WWE SmackDown Preview 4/11/2025

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network and Netflix International, beginning at 8:00 pm ET. from the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington

  • WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes
  • Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest will go face-to-face
  • Rey Fenix vs. Berto
  • Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet for WWE Women’s Tag Team Title Match at WrestleMania 41: Kayden Carter and Katana Chance vs. Lyra Valkyria and Bayley vs. Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark vs. B-Fab and Michin vs. Piper Niven and Alba Fyre vs. Maxxine Dupri and Natalya

TNA Impact Preview 4/10/2025

TNA Wrestling will present a new episode of Impact on AXS TV tonight as the International title tournament continues. The lineup includes:

  • TNA International Championship Tournament First Round Match: AJ Francis vs. Mance Warner vs. Sami Callihan
  • Steve Maclin vs. Eddie Edwards
  • Leon Slater vs. Ryan Nemeth
  • Moose vs. Cody Deaner
  • Mustafa Ali vs. Ace Austin
  • The Rascalz vs. JDC & Brian Myers

ROH TV Preview 4/10/2025

Ring of Honor will present a new episode of ROH TV tonight on HonorClub, with several matches announced. The lineup includes:

  • Preston Vance vs. Tomohiro Ishii
  • Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs vs. TBD
  • MxM Collection vs. TBD
  • Marina Shafir vs. TBD

PAC Reportedly Injured During AEW Dynamite Match

AEW may be dealing with another unfortunate injury setback, as PAC appeared to suffer a significant injury during this week’s episode of Dynamite, live from Baltimore, MD.

The incident occurred during his highly anticipated matchup against Swerve Strickland. Multiple sources have reported that the injury seems to be centered around PAC’s right foot or ankle. The match, which had been delivering on expectations, came to a sudden halt following a buckle bomb from Strickland. Immediately afterward, PAC was seen clutching his lower leg in visible pain and rolled to the outside.

AEW medical personnel quickly checked on the former Trios Champion at ringside. Although PAC attempted to stay involved, it became clear he couldn’t continue, and he was helped to the back by officials. Swerve closed out the match swiftly with a kick followed by his signature Stomp to pick up the win.

At this time, AEW has yet to issue an official statement on the severity of the injury or PAC’s status going forward. The timing is especially rough considering PAC had just begun gaining momentum again after extended time off due to previous injuries.

Legendary Superstars Kamala, Dory Funk Sr., and Ivan Koloff Will Enter The WWE Hall Of Fame As The 2025 Legacy Inductees

With WrestleMania 41 just around the corner, WWE continues to build anticipation—not just for the in-ring action, but for one of the most emotional nights of the year: the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. While names like Triple H, Michelle McCool, Lex Luger, and the legendary tag team of The Natural Disasters (Typhoon & Earthquake) were already confirmed for the Class of 2025, WWE has now revealed three more legends who will join this year’s prestigious lineup.

In an announcement made Wednesday, WWE confirmed that Kamala, Dory Funk Sr., and Ivan Koloff will be honored as Legacy inductees for the 2025 class. Their addition brings this year’s total inductees to eight. And for the first time ever, a match will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as well—Bret Hart vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin from WrestleMania 13, a bout often hailed as one of the greatest in WWE history.

Remembering Kamala, The Ugandan Giant

Few characters in wrestling history were as instantly recognizable—or as feared—as Kamala. With his tribal war paint, imposing presence, and unpredictable demeanor, Kamala was a standout villain during WWE’s golden era in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Iconic battles against the likes of The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan helped cement his legacy. But behind the menacing persona was a performer who fans came to love over time—a gentle giant who left a lasting impression on the business.

Dory Funk Sr.: A Pioneer and Promoter

Dory Funk Sr. may not have the mainstream name recognition of some of his contemporaries, but his fingerprints are all over wrestling history. A highly respected amateur wrestler in the NWA during the 1950s and ’60s, Funk Sr. went on to become one of wrestling’s most influential promoters. Based in Amarillo, Texas, he built the Western States Sports territory into a key developmental hub, nurturing future legends like Harley Race, Bruiser Brody, and, of course, his own sons—Dory Funk Jr. and the hardcore icon Terry Funk.

