Big Changes Coming to AAA as WWE Finalizes Acquisition

The long-rumored WWE takeover of AAA is now official—and the shake-ups are already underway.

As confirmed in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE has finalized its acquisition of the Mexican lucha libre promotion AAA, and with that comes a significant cultural and structural overhaul. At the heart of WWE’s plan: blending its trademark sports-entertainment formula with the rich traditions of lucha libre, while laying the foundation for long-term talent development south of the border.

Mexican Performance Center On the Way

One of the most immediate changes will be the launch of a WWE Performance Center in Mexico. According to Dave Meltzer, WWE plans to hire Mexican trainers, fly them to the U.S. for instruction in the “WWE style,” and then have them return to Mexico to teach a hybrid style that combines lucha libre flair with WWE’s polished in-ring storytelling. That means new AAA recruits will be learning how to work matches and cut scripted promos—a major shift from the more improvisational, in-ring-centric traditions of Mexican wrestling.

Familiar Faces, But Some Will Go

AAA’s current Spanish commentary team—Jose Manuel Guillén and Roberto Figueroa—is expected to stay in place, and most referees will be retained as well. However, the famously over-the-top antics of AAA referees are going to be scaled back, in favor of a more grounded presentation that aligns with WWE’s overall production style.

WWE is also reportedly not planning to hold onto most of AAA’s veteran talent. Instead, they’ll be looking to bring in younger indie stars and some crossover names from WWE’s own roster. One notable example is Dominik Mysterio, who is expected to work in AAA as part of the new creative direction, alongside newly-signed talent El Grande Americano.

No War With CMLL… Yet

While many speculated that WWE would raid rival promotion CMLL for talent to boost its revamped AAA brand, Meltzer shut that down—at least for now. WWE is reportedly trying to keep operating costs low and avoid an all-out promotional war. That said, Meltzer also noted that a “war is inevitable,” especially with CMLL recently locking down several of its luchadors through dual deals with AEW.

Whether those AEW-CMLL contracts influenced WWE’s current strategy is unclear, but it’s evident that the rivalry between the two major Mexican promotions—and their respective U.S. partners—is starting to heat up.

WWE’s full-scale entry into the lucha libre world is one of the most ambitious international moves in company history. With a Performance Center on the way, younger talent being scouted, and its own stars primed for crossover appearances, WWE is setting the stage to reshape Mexican wrestling—and the global wrestling landscape—in a major way.

Backstage News on Brock Lesnar’s WWE Return at SummerSlam 2025

Brock Lesnar made headlines with his shocking return at SummerSlam 2025, appearing moments after Cody Rhodes dethroned John Cena to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. “The Beast Incarnate” marched down to the ring and laid out Cena with a brutal F5, instantly igniting what appears to be the final chapter in their long-running rivalry. But behind the scenes, Lesnar’s comeback wasn’t just a creative decision—it was a legally calculated move that’s been in the works for weeks.

According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, Lesnar was quietly cleared by WWE’s legal team roughly four weeks before his return. The delay in bringing him back reportedly stemmed from concerns surrounding the ongoing Janel Grant lawsuit, in which Lesnar’s name was indirectly tied to allegations against Vince McMahon. While WWE had previously stayed silent on Lesnar’s future, it appears they were simply waiting for the legal green light.

“It wasn’t a moral decision to keep him off TV,” Meltzer explained. “It was purely legal. The moment the lawyers said yes, he was back in the fold.”

Interestingly, Meltzer also revealed that WWE chose not to hold its usual post-SummerSlam press conference this year specifically to avoid media questions about Lesnar’s return and the legal situation surrounding it. Despite the controversy, Lesnar was never suspended or released during his absence. He remained under contract the entire time—and continued receiving his regular pay.

“They never fired Brock. He was always under contract. He was always getting paid,” Meltzer added.

