WWE Summerslam 2025 Night Two

By Steve Ward

WWE once again filled MetLife Field in East Rutherford, New Jersey to the rafters with a rabid capacity crowd for Summerslam Night Two. Night Two’s card featured six matches with each one having a title in the balance and was headlined by Cody Rhodes squaring off with John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Women’s World Championship
Rhea Ripley vs. Iyo Sky vs. Naomi (c)
Winner: Naomi via pinfall

Naomi cashed in her Money In The Bank briefcase three weeks ago at Evolution during Iyo Sky’s title defense against Rhea Ripley to become the new Women’s World Champion. With Sky and Ripley both having a legitimate claim to a title opportunity, that brings us to tonight’s triple threat encounter. In the closing moments, Ripley hit the Avalanche Riptide on Iyo Sky and made a pinfall attempt only to have Naomi sneak up on her and roll her up with a handful of tights for the pinfall.

WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championship Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Match
Street Profits vs. #DIY vs. Motor City Machine Guns vs. Fraxiom vs. Andrade & Rey Fénix vs. The Wyatt Sick6 (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) (c)
Winners: The Wyatt Sick6

This match was a spectacle of chaos and carnage with broken chairs, ladders, and tables strewn about. In the final moments, The Wyatt Sick6 cleared the ring with a pair of chairs and Gacy scaled the ladder to retrieve and retain their titles.

Women’s Intercontinental Championship
Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria
Winner: Becky Lynch via pinfall

The bitter rivalry between Becky and Lyra began when Becky turned on Lyra following their tag team title loss at WrestleMania and escalated after Becky took Lyra’s Intercontinental Title. This tumultuous feud would come to a head tonight as Lyra earned a shot at “The Man’s” title following her victory over Bayley recently in a Two Out Of Three Falls Match. Tonight’s no disqualification affair quickly devolved into a hardcore match as countless weapons were introduced. Late in the match, Becky was mercilessly beating Lyra when Bayley decided to interject herself into the match. Late in the bout, with Bayley seemingly taken out by Becky, Bayley climbed onto the ring apron and took a swing at Becky with a chain wrapped around her hand. Lynch avoided the blow and instead it landed square in the face of Lyra. Becky then put away Lyra with the Manhandle Slam to retain her title.

United States Championship
Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
Winner: Solo Sikoa

Jacob Fatu sought to regain his United States Championship as the match was contested within a steel cage to help mitigate interference by Solo’s NFTs. In the end, it wasn’t enough. Fatu and Solo found themselves jockeying for position in an attempt to escape the cage through the door. Talla Tonga then slammed the door in Fatu’s face allowing Solo to escape and retain his title.

WWE Intercontinental Championship
AJ Styles vs. “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio (c)
Winner: Dominik Mysterio via pinfall

AJ Styles had been stalking Mysterio for several weeks as he continued to duck “The Phenomenal One” with a supposed rib injury. Late in the match, Dom’s boot came off as Styles attempted a Calf Crusher submission on him. The referee was briefly distracted moments later after avoiding a collision with Styles allowing Dom to strike Styles with the boot. Mysterio then climbed to the top turnbuckle and landed the Frogsplash to allow him to secure the pinfall.

Undisputed WWE Championship Street Fight
Johnny Cena (c) vs. Cody Rhodes
Winner: Cody Rhodes via pinfall

Cody Rhodes finally earned his rematch with John Cena, following his loss to him at WrestleMania 41, after winning the King of the Ring tournament. John Cena appeared poised to retain his title after he executed an Avalanche AA, however, Cody was able to rally as he delivered an Avalanche Cody Cutter (even though it looked more like an awkward bulldog) through a table. Rhodes then covered Cena for the pinfall and regained his title.

Following the match, Cena stood in the ring soaking up the atmosphere when the ultimate shocker of the weekend arrived in the form of Brock Lesnar! Lesnar made his way to the ring and delivered an F5 to Cena before exiting the stadium.

WWE Summerslam 2025 Night One

By Steve Ward

WWE returned to the great state of New Jersey this evening as Summerslam emanated from MetLife Stadium. This also marked the first time in WWE history that the event would be a two night spectacular. Tonight’s card featured six scheduled matches with three championships contested as Gunther battled CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event.

Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman
Winners: Roman Reigns & Jey Uso via pinfall

Roman Reigns and Jey Uso reunited tonight in Reigns’ first in ring action since “The Wiseman” (now “The Oracle”) Paul Heyman turned on him at WrestleMania and forged his alliance with Seth Rollins. Tonight, Reigns and Uso would square off with the two newest Paul Heyman Guys, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. In the closing moments of the opening bout, Breakker had Uso sized up for a spear. As Breakker charged forward, Reigns shoved Uso out of harm’s way and took the spear that nearly broke him in half. Uso then disposed of Breakker and delivered an Uso Splash to Reed to earn the victory.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez (c) vs. Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair
Winners: Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair via pinfall

Following Liv Morgan’s shoulder injury, Roxanne Perez stepped in as the newest member of The Judgement Day and as the new tag team partner of Raquel Rodriguez. Tonight they were challenged by Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, who recently became allies of convenience, for the Tag Team Championship. In the closing moments, Charlotte took out Raquel with a big boot allowing Bliss to hit the Sister Abigail on Perez to crown them as the new tag team champions.

