4 days ago
It's one of the biggest matches you can have, and tonight it's going to be live.
CM Punk defends his championship against Kevin Owens in a match people have been looking forward to since the champ returned to WWE. Tonight, we'll find out who the better man is.
That and much more is scheduled for tonight's big show.
Friday Night Smackdown airs every Friday.
Friday Night Smackdown will air at 8 p.m. EST.
#kevin #owens
CM Punk defends his championship against Kevin Owens in a match people have been looking forward to since the champ returned to WWE. Tonight, we'll find out who the better man is.
That and much more is scheduled for tonight's big show.
Friday Night Smackdown airs every Friday.
Friday Night Smackdown will air at 8 p.m. EST.
#kevin #owens
5 days ago
For those wondering why Ilja Dragunov has been missing from WWE programming for months, there's apparently one very simple answer: ***** ytics.
Per WrestleVotes Live on Fightful Select, the Mad Dragon's name has reportedly not been mentioned backstage "in weeks," and one major factor for his ongoing absence is WWE's reliance on ***** ytics. Basically, WWE operates under a "Moneyball" approach these days, ***** ysing numbers, clicks, view time, etc when looking at which talents to feature on TV. As TC of WrestleVotes put it in regards to Dragunov, "they don't click on his name," and that WWE nowadays uses such ***** ytics "more than anyone will ever know".
It's not just Ilja Dragunov who's been impacted by this approach, as TC suggested the former United States Champion is one of several names in a similar position. Likewise, it was also pointed out that Ilja has minimal merchandise on WWE Shop, which makes it tricky for fans to order his merch when, well, there's only one Dragunov t-shirt to buy; a t-shirt that (potentially) ominously is on clearance right now, with nearly 50% off.
In the case of Ilja Dragunov, he last wrestled on the SmackDown before WrestleMania 42, where he was involved in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal that was won by Royce Keys. Since then, the 32-year-old Russian has been completely absent from TV. In fact, Ilja has only had eight main TV matches in 2026 so far, though he has also worked the odd WWE Main Event taping or live event match.
For those wondering whether there have been any injuries at play for Dragunov, all reports suggest he's been fit and healthy this entire time, and he's also been shown training at Natalya and TJ Wilson's Dungeon numerous times in the four months he's been away from TV.
#main #Event #months
Per WrestleVotes Live on Fightful Select, the Mad Dragon's name has reportedly not been mentioned backstage "in weeks," and one major factor for his ongoing absence is WWE's reliance on ***** ytics. Basically, WWE operates under a "Moneyball" approach these days, ***** ysing numbers, clicks, view time, etc when looking at which talents to feature on TV. As TC of WrestleVotes put it in regards to Dragunov, "they don't click on his name," and that WWE nowadays uses such ***** ytics "more than anyone will ever know".
It's not just Ilja Dragunov who's been impacted by this approach, as TC suggested the former United States Champion is one of several names in a similar position. Likewise, it was also pointed out that Ilja has minimal merchandise on WWE Shop, which makes it tricky for fans to order his merch when, well, there's only one Dragunov t-shirt to buy; a t-shirt that (potentially) ominously is on clearance right now, with nearly 50% off.
In the case of Ilja Dragunov, he last wrestled on the SmackDown before WrestleMania 42, where he was involved in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal that was won by Royce Keys. Since then, the 32-year-old Russian has been completely absent from TV. In fact, Ilja has only had eight main TV matches in 2026 so far, though he has also worked the odd WWE Main Event taping or live event match.
For those wondering whether there have been any injuries at play for Dragunov, all reports suggest he's been fit and healthy this entire time, and he's also been shown training at Natalya and TJ Wilson's Dungeon numerous times in the four months he's been away from TV.
#main #Event #months
14 days ago
Chelsea Green has confirmed that she suffered a broken orbital bone on the August 7 edition of WWE SmackDown, potentially putting her run as the Interim WWE Women's Champion in jeopardy.
Chelsea Green's championship win was one of the unexpected highlights of WWE SummerSlam, with fans excited to see the underdog get this run, even if it was just as an interim champion while the actual WWE Women's Champion, Rhea Ripley, is recovering from a torn meniscus.
On the August 7 episode of SmackDown, Green suffered an injury during her match, which saw her team with Tiffany Stratton against Laney Reid and Fallon Henley of Fatal Influence. The finish saw Chelsea take the Rolling Encore – Reid and Henley's finishing move – and while it looked fine at the time, Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Radio reported that Reid landed on Green's face, breaking her orbital bone.
Green confirmed the injury the next day on Instagram, saying that she "needed time to process" the injury. She was still wearing the ******* le belt over her shoulder though, and WWE has yet to confirm whether or not Green will be required to vacate the Interim WWE Women's Championship.
An orbital bone injury can vary greatly in severity. It's possible that Green will be able to continue wrestling in a protective mask while the injury heals in 4-8 weeks with no surgery required. However, it can also be far more severe, and could see Green on the shelf for months.
#bone #august #SmackDown
Chelsea Green's championship win was one of the unexpected highlights of WWE SummerSlam, with fans excited to see the underdog get this run, even if it was just as an interim champion while the actual WWE Women's Champion, Rhea Ripley, is recovering from a torn meniscus.
On the August 7 episode of SmackDown, Green suffered an injury during her match, which saw her team with Tiffany Stratton against Laney Reid and Fallon Henley of Fatal Influence. The finish saw Chelsea take the Rolling Encore – Reid and Henley's finishing move – and while it looked fine at the time, Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Radio reported that Reid landed on Green's face, breaking her orbital bone.
Green confirmed the injury the next day on Instagram, saying that she "needed time to process" the injury. She was still wearing the ******* le belt over her shoulder though, and WWE has yet to confirm whether or not Green will be required to vacate the Interim WWE Women's Championship.
