Robert Stone Returns to TNA With Eyes on Santino Marella’s Job; Victoria Crawford (Alicia Fox) Set for Knockouts Title Shot

The TNA power struggle just got a whole lot more personal — and a little more WWE-flavored.

On this week’s episode of TNA iMPACT!, former TNA star and current WWE NXT figure Robert Stone made a surprise return, confronting Director of Authority Santino Marella and delivering a blunt message: he’s watching him — and he might just be coming for his job.

Stone, who many fans still remember as Robbie E from his TNA days, didn’t show up alone. He brought with him a sense of corporate legitimacy, declaring that Santino is officially under review by the TNA Board of Directors and naming himself the one tasked with monitoring Marella’s performance. In case Stone isn’t around to oversee things personally, he introduced a new name into the fold — Victoria Crawford, better known to WWE fans as Alicia Fox — as his appointed Deputy Director.

And she’s not just here for admin duties.

Crawford has been thrust straight into the spotlight with a major title opportunity, as it was announced she will challenge Masha Slamovich for the TNA Knockouts Championship at Under Siege. The challenge comes on the heels of Crawford’s unexpected involvement at TNA Unbreakable 2025, where she interfered in a mixed tag match pitting Slamovich and Joe Hendry against Frankie Kazarian and Tessa Blanchard. That encounter has sparked what looks to be an intense feud between Crawford and Slamovich, now set to explode in a title match.

Tension around Santino’s authority continued to rise throughout the night. Tessa Blanchard — herself no stranger to shaking things up — confronted Santino backstage and threw her support behind Robert Stone’s ambitions, hinting that change might be exactly what TNA leadership needs.

Between internal power plays and a returning Crawford eyeing Knockouts gold, the dynamic within TNA’s leadership and women’s division is shifting fast. With Under Siege on the horizon and Stone’s influence growing, one thing is certain: Santino Marella’s days as Director of Authority may be numbered.

WWE Crown Jewel Heads to Australia in 2025 as Part of Takeover Perth

WWE is shaking up its international playbook in a big way. After six straight years of making Riyadh, Saudi Arabia the home of Crown Jewel, the company is officially moving the premium live event to new territory in 2025 — Perth, Western Australia.

Per WWE’s latest press release, Crown Jewel 2025 will emanate from RAC Arena on Saturday, October 11. The event is now part of Takeover Perth, a three-night WWE tour that also includes live editions of SmackDown on Friday, October 10, and Raw on Monday, October 13 — both also set to take place at RAC Arena.

One major name already confirmed for the weekend is none other than Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena. As part of his farewell tour, Cena’s appearance in Perth will mark his final WWE performance in Australia, making the event a historic moment for both the company and fans down under. Local stars Grayson Waller and Rhea Ripley have also been involved in promoting the event, teasing a strong Australian presence on the card.

In terms of what fans can expect inside the ring, Crown Jewel 2025 will once again feature the unique Crown Jewel Championship matches. These “champion vs. champion” showdowns pit WWE’s reigning titleholders against each other to crown the best of the best. Last year, Cody Rhodes and Liv Morgan became the inaugural winners, defeating GUNTHER and Nia Jax in standout bouts.

This isn’t WWE’s first foray into Perth. In 2024, the company packed out Optus Stadium for Elimination Chamber, where Ripley headlined with a title defense against Jax. That show set a strong precedent for WWE’s growing footprint in the Australian market — and Takeover Perth looks poised to build on that momentum.

Ticket details for all three events will be released in the coming weeks, but fans in Australia should be ready: WWE is bringing one of its biggest spectacles to their backyard for the first time ever.

What WWE’s Crown Jewel Move to Australia Means for Its Global Strategy

WWE’s decision to relocate Crown Jewel from Saudi Arabia to Australia in 2025 isn’t just a logistical change — it’s a strong signal about the company’s evolving global game plan under the TKO Group Holdings banner.

Since its inception in 2018, Crown Jewel has been the crown jewel (pun intended) of WWE’s long-term partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was more than just a premium live event — it was a statement, part of the company’s expansive and lucrative “WWE in the Middle East” initiative. But with the announcement that Crown Jewel 2025 will take place in Perth, Western Australia as part of Takeover Perth, WWE appears to be widening its scope with a strategic pivot.