Karrion Kross w/ Scarlet vs. Sami Zayn
Winner: Sami Zayn via pinfall

For weeks, Kross has been trying to convince Zayn that he must tap into his evil side to achieve his goal of becoming a world champion and tonight their rivalry would come to a head. As the match came to an end, Zayn resisted using a steel pipe offered to him by Scarlet and instead delivered a Helluva Kick to earn the win.

WWE Women’s Championship
Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
Winner: Tiffany Stratton via pinfall

Jade Cargill punched her ticket to a title shot at Summerslam following her win in the Queen of the Ring tournament and tonight she sought to win her first singles championship against Tiffany Stratton. The closing minutes saw Stratton avoid her demise by reversing a top rope Jaded and following it up with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever to help her retain her title.

Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre
Winners: Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre via pinfall

Jelly Roll was invited to perform on Smackdown several weeks ago only to be interrupted by Logan Paul. Orton then saved Jelly Roll only to be immediately ambushed by Drew McIntyre. This lead to the start of a bitter rivalry that culminated in a bitter grudge match tonight. The closing moments saw Jelly Roll somehow return to the ring after being put through the announce table but was first met with a Claymore from McIntyre and then the Paul From Grace to suffer defeat in his in-ring debut.

World Heavyweight Championship
Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk
Winner: CM Punk via pinfall

After Gunther retired the legendary Goldberg a few weeks ago on Saturday Night’s Main Event, CM Punk stepped up to the champ stating he needed to be World Heavyweight Champion and established himself as his new challenger. Late in the match, Gunther had his legs swept out from beneath him as he stood gloating on the Spanish announce table and took a header on the way down. As he recovered from the ground, he was covered in a crimson mask. Punk then went on to escape a subsequent sleeper hold by Gunther and finished him off with to Go To Sleeps.

As Punk celebrated, Seth Rollins’ music echoed through MetLife Stadium as he and Paul Heyman made their way out. Rollins stood there on crutches with a knee brace on as Heyman held the Money In The Bank briefcase. Rollins let Punk know he’d be cashing in on him soon and proceeded to start walking out only to abruptly stop, drop his crutches, remove his brace, and storm the ring with briefcase in tow.

World Heavyweight Championship Match #2
CM Punk (c) vs. Seth Rollins w/ Paul Heyman
Winner: Seth Rollins via pinfall

Seth Rollins proceeded to beat CM Punk down with the briefcase before handing it to the referee to cash it in. Rollins then hit the stomp on Punk and quickly covered him to claim the title.

WWE Money In The Bank 2025

By Steve Ward

WWE returned to Peacock tonight with Money In The Bank from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. This event is arguably as pivotal of an event to the annual landscape of WWE each year as the Royal Rumble in that the winners of the Men’s and Women’s Money In The Bank ladder matches earn the opportunity to cash in an opportunity against the champion of their choice at any time for the next year. This evening’s card featured five matches with two title bouts, two Money In The Bank Ladder Matches, and was headlined by a tag team grudge match between the teams of Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes and Logan Paul and John Cena.

Women’s Money In The Bank Ladder Match
Alexa Bliss vs. Naomi vs. Giulia vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Roxanne Perez
Winner: Naomi

With an opportunity at a world title shot literally hanging in the balance, these six women threw caution to the wind. In the final moments, Alexa Bliss and Rhea Ripley found themselves alone at the top of the ladder jockeying for position. Naomi then emerged from outside the ring and tipped the ladder over leaving a scene of carnage. Naomi took this opportunity to scale the ladder to capture her first Money In The Bank briefcase.

WWE Intercontinental Championship
Dominik Mysterio (c) w/ Liv Morgan vs. Octagon Jr.
Winner: Dominik Mysterio via pinfall

Mysterio appeared at AAA Worlds Collide earlier in the day and confronted Octagon Jr. following his match. Following the brawl that subsequently ensued between the two, Mysterio challenged Octagon Jr. to a match this evening. With an assist by Liv Morgan, Mysterio was able to gain the upper hand and execute the 619 followed by the Frog Splash to retain his title.

Women’s Intercontinental Championship
Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Becky Lynch
Winner: Becky Lynch via pinfall

Despite retaining her title over Lynch last month at Backlash, The Man got the last laugh with a vicious attack following their match. Valkyria then exacted a measure of revenge on Lynch by costing her a spot in the Women’s Money In The Bank ladder match recently on RAW. That led us to tonight’s rematch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. This was a true back and forth affair throughout the contest and the conclusion would be no different. Lyra rolled up Lynch for the pinfall only to have Lynch reverse it for her own pinfall as she grasped her tights for leverage and the win.

