Latest news with #VinceMcMahon
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
CM Punk hasn't just elevated the John Cena heel run — he's resuscitated it
If hell froze over when CM Punk returned to the WWE in 2023, then perhaps we need a new meteorological phenomenon to describe what happened this past Friday — when WWE decided to dial up the anticipation for this Saturday's John Cena vs. CM Punk universal title match at Night of Champions with a tribute to the infamous pipe bomb promo. Yes, that pipe bomb. The one that blurred the lines between kayfabe and backstage politics, earning CM Punk an instant suspension from WWE and laying the groundwork for his eventual expulsion a few years later. The one in which Punk took legitimate shots at Vince McMahon, cementing his status as the ultimate outsider and iconoclast. The one that sent internet forums into an instant tailspin and is still being debated some 14 years later. Advertisement The monologue has been consistently cited as one of the most controversial in WWE history — and yet here it was being not just referenced by Cena on 'SmackDown,' but actively embraced and parodied. Then just in case we'd missed the significance of it all, we had a video package on "WWE Raw" containing snippets of the original pipe bomb. Once again, the underworld was looking decidedly chilly. To be fair, perhaps we should have seen it coming. From the moment CM Punk returned, WWE has been at pains to convince us that they've signed the real deal, controversies and all. 'I gotta be me right?' the man himself put it, minutes into his first promo after his return. Less than two weeks later, he proved the point, making a tongue-in-cheek reference to the backstage fight with Jack Perry that had got him fired from AEW. It's no exaggeration to say I gasped out loud when I heard it. Advertisement Clever lines aside, being the rebel is a tricky balance to strike. In his decade away from television, Punk built a reputation as pro-wrestling's biggest truth-teller. But how does that work when you're back in the WWE — a multi-billion dollar company with a knack for enforcing message discipline? For the past 18 months, CM Punk has tried his best to square that circle, but has it worked? There's no doubt that his latest run in WWE has been great. But rebellious? The creatives might want us to think that his barbs at the expense of The Rock ("You bald fraud!") are unscripted. But the fact that they end up approvingly posted to WWE's YouTube channel (albeit prefaced with a rather try-hard "Uncensored!") makes me think they're probably not. Still, when the man is putting together one of the feuds of his career against Drew McIntyre, you quickly learn to put those doubts to the back of your mind. Let the internet obsessives argue among themselves about whether Punk has been "watered down" or not, you think. And then the WWE goes and changes everything: Having Cena launch a direct attack on Punk for his supposed lack of integrity. "You are not against TKO. You are Mr. TKO,' Cena goaded his rival, delivering exactly the kind of line that would make us all sit bolt upright. Let's not forget it came just days after one of the biggest mic drop moments in years. It was on "Raw" two weeks ago that Cena taunted Punk about the fact that his much-awaited title shot will take place not in Chicago, but in Saudi Arabia — the very country who Punk previously attacked on social media during his wilderness years, and whose lucrative partnership with WWE is seen as the height of the latter's corporate culture. The message to the shocked crowd was clear: The guy whose name you chanted for 10 years is about to sell his soul to get ahead. For once, Cena really seemed to have outsmarted us all. Advertisement Has this been the best buildup of the entire Cena heel run? Quite possibly. What's undeniable, though, is that it was exactly what this feud needed. All of a sudden, Saturday's main event has that pulsing urgency that has been sorely lacking from so much of the last few months. It helps that, for once, the boldness isn't an illusion. Clearly Triple H and Nick Khan were happy to use the Saudi relationship as a way to generate heat for the Cena/Punk feud, but you have to wonder what Turki Alashikh made of it. After all, he's the one who signs off on all those $50 million dollar checks in the first place. Compared to that potential minefield, the decision to revive the pipe bomb seems almost safe by comparison. Still, at least you certainly can't accuse WWE of resting on their laurels. After so much of the Cena retirement tour has felt tired or derivative, this feud has struck the gold that we've been waiting for. And all it took was a little sprinkling of that old pipe bomb energy — and the bravery to light the fuse.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Legendary Tag Team Open To Final WWE Match Under Three Conditions