An orbital bone injury can vary greatly in severity. It's possible that Green will be able to continue wrestling in a protective mask while the injury heals in 4-8 weeks with no surgery required. However, it can also be far more severe, and could see Green on the shelf for months.
#bone #august #SmackDown
17 days ago
This week's episode of SmackDown was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and The Miz has now expressed his 'hate' for the area.
CM Punk and Kevin Owens faced off during the show to set up a ****** le match later this month.
But it was something in the crowd that actually caught the eye of former NFL star Pat McAfee, who continues to mock WWE wrestler The Miz.
Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images
Miz recently appeared on McAfee's show as a guest alongside Milwaukee Brewers player Jacob Misiorowski.
#punk #owens #coduto
CM Punk and Kevin Owens faced off during the show to set up a ****** le match later this month.
But it was something in the crowd that actually caught the eye of former NFL star Pat McAfee, who continues to mock WWE wrestler The Miz.
Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images
Miz recently appeared on McAfee's show as a guest alongside Milwaukee Brewers player Jacob Misiorowski.
#punk #owens #coduto
18 days ago
LOS ANGELES -- The mystery behind Rey Mysterio's backstage meeting with Roman Reigns on Monday Night Raw did not last long.
As Raw went off the air on Aug. 3, the WWE Hall of Famer and current AAA general manager approached the World Heavyweight Champion with a proposal, leading to plenty of speculation about what could be next for "The OTC."
Two days later, WWE revealed the plan.
Mysterio announced Wednesday that Reigns will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against the winner of a tournament featuring competitors from Raw, SmackDown and AAA. The tournament will begin on next Monday's episode of Raw in Norfolk, Virginia, with the winner earning a championship opportunity against Reigns on the Sept. 14 episode of Raw in Mexico City.
The announcement gives WWE's first Monday Night Raw return to Mexico after 15 years a world ******* le match and places Reigns at the center of a crossover involving WWE and AAA talent.
#Monday #heavyweight #Mexico #championship
As Raw went off the air on Aug. 3, the WWE Hall of Famer and current AAA general manager approached the World Heavyweight Champion with a proposal, leading to plenty of speculation about what could be next for "The OTC."
Two days later, WWE revealed the plan.
Mysterio announced Wednesday that Reigns will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against the winner of a tournament featuring competitors from Raw, SmackDown and AAA. The tournament will begin on next Monday's episode of Raw in Norfolk, Virginia, with the winner earning a championship opportunity against Reigns on the Sept. 14 episode of Raw in Mexico City.
The announcement gives WWE's first Monday Night Raw return to Mexico after 15 years a world ******* le match and places Reigns at the center of a crossover involving WWE and AAA talent.
#Monday #heavyweight #Mexico #championship
19 days ago
DES MOINES, IOWA - AUGUST 03: Roman Reigns looks on during Monday Night RAW at Casey's Center on August 3, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Kevin Sebatis/WWE via Getty Images)
After Roman Reigns walked away from LA Knight on Monday's episode of Raw, The OTC was greeted by Rey Mysterio in Gorilla. He had a short conversation with the WWE legend and it was a hint that something big was coming. On Wednesday, WWE posted an announcement via Mysterio sharing their plans for Reigns' next ***** le defense.
Beginning on Monday, August 10, WWE is hosting a luchadores tournament on Raw, SmackDown and AAA. The winner of the tournament will receive a ***** le shot against Reigns on the September 14 episode of Raw in Mexico.
Everything announced:
Announced: Wednesday, August 5, via a Rey Mysterio video on WWE's social channels
#august #Monday #announced #episode
After Roman Reigns walked away from LA Knight on Monday's episode of Raw, The OTC was greeted by Rey Mysterio in Gorilla. He had a short conversation with the WWE legend and it was a hint that something big was coming. On Wednesday, WWE posted an announcement via Mysterio sharing their plans for Reigns' next ***** le defense.
Beginning on Monday, August 10, WWE is hosting a luchadores tournament on Raw, SmackDown and AAA. The winner of the tournament will receive a ***** le shot against Reigns on the September 14 episode of Raw in Mexico.
Everything announced:
Announced: Wednesday, August 5, via a Rey Mysterio video on WWE's social channels
#august #Monday #announced #episode
19 days ago
On Sunday, it took Chelsea Green a little more than 11 seconds to climb a purposefully placed ladder and retrieve the WWE Women's Championship. In those 11 seconds, with tens of thousands of fans frantically cheering her on, Green completed one of the most unlikely rises in recent memory and upended the perceived hierarchy in WWE.
In her mind, it felt like a lot longer.
"The minute that Jade [Cargill] and Charlotte [Flair], and Lash [Legend] and Tiffany [Stratton] took those last ******* ps off the ladders, I felt the entire stadium rumbling," Green told Uncrowned. "When I opened my eyes and I looked left and right, the feeling was incredible. I get chills just thinking about it now. There was this energy that I've never felt in my entire career, and I hope I can bottle it up and take it with me for the rest of my life.
"I know I scurried up there very quickly, but to me, it felt like it took 13 years to climb that ladder."
Green's wrestling career began in 2014, working for myriad promotions before eventually landing in WWE full-time in 2018. Signed under the NXT brand, Green suffered a broken wrist in her televised debut in 2019 before working her way up to the main roster in 2020. In what became an unfortunate trend, Green again suffered a broken wrist in her televised "SmackDown" debut. She was subsequently released by WWE early in 2021.
#seconds #climb #entire
In her mind, it felt like a lot longer.
"The minute that Jade [Cargill] and Charlotte [Flair], and Lash [Legend] and Tiffany [Stratton] took those last ******* ps off the ladders, I felt the entire stadium rumbling," Green told Uncrowned. "When I opened my eyes and I looked left and right, the feeling was incredible. I get chills just thinking about it now. There was this energy that I've never felt in my entire career, and I hope I can bottle it up and take it with me for the rest of my life.
