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Category: Wrestling News

The latest professional wrestling news, rumors, and updates from WWE, AEW, TNA, ROH, and the independent scene around the globe

  • A Tribute to Asuka- An Empress Who Deserves More Than Flowers

    A Tribute to Asuka- An Empress Who Deserves More Than Flowers

    History was made last night at WWE’s Backlash as Asuka faced Iyo Sky in a 1-on-1 match. What was the history? This was the first time in the promotion’s history that two Japanese wrestler’s had a singles match against each other on a WWE premium live event (PLE). It ended with Iyo Sky coming out the victor, a beautiful and emotional exchange between the two women, and what looked like a passing of the torch from Asuka to Iyo.

    Is this the end for Asuka’s career with WWE? Is this just beginning of the end with Asuka being semi-retired? This something that we don’t know right now but it has a lot of people on social media talking. If this either the end or even the beginning of the end, Asuka deserves her praise and her flowers for her love of and dedication to the business.

    Asuka debuted in the promotion AtoZ in Japan in June of 2004 where she stayed until she was diagnosed with chronic nephritis in March of 2006 and retired from wrestling. She made her return to wrestling in September of 2007 as a freelance wrestler. She even ran some of her own shows as a promotion in Japan at the time did not like the fact she called out some allegedly predatory activity, which we won’t go into here. While in the promotion NEO Japan Women’s pro wrestling, she regularly tagged with Mio Shirai, Iyo Sky’s sister. In October of 2011, she debuted in the United States for the both Shimmer Women’s Athletes and Chikara. It is her work with Shimmer that is credited with her learning the American style of wrestling.

    It was during her time with Chikara that her future WWE co-superstar, Drew Gulak, met her. He has nothing but good things to say about the Empress of Tomorrow:

    “I met Asuka when she came in to work for Chikara in 2011. Her and Sara del Rey put on the match of the night in the middle of Tennessee with a missing bottom rope! (The middle one snapped in an earlier match and they swapped it out mid show.) I got to see her again in 2016 when she was with NXT here and there at the performance center when I was touring with the RAW brand and 205 Live. We would often train together at the performance center and I’d get to catch up with her backstage at RAW and SmackDown after she debuted on their main roster.”

    He continues by saying: “Asuka represents Japanese Wrestling at its best and constantly shows how their dedication and respect for all aspects of Professional Wrestling sets and raises the bar worldwide. She connects with fans as well as any of the best performers of all time. And she did so with so many challenges by getting a later start than many of her peers in Japan and raising a family and moving overseas and overcoming a language barrier. It’s difficult enough to make it as a wrestler so I am always blown away by the ones who cross cultural barriers to do it. I have many fond memories of getting to spend some time around this absolute legend of a person and no matter what she’s up to next it will be great.”

    Drew Gulak and Asuka. *included with permission from Drew Gulak

    Before she signed with the WWE in August of 2014, she tagged with none other than Kenny Omega against Masato Tanaka and Hikaru Shida. This match can be easily found online if you want to watch it and I highly suggest you do which is why I am selfishly sneaking it into this article. In September of 2015, it was revealed in a press conference in Toyko that she was the first Japanese female to have signed with the WWE since Bull Nakano in 1994. It is said that she was almost moved to the main roster in March of 2016 but she was thought to be the anchor of the NXT brand and was needed there.

    Her joy and love for wrestling was always so apparent whenever she entered the ring. The pride in the presentation of her character to her joyfully dancing in the elevator during the pandemic era corporate ladder match for the Money In The Bank briefcase, her love for this great business. If this is the end or even the beginning of the end of Asuka’s wrestling career as an in ring performer, we should all be so grateful to have witnessed her paving the way for other Japanese women coming to the States and for the joy she has brought to us all.

    Domo Arigatogozaimasu, Asuka. We all wish you the best of luck where ever your decision or path takes you. Whether its still wrestling, developing video games, or writing more articles, you will be amazing. Just know how loved and appreciated you are.

    Here are her list of accomplishments as a wrestler in WWE:

    •  3x WWE Women’s Champion
    • 1x WWE Women’s World Champion
    •  1x NXT Women’s Champion
    • 5x WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion
    •  1x Royal Rumble Winner (and FIRST women to win the rumble)
    •  1x MITB Winner
    •  1x Mixed Match Challenge Winner
    •  1x Elimination Chamber Winner

     

  • AEW Dynamite Preview – May 13, 2026

    AEW Dynamite Preview – May 13, 2026

     

    Last night during the LIVE AEW Collision episode, new matches for this upcoming weeks Dynamite have been revealed for Wednesday night.

