Tag: WWE

WWE Officially Retires Both Speed Championships On NXT

The WWE Speed Championships have officially come to an end.

During this week’s episode of WWE NXT, General Manager Robert Stone confirmed that both the Men’s and Women’s Speed Championships have been retired following developments at NXT Heatwave.

The decision came after newly crowned Unified Women’s North American and Speed Champion Zaria informed Stone that she would only be keeping the NXT Women’s North American Championship following her title unification victory over Wren Sinclair and Kali Armstrong. Zaria captured both championships at Heatwave, effectively merging the two titles into one.

In a backstage segment, Stone accepted Zaria’s decision and acknowledged that the Women’s Speed Championship would no longer exist. He then turned his attention to Lexis King, who entered the show as the reigning Men’s Speed Champion, and informed him that his title had also been retired.

The announcement didn’t sit well with King’s allies in BirthRight.

Charlie Dempsey questioned why the group seemed to be suffering setbacks, while King reluctantly handed over the championship. King insisted that nobody would ever take away BirthRight’s “birthright,” prompting Dempsey to declare that it was time for the faction to start taking what they wanted from the wrestling business instead.

King then appeared to have a plan in mind, leading Dempsey, Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, and Arianna Grace out of Stone’s office as the segment came to a close.

The WWE Speed Championships were originally introduced as part of WWE’s partnership with X (formerly Twitter), with the titles defended exclusively in matches held under strict time limits ranging from three to five minutes. The concept served as the centerpiece of the WWE Speed series, which streamed on the social media platform.

After new episodes of WWE Speed stopped airing in July 2025, WWE moved both championships to NXT, where they remained active until this week’s official announcement.

With Zaria’s title unification and Stone’s confirmation on NXT, the WWE Speed Championships have now been formally retired, bringing an end to a unique chapter in WWE’s recent championship history.

WWE Raw Preview 8/31/2026

WWE Raw tonight on Netflix, taped Friday from Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

  • World Heavyweight Championship Contender Tournament Finals: Rey Fenix vs. Penta
  • Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match: Raquel Rodriguez (c) vs. Sol Ruca
  • Chad Gable addresses his next WWE Intercontinental Title challenger
  • World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns returns

WWE Star Matt Cardona Underwent Surgery After Torn Tricep Injury

WWE Superstar Matt Cardona has revealed that he recently suffered a torn triceps that required surgery, putting an unfortunate halt to what he believed was positive momentum on SmackDown.

Cardona shared details of the injury on social media, explaining that the issue may have originated during his physical encounter with GUNTHER on the August 21 episode of WWE SmackDown. According to Cardona, the impromptu match left him dealing with significant punishment, including multiple powerbombs on the announce table, the ring apron, and inside the ring.

While he initially believed the discomfort in his elbow was simply the result of a tough match, the injury worsened over the following week.

The former Intercontinental Champion said the situation escalated during a match against Kit Wilson that was taped for WWE Main Event. Early in the bout, Cardona performed a second-rope dropkick and landed on his elbow, something he noted is routine for him. This time, however, he immediately felt something was wrong.

Cardona recalled feeling a pop in his arm and later realizing that he had likely torn his triceps. Despite the injury, he was able to finish the match before seeking medical evaluation.

An MRI conducted the following day confirmed the diagnosis, and Cardona underwent surgery earlier this week to repair the damage.

The injury comes at a particularly frustrating time for the WWE veteran, who admitted he felt he was beginning to gain traction on the blue brand following his return to the company. Cardona acknowledged that reestablishing himself in WWE was always going to be a challenge, and now the injury presents another obstacle in his pursuit of eventually becoming a world champion.

Even with the setback, Cardona expressed confidence that he will overcome the injury and return stronger once he completes his recovery.

There is currently no official timetable for Cardona’s return to WWE programming.

WWE NXT Heatwave 2026 Results

WWE NXT Heatwave 2026 took place Sunday afternoon in Texas and featured multiple championship matches, several title changes, and a shocking conclusion to the NXT Championship main event.

Below are the full results and highlights from the show.

Unified Women’s North American & Speed Championship Match

Zaria def. Kali Armstrong and Wren Sinclair

The opening contest saw both the NXT Women’s North American Championship and Women’s Speed Championship unified in a Triple Threat Match.

