Tonight's episode of WWE NXT featured yet another surprise TNA crossover, but this crossover was also a long-awaited reunion for Superstar Wes Lee. Lee went out to the ring to address the crowd and his future in NXT after losing his battle for the North American Championship against Oba Femi at NXT Heatwave. Lee seemed like he was about to leave NXT (much to the crowd's dismay), but then he was interrupted by familiar music, and it was none other than TNA stars Zachary Wentz and Trey Miguel. Wentz actually debuted alongside Lee in NXT as MSK, and before that, they were part of a team with Miguel known as The Rascalz, so this was a reunion on multiple fronts. The trio is sticking around for a while in NXT, and they all shared a hug in the ring before the segment came to a close.

Rascalz Reunion

Wentz and Miguel interrupted Lee's promo as he was about to announce his departure from NXT, and the crowd chanted welcome back as they approached Lee in the ring. "You're about to say something stupid, we don't want to see Wes Lee go," Wentz said. "We have missed you so much. I can't believe we're here." More welcome back chants kicked in, and Lee said, "Just like all of them I have missed you so damn much. And look, I've been watching everything. I am really proud of the men you have become."

Miguel said, "We know", and then Wentz said, "Look, this isn't about us, this is about you. You are the greatest North American Champion ever!" Then Miguel added, "And on top of that, the two of you, are the best tag team to step foot in this very building." Wentz said, "So this is what we came for. We are here in NXT. I think it is time we get MSK back together. And, I think it's time the Rascalz wreck shop around here, what do you think?" Rascalz chants broke out and they all hugged, closing out the segment.

Where Have They Been?

Back in January of 2021, Wentz (going by Nash Carter) and Lee debuted in NXT as MSK, and they would quickly become fan favorites and Championship contenders. They would win the 2021 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and later would go on to become two-time NXT Tag Team Champions, with their last match together being at NXT Stand & Deliver in 2022. They would never get a chance to defend those Titles though, as Wentz was released by WWE shortly after the release of a photo depicting him giving the nazi salute. Wentz would apologize for the photo in a statement (via Wrestling Inc) but didn't return to WWE. Later he joined Impact Wrestling and reunited with Miguel, and now he has returned to NXT.

What did you think of tonight's NXT? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb.

WWE's broadcast booth continues to evolve. The global leader in sports-entertainment currently has three two-man booths across its three weekly in-ring shows, those being the pair of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee on WWE Monday Night Raw, Corey Graves and Wade Barrett on WWE SmackDown, and Vic Joseph and Booker T on WWE NXT. All six of those commentators have been within the WWE system for multiple years and have been cycled throughout the three shows, as every aforementioned name has experience on at least two of WWE's three products. The most recent pivot within the system was Graves shifting from color commentary to play-by-play, as he took over lead announcing duties on the blue brand this past January.

WWE SmackDown Broadcast Team Shifts Again

Just six months later, the WWE SmackDown announce table is playing musical chairs once again.

As announced in a press release, WWE has hired veteran broadcaster Joe Tessitore as a play-by-play announcer. Tessitore currently also works for ESPN and ABC where he has called ESPN Monday Night Football, the College Football Playoff, and World Championship boxing matches of Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Terence Crawford.

"Whether it's a world title fight that's got the globe buzzing or a college football rivalry that's grabbed the nation's attention, Joe's voice provides that big event feel each time he is behind the microphone," WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque said. "We're excited for Joe to join legendary WWE broadcaster Michael Cole and our esteemed announce team, bringing his signature energy and meticulous preparation to our WWE telecasts each week."

Tessitore is slated to "work alongside analysts Wade Barrett and Corey Graves." Given that he has been hired to be a play-by-play announcer, this indicates that Graves will pivot back to being a color commentator and WWE SmackDown will once again be a three-man booth. The WWE Monday Night Raw booth of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee remains unchanged.

"It's an honor to be a part of WWE. The recent success and trajectory are undeniable," Tessitore said. "Being there at WrestleMania XL, one could feel it - from Cody, Seth, Roman and The Rock, to creative and production, these are some of the very best storytellers in TV. Corey and Wade are absolute stars and it is my privilege to join their team. Pat and Cole are just magical together and Cole is the greatest to ever sit in that chair. As a lifelong viewer, I'm humbled to join this team and to serve our fans."

Tessitore is set to begin with WWE later this summer.

To close this week's WWE Raw, Liv Morgan teamed with The Judgment Day's Dominik Mysterio against Zelina Vega and Rey Mysterio. The two sides have been going at it for a while, but last week when Vega challenged Morgan for the Women's World Championship and Dom got involved. Rey made sure he didn't pull any funny business, but it set up their tag match for this week. Morgan has been trying to align herself with the group since Rhea Ripley announced her unfortunate injury following WrestleMania. She wants to take everything from the former Women's Champion -- including Dirty Dom.

Reports have been circling for quite a few days that Ripley may return to television soon. If not in a wrestling capacity, they at least want her presence back on screen. They have built her into a few storylines but it makes the most sense for her to come straight back into the title picture given that's where she left off. Backstage during the show, Priest answered a phone call asking the person on the line where they are at. He was in good spirits, leading fans to wonder if it could be Ripley on the other end.

MAMI'S BACK! ?#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/RYciCsrkS3

-- WWE (@WWE) July 9, 2024

After their tag match win, Morgan wanted to celebrate with Mysterio, pulling him into an embrace which caused the both of them to lose their balance and fall onto the ring mat. Morgan took is as her opportunity to try to pull a fast one on him and kiss him, but "Mami" quickly thwarted those plans. Ripley stormed the ring with her eyes locked on Mysterio. Morgan made a break for it, running through the crowd. When Ripley got in the ring she appeared to question Dom and his intentions, but as she stared into him, he couldn't do anything but look down.

For weeks the rest of the group has been trying to get Mysterio to lay off Morgan but he makes little to no actual effort in that department. Every time he says he's going to call her out or put a stop to things, he's always at the scene of the crime helping her retain her championship one way or another. Priest has relayed to Mysterio that "Mami" isn't happy with him, but that still wasn't enough. Not to mention, he previously lied to them about being in contact with her in the first place. Hopefully now that Ripley is back she can set him straight, but in the meantime, if she's cleared in time for SummerSlam, a match between herself and Morgan seems more likely than ever.

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on WWE.

