Tag: WWE

WWE & TNA Partnership Heats Up With TNA X-Division Champion Moose, Hardy Boyz Return To WWE On NXT

The working relationship between WWE and TNA Wrestling continues to shake up the wrestling landscape, and this week’s episode of NXT delivered another major crossover moment. Not only did TNA X-Division Champion Moose make his presence felt, but the legendary Hardy Boyz confirmed their return to a WWE ring for the first time in nearly five years.

Moose Confronts Oba Femi, Puts X-Division Title on the Line

NXT Champion Oba Femi was riding high after his successful title defense at Vengeance Day, but his celebration was cut short when TNA’s Moose made a surprise appearance. The reigning X-Division Champion wasted no time stepping up to Femi, making it clear that he wasn’t someone the dominant NXT Champion could overlook.

While the tension between Femi and Moose left fans buzzing, it was Lexis King who made the first move. Later in the night, King challenged Moose to a match next week in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, with the TNA X-Division Championship on the line. This marks another huge inter-promotional showdown, as WWE and TNA continue to break new ground in their ongoing partnership.

The Hardy Boyz Set to Return to WWE on NXT for a Huge Match

The surprises didn’t stop there. During a backstage segment, No Quarter Catch Crew issued a bold challenge, calling out none other than Matt & Jeff Hardy for a match on next week’s NXT. The legendary duo, who haven’t competed in a WWE ring together since April 2019, wasted little time responding.

In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Hardys not only accepted the challenge but confirmed they will be putting their TNA World Tag Team Championships on the line. To make things even more interesting, they personally invited the NXT Tag Team Champions to sit ringside and watch the action unfold.

This will be a massive moment for NXT, blending nostalgia with the current generation of talent. The Hardys are one of the most decorated tag teams in wrestling history, and their return under the WWE/TNA alliance proves that anything can happen in this new era of inter-promotional competition.

What’s Next?

With Moose vs. Lexis King and The Hardy Boyz vs. No Quarter Catch Crew both set for next week’s NXT, the show is shaping up to be one of the most must-see episodes in recent memory. The partnership between WWE and TNA has already delivered some shocking moments, and with major championship matches now in play, it’s clear this is just the beginning.

Could we see more TNA stars stepping into WWE rings? And what does this mean for future crossover events? One thing is for sure—next week’s NXT is going to be can’t-miss TV.

WWE Star Ricky Saints (Ricky Starks) Discusses Name Change And AEW Departure

The wrestling world just witnessed a major shift as Ricky Starks, now going by Ricky Saints, made his NXT debut official. On this week’s episode of WWE NXT, Saints put pen to paper on his new contract in a segment that also featured Ethan Page and Wes Lee, setting the stage for his first match in WWE’s developmental brand.

A New Name, A Fresh Start

Fans speculated for weeks about whether Starks would keep his well-known name upon joining WWE. The suspense ended Tuesday night when, after a heated exchange with Ethan Page and Wes Lee, Saints cleared the ring and finalized his contract. As the camera zoomed in, his new in-ring moniker—Ricky Saints—was revealed.

Immediately following NXT, Saints appeared on Busted Open Radio, where he addressed the name change and why he embraces it.

“It’s going to take time for [fans] to get used to it,” Saints admitted. “I respect that they care so deeply about me that they rebel against the name change. But at the same time, I am a product of New Orleans, first and foremost, and I want to pay respect to that as well. I think this is the best of both worlds and that means a lot to me.”

While WWE is known for altering ring names when signing new talent, Saints’ name still carries a connection to his previous persona. He reassured fans that, despite the rebranding, he’s still the same competitor they’ve followed for years.

What Went Wrong in AEW?

Saints’ move to WWE comes after an extended period of inactivity in AEW, where he had been under contract since 2020. Reports indicated that he originally asked AEW not to exercise his contract’s option year in late 2023, but the company did so anyway, keeping him under contract through early 2024. However, rather than featuring him on TV, AEW largely kept him on the sidelines until his release on February 10.