Here’s what this could mean for the company’s international direction:

1. Diversifying Global Partnerships

WWE’s Saudi Arabia deal is still in place, and the company will likely continue holding Night of Champions or other major events in the region. But moving Crown Jewel to Australia suggests WWE wants to lessen its reliance on a single international market. By expanding marquee events into countries like Australia, they’re not just spreading financial risk — they’re also spreading opportunity.

2. Capitalizing on Hot Markets

Australia is a proven hotbed for wrestling fandom. WWE’s return to Perth in 2024 with Elimination Chamber saw strong attendance and buzz, especially with homegrown stars like Rhea Ripley and Grayson Waller featured prominently. By bringing Crown Jewel to RAC Arena, WWE is banking on a market that’s already fired up — and this time, they’re bringing Raw, SmackDown, and a PLE for a full-scale takeover.

3. Boosting the Prestige of Crown Jewel

When Crown Jewel launched, it was often criticized as a glorified exhibition show — a big-budget event without much long-term storyline impact. That perception shifted in recent years, especially with the introduction of the Crown Jewel Championship concept. Moving the event to a new continent and pairing it with core programming (like Raw and SmackDown) elevates the prestige even more, aligning it with WWE’s major four PLEs.

4. Strengthening the Retirement Tour Narrative

With John Cena confirmed for his final WWE appearance in Australia during Takeover Perth, WWE is using global tentpoles to tell a bigger story. This isn’t just about creating buzz — it’s about giving Cena’s farewell tour worldwide relevance, and there’s no better way to do that than having him headline a globally rebranded event.

5. Testing the Waters for More Global Takeovers

Takeover Perth might be the prototype for a new touring model. Pairing two live TV tapings with a major PLE in one international city over a long weekend makes production and promotion more efficient — and gives fans more incentive to travel. If this format succeeds, expect WWE to replicate it in other major markets like Canada, Germany, or even India.

The Bottom Line

Shifting Crown Jewel from Riyadh to Perth marks more than a geographic change — it’s a strategy play. WWE is clearly leaning into a more flexible, globally engaged event model, one that blends spectacle with storyline, local talent with global appeal. And with Cena’s farewell and the Crown Jewel Championships on the line, October 2025 might be the beginning of a whole new era in WWE’s international playbook.

WWE International Events Timeline (2020–2025)

2020

  • WWE Super ShowDown – February 27, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • COVID-19 pandemic halts international touring for remainder of year

2021

  • WWE Crown Jewel – October 21, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • First international PLE post-pandemic

2022

  • WWE Elimination Chamber – February 19, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • WWE Clash at the Castle – September 3, Cardiff, Wales (First UK stadium show since 1992)
  • WWE Crown Jewel – November 5, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2023

  • WWE Elimination Chamber – February 18, Montreal, Canada
  • WWE Backlash – May 6, San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • WWE Money in the Bank – July 1, London, England
  • WWE Crown Jewel – November 4, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2024

  • WWE Elimination Chamber – February 24, Perth, Australia (Optus Stadium)
  • WWE Backlash – May 4, Lyon, France
  • WWE Bash in Berlin – August 31, Berlin, Germany (First PLE in Germany)
  • WWE Crown Jewel – November, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Final Saudi-based Crown Jewel)

2025 (Upcoming)

  • WWE Crown Jewel – October 11, Perth, Australia (RAC Arena)
  • WWE SmackDown/RAW – October 10 & 13, Perth, part of Takeover Perth
  • Additional international events TBA

Backstage Shake-Up: WWE Reportedly Releases Key Creative Executive and Multiple Staff Members

The winds of change continue to blow through WWE as the company, now firmly under the TKO Group Holdings umbrella, has reportedly undergone another wave of internal staff cuts. According to PWInsider Elite, between 10 to 12 backstage employees were let go on Thursday—though the final number may ultimately be higher.

Among the most high-profile exits is Christine Lubrano, WWE’s Senior Vice President of Creative Writing Operations. Lubrano, who had held the position since early 2021, played a significant behind-the-scenes role in shaping WWE’s creative direction during her tenure. Her departure is being viewed as another major shift in the company’s evolving creative infrastructure post-TKO merger.

