Darby Allin Sets Kickflip World Record During Mount Everest Climb

AEW’s resident daredevil Darby Allin has once again pushed the limits—this time, not in a wrestling ring, but on the slopes of Mount Everest.

Currently in the midst of a grueling climb up the world’s tallest mountain, Darby has already made history by landing a kickflip at a staggering 20,958 feet above sea level. The feat sets a world record for the highest elevation at which the move has ever been performed. Allin shared the moment on Instagram, showcasing both his signature skateboard and his unrelenting thirst for the extreme.

The climb began on April 8, with Darby joining an expedition team guided by Adventure Consultants. According to their official site, the group took a rest day at Everest Base Camp on May 3—no small feat, considering the base camp itself sits over 17,000 feet high.

While it’s unclear whether Darby will ultimately reach the summit, his commitment to pushing boundaries is already on full display. In typical Allin fashion, even an Everest expedition isn’t just about the destination—it’s about making a statement.

Known for his high-risk style in AEW, Darby has never shied away from danger. Whether diving off ladders or snowboarding through promos, the former TNT Champion blends athleticism with sheer fearlessness—and now, he’s taken that mindset to the roof of the world.

Stay tuned as Darby’s Everest journey continues. If he does make it to the summit, don’t be surprised if he finds a way to make history there, too.

You can watch Darby’s Instagram post below:

TNA Wrestling Appoints Two New Vice Presidents Amid Major Executive Shake-Up

TNA Wrestling continues to reshape its corporate structure, with the latest move seeing two longtime employees elevated to vice presidential roles. According to PWInsider, Eric Tompkins and Ross Forman have officially been named Vice Presidents, with the news reportedly shared with talent during a recent locker room meeting.

Tompkins, who has served as TNA’s Director of TV Production, and Forman, the company’s longtime Head of Media Relations, both bring decades of experience to their new positions. Forman in particular has been with TNA for over 20 years, making him one of the most tenured members of the promotion’s inner circle.

Their promotions come amid a larger executive overhaul that’s been underway for more than a year. Just this February, Carlos Silva was named TNA President following his previous appointment as President of Anthem Sports, TNA’s parent company, late last year. Silva replaced Anthony Cicione, who was among a group of high-level departures in recent months.

Other notable exits include Ariel Shnerer, Karen Clevett, Sebastian Dastrani, and Chief Revenue Officer Rob Klingman, all of whom left the company as part of what has been described as an ongoing restructuring effort. On the wrestling side, former in-ring talent turned producers and backstage figures—Gail Kim, Christy Hemme, and Josh Matthews—were also let go as part of this corporate realignment.

Despite the behind-the-scenes turnover, TNA appears to be gaining momentum. The promotion recently secured a television deal in Latin America, a move that reflects growing international ambitions under the new leadership regime.

With Tompkins and Forman now stepping into more prominent roles, it’s clear TNA is leaning on experienced insiders to help steer the company through its latest evolution. How their leadership shapes TNA’s creative and media strategies moving forward will be worth watching closely.

Harley Hudson Officially Signs with TNA Wrestling, Makes Long-Awaited Debut

After nearly two years of anticipation, British standout Harley Hudson has officially arrived in TNA Wrestling.

The 2023 Gut Check winner finally made her in-ring debut during the May 1–2 TV tapings in Irvine, California, following a long visa delay that kept her from stepping into a TNA ring. Hudson wrestled twice over the two-night stretch—first in singles action against Myla Grace, then teaming with Grace in tag competition—marking her long-awaited introduction to TNA fans.

Despite winning the developmental tryout competition back in 2023, visa complications prevented the 22-year-old from making her U.S. debut until now. According to Fightful Select, former TNA executive Gail Kim played a crucial role behind the scenes to get Hudson’s visa approved. Kim, who departed TNA in March, reportedly pushed for the company to fast-track the process, personally vouching for Hudson’s talent and potential.