Men’s Money In The Bank Ladder Match
Seth Rollins w/ Paul Heyman vs. El Grande Americano vs. LA Knight vs. Andrade vs. Penta vs. Solo Sikoa
Winner: Seth Rollins

In the closing moments, the ring and the area surrounding looked like a crime scene. There was no shortage of run-ins as Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed first came to the aid of Rollins and then Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo (Jeff Cobb) for Solo Sikoa. It appeared Sikoa was poised to claim victory as he climbed the ladder until Fatu turned on him by grabbing his ankle and preventing him from reaching the briefcase. Fatu then exclaimed “I hate you” and laid waste to Sikoa. Rollins next attempted to climb the ladder only to be temporarily interrupted by LA Knight before disposing of him and retrieving the briefcase.

Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso vs. Johnny Cena & Logan Paul
Winners: Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso via pinfall

Cody Rhodes made his in-ring return tonight following his loss at Wrestlemania to John Cena. Tonight he would be in tag team action as he partnered with World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso against Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena and Logan Paul. The closing moments saw Rhodes and Cena alone in the ring after Logan Paul put Uso through the announce table with an Asai Moonsault from the middle ring rope. With the referee distracted outside the ring, Cena struck Rhodes with his title belt. It appeared Cena was poised to put Rhodes away until a hooded assailant arose from the crowd and attacked Cena. After incapacitating Cena, the masked man revealed himself as R-Truth who had allegedly left the company this past week following the expiration of his contract. This allowed Rhodes to put Cena away with the Cross Rhodes to solidify the victory.

WWE Backlash 2025

By Steve Ward

The fallout from WrestleMania 41 culminated this evening in St. Louis, Missouri as WWE presented Backlash from the Enterprise Arena. This evening’s card featured five bouts with four holding a title in the balance and was headlined by John Cena defending his Universal Championship against Randy Orton.

United States Championship Fatal Four Way

Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest vs. LA Knight

Winner: Jacob Fatu via pinfall

 

The tempo of this match remained at a fever pitch throughout. Late in the contest, Priest took both himself and Drew McIntyre out of the match after delivering a South of Heaven from the top of a sound crate through a pair of tables. LA Knight then laid Fatu out on the announce table and scaled to the top rope. First, Solo Sikoa emerged to pull Fatu out of harm’s way. As Knight pursued Solo, he was blindsided by an unknown assailant soon revealed as Jeff Cobb! Knight was then thrown into the ring and served up for Fatu to put him away.

 

Women’s Intercontinental Championship

Becky Lynch vs. Lyra Valkyria (c)

Winner: Lyra Valkyria via pinfall

 

These two women teamed up at WrestleMania to claim the Women’s Tag Team Championship only to lose them 24 hours later on RAW. This caused The Man to reveal her true colors and lay waste to Lyra leading us to tonight’s encounter. Both women pulled out all stops but, in the end, Lyra withstood multiple Manhandle Slams, the Disarm Her, and an exposed turnbuckle to end up winning with a pinfall reversal.

 

WWE Intercontinental Championship

Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Penta

Winner: Dominik Mysterio via pinfall

 

After Penta was cost his chance at claiming the Intercontinental Championship on RAW recently, he was granted another opportunity tonight. Late in the match, The Judgement Day tried to get involved only to be stopped by the referee and banned from ringside. While the referee was still distracted, El Grande Americano emerged to headbutt Penta with a loaded mask. This set the stage for Mysterio to hit the frogsplash and seal his victory.

 

Gunther vs. Pat McAfee

Winner: Gunther via submission

 

The night following WrestleMania Gunther took exception to the commentary being delivered by Michael Cole and Pat McAfee and assaulted the two. That prompted McAfee to call out Gunther bringing us to tonight. McAfee made the match interesting and received a little help in the form of outside interference from Michael Cole, but in the end, Gunther put him away with the Sleeper Hold.

 

WWE Universal Championship

Randy Orton vs. John Cena (c)

Winner: John Cena via pinfall

 

John Cena and Randy Orton resumed their 25-year rivalry tonight in Orton’s hometown for possibly the last time with Cena’s new Universal Championship on the line. Randy Orton controlled most of the match and seemed poised to win his 15th world championship until Cena decked the referee inadvertently with the title. In the closing minutes, Orton had Cena squared up for the punt only to be stopped by the man who calls Cena his childhood hero despite being older than him, R-Truth. R-Truth promptly received an RKO for his efforts. As Orton yelled at Truth, who had rolled out to the arena floor, Cena delivered a low blow to Randy. Cena then finished Orton off with a shot to the head with the Universal Championship and pinned him just in time for the referee to recover and count the pinfall.

AC Boxing Scene Alive and Thriving

By Frank Bartolini

Professional boxing in Atlantic City has often been written off as dead. But that message clearly didn’t reach the over 10,000 fans who packed the Convention Center on the boardwalk to witness Jaron “Boots” Ennis successfully defend his World Welterweight Championship, in an event promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Ennis, a Philadelphia native, delivered the most dominant performance of his career, dismantling Eimantas Stanionis in six rounds. Philadelphia, known for embracing its champions, showed up in full force—many clad in Eagles Super Bowl gear—to support their hometown hero.