It looks like Bo Dallas is going to be back in action very soon. The longtime WWE Superstar, and brother of the late Bray Wyatt, hasn't appeared in a match for the company since 2019, but has been sporadically appearing as the masked Uncle Howdy character since 2022. In recent weeks, the Howdy character has been featured more heavily, leading a faction known as the Wyatt Sicks and appearing in haunting vignettes. Some of the recent videos even featured Dallas sitting face-to-face with his Howdy alter ego, but this week's new episode of Monday Night Raw saw Dallas finally make his in-person return.

While Dallas has appeared as Uncle Howdy and in pre-packed videos on Monday Night Raw, he hasn't shown up live as himself, ready to get back to action in the ring. That changed on Monday, July 8th, after a new Wyatt Sicks video. Chad Gable, a victim of the Wyatt Sicks attacks last month, was complaining to Raw GM Adam Pearce about getting the group under control, feeling as though they're still targeting him. After Gable walked away, Pearce opened the door to his office to reveal Bo Dallas sitting in a chair, waiting to speak with him.

It's important to note that Dallas goes through a bit of a shift in his mannerisms after Pearce enters the room, hinting at the personality split with Uncle Howdy. At the end of the below video, you'll see Dallas rocking back and forth in the chair, seemingly dealing with some awful fear or anxiety, until he notices Pearce in the room. Dallas immediately changes his behavior, sits up, and smiles at the GM.

Wait for it...#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/7jaQKDM2yD

-- WWE (@WWE) July 9, 2024

This in-person return for Dallas comes after yet another eerie video tape from the new Wyatt faction that was left with the commentators earlier in the episode. The video shows off the other members of the Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Erick Rowan, Nikki Cross) as Dallas tells Uncle Howdy about how they're all ready to be free.

"My family. I took those who no one wanted. The discarded, the forgotten. I gave them a purpose," Dallas says. "They're so happy that you remembered them. Because being a glutton for punishment doesn't make abandonment hurt any less. Forsaken, alone, begging for mercy as the buzzards circled. There's been loss; too much. But grief is the price you pay for love. But now, we must set the captives free, so they need no master. Do you think I... Do you think we are sick?"

After Howdy responds with "Yes, I do," Dallas delivers the chilling final lines of the video: "Then sick is what we'll be."

Dallas' in-ring WWE return hasn't been announced just yet, but with his appearance in Pearce's office taking place on Monday night, and SummerSlam around the corner, it wouldn't be surprising to see him in action very soon.

At WWE Money in the Bank, Seth Rollins got his title rematch against Damian Priest after his devastating loss at WrestleMania 40. The match was squared until Drew McIntyre decided to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase the same night he won it. CM Punk rained on his parade by preventing him from winning the championship, allowing Priest to narrowly retain. The only person that truly lost in the situation was Rollins, and he made his feelings immediately known to Punk as he stood irate ringside staring daggers at him.

His emotions carried over to Monday Night Raw where Punk was talking to the fans in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Rollins interrupted his festivities and got straight to the point, asking Punk why he had to stick his nose in his business when he was warned not to. Punk reminds him he was handling his own business that has become personal to him. McIntyre is running around with a bracelet with his wife and dog's name on it and he's going to get his "pound of flesh." Punk says he doesn't have problems with Rollins but he apologizes if he ruined things for him at Money in the Bank. But because it's Rollins, he can't really be that sorry.

What has CM Punk so infuriated right now?#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/9uf61maq1u

-- WWE (@WWE) July 9, 2024

Rollins calls him a gaslighter and says he's probably never genuinely apologized for anything because he doesn't think he's wrong about anything. Rollins promises that once Punk is cleared, he won't even be able to utter McIntyre's name because he's going to snap his arm again and put him back on the shelf. The World Heavyweight Championship means everything to him and since he no longer can challenge for it, he promises to take something from Punk too -- much like McIntyre said.

Ever since Punk debuted in WWE, there has been threads to a storyline with Rollins. Originally the two were supposed to wrestle for the championship at WrestleMania, but Punk wound up injured, forcing them to pivot. With the former World Heavyweight Champion recovered from his own injury, a match between the two may happen sooner than later. SummerSlam is just a month away and there's no current plans for either wrestler, but from the promo, it appears like it could be a triple threat situation when McIntyre's "suspension" is lifted.

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on WWE.

Ethan Page had been with AEW for several years but over the last few years he hadn't been used in storylines as much as many fans would have liked. Earlier this year he quietly exited the company as Internet sleuths had realized his photo was removed from AEW's roster page. Just a few weeks later he popped up in NXT to confront the NXT Champion Trick Williams. He has been heavily involved in the title scene since his debut, which head of NXT Creative Shawn Michaels revealed was a "last minute thing."

Page recently opened up in one of his first interviews post-AEW release on WWE stars Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson's Talk'n Shop podcast. As all three men were once on the AEW roster at the same time and now they're in WWE, Page discussed the differences he's found between both companies. In his experience, one is far more chaotic than the other.

"Pretty crazy. I went from somewhere that was so chaotic and unorganized to a place that, I mean I'm still learning because I'm still so new here, but this is a machine and it's incredible," Page said. "It feels good to not feel like I have to do everything myself. To have people that want to see me succeed is kind of mind blowing."

Michaels has made it clear that he's high on Page and at NXT Heatwave that proved to be true when he snagged up the NXT Championship from Williams. The result left fans divided, while many were stunned, others were excited to see Page get the push they have felt he's deserved for a long time.

Page also discussed how his release from AEW came about, explaining that it was time for him to leave. Prior to his departure, he appeared to be in a Ring of Honor storyline with ROH World Television Champion Kyle Fletcher but that was quickly scrapped. "It was definitely time to leave. I could sit in catering for the next three years and my career would end or I try and do something before my career ends." Page admitted that he's been a lifelong WWE fan and that it was his dream to join the company.

When he received a phone call during an independent booking, he couldn't believe it was real and it led to a follow-up call with WWE higher-ups. "I was like, 'this is not real,' and they were like, 'yes it is, here's the offer,' and I was like, 'yes,' and then they hung up. I was like, 'wait a second, that was a real phone call that just happened?'" (h/t: Wrestling Inc).

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on WWE.

Leading into WWE Money in the Bank, Drew McIntyre heavily played into CM Punk's family life, referencing AJ Mendez (former WWE star AJ Lee) on more than one occasion. He also stole Punk's bracelet with Lee and their dog Larry's name, and he's been parading around with it ever since. The Money in the Bank pre-show teased Lee at several points, including a moment from Big E, mentioning his early days on the main roster and quoting her theme song. While nothing is ever definitive in wrestling, this seemed a little too obvious to completely write off.