While Lesnar’s return has received a mixed reaction from fans and critics alike, there’s no denying the buzz it’s generated heading into the fall. With Cena now locked into a farewell feud with his longtime rival, WWE is betting big on nostalgia and star power to carry the story forward—controversy and all.

Backstage Insight on Why WWE Dropped John Cena’s Heel Run

John Cena’s dramatic heel turn at WrestleMania 41 had fans buzzing, but just a few months later, the 17-time world champion is once again flashing that trademark smile. Now we’re learning more about why WWE scrapped his villainous persona—and what it means for his final run.

On a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez broke down the decision to pivot Cena back to a babyface. According to Meltzer, WWE “dropped [the heel story] because it sucked,” but also because a feud with Brock Lesnar—now in motion—makes far more sense with Cena as the fan favorite and Lesnar playing the monster heel. Alvarez added that Cena simply performs better in the ring and connects more naturally with the audience when he’s playing the hero.

Cena’s return to the light officially happened on SmackDown, when he cut a passionate promo alongside Cody Rhodes, setting the tone for a more heartfelt run. That momentum carried into SummerSlam 2025, where Cena came up short against Rhodes in a hard-fought battle for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The real shocker came moments later, when Brock Lesnar made a surprise return and dropped Cena with a brutal F5—immediately launching what’s expected to be Cena’s final major rivalry.

During the post-show press conference, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque revealed that Lesnar’s comeback wasn’t just a creative decision—it was personally requested by Cena. As part of his retirement tour, Cena reportedly gave Levesque a list of opponents he wants to face one last time, and Lesnar was at the top.

“This is Cena writing his final chapter,” Levesque said. “We’re just helping him tell the story the way he wants to.”

With Cena’s farewell tour in full swing and a marquee clash with Lesnar looming, WWE fans can expect more high-profile moments as the company gives one of its all-time greats a send-off worthy of his legacy.

WWE Raw Preview 8/4/2025

WWE Raw live tonight on Netflix from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY

  • Fallout from SummerSlam Night 1 and Night 2
  • Becky Lynch appears after Women’s Intercontinental Title defense at SummerSlam
  • Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss come to Raw as new Women’s Tag Champions
  • Sheamus and Rusev primed for titanic collision

WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night 2 Results, Brock Lesnar Returns

Night 2 of WWE SummerSlam 2025 delivered the fireworks fans hoped for—and then some. Triple H opened the show with a passionate speech, declaring this the biggest SummerSlam in history. With the crowd fired up, the action kicked off with a stacked Women’s World Title triple threat and never let up. Let’s run down the biggest moments from an absolutely wild night in Cleveland.

Naomi made special ring entrance with her father playing guitar.

Naomi Retains in High-Octane Triple Threat

WWE Women’s World Championship
Naomi (c) def. Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY

The three-way bout between Naomi, Rhea Ripley, and IYO SKY was nonstop chaos from bell to bell. Naomi fought off both challengers with creativity and resilience, using everything from a split-legged moonsault to a crafty low enzuigiri to stay alive.

A mid-match Asai moonsault by SKY leveled both opponents on the floor, and a massive Avalanche Riptide from Ripley nearly sealed it—until Naomi snuck in with a schoolboy roll-up on Rhea, grabbing a handful of tights to keep her title in dramatic fashion.

TLC legends the Hardy Boyz and Dudley Boyz were in the crowd.

Wyatt 6 Survives Absolute Mayhem to Retain the Tag Titles

TLC Match – WWE Tag Team Championship
Wyatt 6 (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) (c) def. #DIY, Street Profits, Motor City Machine Guns, Andrade & Rey Fenix, Fraxiom

The 25th anniversary of TLC got the tribute it deserved—and then some. In a wild six-team brawl featuring ladders, chairs, and more broken tables than a Dudley Boyz reunion, chaos reigned supreme. From Candice LeRae, B-Fab and Nikki Cross got involved. Candice taking a horrific ladder bump off a ladder in the ring through a ladder on the outside, to Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy fending off high-flying challengers at every turn, this was a match filled with carnage. Erick Rowan also got involved.