Armstrong used her power advantage throughout the bout, while Sinclair relied on submissions and quick pinning combinations to keep both opponents off balance. Several near falls had the crowd believing the match could end at any moment.

Late in the contest, Sinclair trapped Zaria in the Wrench, but Armstrong pulled Sinclair to the floor before the hold could force a submission. After powerslamming Sinclair on the outside, Armstrong returned to the ring only to be met by a spear and an F5 from Zaria.

Zaria scored the pinfall victory to leave Heatwave with both championships.

Winner: Zaria via pinfall to become the Unified Women’s North American and Speed Champion

NXT Tag Team Championship Match

The Vanity Project def. Myles Borne & Tavion Heights (c)

The Vanity Project continued their rise in NXT by dethroning the reigning champions.

Borne and Heights controlled portions of the match with their power offense, but constant distractions from Myka Lockwood and teamwork from Bryce Baylor and Brad Baylor Smokes helped swing momentum in the challengers’ favor.

After a chaotic closing stretch involving all four competitors, Vanity Project connected with their Hit It and Quit It finisher on Borne. Smokes secured the pinfall to capture the titles.

Winners: The Vanity Project via pinfall to become the new NXT Tag Team Champions

Following the match, Heights attempted to comfort Borne as they made their way backstage.

Submission Match

Jaida Parker def. Nattie

The rivalry between Jaida Parker and Nattie came to a head in a hard-fought Submission Match.

Both women battled around ringside before taking the fight back into the ring, trading submission attempts throughout the contest. Interference from Lash Legend and Karmen Petrovic briefly shifted momentum before outside events changed the landscape of the match.

After targeting Nattie’s knee, Parker eventually trapped the veteran in a Sharpshooter. With nowhere to go and the pressure increasing, Nattie was forced to submit.

Winner: Jaida Parker via submission

NXT Women’s Championship Match

Kelani Jordan def. Kendal Grey (c)

One of the standout matches of the evening saw Kelani Jordan challenge Kendal Grey for the NXT Women’s Championship.

Jordan focused much of her offense on Grey’s injured ear, repeatedly attacking the area throughout the contest. Grey fought through the punishment and nearly retained after connecting with Shades of Grey and multiple Ankle Lock attempts.

Jordan survived everything the champion threw at her and capitalized late after driving Grey into the ring post. A moonsault finally put Grey away and crowned a new champion.

Winner: Kelani Jordan via pinfall to become the new NXT Women’s Champion

During the broadcast, NXT General Manager Robert Stone officially announced that Halloween Havoc will be the brand’s next Premium Live Event.

NXT North American Championship Match

Jackson Drake def. Myles Borne (c)

After losing the Tag Team Championship earlier in the night, Myles Borne attempted to salvage Heatwave by defending the North American Championship against Jackson Drake.

Borne entered the match heavily worn down from his earlier battle, and Drake wasted no time targeting the champion’s injured ribs and back.

Despite a spirited effort that included multiple powerbombs and a dive to the outside, Borne could not overcome the damage sustained throughout the evening. Drake delivered a 450 Splash to secure the victory and win the championship.

Winner: Jackson Drake via pinfall to become the new NXT North American Champion

The story did not end there. Following the match, Tavion Heights entered the ring seemingly to support Borne. Instead, Heights shocked the NXT audience by attacking his longtime partner, signaling a major heel turn.

A video package later aired featuring Kam Hendrix issuing a challenge to Mason Rook.

NXT Championship Fatal Four-Way Match

Grayson Waller def. Tony D’Angelo (c), Cruz Montana and Zilla Fatu

The main event featured four of NXT’s top stars battling for the NXT Championship.

The match quickly broke down into chaos as all four competitors fought throughout the arena. Cruz Montana delivered several highlight-reel moments, while Zilla Fatu repeatedly showcased his dominance with explosive power offense.

Late in the match, Zilla crashed through the announce table after Grayson Waller delivered a huge elbow drop from the top rope. That left Tony D’Angelo and Montana alone in the ring.

Montana appeared poised to capture the championship after hitting Spin The Block on D’Angelo. Before he could capitalize, Waller slid into the ring and stole the pinfall on the champion.

The opportunistic move earned Waller the biggest victory of his NXT career.

