tama and Talla Tonga discussing their recent split from Solo Sikoa’s group.

The brothers explained that their pursuit of championships had taken a backseat while they were focused on internal family conflicts. They emphasized that it was time to put family first and return to what truly mattered.

The segment took an emotional turn when Haku appeared on screen.

The legendary wrestler spoke about the family’s Tongan heritage and reminded his sons of the legacy they carry every time they step into the ring. Haku’s appearance immediately drew attention, marking his first significant WWE television involvement in quite some time.

Champion Vs. Champion Match Breaks Down

Later in the evening, WWE Tag Team Champions Damian Priest and R-Truth faced AAA World Tag Team Champions The War Raiders in a non-title champion-versus-champion showdown.

The match quickly spiraled out of control.

As tempers flared, the referee was knocked down while attempting to restore order. With no official able to maintain control, the bout was ruled a disqualification. Even after the bell, the four competitors continued brawling throughout the arena.

The MFTs Make A Statement

As chaos unfolded, Tama and Talla Tonga stormed the ring.

The duo attacked everyone in sight, laying out both teams in dominant fashion. Tama connected with the Cut Throat on Erik, while Talla delivered a devastating chokeslam to Priest.

With the ring cleared, the brothers stood tall holding both the WWE and AAA Tag Team Championships.

Moments later, Haku made his way to the ring and joined his sons, creating a memorable image as the show headed toward its conclusion.

New Chapter After Solo Sikoa Split

Tama and Talla officially severed ties with Solo Sikoa on the June 26 episode of SmackDown.

At the time, the brothers claimed they were acting on instructions from “the elders” and voiced frustration over Sikoa’s obsession with Roman Reigns and The Bloodline power struggle.

Since then, they have begun carving out their own path, and Haku’s return appears to solidify that direction.

Now being presented as The MFTs, Tama and Talla have added one of the most respected figures in wrestling history to their corner as they continue their pursuit of championship gold.

SummerSlam Implications

The timing of Haku’s return is particularly noteworthy with SummerSlam just around the corner.

After standing tall over both the WWE Tag Team Champions and the AAA World Tag Team Champions, Tama and Talla have sent a clear message to every team in WWE.

With Haku now serving as their mentor and on-screen leader, The MFTs appear poised to become a major force in WWE’s tag team division moving forward.

Whether their actions on SmackDown lead directly to a championship opportunity remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Tonga family made a statement just one night before SummerSlam.

WWE SmackDown Preview 7/31/2026

WWE SmackDown live tonight at 8/7c on USA Network and Netflix internationally from the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The last show before this weekends two night SummerSlam.

  • WWE Tag Team Championship Match: Damian Priest & R-Truth (c) vs. AAA World Tag Team Champions The War Raiders
  • Interim WWE Women’s Title Ladder Match Qualifying Match: Giulia vs. Lash Legend
  • Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk goes Face-to-Face with Cody Rhodes ahead of their title match at SummerSlam

Report Provides Encouraging Update On Randy Orton’s WWE Return

Randy Orton’s absence from WWE television could soon be coming to an end.

“The Viper” has not been seen on WWE programming since WrestleMania 42, where his night ended in dramatic fashion following a failed attempt to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship.

After coming up short in the title match, Orton snapped and launched a vicious attack on Cody Rhodes, leaving fans wondering when the former world champion would resurface and what his next move would be.

Return May Be Imminent

According to Dave Meltzer in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Orton is expected to return to WWE television in the near future.

While no exact date was provided, the report indicated that Orton’s comeback could happen as soon as the next week, suggesting WWE may already be preparing plans for his reappearance.

The update is the strongest indication yet that the multi-time world champion is nearing a return after several months away from television.

Unfinished Business With Cody Rhodes?

Orton’s last appearance left plenty of questions unanswered.

Following his WrestleMania defeat, the veteran star’s post-match assault on Rhodes appeared to signal a major character shift and potentially the beginning of a new rivalry. However, with Orton disappearing from television immediately afterward, WWE has yet to follow up on the storyline.

Should Orton return in the coming days, many fans expect Rhodes to be at the center of whatever comes next.

The history between the two stars stretches back years, making a renewed feud one of the most anticipated possibilities upon Orton’s return.

