Nic Nemeth Is Legitimately Furious Over Trick Williams’ TNA World Title Win

In one of the most shocking cross-promotional moments of the year, Trick Williams walked out of NXT Battleground 2025 as the new TNA World Champion—defeating Joe Hendry in a high-profile clash that’s sent ripples through both brands. But while fans are buzzing over the surprise result, not everyone is thrilled—especially former TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth, who’s made it clear he’s furious over the title changing hands.

Speaking candidly in a new interview with WhatCulture, Nemeth didn’t mince words. “I’m absolutely furious and pissed off about it, and that’s not a joke or a game,” he said, clearly frustrated by what he sees as a major misstep for the TNA brand.

Nemeth, who lost the title to Hendry earlier this year, praised his former rival for raising TNA’s profile, but didn’t hold back when it came to the result at Battleground. “Joe Hendry has accomplished so much… he’s brought so many eyes to TNA… and then he loses our world title to a guy from a different company?” Nemeth fumed.

While he made sure to acknowledge Trick Williams as a legitimate talent—calling him “a badass” with “a great future”—the veteran wrestler emphasized that the optics of an NXT star now holding TNA’s most prestigious championship don’t sit well with him.

“This isn’t a world of participation medals… I don’t go, ‘hey, great job, buddy’ when you lose our world title,” Nemeth continued. “When you mess up, you own up to it. Joe lost our world title. I am not okay with that.”

In a move that may raise some eyebrows backstage, Nemeth even suggested old-school accountability might be needed. “We might need to bring back wrestler’s court or something,” he said, half-joking but clearly serious about the gravity of the situation in his eyes.

This marks a rare moment of genuine tension bleeding out into the open between brands, as TNA and WWE’s NXT continue to explore a working relationship that’s seen talent appear across both promotions. Trick’s win could open the door for more crossover storytelling—but it’s also created internal friction, at least for those like Nemeth who view the TNA World Title as sacred ground.

Whether TNA management or locker room leaders will echo Nemeth’s outrage remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Trick Williams has everyone talking—and that might be exactly what both companies wanted.

Thekla Arrives in AEW With a Statement-Making Debut Attack on Jamie Hayter

The AEW women’s division just got a venomous injection of chaos. Thekla, known to Japanese wrestling fans as the “Toxic Spider,” officially made her presence felt in All Elite Wrestling—launching a surprise attack on Jamie Hayter during the May 29 episode of Dynamite.

The ambush came just as Hayter, fresh off her loss to Mercedes Moné in the Owen Hart Cup final, was set to address the AEW audience about her next move. But before she could even speak, the lights dropped—and when they came back up, Thekla was in the ring, laying waste to the former AEW Women’s Champion. The message was loud and clear: Thekla is here, and she’s not wasting time climbing the ladder.

This dramatic entrance follows weeks of speculation. Thekla officially parted ways with STARDOM in April after a four-year stint that saw her evolve into one of the promotion’s most unpredictable and charismatic figures. Her exit was anything but quiet—following a loss to Sayaka Kurara on April 27, Thekla unleashed a chaotic farewell, attacking company officials, flipping off the crowd, and cementing her heel credentials on the way out.

Originally hailing from Vienna, Austria, Thekla broke into wrestling in 2017 in the underground European scene before gaining attention in the German independent circuit. Her career took a major leap when she moved to Japan, first wrestling for Ice Ribbon—where talents like Riho and Hikaru Shida also cut their teeth—before landing in STARDOM.

Aligning herself with Giulia’s Donna Del Mondo faction, Thekla captured both the Goddesses of STARDOM and Artist of STARDOM Championships. Her tag team success with Momo Watanabe and trios dominance alongside Giulia and Mai Sakurai earned her a solid reputation among joshi wrestling fans.

Rumors of Thekla making the jump to the U.S. swirled shortly after her STARDOM exit, with both WWE and AEW reportedly expressing interest. Ultimately, it was Tony Khan’s promotion that secured her signature—and now, it seems Thekla is wasting no time inserting herself into AEW’s title conversation.

What comes next for Hayter remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Thekla’s bite is every bit as dangerous as her bark. The “Toxic Spider” has spun her web in AEW, and the women’s division better watch out.

AEW Dynamite Preview 5/28/2025

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight beginning at 8:00 pm ET on TBS and Max, from the El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas.

  • Fallout from Double Or Nothing
  • AEW International Title 4-Way Qualifying Match: Brody King vs. Josh Alexander
  • We’ll hear from Hangman Page.
  • Toni Storm and Mercedes Mone go face-to-face

Jim Ross Undergoes Successful Colon Cancer Surgery

Some encouraging news for fans of legendary wrestling announcer Jim Ross: the voice of generations has successfully undergone colon cancer surgery.

Conrad Thompson, JR’s longtime friend and co-host on Grilling JR, shared the update today via social media. According to Thompson, the news came directly from Rafael Morffi, a close associate of Ross, who informed him that the surgery went well and that doctors are hopeful they were able to fully remove the cancer.