Winner: Grayson Waller via pinfall to become the new NXT Champion

WWE NXT Heatwave 2026 Results

  • Zaria def. Kali Armstrong and Wren Sinclair to unify the Women’s North American and Speed Championships
  • The Vanity Project def. Myles Borne & Tavion Heights to win the NXT Tag Team Championship
  • Jaida Parker def. Nattie in a Submission Match
  • Kelani Jordan def. Kendal Grey to win the NXT Women’s Championship
  • Jackson Drake def. Myles Borne to win the NXT North American Championship
  • Grayson Waller def. Tony D’Angelo, Cruz Montana and Zilla Fatu to win the NXT Championship

Heatwave closed with two new singles champions, new tag team champions, and Grayson Waller standing tall as the new face of NXT heading into Halloween Havoc.

WWE SmackDown Preview 8/28/2026

WWE SmackDown tonight at 8/7c on USA Network, taped on Monday after Raw from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario

  • How will CM Punk and Kevin Owens respond after chaotic Undisputed WWE Title Match?
  • Cody Rhodes has a message for Randy Orton en route to Sunday Night’s Main Event
  • Chelsea Green & Tiffany Stratton vs. The Irresistible Forces
  • Women’s United States Championship: Jacy Jane (c) vs. Paige
  • Tatum Paxley vs. Michin

WWE NXT Heatwave 8/30/2026

NXT Heatwave – live on the CW Network on Aug. 30 at 3 ET/Noon PT – Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, TX

CARD

NXT Championship – Fatal 4-Way Match: Tony D’Angelo (c) vs. Grayson Waller vs. Cruz Montana vs. Zilla Fatu

NXT Women’s Championship: Kendal Grey (c) vs. Kelani Jordan

NXT North American Championship: Myles Borne (c) vs. Jackson Drake

Title Unification Match: NXT Women’s North American Champion Zaria vs. WWE Women’s Speed Champion Wren Sinclair vs. Kali Armstrong

NXT Tag Team Championship: Myles Borne & Tavion Heights (c) vs. Vanity Project (Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes)

Submission Match: Jaida Parker vs. Nattie

ESPN Pushes Back On Report Claiming WWE Deal Won’t Be Renewed

A report suggesting ESPN has already decided against renewing its WWE streaming agreement is being strongly disputed by the network.

Earlier this week, SEScoops reported that ESPN was not expected to renew its multi-billion-dollar deal with WWE when the agreement expires in 2030. The report cited concerns regarding subscriber growth, the current media landscape, and an alleged lack of synergy between the two companies.

However, an ESPN executive has publicly denied those claims.

ESPN Executive Calls Report “Completely False”

Ben Cafardo, ESPN’s head of WWE Premium Live Events and several other major properties, addressed the report on social media and rejected the notion that ESPN has already made a decision about the future of its WWE partnership.

“There is no truth to this.”

Cafardo also criticized the reporting process behind the story.

“They never checked with us before publishing and had they, we would have told them that was completely false.”

The ESPN executive’s comments directly contradict the claims that the network has already determined it will not pursue a new agreement with WWE once the current deal concludes.

SEScoops Stands By Its Reporting

Following Cafardo’s response, SEScoops writer BJ Bethel defended the report and stated that he continues to stand by the story.

Bethel said he attempted to reach ESPN for comment through available company channels before publication and noted that he had previously communicated with Cafardo.

Despite ESPN’s public denial, SEScoops has not retracted the report.

Questions Continue Around ESPN Unlimited

The debate comes amid ongoing discussion surrounding ESPN Unlimited, the streaming platform that became the home of WWE Premium Live Events following the landmark agreement announced in August 2025.

The deal, reportedly worth more than $1 billion, moved WWE’s premium events to ESPN Unlimited beginning with Wrestlepalooza.

Recent reports have focused on subscription numbers for the service, particularly after ESPN announced a price increase earlier this week.

The original SEScoops story suggested concerns over subscriber growth and distribution were contributing factors behind ESPN’s reported dissatisfaction with the partnership.

Similar Rumors Surfaced In 2025

This is not the first time speculation has emerged regarding the WWE-ESPN relationship.

In late 2025, former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr. claimed ESPN was experiencing buyer’s remorse over the agreement due to subscriber expectations not being met.

At the time, sources from both WWE and ESPN pushed back on those claims.

No Official Indication Of Trouble

For now, there is no official evidence that ESPN plans to end its relationship with WWE when the current contract expires.