"I know I scurried up there very quickly, but to me, it felt like it took 13 years to climb that ladder."
Green's wrestling career began in 2014, working for myriad promotions before eventually landing in WWE full-time in 2018. Signed under the NXT brand, Green suffered a broken wrist in her televised debut in 2019 before working her way up to the main roster in 2020. In what became an unfortunate trend, Green again suffered a broken wrist in her televised "SmackDown" debut. She was subsequently released by WWE early in 2021.
#seconds #climb #entire
21 days ago
DES MOINES, IOWA - AUGUST 03: LA Knight and Roman Reigns speak during Monday Night RAW at Casey's Center on August 3, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Kevin Sebatis/WWE via Getty Images)
WWE turned some serious pages at SummerSlam. It felt like a new era of sorts and that was confirmed in Des Moines, Iowa at Raw on Monday. We saw the biggest winners — sans the SmackDown exclusives — returns, slight swerves and plenty of highlights. Here's every major takeaway from the Raw after SummerSlam. Let's talk wrestling.
Show: WWE Raw, Monday, August 3, 2026, Des Moines, Iowa
Matches: five
Returns: Big Cass, Stephanie Vaquer
#iowa #Monday #knight
WWE turned some serious pages at SummerSlam. It felt like a new era of sorts and that was confirmed in Des Moines, Iowa at Raw on Monday. We saw the biggest winners — sans the SmackDown exclusives — returns, slight swerves and plenty of highlights. Here's every major takeaway from the Raw after SummerSlam. Let's talk wrestling.
Show: WWE Raw, Monday, August 3, 2026, Des Moines, Iowa
Matches: five
Returns: Big Cass, Stephanie Vaquer
#iowa #Monday #knight
22 days ago
Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Roman Reigns ended his feud with Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens returned in a big way at WWE SummerSlam on Sunday.
Reigns successfully defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Rollins in the main event on Sunday.
The match paid homage to Reigns and Rollins' storied history starting with their time together as iconic group The Shield. Reigns and Rollins performed each other moves and even maneuvers from missing Shield member Dean Ambrose, who now wrestles for AEW as Jon Moxley.
Reigns won the match after he was able to dodge a top rope Stomp from Rollins followed by three Spears to earn the three count. Afterwards, Reigns and Rollins performed the signature Shield fist ****** p in the middle of the ring.
Kevin Owens, who has been out of action for over a year due to injury, was added to the No. 1 contender's match between Sami Zayn and Finn Balor. The bout was turned into a Fatal 4-Way by SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis, who also added Gunther into the mix.
#rollins #owens #sunday #performed
Reigns successfully defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Rollins in the main event on Sunday.
The match paid homage to Reigns and Rollins' storied history starting with their time together as iconic group The Shield. Reigns and Rollins performed each other moves and even maneuvers from missing Shield member Dean Ambrose, who now wrestles for AEW as Jon Moxley.
Reigns won the match after he was able to dodge a top rope Stomp from Rollins followed by three Spears to earn the three count. Afterwards, Reigns and Rollins performed the signature Shield fist ****** p in the middle of the ring.
Kevin Owens, who has been out of action for over a year due to injury, was added to the No. 1 contender's match between Sami Zayn and Finn Balor. The bout was turned into a Fatal 4-Way by SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis, who also added Gunther into the mix.
#rollins #owens #sunday #performed
22 days ago
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. -- SummerSlam Sunday has ended, bringing the 2026 edition of the 'Biggest Party of the Summer' to a close. After an incredible night one, the WWE somehow matched its effort from a night ago and surpassed it in some regards.
Let's not waste any time, and get straight into the results from SummerSlam Sunday.
Kevin Owens defeats Sami Zayn, Finn Balor and Gunther to become the No. 1 contender for the WWE Championship
After the amazing opening match between Iyo Sky and Liv Morgan last night, the WWE understood the ******* ignment for tonight's opener. It was supposed to be a singles match between Finn Balor and Sami Zayn, but right before the bell rang, reinstated SmackDown GM Nick Aldis announced he'd be adding a competitor. It was Gunther, the man who defeated Aldis last night. Aldis then let Gunther enter the ring, before he announced one more addition to the match, a returning Kevin Owens. U.S. Bank Stadium absolutely erupted, as the crowd favorite was finally back after over 15 months of dealing with a neck injury.
That energy they gave KO remained for the entirety of this fun match. Owens came out of the gates hot, hitting swanton bombs all over the place, inside the ring and out. The match also saw the long awaited face-off between Sami and Owens who have a long history. The two hugged it out before mutually agreeing it was time to tear each other apart. Possibly the best spot of this match came when Gunther had Sami in the sleeper, and Finn Balor went up and simultaneously hit the Coup de Grace on Sami. Later, after giving stunners out to Balor and Gunther, Kevin and Sami battled it out one last time, when KO delivered a super kick, followed it up with a stunner, and pinned his best friend to earn the number one contendership, much to the delight of the crowd. Michael Cole said it best post match, "Welcome to the KO Show." The upcoming feud between him and CM Punk should be great.
#owens #balor #aldis
Let's not waste any time, and get straight into the results from SummerSlam Sunday.
Kevin Owens defeats Sami Zayn, Finn Balor and Gunther to become the No. 1 contender for the WWE Championship
After the amazing opening match between Iyo Sky and Liv Morgan last night, the WWE understood the ******* ignment for tonight's opener. It was supposed to be a singles match between Finn Balor and Sami Zayn, but right before the bell rang, reinstated SmackDown GM Nick Aldis announced he'd be adding a competitor. It was Gunther, the man who defeated Aldis last night. Aldis then let Gunther enter the ring, before he announced one more addition to the match, a returning Kevin Owens. U.S. Bank Stadium absolutely erupted, as the crowd favorite was finally back after over 15 months of dealing with a neck injury.
