Referee Daphanie LaShaunn Speaks Out After Big SmackDown Main Event Botch

The closing moments of Friday’s WWE SmackDown women’s main event had fans buzzing for an unexpected reason — a botched pinfall that briefly threw the finish into question.

During the WWE Women’s Title Triple Threat Match, Tiffany Stratton appeared to have Nia Jax down for a three-count, but referee Daphanie LaShaunn (formerly known on the indies as Aja Smith) only registered a two despite Jax not kicking out. The hiccup was quickly overshadowed when Stratton went on to hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the actual finish, but the moment didn’t go unnoticed.

LaShaunn later addressed the incident on her Instagram Stories, showing humility and appreciation in her response:

“I see all the love. I’m just human, but I can promise that I strive to always be better. Which will forever be my goal as long as I’m on this journey. I love this just like y’all. That I can swear to you.”

According to reports, the finish of the match had already been slightly reworked after Jade Cargill suffered a cut earlier in the contest. Stratton was always planned to leave with the victory, but the sequence leading up to it ended up playing out differently than scripted.

As is often the case with live TV, WWE quickly cleaned up the mistake for its official YouTube upload, editing the missed count out of the footage.

While the botch sparked chatter online, LaShaunn’s professionalism and accountability in addressing the situation have earned her plenty of respect from fans. Mistakes may happen, but Stratton still got her big win — and SmackDown closed with the intended result.

Adam Scherr (Braun Strowman) Teases Possible Role as Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th Franchise

Braun Strowman may no longer be terrorizing opponents inside a WWE ring, but he could soon be terrorizing movie audiences on the big screen. The former Universal Champion, real name Adam Scherr, has been branching out since leaving WWE, diving into acting and even launching his own travel show. His next project? A role in the upcoming horror sequel Deathgasm 2: Goremageddon.

But according to Scherr, that might just be the beginning of his journey into horror. In a recent interview with Collider, the powerhouse revealed that he’s been in early discussions about playing none other than Jason Voorhees—the legendary slasher who’s been haunting campgrounds and movie screens for nearly five decades.

“If we could ever get everybody to get back on the same page and allow the things to work, I might be the next Jason Voorhees,” Strowman said, even adding that he’d shave off his trademark beard for the opportunity.

While it’s not clear how far along those conversations are—or if they’re directly connected to the current Friday the 13th projects—Scherr made it clear he’s more than interested in picking up the iconic hockey mask.

The franchise has been dormant on the big screen since 2009, marking its longest hiatus in 45 years. However, the property is starting to stir again. Peacock has a prequel series, Crystal Lake, in development, which is said to explore Jason’s backstory through the perspective of his mother, Pamela Voorhees. A new feature film is also in the works, which could open the door for someone like Scherr to step into the role of adult Jason.

For wrestling fans, the thought of Strowman’s imposing frame as the unstoppable Voorhees is easy to picture—after all, he’s spent years playing the monster among men. Whether it’s on the squared circle or the silver screen, Scherr seems ready to keep his reputation for destruction alive.

WWE NXT GM Ava Announces TNA Invasion TV Special For Same Night As AEW’s Title Tuesday “Homecoming”

The battle between NXT and AEW Dynamite on “Title Tuesday” is becoming a yearly tradition, and 2025 might be the most high-stakes showdown yet. During Saturday’s NXT No Mercy premium live event, General Manager Ava announced that the October 7 episode of NXT will be branded “Invasion”, with the black-and-gold brand facing off against stars from TNA Wrestling.

This means WWE’s developmental brand will once again go head-to-head with AEW’s annual Title Tuesday, which this year features a special “Homecoming” edition of Dynamite. And while AEW has yet to announce any matches for their card, NXT has already stacked the deck.

What’s on tap for NXT: Invasion?

  • Survival Matches: Both men’s and women’s teams will compete in elimination-style battles reminiscent of Survivor Series. Team lineups will be revealed on next week’s NXT.
  • Title-for-Title Matches:
    • NXT Tag Team Champions DarkState vs. The Hardy Boys, the reigning TNA World Tag Team Champions.
    • NXT Champion Oba Femi vs. TNA World Champion Trick Williams, with all outside interference banned following recent chaos on NXT.

The Oba vs. Trick matchup is especially noteworthy. While Williams currently represents TNA as world champion, his roots remain firmly in NXT. He captured the TNA World Title back in May at NXT Battleground, defeating Joe Hendry. The crossover has only deepened since then: the night before No Mercy, Kelani Jordan won the TNA Knockouts World Championship at Victory Road after Ash By Elegance vacated the title, while Je’Von Evans is scheduled to challenge for the X-Division Championship at Bound For Glory.