“Just heard from @rmorfnyc that JR’s surgery went well and they hope to have successfully removed all of his cancer this morning!” Thompson posted. “Please keep @JRsBBQ in your thoughts and prayers as he begins his recovery!”

Ross, who has been transparent with fans about his ongoing health battles, has faced numerous medical hurdles in recent years but continues to show his trademark resilience. The AEW commentator and WWE Hall of Famer has received an outpouring of support from across the wrestling world, with many sending positive messages and well-wishes for a smooth recovery.

Everyone at Wrestling News Blog sends their best to Good Ol’ JR as he begins his healing journey. Here’s hoping we’ll hear that iconic voice back on commentary soon—sooner rather than later, by God.

UPDATE:

Jim Ross posted on social media about his surgery:

Jordynne Grace and Stephanie Vaquer Reportedly Headed to WWE Main Roster

The winds of change continue to blow through WWE NXT, and Tuesday night’s episode only added fuel to the fire. Two of the brand’s biggest female stars appear to be on the verge of major promotions, and the timing couldn’t be more telling.

According to wrestling journalist Cory Hays, Stephanie Vaquer and Jordynne Grace are expected to make the leap to the main roster imminently. Hays posted a text screenshot on X (formerly Twitter) that simply reads: “Stephanie Vaquer is expected to join ‘Raw.’ Jordynne Grace is expected to join ‘SmackDown.'” While Hays didn’t disclose the source of the message, he did note that Grace’s time in NXT was never intended to be long-term.

Grace officially signed with WWE in February after multiple cameo appearances while she was still with TNA. Her contract reportedly placed her on the main roster from the start, but WWE held off on her Raw or SmackDown debut until they had a meaningful spot for her—especially with WrestleMania 41 on the horizon. Her most recent in-ring action came at NXT Battleground, where she unsuccessfully challenged Vaquer for the NXT Women’s Championship.

As for Vaquer, her loss on last night’s episode of NXT may have been her curtain call for the brand. She dropped the title to Jacy Jayne in a chaotic match that saw interference from Jayne’s Fatal Influence allies Jazmyn Nyx and Fallon Henley. Vaquer, who signed with WWE last summer and won the title from Giulia in March, will get one final NXT spotlight when she competes at Worlds Collide next weekend in Inglewood, California.

These anticipated call-ups align with WWE’s recent pattern of bolstering the main roster with fresh faces from NXT. Giulia and Roxanne Perez were recently elevated, and both are already carving out their spaces on the big stage. Meanwhile, Ricky Starks also lost his title last night, hinting at a possible call-up of his own, though nothing has been confirmed yet regarding his next steps.

If the reports prove true, WWE is building a formidable new generation on both Raw and SmackDown, and fans should expect some serious shake-ups heading into the second half of 2025.

Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for all the latest updates on these potential roster moves and more!

WWE NXT Preview 5/27/2025

WWE NXT live tonight on The CW from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL.

  • NXT North American Championship Match: Ricky Saints (c) vs. Ethan Page
  • NXT Women’s Championship Match: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Jacy Jayne
  • Jasper Troy vs. TBA
  • Mike Santana vs. Tavion Heights
  • Tatum Paxley vs. Jaida Parker
  • The New TNA World Champion Trick Williams appears
  • Fallout from WWE Battleground

WWE Announces Weekend Takeover in Atlanta With SNME, Evolution, & The Great American Bash

WWE announced dates for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event and the return of WWE Evolution on July, along with NXT: The Great American Bash 2025. WWE has now confirmed a massive weekend takeover in Atlanta, Georgia with all three events.

The State Farm Arena will host Saturday Night’s Main Event on Saturday, July 12, followed by WWE Evolution on Sunday, July 13. Meanwhile, The Great American Bash will also be held in Atlanta at the Center Stage Theater on Saturday (July 12) afternoon before SNME. Tickets for the events go on sale tomorrow (May 28) at 10:00 am ET/7:00 am PT. Ticket pre-sale access for the shows starts later today.

This means both The Great American Bash and Saturday Night’s Main Event will be running up against AEW All In Texas, which is also scheduled for Saturday, July 12 on pay-per-view. Here’s the full announcement for the massive weekend takeover in Atlanta for WWE:

WWE ANNOUNCES MASSIVE WEEKEND TAKEOVER IN ATLANTA JULY 12 & 13

State Farm Arena to Host Saturday Night’s Main Event® on Saturday, July 12 & Evolution® on Sunday, July 13

The Great American Bash® to Emanate from Center Stage Theater on Afternoon of Saturday, July 12

Two-Day Combo Ticket Packages for Saturday Night’s Main Event & Evolution On Sale Tomorrow, May 28 at 10am ET/7am PT

Presale Access Begins Today at 10am ET/7am PT

May 27, 2025 – As announced in Saturday’s broadcast, WWE will host a multi-event weekend takeover in Atlanta on Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13, featuring Saturday Night’s Main Event, Evolution and The Great American Bash.