That energy they gave KO remained for the entirety of this fun match. Owens came out of the gates hot, hitting swanton bombs all over the place, inside the ring and out. The match also saw the long awaited face-off between Sami and Owens who have a long history. The two hugged it out before mutually agreeing it was time to tear each other apart. Possibly the best spot of this match came when Gunther had Sami in the sleeper, and Finn Balor went up and simultaneously hit the Coup de Grace on Sami. Later, after giving stunners out to Balor and Gunther, Kevin and Sami battled it out one last time, when KO delivered a super kick, followed it up with a stunner, and pinned his best friend to earn the number one contendership, much to the delight of the crowd. Michael Cole said it best post match, "Welcome to the KO Show." The upcoming feud between him and CM Punk should be great.
#owens #balor #aldis
24 days ago
MINNEAPOLIS, MN —The WWE's 'Biggest Party of the Summer' is now less than 24 hours away, as SummerSlam 2026 will take place Saturday and Sunday live from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
SummerSlam has something to offer for every WWE fan. From the two dream matches, one of which will be the main event each night, to the matches with crazy stipulations to some longtime feuds coming to a potential end.
As a way to preview the second biggest PLE of the year, I have put together a list of the five matches I am most excited for.
5. Gunther vs. Nick Aldis
WWE has been teasing SmackDown GM Nick Aldis' in-ring return for some time now after his mini-feuds with Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton, and are now finally cashing in, giving Aldis a tall task against the 'Ring General' Gunther. I am excited for this match for one main reason. Nick Aldis has been a professional wrestler for over 20 years. He started in the UK, before moving over to TNA and NWA where he held world championships in both. He has flourished in his GM role, but seeing him back in the ring, and for many fans seeing him in the ring for the first time, will do much more for him than continuing as GM would. For one, the WWE is putting him back in the ring at SummerSlam, which tells me they trust him. Also, having him feud with Gunther, in a rivalry that has been very entertaining, especially seeing Aldis absolutely lose it and be 'forced' to get back in the ring, gives him breathing room. Even if he loses the match, which he should and probably will because Gunther needs this win, he can certainly 'win' the WWE Universe over by putting up a stellar and exciting performance. I can't wait to see how Aldis does.
#aldis #summerslam #back #biggest
SummerSlam has something to offer for every WWE fan. From the two dream matches, one of which will be the main event each night, to the matches with crazy stipulations to some longtime feuds coming to a potential end.
As a way to preview the second biggest PLE of the year, I have put together a list of the five matches I am most excited for.
5. Gunther vs. Nick Aldis
WWE has been teasing SmackDown GM Nick Aldis' in-ring return for some time now after his mini-feuds with Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton, and are now finally cashing in, giving Aldis a tall task against the 'Ring General' Gunther. I am excited for this match for one main reason. Nick Aldis has been a professional wrestler for over 20 years. He started in the UK, before moving over to TNA and NWA where he held world championships in both. He has flourished in his GM role, but seeing him back in the ring, and for many fans seeing him in the ring for the first time, will do much more for him than continuing as GM would. For one, the WWE is putting him back in the ring at SummerSlam, which tells me they trust him. Also, having him feud with Gunther, in a rivalry that has been very entertaining, especially seeing Aldis absolutely lose it and be 'forced' to get back in the ring, gives him breathing room. Even if he loses the match, which he should and probably will because Gunther needs this win, he can certainly 'win' the WWE Universe over by putting up a stellar and exciting performance. I can't wait to see how Aldis does.
#aldis #summerslam #back #biggest
24 days ago
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JULY 24: Cody Rhodes and CM Punk face off during SmackDown at Oakland Arena on July 24, 2026 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/WWE via Getty Images)
I was worried at first, but SummerSlam 2026 came together decently. All the go-home shows are in the books. All the pre-event mic work is over. It's time for two nights of professional wrestling from the premier promotion in the world in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Let's talk wrestling.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026
Start time: 6 p.m. ET
Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
#california #july #time #rhodes
I was worried at first, but SummerSlam 2026 came together decently. All the go-home shows are in the books. All the pre-event mic work is over. It's time for two nights of professional wrestling from the premier promotion in the world in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Let's talk wrestling.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026
Start time: 6 p.m. ET
Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
#california #july #time #rhodes
24 days ago
The card is now official.
Smackdown had to set the stage for one more match to be finalized, and Lash Legend won her match to punch her ticket to the high stakes ladder match.
It's one of many huge matches this weekend.
Here's what to expect this weekend.
SummerSlam will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1 and 2.
#lash #official
Smackdown had to set the stage for one more match to be finalized, and Lash Legend won her match to punch her ticket to the high stakes ladder match.
It's one of many huge matches this weekend.
Here's what to expect this weekend.
SummerSlam will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1 and 2.
#lash #official
1 month ago
SummerSlam is eight days away, as WWE prepares for the biggest party of the summer.
It's also six days after Saturday Night's Main Event, where CM Punk and Cody Rhodes won their match, but had a little altercation following the match that led to bad feelings between the two men who will face off at SummerSlam.
Here's what to expect tonight.
Friday Night Smackdown airs every Friday.
Friday Night Smackdown will air at 8 p.m. EST.
#summerslam #days #main
It's also six days after Saturday Night's Main Event, where CM Punk and Cody Rhodes won their match, but had a little altercation following the match that led to bad feelings between the two men who will face off at SummerSlam.
Here's what to expect tonight.
Friday Night Smackdown airs every Friday.