In addition to Lubrano, cuts also reportedly hit departments such as photography and creative services. At this time, there’s no indication that any on-screen talent or wrestlers were affected by this latest round of releases.

Lubrano’s background brought a unique flavor to WWE’s creative operations. Prior to her time with the company, she was involved in a variety of comedic television productions, including Baroness Von Sketch Show and Year of the Rabbit, and served as a top executive at IFC Films. She also founded her own production company, Lubrano Media, in 2019.

While there’s no confirmation yet on whether Lubrano’s exit was directly linked to creative decisions around WrestleMania or broader structural changes, her departure is being seen as another piece of the larger puzzle as WWE and TKO continue to streamline and redefine roles behind the curtain.

This marks the first significant round of corporate-level releases since February, when WWE parted ways with a dozen wrestlers, including Sonya Deville, Isla Dawn, and members of The O.C.

As WWE’s corporate reshaping continues, all eyes will be on how these backstage shifts influence what fans see on-screen in the coming months.

TNA Impact Preview 5/1/2025

TNA Impact live tonight on AXS TV at the special start time of 10pm ET from the Bren Events Center in Irvine, CA.

  • Indi Hartwell appears live
  • TNA World Champion Joe Hendry & The Hardys vs. Frankie Kazarian & TNA World Tag Team Champions The Nemeth Brothers
  • TNA X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs. Zachary Wentz
  • Leon Slater vs. KC Navarro
  • Maggie Lee vs. Jody Threat
  • TNA International Champion Steve Maclin will speak
  • John Goblikon from RIGHT NOW podcast appears

ROH TV Preview 5/1/2025

Ring of Honor will present a new episode of ROH TV tonight on Honorclub

  • ROH Women’s TV Championship: Red Velvet (c) vs. La Catalina
  • Mina Shirakawa vs. Leila Grey
  • Spanish Announce Project vs. Frat House
  • MxM Collection & Johnny TV vs. TBD

Former STARDOM Star Likely Headed To AEW

After a standout stint in Japan, Thekla is officially making her way to the United States—and she’s not coming without buzz. The former STARDOM star recently wrapped up her run with the promotion, and according to Fightful Select, she’s had her sights set on relocating to the U.S. for quite some time.

Thekla’s next move hasn’t been made public yet, but that hasn’t stopped speculation from heating up. Both AEW and WWE have reportedly been keeping tabs on her, with WWE sources noting they’ve been watching her closely. Meanwhile, AEW’s interest has reportedly grown since late last year, and insiders now believe she’s likely headed their way.

It’s not just the major leagues either—independent promotions are also in the mix, hoping to capitalize on Thekla’s unique in-ring style and international experience. For now, the mystery remains, but it’s clear that wherever Thekla lands, she won’t be short on opportunities.

Who Is Thekla?
Known as the “Toxic Spider,” Thekla is an Austrian-born wrestler who made a name for herself in Japan, particularly with World Wonder Ring STARDOM. Blending technical prowess with a hard-hitting, unorthodox style, she became a standout in the Donna del Mondo faction and developed a strong fanbase thanks to her charisma and in-ring intensity. Fluent in multiple languages and experienced across the European, Japanese, and now potentially American scenes, Thekla brings an international flair that makes her a unique asset in today’s wrestling landscape.

AEW Dynamite Preview 4/30/2025

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight on TBS and Max from the Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.

  • All Star 8-Man Tag Team Match: Kenny Omega, Mike Bailey, Mark Briscoe, and Kevin Knight vs. Kazuchika Okada, Ricochet and The Young Bucks
  • AEW Women’s World Title Eliminator: “Timeless” Toni Storm vs. Miyu Yamashita
  • Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Semifinal Match: Hangman Adam Page vs. Kyle Fletcher
  • Hurt Syndicate and MJF to appear

Dakota Kai Clears the Air on WWE Absence

Dakota Kai may have been off WWE TV for over a month, but fans worried about an injury can breathe a sigh of relief — she’s perfectly fine.

