Pro wrestling icon Steve Borden—better known to fans as the legendary Sting—has revealed that 2025 will mark the end of an era. The WWE Hall of Famer and multi-promotion superstar announced on social media that next year will be his final one appearing at conventions and fan events in his signature face paint and ring gear.
“I have enjoyed meeting fans at events around the world. As much as I have loved interacting with you all in the traditional Stinger war paint, I’ve decided that 2025 will be my last year appearing in full gear. I guess it’s 2025 or never. Wow. Tough to speak that out.”
Sting’s iconic look—complete with his black-and-white face paint, trench coat, and trademark baseball bat—has been a staple of his appearances for decades, both in the ring and during fan meet-and-greets. While the wrestling legend will continue to connect with fans in other ways, 2025 will be the last chance for attendees to see “The Icon” in his full Stinger persona.
A Legendary Career Comes to a Close
Sting officially hung up his boots in 2024, following an emotional retirement match at AEW Revolution in Greensboro, North Carolina. Teaming with his protégé Darby Allin, the duo defeated The Young Bucks in what was widely regarded as a fitting sendoff to the Stinger’s storied career.
His retirement in AEW capped off a remarkable comeback that many fans thought would never happen. Sting had seemingly been forced into retirement back in 2015 after a career-threatening neck injury during his brief stint in WWE. Despite those odds, the WCW legend found a way to end his in-ring career on his own terms, delivering one final run for the fans.
Initially brought into AEW to manage Darby Allin, Sting eventually returned to in-ring action in cinematic-style matches before building up to full-scale brawls and traditional matches. His AEW tenure even included a tag team title reign with Allin—a feel-good moment for fans who saw the two as a natural pairing. The pair’s title reign concluded with Sting retiring as champion, resulting in the titles being vacated.
Closing the Chapter
As Sting prepares to enter this new phase of his life, fans will undoubtedly cherish these final opportunities to interact with him in his classic gear. From his days as a WCW megastar to his unforgettable return in AEW, Sting has proven time and again why he’s regarded as one of the greatest in pro wrestling history.
2025 might be “now or never,” as Sting put it, but his legacy will endure far beyond his last face-painted appearance. Fans who have idolized “The Icon” for decades can look forward to celebrating his unparalleled career one final time next year.
TNA Wrestling will present a special live episode of Impact tonight on AXS TV from the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, TX, which features a WWE NXT tag team title match. The lineup includes:
WWE NXT Tag Team Championship: Fraxiom (c) vs. The Rascalz
The Hardys vs. Moose & JDC
Masha Slamovich & Spitfire vs. Rosemary, Heather & Ash by Elegance
We’ll hear from Josh Alexander (who is contractually obligated to appear)
Alexa Bliss’ long-awaited return to WWE has hit an unexpected snag, as recent creative plans for the former Women’s Champion have reportedly been put on hold indefinitely, according to PWInsider.
Original Plans for Bliss’ Return
WWE had been actively preparing for Bliss’ return to television, including developing new merchandise and promotional materials. The company reportedly intended for her to be involved in a storyline with The Wyatt Sicks and had penciled her in for an appearance on a recent episode of RAW.
However, the situation changed when The Wyatt Sicks was moved to SmackDown. As a result, Bliss’ planned role alongside the faction was reportedly scrapped.
Not a Health Issue, but Potential Contract Concerns
While some speculated that health issues may have been a factor in the delay, PWInsider reports that this is not the case. Instead, one source within WWE suggested that the delay could stem from a “contract issue,” though this claim has not been officially confirmed. WWE officials are reportedly tight-lipped about the reasons for the change, leaving fans and insiders alike wondering what might come next for Bliss.
Alexa Bliss’ Recent Hiatus and Challenges
Bliss last appeared in WWE at the 2023 Royal Rumble. She then took time off due to her pregnancy and welcomed her first child, a baby girl, in November 2023. In addition to her pregnancy, Bliss faced significant health challenges over the past year, including skin cancer, preeclampsia, and various postpartum complications. However, she assured fans in late 2024 that her health had fully recovered.