Friday Night Smackdown will air at 8 p.m. EST.
#summerslam #days #main
1 month ago
Trick Williams, draped in his now customary fur coat, is unveiled under a single spotlight before making his way into WWE's famed Elimination Chamber. It's late February, and as the audience in Chicago sings "Whoop That Trick," following each beat of the 32-year-old's theme song, Williams feeds energy right back to the crowd.
Backstage on the latest season of "WWE: Unreal," which premiered Tuesday, Paul Heyman is then seen chatting with WWE executive Michael Hayes. Both men gush over the 6-foot-5, 250-pound newcomer.
"This motherf***er's going to be a monster," Heyman says.
"Just in time, too. This year is going to be a breakout."
Williams rose to stardom on the NXT scene, firmly planted his flag through a crossover run with TNA, and since debuting on the WWE main roster in January, has wasted no time establishing himself in less than a full year on "WWE Smackdown," capturing and defending the promotion's U.S. Championship.
#going
Backstage on the latest season of "WWE: Unreal," which premiered Tuesday, Paul Heyman is then seen chatting with WWE executive Michael Hayes. Both men gush over the 6-foot-5, 250-pound newcomer.
"This motherf***er's going to be a monster," Heyman says.
"Just in time, too. This year is going to be a breakout."
Williams rose to stardom on the NXT scene, firmly planted his flag through a crossover run with TNA, and since debuting on the WWE main roster in January, has wasted no time establishing himself in less than a full year on "WWE Smackdown," capturing and defending the promotion's U.S. Championship.
#going
2 months ago
World Wrestling Entertainment's Friday Night SmackDown event in Oklahoma City is tonight, starting a big week for martial arts fans in the area.
WWE will take place on Friday night at Paycom Center. Just a week later, UFC will make its long-awaited return to OKC on Saturday evening. While UFC is an unscripted combat sport, WWE, which stands for World Wrestling Entertainment, is scripted with predetermined outcomes and choreographed storylines. However, both operate under TKO Group Holdings, a premium sports and entertainment company that also owns PBR.
The fighter roster for the Friday Night SmackDown event includes Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Drew McIntyre, Jade Cargill and Royce Keys.
Here's how to watch and get tickets for WWE in Oklahoma City this weekend.
WWE in Oklahoma City begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10.
WWE will take place on Friday night at Paycom Center. Just a week later, UFC will make its long-awaited return to OKC on Saturday evening. While UFC is an unscripted combat sport, WWE, which stands for World Wrestling Entertainment, is scripted with predetermined outcomes and choreographed storylines. However, both operate under TKO Group Holdings, a premium sports and entertainment company that also owns PBR.
The fighter roster for the Friday Night SmackDown event includes Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Drew McIntyre, Jade Cargill and Royce Keys.
Here's how to watch and get tickets for WWE in Oklahoma City this weekend.
WWE in Oklahoma City begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10.
2 months ago
WWE made a surprising **** le change when CM Punk defeated Sami Zayn to become the WWE World Champion on Raw this week. Zayn lost the **** le just nine days into his reign when Punk replaced Cody Rhodes as his challenger. Punk won the belt in front of his hometown Chicago fans and should now have a main event for one of the SummerSlam nights.
Top wrestling insider Sean Ross Sapp and his Fightful site revealed that NBCU wanted Punk on Smackdown in a top spot as the champion:
“Fightful Select has learned that CM Punk is expected to have a lengthy reign, most of which will be taking place on SmackDown. NBCU has been pushing for his presence on the show for well over a year, as they view him as a premier star. He will make Raw appearances when needed.”
NBCU runs the USA Network and influenced WWE to move him from Raw to Smackdown. Punk is slated to have a long reign as the top champion and will be marketed as the face of Smackdown moving forward. Fightful added that Raw will also have Punk appearing when they need him, even though that goes against the rules of the brand split.
The other end of this story focuses on Sami Zayn and how he barely got to hold the top prize after finally winning it. Zayn had multiple viral videos celebrating his **** le reign and had another one this week for venting in anger, while cursing out Punk.
Top wrestling insider Sean Ross Sapp and his Fightful site revealed that NBCU wanted Punk on Smackdown in a top spot as the champion:
“Fightful Select has learned that CM Punk is expected to have a lengthy reign, most of which will be taking place on SmackDown. NBCU has been pushing for his presence on the show for well over a year, as they view him as a premier star. He will make Raw appearances when needed.”
NBCU runs the USA Network and influenced WWE to move him from Raw to Smackdown. Punk is slated to have a long reign as the top champion and will be marketed as the face of Smackdown moving forward. Fightful added that Raw will also have Punk appearing when they need him, even though that goes against the rules of the brand split.
The other end of this story focuses on Sami Zayn and how he barely got to hold the top prize after finally winning it. Zayn had multiple viral videos celebrating his **** le reign and had another one this week for venting in anger, while cursing out Punk.
2 months ago
The circumstances surrounding Sami Zayn‘s WWE Undisputed Championship reign are raising eyebrows, and a new report is adding fuel to speculation that his time with the ***** le could be very short.
According to WrestleVotes on Fightful Select, as of July 1, WWE’s marketing department has still not received instructions to update the 2026 SummerSlam key art concepts to reflect Zayn as champion.
Zayn’s ***** le win at Night of Champions in Riyadh caught many within the company off guard, with a source telling WrestleVotes the win was handled on a strict “need to know” basis across multiple departments. One employee described the situation as “worrisome,” noting that a lack of advance notice for a major creative development of that magnitude could make their jobs considerably more difficult if that level of secrecy becomes standard practice going forward.