Is A WWE Return from AJ Lee in the Cards?

However, the show came and went and there was no sign of Lee, disappointing fans that hope to see the former Divas Champion in a ring again. Punk did spoil McIntyre's cash-in of the briefcase, allowing Damian Priest to retain the World Heavyweight Championship and seemingly setting up their SummerSlam match if Punk gets cleared. Speaking at the WWE Money in the Bank press conference, Punk was asked about Lee potentially stepping in the ring again. While he doesn't want to speak for her, he explains that it's a "brave new world."

"Hmmm...I appreciate the question," Punk said. "You would have to ask my wife, but she's not here. She's taking care of Larry. I don't want to fall in the trap of saying, 'Never say never.' I don't want to give people false hope, I also will not put words in her mouth and say, 'I think this could happen.' I think this is a brave new world. And I don't think a lot of people thought I was gonna show up. It's really all on her" (h/t: WrestleZone).

Lee was with WWE from 2010 until 2015 and although she had a fairly short career compared to many of her contemporaries, she accomplished a lot in very little time. During that era of women's wrestling, it was all about the "Divas" but Lee's character prided herself on being the "anti-Diva." She wore knee-high Chuck Taylors and dressed more tomboy compared to the other women at the time decked out in rhinestones and bright colors. Because of this, fans took to her quickly and she was able to open doors for the women that led to more time in matches and on-screen promo time. Her last match took place in March of 2015 on a random episode of Monday Night Raw and she retired a three-time Divas Champion.

At the press conference, Punk also clued fans in on what Mendez has been up to recently as she has started her own production company. Mendez has been busy working on writing projects, as well as acting in Sacramento with Kristen Stewart and Michael Cera and several episodes of Heels season 2. She previously helped with the relaunch of WOW - Women of Wrestling in 2021, boarding the women's promotion as an executive producer. She departed the company last year when her contract expired.

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on WWE.

At the beginning of 2024, it was revealed that Kazuchika Okada's contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling would be coming to an end. After a decade and a half competing in the company, they amicably went their separate ways, but not before Okada vowed to finish out any dates he was still scheduled for. Many rumors about what The Rainmaker was going to do soon followed, as it's been no secret every major company has been interested in signing him for years. Ultimately, AEW beat them out and he's been aligned with The Elite ever since, spreading his wings in a refreshing heel persona as the Continental Champion.

Although Okada is no longer with the Japanese promotion, he still has some involvement as an AEW star. At AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door he teamed with the Young Bucks against newly appointed NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi and The Acclaimed where The Elite continued their reign of dominance over AEW. His official debut in AEW came at AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door 2022 in a fatal four-way for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, with a handful of appearances thereafter. He has been a champion in AEW since March when he defeated Eddie Kingston, so far holding the Continental Championship for over 100 days and counting.

Now New Japan Pro Wrestling is releasing a documentary on the legendary wrestler, The Rainmaker: Kazuchika Okada Untold Story. From the trailer it appears as though fans get a rare glimpse at Okada's personal life with his family and the lead up to his big decision to leave Japan. The documentary is available for purchase now on New Japan World for $19.99 but it will only be available until July 31st. There are two versions available: the Japanese version and the English version which contains subtitles.

?Kazuchika Okada Untold Story The Rainmaker?

The Documentary of Kazuchika Okada

Limited Time PPV on NJPWWORLD Until July 31st!

Purchase Here
?https://t.co/TIMihzjOgW
Viewing Fee: $19.99
?Purchase via Web Browser#njpwworld #KazuchikaOkada pic.twitter.com/hRb9qAhJSR

-- NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) July 8, 2024

Outside of terrorizing the locker rooms on AEW programming every week, Okada can be seen next teaming with The Elite in the fourth annual Blood and Guts match which will take place on the July 24th episode of AEW Dynamite. The Elite as a group are competing in their second event, but the group has changed a ton over the last year. In 2023, The Golden Elite -- Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, "Hangman" Adam Page and Kota Ibushi reunited to go up against The Blackpool Combat Club, Konosuke Takeshita and PAC. This time around, they've added Okada and new AEW Champion Jack Perry to the mix, Okada and Perry's first time in this environment.

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on AEW and NJPW.

Damian Priest left Toronto with his WWE World Heavyweight Championship, but not without some unexpected help. WWE Money in the Bank saw Priest defend the WWE World Heavyweight Title against inaugural champion Seth Rollins in a high-stakes bout. If Rollins lost, he would never be allowed to challenge for the prize for the remainder of Priest's reign. If Priest lost, he would have to leave his faction, The Judgment Day. Prior to Mr. Money in the Bank Drew McIntyre attempting to play spoiler, Rollins laid out Priest with a Falcon Arrow, resulting in referee Rod Zapada counting the 1-2. Despite Priest not kicking out, Zapada stopped the count prior to three.

Backstage Reaction to WWE's Botched Money in the Bank Pinfall

WWE has moved on.

As reported by insider account @WrestleVotes, there is "no real heat" on referee Rod Zapada following the botched pinfall count during the WWE World Heavyweight Championship bout between champion Damian Priest and challenger Seth Rollins. It was added that "in years past" there would have "absolutely" been blame and consequence placed on him.

"Referee's decision is final," WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque said during the WWE Money in the Bank post-show press conference. "I'm looking forward to having a conversation with the referee to see what he saw that I didn't see, that you didn't see, that no one saw. Human beings in a ring, mistakes happen, things happen. It is what it is."

Rollins himself did not look pleased during the match, as WWE cameras caught him saying, "Oh, f--k off," to Zapada.

am i trippin or did seth say "oh fuck off" to the ref??? pic.twitter.com/nzxpO00U8u

-- maddy (@rhodecross) July 7, 2024

"It's a shame that that's all people will talk about," Triple H continued, referencing how the botched pin overshadowed what ended up being a great match. "That's just the negative outweighs the positive sometimes, and to me, I wish I could just go in the back, shut off his phone, have no one talk to him for a while and just let him think about all the other great stuff that happened in that and the roll that he has been on and how great of a job he has done as world champion, and what he's done to get there and deserve it. He deserves all the credit in the world for all those things."

Fallout from WWE Money in the Bank begins tonight on WWE Monday Night Raw on USA Network at 8 PM ET.