As a part of the takeover, State Farm Arena will host the NBC primetime special Saturday Night’s Main Event on Saturday, July 12, and Evolution – the groundbreaking all-women’s Premium Live Event which originally debuted in 2018 – on Sunday, July 13. Additionally, The Great American Bash will emanate from Center Stage Theater – formerly the home of WCW Saturday Night – on Saturday, July 12, prior to Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Two-day combo ticket packages for Saturday Night’s Main Event and Evolution will go on sale starting tomorrow/Wednesday, May 28 at 10am ET/7am PT via https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E0062A8E1F8625B. An exclusive pre-sale is available starting today at 10am ET/7am PT until 11:59pm ET/8:59pm PT via Ticketmaster.com.

Additional information regarding individual tickets for Saturday Night’s Main Event, Evolution and The Great American Bash will be announced at a later date.

Official Saturday Night’s Main Event and Evolution Priority Passes are available now through exclusive partner On Location, giving fans the opportunity to purchase ticket packages before they go on sale to the general public. These passes offer fans the chance to be ringside for every exhilarating moment, including premium seating, all-inclusive pre-show hospitality featuring WWE Superstar appearances, ringside photo opportunities, and more. To learn more or purchase your package today, please visit https://onlocationexp.com/wweatlanta.

The city of Atlanta has a storied WWE history that spans decades, having hosted WrestleMania® XXVII (2011), Survivor Series® (2015), Royal Rumble® (2002, 2010), Day 1® (2022), and most recently Bad Blood® (2024).

Saturday Night’s Main Event will air live coast-to-coast on NBC at 8pm ET/5pm PT on Saturday, July 12, and simulcast on Peacock.

AEW Double Or Nothing 5/25/2025 (Results)

Here’s your full AEW Double or Nothing 2025 results and the recap from an epic night of action in Glendale, Arizona. from AllEliteWrestling.com

Buy-In Match: Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford vs. Anna Jay and Harley Cameron

In the first Buy-In match of AEW Double or Nothing 2025, Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford faced off against Anna Jay and Harley Cameron.

The match began with Megan Bayne quickly overpowering Harley Cameron with impressive physical strength. Bayne and Ford showcased their chemistry early on, isolating Harley effectively. Despite the early disadvantage, Jay and Cameron fought back with high-energy teamwork, creatively using their agility to counter the raw power of their opponents.

Throughout the match, Ford leveraged her experience advantage, maintaining control and employing dirty tactics to keep her team dominant. As the contest intensified, the momentum shifted multiple times. Bayne continued to demonstrate her sheer power, delivering impactful throws and high-impact strikes, while Ford added precise and cunning attacks, keeping the opposing team on the defensive. However, Anna and Harley’s resilient teamwork kept them competitive, with moments like a coordinated superplex exhibiting their synergy.

The closing moments featured Harley Cameron skillfully escaping a potentially dangerous doomsday device scenario. Displaying quick thinking, she ultimately scored a pinfall victory for her team.

Buy-In Match: Trent Beretta, Rocky Romero, Lio Rush and Action Andretti vs. AR Fox, Bandido, Komander and Hologram

In the second AEW Double or Nothing Buy-In match, Trent Beretta, Rocky Romero, Lio Rush, and Action Andretti squared off against AR Fox, Bandido, Komander, and Hologram. Early action saw the team of Trent Beretta and Rocky Romero, known collectively as RPG Vice, use their experience advantage to ground the high-flying opponents, focusing their strategy on isolating Bandido, the decorated Ring of Honor World Champion.

Throughout the match, AR Fox showcased his remarkable athleticism, quickly becoming a crowd favorite with his agility and innovative offense. However, RPG Vice effectively slowed the pace, emphasizing a more strategic and methodical approach that temporarily subdued their high-flying adversaries.

As the match progressed, Lio Rush and Action Andretti provided quick, dynamic exchanges, leveraging their impressive speed and innovative tag maneuvers. The match pace intensified significantly with the entrance of Komander and Hologram, who brought a breathtaking aerial assault that captivated the audience. Komander, in particular, accelerated the pace of the bout, using his remarkable agility to execute intricate moves seamlessly.

Late into the match, a notable incident saw Action Andretti visibly bleeding yet courageously continuing to fight. In a highlight-reel moment, Bandido and Komander performed an astounding double-team maneuver from the ropes, further emphasizing their team’s acrobatic superiority.

The match concluded with a spectacular series of aerial maneuvers from Fox, Bandido, Komander, and Hologram, highlighted by synchronized top-rope dives, a stunning assisted 450 splash, and an extraordinary assisted 21 Plex. This final combination secured the victory for AR Fox, Bandido, Komander, and Hologram.

Owen Hart Cup Tournament Women’s Final: Mercedes Moné vs. Jamie Hayter

In the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament Final at AEW Double or Nothing, Mercedes Moné faced Jamie Hayter in an intense and dramatic bout.

Early on, both competitors tested each other’s strength and agility. Hayter’s clear power advantage initially served her well, grounding Moné and leveraging heavy strikes and powerful clotheslines. However, Moné strategically targeted Hayter’s vulnerable lower back, relentlessly exploiting the previous injury with precise and punishing attacks.