    -After a successful World Title defense against PAC on Collision, Darby Allin will defend against Don Callis Family member Konosuke Takeshita.

    -Also during the Collision event last night, it was announced that the Owen Hart tournament would be returning, and the brackets for both the men’s and women’s tournaments will be revealed on Wednesday Night Dynamite.

    -We’ll hear from former two-time AEW World Heavyweight champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman – MJF!

    -Former TNA X Division champion Ace Austin takes on Will Ospreay. Many fans have been wanting to see this match for quite awhile. Ace signed with AEW around this time last year, while Ospreay recently returned from a pretty severe neck injury.

    -In a massive 5 on 5 match, The Young Bucks will partner up with the team of Cope & Christian, as well as current AEW Trios champion Orange Cassidy to take on current AEW Tag Team champions FTR, the Dogs – David Finlay & Clark Conners – as well as former AEW National champion Tommaso Ciampa.

    Tune into AEW Dynamite at 8pm Eastern/7pm Central on Wednesday Night on TBS and streaming on HBO MAX.

  • CCW Destiny Awaits 2026 Results – May 9th, 2026

    CCW Destiny Awaits 2026 Results – May 9th, 2026

    Coastal Championship Wrestling held their annual Destiny Awaits event on Saturday May 9th, 2026 from the MidFlorida Event Center in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The event aired on the CCW YouTube Channel.

    Below are the quick results for CCW’s Destiny Awaits 2026:

    • Stallion Rogers defeated Ilan – (9:12)
    • Vinny Pacifico defeated Gorgeous Gregory – (8:16)
    • CCW Cruiserweight Championship Match: Marvin Cruz (c) defeated Severen (w/Invidia) to retain the CCW Cruiserweight Title – (5:49)
    • Cha Cha Charlie & Jackal Stevens defeated Agony & Veritas via DQ – (10:30)
    • Ben Bishop defeated Mike Cunningham – (11:22)
    • CCW Women’s Championship Match: Kristin Blaze (c) defeated Valentina Rossi to retain the CCW Women’s Title – (10:40)
    • CCW Tag Team Championship Match: Monster Mosh (Ozzy Kilmeister & Skitz) defeated The King’s Court (Daniel Lacey & Eddie Valentine w/Marvin Cruz) (c) by DQ. The King’s Court retain the CCW Tag Team Titles – (17:33)

    You can watch the entire CCW Destiny Awaits 2026 below.

    (h/t Cagematch for the results.)

  • Lucha Libre AAA on FOX Results – May 9th, 2026

    Lucha Libre AAA on FOX Results – May 9th, 2026

    Triple Threat Match: Octagón Jr. vs. Lince Dorado vs. Cruz Del Toro

    AAA opened the night with a fast-paced triple threat match between Octagón Jr., Lince Dorado, and Cruz Del Toro. The bout featured nonstop aerial offense, quick counters, and high-impact action from start to finish.

    Early in the match, Cruz Del Toro gained control against Octagón Jr. However, Lince Dorado interrupted the attack and launched himself to the outside with a dive onto Del Toro. Moments later, Octagón Jr. answered with a twisting dive onto both opponents to regain momentum.

    The pace continued to escalate as the three competitors traded offense throughout the match. Lince Dorado connected with a stunner-like maneuver on Octagón Jr., but Cruz Del Toro broke up the pinfall attempt at two. Shortly after, Octagón responded with a Golden Plex, though Lince once again stopped the finish by placing Del Toro’s legs on the ropes.

    Cruz Del Toro later cut off Octagón Jr. from the top rope before delivering a Coast to Coast. Lince Dorado answered with a huge 450 Splash as the action continued at a relentless pace.

    Result: Lince Dorado defeated Cruz Del Toro after connecting with a Bronco Buster.

    Backstage Segment

    Backstage, Dorian Roldán was seen talking on the phone before being interrupted by Chessman. During the conversation, Chessman mentioned that he had a meeting with Dorian’s mother regarding the General Manager position.

    Jessy Jackson vs. La Catalina

    Before the match began, Flammer made her entrance to watch the action from ringside.

    The match started with a technical exchange between Jessy Jackson and La Catalina. Jessy quickly took control with an aggressive approach, including a brutal knee strike against the ropes that nearly ended the match. Nevertheless, La Catalina responded with a dropkick from the top rope before following up with offense in the corner to regain momentum.

    Jessy Jackson later regained control with several strikes and a double knee attack. Despite the punishment, La Catalina fought back and mounted a final comeback sequence. She sent Jessy into the ropes before climbing to the top rope and delivering a crossbody splash for the victory.

    Result: La Catalina defeated Jessy Jackson after hitting a top-rope crossbody.