The marketing detail is the most telling part of the report. When a championship changes hands with genuine long-term implications, the promotional machinery around it tends to move quickly. Updating SummerSlam key art is not a minor task — it shapes advertising, merchandise, and the visual identity of WWE‘s biggest summer event. The fact that those instructions have not been issued as of July 1, days after Zayn won the ***** le, suggests the company may not be planning to build SummerSlam around him as champion.
That reading aligns with recent reporting from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, which indicated that CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes for the ***** le was always the planned SummerSlam main event, and that Punk’s absence from television since WrestleMania 42 was designed to build toward a return and ***** le program with Rhodes. Rhodes vs. Jey Uso in a No. 1 Contenders Match took place at SmackDown tapings and will challenge Zayn for the ***** le next Monday on Raw in Chicago — where Punk is also rumored to be making his return. If Punk appears and pivots the ***** le picture in his direction, Zayn’s historic first WWE Championship reign could end after just eight days.
According to WrestleVotes on Fightful Select, as of July 1, WWE’s marketing department has still not received instructions to update the 2026 SummerSlam key art concepts to reflect Zayn as champion.
Zayn’s ***** le win at Night of Champions in Riyadh caught many within the company off guard, with a source telling WrestleVotes the win was handled on a strict “need to know” basis across multiple departments. One employee described the situation as “worrisome,” noting that a lack of advance notice for a major creative development of that magnitude could make their jobs considerably more difficult if that level of secrecy becomes standard practice going forward.
The marketing detail is the most telling part of the report. When a championship changes hands with genuine long-term implications, the promotional machinery around it tends to move quickly. Updating SummerSlam key art is not a minor task — it shapes advertising, merchandise, and the visual identity of WWE‘s biggest summer event. The fact that those instructions have not been issued as of July 1, days after Zayn won the ***** le, suggests the company may not be planning to build SummerSlam around him as champion.
That reading aligns with recent reporting from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, which indicated that CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes for the ***** le was always the planned SummerSlam main event, and that Punk’s absence from television since WrestleMania 42 was designed to build toward a return and ***** le program with Rhodes. Rhodes vs. Jey Uso in a No. 1 Contenders Match took place at SmackDown tapings and will challenge Zayn for the ***** le next Monday on Raw in Chicago — where Punk is also rumored to be making his return. If Punk appears and pivots the ***** le picture in his direction, Zayn’s historic first WWE Championship reign could end after just eight days.
2 months ago
Greg Hamilton making a ring introduction for SmackDown.
Greg Hamilton is a storyteller.
Though the role of a ring announcer in combat sports is often overlooked, Hamilton’s role in WWE—and now in PFL—is of the utmost importance. When done correctly, ring announcers can be immortalized through nostalgia like Howard Finkel, become viral sensations in short order like Samantha Irvin or even enjoy elusive longevity like Hamilton himself, who now announces across multiple combat sports promotions.
Hamilton’s ring introduction skills have evolved over time. In WWE, he was a charismatic, if not irreverent, presence who set the tone for every match through standardized ring announcements that he made his own. Now performing ring introductions for PFL, Hamilton’s storytelling skills are on full display. Instead of the standard “location/weight/name” intros applicable to all wrestlers, Hamilton is safe to spread his wings and tell the full story of who the fighters are and why fans should care.
“There’s quite a bit that’s different [between WWE and MMA ring announcing],” said Hamilton in an exclusive interview.
Greg Hamilton is a storyteller.
Though the role of a ring announcer in combat sports is often overlooked, Hamilton’s role in WWE—and now in PFL—is of the utmost importance. When done correctly, ring announcers can be immortalized through nostalgia like Howard Finkel, become viral sensations in short order like Samantha Irvin or even enjoy elusive longevity like Hamilton himself, who now announces across multiple combat sports promotions.
Hamilton’s ring introduction skills have evolved over time. In WWE, he was a charismatic, if not irreverent, presence who set the tone for every match through standardized ring announcements that he made his own. Now performing ring introductions for PFL, Hamilton’s storytelling skills are on full display. Instead of the standard “location/weight/name” intros applicable to all wrestlers, Hamilton is safe to spread his wings and tell the full story of who the fighters are and why fans should care.
“There’s quite a bit that’s different [between WWE and MMA ring announcing],” said Hamilton in an exclusive interview.
2 months ago
Saturday night is a monumental date with destiny for one Oba Femi.
By pinning Jey Uso, he'd become the 2026 King Of The Ring and be guaranteed a ****** le shot vs. Roman Reigns or Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam. Not only that, but Oba could have 2 matches on the August PLE - that ****** le showdown and another that retires the legendary Brock Lesnar seemingly for good.
Or, y'know, WWE boss Triple H might cool his jets on Femi and decide that another Uso main event push is what his audience really want to see instead. Hmm, it isn't. It really, really isn't. Look, this isn't supposed to be some brutal takedown of Jey, because he's class in his own way, but Oba must be the priority right now. Uso challenging Cody doesn't feel SummerSlam worthy anyway.
Other nightmares keeping 'The Game' and his fanbase awake all week include WWE fudging the Queen Of The Ring tourney's purpose, strong SmackDown heels looking like total tools opposite Cody, Danhausen turning the clock back to his borderline embarrassing debut at Elimination Chamber and old rivals reliving old problems in the women's midcard scene.
Real world events threatened to derail Night Of Champions over in Saudi Arabia completely, but WWE are on the way. They better hope it's a trip to remember rather than one everyone would much rather forget. We've already ****** ysed everything that simply must happen in Riyadh this weekend, so now it's time to zoom in on all of the disasters that could afflict Hunter's latest PLE.
By pinning Jey Uso, he'd become the 2026 King Of The Ring and be guaranteed a ****** le shot vs. Roman Reigns or Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam. Not only that, but Oba could have 2 matches on the August PLE - that ****** le showdown and another that retires the legendary Brock Lesnar seemingly for good.