WWE Money in the Bank 2024 changed the landscape of sports-entertainment forever. Going into the premium live event, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque teased that the summer staple would alter the course of the company's trajectory, a promise that was made true by John Cena officially announcing his upcoming in-ring retirement tour. Beyond that, WWE Money in the Bank saw Tiffany Stratton become Ms. Money in the Bank, Bron Breakker suffer his first main roster loss, Drew McIntyre win the Men's Money in the Bank briefcase and lose his cash-in in the same night, and Solo Sikoa pin WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

WWE Money in the Bank Sets Revenue, Viewership Records

WWE Money in the Bank delivered on its namesake this weekend.

As touted by WWE in a press release, WWE Money in the Bank 2024 became the "highest-grossing WWE arena event in Canada in company history." This puts it ahead of recent smash successes in the Great White North like WWE Elimination Chamber 2023 and WWE SummerSlam 2019.

The revenue stream was largely thanks to the crowd. WWE announced that over 45,000 fans attended the string of three shows in Toronto's Scotiabank Arena (WWE SmackDown, WWE Money in the Bank, NXT Heatwave) as well as WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn's comedy show on the Thursday before.

"Weekends that bring visitors en masse to our host cities play an important part in our planning process," WWE President Nick Khan said. "The results are a testament to our Superstars, our creative team led by Paul Levesque, our media & production team led by Lee Fitting and, most importantly, our fans who both attended and created our massive viewership."

Outside of those in the building, WWE Money in the Bank 2024 was the most-watched edition of WWE Money in the Bank in the event's 15-year history. Viewership was up 46 percent from WWE Money in the Bank 2023, which was the previous record. Social clips also amassed massive eyeballs, as John Cena's retirement announcement brought in "more than 65 million social media views" within its first 24 hours. This makes that segment WWE's higher viewed social clip since WWE WrestleMania 40.

Fallout from WWE Money in the Bank begins on WWE Monday Night Raw, which returns to programming on Monday, July 8th at 8 PM ET on USA Network.

The main event of NXT Heatwave was a fatal four-way for the NXT Championship held by Trick Williams. His three opponents -- former AEW star Ethan Page, Shawn Spears, and Je'Von Evans -- all made their claims to a title opportunity which was set in motion by NXT General Manager Ava. Evans has only been in NXT for a few months but he's taken the brand by storm with his high-risk and high-flying abilities at such a young age.

Spears recently returned to the NXT brand after years away crafting his character in AEW and he's ready to show why he can't be counted out yet. As for Page, most fans were unfamiliar with his game prior to his first appearance, but they have come around to him after just a few matches and in-ring promos. He's been in the title picture ever since his debut, so it appears like there's big things in his WWE future.

OH. MY. GOD.

ETHAN PAGE IS THE NEW #WWENXT CHAMPION!!!#NXTHeatwave pic.twitter.com/vkk5eWb0UL

-- WWE (@WWE) July 8, 2024

All of the men in the match had bright showings, but the crowd was pretty firmly behind the champion. The whole time it was heavily stressed that Williams had a 25 percent chance of retaining the title, and though there were many near falls, including some of his own, he was unable to retain the title. In the end, Page stole a win as he fell on top of Evans after taking a Trick Shot and Williams was pulled out of the ring to prevent breaking up a pin. After his celebration, the feed cut to a white screen followed by TNA's Joe Hendry.

WWE and TNA have opened up a partnership in the last few months where they have exchanged several of their stars back and forth and it doesn't seem to be ending here. When asked about future appearances from Hendry following his NXT debut, Michaels has made it clear that he believes Hendry has a bright future in the industry. Michaels has also been candid about Page and Spears in NXT and how much their leadership has helped the locker room.

Say his name, and he appears at #NXTHeatwave!@joehendry https://t.co/APnBFqpQmu

-- TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) July 8, 2024

NXT Heatwave 2024 Results

• NXT Championship Fatal 4-Way Match: Trick Williams (c) vs. Je'Von Evans vs. Ethan Page vs. Shawn Spears
  
• NXT Women's Championship Match: Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Lola Vice
  
• NXT North American Championship Match: Oba Femi (c) vs. Wes Lee
  
• NXT North Women's American Championship Match: Kelani Jordan (c) vs. Sol Ruca
  
• NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Nathan Frazer & Axiom (c) vs. Chase U
  
• Karmen Petrovic & Arianna Grace vs. Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on WWE and NXT.

WWE's Roxanne Perez and Lola Vice have been circling each other for a while now, and they finally faced each other one-on-one at NXT Heatwave. Vice has shared just how much this match and spotlight means to her, and for Perez, her chances at a long and prosperous reign as NXT Women's Champion were riding on this. The intensity and animosity were high throughout the match, and Perez was able to capitalize on Vice's hurt arm about midway through and wear the challenger down. Perez had to deliver five Pop Rocks to get the win, but she got it and is still your NXT Women's Champion.

No Holds Barred

Perez and Vice locked up immediately, with Perez getting the first shot in. Vice then took down Perez and went for an armbar, but Perez was able to escape. Perez targeted Vice's arm with hard strikes and then Vice hit a few knee strikes before going for her back elbow strike, but Perez was able to dodge it and roll out of the ring. Vice was thrown into the ropes back in the ring and then Perez connected with hard shots to the back of Vice's head. Perez threw Vice into the opposite turnbuckle and then stopped on her chest as she taunted the crowd, but Vice was still able to kick out of the pin attempt. Perez taunted Vice with slaps to the head and then Vice threw Perez face-first into the turnbuckle before going for a pin, but Perez kicked out.

Perez pulled Vice's hair and used the ropes as leverage, but was made to break it up by the referee. Perez charged forward with a big uppercut and a Russian leg sweep into a cover, but Vice kicked out. Perez immediately applied a hold that put pressure on Vice's shoulder and arm but then got hit with several strikes to the midsection before almost rolling up Vice. Vice connected with her trademark kicks and then a hip throw but Perez countered and almost rolled Vice up again for a pin.

The Turning Point

Vice missed with a kick and ran into the unbuckle, but then Perez was caught with a sleeper hold when she went to follow up. Perez was able to break it but Vice caught her again with another sleeper hold, and Perez got to the outside and broke the hold by slamming Vice into the announce table. Perez then dodged Vice's backfist again, but this time Vice slammed it hard into the ring post. Perez capitalized by stomping on that same hand and then hitting a vicious suplex onto the floor.

