WWE Quietly Ends Fan-Favorite Faction: Report
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A new report has confirmed that the WWE faction Damage CTRL has been quietly disbanded. The group, once a dominant force in the women's division, came to an unceremonious end due to releases and injuries.
The news comes from a recent Fightful Select report. It stated that an internal decision was made to end the faction in early May 2025.
The Rise Of Damage CTRL
Damage CTRL made its memorable debut at SummerSlam in 2022. Bayley returned from a year-long injury, bringing Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky to the main roster with her.
The trio immediately established themselves as top heels in the women's division. Kai and Sky went on to have two reigns as the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
In late 2023, the group expanded by adding former champions Asuka and Kairi Sane. They also captured the Women's Tag Team Titles, continuing the faction's legacy of success.
Triple H speaks at the WWE Post Show during WWE Survivor Series: War Games at Rogers Arena on November 30, 2024 in Vancouver, Canada.
Triple H speaks at the WWE Post Show during WWE Survivor Series: War Games at Rogers Arena on November 30, 2024 in Vancouver, Canada.
WWE/Getty Images
The Road To Disbandment
The group began to fracture in early 2024 after Bayley won the Women's Royal Rumble match. She was kicked out of the group, leading to a babyface turn and her victory over Iyo Sky for the WWE Women's Title at WrestleMania 40.
After Bayley's departure, the remaining members were separated by circumstances. Dakota Kai was released from her WWE contract in May 2025, while both Asuka and Kairi Sane spent time away with injuries.
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
WWE Internally Ends The Faction
The Fightful Select report notes that after Kai's release, WWE made the internal decision to end the group. The remaining members were no longer introduced as "representing Damage CTRL" at live events.
Asuka is scheduled to return to the ring on the June 16 episode of Raw. However, the report states that the Damage CTRL name is not expected to be part of her return.
While the members could team up again one day, the faction is officially considered to be done for now. The faction had a memorable impact on the fans and is clearly are remembered in a positive light. With Asuka returning, it will be interesting to see what kind of role she plays going forward on TV as WWE could make her a new gatekeeper for up-and-coming talent.
More WWE News:
For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Newsweek
Fan-Favorite WWE Superstar Teases Retirement Is Close
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Rey Mysterio has confirmed that the end of his legendary in-ring career is fast approaching. In a recent interview, the WWE Hall of Famer opened up about his motivations for continuing to wrestle and his thoughts on retirement. Speaking on the LA PLATICA podcast in June, Mysterio admitted that he is very close to hanging up his mask for good. However, he revealed the one person who gave him a "second wind" and pushed him to keep going. The Influence Of Rey Mysterio's Son Mysterio explained that his son Dominik's entry into the wrestling business is what has kept him in the ring. He said he was very close to retiring before Dominik began his own career. "I think that once my son started to wrestle, that kind of pushed me to continue, 'cause I was really getting very close to calling it quits," Mysterio said. "But that just kind of gave me that second wind, and it pushed me to keep going." Even with this renewed motivation, Mysterio acknowledges that his time is limited. "I'm going to have to tap out," he admitted. "I still love what I do and I always have." A Father-Son Saga The relationship between Rey and Dominik Mysterio has been one of WWE's most compelling long-term stories. They made history in 2021 by becoming the first-ever father-son tag team champions in WWE history. However, their alliance famously imploded when Dominik turned on his father to join the heel faction, The Judgment Day. DORTMUND, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 01: Natalya competes in the ring against Shotzi during the WWE Live Show at Westfalenhalle on November 1, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany. DORTMUND, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 01: Natalya competes in the ring against Shotzi during the WWE Live Show at Westfalenhalle on November 1, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany. This led to a deeply personal and emotional feud between the two. The rivalry culminated in a high-profile match at WrestleMania 39, where Rey defeated his son. This complex journey, from partners to bitter rivals, is the "second wind" Mysterio refers to, as it gave his legendary career a new, personal chapter. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation In his interview, Rey also discussed the rare honor of being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame while still an active competitor. He was inducted as part of the Class of 2023. "The fact that I was inducted into the Hall of Fame before I even tapped out – I was like, I don't want to, I'm not ready to retire," he recalled telling WWE. "[WWE said] 'Like no, we're presenting this to you.' So truly honored to have been considered, you know, one of the Hall of Famers." This honor solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest high-flyers of all time, even as he prepares for his final chapter. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Newsweek
Randy Orton Reveals The Major WWE Backstage Change Under Triple H