Hudson has now signed a one-year deal with the promotion, making her the latest addition to an increasingly international and youthful Knockouts division. Starting her wrestling journey in 2017, Hudson has built her name across the UK indie circuit, collecting both singles and tag team gold along the way. Known for her scrappy energy and in-ring versatility, she brings a fresh presence to the TNA women’s roster.

Her signing follows a wave of recent Knockouts division reinforcements, including the additions of ex-WWE star Indi Hartwell, who joined the promotion after being let go by WWE last year and 24-year-old Maggie Lee, who debuted earlier this year and also wrestled at the recent California tapings.

As TNA continues to invest in fresh talent, Harley Hudson’s arrival feels like a long-overdue step forward—and potentially the start of something big.

Will Hudson live up to the hype that’s been building for the past two years? Time will tell, but she’s finally got her foot in the door.

Shotzi Set to Exit WWE as Contract Nears Expiration

It looks like the wild ride is coming to an end for Shotzi in WWE.

The fan-favorite Superstar, known for her punk rock energy and fearless in-ring style, is set to part ways with WWE once her current contract expires. Though no specific date has been confirmed, multiple reports have indicated that Shotzi was informed the company will not be renewing her deal.

Rumors began swirling earlier this week when Shotzi shared an emotionally-charged video on social media titled, “Whatever happens next, I’m ready for it. Stay ballsy my friends.” That message sparked immediate speculation among fans about her future with the company. While initial reports clarified she hadn’t been released at the time, her WWE.com profile quietly shifted to the Alumni section following a wave of roster cuts on Friday—seemingly confirming her impending departure.

Addressing her exit, Shotzi expressed gratitude to fans and the WWE Universe, saying:
“I am more than grateful for the wild ride! Can’t wait to see where this crazy journey takes me next! I hope to make all my believers proud.”

Shotzi’s journey in pro wrestling began in 2014, with an early attempt to break into WWE through Tough Enough in 2015. Though that opportunity didn’t pan out, she kept grinding on the independent scene, eventually earning her spot in WWE NXT in 2019. She captured gold in 2021 alongside Ember Moon (now known as Athena in ROH), winning the NXT Women’s Tag Team Titles for a 55-day reign that showcased her as a rising star in the women’s division.

After a stint on the main roster, Shotzi returned to NXT in 2023 and most recently aligned with Tatum Paxley and Gigi Dolin during what has now become her final run with the company.

Where she lands next is anyone’s guess, but given her charisma, unique style, and passionate fanbase, Shotzi’s story in wrestling is far from over.

Shotzi posted the following on X:

“I am about to dominate! Lets get busy! Shotzibooking@gmail.com”

Could we be seeing a Shotzi resurgence in another promotion soon? Stay tuned.

AEW Collision Preview 5/3/2025

AEW Collision live tonight on TBS and Max at 8pm ET. from the Adrian Phillips Theater at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

  • AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator Match: Toni Storm (c) vs. Lady Frost
  • Megan Bayne vs. Harley Cameron
  • Brody King vs. Josh Alexander

TNA Wrestling Bans Blading & Intentional Bleeding

In a major policy shift, TNA Wrestling has officially banned blading—putting an end to a 22-year tradition that often showcased the “Crimson Mask” as a gritty badge of honor in the company’s storytelling. The announcement, reported by PWInsider, was delivered to talent during a locker room meeting held on Friday, May 2.

The new directive outlaws the practice of intentional bleeding, marking the first time since TNA’s 2002 inception that the company has taken a firm stance against it. While accidents will still be understood as part of the risk of in-ring work, deliberate bloodletting—long a staple of hardcore bouts and personal feuds—will no longer be permitted.

Despite this, fans can still expect to see blood in the upcoming Dog Collar Match between International Champion Steve Maclin and Eric Young. That bout, which was taped on May 1 prior to the policy being enacted, is still set to air with its original content intact. However, it’s expected to be one of the last high-profile examples of blading in the promotion moving forward.

