Latest news with #SamiZayn
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Karrion Kross Reacts to WWE Finally Booking Him for Night of Champions 2025
Karrion Kross will finally step into the spotlight at a premium live event this weekend, as WWE has officially added him to the Night of Champions 2025 card. Despite recent concerns surrounding tensions between the USA and Iran, WWE is moving forward with plans to hold Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. On WWE RAW, it was confirmed that the Intercontinental Championship match between Dominik Mysterio and AJ Styles is cancelled due to Mysterio suffering a rib injury. Advertisement However, while that match was pulled, WWE added a new bout: Karrion Kross vs. Sami Zayn. Kross has been playing mind games with Zayn for months, making him his main target after Zayn's elimination from the King of the Ring tournament on SmackDown. On WWE RAW, Karrion Kross confronted Sami Zayn during a backstage interview. The fans gave Kross a huge reaction, echoing the support he's been receiving at WWE Main Event. Kross mocked and told Zayn he would never become a WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Sami Zayn didn't back down. He hit Kross with a right hand, declared their match official after speaking with Adam Pearce, and told him, 'Tick Tock,' before walking off. Scarlett and Kross laughed it off, with Kross turning to her and confidently saying, 'Got him'. Karrion Kross, who has gained momentum thanks to his recent performances, got emotional after learning WWE booked him for the show. Karrion Kross credits fans for his WWE Night of Champions match After Sami Zayn punched Karrion Kross and told him he would speak to Adam Pearce about making their match official. WWE confirmed on RAW that the two will compete in a singles match at Night of Champions. Advertisement Following the announcement, Karrion Kross took to X, formerly Twitter, to thank the fans for the support. He wrote, 'All of you online & especially live at the shows made this happen. Stay loud for what you like and what you want to see. Keep it •positive• and they will always listen. In closing: I told you, I'm very big on loyalty. When you show up for me, I'll show out for you.' Check out what else happened on WWE RAW here. The post Karrion Kross Reacts to WWE Finally Booking Him for Night of Champions 2025 appeared first on Wrestlezone.
The National
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The National
WWE's Karrion Kross on reinvention, rumours and rising fan support
Karrion Kross holds a special place in his heart for Saudi Arabia. He's back in Riyadh for WWE's weekend events, including SmackDown and Night of Champions, where he'll go head-to-head with Sami Zayn. The match marks his first singles bout on a premium live event since his steel cage loss to Drew McIntyre at Crown Jewel in November 2022, which also took place in the Saudi capital. Although it's been a while, Kross (real name Kevin Kesar) is grateful for the chance to compete in a place where he's always felt welcomed. 'I've wrestled once, I believe, out of the five times I've been here, and it was against Drew McIntyre inside of a steel cage,' Kross tells The National. 'The other times I've been here, I have been received so overwhelmingly warm and enthusiastic by the fans. 'I was surprised because I'm not a hyper-featured character in comparison to other characters in the show. You'd think that they would go 10 times crazier for them, as opposed to me – just speaking with humility. But I've always been received really well by the fans here.' The support hasn't been limited to the Middle East. Over the past few months, Kross has been gaining momentum as more fans rally behind him for more TV time. But did he ever doubt himself? 'I knew we would get here because I had a career before WWE. Obviously, the peak of my successes is WWE – it's the biggest and best company in the world – because I believe in my ability to connect with the audience.' Kross admits it's not always easy to explain this without sounding critical. After all, WWE is a produced television show – 'you're not just showing up and doing or saying whatever you want,' he says – and that means working within the boundaries of the storylines provided. When he was with NXT, he says he played a version of Karrion Kross that the company was high on: a cryptic figure. But in his view, that kind of character works best when it's tied to dominance in the ring. 'If you're quiet and stoic and you're staring up at the lights a lot, there's a disconnect for the audience,' he explains. Although it's taken some time, he made adjustments and created other versions of the character – ones that could still engage viewers without relying on the exact formula used during his NXT run. It's all about entertaining people and putting a smile on their face Karrion Kross He also points to another personal trait that helped him evolve: a dark sense of humour. 'My whole family has it,' he says. 'It's how we deal with stress, loss and grief.' That same sensibility has eventually found its way into his on-screen persona. He felt that adding a layer of dark humour to the otherwise ominous and manipulative character would help audiences relate more – and so far, he's been right. 'It's all about entertaining people and putting a smile on their face,' he says. That connection, he adds, is also thanks to the people he shares the ring with. 'It takes two to tango,' and having the right opponents – and enough time on television – has made a difference. With success comes scrutiny. As Kross's popularity grows, so do the rumours and theories about why his rise has taken time. One of the latest to circulate online is the claim that he doesn't take 'flat back bumps' – the wrestling move where a performer lands flat on their back after being hit. 'I thought out of all the crazy articles that are fabricated about me every week, that was the weakest,' he says, laughing. 'There was another wild one I saw last week that was even funnier. It said something like, 'Karrion Kross is going to come to Monday Night Raw and he's going to quit and do a shoot promo live, and then walk out.' I thought that was a good one. 'But I don't really respond to any of them. There's a crazy one about me every week or two. You just kind of have to laugh.' Although he can't predict exactly where his career will go next, Kross says he's grateful for everything that's happened so far and has a heartfelt message for his fans in the Middle East. 'I love you guys. You've all been so kind to me and my wife. Every time I've come here, we look forward to coming here every single time. We look forward to new experiences, meeting people and entertaining people, and being able to provide that little bit of relief – for escapism, for fun – when we have the opportunity to perform in front of all of you. 'Thank you for being with me. I'm learning how to track metrics online with videos and stuff like that, and about regions. I learnt this year how many fans that I'm able to track are here. And I'm very honoured and grateful and humbled by all of the fan support and I can't wait to fight Sami live. I can't wait to come back again after that.'