A Major Addition To WWE Programming

Whenever Orton returns, he will instantly become one of WWE’s most prominent stars.

The future Hall of Famer remains one of the company’s biggest attractions and has continued to perform at a high level despite spending more than two decades in the industry. His presence could have a significant impact on the championship picture heading into the latter part of 2026.

For now, WWE has not officially announced Orton’s return date, but if Meltzer’s report proves accurate, fans may not have to wait much longer to see The Viper back in action.

After months away from television, Orton’s next appearance could be one of the most anticipated returns of the year.

WWE SummerSlam 8/1/2026 and 8/2/2026 (Card)

WWE SummerSlam – Saturday August 1 and Sunday August 2 – US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota 

SummerSlam Night 1 Card

  • Undisputed WWE Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Cody Rhodes
  • Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Iyo Sky
  • Hell in a Cell: Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
  • Gunther vs. Nick Aldis
  • The Usos, Jacob Fatu vs. Royce Keys, LA Knight, Solo Sikoa
  • Fatal Influence vs. The Bella Twins & Paige

SummerSlam Night 2 Card

  • World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Seth Rollins
  • Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match: Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Lash Legend
  • Undisputed WWE No. 1 Contender’s Match: Finn Bálor vs. Sami Zayn
  • United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Baron Corbin
  • Intercontinental Championship: Penta (c) vs. Chad Gable
  • Human Monies on a Pole Match: Danhausen vs. Dominik Mysterio — $100,000 on the line

WWE NXT Preview 7/28/2026

WWE NXT tonight at 8/7c on The CW and Netflix internationally.

  • NXT North American Championship Match: Myles Borne (c) vs. Kam Hendrix (If Borne wins, he & Tavion Heights get an NXT Tag Team Championship Match)
  • O.T.M. vs. Stacks Lorenzo & Uriah Connors
  • Shiloh Hill vs. Tristan Angels
  • Lizzy Rain vs. Izzi Dame
  • Will Cruz Montana confront NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo

Cruz Montana Mike Santana) Reveals Emotional Inspiration Behind New WWE NXT Identity

Former TNA World Champion Mike Santana has officially embraced his new WWE identity, and the story behind the name carries deep personal significance.

After WWE filed a trademark for the name Cruz Montana last week, the NXT newcomer took to social media on Monday to confirm the change and explain the heartfelt meaning behind it ahead of this week’s episode of WWE NXT.

A Tribute To His Late Father

In a post shared on X, Montana revealed that the name was chosen as a way to honor his father, who passed away six years ago.

According to Montana, his father’s death played a major role in one of the most difficult periods of his life, a struggle that ultimately helped shape the person he has become today.

Montana explained that he has always tried to keep his father close throughout his wrestling journey and viewed the new name as another way to carry that connection forward as he begins the next chapter of his career.

He concluded the message by describing himself as “addicted to greatness,” a phrase that appears poised to become part of his WWE presentation moving forward.

Alongside the statement, Montana shared new promotional photos that appeared to have been taken backstage in WWE and included a tag for NXT.

First Appearance Created Immediate Buzz

The name change follows Montana’s surprise appearance on last week’s edition of NXT.

The former TNA standout made his debut moments after NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo successfully retained the NXT Championship against Naraku in a brutal street fight. As D’Angelo celebrated his victory, Montana emerged from the crowd inside the WWE Performance Center and locked eyes with the champion.

The segment ended without Montana saying a word, but the confrontation immediately sparked speculation that he could be positioning himself as a future challenger for the NXT Championship.

WWE Confirms New Identity

When Montana first appeared, WWE commentators Vic Joseph and Booker T deliberately avoided mentioning his former ring name. WWE’s social media accounts also referred to him only as a “new face,” leading many fans to suspect a name change was coming.

Those suspicions intensified when WWE filed the trademark for Cruz Montana, and Montana’s social media post has now effectively confirmed that the name will be his new in-ring identity moving forward.

While rebranding established wrestlers has become increasingly common in NXT, Montana’s explanation has already resonated with fans due to the personal story attached to the name.

New Name, Same Championship Ambitions

Though the name may have changed, Montana’s goals appear unchanged.