    Following the match, Las Tóxicas attacked La Catalina. Flammer also joined the assault, delivering a hard elbow strike to the chest.

    Lola Vice attempted to make the save but was quickly overwhelmed by the numbers advantage. Finally, Bayley appeared to even the odds and helped clear the ring alongside La Catalina and Lola.

    Psycho Clown and Pagano Face-to-Face

    With Psycho Clown in the ring, he called out Pagano to confront him over everything that has happened in recent weeks. Psycho stated that the situation goes far beyond championships or matches and made it clear that he suspects someone close to them. He admitted it hurts to believe that one of his own brothers could be behind everything happening.

    Pagano reminded Psycho Clown of all the wars and battles they have fought together throughout the years. He denied attacking his partners and claimed that someone is trying to destroy the family from within.

    However, Pagano warned Psycho Clown to be careful with his accusations and suggested that the truth might be closer than he realizes. Psycho then shoved Pagano in the middle of the ring. Pagano responded by saying that once the truth finally comes out, Psycho will understand that he was never on the wrong side.

    As Psycho Clown stood on the entrance ramp, he was suddenly attacked by War Raiders. Pagano immediately ran from the ring to make the save. Afterward, Psycho attempted to thank him, but Pagano rejected the gesture by pushing his hand away before both men exited in opposite directions.

  • WWE Backlash 2026 Full Show Results & Recap

    WWE Backlash 2026 Full Show Results & Recap

    Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker

    WWE Backlash opened with a hard-hitting singles match between Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker. Rollins appeared to gain momentum after connecting with a Pedigree and fighting off interference from Paul Heyman, Austin Theory, and Logan Paul at ringside.

    After attacking members of The Vision with a steel chair, Rollins returned to the ring looking to finish the match. Breakker answered with a massive Spear for a close two-count. Moments later, Breakker attempted another Spear, but Rollins avoided it and immediately connected with a second Pedigree.

    Rollins then climbed to the second rope looking for a Super Stomp, but before he could fully connect, Breakker exploded with another Spear in mid-motion. Breakker followed it up with a second devastating Spear to finally put Rollins away.

    Result: Bron Breakker defeated Seth Rollins via pinfall after two Spears.

    U.S Championship – Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams (C)

    Sami Zayn showed a far more aggressive side throughout his match against Trick Williams. The action escalated when the referee became distracted, allowing Zayn to strike Trick with a kendo stick.

    Despite the illegal shot, Trick Williams managed to kick out at two. Sami later prepared for the Helluva Kick, but rapper Lil Yachty interfered from ringside and struck Zayn with the kendo stick, helping Trick regain control.

    Zayn fought back and even took out Lil Yachty with a Helluva Kick outside the ring. However, his momentum was short-lived as Trick avoided another Helluva Kick attempt and connected with the Trick Shot to earn the win.

    Result: Trick Williams defeated Sami Zayn via pinfall with the Trick Shot.

    Kit Wilson & The Miz vs. Danhausen & Minihausen

    The comedy tag team match delivered several chaotic moments throughout the night. Minihausen attempted to “curse” Kit Wilson, but Wilson countered by pulling out a mirror to reflect the curse back.

    The Miz nearly secured the victory after hitting Minihausen with the Skull Crushing Finale, but Danhausen broke up the pinfall attempt just in time. Later in the match, The Miz attempted to use a fire extinguisher, only for the plan to backfire when he accidentally sprayed himself.

    Minihausen launched himself onto Kit Wilson outside the ring, creating an opening for Danhausen to connect with the Punk Kick on The Miz for the victory.

    Result: Danhausen & Minihausen defeated The Miz & Kit Wilson via pinfall.

    IYO SKY vs. Asuka

    IYO SKY and Asuka delivered one of the most intense and technically sound matches of the evening. Asuka controlled large portions of the bout early, constantly targeting the champion with stiff strikes and submission attempts.

    The momentum shifted several times throughout the contest. IYO connected with a German Back Suplex for a near fall, while Asuka repeatedly trapped her in the Asuka Lock. At ringside, Asuka attempted to use the mist, but IYO blocked it with a notebook before launching herself onto her opponent outside the ring.

    In the closing moments, IYO SKY connected with the Bullet Train Attack followed by a Moonsault to retain her championship.

    Result: IYO SKY defeated Asuka via pinfall. After the match, both women embraced in a respectful and emotional moment as Asuka appeared visibly moved.

    John Cena Announces the “John Cena Classic”

    John Cena addressed the WWE Universe during a special segment discussing the next chapter of his career following his final official match.