Using sharp left jabs to the head and body, Ennis opened up Stanionis for a brutal body assault. Switching to a southpaw stance at times, Ennis demonstrated his versatility and ferocity. Though he absorbed a few hooks, Ennis responded with a relentless wave of punches that eventually overwhelmed the tough and resilient Lithuanian challenger.

In the sixth round, Ennis targeted Stanionis’ midsection with a punishing barrage. Grimacing in pain, Stanionis backed into the corner, clearly hurt. Sensing the moment, Ennis landed three consecutive left uppercuts to the chin of a hunched-over opponent. Stanionis crumbled to the canvas but courageously got back to his feet and survived the round.

Back in his corner, concern was etched on the faces of his team. As the ringside physician, referee, and head trainer assessed his condition, a decision was made to stop the fight. The trainer called it off, and with agreement from the doctor and referee, the bout was officially ended. Though suffering his first professional loss, Stanionis (now 15–1, 9 KOs) earned respect for his grit and heart.

With this emphatic victory, Ennis (now 34–0, 30 KOs) firmly established himself as the king of the 147-pound division. However, challenges remain. Super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez has publicly called him out, and undefeated fighters Devin Haney and Brian Norman Jr. are also being floated as potential opponents. Still, it would be fitting if Ennis cleaned out the welterweight division before moving up in weight. This writer’s dream matchup? A clash between Ennis and Gervonta “Tank” Davis—a Philly vs. Baltimore showdown that would electrify fans across the boxing world.

Don’t believe the doubters—the Atlantic City fight scene is far from dead. Just two weeks before the Ennis-Stanionis bout, Larry Goldberg’s BoxingInsider Promotions hosted a six-fight card at the Tropicana Casino & Hotel. Headlining the event was local favorite Justin Figueroa, a junior middleweight and standout former high school athlete. Over 1,500 fans filled the venue—hardly the sign of a fading boxing town.

Back in 2015, Atlantic City’s boxing future looked bleak. The city was in economic decline, with multiple casinos shuttered and others demolished. Professional boxing came to a near halt. That’s when welterweight contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna took a bold step—promoting boxing himself to keep the sport alive in the “City by the Sea.”

LaManna’s efforts reignited the local boxing scene. His initiative inspired other promoters, leading to a resurgence that now boasts more than 20 fight cards a year on the boardwalk. A veteran of 45 professional bouts, LaManna’s own career continues as he prepares to face former super welterweight and middleweight champion Jermall Charlo in a 10-round bout on May 31 at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

Thanks to fighters like Ennis and LaManna, and the passionate fanbase that continues to show up, Atlantic City remains a vital part of the boxing world. The scene isn’t dying—it’s thriving.

WWE WrestleMania 41 Night Two

By Steve Ward

WrestleMania 41 weekend continued this evening from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada with night two. The card again featured seven bouts with four titles contested and was capped off by Cody Rhodes defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against John Cena.

 

WWE Women’s World Championship 

Iyo Sky (c) vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair

Winner: Iyo Sky via pinfall

 

Bianca Belair punched her ticket to WrestleMania after winning the Elimination Chamber last month. Things only became more complicated the next night on RAW when Iyo Sky defeated Rhea Ripley for her championship. With Ripley entitled to a rematch, that brings us to our triple threat encounter tonight. In the closing moments, it appeared Belair was poised to take the title after she viciously whipped her with her hair and then hit the Kiss of Death. As Belair attempted the pinfall, Iyo Sky flew in out of nowhere landing an Over the Moonsault on both women and then covered Belair for the win.

 

Sin City Street Fight

Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest

Winner: Drew McIntyre via pinfall 

 

This bitter rivalry began at last year’s WrestleMania when Damian Priest cashed in his Money In the Bank briefcase and defeated McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship just moments after he won it from Seth Rollins. Since then, McIntyre has blamed Priest for his inability to regain championship gold. This rivalry would come to a head tonight in a Sin City Street Fight. Priest appeared in control after he put McIntyre through a table with a Razor’s Edge until he attempted the Undertaker’s Old School. As Priest walked the ropes, McIntyre shoved him off and he plunged to the floor and through two tables. McIntyre then propped up Priest’s head against a chair wedged into the turnbuckles and delivered a devastating Claymore Kick to seal the victory.

 

WWE Intercontinental Championship Fatal Four Way Match

Bron Breakker (c) vs. Finn Balor vs. Penta vs. Dominik Mysterio 

Winner: Dominik Mysterio via pinfall 

 

This fast-paced, intense bout ended in shocking fashion. Finn Balor appeared in a prime position to win the title as he delivered the Coup de Grace on Bron Breakker. As Balor covered him for the pinfall, Dominik Mysterio landed a frog splash on top of both men and proceeded to cover his own Judgment Day cohort, Balor, for the pinfall.