His debut confrontation with Tony D’Angelo strongly suggested that the former TNA World Champion has his sights set on NXT’s top prize. With his new identity officially unveiled, all eyes will now be on Tuesday night’s NXT to see what comes next for one of the brand’s newest arrivals.

If his first appearance was any indication, Cruz Montana isn’t planning on easing into WWE—he’s arriving with championship aspirations from day one.

Montana’s explanation adds an emotional layer to what could have otherwise been viewed as a standard WWE rebranding, turning the name change into a tribute to the person who helped shape his journey both inside and outside the ring.

WWE NXT To Stream Live On ESPN Unlimited Beginning In August

WWE fans will soon have another way to watch NXT each week.

ESPN announced on Tuesday that CW Sports programming will begin streaming live through the ESPN app starting August 4 as part of the ESPN Unlimited subscription package. The move is part of the previously announced partnership between ESPN and The CW, which was first revealed earlier this year.

As a result, WWE NXT will be available live on ESPN Unlimited beginning with the August 4 episode. Future weekly episodes will also stream live on the platform while continuing to air on The CW network.

NXT Premium Live Events Also Headed To ESPN

The agreement extends beyond weekly television.

Starting with NXT Heatwave on August 30, NXT Premium Live Events will also be available through ESPN Unlimited. The addition further expands WWE’s presence on ESPN platforms, which began carrying WWE premium live events last September with Wrestlepalooza.

The partnership comes at a busy time for WWE programming on ESPN, as the company prepares for its two-night SummerSlam event on August 1 and August 2.

CW Sports Expanding Its Reach

When the partnership between ESPN and The CW was initially announced, CW President Brad Schwartz highlighted the benefits of combining traditional television with streaming accessibility.

According to Schwartz, the agreement represents a major step forward for CW Sports, allowing fans to access live content across multiple platforms while significantly expanding the reach of the network’s sports programming.

The CW currently offers more than 800 hours of live sports content annually, and much of that programming will now be available through ESPN Unlimited.

More Than Just Wrestling

In addition to NXT, the ESPN-CW partnership includes a wide range of sports programming.

Subscribers will have access to live coverage of NASCAR events, professional bull riding, college football, college basketball, and other CW Sports broadcasts through the ESPN app.

Fans can access ESPN Unlimited through participating television and mobile providers, while standalone subscription options are also available.

NXT Remains On The CW

Despite the new streaming option, WWE fans who prefer watching on traditional television won’t see any changes.

NXT will continue airing live every Tuesday night on The CW while simultaneously becoming available to ESPN Unlimited subscribers.

The addition of ESPN streaming gives WWE’s developmental brand another major platform and could help expand its audience as the company continues to grow the NXT product heading into the remainder of 2026.

The new arrangement gives NXT increased visibility across both broadcast television and streaming, providing WWE with another significant distribution outlet as the brand continues to evolve.

WWE Raw Preview 7/27/2026

WWE Raw live tonight at 8/7c on Netflix from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

  • Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match: Sol Ruca (c) vs. Raquel Rodriguez
  • The Vision (Bron Breakker & Austin Theory) vs. Alpha Academy
  • Triple H to host Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi weigh-in
  • Joe Hendry and Danhausen will host a concert
  • Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins face-to-face
  • Rey Mysterio vs. Ethan Page
  • Je’Von Evans vs. Rusev

WWE Files Trademark For ‘Cruz Montana,’ Fueling Speculation About Mike Santana’s Future

WWE may have revealed the new identity of one of NXT’s newest arrivals.

According to records from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, WWE filed a trademark application for the name “Cruz Montana” on July 24. The filing covers wrestling-related entertainment services, including live performances, television broadcasts, radio appearances, and online content.

The trademark filing has quickly sparked speculation among fans that “Cruz Montana” could become the new ring name for former TNA World Champion Mike Santana.

Santana’s NXT Debut Raises Questions

The speculation comes just days after Santana made a surprise appearance on WWE NXT.

Following Tony D’Angelo’s successful NXT Championship defense against Naraku in a street fight, Santana emerged through the crowd and confronted the champion as the show went off the air. The moment immediately generated buzz, as it marked Santana’s first appearance since reportedly finishing up with TNA Wrestling.