    Cena praised rising stars such as Je’Von Evans, Sol Ruca, and Oba Femi before unveiling the “John Cena Classic,” a new WWE tournament designed to showcase the company’s future stars.

    Cena also revealed a brand-new championship tied to the tournament and announced that fans will play a major role in deciding the eventual winner.

    World Heavyweight Championship – Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu

    Jacob Fatu dominated long stretches of the match with overwhelming aggression and physicality, constantly pushing Reigns into survival mode. WWE has rarely presented Reigns in this kind of vulnerable position, and the formula worked perfectly in elevating Fatu as arguably the most dangerous force on Raw today.

    The closing moments came after Fatu trapped Reigns in a punishing jaw submission. As Reigns struggled to escape, he grabbed the referee by the shirt. When the official pulled away and briefly turned his back, Reigns shoved Fatu into the exposed turnbuckle before immediately connecting with a Spear for the victory.

    Result: Roman Reigns defeated Jacob Fatu via pinfall to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.

    After the match, Fatu exploded in frustration and attacked both Reigns and the referee, furious over how the contest ended.

  • WWE Backlash 2026 Quick Results – Tampa, Florida – May 8th, 2026

    WWE Backlash 2026 Quick Results – Tampa, Florida – May 8th, 2026

    World Wrestling Entertainment held their annual Backlash event on Saturday May 8th, 2026 from the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. The event aired live on ESPN+ Unlimited.

    Below are the quick results for WWE Backlash 2026:

    • Bron Breakker (w/Paul Heyman) defeated Seth Rollins – (21:26)
    • WWE United States Championship Match: Trick Williams (w/Lil Yachty) (c) defeated Sami Zayn to retain the WWE US Title – (12:56)
    • Danhausen & Minihausen(s) defeated Kit Wilson & The Miz – (11:38)
    • IYO SKY defeated Asuka – (18:07)
    • WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match: Roman Reigns (c) defeated Jacob Fatu to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Title – (17:50)

    (h/t Cagematch for the match times.)

  • AEW Fairway to Hell Collision Results – May 9th, 2026

    AEW Fairway to Hell Collision Results – May 9th, 2026

    AEW was at the Sofi center in Palm Beach Gardens, Fl for their Collision Fairway to Hell. In a beautiful golf based venue complete with fairway, two titles were on the line.

    This show saw one title change….with some help from a “friend.” This title change was was when Mark Davis of the Don Callis Family defeated Jungle Jack Perry with a help of Ricochet and a golf club.

    The show was also the debut of the Divine Dominion’s five minute challenge. If you can survive five minutes with the duo, then you earn a women’s tag team title shot.

    This episode also revealed the doubling of the teams for Double or Nothing’s stadium stampede with The Hurt Syndicate and Jericho being joined by Jungle Jack Perry and the Elite (The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega). The opposite team is comprised of The Demand and members of the Don Callis family to be determined later.

    Also mentioned was the women’s four way for the AEW Women’s championship for Double or Nothing which includes Thekla (c), Hiraku Shida, Kris Statlander, and Jayme Hayter. World Champion Darby Allin defended his title against The Bastard Pac in the main event in a no countout match.

    Other announcements include another title defense for Darby as he defends against Konosuke Takeshita, a 10 man tag team match, announcement of the brackets for the Owen Hart tournament, and the crowd will hear from MJF.

    Results of the matches are as follows:

    • Mark Davis def Jungle Jack Perry (c) to win the AEW National Championship (NEW CHAMPION) via pinfall
    • Divine Dominion (Lena Kross and Megan Bayne) def Ruthie Slay and Rachel Ley with almost 2:43 left in the challenge via pinfall
    • Speedball Mike Bailey def Kiran Grey via pinfall
    • Darby Allin (c) def The Bastard Pac (AND STILL) via pinfall

     

  • TNA Star Steve Maclin Talks Tunnels To Towers Event, TNA Being A Destination For Free Agents

    TNA Star Steve Maclin Talks Tunnels To Towers Event, TNA Being A Destination For Free Agents

    Steve Maclin is a former TNA (IMPACT) World Champion, and a former two-time and inaugural TNA International champion. He recently had an injury scare against Mike Santana in a match fighting for the World Title where he collapsed after a kick to the jaw.

    A few weeks later, Maclin gave an update that he’s cleared to compete after a short time away from the ring.

    While speaking with Ryan Gaydos of Fox News digital sports, Steve Maclin discussed many topics, including potential free agents coming to TNA, the Tunnels to Towers charity event he and his wife Deonna Purrazzo are hosting.

