Latest news with #BiancaBelair
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WWE Saturday Night's Main Event: Seth Rollins' injury — and unclear future — leads biggest takeaways
Goldberg put the bow on his career in the featured attraction of Saturday Night's Main Event from State Farm Arena in Atlanta, but the focus now is on Seth Rollins and a potentially disastrous knee injury he may have suffered. The rest of the card was a bit of a mixed bag that saw Jacob Fatu save Jimmy Uso from Solo Sikoa and the MFT, Jelly Roll get physical, and Bianca Belair make an unexpected return. Advertisement As we inch closer toward WWE SummerSlam, here's our big takeaways from a wild night in Atlanta. 1. An unclear future for Seth Rollins Seth Rollins' potential injury is devastating for the current Money in the Bank briefcase holder, who has really found his groove alongside Paul Heyman. After landing from a moonsault Saturday night in his match with LA Knight, Rollins immediately grabbed at his right knee, the same knee that he tore his ACL in back in 2015. There's currently no updates on his status or how severe the injury is believed to be, but it was bad enough for his match with Knight to immediately go to the finish. Should Rollins' injury keep him out for an extended time, WWE would be faced with one of its most difficult creative decisions on what to do with the Money in the Bank briefcase — and what all of this means for Rollins' two understudies, Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. Right now, here's to hoping the injury is just a minor tweak and none of these conversations are even necessary. Advertisement 2. Goldberg's final match was everything it needed to be Goldberg's retirement match very much felt like a wild card during this packed wrestling weekend. Gunther's booking has been up and down this year, and a loss to Goldberg could have done more damage than good for the end of the WCW legend's career. But the match was actually booked pretty perfectly. Goldberg got his moves in, WWE relied on the story that he's older and has bad knees, and Gunther was ruthless in taking him out. Top grades are deserved all around before moving "The Ring General" on to a more worthy opponent at SummerSlam, while Goldberg gets to go out on his terms. 3. WWE wants to be more than just professional wrestling, and that's OK Professional wrestling has always found itself to some degree at a cross-section between pop culture and sports. As the self-proclaimed global leader in sports entertainment, WWE has emphasized the spectacle and has often found itself in a position where celebrity crossovers are common. Advertisement Recent years have seen the likes of Bad Bunny and Travis Scott become involved in more than just one-off moments or matches. The latter is still involved to an extent in the John Cena storyline with Cody Rhodes, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him back on-screen at some point down the road. Jelly Roll's inclusion in recent weeks alongside Randy Orton against Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre, now moving into a tag-team match at SummerSlam, seems to push those boundaries. The country music star showed he's willing to get as physical as necessary, shoving Paul twice and eating a Claymore from McIntyre. Not every fan loves it and that's OK. The live reaction in Atlanta seemed great, and WWE will get headlines as another major artist is getting in the ring, potentially expanding the audience to casuals or Jelly Roll fans. My guess is they'd consider that a win. 4. Bianca's back Tangentially related to Jade Cargill and Naomi's rivalry, Bianca Belair's focus in the build to WrestleMania 41 was on the WWE Women's World Championship. After losing what I considered the match of the first half of the year against Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley, Belair had been mostly out of sight until Saturday night's return. Advertisement As Naomi and Cargill's rivalry continues to notch up a level every time we see it, Belair's inclusion in their No Holds Barred match on Sunday's WWE Evolution 2025 card brings another unknown element to their next steps. With Naomi waiting to cash in her briefcase and Cargill preparing for her WWE Women's Championship match, Belair is in an unfamiliar position being the lone member of the trio not to be on the cusp of the main event. How she reacts to that — whether it's aligning with one of the contenders or finding her way back to the title picture — is one of the more intriguing long-term stories WWE has going. 5. Jacob Fatu welcomes the spotlight Jimmy Uso's United States Championship match against Solo Sikoa was fine for what it was — which, realistically, was to serve as a vehicle for Jacob Fatu's return. There haven't been many better decisions in wrestling recently than WWE seeing the trajectory Fatu is capable of and breaking him out on his own. He has everything you'd want in a future main-eventer. Advertisement Sikoa's MFT faction is in a difficult position as a feeder group to help build Fatu, while also needing to establish credibility with new stars. They have a similar look and feel to the Bloodline, but none of the success. Sikoa, and his group, desperately need to shift away from the internal family drama and over to something fresh.