Throughout the grueling contest, Moné executed multiple backstabbers and various submissions aimed explicitly at Hayter’s back, demonstrating ruthless focus and intensity. Despite the persistent assault, Hayter displayed remarkable resilience, continually fighting back with impactful strikes, suplexes, and a dramatic missile dropkick sequence that temporarily swung momentum back in her favor.

In the latter stages, both wrestlers executed their signature moves with increasing desperation. Mercedes applied her “Statement Maker” submission multiple times, nearly forcing Hayter to submit. Hayter, showcasing grit, managed to escape and even counter with her powerful “Haterade” lariat, seemingly securing victory only for Moné to narrowly survive the pinfall.

The climax of the match came after an exhaustive exchange, as Hayter attempted another Haterade. Moné cleverly countered the maneuver into a devastating, match-ending DDT variation that led to a decisive three-count.

Mercedes Moné emerged victorious, winning the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament and maintaining her undefeated streak in AEW. This monumental victory earned her a future title shot for the AEW Women’s World Championship at AEW All In Texas.

FTR vs. Nigel McGuinness and Daniel Garcia

This match opened with tension already evident, with FTR recently displaying a more ruthless side. Garcia initially squared off with Cash Wheeler, showcasing technical wrestling and agility. Wheeler leveraged his strength advantage, but Garcia’s determination and swift offense kept him competitive early on.

A major point of interest was McGuinness competing in his first high-profile tag team match in years. Nigel engaged in an aggressive confrontation with Dax Harwood, exchanging fierce chops and strikes, illustrating that he still possessed the skill and fire from his prime. However, FTR quickly turned their attention to isolating McGuinness, targeting him relentlessly and exploiting his ring rust and previous injuries.

Nigel endured considerable punishment, notably suffering a brutal “Tower of London” executed by Cash Wheeler onto the apron, severely weakening him. Garcia, desperate to tag in and shift momentum, finally received the tag, igniting the crowd with fiery offense, briefly rallying against both members of FTR. Garcia’s speed and innovative counters temporarily turned the tide, but FTR’s superior teamwork eventually reasserted their dominance.

In a chaotic sequence, FTR neutralized McGuinness outside the ring, delivering a devastating Shatter Machine onto the floor. Meanwhile, Garcia valiantly attempted to combat the duo alone inside the ring. Demonstrating incredible resilience, Garcia survived multiple high-impact maneuvers, including two consecutive piledrivers. Ultimately, however, Dax Harwood secured a tight Sharpshooter submission hold, and despite Garcia’s heroic refusal to tap, his body gave out, leading the referee to call the match for FTR.

The aftermath saw visible distress from McGuinness, who required assistance from Tony Schiavone and Matt Menard due to injuries sustained in the brutal encounter.

Stretcher Match: Ricochet vs. Mark Briscoe

In a brutally intense stretcher match at AEW Double or Nothing, Ricochet faced Mark Briscoe in a grudge match characterized by extreme violence and strategic ruthlessness.

The bout began explosively, with Ricochet sneak-attacking Briscoe from behind before the bell even rang. Despite Ricochet’s agility and cunning, Briscoe quickly rallied, capitalizing on his extensive hardcore wrestling experience. Briscoe used the ringside environment effectively, battering Ricochet through the audience area, employing the stretcher itself as a weapon, and showcasing his trademark unorthodox style, which included attacks like driving the stretcher into Ricochet’s abdomen.

Ricochet demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic acumen, countering Briscoe’s aggressive approach by creatively defending himself with various improvised weapons. A critical moment occurred when Ricochet attempted a daring shooting star press onto the stretcher, but Briscoe evaded, causing Ricochet a painful landing. Nevertheless, Ricochet soon regained the advantage by ingeniously using cleaning solution to temporarily blind Briscoe, severely lacerating him, and turning the match’s momentum dramatically.

Despite substantial blood loss, Briscoe continued fighting aggressively, executing high-risk maneuvers such as a flying elbow drop from the barricade and landing a punishing Jay Driller.

The turning point of the match occurred when Ricochet, who had covertly hidden scissors under the ring, employed them to viciously wound Briscoe further. Ricochet repeatedly gouged Briscoe’s forehead, intensifying the brutality. Briscoe, however, managed to resist valiantly, countering several attacks even amidst heavy bleeding.

Ultimately, Ricochet’s calculated use of hidden weapons proved decisive. He delivered a devastating Spirit Gun to incapacitate Briscoe completely, finally placing him on the stretcher and securing him inside the ambulance to conclude the match.

AEW World Tag Title: The Hurt Syndicate vs. Sons of Texas

In an intense battle for the AEW World Tag Team Championship at AEW Double or Nothing, reigning champions The Hurt Syndicate (Shelton Benjamin and Bobby Lashley, accompanied by MVP and MJF) defended their titles against challengers Sons of Texas (Sammy Guevara and Dustin Rhodes).