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'WWE Raw' Results: Major Implications for 'Night of Champions 2025'
'WWE Raw' Results: Major Implications for 'Night of Champions 2025' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. "WWE Raw" will be live from the Resch Center in Green Bay, and there are big plans for the show. Advertisement There will be King and Queen of the Ring matches, as well as the fallout from Bayley's surprise return last week. Monday's King of the Ring four-way match will feature ex-WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso, Sheamus, Bronson Reed, and Rusev. In the Queen of the Ring match, Asuka will return from injury to take on Stephane Vaquer, Raquel Rodriguez, and Ivy Nile. Also on tap for the red brand will be a rematch between Liv Morgan and Kairi Sane. During the May 26 episode of "Raw," Sane scored a pinfall over Morgan after an unintended distraction from Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez. Morgan will look for revenge just one week after ambushing Nikki Bella. Speaking of Morgan, fans can expect to see more drama involving The Judgment Day. It's clear that since Finn Balor introduced Perez to the group, both Morgan and WWE Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio have taken exception. How close are we to a Judgment Day implosion? Advertisement Also, Sami Zayn advanced in the King of the Ring during last week's episode of "Raw." He remains at odds with Seth Rollins' faction, as well as Karrion Kross. Will Zayn have Uso's back if Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed decide to wreak havoc in his tournament match? 'WWE Raw' will air live on the Netflix streaming platform beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Athlon Sports will be providing live coverage throughout the show. 'WWE Raw' Results Liv Morgan walked out to the ring with Dominik Mysterio to start the show. Corey Graves took the place of Pat McAfee on commentary for the evening. Mysterio said Monday's episode of "Raw" isn't about him; it's about Morgan. Morgan then said Nikki Bella simply needed a reminder that the women's division runs through her. She then mocked Iyo Sky for saying Bella paved the way for today's female wrestlers. Advertisement Morgan then said she's targeting Sky's WWE Women's World Championship. This prompted Sky to interrupt the segment. Sky told Morgan to shut her mouth. She said all Morgan does is whine and disrespect the locker room. Sky said if it's a fight she wants, then she's right here. Morgan claimed to defeat Sky more than any other member of the roster. She wanted Sky to hand her the world title, but Sky said she must earn a title shot. Sky said Morgan can steal her title the way she stole Mysterio. Sky then teased handing the title to Morgan, but she delivered a dropkick instead. She then kicked Mysterio in the back of the head to send the two retreating out of the ring. Queen of the Ring Opening-Round Match: Asuka vs. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Ivy Nile Before the match began, Liv Morgan hyped up Raquel Rodriguez to get one back for The Judgment Day. With Vaquer, Rodriguez, and Nile in the ring, Asuka made her first entrance since 2024. Rodriguez utilized her strength advantage early. She sent Asuka crashing into Vaquer with a powerbomb. Advertisement Vaquer hit Nile with a suplex. She then landed Devil's Kiss, but Rodriguez kicked "La Primera" in the midsection. Vaquer counted Rodriguez with a takedown. Rodriguez countered Devil's Kiss with an electric chair position. Vaquer sent Rodriguez over the top rope with her leg wrapped around her opponent's head. Vaquer then landed Devil's Kiss on the apron before landing a springboard crossbody. Asuka sunk in an Asuka Lock on Vaquer, but she ended up battling Nile inside the ring. Asuka charged in and landed a running hip attack as Rodriguez attempted to return to the ring. Nile landed a bridging German suplex on Asuka for a near fall. Advertisement Rodriguez lifted Vaquer and Nile on her shoulders, but Asuka sent all three women down with a missile dropkick. Vaquer and Asuka were left alone in the ring. "La Primera" was sent into the ropes, but the two had a stalemate at the center of the ring. Vaquer landed a series of headbutts, but she ran into a back elbow. "La Primera" responded with a knee to the gut. She then connected with a snap suplex. Vaquer measured Asuka and delivered a dropkick. Vaquer sent Asuka's face crashing into her knees, but she was selling a right knee injury. Rodriguez planted Vaquer with the Tejana Bomb, but Rhea Ripley pulled her out of the ring. She then hit Riptide on the floor before sending Rodriguez back in the ring. Advertisement This allowed Asuka to hit Empress Impact for the win. Winner: Asuka Cathy Kelley interviewed Asuka, who said the fire within her is still alive. She vowed to win Queen of the Ring and said no one is ready for Asuka. More Judgment Day Drama Roxanne Perez and The