 

Open Challenge

Randy Orton vs. Joe Hendry 

Winner: Randy Orton via pinfall 

 

Randy Orton was originally scheduled to face Kevin Owens until Owens announced he needed neck surgery. Orton, insistent on performing at his 20th WrestleMania, held an open challenge. The challenge would be accepted by TNA World Champion Joe Hendry. Hendry was able to mount some offense but, in the end, he was smiling for the camera only to become the recipient of an RKO Out of Nowhere.

 

AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul

Winner: Logan Paul via pinfall

 

Late in the match, a member of Logan Paul’s entourage appeared at ringside with brass knuckles. Karrion Kross then emerged from the crowd to confiscate the brass knuckles. Kross next offered them to Styles who tossed them aside and knocked Kross out. Styles proceeded to miss a Phenomenal Forearm attempt on Paul and received a Titanium Fist to the jaw followed by the Pulverizer costing him the match.

 

Women’s Tag Team Championship 

Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch

Winners: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch via pinfall

 

Bayley was supposed to team with Valkyria, however, she was attacked yesterday and unable to compete. The roof was nearly blown off of Allegiant Stadium when Valkyria’s partner was introduced as none other than Becky Lynch!  The closing moments of the match saw Becky Lynch hit the Manhandle Slam on Liv Morgan allowing her to score the pinfall.

 

Prior to the main event, Stone Cold Steve Austin rode an ATV to the ring to announce the attendance and drank several Steveweisers.

 

WWE Undisputed Championship 

Cody Rhodes (c) vs. John Cena

Winner: John Cena via pinfall

 

John Cena punched his ticket into the main event of WrestleMania after he emerged victorious from the Elimination Chamber last month - the same night he sided with The Rock to deliver a beatdown of Cody Rhodes and completing one of the most shocking heel turns ever. Late in the match, Cody appeared to be building momentum when Travis Scott made his way to the ring. First, Cody attempted a pinfall only to have referee Chad Patton dragged from the ring by Scott. Rhodes then baited Scott into the ring where he delivered a Cross Rhodes. With Scott out of the picture, Cena attempted to strike Cody with the championship only to have Rhodes intercept him. Rhodes held the title and instead of using it on Cena, he hesitated and received a shot between the legs. Cena finally put Rhodes down with a shot to the head using the championship and pinned him to win his record 17th World Championship.

WWE WrestleMania 41 Night One

By Steve Ward

WrestleMania 41 emanated from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada with a seven match card for night one to kick off the weekend. Among the bouts, four titles were contested with a triple threat affair featuring Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins headlining the show.

World Heavyweight Championship

Gunther (c) vs. Jey Uso

Winner: Jey Uso via submission

 

Following Jey Uso’s win at this year’s Royal Rumble, he elected to challenge “The Ring General” Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship at the Showcase of the Immortals. This bout was a hard-hitting slugfest from bell to bell as both men pulled out every move in their playbooks and even hit each other’s finishers on one another. In the end, it took three consecutive Uso Splashes followed by a rear naked choke to earn the submission victory.

 

World Tag Team Championship

The War Raiders (c) vs. The New Day

Winners: The New Day via pinfall

 

The War Raiders seemed poised to retain their titles as they manhandled The New Day for a majority of the match. In the final moments, Xavier Woods was being set up to receive the War Machine until Ivar was pulled through the ropes to the arena floor by Kingston as Woods drew the referee’s attention. The New Day then executed Daylight to steal the titles.

 

Jade Cargill vs. Naomi

Winner: Jade Cargill via pinfall

 

After it was revealed at the Elimination Chamber last month that Naomi, and not Liv and Raquel, took Jade out of action in November following a brutal attack in the parking garage, the two have entered a bitter rivalry that would come to a head tonight. At the conclusion of this beatdown, Jade achieved her measure of revenge as she hit a vicious power bomb and immediately followed it with Jaded to earn the pinfall victory.

 

WWE United States Championship

LA Knight (c) vs. Jacob Fatu

Winner: Jacob Fatu via pinfall

 

Despite LA Knight’s attempts to mount offense, his efforts had little effect on Fatu as he at many times seemed impervious to pain. In the end, Fatu hit back to back moonsaults to claim victory and his first WWE gold.

 

El Grande Americano (Chad Gable) vs. Rey Fénix

Winner: El Grande Americano via pinfall

 

For months, Chad Gable found himself tormented with his inability to defeat any luchadors. This prompted Gable to take a trek to Mexico where he purchased a mysterious box from an old man with unknown contents. Coincidentally, a “new” luchador named El Grande Americano debuted shortly thereafter and immediately targeted Rey Mysterio and the LWO. Rey Mysterio was originally scheduled to compete until he was injured on Friday and was not cleared to compete. This opened the door for Rey Fénix to make his WrestleMania debut. The two competitors put forth a very entertaining high-flying effort. Late in the contest, El Grande Americano slipped a metal plate into his mask which would prove to be the swinging factor in the bout. First, Fénix injured his foot after walking the ropes and kicking Americano in the face. Moments later, Fénix dove from the top rope, however, Americano sidestepped and head butt Fénix. Finally, Americano ascended to the top turnbuckle and delivered a flying headbutt to cement his victory.