The match opened with Rhodes squaring off against Lashley, who quickly asserted dominance through raw power and heavy strikes. Dustin, showcasing his legendary resilience, fought back valiantly, attempting to match Lashley’s physical intensity. Shelton Benjamin soon entered, displaying his technical prowess by executing impressive moves, including a textbook German suplex on Rhodes.

Throughout the match, The Hurt Syndicate utilized cohesive teamwork, systematically isolating Sammy Guevara and inflicting significant punishment. Guevara, noted for his agility and high-flying offense, briefly shifted momentum by executing quick aerial maneuvers and counters, including a perfectly timed cutter on Lashley. Yet, Lashley soon regained control, violently neutralizing Guevara with authoritative slams and strikes.

Rhodes, fueled by veteran experience and determination, mounted a spirited comeback. He employed his signature moves, including a precise powerslam, the “Code Red,” and even an “Unnatural Kick.” Guevara supported Rhodes by delivering a dramatic shooting star press to the floor, momentarily incapacitating Benjamin and leading to a near fall after Rhodes executed the “Cross Rhodes.”

However, interference and distractions played a pivotal role. MJF, the newest and controversial member of The Hurt Syndicate, attempted to influence the outcome but initially caused more harm than good. His missteps created opportunities for Sons of Texas to gain advantage temporarily. Tensions peaked outside the ring when Dustin confronted MJF, only to receive a punishing spear from Lashley that sent him crashing through the ringside barricade.

In the climactic sequence, Guevara attempted a desperate aerial maneuver targeting Lashley and MJF, only to be intercepted dramatically by Shelton Benjamin. Benjamin then seized the moment, delivering a devastating knee strike followed by a decisive superkick to Guevara’s jaw. This powerful combination sealed the victory, allowing The Hurt Syndicate to successfully retain their AEW World Tag Team titles.

AEW Continental Championship: Kazuchika Okada vs. Speedball Mike Bailey

From the outset, the match was characterized by a striking contrast in styles: Okada’s composed, efficient power and technical expertise against Bailey’s relentless agility, speed, and martial arts prowess. Bailey, never pinned in AEW prior to this bout, entered with significant momentum and confidence, immediately challenging Okada’s dominance.

Early in the match, Bailey showcased his agility, executing swift strikes and using a spectacular Triangle Moonsault to momentarily stun Okada. However, Okada quickly took control after strategically attacking Bailey’s leg, capitalizing on an unfortunate miscalculation where Bailey kicked the steel ring steps, which clearly hampered Bailey’s agility and ability to execute his offense throughout the match.

Okada, renowned for his methodical wrestling approach, meticulously targeted Bailey’s injured leg and back, employing a devastating DDT on the floor and a precise Dragon Screw leg whip. Despite Okada’s dominance, Bailey exhibited remarkable resilience, consistently fighting back with high-impact maneuvers like missile dropkicks and running shooting star presses.

As the bout intensified, Bailey appeared to turn the tide with a series of breathtaking maneuvers, including a Falcon Arrow and several impactful knee drops targeting Okada’s midsection. A dramatic near-fall came after Bailey delivered his signature “Time Adventure,” nearly capturing the Continental Championship. Okada narrowly survived by grabbing the bottom rope at the very last moment.

The match reached a dramatic climax when Bailey, looking to finish Okada from the top rope, made a critical miscalculation. Capitalizing instantly, Okada countered Bailey’s aerial attack mid-air with an impeccably timed and executed dropkick, followed immediately by his devastating “Rainmaker” lariat. This swift and decisive combination allowed Okada to secure the victory and retain the AEW Continental Championship.

AEW Women’s World Championship: “Timeless” Toni Storm vs. Mina Shirakawa

Timeless Toni Storm defended her AEW Women’s World Championship against Mina Shirakawa in an intense and strategic encounter.

From the start, Shirakawa employed a focused strategy, aggressively targeting Storm’s knee, which she previously injured in their interactions leading up to the event. Mina quickly attempted submissions, particularly the figure-four leg lock, aiming to capitalize on Storm’s weakened limb.

Storm, resilient and experienced, responded with her trademark offense, employing headlocks, snap suplexes, and stiff strikes to counter Mina’s relentless assault. Despite noticeable discomfort from her knee injury, Storm displayed impressive resilience, repeatedly fending off Mina’s figure-four attempts and aggressive leg attacks.

Throughout the match, the interference of Storm’s associate, Luther, played a comical yet minimal role, inadvertently providing Mina with leverage for high-impact moves, such as a memorable tornado DDT from Luther’s back.

The action intensified dramatically as both competitors exchanged powerful strikes, suplexes, and submission attempts. Mina nearly secured victory several times with expertly applied figure-four leg locks, repeatedly wrenching the champion’s already compromised knee. Storm, however, showcased remarkable grit, frequently reaching the ropes to break holds despite significant pain.