Newsweek
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE SmackDown Faces Massive Technical Issues in Saudi Arabia
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 faced massive technical issues on their episode of Friday Night SmackDown before Night of Champions. More Pro Wrestling: GUNTHER May Not Be Goldberg's Final WWE Opponent While the show was streaming live for international audiences, the feed suddenly cut out while Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes were having a segment building up their King of the Ring finals match. Netflix and WWE having Technical Difficulties #SmackDown — Zachary Peralez (@PeralezZachary) June 27, 2025 However, the issue doesn't lie with Netflix. There was a blackout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that caused power to go out. This not only affected the livestream, but power at the arena as well. 🚨 FEED HAS CUT IN THE ARENA TOO — Zashy 🇵🇸 (@Zashy120) June 27, 2025 "To our international audiences watching [SmackDown]," WWE said on social media. "We apologize for any technical difficulties and should be back up and running shortly." SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: Nia Jax and Bianca Belair in action during Smackdown at Pechanga Arena on January 17, 2025 in San Diego, California. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: Nia Jax and Bianca Belair in action during Smackdown at Pechanga Arena on January 17, 2025 in San Diego, California. WWE/Getty Images Fortunately, the scene was resolved within half an hour after WWE released the statement. #SmackDown on Netflix is back up and running, and you'll see it in its entirety! — WWE (@WWE) June 27, 2025 According to a report from Fightful Select, SmackDown will air as normal in the United States. More Pro Wrestling: 'Street Fighter' Adaptation Officially Casts 50 Cent, Jason Momoa, More For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports. This story is currently being updated...
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WWE Names New Center Mat Sponsor For WWE RAW, Unique ‘Weapon' Sponsorship
WWE RAW is snapping into it. On Monday, WWE announced it has renewed a sponsorship deal with Slim Jim. The iconic meat snack became WWE's Official Meat Snack ahead of SummerSlam 2023. That event signaled the launch of a new campaign featuring Bianca Belair and LA Knight. In addition to extending the existing partnership, Slim Jim will now be the center ring mat sponsor for WWE RAW. Slim Jim will be featured on the mat every week on RAW, which streams globally on Netflix. WWE Superstars will now 'Snap into a Slim Jim Table' In addition to the center mat sponsorship, the partnership will introduce a unique new branding opportunity. The extended agreement will see Slim Jim branding on 'all folding tables used across tentpole programming. This includes Raw, SmackDown, NXT and WWE Premium Live Events. This branded table placement will create unforgettable moments when WWE Superstars 'Snap into a Slim Jim Table' during matches.' Fans will also continue to see custom ads featuring WWE Superstars; the campaign includes social media campaigns and WWE Superstar appearances at 'select Slim Jim events.' Advertisement 'Over the past two years, WWE and Slim Jim have renewed one of the most memorable collaborations in sports entertainment history and we will expand on that momentum as the partnership continues in the coming years,' said Grant Norris-Jones, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Partnerships, TKO. 'We are thrilled to extend our successful partnership with WWE, which has brought immense excitement and engagement to our fans,' said Ashley Spade, VP & General Manager of Snacks at Conagra Brands. 'Extending our partnership during Monday Night Raw will give us even more opportunities to create unique and memorable experiences that tap into the rich history and energy of both Slim Jim and WWE.' Read More: WWE And Big 12 Expanding Partnership In A Unique Way The post WWE Names New Center Mat Sponsor For WWE RAW, Unique 'Weapon' Sponsorship appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WWE Names New Center Mat Sponsor For WWE RAW, Unique ‘Weapon' Sponsorship