Despite the setbacks, Bliss began teasing her return earlier this month on social media, fueling speculation about her next move.
What’s Next for Alexa Bliss?
With Bliss’ return plans now shelved, her immediate future in WWE is uncertain. Her current contract status and length remain undisclosed, adding further mystery to her situation. Whether or not the rumored “contract issue” proves to be the root cause of the delay, one thing is clear: Alexa Bliss remains one of WWE’s most intriguing and dynamic talents, and her eventual return will undoubtedly be a major moment for fans.
After spending over a decade in WWE, former star Baron Corbin has officially stepped into the independent wrestling scene under his real name, Tom Pestock. However, Pestock’s journey appears to be evolving yet again, as a recent trademark filing suggests he may soon adopt the name Bishop Dyer for his in-ring persona.
From WWE to the Indies
Pestock made his independent wrestling debut on January 19 at The People vs. GCW event in New York City. Wrestling in a unique Bloodsport-style match — a no-ropes, MMA-inspired contest — Pestock faced off against Josh Barnett at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Though he came up short in the bout, the match marked a significant moment for the former WWE star, who spent over 12 years with the company.
Starting his wrestling career in 2012 after a brief stint in the NFL, Pestock was a mainstay in WWE. Under the name Baron Corbin, he climbed the ranks, finding success on both the NXT and main rosters. Highlights of his WWE tenure include retiring Kurt Angle at WrestleMania 35, winning the King of the Ring tournament, and embracing memorable gimmicks like “Happy Corbin,” a down-on-his-luck version of his character. His final run saw him return to NXT in 2023 before his departure in 2024.
Looking Toward Japan?
While Pestock is just beginning to explore life outside WWE, his next chapter may take him overseas. During a recent appearance on the Insight with Chris Van Vliet podcast, Pestock expressed a strong desire to wrestle in Japan. He hinted at the possibility of working with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), even suggesting that he might spend the remainder of his in-ring career there. While NJPW’s interest in Pestock has not been confirmed, the move would mark an exciting shift for the former WWE King of the Ring.
The Bishop Dyer Era?
Adding another layer to Pestock’s new chapter is the potential debut of his new name, Bishop Dyer. A trademark filing earlier this week indicates that Pestock may adopt this moniker as he continues to reinvent himself on the independent scene. The change could help him further establish his identity outside of WWE and potentially connect with a broader audience as he transitions into this next phase of his career.
A Fresh Start
After over a decade in WWE’s structured system, Pestock’s move to the independent circuit offers him the creative freedom to redefine his career on his own terms. With his first independent match now under his belt and aspirations to wrestle in Japan on the horizon, the future looks intriguing for the man once known as Baron Corbin. Whether performing as Tom Pestock or Bishop Dyer, it’s clear that this former WWE star is ready to make waves in the wrestling world once again.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin took to Instagram on Tuesday to provide an update after he underwent total knee replacement surgery seven weeks ago. He wrote,
“How it was. And how it is…
I am 7 weeks post op on a Total Knee Replacement. My left knee was on its last leg, and I have been putting this surgery off for years.
Post op X-Rays show everything is healing nicely.
Many thanks to Dr. Nicholas Dirig, Derek Bobst, and their excellent team for my surgery.
Thanks to Bill Wall of Physical Therapy Specialist for getting me back on track. Before starting PT, I came out of the gate aggressive and started walking way too soon and too far and really pissed off my new knee. Total Knee Replacement is a year long healing process, so I dont know what the hell I was thinking.
Swelling is still an issue, but things are healing up nicely and getting solid. I am back in the gym and training. Nothing heavy yet. And no squats…
I have my sights set to race in The Mint 400 outside of Las Vegas, NV with the @gfiracing team and my teammate @zach_kisman in 7 weeks.