The climax saw Mina deliver her “Glamorous Driver,” leading to a dramatic near-fall. Storm barely survived, rallying courageously despite her visibly severe knee pain. After a series of reversals and counters, including multiple exchanges of inside cradles, Storm executed a sudden and decisive headbutt followed swiftly by her devastating “Storm Zero,” successfully pinning Shirakawa to retain the AEW Women’s World Championship.

Following the fiercely contested bout, both competitors exhibited mutual respect, acknowledging the formidable challenge they posed to each other.

Anarchy in the Arena

In a wild and chaotic spectacle at AEW Double or Nothing, the Anarchy in the Arena match featured two formidable factions: the Death Riders, comprising Jon Moxley, Marina Shafir, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta, teamed with AEW’s “Founding Fathers,” Matthew and Nicholas Jackson (The Young Bucks); and their opponents, the Opps (Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs and Katsuyori Shibata), Kenny Omega, Willow Nightingale, and Swerve Strickland.

From the start, chaos reigned as the competitors spread across the Desert Diamond Arena, engaging in fierce, simultaneous battles throughout the concourse, ringside, and backstage areas. Samoa Joe initially appeared absent, only to strategically emerge later from the crowd to swing momentum for his team, surprising the Death Riders and briefly gaining an advantage.

Early highlights included Moxley’s brutal use of a fork on Powerhouse Hobbs, viciously carving at his forehead and causing severe bleeding. Concurrently, Willow Nightingale, resilient despite severe punishment, fought relentlessly against Marina Shafir, including an innovative sequence involving a frying pan from catering.

Significant brutality ensued as Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta viciously engaged Shibata and Omega, with violent exchanges involving weapons like trash cans, chairs, and barbed wire. The Young Bucks notably targeted opponents with high-impact maneuvers and taunting antics, parodying opponents and mocking their signature moves.

Amidst the mayhem, an unforgettable, cringe-inducing moment occurred as Marina Shafir used a staple gun against opponents, including stapling tongues in a graphic display. Willow Nightingale was gruesomely chained by her earlobe to a ring post, dramatically incapacitating her temporarily.

Late in the match, Mark Briscoe dramatically returned, still bloodied from his earlier stretcher match against Ricochet, to provide crucial assistance against the Death Riders. However, Gabe Kidd made a critical intervention as a surprise wildcard, brutally assaulting opponents and significantly shifting momentum back toward Moxley’s team.

The climax involved an electrifying series of sequences, including multiple devastating table spots, a forklift-assisted dive by Takeshita, thumbtacks being forcibly inserted into mouths before vicious knee strikes, and an array of finishers delivered amidst the destruction. Ultimately, Swerve Strickland emerged as a pivotal figure, executing a modified Swerve Stomp with thumbtack-adorned shoes onto Nicholas Jackson, sealing the brutal and unforgettable victory.

Trios Match: Paragon vs. the Don Callis Family

In a heated and dynamic trios match, the Don Callis Family (Konosuke Takeshita, Josh Alexander, and Kyle Fletcher) faced off against Paragon (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong), further intensifying an already explosive rivalry.

The match opened with Adam Cole, the reigning TNT Champion, squaring off against Konosuke Takeshita, immediately showcasing high-level technique and hard-hitting offense. Both sides displayed strategic teamwork early, frequently tagging in and out to maintain a fresh advantage. Early tactics saw the Don Callis Family aggressively targeting Roderick Strong, isolating him with a punishing offensive onslaught both inside and outside the ring, aided by timely interference from Don Callis himself.

Strong valiantly fought back, executing counters like a remarkable reversal of Takeshita’s Blue Thunder Bomb. However, the constant interference from Don Callis and his associate Lance Archer at ringside continually swayed momentum back to the Callis Family, highlighting their ruthless approach.

Paragon rallied impressively midway through, particularly with Adam Cole unleashing a rapid offensive flurry including precise strikes and a Backstabber on Josh Alexander. Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong further energized their team with technical maneuvers and submission holds, notably O’Reilly’s fluid transitions into submission attempts and a fierce exchange of ankle locks between O’Reilly and Alexander.

The match built toward an exciting climax filled with near falls and dramatic interventions. Notably, Kyle Fletcher, despite an earlier injury to his leg caused by a targeted kick, impressively executed a high-impact brainbuster on Kyle O’Reilly. Despite visibly struggling with his leg injury, Fletcher secured a critical pinfall victory for the Don Callis Family, demonstrating his toughness and resilience.

Post-match chaos erupted as Archer, Rocky Romero, and Trent Beretta, additional associates of the Don Callis Family, stormed the ring to continue the assault on Paragon. The numbers advantage briefly overwhelmed Cole, Strong, and O’Reilly, but a shocking series of appearances dramatically reversed the odds. Brody King and Tomohiro Ishii, longstanding rivals of the Don Callis Family, rushed to Paragon’s aid, quickly followed by the stunning arrival of New Japan Pro-Wrestling icon Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Tanahashi’s unexpected presence energized the crowd and decisively swung momentum back to Paragon’s side. With the reinforcements clearing out the Don Callis Family members, Kyle Fletcher found himself isolated and vulnerable. Capitalizing on this opportunity, Adam Cole delivered a powerful final strike—the “Boom”—to Fletcher, leaving Paragon standing tall and victorious in spirit, despite the official match outcome.