 

WWE Women’s Championship

Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Charlotte Flair

Winner: Tiffany Stratton via pinfall

 

Charlotte Flair made her return from a serious knee injury and the Royal Rumble and was able to claim victory and punch her ticket to WrestleMania. Flair elected to square off with Tiffany Stratton who has drawn many comparisons to Flair throughout her early career. In a sadly sloppy affair, Tiffany Stratton shockingly retained her title after she landed the Prettiest Moonsault Ever in the final moments of the match.

 

Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk w/ Paul Heyman vs. Seth Rollins

Winner: Seth Rollins via pinfall

Back at Survivor Series, CM Punk agreed to join Roman Reigns’ team in exchange for a favor from Paul Heyman. Punk recently cashed in that favor and said that he wanted Paul Heyman in his corner for WrestleMania - which Heyman obliged. That brings us to tonight. This match appeared to be anyone’s fight until the final minutes when Paul Heyman finally made his presence felt. With all three men incapacitated, Heyman slid a steel chair to Punk who was face to face with Reigns. Heyman then climbed into the ring behind Punk and as Punk rose the chair to strike Reigns, Heyman struck Punk between the uprights. The Wiseman then delivered the chair to Reigns for use on Seth Rollins. As Reigns raised the chair up set to strike, Heyman delivered yet another low blow this time to The Tribal Chief. Heyman handed the chair off one last time to Seth Rollins who delivered a vicious chair shot to Reigns followed by the Stomp to seal his victory.

WWE Elimination Chamber 2025

By Steve Ward

WWE ventured north of the border to the Rogers Center in Toronto, Canada tonight for the final stop on the Road to WrestleMania - Elimination Chamber. The card featured four matches with two Elimination Chamber matches headlining the card, one for the women and one for the men, with the respective winners punching their tickets to a world championship bout on the Showcase of the Immortals.

 

Women’s Elimination Chamber

Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Alexa Bluss vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Bianca Belair vs. Liv Morgan

Winner: Bianca Belair

 

The stakes were high in the opening bout of the evening as the winner of the Women’s Elimination Chamber would earn at shot at the Women’s World Champion at WrestleMania 41. The first two participants were Morgan and Naomi, however, before the match began, Jade Cargill made her long-awaited return and viciously attacked Naomi! It was believed that Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez were the culprits of the attack that put her out of action, but I guess we have our answer now. Naomi was ruled out of the match and Belair was the next to enter. The fourth competitor to enter the match was Roxanne Perez. With all three women in the ring incapacitated following a brutal melee, Bayley was the fourth to enter the match. After Alexa Bliss made her way into the match, it didn’t take long for the next elimination as Morgan hit Oblivion on Bayley to allow her to earn the pinfall. Roxanne Perez was next to go as she fell victim to a Codebreaker from Morgan and then the Twisted Bliss from Alexa. Bliss was the next eliminated after delivering Sister Abigail to Belair only to find herself on the receiving end of a roll up pin from Liv. Moments later, Belair hit the KOD to punch her ticket to WrestleMania.

 

Trish Stratus & Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax & Candice LeRae

Winners: Trish Stratus & Tiffany Stratton 

 

Nia Jax dominated much of this match, but we knew Trish wouldn’t lose in her hometown. In the closing moments, Trish hit a bulldog on Nia Jax from the turnbuckle and tagged in Tiffany Stratton who, moments later, hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever to seal the victory. 

 

Unsanctioned Match

Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens

Winner: Kevin Owens

 

As a result of the package piledriver that nearly broke Zayn’s neck at the hands of Owens just a matter of weeks ago, WWE would not “medically clear” Zayn to compete - hence the unsanctioned match. By the end of this match, which lasted a little too long, there were broken tables and chairs littering the arena as a reminder of the chaos that had taken place. Kevin Owens finally put Zayn out of his misery following multiple power bombs on the ring apron.

 

After the match, Owens was going to package piledrive Zayn on the concrete floor only to be interrupted by the returning Randy Orton. Orton delivered an RKO and was going to follow up with a punt to the cranium of Owens before WWE officials stepped in.

 

Men’s Elimination Chamber

Seth Rollins vs. C.M. Punk vs. John Cena vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Logan Paul vs. Damian Priest

Winner: John Cena

 

Another high stakes bout set the stage for the main event as the winner of the Men’s Elimination Chamber would earn a shot against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41. The first combatants in the match were Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre. The third man to enter the fray was Damian Priest with Logan Paul and John Cena to follow. McIntyre seemed poised to eliminate Cena as Priest had other plans and rolled him up for the elimination. McIntyre lost it and took out Priest leaving him vulnerable to Logan Paul who delivered a splash from the top of one of the pods to put him away. Moments later, Punk entered the match and delivered the Go To Sleep to Logan Paul to eliminate him. The next man to go was Seth Rollins after a Go To Sleep from Punk and an Attitude Adjustment from Cena allowed Punk to cover Rollins. In the closing moments, Rollins made his way back into the chamber to deliver a stomp to Punk’s head, on the steel platform surrounding the ring, allowing Cena to cinch in the STF for the submission victory.