I will get back in my @kawasakiusa KRX1000 for the first time this weekend to knock the rust off and get back to driving. I am thankful to have found the challenge of Desert Off Road Racing. I love competition and the harsh conditions that come with it. So here goes…”
The wrestling world is buzzing after a chaotic weekend that included major events like TNA Genesis and The People vs. GCW pay-per-views. At the center of the drama is veteran wrestler PCO, whose shocking actions at the GCW event have sent shockwaves through both promotions.
PCO, who won the opening rumble match at The People vs. GCW, stunned fans by smashing his TNA Digital Media Championship belt and cutting a fiery promo on TNA. Before he could go further, PCO was cut off mid-promo, but the damage—both literal and figurative—had already been done. His actions have led to a wave of speculation about his frustrations with TNA, with many questioning what pushed him to this breaking point.
The Contract Saga: Why PCO is Reportedly Upset
On a recent episode of “Wrestling Observer Radio”, Dave Meltzer shed light on what might have led to PCO’s shocking outburst. According to Meltzer, it all comes down to a messy series of contract negotiations with TNA.
Meltzer explained that PCO was initially offered a new contract by TNA, which he verbally agreed to but had not yet signed. However, things took a turn when TNA rescinded the original offer and presented him with a revised deal for less money. Despite the pay cut, PCO reportedly accepted the new terms. But that wasn’t the end of the ordeal.
TNA allegedly came back again, this time informing PCO that they would not be renewing his contract at all. On top of that, they asked him to drop the Digital Media Championship before his departure. This series of back-and-forth negotiations, coupled with TNA’s recent cost-cutting measures that have impacted other talents as well, likely left PCO feeling disrespected and undervalued.
Miscommunication Between GCW and TNA
PCO’s actions at The People vs. GCW have left both promotions scrambling. GCW has claimed they were unaware of PCO’s intentions to destroy the TNA Digital Media Championship belt, assuming his actions were part of a storyline that would eventually play out on TNA programming.
TNA, however, is reportedly livid about the incident, with sources indicating that PCO’s stunt has effectively burned any remaining bridges between him and the company. While TNA had planned for PCO to lose the title at their upcoming San Antonio tapings, the company has allegedly had no contact with him since December, adding to the confusion.
What’s Next for PCO?
At this point, it seems unlikely that PCO will return to TNA, given the fallout from his actions and the apparent breakdown in communication between the two sides. PCO’s profile has been removed from the promotion’s roster section of its website. For GCW, the situation could be seen as a boost in notoriety, as the chaotic moment has generated significant buzz.
PCO, known for his unpredictable and wild persona, has always thrived in environments where he can push boundaries. Whether this incident leads to opportunities in other promotions or further isolates him from the wrestling mainstream remains to be seen.
The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights the challenges wrestlers face when navigating contract negotiations in a rapidly changing wrestling landscape. For TNA, the controversy is a reminder of the risks associated with cost-cutting measures, which can alienate talent and lead to public relations nightmares.
As for fans, PCO’s shocking actions at The People vs. GCW will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about moments of the year, cementing his status as a wrestler who refuses to play by the rules.
It didn’t take long for Corey Graves to find his way back behind the microphone. After a one-week absence from WWE programming, Graves made his return to the commentary table on last night’s episode of NXT, stepping into his new role with an air of enthusiasm and a touch of grit.
Graves had been vocal on social media about his frustration after being shifted from the main roster commentary team to NXT—a move that caught many fans off guard. However, his return to NXT was marked by a confident statement that set the tone for the evening.
“I am right where I want to be,” Graves declared as the show kicked off. “Where passion is everything and only the hungry survive, and pro wrestling never stopped being cool.”