After Uncle Howdy interfered to wipe out DIY, the path was cleared for Lumis and Gacy to reclaim their place atop the tag division, retrieving the titles to remain champions.

Becky Lynch Survives a War Against Lyra Valkyria

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship – No DQ Match
Becky Lynch (c) def. Lyra Valkyria

This No Disqualification showdown got violent fast. Crowbars, toolboxes, steel chairs, and even fire extinguishers came into play as both women went to war. Valkyria showed incredible heart, fighting back even after being zip-tied, slammed into exposed steel, and blasted with a wrench.

Bayley made a shocking run-in late in the match, refusing to help Lynch but accidentally taking out Lyra instead. That allowed Becky to hit the Manhandle Slam and score the win, ending Valkyria’s hopes of another title shot while Lynch holds the gold.

Solo Sikoa Escapes Jacob Fatu in Brutal Cage Match

WWE United States Championship – Steel Cage Match
Solo Sikoa (c) def. Jacob Fatu

Two of WWE’s most dangerous heavy-hitters collided inside the steel, and the result was every bit as brutal as fans expected. Jacob Fatu seemed poised for victory, surviving interference from The Bloodline and breaking free from handcuffs at one point. But when Talla Tonga smashed the door into both men, it gave Solo just enough of an edge to crawl out and retain his United States Title.

Post-match, Fatu got a measure of revenge by moonsaulting off the cage onto the pile of Bloodline members below.

Dominik Mysterio Steals One From AJ Styles

WWE Intercontinental Championship
Dominik Mysterio (c) def. AJ Styles

AJ Styles came close to dethroning Dominik multiple times, but in true Mysterio fashion, Dom escaped with the title intact thanks to underhanded tactics. A loaded boot and a distracted ref helped him survive a grueling contest filled with classic reversals, near-falls, and a failed Eddie Guerrero chair trick.

Styles had the Calf Killer locked in multiple times, but Mysterio’s slipperiness (literally slipping out of his boot at one point) saved him once again. A frog splash sealed the deal after a ref bump, keeping the gold around Dirty Dom’s waist.

Stephanie McMahon in the ring to announce tonight’s attendance at 60,561 and the combined attendance of 113,722 for both nights of SummerSlam

Cody Rhodes Ends John Cena’s SummerSlam Legacy in a Street Fight Epic

WWE Undisputed Championship – Street Fight
Cody Rhodes def. John Cena (c)

In what may have been John Cena’s final SummerSlam match, he and Cody Rhodes tore the house down in a violent, emotionally charged street fight. Cena brought out steel steps, slammed Cody through announce tables, and even delivered an Avalanche AA through a table. But Cody refused to stay down.

Late in the match, Rhodes used a detached turnbuckle rod to pummel Cena, then survived two more Attitude Adjustments before finally landing an Avalanche Cody Cutter through a table and a series of Cross Rhodes to capture the WWE Undisputed Championship.

Post-match, Cena handed Rhodes the title and raised his hand before taking in one last ovation—until Brock Lesnar suddenly hit the ring and delivered a shocking F-5 to Cena, sending a disturbing message on the final note of the show.

Other Notables:

  • Celebrities like Jelly Roll, Michelle McCool, Tyrese Haliburton, Mr. Iguana, Psycho Clown and other stars were shown in the audience.
  • AAA’s Triplemania XXXIII got a plug for August 16

WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night 1 Results, Seth Rollins Cash-In

WWE made history with the first-ever two-night SummerSlam, and Night 1 delivered a mix of wild brawls, emotional moments, and a jaw-dropping ending no one saw coming. Hosted by Cardi B — who made her entrance in full glam with a black bustier and feathered cape — the show kicked off in grand fashion. Let’s get into everything that went down in a jam-packed night from top to bottom.

