Latest news with #DustyRhodesTagTeamClassic
Newsweek
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Star Matt Riddle Takes Massive Shots At CM Punk
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. Former WWE superstar Matt Riddle did not hold back his feelings on CM Punk in a recent interview, while also recalling a tense backstage interaction with John Cena. During his time in WWE, Riddle achieved significant success, starting in NXT where he won the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and the NXT Tag Team Championship with Pete Dunne. After moving to the main roster, he captured the United States Championship. Riddle's most popular run came as part of the tag team RK-Bro alongside Randy Orton. The duo was a merchandise and ratings success, becoming two-time RAW Tag Team Champions before Riddle was released from the company in September 2023. While speaking with the Going Ringside podcast, Riddle was asked about potentially joining AEW and the subject of CM Punk's past drama with that company was brought up. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation "You know, I'm not a big fan of that guy either. That guy sucks at fighting and he's a bitch to work with in the back," Riddle stated. When asked for a reason, Riddle elaborated on what he had heard from his former colleagues in WWE. "Because he just belly aches and complains. This guy complains about getting multiple world title runs," he said (H/T to Fightful). "I've heard from my boys that still work there (WWE) that he is a headache, and this isn't a storyline, this is the facts." LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Seth Rollins (R) chokes CM Punk during their Triple Threat match with Roman Reigns during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Seth Rollins (R) chokes CM Punk during their Triple Threat match with Roman Reigns during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, also shared a story about his first backstage encounter with John Cena, which he described as a "little tiff." "I've worked with Cena. I like working with Cena. He was a great guy, a nice guy, professional," Riddle clarified before telling the story by. "The first time I met, I accidentally said I thought he would be bigger. I don't think he likes being called small, which isn't what I said, but I thought he'd be bigger," he recalled. "He kind of gave me a verbal lashing back and forth. He gave me crap for being the king of bros, tried to get me to explain what that was, and no answer was good enough for John Cena." CM Punk has yet to comment publicly on Riddle's comments. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Injured WWE Superstar Expected To Miss WrestleMania: Report
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 Raw superstar Zoey Stark recently underwent knee surgery following a significant injury sustained during the May 19, 2025, episode of the show. Unfortunately, reports indicate she is facing a lengthy recovery period. The incident occurred when Stark's knee buckled upon landing a missile dropkick in a Money in the Bank qualifying match featuring Rhea Ripley and Kairi Sane. Stark was immediately attended to by medical staff and carefully carried backstage, being removed from the qualifier. According to Fightful Select, she recently had knee surgery. The report added, "It's not her first one, so she's very familiar with the rehab process." Initially, in the week following the injury, WWE sources told Fightful that Stark wasn't expected back this year [2025]. However, an updated prognosis suggests a more extended absence. Sources now expect her out past next year's WrestleMania [42 in 2026]. Stark signed with WWE in early 2021, making her debut on the NXT brand in the Women's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic alongside Marina Shafir. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: A general view of the WWE Raw Aggression Tour event at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park July 31, 2003 in Melbourne, Australia. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: A general view of the WWE Raw Aggression Tour event at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park July 31, 2003 in Melbourne, Australia. She quickly made an impact, and one of her early notable achievements in NXT was capturing the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship with Io Shirai (now WWE Women's World Champion IYO SKY) at The Great American Bash in July 2021. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Their reign lasted for several months before Stark was unfortunately sidelined with a legitimate knee injury in late 2021, which also required surgery and a substantial recovery period. After successfully returning from that previous injury, Stark was called up to the main roster as part of the 2023 WWE Draft, being assigned to Monday Night Raw. She made a strong impression upon her main roster debut and soon formed a high-profile alliance with WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus. This partnership saw Stark act as an enforcer for Stratus during her intense feud with Becky Lynch, playing a crucial role in several key matches, including those at the Night of Champions and Payback premium live events in 2023. This latest injury is an unfortunate setback for the talented and resilient superstar. Stark is a really good in-ring worker and has a lot of upside. Hopefully, she can come back better than ever and still perform at the same level as she once did. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Superstar Zoey Stark Breaks Silence On Heartbreaking Injury
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 Raw superstar Zoey Stark experienced a significant setback during the May 19, 2025, episode of the show, suffering an unfortunate knee injury. The incident occurred in a moment when Stark's knee buckled severely upon landing a missile dropkick in a high-stakes qualifying match. Medical attention was immediate, with the ringside official quickly checking on her condition. Stark was then carefully carried backstage by WWE personnel, and the broadcast swiftly cut to a commercial break, underscoring the potential seriousness of the situation. Upon Raw's return, it became evident that Stark had been removed from the Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier, which also featured Rhea Ripley and the returning Kairi Sane. In the aftermath, Stark took to social media to connect with her fanbase, providing an update and expressing her feelings about the incident. She conveyed deep gratitude for the outpouring of messages she had received during this challenging time. Stark wrote, "Wow the love and support means more to me than you'll ever know! What hurts more than my knee is knowing I wont be able to perform for all of you for a while. I LOVE what I do and I'm blessed to do this. As the saying goes, the comeback is greater than the setback. Love you guys." Adding to the concerns, a report from Fightful Select on May 22, 2025, indicated that the initial fear backstage was a tear that would require surgery. However, an official diagnosis has not yet been publicly confirmed. The report further stated that individuals backstage within WWE say they're preparing not to have Stark for the remainder of the year." HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Zoey Stark (L) and Shayna Baszler (R) are introduced during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Zoey Stark (L) and Shayna Baszler (R) are introduced during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Stark signed with WWE in early 2021, debuting in the women's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic on the NXT brand alongside Marina Shafir. One of her early notable achievements in NXT was capturing the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship with Io Shirai (now Iyo Sky) in July 2021 at The Great American Bash. They held the titles for several months, defending them against various challengers before Stark was sidelined with a legitimate knee injury in late 2021, which also required surgery and a lengthy recovery. Stark was then called up to the main roster as part of the 2023 WWE Draft, being assigned to Monday Night Raw. She made an impactful main roster debut and soon formed a high-profile alliance with WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus. This partnership saw Stark act as an enforcer for Stratus during her feud with Becky Lynch, playing a crucial role in several encounters, including at the Night of Champions and Payback premium live events in 2023. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