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE veteran Randy Orton has revealed a significant positive change in the company's backstage culture, crediting Chief Content Officer Triple H for the new direction. The 14-time world champion shared a specific story that highlights a major shift in the company's priorities under the new leadership. Speaking on the "What's Your Story?" podcast with Stephanie McMahon, Orton discussed how the company now has a "family first" mentality. This is a change he says would have been unheard of in the past. Leading By Example In WWE Orton recalled a recent instance where he learned Triple H was not present at a television taping. When he asked where his boss was, he was told Triple H was attending his daughter Murphy's championship softball game. For Orton, this small act represented a monumental shift in the company's culture. "Just knowing that in the past that never would have happened, and knowing that now it's okay," Orton said (H/T "It's almost like, without even knowing it... he's leading by example." He explained that this leadership gives him confidence that he could also prioritize a major family event without fear of professional repercussions. "There's no question in my mind that if I say 'Hunter... I've got this thing, and... it's very important to me and my family and my kids... that I'm there,' there's no question in my mind that they'll say 'Done,'" Orton stated. "Like that is huge. That's everything." RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 2: Randy Orton enters the arena during Crown Jewel at Mohammed Abdo Arena on November 2, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 2: Randy Orton enters the arena during Crown Jewel at Mohammed Abdo Arena on November 2, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. WWE/Getty Images More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Randy Orton's Perspective This cultural shift is especially meaningful coming from a star like Orton, who has been with WWE for 25 years. For decades, the industry was known for its grueling "grind" schedule, where performers often worked through injuries and missed major family milestones. The idea of a top executive, let alone a top talent, missing a TV taping for a family event was often seen as a lack of dedication. Orton himself has recently gained a new perspective after returning from a career-threatening back injury that required spinal fusion surgery. After more than a year away, he understands the importance of life outside the ring, making Triple H's new "family first" approach all the more significant to veterans who have spent their lives on the road. The praise is also powerful given the long and often violent history between Randy Orton and Triple H. Triple H originally brought a young Orton into WWE as his protégé in the Evolution faction, but their relationship famously imploded when Orton won his first World Heavyweight Championship. This led to a years-long, bloody rivalry that was one of the defining feuds of the Ruthless Aggression era. For Orton to now be the one praising Triple H's leadership shows the immense respect that has developed between the two former rivals over their storied careers. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Newsweek
Former WWE Star Pitches One Final Run
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Boogeyman, one of the most unique and horrifying characters in WWE history, wants to make a return to the company. In a recent social media post, the worm-eating superstar directly called on WWE's Chief Content Officer, Triple H, to give him one last run. On July 2nd, the man behind the persona, Martin Wright, took to X to make his plea. His post has ignited discussion among fans about a potential comeback for the legendary character. The Boogeyman's Pitch To Triple H In his social media post, The Boogeyman was direct and to the point. He shared a graphic of himself and tagged the WWE executive in his message. "Put me in the game Triple H..#WWELEGEND BOOGEYMAN," he wrote. While Wright is over 60 years old and a full-time, in-ring return is unlikely, his enduring popularity and unique character make a special appearance a definite possibility. The Horrifying History Of The Boogeyman The Boogeyman character first appeared on WWE programming in 2005. With his chaotic, smoke-filled entrance, smashed clock on his head, and signature diet of live worms, he became an instant spectacle that both terrified and captivated audiences. His gimmick involved bizarre, contorting movements and reciting nursery rhymes before terrorizing his opponents. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: WWE logos are shown on screens before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: WWE logos are shown on screens before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, path to WWE was unconventional. He was originally a contestant on the 2004 season of Tough Enough but was disqualified after admitting he lied about his age to meet the show's requirements. However, WWE officials were so impressed with his unique charisma that they signed him to a developmental contract anyway, leading to the creation of his iconic character. During his main run from 2005 to 2009, The Boogeyman was involved in several unforgettable feuds. His most famous rivalry was with Booker T and Queen Sharmell, which saw him stalk the royal couple for months. This feud included a famous moment where he "ate" a large mole off of Sharmell's face and culminated in a victory for The Boogeyman at WrestleMania 22. He also had a memorable program with JBL, where he terrorized his "image consultant" Jillian Hall. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation After his full-time departure in 2009, The Boogeyman signed a WWE Legends contract. He has made several surprise one-off appearances since then, most notably as an entrant in the 2015 Royal Rumble match and in various backstage segments, always receiving a huge reaction from the fans. It remains to be seen if his latest public request will catch the attention of Triple H and lead to another chapter in his bizarre career. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