Bloodline (Roman Reigns & Jey Uso) def. Bron ‘n Bron Connection (Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed)

Opening the night with a fight, all four men tore into each other before the bell even finished ringing. Chaos reigned early on as Breakker and Reed took turns targeting Reigns outside the ring, including Breakker eating the announce desk on a missed dive.

Jey Uso held his own until Roman got the hot tag, lighting things up with a rare tope con giro to the outside and his signature Superman Punch. But the Brons weren’t backing down — a Death Valley Driver from Reed and a furious spear from Breakker (intended for Uso but intercepted by Roman) brought the crowd to a fever pitch.

In the end, Reigns and Uso’s chemistry proved superior. After Roman absorbed the spear meant for Jey, the Bloodline put Reed away with a 1D and a top-rope splash for the win.

Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair def. Judgment Day (Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez)

New WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions

Bliss and Flair were firing on all cylinders from the jump, but Judgment Day played the numbers game early, isolating Charlotte and hitting tandem moves to keep her grounded.

A hot tag to Bliss turned the tide, and the closing stretch saw bodies flying, near-falls piling up, and everyone hitting signature offense. Bliss broke up a Pop Rox attempt, and Flair nailed Raquel with a big boot before Alexa finished it with Sister Abigail DDT on Perez.

New champs crowned, and the celebration was surprisingly wholesome for two of WWE’s most decorated women.

Papa John’s Segment – LWO, Alpha Academy, and New Day

Because no WWE show is complete without a sponsor segment, several fan-favorite stables brawled over the last slice of pizza… until Nikki Bella saved the day with more pies.

Sami Zayn def. Karrion Kross

In a match built around personal ideology, Zayn and Kross fought to prove who truly “understands” Sami Zayn. This was gritty and emotional, with both men trading big shots and the steel pipe teasing a turning point.

Ultimately, Sami refused to compromise, tossed the weapon away, and hit the Helluva Kick to put Kross down clean. Kross was forced to admit — Zayn was right all along.

Tiffany Stratton (c) def. Jade Cargill

WWE Women’s Championship

Power met athleticism as Jade and Tiffany put on a fast-paced, back-and-forth battle. Cargill dominated early with high-impact offense, but Stratton showed resilience and ring IQ, reversing a top-rope Jaded into a victory roll before sealing the deal with her Prettiest Moonsault Ever.

The champ retains, but Cargill proved she’s still a major threat in the women’s division.

Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul def. Roll-KO (Randy Orton & Jelly Roll)

A unique tag match with plenty of star power — and a whole lot of heart. Jelly Roll, the unlikely fan favorite, took a beating early from McIntyre and Paul but refused to quit. After a brutal Prime Splash through the announce table, it looked like he was out for good.

But Jelly Roll hobbled back down the ramp and tagged in with a second wind, hitting big slams on both heels and nearly stealing the win. In the end, McIntyre’s Claymore and Paul’s frog splash were enough to secure the victory.

The crowd gave Jelly a standing ovation for his effort — and yeah, he earned it.

CM Punk def. GUNTHER (c)

WWE World Heavyweight Championship – Title Change

This was the kind of match fans dream of: CM Punk bringing fire and grit, GUNTHER bringing brutality and precision. Early on, Punk played defense, constantly trying to avoid GUNTHER’s legendary chops and slams. The Ring General punished him with corner chops, tree-of-woe beatdowns, and the Gojira Clutch.

But Punk refused to stay down, absorbing more punishment than most mortals could handle. He finally bloodied GUNTHER on the announce table, then came back inside and hit two Go to Sleeps to win the gold.

CM Punk is the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion — or so we thought.

Seconds after Punk’s win, Seth Rollins, in crutches and a leg brace, made his way out with Paul Heyman holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. But it was all a ruse — Rollins threw off the brace, attacked Punk, and cashed in.