WWE RAW is snapping into it. On Monday, WWE announced it has renewed a sponsorship deal with Slim Jim. The iconic meat snack became WWE's Official Meat Snack ahead of SummerSlam 2023. That event signaled the launch of a new campaign featuring Bianca Belair and LA Knight. In addition to extending the existing partnership, Slim Jim will now be the center ring mat sponsor for WWE RAW. Slim Jim will be featured on the mat every week on RAW, which streams globally on Netflix. WWE Superstars will now 'Snap into a Slim Jim Table' In addition to the center mat sponsorship, the partnership will introduce a unique new branding opportunity. The extended agreement will see Slim Jim branding on 'all folding tables used across tentpole programming. This includes Raw, SmackDown, NXT and WWE Premium Live Events. This branded table placement will create unforgettable moments when WWE Superstars 'Snap into a Slim Jim Table' during matches.' Fans will also continue to see custom ads featuring WWE Superstars; the campaign includes social media campaigns and WWE Superstar appearances at 'select Slim Jim events.' Advertisement 'Over the past two years, WWE and Slim Jim have renewed one of the most memorable collaborations in sports entertainment history and we will expand on that momentum as the partnership continues in the coming years,' said Grant Norris-Jones, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Partnerships, TKO. 'We are thrilled to extend our successful partnership with WWE, which has brought immense excitement and engagement to our fans,' said Ashley Spade, VP & General Manager of Snacks at Conagra Brands. 'Extending our partnership during Monday Night Raw will give us even more opportunities to create unique and memorable experiences that tap into the rich history and energy of both Slim Jim and WWE.' Read More: WWE And Big 12 Expanding Partnership In A Unique Way The post WWE Names New Center Mat Sponsor For WWE RAW, Unique 'Weapon' Sponsorship appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Forbes
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
WWE SmackDown Results, Winners And Grades On May 30, 2025
John Cena and Cody Rhodes come face-to-face on WWE SmackDown. WWE SmackDown advertised a loaded show with Bianca Belair's return in her hometown of Knoxville, Tenn., Cody Rhodes' return to SmackDown to confront John Cena after his surprise appearance at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event. WWE also advertised two Money in the Bank qualifiers as Jacob Fatu took on Andrade and Carmelo Hayes and Jade Cargill faced Naomi and Nia Jax. Last week's broadcast of SmackDown garnered 1.38 million viewers. Bianca received a unanimously babyface reaction. She led her hometown fans in singing 'Rocky Top.' Belair, who was still sporting a splint on her hand, was interrupted by Naomi. Naomi was booed heavily. She said she wanted to reunite with Bianca, and even went by her house. Since Bianca's parents weren't there, Naomi let herself in and went through Bianca Belair's photo album. Belair was not interested in a reunion, and said if Naomi ever comes near her family, what Naomi did to Jade Cargill will be nothing compared to what Belair will do to Naomi. Naomi threatened to put both Belair in a wheelchair just like her mother. Cargill crashed the segment and attacked Naomi before a tense moment with Belair. SmackDown returned from break with this match underway and Naomi in control. Fans chanted 'Let's go Jade!' after Nia Jax hit her with a hip attack, but Cargill eventually sprung an impressive comeback that was broken up by Nia Jax. Naomi hit brutal leg drop from the second rope on Naomi for a nearfall. Cargill hit Naomi with Jaded, but Nia Jax broke it up. Nia regained control over the majority of the match from here, where she hit a Super Samoan Drop on Naomi, only to take a splash from a flying Jade Cargill. 