Judgment were backstage. Morgan argued with Rodriguez before storming off. Mysterio suggested Balor stay back and hold down the fort. Balor agreed as long as Mysterio accompanied JD McDonagh for his match. Balor then had Perez follow him for a private conversation. Goldberg Interrupts Gunther's Celebration Gunther made his way out, and he received pyro for winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for the second time. Gunther admitted that Jey Uso was the better man at "WrestleMania 41," but it was just one night. "The Ring General" said he's untouchable at his best. Gunther said he's heard the rumors about what's next for him. Advertisement The fans chanted for Goldberg, but Gunther said he's done with the former WCW legend. The champion turned his attention to Seth Rollins. He dared "The Visionary" to step inside the ring, but Goldberg's music hit. Goldberg told Gunther that Monday is his night. He said he wants to celebrate with "The Ring General." Goldberg said before he left, he reminded Gunther that he made things personal with his family. It'll be Goldberg vs. Gunther at "Saturday Night's Main Event" on July 12. AJ Styles vs. JD McDonagh w/Dominik Mysterio McDonagh shoved Styles to the corner and choked him. He then climbed the turnbuckle and taunted. Styles reversed a hip toss into a calf crusher. McDonagh reached the bottom rope. Advertisement Mysterio immediately pulled his Judgment Day stablemate out of the ring. Mysterio was being chased by Styles, but McDonagh leaped over the timekeeper's barrier to take Styles out. Styles rebounded with a combination that ended in a lariat. He then delivered a running forearm, followed by a ushigoroshi. McDonagh managed to land a brainbuster for a two-count. McDonagh looked for a superplex, but Styles headbutted him off the turnbuckle. Styles was recovering on the top rope, but Mysterio got on the ring apron. McDonagh attempted to take advantage, but he ran into a Styles Clash, marking the end of the match. Advertisement Winner: AJ Styles Mysterio went for a belt shot after the match, but Styles fought him off. Before Styles could land the Phenomenal Forearm, Balor saved Mysterio. The Judgment Day surrounded the ring, but Styles escaped with Mysterio's WWE Intercontinental Championship. Sheamus Receives Request Sheamus spoke to Alpha Academy backstage. Tozawa fired Sheamus up by telling him to whoop Rusev in the King of the Ring match. Trouble With A-Town Down Under Bayley was walking backstage when she ran into Austin Theory and Grayson Waller arguing. The New Day was instigating matters. Bayley Addresses Beef With Becky Lynch Bayley entered the ring to discuss her return to WWE TV last week. She ambushed Becky Lynch, who cost her a spot on the "WrestleMania 41" card. Bayley said she never takes cheers from the fans for granted. She said it's what she was born to do, but it was temporarily taken away from her by Lynch. Bayley claimed Lynch's attack only made her stronger. "The Man" then made her entrance after Bayley demanded her presence. Lynch trolled the Green Bay crowd with a Chicago Bears jacket. The WWE Women's Intercontinental Champion said Bayley accepts playing second fiddle, but she doesn't. Advertisement Bayley reminded Lynch that she's a future WWE Hall of Famer. Lynch said she used to fight for the people, but the fans never fought for her. Lynch said when she took Bayley's spot, no one cared about her. Bayley questioned if Lynch's ego is so inflated that she doesn't know what it's like to fight for her anymore. Lynch agreed to fight Bayley, but not in Green Bay. "The Man" then looked for a cheap shot, but Bayley dropped her with a forearm. Jey Uso Eyes WWE World Heavyweight Title Rematch Cathy Kelley interviewed Jey Uso, who said he will run things back with Gunther one day. He then said if that path is through King of the Ring, then so be it. Nick Aldis Makes Two Big Announcements Nick Aldis received the WWE Intercontinental Championship from AJ Styles. He then booked Styles against Dominik Mysterio in a title match for "Night of Champions." Advertisement He then booked Bayley vs. Becky Lynch for the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship next week. Bayley then ran into Lyra Valkyria. Valkyria was upset with Bayley for not contacting her during her time away. She warned Bayley that if she defeats Lynch next week, then she'll be going after her. Liv Morgan vs. Kairi Sane Early on in the match, Morgan appeared to suffer a legitimate shoulder injury. The doctors began checking on Morgan outside of the ring. Back from the break, it was revealed that Morgan was unable to continue. Sane was declared the winner. Later on, Michael Cole announced that Morgan suffered a dislocated shoulder. Advertisement Winner: Kairi Sane Sami Zayn Will Settle Things With Karrion Kross Karrion Kross once again talked trash to Sami Zayn backstage. Zayn said he thinks Kross hides backstage because he can't back up his words in the ring. He