Seth Rollins def. CM Punk (c)

WWE World Heavyweight Championship – Money in the Bank Cash-In

One Blackout (Curb Stomp) later and just like that — Seth Rollins is your new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

Rollins celebrated with Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Paul Heyman as Punk lay in the ring, stunned and betrayed.

Other Notes:

  • Michael Cole announced a crowd of 53,161 and delivered a eulogy for Hulk Hogan that steered heavily toward his SummerSlam legacy.
  • AAA’s Triplemania XXXIII will air on WWE’s YouTube channel with English commentary.
  • Celebrity sightings included Cardi B (again), Stephanie McMahon, and AAA’s Psycho Clown, Mr. Iguana, and La Yesca.

Mr. Iguana & Psycho Clown Make WWE Main Roster Debuts On SmackDown In AAA Tag Title Match

In a wild crossover moment that further cements the growing WWE-AAA partnership, two of Mexico’s most colorful and chaotic stars — Mr. Iguana and Psycho Clown — officially made their WWE main roster debuts on SmackDown, answering an open challenge for the AAA Tag Team Championships.

The reigning champions, Los Garza (Angel & Berto), issued the challenge on Friday night, looking to make their first WWE defense of the titles they won back in June. The surprise response? None other than Mr. Iguana, one-third of the AAA World Trios Champions, and Psycho Clown, one-half of the current AAA World Mixed Tag Team Champions.

True to form, the match was fast, frantic, and full of lucha-laced chaos.

Psycho Clown started strong, using his size and energy to overwhelm Los Garza early on. But the tide quickly turned once the champions isolated him and started a brutal double-team assault. Mr. Iguana, known for his unorthodox offense (and his trusty puppet sidekick La Yesca), made a memorable impact by biting Berto and attempting a high-risk aerial move. Unfortunately, he was caught in mid-air and powerbombed hard, shifting momentum firmly in Los Garza’s favor.

Despite a valiant rally from Clown — including a crowd-popping crossbody — the duo couldn’t overcome the cohesion of the champions. Los Garza finished things off with their signature MTY double-team finisher for the win.

While Iguana and Clown didn’t leave with the titles, their SmackDown debut made it clear: AAA’s presence in WWE is no longer a novelty — it’s part of the landscape.

Both luchadores had previously appeared in June during Worlds Collide, the WWE vs. AAA special event. Mr. Iguana teamed with Octagón Jr. and Aerostar in six-man action, while Psycho Clown joined Pagano and El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. in a brawl-heavy bout against Legado del Fantasma.

Now, with their official debuts behind them, fans are left wondering — is this just a one-off showcase, or the beginning of something bigger?

John Cena Officially Turns Face on SmackDown, Embraces Classic Persona Ahead of SummerSlam Showdown with Cody Rhodes

The leader of the Cenation is back — and not just physically. On the August 1st edition of WWE SmackDown in Newark, New Jersey, John Cena completed a full-circle return to his roots, shedding his brief heel persona in emotional and dramatic fashion just days before his highly anticipated SummerSlam street fight against Cody Rhodes.

The Undisputed WWE Champion opened the show, but before he could utter a word, Cody Rhodes’ music hit, signaling yet another high-tension moment in their ongoing feud. What followed, however, wasn’t a typical verbal brawl — it was a moment of reflection, humility, and redemption from Cena.

Referencing their chaotic contract signing last week — which saw Rhodes put Cena through a table and forcibly sign the match contract — Cena shocked the crowd by thanking Rhodes instead of retaliating. According to Cena, that act of aggression was the wake-up call he didn’t know he needed.

“I told Cody I was exhausted… that the match was going to be too much,” Cena said. “But he didn’t listen. He made me face it. And for that, I thank him.”

Cena didn’t hold back in admitting that he had lost his way over the last several months. Alluding to his controversial heel run, he confessed to having bought into the idea of “making shocking TV” and losing touch with the performer — and person — he truly is.