This change also comes after the recent very bloody Barbed Wire Massacre Match at TNA Unbreakable between Sami Callihan and Mance Warner

The change is being attributed to multiple factors. Health and safety were cited as top priorities in the decision, especially as concerns about infections and long-term damage continue to evolve in the wrestling world. In addition, TNA is reportedly making a concerted effort to appeal to a broader audience and maintain strong relationships with current and potential advertising partners—many of whom view excessive blood as a liability.

This move brings TNA in line with WWE’s long-standing approach. WWE famously banned blading in 2008 during the PG era, though there have been recent exceptions. Notably, Gunther busted open Jimmy Uso in a brutal match on SmackDown, suggesting that WWE may be more open to blood—albeit in a controlled, storyline-driven context.

For longtime TNA fans, this marks the end of an era that helped distinguish the promotion from its more sanitized mainstream counterpart. Still, it’s clear the company is prioritizing professionalism and growth as it continues to rebuild its brand under the revived TNA banner.

Do you think this policy change helps or hurts TNA’s product moving forward?

WWE Roster Shake-Up: Major Main Roster & NXT Releases

WWE made a wave of cuts on Friday, May 2, 2025, parting ways with a mix of established main roster talent and several rising stars from NXT. The release list includes some surprising names, prompting plenty of speculation about what’s next for the wrestlers involved.

Among the main roster talent released are Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, Dakota Kai, Kayden Carter, and Katana Chance. Over on the NXT side, the company has let go of Cora Jade, Jakara Jackson, Riley Osborne, Javier Bernal, Oro Mensah, Gigi Dolin, Eddy Thorpe, Dani Palmer and the faction Gallus. These cuts mark another significant roster shuffle for WWE, which seems to be refining its roster across all brands.

As is standard, the released main roster stars will be under 90-day non-compete clauses, while the NXT names are expected to serve 30-day non-compete periods. During that time, WWE will continue to pay the talent, giving them a window to evaluate their options and plan their next moves.

Fightful Select reports that Dakota Kai has already generated considerable interest from other promotions and talent agencies, and insiders expect her to have multiple opportunities ahead. Shayna Baszler’s departure, however, came as a shock to many within WWE. She had recently helped out at “NXT” and re-signed with the company in 2024, making her release one of the more unexpected moves in this round.

In NXT, some releases were more telegraphed. Jakara Jackson’s recent exit from the Meta-Four faction and separation from Lash Legend on this past Tuesday’s “NXT” all but signaled her impending departure. Oro Mensah may have fallen into a similar category.

Meanwhile, Cora Jade and Gigi Dolin wasted no time in re-establishing themselves on the independent scene. Both shared contact details on social media for upcoming bookings, and Jade has already reverted to her indie ring name, Elayna Black—a name she used during her early run on the independent circuit and brief AEW appearances back in 2019 and 2020.

WWE’s latest roster purge underscores the shifting priorities and evolving strategy of the company as it continues to shape its creative and business direction under the TKO banner. For many of these talented performers, this could be the start of a new chapter—whether in AEW, TNA, NJPW, or the growing indie scene.

WWE SmackDown Preview 5/2/2025

WWE SmackDown live tonight on USA Network and Netflix International, beginning at 8:00 pm ET. from the Wells Fargo Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

  • Aleister Black vs. The Miz
  • Randy Orton to appear
  • There will probably be more on the WWE Women’s Championship situation with Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax
  • Are we headed toward a Fatal 4-Way for the United States Champion with Jacob Fatu (c), LA Knight, Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest
  • Will Chelsea Green get a rematch against new Women’s United States Champion Zelina Vega

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

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

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

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

And she’s not just here for admin duties.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Diversifying Global Partnerships

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

2. Capitalizing on Hot Markets

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

3. Boosting the Prestige of Crown Jewel

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

4. Strengthening the Retirement Tour Narrative

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

5. Testing the Waters for More Global Takeovers

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

The Bottom Line

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

WWE International Events Timeline (2020–2025)

2020

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

2021

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

2022

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

2023

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

2024

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

2025 (Upcoming)

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