Perez stayed on the hurt arm and stomped on it before trying to pull it out of the socket, though Vice was able to kick out of the pin attempt. Perez went after the arm again with a knee strike and then stopped on the arm to do it again but Vice was able to evade it. Perez caught the arm one more time and hit a suplex on the challenger. Perez went up for a springboard moonsault but then Vice locked in a triangle. Perez was able to break it but then Vice finally connected with the backfist, sending Perez to the floor.

Vice pulled Perez into the ring and went for the pin, but Perez got her foot on the rope. Vice was clearly having a hard time with her hurt arm, and then Perez damaged it further with big strikes to the arm on the outside. Perez then threw Vice's arm into the ring post again, but Vice was still able to get in some big kicks to the Champion. Perez hit the arm again and hit Pop Rocks, but somehow Vice was able to kick out at the last minute.

Perez knocked Vice to the floor and cleared the announce table and hit Pop Rocks on the table. It didn't shatter, but the damage was done, and Perez got Vice back into the ring for a cover, only for Vice to kick out. Perez started hammering the hurt arm of Vice and then locked in a crossface. Perez then countered a move and went for Pop Rocks but didn't get all of it. Then she hit it a fifth time and got the pin and the win, retaining her NXT Women's Championship.

NXT Heatwave Card

• Karmen Petrovic & Arianna Grace def. Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx
• NXT North American Championship Match: Oba Femi (C) def. Wes Lee
• NXT North Women's American Championship Match: Kelani Jordan (C) def. Sol Ruca
• NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Nathan Frazer & Axiom (C) def. Chase U
• NXT Women's Championship Match: Roxanne Perez (C) def. Lola Vice
• NXT Championship Fatal 4-Way Match: Ethan Page (C) def. Trick Williams, Je'Von Evans, and Shawn Spears

What did you think of NXT Heatwave? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

It hasn't been a smooth ride thus far for the WWE NXT Tag Team Champions, as there's been some infighting regarding focus. That's because ever since they became Tag Team Champions, Axiom has been focused on keeping those Titles, while Frazer has been focused on adding more Titles to his collection. Frazer has been in the mix for every Title he can find, and it's not gone over well with Axiom. That lack of focus was also present tonight at NXT Heatwave, as towards the end of the match Frazer ended up accidentally attacking Axiom twice and almost costing them the win in the process. While they did defeat Chase U, there are some additional problems that the Champs will have to sort out.

Chase U's All In

Andre Chase and Axiom got things started for their respective teams, and they exchanged holds for a bit till things really got going. Chase looked especially on his A-Game early, as he was able to deal with and counter Axiom's incredible speed. That continued when Hudson and Frazer tagged in, as Hudson stopped Frazer cold with a huge belly-to-belly suplex that sent him flying.

Hudson then went to work on Frazer and teamed up with Chase to wear the Champ down, but Frazer was able to tag Axiom in and hit Chase with a devastating combo of offense. Axiom went for the pin but Chase kicked out, only to get clubbed with a vicious clothesline from Axiom soon after. Axiom had a hold on Chase, and after Chase got away, Frazer tagged in and the two superstars knocked Chase for a loop with twin superkicks.

Frazier went up top and tried to connect with a move, but Chase countered and bought himself some room to breathe. Both superstars tried to get to their corners, but Frazer got to Axiom first, and Axiom caught Chase. Axiom then went for an armbar but Chase was able to force a break, but Axiom then countered into an ankle lock. Axiom then got thrown into the corner turnbuckle, and Hudson tagged in and left the Champions knocked to the mat. Hudson slammed Axiom to the mat with a one-armed power slam and then tossed Frazer up in the air with ease, but Frazer was able to kick out of the pin attempt.

Hudson hit a nasty German Suplex on Frazer but then Frazer countered a move and knocked Hudson into the turnbuckle. Then Axiom and Frazer went through the ropes and knocked Hudson and Chase down multiple times, and Axiom went up top and hit a Frog Splash. Frazer then hit the 450 but Hudson kicked out of the pin. Hudson was countered on the power slam but then Hudson caught Frazer with a Stratusfaction. A DDT followed on Frazer into a pin, but Frazer kicked out.

Out of Sync

Hudson put Frazer on the top rope but Frazer connected with a headbutt. A missile dropkick followed and then Axiom tagged in. Then it was complete chaos, with all four in the mix, and Axiom and Chase would get to their feet. Chase and Axiom traded kicks but then Chase took out both Frazer and Chase, and Frazer accidentally hit his partner two times in the head. That led to a cover by Chase, but Axiom somehow kicked out.

Chase stomped on Axiom back in the ring and then went up top and hit the crossbody into a cover, but Frazer broke it up. Chase went after Axiom again but Frazer security tagged in. Chase went up top but Frazer caught him and hit the suplex and got the super kick. Axiom hit the Golden Ratio and got the pin and the win, retaining their Titles.

NXT Heatwave Card

Karmen Petrovic & Arianna Grace def. Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx
NXT North American Championship Match: Oba Femi (C) def. Wes Lee
NXT North Women's American Championship Match: Kelani Jordan (C) def. Sol Ruca
NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Nathan Frazer & Axiom (C) def. Chase U
NXT Women's Championship Match: Roxanne Perez (C) vs. Lola Vice
NXT Championship Fatal 4-Way Match: Trick Williams (C) vs. Je'Von Evans vs. Ethan Page vs. Shawn Spears

What have you thought of NXT Heatwave? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

The action of NXT Heatwave was turned up a notch when Kelani Jordan defended the NXT North American Women's Championship against Sol Ruca. Since Ruca returned earlier this year after nearly a year away from the ring due to injury, she has been chasing that defining moment that's going to put her back in the conversation in the NXT women's division. Jordan won the championship back at NXT Battleground, marking her first title win in her short career. The match was high-octane as both women pulled out their best high-flying moves to try and put one another away.

The beginning of the match was evenly contested amongst the women as they countered each other's moves expertly. Sol gained control after she hit a Springboard 450 Clothesline which Jordan kicked out of. Ruca goes up top for a moonsault off the ring post which causes both of them to just barely make it back into the ring to break the 10 count.

Nobody does it like @kelani_wwe! ???#NXTHeatwave pic.twitter.com/1KlD0yqNTw

-- WWE (@WWE) July 7, 2024

They eventually make it back in the ring with many near falls. Jordan climbs up top but Ruca is able to get her knees up at the last second to prevent her from hitting the full move. The champion uses her move against her, hitting the Sol Snatcher but it's going to take a lot more than that to stop a determined Jordan! Reverse Alabama Slam from Ruca on the hurricanrana. Jordan hits a Poisonrana off the top rope, sending Ruca to the other side of the mat and then hitting a split-legged moonsault to retain the championship.