When asked what ultimately led to his AEW exit, Saints acknowledged multiple factors but didn’t pinpoint one defining issue.

“You could say it was Punk leaving and things kinda fell apart. Absolutely, I probably agree with you on that,” Saints said. “Or you could say Ricky didn’t play the politics well enough. Alright, for sure… there’s so many things you can say.”

His final AEW match was in March 2024 when he and Big Bill lost to Top Flight in an AEW Tag Team Tournament match. Saints suffered a stinger during that bout, which required an on-the-fly finish adjustment. After that, his time in AEW quietly faded.

“After that, no, no dice, no communication. No nothing,” Saints revealed. “And that is okay because… I ended up here. And it’s fine. Everything worked out.”

He also hinted that certain backstage veterans played a role in his creative stagnation.

“There are some people who stuck their nose in my creative business that shouldn’t have,” Saints said. “Veterans. And that’s it, I’ll leave it at that. And if they got a problem with me, they got my number.”

Looking Ahead to NXT

With his AEW chapter closed, Saints is set to make his WWE in-ring debut next Tuesday in Cincinnati. He will team up with Je’Von Evans to take on Ethan Page and Wes Lee in what promises to be an explosive introduction to the NXT audience.

While the road to WWE wasn’t smooth, Ricky Saints is ready to prove himself on a new stage. And if his debut is anything to go by, he’s wasting no time making an impact.

WWE NXT Preview 2/18/2025

WWE NXT tonight on The CW.

  • Fallout from Vengeance Day
  • Ricky Starks to sign WWE NXT contract
  • NXT Women’s North American Championship #1 Contenders Match: Jaida Parker vs. Kelani Jordan vs. Karmen Petrovic
  • Channing ‘Stacks’ Lorenzo vs. Shawn Spears
  • Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend vs. Sol Ruca & ZARIA
  • Jordanne Grace will likely appear
  • Will he mysterious masked faction strike again

WWE (NXT) Vengeance Day 2/15/2025 (Results)

WWE NXT VENGEANCE DAY QUICK RESULTS

  • NXT Women’s Championship: Giulia (c) def. Bayley, Roxanne Perez, and Cora Jade
  • NXT Championship: Oba Femi (c) def Austin Theory and Grayson Waller
  • Singles Match: Ethan Page def. Je’Von Evans
  • Strap Match: Eddy Thorpe def. Trick Williams
  • NXT Tag Team Championship: Fraxiom (c) def. Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura
  • NXT Women’s North American Championship: Stephanie Vaquer def. Fallon Henley (c)

NXT Vengeance Day delivered a night of thrilling action, title changes, and unexpected chaos, leaving fans buzzing about what’s next for the black and gold brand. Here’s a full breakdown of the night’s biggest moments, including a historic title win, a brutal strap match, and a TNA crossover tease that could shake things up in NXT.

Stephanie Vaquer Captures NXT Women’s North American Championship

In one of the most exciting matches of the night, Fallon Henley defended her NXT Women’s North American Championship against Stephanie Vaquer in a hard-hitting encounter. The early moments saw Vaquer use her technical prowess to keep Henley grounded, locking in an STF and a figure-four headscissors. However, Henley turned the tide with a vicious right hand and underhanded tactics, thanks to interference from Jazmyn Nyx and Jacy Jayne at ringside.

Vaquer fought back with an explosive sequence, hitting a springboard crossbody and a Tiger Feint Kick, before spiking Henley’s head into the mat repeatedly. Despite Jayne’s attempts to interfere, Vaquer refused to stay down, eventually leveling Henley with a brutal Angel’s Wings on the apron followed by a diving splash to the floor.

With Henley reeling, Vaquer sealed the victory with a spectacular Spiral Tap, becoming the new NXT Women’s North American Champion.