“I didn’t want to ruin wrestling. Everyone knows how much I love this,” Cena told the live crowd. “I was so hung up on what people might think tomorrow, I forgot how stupid I looked today.”

In a heartfelt declaration, Cena told fans to mark their calendars: August 1, 2025 — the night John Cena “came back” to WWE, not just as a competitor, but as the hero fans grew up cheering for.

Rhodes, ever the showman with a flair for theatrics, responded by grabbing two beers from ringside and welcoming Cena back. The two shared a brief toast in the ring, blending camaraderie with intensity as the Newark crowd roared in approval.

With emotions running high and the stage set, all eyes now turn to SummerSlam, where Cena and Rhodes will settle their differences in a brutal street fight. One thing is clear: the John Cena walking into this match isn’t the jaded champion we’ve seen in recent months — it’s the fired-up icon who thrives on hustle, loyalty, and respect.

SummerSlam just got a whole lot more personal.

AJ Styles Says This May Be His Last SummerSlam At Kickoff Event

Could this be AJ Styles’ last SummerSlam match?

During WWE’s SummerSlam Kickoff event on Friday, the Phenomenal One got fans talking with a surprising comment about his future. While hyping up his upcoming showdown with Dominik Mysterio, Styles hinted that this year’s premium live event might be his last.

“If I’m being honest with you guys, this might be my last SummerSlam,” Styles admitted to the crowd, via Fightful. “So, I plan on tearing the house down one last time at SummerSlam for you guys.”

It was a candid and emotional moment from the veteran, who’s no stranger to stealing the show on WWE’s biggest stages. While he didn’t make anything official, the 47-year-old former WWE Champion made it clear he’s approaching this match with a sense of finality — and motivation.

Styles is set to face Dominik Mysterio on night two of WWE SummerSlam this Sunday. With the possibility of it being his final outing at the “Biggest Party of the Summer,” fans can expect AJ to bring everything he’s got.

Whether it’s truly the end of his SummerSlam legacy or just another chapter in his incredible career, one thing’s for sure — AJ Styles plans to make it unforgettable.

Update On The WWE SummerSlam 2025 Set Construction, Travel Issues, Jelly Roll Injury Update

With SummerSlam 2025 set to take over MetLife Stadium this weekend, WWE is navigating the final stretch with just a few bumps in the road—both literal and figurative.

Weather Slows Set Construction—But Not for Long

Set construction at MetLife briefly hit pause on Thursday when stormy weather rolled through the area, causing a two-hour delay. According to Fightful Select, work resumed by 4:45 PM local time, and WWE isn’t expecting any further issues before the big show.

Despite widespread travel delays across the Tri-State area this week, WWE officials say there’s no concern about talent or staff arrivals being affected. Everyone is still expected to be on hand for the blockbuster event.

WWE Stars Stay Active Ahead of the Big Night

As part of the company’s community outreach, Big E, R-Truth, and others visited a local Boys & Girls Club in New Jersey, continuing WWE’s ongoing tradition of giving back during major event weekends.

Meanwhile, the media blitz was in full effect Friday. Top stars including Bron Breakker, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez, Aleister Black, Lyra Valkyria, Solo Sikoa, and R-Truth were spotted making rounds across national outlets to promote the show.

Jelly Roll Reveals Injury from Early Training

Country music star and special SummerSlam guest Jelly Roll revealed this week that he suffered an injury early in his training for the event. Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, he said he broke his pinkie finger during his first week of preparation.

“Listen, that ‘wrestling is fake’ stuff has got to go out the door,” Jelly Roll said. “There’s no fake way to land on a piece of plywood in front of 60,000 people… It’s a constant collision, dude.”

Despite the injury, Jelly Roll is still expected to appear at SummerSlam in some capacity, though WWE hasn’t officially confirmed whether he’ll be competing or playing a more entertainment-focused role.