then told Kross that once he's done handling business in the King of the Ring tournament, he will deal with him. King of the Ring Opening-Round Match: Jey Uso vs. Sheamus vs. Bronson Reed w/Paul Heyman vs. Rusev Sheamus and Reed fought outside of the ring, while Uso and Rusev did battle in the squared circle. Uso sent Rusev over the top rope. Rusev sent Reed crashing into the steps. Uso then hit a suicide dive on "The Bulgarian Brute." Advertisement Uso had superkicks for all of his opponents. He charged at Rusev, but he ate a clothesline for his efforts. Outside of the ring, Reed launched Sheamus into the crowd. "The Celtic Warrior" stood back up and delivered 10 beats of the bodhrán over the barricade. Sheamus and Rusev traded shots inside the ring. Rusev landed a jumping wheel kick. Sheamus responded with an Oklahoma slam. Reed splashed both Sheamus and Rusev in the corner. He then lifted Uso up for the World's Strongest Slam. Uso and Sheamus were left alone in the ring. Sheamus then caught the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion in the Irish Curse. Sheamus lifted up Reed and landed White Noise for a near fall. Advertisement Rusev had The Accolade on Uso, who made it to the bottom rope. Sheamus went for a pin on Rusev, but Reed broke up the pin with a senton. Reed landed a Tsunami on Sheamus, but Uso broke up the pin attempt. Uso then landed a spear on Reed, but Bron Breakker shoved him off the top turnbuckle when he attempted the Uso Splash. Sami Zayn then sent Breakker headfirst into the ring post. Breakker lifted Zayn up and sent him over the announce table. Penta then ran down and dove over the top rope and onto Breakker. Back in the ring, Reed went for a Tsunami on Uso, but LA Knight shoved him off the turnbuckle. Uso capitalized with a spear and two Uso Splashes for the win. Winner: Jey Uso Advertisement After the match, Seth Rollins stormed down to the ring. Rollins measured Uso, but Cody Rhodes made an unannounced appearance. "The American Nightmare" and "The Visionary" had a staredown. Rollins left the ring to avoid physicality. Rhodes and Uso shook hands to end the show. They will meet one-on-one next week in a King of the Ring match. Related: Important WWE Name Will Miss 'Raw' on Monday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
WWE SmackDown results: Randy Orton defeats Sami Zayn to qualify for the King of the Ring final
Randy Orton beat Sami Zayn in the semi-finals of the King of the Ring tournament to advance to the final, which will be held at Night of Champions next week.
Newsweek
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Star Wants To Join AEW
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 star Nixon Newell, previously known as Tegan Nox, recently expressed a strong desire to join All Elite Wrestling but revealed she does not believe the company is currently interested in signing her. After being released from her WWE contract in November 2024, Newell has been navigating free agency. During an interview on the Wrestling in the Middle podcast (H/T to she was direct about her interest in working for AEW. "I would love to go there. There's so many people there that I want to wrestle," Newell stated. She specifically mentioned wanting to renew her old rivalry with a top AEW star. "I really want to tangle with Toni Storm again. I wrestled Toni, yes, many years on the Indies. So I'd like to, you know, revisit that," she said. Despite her enthusiasm for potential dream matches, Newell was candid about her perception of AEW's interest in her as a free agent. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation "So I am more than willing, AEW, to talk about some stuff," she said, before adding a dose of reality. "As far as I know, I don't think there's an interest from them, which is a shame. But I would love to go there." HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Sami Zayn talks to the crowd after winning his match during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Sami Zayn talks to the crowd after winning his match during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Alex BierensNewell signed with WWE in 2017, having runs in both NXT UK and NXT before being called up to the main roster in July 2021 as Shotzi's tag team partner. Plagued by significant injuries early in her WWE tenure, her career never reached the heights many had predicted. Now a free agent, Newell says her main goal is to get back in the ring consistently and prove what she can do. She also named ROH and TNA as other promotions on her "bucket list." "I want to wrestle everywhere and anywhere at this point," she affirmed. "I gotta show people that I can do what I do best, and I just need the opportunity to be able to show people." Nox is a talented wrestler who huch to offer to other promotions. Hopefully, she can find work soon. WWE had her shelved on the main roster near the end of her tenure. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