Fraxiom Retains NXT Tag Team Championship – But a New Threat Emerges

Fraxiom (Axiom & Nathan Frazer) put their NXT Tag Team Titles on the line against the powerhouse team of Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura in a high-energy clash. Frazer and Axiom used their speed and precision to control the early minutes, but Inamura’s brute strength soon shifted the momentum.

As both teams battled back and forth, the match reached a fever pitch when Briggs delivered a devastating avalanche chokeslam, sending Frazer crashing into Axiom. The champions barely held on, eventually countering Inamura’s offense and hitting a missile dropkick-assisted reverse STO to retain their titles.

However, the celebration was short-lived. The mysterious masked faction that has been disrupting NXT events struck again, ambushing both teams and leaving them laid out. Dion Lennox was singled out by commentary, suggesting he may be involved with the group.

Eddy Thorpe Defeats Trick Williams in a Brutal Strap Match

The Eddy Thorpe vs. Trick Williams strap match didn’t follow the traditional “touch all four corners” rule but instead allowed the strap to be used as a legal weapon. Williams jumped Thorpe before the match officially started, and the two brawled all around the ringside area, whipping each other against the barricade.

Inside the ring, Williams nearly put Thorpe away with a Trick Shot, but the impact sent Eddy rolling out of the ring, saving him from being pinned. Thorpe capitalized on a momentary opening, delivering a low blow with the strap before finishing Williams with a brutal knee strike for the victory.

“All Ego” Ethan Page Stuns Je’Von Evans

In his first major NXT match, Ethan Page squared off against rising star Je’Von Evans, and the two went all out. Evans started hot, launching himself over the announce desk with a torpedo dive and punishing Page with stiff strikes. However, “All Ego” turned the tide by targeting Evans’ leg, locking in an Achilles lock and an ankle lock to slow him down.

Despite absorbing an avalanche Ego’s Edge, Evans refused to stay down, mounting a comeback. However, Page delivered a stiff punch that sent Evans’ mouthpiece flying before planting him with Twisted Grin to secure the win. Post-match, Evans was seen bleeding from the mouth as medical personnel checked on him.

Oba Femi Retains, But The Masked Men Strike Again

The NXT Championship was on the line in a chaotic triple-threat match featuring Oba Femi, Grayson Waller, and Austin Theory. Waller and Theory briefly worked together to wear down the dominant champion, but their alliance quickly crumbled.

Femi’s raw power was on full display as he suplexed both challengers at once and later sent Waller crashing through the announce desk. Theory nearly stole the win with A-Town Down, but Waller yanked the referee out of the ring before he could complete the count.

Femi capitalized on the distraction, delivering Fall From Grace on Waller to retain his title. But as soon as the match ended, the mysterious masked faction struck again, attacking Femi and laying him out with an assisted double powerbomb.

With this group now targeting champions, NXT management will have to address their growing influence.

TNA Crossover? Santino Marella Meets Ava Raine

In a surprising backstage moment, Arianna Grace returned and introduced TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella to NXT GM Ava Raine. The two shared a moment of mutual respect, with Santino noting he hadn’t seen Ava since she was a child.

The segment ended with Santino and Ava heading off to discuss potential cross-promotional ideas, hinting at a deeper collaboration between NXT and TNA.

Giulia Retains NXT Women’s Championship – Jordynne Grace Appears!

The main event saw Giulia defend her NXT Women’s Championship against Bayley, Cora Jade, and Roxanne Perez in a thrilling four-way bout. Giulia smartly let her challengers fight early before asserting dominance with vicious strikes and submission attempts.

The match featured incredible moments, including a double pin attempt by Giulia, stereo superkicks from Perez and Jade, and a Tower of Doom spot that had the crowd on their feet. Bayley nearly won after hitting middle rope Stunners, but the champion regained control, landing Arrivederci on Jade before finishing Perez with a Northern Lights Bomb to retain her title.