    “TNA has always been under the radar. It’s kinda been that land of misfit toys where you can go and reinvent yourself or invent yourself as a new character in general and kinda show the world who you are,” he told Fox News Digital. “TNA has always been giving me that opportunity, especially the day that I hit the ground running in TNA Wrestling, I haven’t stopped – becoming the world champion, becoming the first TNA international champion, and now, hopefully coming back and going back after the world title as well.

    “It’s a place where you can grow and it’s a place that’s kinda that locker room that everyone has always been looking for and it’s that family orientation. And it’s said a lot in the world of pro wrestling but it’s very family oriented where we all take care of each other no matter how good or bad the creative is or how the upper echelon is, the locker room always takes care of the locker room. They’re the ones that make bad creative look like its good creative on television.”

    Maclin and Purrazzo will host the Battle for the Brave on June 6 in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Maclin served with the U.S. Marines.

    “It’s a great cause just because that entire New York/New Jersey area, the Tri-State area, has really been affected by 9/11. It affected both of our lives,” Maclin told Fox News Digital in a story published earlier this week. “I enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2005. It just affected everyone. So, especially a lot of the talent that’s on the card as well, everybody has some type of story or link toward 9/11.

    “And with Tunnel to Towers, a lot of people in that area love the cause and love what Tunnel to Towers does for the community by giving back to first responders’ families, paying off mortgages, smart homes for veterans who have been wounded and now paying off college tuitions for first responders’ and veterans’ families who have lost some loved ones.”

    H/T Ryan Gaydos for Fox News Digital
    order the event on Triller here:
    https://x.com/wrestlingt2t/status/2052841277700370925?s=46

    TNA has some more events coming up in Sacramento, California next Thursday and Friday nights. Will Steve Maclin make his return to the company at one of those events? We’ll have to tune in to find out.

    Catch TNA Wrestling iMPACT! every Thursday Night on AMC TV.

    Get your tickets for TNA LIVE on Thursday, May 14 and the TNA iMPACT TV tapings on Friday, May 15 here.

  • WWE Talents Asked To Take Pay Cut Reportedly Not Seen As “High-End Players”

    WWE Talents Asked To Take Pay Cut Reportedly Not Seen As “High-End Players”

    Earlier this week, we reported exclusively on the Bodyslam+ Patreon that TKO asked several WWE talents to restructure their contracts. The company reportedly made the move because of concerns about talent pay compared to production value.

    Now, a new report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has shared more details. According to the report, fewer than six talents agreed to take pay cuts. Those talents reportedly would have been released if they refused the new contracts.

    The report also stated that the talents involved were not viewed as “high-end players.” Creative reportedly had little interest in using them on television going forward.

    The current plan is for those talents to stay under contract. However, their in-ring roles are expected to decrease over time.

    The report comes after another major WWE contract story. We previously reported on the Bodyslam+ Patreon that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods asked for their WWE releases. Both talents reportedly made that decision after being asked to take less money in new contracts. The situation has increased attention on WWE contract talks and TKO’s recent roster changes.

    We will keep you updated here at Bodyslam.net if any more information becomes available regarding WWE Talents and the recent pay cuts.

  • TNA Star Eric Young Talks Getting Ricky Sosa Signed

    TNA Star Eric Young Talks Getting Ricky Sosa Signed

    Ricky Sosa is officially a member of the TNA Wrestling roster after appearing in February and then signing with the company at the Sacrifice event at that end of March.

    While speaking with HUGE POP!, Young spoke about Sosa snd how he remembers competing at an independent show in France and seeing Sosa. Young went on to call TNA Head of Talent Relations Tommy Dreamer and told him that TNA should sign Sosa before someone else does.

    “Obviously, Ricky Sosa was a huge get for TNA. I wrestled in France on a show and he was there. The day I got home, I called Tommy (Dreamer) and I said, ‘I saw this kid. You gotta hire him before someone else does because it’s just a matter of time,’ and he had that viral video of his entrance, and it’s everywhere, and he came and he signed with us, and I’m pretty sure I’m gonna get the opportunity to work with him.

    He’s got a lot of proving to do. But I think that he’s up for the challenge and I think that he’s one of those rare things and I don’t know if he’ll be another Leon (Slater). That’s a tall bar. I’ve always known when Leon was good. But after wrestling him, I can tell you he’s one in a hundred million. Maybe more than that. One in a billion. He’s so good, he doesn’t even know how good he is.”

    H/T Andrew Thompson of Fightful. 

    Ironically, Ricky was last on TNA programming taking a piledriver from Young on the April 9th episode on Thursday Night iMPACT! after he signed with the promotion a few weeks earlier. Hopefully, Ricky will be back soon.

    Eric Young defeated EC3 this past Thursday in a No Disqualification Match on AMC TV.