Jordan is the inaugural NXT North American Women's Champion and she's clearly already making an impact with her reign. She may only have just about two years of wrestling experience, having made her debut in the fall of 2022, but it's clear that she has a bright future ahead of her. With the impending debut of a major former free agent as well as the NXT and TNA newfound partnership, the women's division is sure to begin heating up, giving Jordan some fresh, new competition.

NXT Heatwave 2024 Card

• NXT Championship Fatal 4-Way Match: Trick Williams (c) vs. Je'Von Evans vs. Ethan Page vs. Shawn Spears
  
• NXT Women's Championship Match: Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Lola Vice
  
• NXT North American Championship Match: Oba Femi (c) vs. Wes Lee
  
• NXT North Women's American Championship Match: Kelani Jordan (c) vs. Sol Ruca
  
• NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Nathan Frazer & Axiom (c) vs. Chase U
  
• Karmen Petrovic & Arianna Grace vs. Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx
  

Stay tuned to Comicbook for live updates on NXT Heatwave.

The WWE NXT North American Championship was on the line at NXT Heatwave, but the stakes were even higher for Wes Lee. Lee was not only challenging Oba Femi for the Title, but he was always fighting for his chance to ever contest for it again as if he lost tonight's match, he would no longer be able to challenge for the Title so long as Femi held it. You could tell the stakes were high from the very start, as the intensity never left the match throughout, and as a result, these two superstars delivered one of NXT's best matches of the year. Femi leaned into his power while Lee added new tricks to the playbook to take down the Champ, but unfortunately for Lee, Femi was able to counter those new moves and counter several attacks towards the end, getting the win and ending Lee's quest for the North American Championship.

Speed vs Power

Lee got some quick kicks in but then got swept and knocked to the mat by Femi. Femi shoved Lee into the corner turnbuckle but Lee stayed aggressive and connected with some big hits to the face. Femi then got rocked again in the corner after getting tied up in the ropes, and Lee went right after the knee and leg of Femi. Femi missed again, but then that power came into play after Lee missed on an attack, and Femi connected with a big forearm to knock the challenger out of the ring.

Lee hit a big dropkick but then Femi tossed Lee in the air like it was nothing and slammed him to the mat. Femi then kicked Lee out of the ring and to the announce table before throwing him under the ring, knocking his head off the steel frame and to the floor. Lee was able to get back in and beat the count, but Femi wasted no time in causing more pain, slamming Lee down on his back and then hitting a spear in the corner.

Femi stepped on Lee put all his weight on Lee's back before stomping on it, and then Femi brought down Lee's back multiple times on his knee. More clubbing blows followed and then Lee hit the turnbuckle at full speed. Lee then got thrown into the other corner and got tied up in the ropes, and Femi went right for him but hit the ring post instead. Lee then kicked Femi's head into the ring post, and then was able to get loose and send Femi over the ropes to the floor.

Back in the Fight

Femi then came right back with a monster chop that knocked Lee to the ring apron. A backbreaker from Femi followed and then Femi stretched Lee's previously injured back once again. Lee got his wind back and knocked Femi to the mat after a series of punches and kicks, finally getting the Champion off balance. Lee followed up with another big attack and a slam to the mat, but Femi was able to kick out of the pin. Lee then dove through the ropes multiple times, stalking Femi until he slammed his head into the announce table.

Back in the ring Lee went up and went for the meteora, but Femi was able to counter, only for Lee to reverse that counter and slam Femi down. Lee then leaped off the top rope and got hit with a huge uppercut from Femi, and then Femi lifted Lee and went up top. Lee fought back and then went for a hurricanrana, but Femi reversed and slammed Leee but then Lee countered. Lee then hit a cardiac kick and went for the pin but Femi kicked out.

Lee then hit a splash but Femi picked him right up, and then both superstars ended up over the ropes. Lee grabbed the ropes and hit the moonsault, but Femi picked him up and spiked him onto the floor with a pile driver. Lee then hit a double stomp to Femi's back and went for the cardiac kick but Femi caught him. Lee ended up on his feet and kicked the Champ, going for the kick one more time but got caught and hurled into the air. Femi hit a huge power slam and that was it, ending Lee's run at the North American Title.

NXT Heatwave Results

• NXT North American Championship Match: Oba Femi (C) def. Wes Lee
• NXT Championship Fatal 4-Way Match: Trick Williams (C) vs. Je'Von Evans vs. Ethan Page vs. Shawn Spears
• NXT Women's Championship Match: Roxanne Perez (C) vs. Lola Vice
• NXT North Women's American Championship Match: Kelani Jordan (C) vs. Sol Ruca
• NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Nathan Frazer & Axiom (C) vs. Chase U
• Karmen Petrovic & Arianna Grace vs. Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx

What have you thought of NXT Heatwave? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

At WWE Money in the Bank John Cena made a bombshell announcement about his future in wrestling following his appearance at WrestleMania 40. Cena entered the ring in Toronto and spoke candidly to the fans about his career, revealing that next year, 2025, will be his final year as a wrestler. This surprised a lot of fans but Cena has been speaking about the big "R" word for months.

In April, he told Pat McAfee that he was looking to take a break from Hollywood to go on one final WWE run. At the WWE press conference following Money in the Bank, Cena explained his schedule over the next year and that he's looking to give back to the fans that have so graciously spent so much time with him in WWE.

Backstage, Cena reunited with one of his longtime rivals in CM Punk. When Cena was still full-time with WWE and both men were at the height of their careers, their feud took place over two years. Punk defeated Cena at Money in the Bank 2011, solidifying himself as the next guy to take the company into the future. Their last singles match was a #1 Contender's match for the WWE Heavyweight Championship in 2013, which Cena won. Punk revealed at the press conference that he's chomping at the bit to get in the ring with the 16-time World Champion "at least" one more time.

Legendary opponents @JohnCena and @CMPunk reunited backstage last night at #MITB, the event these two defined together. pic.twitter.com/bEGQG5TdYY

-- WWE (@WWE) July 7, 2024

Speaking to Comicbook, Punk revealed their initial conversation after Cena made the announcement live at the event. "I text him right away and I said, 'don't leave before you say hi to me.' And he text back, 'haha, have a good one tonight.' I immediately took that as, 'piss off, I'm leaving,' so I know he's busy, he's filming Peacemaker, so I figured he was leaving right away. I was pleasantly surprised to run into him afterwards and I told him I'll be the guy that drags him out of retirement. This retirement that he says he's gonna adhere to and this is it and when the final one happens that's gonna be it, like, yeah, 15 years I'll drag him out of retirement."