'This is Awesome!' Jax hit the Annihilator on Cargill, but Naomi rolled up Jax for the win. Backstage R-Truth mocked JC Mateo, whom he accused of being Solo Sikoa's son. The artist formerly known as Jeff Cobb wore his full gear for this match. Mateo's new theme music isn't great (what is from Def Rebel, but it's better than half the roster. Mateo hit an impressive standing moonsault on R-Truth, but Truth came back with the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Mateo sold quite a bit for Truth, but throughout the match Truth had truble lifting him up. Truth collapsed after going for the AA and Mateo finished him off with a Tour of the Islands. Jimmy Uso saved R-Truth, but Mateo attacked Jimmy. The Street Profits, DIY, Fraxiom and MCMG all appeared one-after-another in a very tame speaking segment. Tommaso Ciampa asked for a moment of silence for the tag team division. The crowd booed. TheWyatt Sicks interrupted and all of them took out every member of the tag team division that was in the ring. Wade Barrett questioned what the Wyatt Sicks wanted, but clearly it was tag team gold. Je'Von looked like a seasoned OG on the main roster, and as dazzled as the crowd was, nobody enjoyed his work more than Joe Tessitore. This was Rey Fenix's best showing since coming to the main roster in a match promoting next weekend's Worlds Collide show. New North American champion Ethan Page appeared on commentary, and cost Evans the match. Tessitore was beside himself and put over Evans for his great showcase. Before Tessitore and Barrett could finish arguing, the screen cut out to a cryptic promo from Uncle Howdy, who teased coming after the Tag Team Titles. Backstage, Chelsea Green—sporting a bedazzled mask after breaking her nose at SNME, thrust Alba fyre into a match against Zelina Vega. Piper Niven tripped Vega while Green was distracting the referee before Raw went to break. Fans barely reacted to this match until the finish, where Green unmasked and accidentally struck Niven with her mask. Vega won with the Code Red. Damian Priest was received faint 'what' chants, but showed respect to Drew McIntyre. Priest needs to turn heel just as much as McIntyre needs to turn babyface. Priest, sporting a black eye, called out Jacob Fatu. If WWE is trying to rehabilitate Priest as a babyface, this is not the way. Priest remained respectful about Fatu, but said the family he follows around 'can catch a fresh one, too." Jacob Fatu shared a showdown with Damian Priest before going about his business. Miz and Carmelo teased tensions backstage after Carmelo Hayes told Miz he doesn't need him to get to the next level. Miz tripped Fatu as Fatu built a head of steam and hit the ropes. Fatu answered with a running hip attack against the barricade. Fatu set up Carmelo Hayes for a second running hip attack, but Andrade pulled Hayes out of the way, and Fatu went crashing through the barricade. Fatu came back from the dead and tossed both Andrade and Hayes from the top rope in something of an assisted Spanish Fly. Fatu essentially dominated the match every time he was on two feet, and the announce team marveled at his offense. Solo and JC hit the ring to give Fatu unsolicited advice. Both of them forcefully ordered him to do a moonsault off the top rope after he had already done one. Jimmy Uso attacked Mateo, Andrade capitalized by bumping a distracted Fatu out of the ring and hit The Message on Melo. Cody Rhodes received a warm ovation, and vowed to never hesitate again since hesitation cost him the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. Cody Rhodes surprised the crowd with a Jey Uso appearance. After an encore, Jey was interrupted by John Cena. Cena called Uso and Cody Rhodes wannabes. John Cena brought out Logan Paul, who Cena said was better than all the 'professional wrestlers' in the business. Cena said Logan Paul doesn't have to pay his dues because he pais their mortgages. 80% of this segment was entrances. Fans chanted STFU, which threw Logan Paul off. Cena was giving Paul time cues as the 8 pm PST hour approached. After a long Logan Paul promo, Jey Uso said they don't have to wait until Money in the Bank. Cena and Paul argued about whether or not they were gonna brawl. Rhodes taunted Cena and Paul, telling Paul 'What are you gonna go polish his Peacemaker?' A brawl ensued, and the babyfaces stood taul.