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 Dudley Boyz are open to a WWE return, but it must be under the right conditions. Bubba Ray Dudley recently spoke about the possibility with TVInsider. The iconic tag team has not competed together in a WWE ring since 2016. Their last match was a loss to Sami Zayn and Neville on the SummerSlam Kick Off show. Bubba Ray Dudley did make a more recent appearance in late 2024. He teamed with Trick Williams in a losing effort against Ethan Page and Ridge Holland on an episode of NXT. Despite the time away, Bubba Ray confirmed that he and D-Von Dudley are willing to reunite for one more match. WWE Conditions For A Final Dudley Boyz Match Bubba Ray explained that he believes WWE fans would love to see them one last time. However, the circumstances must be perfect for their return. "Of course," he stated. "If it would be up to me and D-Von, it would be yes, we would love to do it one last time." The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as... The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as executive chairman and its board of directors following allegations of sexual assault made public in a lawsuit in Connecticut. A former employee Janel Grant accused McMahon, 78, of sexual assault and sexually trafficking her. MoreHe stressed that the match would need to have a big-fight feel. It cannot be just a simple nostalgia appearance. "It has to be with the right team standing across from us," Bubba Ray said. "It has to be at the right venue, city and right event." The Dream Scenario For Dudley Boyz Return More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation When asked about a specific location, Bubba Ray named a grand stage. He wants their final moment to be at a stadium show. This would ensure the largest possible crowd for their farewell. It would be a fitting end for the legendary team. "Hell, I 'd love to do it at AT&T Stadium, Texas stadium with 101,000 people screaming one last time, 'D-Von, get the tables,'" he said. This makes it clear that any potential return for The Dudley Boyz would need to be a featured part of a major WWE event. WWE has a significant history at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, having hosted its flagship event, WrestleMania, at the venue on two separate occasions. The first event was WrestleMania 32 on April 3, 2016. This show set a WWE attendance record, with the company announcing a crowd of 101,763. The main event saw Roman Reigns defeat Triple H to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. WWE returned to the stadium for WrestleMania 38, which was a two-night event on April 2 and April 3, 2022. Night one was headlined by the memorable in-ring return of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, who defeated Kevin Owens in a No Holds Barred match. The main event of night two featured Roman Reigns defeating Brock Lesnar to unify the WWE and Universal Championships. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
India.com
5 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Donald Trump spoils the game of his own 'friend'? Iran vows to..., WWE is going to face major loss due to...
Donald Trump spoils the game of his own 'friend'? Iran vows to…, WWE is going to face major loss due to.... Iran-Israel War: WWE is going to conduct a big show in Saudi Arabia next week with the name 'Night of Champions', but clouds of uncertainty are hovering over it due to the escalating tensions between America, Israel, and Iran. The United States conducted airstrikes on crucial nuclear sites in Iran, destroying three nuclear sites. Following the attack, Iran has threatened to take revenge. An advisory has been issued for air travelers, warning them of a possible terrorist or missile attack. However, Saudi Arabia has very strong security, and there has been no announcement of the show's cancellation so far. But the situation remains delicate. No Response From WWE Sean Ross Sapp has asked WWE if there will be any change in the plans for Night of Champions due to the attack on Iran. WWE has not yet responded to this. Notably, Iran's state media has said that 'every American civilian or military personnel in the region is now our target.' This has increased the danger to WWE's event. Many people are demanding the cancellation of this show. Donald Trump has somehow harmed the business and family of his own friend Vince McMahon. Notably, Trump and former WWE chief Vince McMahon are good friends, and Vince's family is leading WWE. Iran Threatens Following US airstrikes, Iran's leaders have warned of serious consequences, stating that they have the right to self-defence. The Middle Eastern country's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that even after the US attacked Iran's nuclear sites, there is still a lot of room for diplomacy. 'They have crossed a very big red line by attacking nuclear sites…we will have to respond on the basis of our legitimate right to self-defence,' he said. Notably, this is not the first time that WWE has conducted a show in Saudi Arabia. However, following recent threats from Iran, public concern has risen. The future of the scheduled WWE event is uncertain, with cancellation a possible outcome.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From abuse to empire: The untold story of Vince McMahon's troubled childhood