Punk also explained what Cena has meant to his career, which Punk gives him a lot of credit for. "But Cena I think to my career means a lot. I don't think there's many people up in that rare air where if you talk about my career, I feel you have to talk about John. And it makes me feel proud that I think if you talk about John's career, I think you have to talk about me. We're married in that respect. Proud of him, he gets to go out on his terms, I know that's important. I'm looking forward to what he does, and I told him that if it's gonna be one more time, we gotta do it at least one more time."

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on John Cena and his WWE retirement tour.

At the beginning of June, Becky Lynch officially entered free agency after reports that her WWE contract was coming to an end had surfaced. It remained unclear whether or not she had re-signed with the company or not, but regardless it appears she's taking time away from the ring for the time being. Following WrestleMania, she picked up the pieces with news of Rhea Ripley's injury, and helped usher in a new Women's World Champion shortly after. She had a rematch on WWE Raw after her title loss, but hasn't appeared on television since.

Seth Rollins Gives Insight Into Becky Lynch's Contract

Naturally, this absence has posed a ton of questions. While Lynch previously stated she had no interest going elsewhere, she is a highly sought after free agent and anything is possible in professional wrestling. In a sit down interview with Michael Cole ahead of Money in the Bank, Seth Rollins gave a bit of insight into where Lynch's head is at. The two share a three-year-old daughter who takes up much of their time.

"'The Man' is great. She's great," Rollins said. "I can't speak to her future or what she's got moving forward, but she's great, she's in good spirits, and the little one's awesome as well. She's three-and-a-half, and she's a menace. She runs the ship" (h/t: WrestleZone).

Rollins isn't the only one to comment about Lynch's break, as WWE CCO Triple H previously explained she is on a hiatus. "You can really feel both shows ramping up as we come into summertime and we come into SummerSlam, where those stories will all blow up," Levesque said on The Pat McAfee Show. "He mentioned Liv [Morgan] and Dom {Mysterio] earlier, I would imagine at some point, this is not gonna sit well with Rhea [Ripley]. So when you look at where we're at right now and how much excitement there is, and you still start thinking about [how] we don't have Roman [Reigns], we don't have Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch is out on a hiatus right now."

Rollins is still actively wrestling as he made his return from injury on WWE Raw ahead of WWE Money in the Bank. He laid out a rematch for the World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest and although he lost due to shenanigans from the Money in the Bank cash-in, it seems that it's lit a fire under him heading into WWE SummerSlam.

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on WWE and Becky Lynch.

At WWE Money in the Bank, the women stole the show with the women's ladder match for the briefcase. Six stars with all the potential, some who have never wrestled in a ladder match or in a Money in the Bank match for that matter, worked to earn a future title opportunity any time, any place. Several women got very close -- including Chelsea Green who was tipped off a ladder onto two tables -- but ultimately, it was "Tiffy Time" in Toronto.

After winning the briefcase which Tiffany Stratton told Comicbook she has big plans to decorate, she came face to face with Trish Stratus. The WWE Hall of Famer hasn't shied away from letting fans know she wants a match with the young star who resembles her in a lot of ways. The backstage segment made fans excited about a future match, especially because it seems as though Stratus isn't ready to fully retire again just yet.

Stratus gave advice to the former NXT Women's Champion, warning her not to get too arrogant or ahead of herself. She let Stratton know that it only matters what happens after she cashes in that will determine if she becomes a future Hall of Famer or if she's just another face roaming backstage.

WWE's Tiffany Stratton Is Ready To Fight Trish Stratus

At the Money in the Bank press conference, Stratton made it known she is ready to step into the ring with Stratus. "Listen, those are two different generations. Trish, Trishy, Trishy Time, she is one of my idols in professional wrestling, and I am ready to get in the ring with the GOAT" (h/t: Fightful).

Tiffany Stratton vs. Trish Stratus?!

Um, YES PLEASE! pic.twitter.com/lHhYa0PuUK

-- WWE (@WWE) July 7, 2024

The last time Stratus competed in a WWE ring was back at WWE Payback last September against Becky Lynch in her first-ever steel cage match. She had been feuding with Lynch for several months after her heel turn on Lynch and Lita. She has previously stated that if she were to come back to WWE, she would want to make sure she's at "100%" and it would have to be the right story. She also has a lot of history with Zoey Stark who was another competitor in this year's Money in the Bank ladder match. This was acknowledged when the two had a face off on-screen this week and it's a story Stark hopes to revisit at some point.

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on WWE.

At WWE Money in the Bank, John Cena made a major announcement about his future in wrestling. Addressing the fans in Toronto, he revealed in an emotional promo that his in-ring competition will wrap up in 2025. Following his bombshell announcement, he fielded questions from the media at the WWE press conference about his impending retirement. He gave insight into his schedule over the next year as well as his goals for this final run and what legacy he hopes to leave.

As for why he decided that next year had to be the last year of his career, Cena explains to Insight with Chris Van Vliet that he originally approached WWE with the idea and they were the ones to initiate the talks about why now is the time for it to happen. Furthermore with wrestling at an all-time high, specifically WWE, Cena notes that he takes pride in still being an individual WWE can call up and bring these big moments together so that they can make something out of it for the fans. He ended it by saying he's flattered he was asked to be part of a retirement tour.

Cena has been in WWE for over two decades at this point, first joining the fray back in 2002. He won the fans over with his unique character and his rap career, but over the years his philanthropy and consistency to the business is what helped make him a bonafide star in WWE. During his time with the company, he has won dozens of championships and is recognized by WWE as a 16-time World Champion.

Cena's last appearance in an WWE ring came at the Raw after WrestleMania 40 where he teamed with Awesome Truth against The Judgment Day. The night before, he helped Cody Rhodes win the Undisputed WWE Championship from Roman Reigns in what is often referred to as an Avengers-style moment with The Undertaker, Solo Sikoa, Seth Rollins, The Rock, and Jey and Jimmy Uso also involved.

WWE Money in the Bank 2024 Results

World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest (c) vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline

Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Chad Gable vs. Jey Uso vs. Andrade

Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Zoey Stark vs. Chelsea Green

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on John Cena and WWE.