 

The Rock confronted Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and John Cena in the ring following the main event to see if Cody would accept his offer to become his champion and “sell him his soul.” Cody told The Rock to go “F” himself (which was shockingly unedited). John Cena then embraced Cody as if to congratulate him for standing up to “The Final Boss” when The Rock gave the cutthroat sign to Cena who made a massive heel turn by kicking Rhodes between the uprights and left him a bloody mess in the ring to end the show.

Winter Memories

By Frank Bartolini

New York City is nicknamed “The Big Apple.” During the holiday season on Manhattan Island, that piece of fruit sizzles—no matter how low the thermometer dips. Tourists from around the globe pose for a memory by the iconic evergreen decked out in Christmas regalia at Rockefeller Center. Macy’s lights up Herald Square. A few blocks away at Sony Hall in Times Square, New York’s top boxing promoter, Larry Goldberg of Boxing Insider Promotions, delivered a December fight card that delighted fans and added a punch to the local fight scene.

Goldberg has carved out a niche. Fight fans line up down 46th Street, across from the Richard Rodgers Theatre, where Broadway-goers queue up to see Hamilton. Inside Sony Hall, veteran matchmaker Eric Bottjer assembles competitive bouts for a crowd of sharply dressed attendees, sipping pricey cocktails served by waitstaff.

On this evening, just eight days before Christmas, the fight of the night featured two flyweights. Angel Giovanny Meza Morales of Mexico was brought in as an opponent for the popular Andy Dominguez Velasquez. Morales gave Velasquez all he could handle. After eight rounds of intense action, Velasquez eked out a hard-fought split decision victory.

As always, the post-fight enthusiasm lingered. Crowds spilled onto the sidewalk. Managers, trainers, and promoters huddled, strategizing their fighters' next moves. Fashionably dressed fans, still buzzing from the action, debated which Irish pub to visit for a nightcap. Just a block away, McCarthy’s Irish Pub on 46th served as the go-to spot for our crew to enjoy appetizers and cocktails.

Larry Goldberg and Boxing Insider Promotions will return to Sony Hall on Thursday, February 20th. Following that, they head to the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City on Saturday, March 22nd.

Also in December, “THE ONE”, an Off-Broadway play, ran for one week at the AMT Theater on 45th Street. It was a one-man biographical performance about the life of Muhammad Ali, formerly known as Cassius Clay. Written and directed by opera singer David Serero, who also appeared as Angelo Dundee in one scene, the show was minimalistic, with just a few props. Actor Zack Basile convincingly portrayed Ali, blending narration and pantomime. Special guest Gerry Cooney appeared onstage, answering audience questions about Ali at the evening’s conclusion. Serero also delivered a booming operatic rendition of the national anthem at Boxing Insider’s Sony Hall fight night.

Once the holiday decorations were packed away, Kings Promotions kicked off the 2025 boxing calendar with a card in Philadelphia on Friday, January 17th. Held at Live! Casino, the event featured a stacked undercard, courtesy of Kings Promotions head Marshall Kaufman.

Hot Philadelphia prospect Atif Oberlton, a light heavyweight, dispatched the tough but overmatched Joaquin Berroa Lugo of the Dominican Republic in five rounds of a scheduled eight. Oberlton improved to 12–0, with 10 of those wins coming by knockout. Lugo suffered his first loss, dropping to 6–1 with 4 KOs. The card drew a packed house, with too many local luminaries and fighters in attendance to list.

Oberlton is scheduled to return on Friday, March 14th, when Kings Promotions brings boxing back to Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, PA. Local Allentown junior welterweight Joseph Adorno will headline in a scheduled eight-round contest.

Most ringside pundits agree: it’s time for Oberlton to face stiffer competition. All eyes are on Kaufman to see who he’ll match his rising star against next.

Regional promoters like Kaufman and Goldberg are the lifeblood of the professional fight game. These club shows are where future champions are made.

WWE Royal Rumble 2025

By Steve Ward

This year’s incarnation of the Royal Rumble emanated from Lucas Oil Field, home of the Indianapolis Colts in front of a capacity crowd. Tonight’s card would feature a slim four matches with two title bouts and two Royal Rumble matches with the Men’s battle royal headlining the show.

 

Women’s Royal Rumble Match

Winner: Charlotte Flair

 

The show kicked off in full force with the first of two 30-participant Royal Rumble matches.