Why it matters

This Invasion special signals just how serious WWE is about counter-programming AEW. With championships from both promotions on the line and marquee names like the Hardy Boys involved, it feels less like a side attraction and more like a statement.

And while AEW hasn’t yet revealed what’s in store for Homecoming, WWE has made sure fans know the October 7 TV war will be must-see.

AEW’s Hologram Sidelined With An Injury

What was shaping up to be a major clash on AEW Dynamite has now been taken completely off the table. TNT Champion “The ProtoStar” Kyle Fletcher was set to defend his title against the undefeated Hologram in a unique Title vs. Streak showdown. Unfortunately, that plan has been scrapped after a violent turn of events this past weekend.

On Saturday’s AEW Collision, Fletcher blindsided Hologram in a backstage attack that quickly spiraled out of control. Officials rushed in to break things up, but the damage was already done. Tony Schiavone later revealed on commentary that Hologram had sustained a significant injury, an update that AEW President Tony Khan confirmed soon after on social media.

Khan didn’t sugarcoat the news, stating that Hologram is “likely out the rest of 2025.” That’s a huge blow for AEW, especially given the momentum Hologram has built since his debut just over a year ago. The masked high-flyer burst onto the scene in July 2024 with a win over Gringo Loco and has since put together an impressive undefeated streak, notching 34 wins without a single loss.

The injury also puts a pause on an intriguing storyline that had been unfolding in recent weeks. Fans had seen Hologram battling inner conflict with a darker persona known as El Clon, reportedly portrayed by former AAA standout Arez. With Hologram now sidelined, it’s unclear whether AEW will continue exploring the El Clon angle or put it on hold until he’s healthy enough to return.

For Fletcher, this attack only adds more heat to his run as TNT Champion. The AEW locker room — and the fans — will no doubt be keeping a close eye on his next moves.

Hologram’s rise was one of AEW’s more unique success stories in 2024, and his absence leaves a noticeable gap in the roster. The hope now is that Hologram can recover fully and eventually pick up where he left off — streak intact or not.

WWE NXT No Mercy 9/27/2025 (Results)

Quick Results

  • Je’Von Evans def. Josh Briggs
  • NXT Women’s Speed Championship: Sol Ruca (c) def. Jaida Parker
  • Weaponized Steel Cage Match: Jordynne Grace def. Blake Monroe
  • NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page (c) def. Tavion Heights
  • NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne (c) def. Lola Vice
  • NXT Championship: Ricky Saints def. Oba Femi (c)

Je’Von Evans vs. Josh Briggs

Je’Von Evans finally got his revenge on Josh Briggs, surviving a hard-hitting clash to open No Mercy. Briggs used his size to dominate early, but Evans battled back with a big dive to the outside and a Frog Splash that nearly sealed it. Briggs looked to finish things with an Avalanche Chokeslam, but Evans countered late—turning one Chokeslam attempt into a Cutter before hitting a Flying Cutter for the win.

Sol Ruca Retains the NXT Women’s Speed Championship

Sol Ruca overcame a surprise challenger in Jaida Parker after Lainey Reid was ruled out of action. Parker nearly stole the title after hitting her Hipnotic on the floor, but outside chaos played a role—Lash Legend and Zaria both got involved, throwing things off balance. With just seconds to spare, Ruca nailed the Sol Snatcher to keep the gold.

Jordynne Grace Tops Blake Monroe in a Weaponized Steel Cage

The rivalry between Jordynne Grace and Blake Monroe hit a violent peak inside a cage filled with weapons. Monroe fought dirty, using everything from kendo sticks to scissors, even cutting Grace’s hair mid-match. But Grace powered through, planting Monroe on a pile of diamonds before finishing things with a crushing Air Raid Crash through a table for the victory.

Ethan Page Keeps the North American Title

“All Ego” Ethan Page is still champion, but Tavion Heights pushed him to the limit. Heights nearly submitted the champ with an Ankle Lock and came close with a suplex attempt, but Page turned the tide in dramatic fashion, countering into his Twisted Grin to escape with the win.

Jacy Jayne Holds On To the Women’s Title

Jacy Jayne left No Mercy still NXT Women’s Champion, though controversy followed. Lola Vice had the match in hand after surviving Jayne’s technical assault, but outside interference changed the outcome. Fallon Henley first tried to disrupt the count, then a hooded figure blindsided Vice with a knee strike, allowing Jayne to hit Rolling Encore and score the three-count.