Ivan Koloff: The Man Who Shocked the Garden

Ivan Koloff’s legacy is etched in one historic moment: January 18, 1971, when he ended Bruno Sammartino’s nearly eight-year WWE Championship reign at Madison Square Garden. That jaw-dropping upset forever changed the landscape of professional wrestling. Known for his rugged, powerhouse style and fierce intensity, Koloff played the role of foreign heel to perfection during a politically charged era in wrestling. His place in the Hall of Fame has been long overdue, and this induction finally gives “The Russian Bear” his due.

The WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most well-rounded groups in recent memory, blending iconic performers, pioneering figures, and unforgettable moments. With WrestleMania 41 looming large, fans now have even more to celebrate as the legends of the past take their rightful place in wrestling immortality.

AEW Dynamite Preview 4/9/2025

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight on TBS and Max from the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.

  • Fallout from AEW Dynasty
  • Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Foundation Tournament: Kris Statlander vs. Thunder Rosa – (“Timeless” Toni Storm on commentary)
  • Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta) vs. The Opps (Samoa Joe and HOOK)
  • Swerve Strickland vs. PAC

Giulia Shakes Up NXT Women’s Title Picture with Shocking Return Ahead of Stand & Deliver

The road to Stand & Deliver just got a lot more chaotic — and a lot more exciting — as the NXT Women’s Championship picture saw a major shakeup on Tuesday night’s episode of WWE NXT.

The show kicked off with Jaida Parker squaring off against TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace in a match with championship implications. NXT Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer was on commentary, poised to reveal her challenger for Stand & Deliver after the bout. But things spiraled out of control before she could even finish her thought.

After a fast-paced start, the match broke down outside the ring. Parker, never one to back down from confrontation, slapped Vaquer at ringside. The champ fired back, but in the chaos accidentally nailed Grace, prompting the referee to call for the disqualification. That didn’t stop the fight, though — all three women kept brawling, and just when things couldn’t get any more volatile, Giulia’s music hit.

The former NXT Women’s Champion made a thunderous return, sprinting to the ring and aligning with Vaquer — or so it seemed. After fending off Parker and Grace, Giulia turned on her ally-turned-rival, hitting Vaquer with a devastating Death Valley Driver and holding the title high above her head, a clear message that she’s back and wants her gold.

Later in the night, a furious and defiant Vaquer told NXT General Manager Ava that she will defend her title against all three challengers — Giulia, Jaida Parker, and Jordynne Grace — in a fatal four-way match at Stand & Deliver.

This marks Giulia’s first appearance on NXT TV since dropping the title to Vaquer at Roadblock in Madison Square Garden last month. Though there were rumors of an injury following her title loss, she had quietly been working non-televised live events, and now she’s made her presence felt in a major way.

With four top-tier competitors and no shortage of personal animosity, the NXT Women’s Championship match at Stand & Deliver is shaping up to be one of the most must-see bouts of WrestleMania weekend. Will Vaquer survive the onslaught, or is Giulia poised to reclaim her throne?

Stay tuned — NXT’s women’s division just became the hottest ticket in town.

WWE NXT Preview 4/8/2025

WWE will present a new episode of NXT tonight on The CW Network at 8:00 PM EST as the build continues for NXT Stand & Deliver 2025.

  • Oba Femi, Je’Von Evans & Trick Williams vs. Three Members of Dark State
  • Jordynne Grace vs. Jaida Parker
  • Wes Lee vs. Yoshiki Inamura

WWE ID Championships to Be Defended Against Independent Wrestlers — With Contracts on the Line

WWE’s newest initiative to bridge the gap between the independent scene and its own developmental system just got even more intriguing.

After unveiling the WWE ID program last year — a developmental track specifically designed to scout and develop independent talent — WWE has now pulled the curtain back on the WWE ID Championships, one each for the men’s and women’s divisions. The inaugural champions will be determined through a double-elimination tournament kicking off during WrestleMania week in Las Vegas, but there’s a major twist: once crowned, those champions must defend the titles against any indie wrestler willing to step up — not just their fellow ID signees.