As Giulia celebrated, Stephanie Vaquer—her fellow champion—entered the ring, holding up her newly won NXT Women’s North American Championship in a show of unity.

But just as they embraced, a siren blared through the arena…

Jordynne Grace appeared!

Grace stepped into the ring, staring down both champions in a non-confrontational but intense moment.

Final Thoughts

NXT Vengeance Day delivered on every front—great wrestling, a title change, and major storyline developments. Stephanie Vaquer’s title win, the masked faction’s continued attacks, and Jordynne Grace’s appearance make it clear that the road to NXT Stand & Deliver is already heating up.

With NXT’s Roadblock special coming up on March 11 and the looming presence of TNA talent, the landscape of WWE’s developmental brand is more unpredictable than ever.

WWE (NXT) Vengeance Day 2/15/2025 (Card)

WWE NXT Presents Vengeance Day PLE – Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 – Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C.

CARD

THE NXT CHAMPIONSHIP – TRIPLE THREAT:
Oba Femi (c) vs. Austin Theory vs. Grayson Waller

NXT WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP – FATAL 4-WAY:
Giulia (c) vs. Bayley vs. Cora Jade vs. Roxanne Perez

NXT WOMEN’S NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP:
Fallon Henley (c) vs. Stephanie Vaquer

STRAP MATCH:
Eddy Thorpe vs. Trick Williams

Je’Von Evans vs. Ethan Page

NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
Axiom & Nathan Frazer (c) vs. Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura

WWE Reportedly Signs Demolition to Legends Deals

It looks like one of WWE’s most dominant tag teams from the late ’80s is back in the fold. According to PWInsider Elite, Demolition—comprised of Bill Eadie (Ax) and Barry Darsow (Smash)—have reportedly signed legends deals with WWE.

The news comes as a significant development, given the history between the former three-time WWE World Tag Team Champions and the company. The duo originally teamed together from 1987 to 1991, cementing their legacy as one of WWE’s longest-reigning tag teams during their era. They officially retired from in-ring competition in 2017.

While Demolition’s return to the WWE umbrella may excite longtime fans, it’s notable considering past legal disputes between the team and the company. Eadie previously fought WWE over the rights to the Demolition name and gimmick but was unsuccessful in his legal battle. Additionally, both Eadie and Darsow were part of a 2016 class-action lawsuit against WWE, alleging that the company concealed the risks of traumatic brain injuries suffered by wrestlers. That lawsuit was ultimately dismissed in 2018.

Interestingly, speculation about Demolition’s renewed relationship with WWE began swirling when their profiles were recently re-added to the Alumni section of WWE.com. Now, with reports of legends deals in place, fans may wonder if this could lead to future WWE-related appearances or even a long-overdue Hall of Fame induction.

For now, it seems WWE and Demolition have put past disputes behind them, and the legendary tag team is once again part of the company’s extended family.

WWE SmackDown Preview 2/14/2025

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown will air live on the USA Network in the United States and on Netflix internationally, beginning at 8:00 pm ET from the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.

  • WWE Women’s Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton (c) defends against Nia Jax
  • Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Naomi vs. Chelsea Green
  • Triple Threat Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Damian Priest vs. Jacob Fatu vs. Braun Strowman

Michelle McCool Set for WWE Hall of Fame Induction in 2025

The WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025 just gained another legendary name—Michelle McCool. The former Divas and Women’s Champion was surprised with the news earlier today by Paul “Triple H” Levesque during an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up. This comes just two weeks after The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels shocked Levesque with his own Hall of Fame induction announcement.

During the segment, Levesque praised McCool’s contributions to WWE, emphasizing her role in evolving women’s wrestling. “It’s long overdue,” he told her. “You’re one of the women that transformed what we do and brought it into the modern era… Just amazing. So happy for you and such a well-deserved honor.”

A Trailblazer in WWE’s Women’s Division

McCool’s WWE journey began in 2004 as a participant in the WWE Divas Search. Despite finishing seventh, her athleticism and charisma earned her a contract, leading to a successful in-ring career during the Ruthless Aggression era.