Or, y'know, WWE boss Triple H might cool his jets on Femi and decide that another Uso main event push is what his audience really want to see instead. Hmm, it isn't. It really, really isn't. Look, this isn't supposed to be some brutal takedown of Jey, because he's class in his own way, but Oba must be the priority right now. Uso challenging Cody doesn't feel SummerSlam worthy anyway.
Other nightmares keeping 'The Game' and his fanbase awake all week include WWE fudging the Queen Of The Ring tourney's purpose, strong SmackDown heels looking like total tools opposite Cody, Danhausen turning the clock back to his borderline embarrassing debut at Elimination Chamber and old rivals reliving old problems in the women's midcard scene.
Real world events threatened to derail Night Of Champions over in Saudi Arabia completely, but WWE are on the way. They better hope it's a trip to remember rather than one everyone would much rather forget. We've already ****** ysed everything that simply must happen in Riyadh this weekend, so now it's time to zoom in on all of the disasters that could afflict Hunter's latest PLE.
2 months ago
Hello everybody, and welcome back to another week of the WWE Men’s Power Rankings. As we head towards Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, you can expect the action to heat up inside the ring. With the summer’s storylines already taking place, with the King of the Ring tournament, you can expect rivalries to be sizzling hot. That being said, let’s get to this week’s list and see how stories have unfolded since last week. Have a great day, everyone, and may the slams be with you.
MORE: WWE Power Rankings Following 2026 Clash in Italy
Gunther lost to Cody Rhodes in their ***** le match last week on Friday Night Smackdown. Even with Sami Zayn as the referee, Gunther could not take advantage of any opportunity, leading to a loss for the Ring General. I’m hoping Gunther can now be fazed out of this spotlight, so we don’t have to see him as much.
Bron Breakker interfered in Je’Von Evans and Austin Theory’s match last week, after Evans turned down Logan Paul’s offer to join the Vision. After the melee, it was the Street Profits who made my evening up with the numbers. Going forward, it’s nice to see all of these wrestlers getting on TV time, while the WWE gears up for Night of Champions.
Trick Williams defeated Carmelo Hayes in their U.S Championship match on Smackdown last week. Of course, there were some shenanigans from Ricky Saints, but Williams prevailed in the end. Going forward, I can see a Triple-Threat Match for the ***** le, one last time, but after that, I want a new dog on the hunt for Summerslam.
MORE: WWE Power Rankings Following 2026 Clash in Italy
Gunther lost to Cody Rhodes in their ***** le match last week on Friday Night Smackdown. Even with Sami Zayn as the referee, Gunther could not take advantage of any opportunity, leading to a loss for the Ring General. I’m hoping Gunther can now be fazed out of this spotlight, so we don’t have to see him as much.
Bron Breakker interfered in Je’Von Evans and Austin Theory’s match last week, after Evans turned down Logan Paul’s offer to join the Vision. After the melee, it was the Street Profits who made my evening up with the numbers. Going forward, it’s nice to see all of these wrestlers getting on TV time, while the WWE gears up for Night of Champions.
Trick Williams defeated Carmelo Hayes in their U.S Championship match on Smackdown last week. Of course, there were some shenanigans from Ricky Saints, but Williams prevailed in the end. Going forward, I can see a Triple-Threat Match for the ***** le, one last time, but after that, I want a new dog on the hunt for Summerslam.
3 months ago
The finals of this year’s King of the Ring tournament will be happening at Night of Champions on June 27, 2026. Whoever wins the match will get a championship match at this year’s SummerSlam, happening on August 1 and 2.
So far, Dominik Mysterio, Je’Von Evans, and Oba Femi have qualified for the semifinals. The last match will be held on Friday Night SmackDown this Friday between Finn Balor, Jey Uso, LA Knight, and Royce Keys.
The winner of that match will face Evans, leaving Femi vs. Mysterio as the other match. Whoever wins the two semifinal matches will face each other at Night of Champions.
On the June 8 episode of Monday Night Raw, Femi came out to talk about the upcoming match despite the rumors of a third match with Brock Lesnar. Unfortunately, he didn’t get too far before Mysterio interrupted him to try to get him angry. Would this be a good strategy, or would Mysterio pay the price for interrupting WWE’s hottest rising star?
The past couple of months have been very busy for both Femi and Mysterio. Femi had an amazing Royal Rumble, eliminating five people and lasting nearly 40 minutes before being eliminated by Brock Lesnar. He answered Lesnar’s open challenge for WrestleMania: Vegas, winning easily.
So far, Dominik Mysterio, Je’Von Evans, and Oba Femi have qualified for the semifinals. The last match will be held on Friday Night SmackDown this Friday between Finn Balor, Jey Uso, LA Knight, and Royce Keys.
The winner of that match will face Evans, leaving Femi vs. Mysterio as the other match. Whoever wins the two semifinal matches will face each other at Night of Champions.
On the June 8 episode of Monday Night Raw, Femi came out to talk about the upcoming match despite the rumors of a third match with Brock Lesnar. Unfortunately, he didn’t get too far before Mysterio interrupted him to try to get him angry. Would this be a good strategy, or would Mysterio pay the price for interrupting WWE’s hottest rising star?
The past couple of months have been very busy for both Femi and Mysterio. Femi had an amazing Royal Rumble, eliminating five people and lasting nearly 40 minutes before being eliminated by Brock Lesnar. He answered Lesnar’s open challenge for WrestleMania: Vegas, winning easily.