However, WWE notably avoided identifying him by name during the segment.

Neither Vic Joseph nor Booker T referred to Santana by his established ring name on commentary, while WWE’s social media posts described him only as a “new face” arriving in NXT.

WWE Continues Recent Rebranding Trend

If Santana is indeed being reintroduced as Cruz Montana, it would continue WWE’s recent trend of assigning new names to incoming talent.

Several performers arriving in NXT have debuted under different identities in recent months, with WWE opting to create fresh branding for stars transitioning into the developmental system.

Because Santana was never officially named during his debut appearance, many fans immediately began connecting the dots once news of the trademark filing surfaced.

Nothing Confirmed Yet

At this time, WWE has not officially linked the Cruz Montana trademark to Santana.

Trademark filings do not always result in on-screen usage, and the company has yet to announce whether the name will be assigned to a wrestler, manager, commentator, or another performer entirely.

Still, given the timing of the filing and Santana’s recent debut, many believe the former TNA standout could soon be unveiled under a new WWE identity.

For now, fans will have to wait and see whether Cruz Montana becomes the latest addition to the NXT roster—or if WWE has another surprise planned.

The timing of the trademark filing and Santana’s unnamed NXT appearance has made “Cruz Montana” one of the most talked-about potential rebrands in WWE, with many expecting answers in the coming weeks.

Report: Multiple Former WWE Stars Could Be AEW-Bound Following Expiration Of Non-Compete Clauses – (At Least Seven Free Agents)

With the 90-day non-compete period for many recently released WWE talents now officially over, speculation is growing that several notable free agents could soon be headed to All Elite Wrestling.

According to a report from F4WOnline, at least seven wrestlers are currently believed to be waiting on deals with AEW. The report cites sources who indicated that multiple talents are in line for potential signings, though no specific names have been confirmed at this time.

One source reportedly told the outlet they were aware of seven individuals awaiting contracts, while another suggested the actual number could be even higher.

AEW Keeping Future Signings Under Wraps

Despite the growing rumors, AEW has not publicly revealed any upcoming additions to its roster.

The company is set to present its AEW Redemption pay-per-view from Montreal’s Bell Centre this weekend, but as of now, there have been no reports identifying which free agents could potentially debut at the event.

Fightful Select also followed up on the story, reporting that AEW sources acknowledged there are “several” wrestlers expected to either sign with or debut for the promotion in the future. However, those contacted did not provide any names.

The lack of specifics has only fueled further speculation among fans regarding which recently available stars could be joining the company.

Large Pool Of Talent Available

The current free-agent market is one of the deepest in recent memory following WWE’s post-WrestleMania roster cuts.

Among the most recognizable names released earlier this year were Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Santos Escobar, Zoey Stark, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, and the members of the Wyatt Sicks faction.

Several of those names have already generated significant interest throughout the wrestling industry. The Motor City Machine Guns, for example, recently teased receiving an offer from an unnamed promotion in a video posted to their YouTube channel, leading many fans to speculate that AEW could be their eventual destination.

Meanwhile, Aleister Black has frequently been linked to a potential return to AEW due to his previous history with the promotion.

Former New Day Members Also Available

The available talent pool expanded even further after reports surfaced that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods would also be leaving WWE.

According to previous reports, the longtime New Day members opted not to continue under a restructured contract that would have included a pay reduction. Their non-compete clauses are expected to expire in time for AEW’s upcoming All In: London event.

Given their status as one of the most decorated tag teams in WWE history, Kingston and Woods would immediately become among the most high-profile free agents on the market.

All Eyes On All In

With All In: London approaching, many fans believe AEW could use the event as a platform to introduce new talent.

The promotion has a history of making major announcements and surprise debuts during its biggest shows, making the timing of these reports particularly noteworthy.

For now, the identities of the wrestlers reportedly waiting on AEW deals remain a mystery. However, with numerous former WWE stars now free to negotiate and compete wherever they choose, the coming weeks could bring several significant roster additions to the company.

As AEW heads toward one of its largest events of the year, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see whether any of the recently available free agents make the jump and become the promotion’s next headline-making acquisitions.