WWE Confirms Vince McMahon’s Recent Spinal Surgery

As previously reported, Vince McMahon underwent major spinal surgery last month.

WWE reported second quarter 2023 financial results on Wednesday. In company filings, WWE confirmed McMahon did undergo surgery.

The filing noted, “On July 21, 2023, Mr. McMahon went on medical leave after undergoing major spinal surgery. Mr. McMahon will remain on medical leave until further notice but will remain Executive Chairman of the Company.”

McMahon walked away from WWE last summer as WWE CEO and Chairman amid the sexual misconduct and hush money allegations that were being investigated at the time. He eventually returned in January and later signed off on the Endeavor Group acquiring WWE to merge the promotion into a new company with the UFC later this year.

Source: eWn

The Elite Sign New Multi-Year Deals With AEW

Sports Illustrated reported today that The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Hangman Page) have each signed new multi-year deals with the company.

The article added Omega and the Bucks will also continue in their roles as Executive Vice Presidents.

Their deals were slated to expire at the end of this year and reportedly had interest from WWE.

“I’m excited to share that Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Hangman Adam Page will all be staying in AEW for years to come,” AEW owner Tony Khan said in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating the great news with fans around the world.”

Tony Khan confirmed that the new deals with The Elite were inked before tonight’s 200th episode of “AEW Dynamite,”

Here are the statements made by Omega and The Young Bucks:

Kenny Omega: “Our original goal was to create a wrestling alternative and give a platform to talented people that we’d all felt deserved a spotlight,” he said. “I feel like we did our best in that time, and hopefully some people you’d never heard of pre-AEW are folks you enjoy watching today. Or if you knew them from their previous work elsewhere, have maybe found a new appreciation for them. That feeling, combined with the feeling of knowing they can provide for themselves and their family doing what they love, was always the biggest reward of being an EVP/founder. Pro wrestling has a presence almost everywhere on the planet,” he continued. “In my pursuit to become as complete of a performer as possible, my goal was always to experience the styles of the world at their highest level. I believe that with AEW’s current working relationships, and possibly future, I can challenge all forms of pro wrestling and diversify my style so that I’m equipped for any scenario I may encounter in the ring. I was careful to weigh out all options and was open minded to all possibilities,” said Omega. “I’m here to help whomever I can while I’m still around. Up to this point, I’ve made the choice to sacrifice everything in the name of pro wrestling. I can’t say that family or my kids influenced the decision to stay with AEW–I’m not married and without kids–but what I can say is that I’m incredibly proud of my match catalog and the wonderful people I’ve met and continue to meet. AEW not only allows me to continue doing what I do at a high level, but allows the freedom to pursue some other passions I have in life–which, after nearly 25 years in the ring, have become more and more important to me.”

Matt Jackson: “We’re literally the ‘E’ in AEW,” he said. “The Elite are the main characters of this company. No matter how different AEW is now from its original inception, we are the DNA. And if you lose the foundation of your home, it eventually collapses. It’d be a lie if I said that didn’t weigh on us, when making the decision. In my older years of my career, being closer to the end than I am the beginning, I’m not really one who worries much about my legacy anymore,” he continued. “I’ve kind of noticed, like a summer tan, most memories fade. Or, they’re remembered differently or told with errors anyway. Oftentimes the memory is almost instantly forgotten, because you hit the refresh button. As far as my own personal stories, I’ll have enough to retell my grandchildren for a lifetime. And much of those stories can be about how I helped create a massively successful wrestling company where all of your favorites can be seen on live television every week.”

Nick Jackson: “If we’re going to be honest the schedule was a huge part of it,” he said. “I have a wife and three young children and seeing them as much as possible was a big factor. I’m not going to lie, the money was a huge factor, too. At this point of my life and career, I just couldn’t see myself being on the road half of the year or even more than that. I have so much respect for the guys and girls that are able to do that year after year. We for sure could’ve made memories in WWE, but what’s more important to me is making memories with my family. With the position we’re in, I’ll be able to do that and still make memories in AEW.”

WWE NXT Preview 8/1/2023

WWE NXT tonight from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center on the USA Network: 

  • Fallout from The Great American Bash
  • Schism Interrogation
  • Dijak vs. Eddy Thorpe
  • Lyra Valkyria vs. Jacy Jayne
  • Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz vs. Lola Vice & Elektra Lopez

The Latest Update On Rey Mysterio’s Injury

This past Friday night on WWE SmackDown, Rey Mysterio battled Santos Escobar in the United States Title Invitational Finals. 

This bout ended earlier than expected as it seemed Mysterio was injured after being hit with an outside dive by Escobar during the commercial break, leading to WWE’s medical staff checking on Rey. The referee called off the match, and Escobar was declared the winner. After the match, Mysterio congratulated Escobar on the win.

Dave Meltzer noted on today’s Wrestling Observer Radio that Mysterio was knocked silly twice in the match. Once it happened for a second time, the decision was made to call off the bout.

Meltzer added there’s still no word yet on how long Mysterio will be kept out of the ring.

Source: eWn

Wrestling World Reacts To Death Of Paul Reubens, Pee-Wee Herman Actor

Paul Reubens has died at the age of 70 following a long battle with cancer. The actor, who was arguably best known for portraying the iconic Pee-wee Herman character since 1977, appeared in many movies and TV shows throughout his illustrious career. However, he was also a familiar face in the wrestling world thanks to his WWE cameos. He appeared as Herman at WWE WrestleMania 27 and served as “Raw’s” guest GM for a night back in 2010. Reubens also had many friends and fans in the wrestling industry, and some of them have paid their respects to him on social media.