In 2008, McCool made history by becoming the inaugural WWE Divas Champion, defeating Natalya at The Great American Bash. After dropping the title to Maryse later that year, she embraced a new persona as a dominant heel, setting the stage for her iconic partnership with Layla as LayCool. The duo ran roughshod over the SmackDown women’s division, with McCool capturing both the Women’s Championship and a second Divas Championship—winning the latter in a historic unification match against Melina at Night of Champions 2010.

A Legacy Cemented

McCool stepped away from full-time competition in 2011 after losing a Loser Leaves WWE match to Layla. However, she has made sporadic returns, appearing at WWE Raw 25 Years, WWE Evolution, and multiple Royal Rumble matches.

Now, with her place in WWE history officially recognized, McCool joins an already star-studded 2025 Hall of Fame class. With WrestleMania weekend approaching, fans will soon see The All-American Diva take her rightful place among the greats.

WWE May Give Ricky Starks A New Name

Ricky Starks wasted no time making an impact in WWE, debuting on NXT just one day after receiving his release from AEW. The former AEW World Tag Team Champion shocked fans by appearing through the crowd and declaring himself the “absolute superstar of the future.” However, one detail stood out—commentary and WWE’s social media team never actually referred to him by name during the broadcast.

According to WalkwayFight.com, this omission was due to how quickly the deal came together. Starks’ WWE signing happened so fast that there wasn’t even time to produce merchandise for him. Additionally, with Starks previously filing to trademark his in-ring name through his company, Dream Palace LLC, there’s now speculation that WWE may rebrand him under a new name.

WWE’s Approach to Superstar Names

WWE has a long-standing preference for owning their talents’ ring names, ensuring exclusivity if they leave the company. However, there have been exceptions in recent years. Stars like Ethan Page and Jade Cargill have kept their AEW names, while others—such as Brian Pillman Jr. (now Lexis King) and Bea Priestley (now Blair Davenport)—underwent rebranding.

Given Starks’ established reputation, it would be surprising if WWE opted to change his name. However, history suggests it’s still a possibility. Whether he remains Ricky Starks or adopts a new persona, one thing is clear—his NXT arrival has already turned heads, and fans will be eager to see what’s next.

Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge about Starks’ WWE future.

Vince McMahon’s Lawyer Says Federal Probe Into Former WWE Head Is Over, No Charges

The ongoing legal troubles surrounding Vince McMahon took another strange turn this week, as conflicting reports emerged about the status of a federal investigation into the former WWE Chairman.

Last month, McMahon reached a settlement with the SEC after failing to disclose NDA payments made to Janel Grant—who is currently suing him for sex trafficking and abuse—as well as another unnamed woman. At the time, McMahon seemed to suggest that the federal probe into him had concluded. However, that narrative was cast into doubt when an appellate court ruled that over 200 documents, previously withheld by McMahon’s legal team, must be handed over to a grand jury.

The revelation of this ruling suggested that the investigation was still active. But now, McMahon’s lawyer, Robert W. Allen, is pushing back on that notion. Speaking to the New York Post, Allen stated definitively that the case had been closed.

“This is simply the result of an appeal of a procedural matter that was argued five months ago. We have been in consistent communication with the government since that time and understand, with no ambiguity, that the investigation has definitively concluded and will not result in charges.”

A separate source familiar with the case also told The Post that federal prosecutors had declined to press charges at some point between September 18 and January 10—the same day McMahon settled with the SEC.

Investigation Over or More to Come?

Despite these statements, there’s still a lingering question: If the case is truly closed, why did the appellate court rule that the documents must be turned over to a grand jury? The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York has declined to comment, leaving the situation murky.

For now, McMahon and his legal team maintain that he is in the clear, but with ongoing litigation from Grant and the SEC settlement fresh in the public eye, this saga may not be over just yet.