Owen Hart Cup Tournament Men’s Final: Hangman Adam Page vs. Will Ospreay

In an exhilarating and intense finale of the 2025 Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament, Hangman Adam Page faced off against Will Ospreay, marking their first-ever singles encounter in their storied careers.

The bout opened with palpable emotion, with Ospreay visibly more fired-up and restless, contrasted by Hangman’s composed demeanor. Initially, both athletes showcased impressive chain wrestling and technical counters, each trying to establish an early advantage. Early momentum swung back and forth with neither competitor gaining sustained control, emphasizing their familiarity and extensive scouting of each other’s strategies.

The match intensified dramatically as Hangman focused his offense strategically on Ospreay’s vulnerable lower back, exploiting damage inflicted early when Ospreay awkwardly landed during an aerial maneuver. Despite visible pain, Ospreay demonstrated remarkable resilience and aerial precision, executing high-risk offense such as the Sasuke Special and the Sky Twister Press, maintaining a fierce pace despite his growing physical toll.

The turning point came as both competitors exchanged devastating strikes on the ring apron, a dangerous territory. Ospreay delivered a harrowing OsCutter onto the apron, severely spiking Hangman’s head. This vicious maneuver momentarily incapacitated Page and nearly led to a count-out victory for Ospreay. However, Hangman dramatically beat the referee’s count at nine, only to narrowly survive a subsequent brutal Hidden Blade elbow strike.

A visibly frustrated Ospreay aggressively slammed Hangman’s head into the announce table, displaying a ruthless edge rarely seen from him. The violence escalated further when Hangman executed a Dead Eye piledriver onto a collapsing announce table, devastating Ospreay and severely exacerbating his back injury.

In the final explosive moments, Ospreay invoked Kenny Omega by attempting Omega’s signature One-Winged Angel—a symbolic act referencing their shared history. However, Hangman escaped, responding by paying homage to Swerve Strickland with a dramatic counter of his own. Ultimately, Hangman landed a thunderous Buckshot Lariat—arguably the most powerful he’s ever executed—finally securing the three-count and victory in an unforgettable climax.

This monumental win crowned Hangman Adam Page as the winner of the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament and earned him an opportunity to challenge AEW World Champion Jon Moxley on July 12th at AEW All In Texas.

WWE Battleground 5/25/2025 (Results), Trick Williams Wins TNA Title

NXT lit up Battleground with championship clashes, and some serious statement-making performances. From Sol Ruca’s breathtaking title defense to Trick Williams’ historic TNA World Title win, here’s everything that went down on May 25, 2025.


NXT Women’s North American Championship:

Sol Ruca (c) def. Kelani Jordan

The high-octane opener between Ruca and Jordan was an all-out showcase of athleticism and innovative offense. Early exchanges saw both women dodge and flip their way into a stalemate that had fans on their feet. Jordan nearly captured gold off a Vader Bomb axe kick and a gorgeous Northern Lights suplex, but Ruca’s resilience held strong.

The champion weathered a wild Asai moonsault from Jordan and survived a breathtaking avalanche Frankensteiner. As the bout spiraled into chaos, Zaria attempted to interfere but was ejected, setting up the final sprint. After a missed moonsault from Jordan, Ruca struck with a Sol Snatcher from halfway across the ring, sealing the deal and retaining her title.


Mike Santana Arrives, Confronts NQCC

Backstage, Mike Santana spoke about finally debuting in WWE after a 16-year grind—and wasted no time aiming high, declaring he’s coming for the TNA World Title. But Charlie Dempsey and the No Quarter Catch Crew didn’t take kindly to another TNA name in NXT’s yard. Tension built until Tavion Heights diffused the situation and offered Santana a match on Tuesday—an offer he gladly accepted.


Hank & Tank and Josh Briggs def. The Culling

This trios clash was pure chaos. Briggs, Walker, and Ledger overwhelmed early with a triple dive spot, but The Culling turned things around with vicious offense, especially targeting Hank. Still, the babyfaces fought back, and Briggs nearly ended it with a moonsault.

A timely save from Hank kept the match alive, and after some underhanded help from Izzi Dame was countered, it was Hank & Tank’s assisted powerslam on Brooks Jensen that sealed the win. Post-match, The Culling tried to beat down the victors—until Yoshiki Inamura stormed in and wrecked house with a chair in hand. Big pop. Bigger moment.


Ethan Page Sends a Message

“All Ego” Ethan Page made it clear he doesn’t respect Ricky Saints—claiming the NXT North American Champion is a poser masking insecurity. Page promised to take the title Tuesday night, and Ava Raine confirmed the match will open the show. Worlds Collide implications were teased, but Page didn’t care—he just wants gold.


Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo def. Tony D’Angelo

What started as a gritty brawl between brothers-in-arms ended in heartbreak. The Don and his former right-hand man tore into each other, with D’Angelo controlling early before Stacks turned the tide with steel steps and calculated strikes.

The turning point came when Tony hesitated mid-match, clearly torn about hurting someone he still saw as family. That hesitation cost him—Stacks kicked low after Luca Crusifino’s ringside distraction and finished it with a Sick Kick to the back of the head. Post-match, Luca entered for a potential beatdown—but D’Angelo walked away, leaving questions in his wake.


NXT Women’s Championship:

Stephanie Vaquer (c) def. Jordynne Grace

This was a war of styles and wills. Vaquer’s technical precision met Grace’s brute power, and both pushed each other to the brink. Jordynne took control after electric-chairing Vaquer into the announce table, but Stephanie answered with rope-assisted submissions and a nasty Devil’s Kiss DDT.

In the closing stretch, both women emptied the tank, with Grace nearly stealing it with a backfist and power offense. But Vaquer rose again, hitting a Spiral Tap to retain her title. Dalys was spotted in the crowd post-match, clearly signaling her intentions—and things got heated quickly backstage when Chik Tormenta and Jacy Jayne confronted the champ, leading to a chaotic pull-apart brawl.


Ricky Saints Responds—and Gets Jumped

Ricky Saints hit the ring to cut an impassioned promo about pride, respect, and why Ethan Page can’t stop chasing him. He didn’t mince words—he’s ready to defend Tuesday, and he’s open to challenges from any brand. But before he could finish, Page ambushed him! A pull-apart brawl ensued, with Saints diving onto Page and security from the top rope in an exclamation point.


NXT Championship:

Oba Femi (c) def. Myles Borne

Myles Borne gave Oba Femi one of the toughest fights of his reign. The Ruler imposed his will early, with brutal power moves and targeted offense to the ribs and spine. But Borne fought back with high-risk dives, DDTs, and even a snap German suplex that brought the crowd to their feet.

As the match escalated, Borne came within inches of a miracle win—hitting a top-rope splash and a late-match rana. But Oba weathered the storm, nailed two consecutive Falls From Grace, and retained the NXT Title. Post-match, Femi showed respect with a subtle nod—Myles earned it.


TNA World Heavyweight Championship:

Trick Williams def. Joe Hendry (c)

This was the show-closing statement win Trick Williams needed. From the start, it was hard-hitting and personal, with both men throwing bombs and brawling outside. Trick gained momentum after a Book End through the announce table, but Hendry fought back and nearly stole it with Standing Ovation.

Williams kicked out, fired up, and drilled Hendry with a Trickshot—after a sneaky title belt assist—and scored the three-count to become the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion. The crowd exploded as Trick added another accolade to his resume in a landmark NXT moment.


Final Notes:

  • Oba Femi, Sol Ruca and Stephanie Vaquer continue to shine as dominant champions.
  • Trick Williams is now holding one of wrestling’s most historic titles.
  • Battleground delivered action, drama, and planted plenty of seeds for Worlds Collide and Tuesday’s loaded episode of NXT.

[Report] Goldberg’s Final Spear? Retirement Match Eyed for July in Atlanta Amid WWE-AEW Scheduling Showdown

It looks like the end of the road is finally in sight for Goldberg — and WWE may be planning to send him off with a bang that also delivers a strategic shot across the bow of the competition.

In a recent interview, the WWE Hall of Famer confirmed that his long-anticipated retirement match will happen sometime this year, with a key detail revealed: it’ll take place “in the South.” Now, according to Fightful Select, multiple sources indicate that Atlanta, Georgia, is the current frontrunner to host the emotional finale.

For Goldberg, Atlanta isn’t just a convenient stop on the map — it’s where his athletic legacy began. Before he was delivering Jackhammers in WCW and WWE, he was charging down the gridiron at the University of Georgia and suiting up briefly for the Atlanta Falcons. The city has always been a part of his DNA, both personally and professionally, making it a fitting location for his swan song.

But the timing of Goldberg’s retirement match might be just as meaningful as the setting.

WWE is reportedly eyeing Saturday, July 12 for a special Saturday Night’s Main Event episode — just weeks after the brand makes its return to the schedule. Internally, that date is being floated as the ideal spot for Goldberg’s final in-ring appearance. If that lines up, it would place the WWE legend’s farewell head-to-head with AEW’s All In 2025, which is set to go down the same night at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas — AEW’s biggest show of the year.

While WWE hasn’t confirmed anything officially, Goldberg’s name is reportedly a major point of discussion behind the scenes. If the plan comes together, it wouldn’t just be a send-off for one of wrestling’s most dominant and divisive figures — it’d be a savvy bit of counter-programming aimed at pulling some spotlight away from Tony Khan’s flagship event.

The question now becomes: who will be across the ring when Goldberg steps between the ropes one final time? And will WWE fans see the icon go out in victory, or on his back, as tradition often dictates?

More to come as this story develops — but for now, mark July 12 on your calendar. Wrestling fans could be in for a night where history, emotion, and competition all collide.