3 months ago
The WWE Queen of the Ring 2026 tournament heated up on this week’s June 5, 2026, edition of WWE SmackDown in the Unipol Arena in Italy. Monday night on WWE Raw, we saw IYO SKY overcome the likes of Roxanne Perez, Giulia, and Lash Legend to secure her spot in the semifinal round. SKY sits pretty alone in the semis, up until another big star nabbed a huge win in the Queen of the Ring tournament, in front of the Italian WWE Universe in the Unipol Arena
WWE SmackDown in Italy was full of action, as the WWE tour of Europe continued. One of the highlights of the night was the first round matchup in the WWE Queen of the Ring tournament featuring the stars from WWE Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown slugging it out for a spot in the semifinals, when Jacy Jayne, Kiana James, Raquel Rodriguez and former multiple-time WWE Women’s Champion Bayley went at it for a potential spot in the semis.
Rodriguez got the brunt of the offense, as the other three women would try to chop down the biggest competitor in the match, trying to remove her from the equation early on. Bayley went for the early kill as she hit Kiana James with a Bayley-to-Belly, but it didn’t secure her the win. All three women would jockey for position, trying to nab the win with multiple pin attempts, that is, until Raquel Rodriguez bulldozed through all of them with a monster Cross Body.
After that reset, it was every woman for herself. All four were trying to finish the match in a big way, with highlights including Jayne hitting Bayley with an impressive Frankensteiner. Unfortunately for her, Rodriguez would catch both her and Bayley with a Double Chokeslam, but fortunately for them, Kiana James would launch herself onto Raquel to break up the pin.
Back from break, we see Bayley hit the Top Rope Elbow Drop, only for Jacy Jayne to break up the pin attempt. Kiana James would go nuclear, hitting the Dealbreaker, followed up by a Thrust Kick and Standing Moonsault. Bayley would get out of it. Kiana James would try to roll up Bayley, with her feet on the ropes, but Jayne would take it off the second rope.
WWE SmackDown in Italy was full of action, as the WWE tour of Europe continued. One of the highlights of the night was the first round matchup in the WWE Queen of the Ring tournament featuring the stars from WWE Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown slugging it out for a spot in the semifinals, when Jacy Jayne, Kiana James, Raquel Rodriguez and former multiple-time WWE Women’s Champion Bayley went at it for a potential spot in the semis.
Rodriguez got the brunt of the offense, as the other three women would try to chop down the biggest competitor in the match, trying to remove her from the equation early on. Bayley went for the early kill as she hit Kiana James with a Bayley-to-Belly, but it didn’t secure her the win. All three women would jockey for position, trying to nab the win with multiple pin attempts, that is, until Raquel Rodriguez bulldozed through all of them with a monster Cross Body.
After that reset, it was every woman for herself. All four were trying to finish the match in a big way, with highlights including Jayne hitting Bayley with an impressive Frankensteiner. Unfortunately for her, Rodriguez would catch both her and Bayley with a Double Chokeslam, but fortunately for them, Kiana James would launch herself onto Raquel to break up the pin.
Back from break, we see Bayley hit the Top Rope Elbow Drop, only for Jacy Jayne to break up the pin attempt. Kiana James would go nuclear, hitting the Dealbreaker, followed up by a Thrust Kick and Standing Moonsault. Bayley would get out of it. Kiana James would try to roll up Bayley, with her feet on the ropes, but Jayne would take it off the second rope.
3 months ago
Even now, roughly 25 years since it ended, wrestling fans regularly yearn for the glory days of WWE's Attitude Era.
Those glory days saw a whole new wave of stars ushered in, led by the beer-chugging, bird-flipping, boss-Stunning, expletive-spouting 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, as the WWE product was pushed to levels of violence, vulgarity, and ******* that the company hadn't seen before or since. Of course, while it's easy to look back on the Attitude Era and think of iconic moments and matches, there was an awful lot of dross in there, too; from the handling of the company's female talent to some frankly absurd storylines, to an overreliance on ridiculously short matches, and plenty of other negatives that could be thrown at WWE when reflecting on this period in wrestling history.
How well do you know your Attitude Era trivia, though?
Are you an expert on those Hardcore ******* le shenanigans? Consider yourself a know-it-all on those early days of SmackDown? Like to rub it in your friends' faces at just how well you remember the Mean Street Posse? How about how the Women's Championship and Light Heavyweight Championships were brought back into the fold after years of being in the wilderness? Whether you lived through it in real time or have gone back to see what all the fuss was about, you'll find all of those topics and more across the following 30 questions.
So with that in mind, then, here's the toughest WWE Attitude Era quiz that you'll find anywhere.
Those glory days saw a whole new wave of stars ushered in, led by the beer-chugging, bird-flipping, boss-Stunning, expletive-spouting 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, as the WWE product was pushed to levels of violence, vulgarity, and ******* that the company hadn't seen before or since. Of course, while it's easy to look back on the Attitude Era and think of iconic moments and matches, there was an awful lot of dross in there, too; from the handling of the company's female talent to some frankly absurd storylines, to an overreliance on ridiculously short matches, and plenty of other negatives that could be thrown at WWE when reflecting on this period in wrestling history.
How well do you know your Attitude Era trivia, though?
Are you an expert on those Hardcore ******* le shenanigans? Consider yourself a know-it-all on those early days of SmackDown? Like to rub it in your friends' faces at just how well you remember the Mean Street Posse? How about how the Women's Championship and Light Heavyweight Championships were brought back into the fold after years of being in the wilderness? Whether you lived through it in real time or have gone back to see what all the fuss was about, you'll find all of those topics and more across the following 30 questions.
So with that in mind, then, here's the toughest WWE Attitude Era quiz that you'll find anywhere.
1 yr. ago
Amazing sports experience with this iptv
#ARSBOU #SmackDown #Rovers #ARSBOU #RCBvCSK #paobc #OlympiacosΒC #LEISOU #EVEIPS
#ARSBOU #SmackDown #Rovers #ARSBOU #RCBvCSK #paobc #OlympiacosΒC #LEISOU #EVEIPS