The order of entry was as follows:

 

1. Iyo Sky
2. Liv Morgan
3. Roxanne Perez
4. Lyra Valkyria 
5. Chelsea Green
6. B-Fab
7. Ivy Nile
8. Zoey Stark
9. Lash Legend 
10. Bianca Belair
11. Shayna Baszler
12. Bayley 
13. Sonya Deville
14. Maxxine Dupri
15. Naomi
16. Jaida Parker
17. Piper Niven
18. Natalya
19. Jordynne Grace
20. Michin
21. Alexa Bliss
22. Zelina Vega
23. Candice Lerae 
24. Stephanie Vaquer
25. Trish Stratus
26. Raquel Rodriguez 
27. Charlotte Flair
28. Giulia 
29. Nia Jax
30. Nikki Bella

 

Final Four:

Nikki Bella, Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax, and Roxanne Perez.

 

Once the field was narrowed down to the final four women, Nikki Bella was the first eliminated by Nia Jax. Jax was eliminated next by Charlotte as she battled with Perez on the ring apron. Charlotte then made quick work of Perez by kicking her off the ring apron meaning Charlotte had punched her ticket to WrestleMania in her first appearance in over a year. The women put on an entertaining match and WWE delivered with four surprise entries in the form of Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, Nikki Bella, and WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus! It was also interesting to note that they mentioned Bella as the returning Nikki Bella so she may have elected to come out of retirement - WWE programming will nonetheless be interesting this week.

 

WWE Tag Team Championship 2 Out Of 3 Falls Match

# DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tomasso Ciampa) (c) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin)

Winners: # DIY 

 

We arrived at this bout tonight after Gargano led everyone to believe late last year that # DIY were on the outs until a nefarious low blow helped them to steal the tag team gold on an episode of Smackdown. Tonight, MCMG will seek retribution in a 2 out of 3 falls match. # DIY scored a quick fall as they feigned a tag, unbeknownst to MCMG, allowing Ciampa the opportunity to blindside Shelley with a knee to the face. MCMG then rallied in a big way as they turned momentum in their favor and utilized some tandem offense as they hit the Skull and Bones on Gargano to claim the second fall. The final moments of the match saw # DIY in dire straits as Gargano was being propped up by Shelley while Sabin ascended to the top rope. Two hooded assailants then emerged as one struck Sabin with a crutch allowing Gargano to steal the pinfall and retain their titles. Following the match, the men revealed themselves as The Street Profits who then proceeded to also lay waste to # DIY.

 

Undisputed WWE Championship Ladder Match 

Cody Rhodes ( c ) vs. Kevin Owens

Winner: Cody Rhodes

Kevin Owens felt betrayed by Cody Rhodes when he sided with Roman Reigns upon his return which lead to Owens carrying out a heinous attack on Cody at Badd Blood. This sparked a bitter rivalry that would culminate in a ladder match tonight. After breaking several ladders and beating each other thoroughly, Cody Rhodes finally incapacitated Owens by putting him through a ladder propped up between the ring and announce table with an Alabama Slam. This allowed Cody the opportunity to easily scale the ladder in the ring and retrieve both belts.

 

Men’s Royal Rumble Match

Winner: Jey Uso

 

The show would conclude with the Men’s Royal Rumble Match to determine the one man who would punch his ticket to the main event of WrestleMania 41.

 

The order of entry was as follows:

 

1. Rey Mysterio
2. Penta 
3. Chad Gable
4. Carmelo Hayes
5. Santos Escobar
6. Otis
7. Bron Breakker
8. Akira Tozawa  (replaced by YouTuber ISHOWSPEED after Tozawa was knocked out by Carmelo Hayes in the entryway)
9. Sheamus
10. Jimmy Uso
11. Andrade
12. Jacob Fatu
13. Ludwig Kaiser
14. The Miz
15. Joe Hendry (TNA World Champion)
16. Roman Reigns
17. Drew McIntyre 
18. Finn Balor
19. Shinsuke Nakamura
20. Jey Uso
21. AJ Styles
22. Braun Strowman
23. John Cena
24. CM Punk
25. Seth Rollins
26. Dominik Mysterio
27. Sami Zayn
28. Damian Priest
29. LA Knight
30. Logan Paul

 

Final Four:

John Cena, Logan Paul, Jey Uso, and CM Punk.

 

Once the field was trimmed down to the final four, Punk was the first to be eliminated by Logan Paul after he dumped Reigns and Rollins out simultaneously. Logan Paul was then clotheslined out of the ring by John Cena just moments later. After a brief back and forth exchange on the ring apron, Uso found himself hoisted onto Cena’s shoulders seemingly seconds from elimination. Instead of falling victim to the Attitude Adjustment, Uso slickly slipped off his shoulders back into the ring and casually pushed Cena to the floor booking his spot in the main event of WrestleMania. While this match had no lack of main event talent, I was a bit disappointed by the lack of surprise entries (I don’t consider Joe Hendry a real surprise as he was a regular on NXT last year during a brief talent swap between WWE and TNA). It was nice, however, to see WWE remembered that they have “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles on their roster as he had been banished to Live Event duty since his last televised appearance in October. This week should be interesting as Jey Uso will likely decide whether he will challenge Gunther or Cody Rhodes for their respective championships at Wrestlemania 41.