With the partnership only entering its second year of a five-year agreement, both companies continue to work together on WWE Premium Live Events and related programming.

While conflicting reports have created speculation about the future, ESPN’s public position remains clear: reports claiming the network has already decided against renewing the WWE deal are inaccurate.

WWE NXT Preview 8/25/2026

WWE NXT tonight at 8/7c on The CW.

  • AAA World Cruiserweight Championship Match: Rey Fenix (c) s. EK Prosper
  • Weaponized Steel Cage Match: Saquon Shugars vs. Dion Lennox
  • BirthRight vs. Sean Legacy, Noam Dar, Romeo Morena, and Dorian Van Dux
  • Kali Armstrong vs. Zaria (Armstrong will be added to the title unification match at Heatwave if she wins)

Report: ESPN Unlikely To Renew WWE Streaming Deal Beyond 2030

A new report suggests the long-term future of WWE’s relationship with ESPN could be in doubt.

According to SEScoops, ESPN is not currently expected to renew its agreement with WWE when the company’s streaming rights deal expires in 2030, potentially forcing WWE to find a new home for its premium live events.

WWE-ESPN Partnership Facing Uncertain Future

WWE and ESPN announced a landmark partnership in 2025 that brought WWE premium live events to the ESPN Unlimited streaming platform as part of a five-year deal reportedly worth more than $1 billion.

At the time, the agreement was viewed as a major win for both companies, giving ESPN a marquee entertainment property while providing WWE with another lucrative media rights package.

However, according to the report, sources familiar with the situation believe ESPN has grown less enthusiastic about the partnership due to several factors.

Among the issues reportedly cited are:

  • Changes in the overall media landscape
  • ESPN Unlimited not gaining the level of cable distribution originally expected
  • A perceived lack of cultural fit and synergy between WWE and ESPN

The report claims the original agreement was largely negotiated between executives at TKO and Disney, with limited direct involvement between WWE and ESPN personnel during the early stages of the partnership.

ESPN Has Increased WWE Promotion

Despite the reported concerns, communication between the two sides is said to have improved significantly in recent months.

ESPN has reportedly become more aggressive in promoting WWE programming, including airing portions of premium live events across ESPN platforms and dedicating more discussion time to WWE on its studio shows.

That increased coverage has not gone unnoticed.

According to the report, WWE has received more discussion on some ESPN morning programs in 2026 than traditional sports properties such as Major League Baseball and the NHL, leading to criticism from some viewers and media observers.

Subscription Numbers Reportedly A Key Issue

The report comes shortly after ESPN announced another price increase for ESPN Unlimited subscriptions.

Sources reportedly believe the move is tied to the service falling short of internal projections.

ESPN and Disney had hoped the streaming platform would help offset declining cable revenues, but that goal has reportedly not materialized to the extent expected.

As a result, ESPN has shifted strategy by making WWE content more accessible and promoting it more heavily, whereas WWE premium live events were initially viewed as a major incentive designed to drive new subscriptions.

Deal Could Still Be Saved

While the report paints a challenging picture, it also notes that a future agreement remains possible.

For that to happen, ESPN Unlimited would likely need to see a significant increase in subscribers or secure broader cable distribution under terms favorable to ESPN.

At this stage, neither development appears guaranteed.

Similar Concerns Surfaced In 2025

This is not the first time questions have been raised about the WWE-ESPN partnership.

In late 2025, actor and former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr. claimed ESPN was experiencing buyer’s remorse over the deal due to lower-than-expected subscription growth.

Those claims were later denied by sources from both WWE and ESPN.

As of now, neither company has publicly commented on the latest report.

With four years still remaining on the current agreement, there is plenty of time for the situation to change. However, if the report proves accurate, WWE may eventually find itself searching for a new streaming partner when its ESPN Unlimited deal expires in 2030.

WWE SmackDown Preview 8/21/2026

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight at 8/7c on the USA Network and Netflix for international fans, from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

  • WWE Tag Team Championship Match: The MFTs (Tama & Talla Tonga) (c) vs. Damian Priest & R-Truth
  • Undisputed WWE Championship Match: CM Punk (c) vs. Kevin Owens
  • Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton expected to address what took place last week
  • Giulia vs. Blake Monroe
  • Oba Femi to appear