While Graves’ comments last night seemed to convey pride in being part of the NXT brand, his initial reaction to the move painted a more complicated picture. The shift from calling flagship shows like Raw and SmackDown to the developmental brand appeared to come as a disappointment for the veteran commentator, who has been a staple of WWE programming for years. His brief absence led to speculation among fans about whether the transition was entirely smooth.
Despite the initial frustration, it seems Graves is now embracing the opportunity to lend his voice to NXT’s unique energy. The black-and-gold brand has long been a platform for hungry up-and-coming Superstars, and Graves’ passionate commentary style could help elevate the show’s growing roster of talent.
A Voice That Resonates
Corey Graves has built a reputation as one of WWE’s most dynamic and opinionated commentators. His sharp wit and deep knowledge of the business have made him a standout presence on the headset. While moving from WWE’s main roster to NXT may have seemed like a step down at first glance, his return to the developmental brand could breathe new life into the product, particularly as NXT continues to build momentum heading into 2025.
It’s worth noting that Graves himself has a deep connection to NXT. Before transitioning to commentary, he competed as a wrestler on the brand during its early days, making his return last night feel somewhat full-circle.
What’s Next for Corey Graves and NXT?
Graves’ return to NXT could signify a renewed focus on the commentary team as WWE looks to keep the brand competitive in an increasingly stacked wrestling landscape. Whether he’ll be a long-term fixture on Tuesday nights remains to be seen, but his passion for the business is undeniable.
For now, Corey Graves is back where “pro wrestling never stopped being cool,” and fans can expect his signature mix of sarcasm and insight to add a spark to NXT’s weekly broadcasts.
WWE has officially announced the return of WWE World, its fan-focused multi-day convention, during WrestleMania 41 week in Las Vegas. After its successful debut in 2024, WWE World is back, promising five days of immersive wrestling experiences from Thursday, April 17, to Monday, April 21, 2025.
The event will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall and will feature the largest WWE Superstore in WrestleMania history—a dream for collectors and merch enthusiasts. Tickets for WWE World go on sale Monday, February 3, at 12 PM ET/9 AM PT, with an exclusive pre-sale starting Wednesday, January 29, at 12 PM ET/9 AM PT on FanaticsEvents.com/WWE.
What Fans Can Look Forward To
In a press release accompanying the announcement, WWE teased an action-packed lineup of activities that fans won’t want to miss. Here’s what to expect:
Superstar Roundtables & Live Podcasts: Fans will get a chance to watch live discussions and recordings with some of WWE’s biggest names on the central main stage.
Memorabilia & Autograph Sessions: Fanatics Live will host live auctions of WWE memorabilia, alongside autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with current stars and wrestling legends.
Exclusive Merch: WWE World promises exclusive merchandise that will only be available at the event, making it a must-visit for collectors.
Immersive Exhibits: Celebrate over four decades of WrestleMania history with exhibits and memorabilia showcasing key moments from WWE’s flagship event.
While WWE hasn’t yet revealed which Superstars will participate in meet-and-greets this year, last year’s WWE World featured big names like Chelsea Green, Johnny Gargano, Andrade, and former NXT Champion Trick Williams. Fans can expect another star-studded lineup for 2025, given WWE’s track record of delivering memorable fan experiences.
WWE & Fanatics Team Up Again
The return of WWE World highlights WWE’s growing partnership with Fanatics, the global leader in licensed sports merchandise and memorabilia. Together, they’ve been creating exclusive WWE products and enhancing fan experiences through live events and digital activations. WWE World is the latest extension of this collaboration, giving fans a one-of-a-kind way to connect with their favorite Superstars.
Don’t Miss Out!
With WrestleMania 41 set to electrify Las Vegas, WWE World is shaping up to be the perfect complement to the Showcase of the Immortals. Whether you’re looking for exclusive merch, autographs, or the chance to soak in WrestleMania history, this five-day extravaganza promises something for everyone.
Mark your calendars, secure your tickets early, and get ready to dive into the ultimate WWE fan experience in the Entertainment Capital of the World.
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