Yes, you read that right. Once the first official WWE ID Champions are crowned, the titles will be defended across various independent promotions. And if a non-ID, unsigned wrestler manages to capture the gold, they won’t just walk away with the title — they’ll also be awarded a WWE ID contract.

According to WWE’s announcement:

“The WWE ID Championships will be open to all independent wrestlers once the champions are crowned. The titles will be defended at various independent wrestling events. If a non-WWE ID prospect wins the title, they will be awarded a WWE ID contract.”

The concept is already generating buzz across the wrestling world, offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity for unsigned talent to fight their way into WWE — not via tryouts or dark matches, but through proving themselves against WWE ID’s best inside the squared circle.

The Tournament Begins at WrestleMania Week

The road to crowning the first WWE ID Champions kicks off in Las Vegas during WrestleMania week with two major events:

  • April 16 at GCW’s “The Collective 2025”
    The opening salvo of the ID Tournament goes down under the GCW banner, where we already have confirmed first-round matches:
    • Kylie Rae vs. Zayda Steel in a women’s bout
    • It’s GAL vs. Cappuccino Jones on the men’s side
  • April 18 at Future Stars of Wrestling (FSW)
    More men’s tournament action will take place following SmackDown, including:
    • Sean Legacy vs. Ricky Smokes
    • Brad Baylor vs. Ice Williams

The tournament features a double-elimination format, meaning each competitor must lose twice to be eliminated. All current WWE ID prospects are participating, setting the stage for fierce in-ring competition and plenty of eyes on potential breakout stars.

What This Means for the Indies

This move represents a bold step forward in WWE’s approach to talent development, effectively creating a hybrid title system that lives both within and outside the WWE ecosystem. By making the ID Championships defendable on the indie circuit, WWE is injecting its scouting efforts with real stakes — and giving unsigned talents something massive to fight for.

It’s a unique opportunity for indie wrestlers to earn a WWE contract by doing what they do best — performing in front of passionate, grassroots crowds. For fans, it means high-stakes matches popping up on independent cards, with WWE implications on the line.

The wrestling world will be watching closely to see who walks out of Las Vegas with gold in hand — and how soon an outsider steps up to shake up the system.

Izzy Moreno Steps Up: Former Superfan Looks to Earn Spot in WWE ID Championship Tournament

From cheering in the front row to fighting for a chance at championship gold — Izzy Moreno’s story just keeps getting better.

The indie standout, best remembered by longtime fans as Bayley’s young superfan during NXT’s black-and-gold era, is now looking to carve her own path in the squared circle. And she’s eyeing a major opportunity: a spot in WWE ID’s Championship Tournament during WrestleMania Week.

Izzy made her intentions clear in a fired-up video posted to her social media, where she threw her name into the mix for the upcoming WWE ID Championship Tournament set to take place at GCW’s event on April 16 in Las Vegas.

“What if…..I mean what if @WWEID called me to be in the opening round of the WWE ID Championship tournament at @GCWrestling_ on April 16th in Las Vegas?” she teased.

“No more what ifs…. Izzy Moreno is ready for the WWE ID championship tournament! 😤 💪”

The WWE ID account wasted no time responding — and they didn’t hand her a spot. Instead, they handed her a challenge.

Izzy will have to earn her way into the tournament by defeating rising WWE ID prospect Zara Zakher in a non-tournament qualifier match at the April 16 GCW show. It’s a high-stakes moment for both women, with the winner securing a spot in the actual WWE ID Championship Tournament bracket.

“You have a world of potential, Izzy,” WWE ID wrote in response. “However, you have to earn your way into the WWE ID Championship tournament.”

This sets the stage for what could be a breakout moment for Moreno, who’s been grinding on the independent scene while sharpening her in-ring game. Though she’s still early in her career, the buzz around her name — thanks to both her childhood connection to WWE and her growing credibility as a performer — makes this upcoming clash with Zakher one to watch.

For Izzy, this isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about proving she belongs in the ring with today’s top prospects and tomorrow’s superstars.

April 16 in Vegas could be the night she flips the script from “superfan” to “serious contender.”