AEW stars Danhausen and RJ City were quick to show pay respects to the late actor. Both of them also noted the influence that he had on their respective careers as entertainers. Danhausen credited a Pee-wee Herman segment for taking his own career to the next level, while City credited Reubens for his friendship and mentorship.

AEW’s Nyla Rose also took to social media to praise Reubens. In her tweet, she shared a gif of Herman riding a bicycle and referenced the “secret word” segments from “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” 

WWE announcer Corey Graves shared a heartfelt story about his experiences with Reubens. Like many, he grew up a fan of the performer’s work, but he eventually had the honor and pleasure of calling the actor a friend. Adam “Edge” Copeland had similar experiences with Reubens, and he opened up about them on his own social media after the news of his death came to light.

ROH and AEW announcer Ian Riccaboni was also a big fan of Reubens. So much so that he even shared a photo of him impersonating the entertainer during his childhood years, revealing that he idolized him back then. 

Bully Ray posted on Twitter/X – “Absolutely Amazing. RIP Mr. Paul Reubens and thanks for giving us Pee Wee.”

More tributes for Reubens will undoubtedly continue to pour in.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Welsh Wrestling Legend Adrian Street Passed Away

Welsh professional wrestler Adrian Street has died at the age of 82, according to a report from BBC. Street, who was the subject of multiple documentaries focused on his life and career (including a WWE Network special), recently suffered a stroke. According to Street’s wife and former wrestling manager, known professionally as Miss Linda, complications associated with that stroke are believed to have caused his death.

Street began his professional wrestling career in August 1957 (via Wrestling Heritage). With his final match taking place in November 2010, Street’s in-ring career lasted for more than 53 years. In that time, Street was a six-time NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Champion and a Mid-South Television Champion.

Prior to his move to North America in the early 1980s, Street honed his craft in the United Kingdom wrestling scene, developing a flamboyant character that took inspiration from “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers and “Gorgeous” George. With his persona, Street helped pave the way for characters such as Goldust to find a place in professional wrestling. In fact, with his popularity in England, Street is believed to have played a role in popularizing the “glam rock” look that rose over the course of the 1970s.

In addition to his work inside the ring, Street was an author, actor, musician, trainer, and costume-maker, alongside his wife. The two resided in Florida for a long time, but returned home to Wales in the last several years. Last year, Street and his wife were both present at WWE’s Clash at the Castle event in Cardiff, Wales.

A picture of Street, dressed in his wrestling costume while standing beside his father in his miner’s clothes, is viewed by many as the “most important post-war picture ever taken” in the United Kingdom. The picture is said to represent the nation’s shift from industry to entertainment.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE RAW Preview 7/31/2023

WWE Raw will air live tonight on the USA Network from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

  • World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins & Sami Zayn vs. Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio
  • Valhallah vs. Maxxine Dupri 
  • What will happen with Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar under one roof?
  • Logan Paul back on RAW tonight.

WWE NXT The Great American Bash 7/30/2023 (Results)

KICK-OFF SHOW
Dragon Lee, Nathan Frazer, Yulisa León, and Valentina Feroz def. The Meta-Four (Noam Dar, Oro Mensah, Jakara Jackson, and Lash Legend)

NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
The Family (Tony D’Angelo and Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo) def. Gallus to become New  NXT Tag Team Champions

WEAPONS WILD MATCH:
Roxanne Perez def. Blair Davenport

Gable Steveson vs. Baron Corbin – Double Count Out

NXT NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP TRIPLE THREAT MATCH:
“Dirty” Dominik Mysterio (c) (with Rhea Ripley) def. Wes Lee and Mustafa Ali

NXT WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP SUBMISSION MATCH:
Tiffany Stratton (c) def. Thea Hail

Hail wouldn’t submit. Chase threw in the towel

NXT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
Carmelo Hayes (c) def. Ilja Dragunov

AEW Collision Preview 7/29/2023

AEW Collision Live tonight on TNT at 8/7C from the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut.

  • AEW Tag Team Championship: FTR (c) vs. Adam Cole & MJF
  • Andrade’s Mask Ladder Match: Andrade El Idolo vs. Buddy Matthews
  • El Hijo Del Vikingo, Action Andretti & Darius Martin vs. Bullet Club Gold (Juice Robinson & The Gunns)
  • Samoa Joe vs. Gravity
  • Mercedes Martinez vs. Kiera Hogan
  •  We’ll hear from CM Punk

WWE NXT The Great American Bash 7/30/2023 (Card)

WWE NXT PLE The Great American Bash – July 30, 2023 from the HEB Center in Cedar Park, Texas. – Streaming on Peacock 8E/5P. Kick-off show at 7E/4P

CARD

NXT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. Ilja Dragunov

WEAPONS WILD MATCH:
Blair Davenport vs. Roxanne Perez

NXT WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP SUBMISSION MATCH:
Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Thea Hail

NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
Gallus (Mark Coffey and Wolfgang) (c) (with Joe Coffey) vs. The Family (Tony D’Angelo and Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo)

NXT NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP TRIPLE THREAT MATCH:
“Dirty” Dominik Mysterio (c) (with Rhea Ripley) vs. Wes Lee vs. Mustafa Ali

Gable Steveson vs. Baron Corbin

KICK-OFF SHOW
Dragon Lee, Nathan Frazer, Yulisa León, and Valentina Feroz vs. The Meta-Four (Noam Dar, Oro Mensah, Jakara Jackson, and Lash Legend)