विंस मैकमैहन Vince McMahon was a fighter not only inside the ring, but outside too, right from the days of childhood. The wrestling world may no longer see Vince McMahon as part of WWE , but there is no denying his immense contributions to the sports entertainment juggernaut, which have made it what it is today. A young Vinny Mac came from humble beginnings and made himself into a billionaire. However, the journey was filled with abuse from people close to him, which became a part of his dark past revealed in a candid story by none other than his own daughter, Stephanie McMahon . Former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon had a troubled childhood In a recent edition of the 'What's Your Story' podcast with Stephanie McMahon, WWE President Nick Khan was her guest. When Khan asked about the resilience she commanded, The Billion Dollar Princess opened up about her father, Vince McMahon's childhood days. She stated that Vince was abused as a child by his loved ones. He was also beaten up with a lead pipe by a man whom his mother was dating. However, his mindset was that survival was winning, and he still holds this view to this day. She said, 'His mindset was, if he could survive, he won. So just surviving was winning and still is winning for him today. And I don't know how you can ever beat someone at the end of the day if all they need to do is survive to win.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like O novo Chevrolet Onix é impressionante, especialmente por esses preços! Carros | Links Patrocinados Saiba Mais Undo Despite his controversies, scandals, and recent lawsuit by Janel Grant, Stephanie McMahon called him an empire builder, pointing to his professional accomplishments, but called him his own enemy. 'He is [an empire builder] and no one can take that away from him,' she said. 'No matter what, including himself, who is probably his biggest nemesis — is himself,' said Stephanie. Nick Khan tells all on Roman Reigns, social media & more | What's Your Story? With Steph McMahon Vince McMahon will always be regarded as a wrestling mogul despite his personal image. He is currently involved with his new company, "14TH&I," and is also rumored to be taking an interest in purchasing TNA Wrestling. Moreover, he reportedly attempted to buy a major stake in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship promotion. With McMahon not keeping low and on the move, it remains to be seen what the future holds for him. Also read: Not everyone turned on Vince McMahon— WWE Stars still praise him amid allegations! Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Not everyone turned on Vince McMahon— WWE Stars still praise him amid allegations!
विंस मैकमोहन Vince McMahon is gone from WWE , but not forgotten by those who are still close to him. Vince McMahon became one of the most prominent figures in the business world. His most notable achievement was transforming a regional wrestling promotion he bought from his father into a global giant we know today as WWE. However, he left the company in 2024 after major allegations by former employee Janel Grant. Despite the seriousness of the issue, there are reportedly many within the industry who have not changed their opinion about McMahon to this date. What is the perception about Vince McMahon among those he worked closely with? Sports Illustrated journalist Justin Barrasso recently reported on McMahon's perspective within the wrestling industry. According to him, the former WWE Chairman and CEO is still in high regard among wrestlers who possibly worked with him during his time as the company's frontrunner. He said, 'Speaking with wrestlers off-the-record, there is a great deal of support for McMahon, as many note that McMahon is still held in high regard.' Vince McMahon's reputation did take a hit after the lawsuit filed by Janel Grant became public. Despite that, superstars like John Cena , Natalya, Carmella, and others spoke highly of the boss and credited him for their success in the wrestling business. Elsewhere, McMahon has been busy setting up his new company, '14th&I..' Barasso in the same report also stated that fans should not expect it to produce scripted content. 'Those with inside knowledge are not sold on the idea that McMahon's investment firm, 14TH & I, is going to suddenly develop television shows or movies, a process that generally takes years to materialize' , said Barasso. Moreover, there have been heavy rumors circulating about McMahon possibly looking to purchase WWE's partner promotion, TNA Wrestling, which signed a multi-year deal with the Stamford-based company this year for talent exchanges and crossover matches. Regarding his lawsuit against Janel Grant, the former WWE Chairman is still under federal investigation. Despite being distanced by WWE's parent company, TKO Group Holdings, Vince McMahon looks to be commanding major respect for his contributions to the world of professional wrestling. Also read: The Undertaker's Role in WWE may be changing — And It can be big! Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