Ricky Saints Becomes NXT Champion

The main event saw Ricky Saints dethrone Oba Femi in a dramatic battle. Femi’s power was overwhelming early, including a devastating Chokeslam, but Saints dug deep and rallied with a big Spear. After surviving Femi’s Fall From Grace, Saints turned a second attempt into a Tornado DDT to score the biggest win of his career and capture the NXT Championship.

Ash By Elegance Vacates TNA Knockouts World Title, Stepping Away From In-Ring Competition

TNA Victory Road delivered one of the most emotional moments of the year when Knockouts World Champion Ash By Elegance announced she was stepping away from the ring and relinquishing her championship.

Ash was originally advertised to defend her title against Masha Slamovich, but the match was scrapped after Slamovich was pulled from the card due to an ongoing investigation. Instead, fans were told Ash had an important announcement to make — and it proved to be a career-altering one.

Standing in the ring alongside TNA officials, Ash fought back emotion as she told the crowd:

“I am no longer able to compete and do what I love to do. So with that being said, I’m stepping away from in-ring competition. And with a heavy heart, I have to forfeit this title.”

The announcement brought an end to her reign, which began at WWE NXT’s Heatwave event when she captured the Knockouts Championship in a Triple Threat against Masha Slamovich and Jacy Jane. Fans will also remember Ash from her WWE tenure, where she competed as Dana Brooke.

To immediately address the vacancy, TNA announced a surprise Knockouts Battle Royal. The match came down to two standouts: former WWE star Léi Yǐng Lee (fka Xia Li) and NXT’s Kelani Jordan. Both women advanced to the night’s later card, where they would face off to crown a new champion.

As a result of the shake-up, the scheduled Knockouts Tag Team Championship match between The IInspiration and The Elegance Brand was shifted to this Thursday’s episode of IMPACT.

TNA Victory Road 9/26/2025 (Results)

Countdown to Victory Road

  • Zachary Wentz def. Cedric Alexander & Trey Miguel

Main Card

  • The System (Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers & JDC) w/ Alisha Edwards def. Order 4 (The Great Hands & Special Agent 0)
  • Ash By Elegance vacated the Knockouts World Championship; Battle Royal determined finalists → Kelani Jordan & Léi Yǐng Lee
  • Matt Cardona & The Home Town Man def. The Nemeths (Nic & Ryan)
  • Mike Santana def. NXT’s Ridge Holland
  • Mustafa Ali def. Moose — earns Hardcore War advantage for Order 4
  • Joe Hendry def. Eric Young
  • Matt Hardy def. AJ Francis — Tables Match
  • Kelani Jordan def. Léi Yǐng Lee — NEW Knockouts World Champion (Indi Hartwell as Special Referee)
  • Frankie Kazarian def. Steve Maclin — NEW TNA International Champion
  • Leon Slater (c) def. Myron Reed — retains the X-Division Championship

Post-show note: Je’Von Evans (NXT) challenged Leon Slater for the X-Division Title at Bound For Glory.

TNA Wrestling rolled into Edmonton for Victory Road, setting the stage for next month’s Bound For Glory. The night was filled with surprises, title changes, and some emotional moments that will have major implications going forward.

Countdown to Victory Road

The pre-show kicked off with a high-energy three-way featuring Cedric Alexander, Trey Miguel, and Zachary Wentz. Miguel got aggressive early, even superkicking his fellow Rascal. Wentz stole the spotlight, flying in with a Swanton to break up a submission before putting Alexander away with the UFO Cutter.

Winner: Zachary Wentz

Backstage, TNA International Champion Steve Maclin’s interview with Gia Miller was cut short when AAA legend El Mesias appeared, teasing a huge cross-promotional showdown.

Over in the FIR$T CLA$$ PENTHOU$E, AJ Francis ran down the Edmonton crowd before being joined by Matt Hardy. Francis tried to angle his way into the Hardys vs. Team 3D Tables Match at Bound For Glory, but Hardy shot down the idea. Things turned ugly fast as Francis put Matt through a table to send a loud message.

Meanwhile, The System demanded action against Order 4. Director of Authority Santino Marella gave them what they wanted, booking a trios clash for later in the night.

Victory Road Main Card

The System (Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers & JDC) w/ Alisha Edwards def. Order 4 (The Great Hands & Special Agent 0)
Special Agent 0 made his TNA in-ring debut, but The System played it smart and isolated him. After chaos broke loose, JDC hit Down & Dirty to seal the win for the faction.