Kai hasn’t wrestled since the March 27th episode of WWE Main Event, sparking speculation about her status, especially given her history with injuries. However, the Damage CTRL member recently took to Twitter to squash the rumors and reassure her supporters. In a simple but heartfelt post, Kai said:

“I miss wrestling and I miss you guys. Not hurt btw!”

While she didn’t go into specifics about the reason for her absence, Kai’s message confirms that her time away from the ring isn’t medically related. Whether it’s storyline-driven or simply a creative reset, it seems the New Zealand native is just as eager to return as her fans are to see her back in action.

As of now, there’s no official word on when she’ll return to WWE programming. But given the ongoing shake-ups in the women’s division and Damage CTRL’s recent internal drama, her reappearance could come at a pivotal moment.

Could Dakota Kai be lying in wait for a major return angle?

WWE SmackDown Moving Back To A Two-Hour Format, When It’ll Happen

WWE’s bold attempt to extend SmackDown to three hours appears to be nearing its end. According to longtime insider Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the company is expected to return the blue brand to its traditional two-hour format by the end of May, wrapping up a trial run that kicked off back in January. Fellow observer Bryan Alvarez added that June 6th has been floated as a possible final date for the experiment.

The third hour was initially introduced as a way to provide more room for longer matches and expanded storytelling, giving WWE creative a chance to flesh out characters and feuds with more breathing room. However, the response has been a mixed bag. While some fans appreciated the added depth, others felt the pacing suffered, echoing long-standing criticisms of Monday Night Raw’s three-hour structure.

Internally, reactions within WWE have also been divided. While some saw the extended runtime as a valuable creative opportunity, others reportedly felt it diluted the show’s energy and made it harder to maintain consistent quality week to week.

If the return to two hours does happen as expected, it’ll be seen as a move to recapture SmackDown’s tighter, more focused pacing — something that had made it a fan-favorite brand in recent years. With key storylines heating up heading into summer, the timing may be ideal to sharpen the format once again.

Are you in favor of a shorter SmackDown, or were you enjoying the longer weekly shows?

Hulk Hogan & Eric Bischoff Launch Real American Freestyle Wrestling League

Wrestling fans were thrown for a loop this week when WWE legends Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff teased a major announcement with a cryptic nWo-style video on social media. Given Bischoff’s prominent role in the podcasting world, most assumed the pair were reviving something audio-based, perhaps with frequent collaborator Conrad Thompson. But when the curtain was pulled back, the surprise was something no one saw coming: a brand-new freestyle wrestling league.

On Wednesday morning, Hogan and Bischoff revealed the launch of the Real American Freestyle Wrestling League (RAFWL), a new organization focused on amateur-style freestyle wrestling. Joining them as the all-important “third man” is Izzy Martinez, a renowned freestyle coach who’s trained top UFC talent like Jon Jones and Holly Holm — the latter of whom he coached to her legendary upset victory over Ronda Rousey.

In interviews with both the Associated Press and Forbes, Hogan explained that the idea for RAFWL sparked earlier this year while watching Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Henderson defeat Gable Steveson at the NCAA Championships. That bout, which saw a college standout topple a former WWE star and Olympic gold medalist, inspired Hogan to explore a new vision for the sport. Now, he, Bischoff, and Martinez are aiming to build something big, and they’re already eyeing both Henderson and Steveson for involvement in the league.

RAFWL is set to feature eight men’s weight classes and four women’s divisions, with Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blades already confirmed as part of the roster. Hogan has declared Blades the “face” of the women’s division — a bold move signaling their commitment to showcasing high-level female athletes from the jump.

The league’s leadership structure is also coming into focus: Hogan will act as commissioner, while Martinez has been named Chief Operating Officer. Bischoff’s role remains a bit mysterious for now, though Hogan noted he’ll be contributing on the production side, which makes sense given Bischoff’s long history behind the camera.

The first RAFWL event is scheduled for August 30 in Cleveland, Ohio, with additional shows expected to be announced in the coming months. While the transition from sports entertainment to true freestyle wrestling might seem like a curveball, Hogan and Bischoff have never been afraid to disrupt the status quo — and with a proven coach like Martinez steering the ship, this may just be the beginning of something big.

Are Hogan and Bischoff about to shake up wrestling all over again — this time, on the mat instead of the mic? We’ll find out soon enough.