Knockouts World Champion Ash By Elegance Vacates Title
In an emotional moment, Ash By Elegance revealed she can no longer compete and officially relinquished the Knockouts World Championship. A battle royal was announced immediately to crown two finalists, with the new champion to be decided later in the night.

The match came down to Kelani Jordan and Léi Yǐng Lee, who would meet again with Indi Hartwell as special referee.

Finalists: Kelani Jordan & Léi Yǐng Lee

Matt Cardona & The Home Town Man def. The Nemeths (Nic & Ryan)
The crowd rallied behind the masked Home Town Man, who helped Cardona score a flash pin on Ryan Nemeth. The victory celebration was short-lived, however, as The Nemeths attacked post-match and unmasked Home Town Man.

Mike Santana def. NXT’s Ridge Holland
Holland used his power early, but Santana turned the tide with speed and resilience. After hitting the Rolling Buck 50, Santana finished Holland with Spin the Block. Post-match, TNA World Champion Trick Williams ambushed Santana, sending a clear message ahead of their rivalry.

Mustafa Ali def. Moose – Hardcore War Advantage
With both factions banned from ringside, Ali outmaneuvered Moose in a wild contest. After hitting a 450 splash that couldn’t keep Moose down, Ali’s entourage got involved. Tasha Steelz, disguised as one of Ali’s dancers, delivered a low blow that allowed Ali to land a second 450 for the huge win. Order 4 now has the numbers advantage heading into Bound For Glory.

Joe Hendry def. Eric Young
Hendry fought through injuries after a backstage attack earlier in the night. Young nearly stole it with dirty tactics, but interference from Travis Williams and Judas Icarus kept things even. Hendry countered with Standing Ovation into a steel chair for the victory.

Matt Hardy def. AJ Francis – Tables Match
After their earlier confrontation, Hardy and Francis went to war in a violent Tables Match. Hardy survived a brutal chair shot and used Francis’ arrogance against him. After hitting Twist of Fate, Hardy sealed the deal with a top rope leg drop through a table.

Kelani Jordan def. Léi Yǐng Lee – NEW Knockouts World Champion
With Indi Hartwell officiating, Jordan and Lee put on a hard-fought contest. A mid-match ref bump almost cost Jordan, but she rallied back and hit One of a King to capture her first Knockouts World Championship. Post-match, Ash By Elegance and Léi Yǐng Lee showed respect as TNA President Carlos Silva presented Jordan with the title.

Frankie Kazarian def. Steve Maclin – NEW TNA International Champion
Maclin had Kazarian on the ropes until AAA’s El Mesias reappeared to confront him. The distraction gave Kaz the opening he needed, and he hit the Slingshot Cutter to capture the International Championship.

Leon Slater def. Myron Reed – X-Division Championship
The main event lived up to the X-Division’s reputation. Both men traded highlight-reel offense, but Slater survived Reed’s 450 splash and nailed the Swanton 450 to retain.

After the bell, NXT’s Je’Von Evans appeared on screen to challenge Slater for the title at Bound For Glory, officially announced by Santino Marella.

AEW Collision Preview 9/26/2025

AEW Collision live tonight on TNT and HBO Max from the Health Network Arena in Huntington, WV

  • Jamie Hayter vs. Julia Hart
  • Hook and Eddie Kingston vs. Big Bill and Bryan Keith
  • Max Caster and Anthony Bowens vs. Swirl
  • TNT Championship Open Challenge: Kyle Fletcher (c) vs. Komander

WWE NXT No Mercy 9/27/2025 (Card)

WWE NXT No Mercy – Saturday, September 27, 2025 – FTL War Memorial in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

CARD

  • NXT Championship: Oba Femi (c) vs. Ricky Saints
  • NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne (c) vs. Lola Vice
  • North American Championship: Ethan Page (c) vs. Tavion Heights
  • NXT Women’s Speed Championship: Sol Ruca (c) vs. Lainey Reid
  • Weaponized Steel Cage: Blake Monroe vs. Jordynne Grace
  • Josh Briggs vs. Je’Von Evans

WWE SmackDown Preview 9/26/2025

WWE SmackDown live on USA Network from the Kia Center in Orlando, Fl

  • Fallout from Wrestlepalooza
  • WWE Women’s Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Nia Jax vs. Jade Cargill
  • Giulia & Kiana James vs. Michin & B-FAB
  • WWE United States Championship – Open Challenge: Sami Zayn (c) vs. TBD
  • Cody Rhodes to appear