No one expected John Cena to make an appearance at WWE's Money in the Bank, but that was rather small in comparison to what he had to say during his appearance. Cena revealed that WrestleMania 41 in 2025 would be his final WrestleMania, and he was retiring from in-ring competition next year. With someone like Cena, that was obviously massive news, but Cena offered some additional clarity during the press conference after the PLE, where he revealed that his farewell tour will hopefully take place over the entire year. While his final WrestleMania will be 41, his tour isn't stopping there.

The Farewell Tour

"This is where we give you some of the deets on the farewell tour. It's not going to end at WrestleMania. That WrestleMania will be my last WrestleMania, but hopefully if everything goes according to plan, we're going straight through from January to December," Cena said. "We're going to try and do a long list of dates, I think right now tentatively it's hovering in the mid-30s to 40s because I'm still going to try and juggle a lot of stuff that's going on, and that will be the end of my in-ring competition."

"Now, part of this business plan I guess that I proposed and they accepted, thank you they, is me remaining in the WWE family in some capacity for an extended time to come. I've always said to the audience that the WWE is my home and I love it, and just because I physically feel I'm at my end doesn't mean I need to distance myself from something I love," Cena said.

"I have a passion for this business. I still watch Money in the Bank and yell at the screen and yell at the guys for what they're doing or what they could be doing, so I still...I feel I still have some wisdom locked up here that could be of some value. I look forward to ending my participation in the ring in the best way I possibly can and being a member of the extended WWE family for quite some time to come," Cena said.

Money in the Bank Results

• World Heavyweight Championship Match: Damian Priest (C) def. Seth "Freakin" Rollins
• The Bloodline def. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens
• Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Drew McIntyre def. Carmelo Hayes, Chad Gable, Jey Uso, and Andrade
• Women's 2024 Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Tiffany Stratton def. Chelsea Green, Iyo Sky, Zoey Stark, and Naomi
• Intercontinental Championship Match: Sami Zayn (C) def. Bron Breakker

When will you be seeing Cena during this last year of matches? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

The Bloodline has changed a lot since the end of WrestleMania 40, and they just added their newest member to the group Jacob Fatu. The new and improved Bloodline would face an all-star team of Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and Randy Orton in a six-man Tag Team match, and it was an all-out war. Fatu was impressive throughout the match, and as expected, The Bloodline utilized every trick in the book to get one over on their opponents. At one point Owens and Rhodes had Tonga pinned, but the referee had been taken out. Bloodline took advantage of that though and some low blows ended that chance at winning, and Fatu would bring in Sikoa to pin Rhodes for the win.

A Monster Debut

Sikoa tagged in Tama Tonga instead of staying in the match. Tonga faced off against Rhodes first and Cody was in control, and then he tagged in Owens, who let loose on Tonga and stomped on him repeatedly in the corner. Then Rhodes tagged back in and continued to wear down Tonga with a vertical suplex, and he would tag in Orton to keep their momentum. Orton connected with several strikes and then an uppercut, but Tonga finally got away with a poke to the eyes.

That let him tag in Fatu, who was making his in-ring WWE debut. Orton shoved Fatu aside and hit the DDT on the ropes, but Fatu got right back up. That surprised Orton, and Fatu then hit a Samoan drop on the viper followed by a kick to the head. Sikoa then tagged in and attacked Orton in Bloodline's corner, and the crowd kept chanting "We want Roman".

Sikoa stomped on Orton's hand and then put pressure on Orton's neck, and while the referee was turned Tonga and Fatu attacked him at ringside. Tonga hit a slick splash from the ropes and tagged in, but Orton hit back with a suplex, buying him some time to recover.

Orton tagged in Owens and Owens unleashed offense on Tonga before knocking Fatu off the ring apron. Owens hit a clothesline and then knocked Fatu back again, and followed it with a cannonball on Tonga in the corner. Owens went up top and hit the swanton on Tonga, but Fatu broke up the pin attempt. Fatu threw Owens into the turnbuckle and tagged Sikoa in, who stomped on Owens and kept Owens off his feet in their corner. Fatu and Tonga Loa also attacked Owens at ringside, but Owens got back into the fight with hard strikes, only to get rocked with an uppercut from Sikoa.

Owens was down in the corner and Sikoa capitalized with a slam into the corner and then Fatu followed up with one of his own that was even more vicious. Owens then got knocked down by a cross body from Fatu, and Tonga tagged in and unleashed strikes and punches on a beaten-down Owens instead of going for the pin. Tonga continued to attack Owens and dragged Owens to Bloodline's corner, and Owens tried desperately to get close enough for a tag.

Sikoa tagged in and pushed Rhodes off the ring apron, and then ended up on the floor after missing Owens. Owens crawled over towards his corner but Loa pulled Orton off the ring apron and threw him into the barricade. Sikoa was back in but Owens was back on his feet and trading strikes, but Owens dodged Sikoa again and bought himself some time. Fatu was tagged in and kept Owens from moving closer to their corner, and then Fatu set up for a charge but hit the ring post when Owens moved out of the way.

The Hot Tag

Rhodes had his hand out for Owens and then got the tag, facing Sikoa one on one. Rhodes hit a power slam and then dove out of the ring to knock down Sikoa to the floor. Rhodes then dove out of the other side of the ring and slammed Loa into the announce table. Fatu and Rhodes faced off outside the ring and Fatu lined up for a charge but Rhodes lifted him up and threw him over the barricade. In the ring Sikoa hit a spear and went for the pin, but Rhodes kicked out.

Then Rhodes hit the Cross Rhodes, but the referee was down when he went for the pin. Owens went up top and hit the frog splash, but the referee was still down. Orton then set up for the RKO, and Sikoa got up and walked right into it. The referee was still recovering but then Rhodes went out and cleared the announce table. Then a brawl started with everyone getting hits in, and Owens would hit Fatu with the big Prime bottle by the ring. Owens then hit the frog splash on Fatu, destroying the announce table.

In the ring, Owens had Tonga up for a slam but Loa came in and hit Owens with a low blow twice. Then Orton hit an RKO on Loa and Tonga, and Sikoa hit a spike on Orton. Rhodes dodged a spike and hit a Cross Rhodes and then another. Fatu was up and knocked down Rhodes from the top rope. Fatu then slammed Rhodes down with a DDT before picking up Sikoa. Fatu picked up Rhodes and held him for Sikoa, alloying him to get the spike. Fatu then picked up the referee and put him in the ring so he could get the pin and the win. The Bloodline walks away with the win.

What did you think of the match? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

The Women's Money in the Bank match was one of the most anticipated matches of the night, and six of WWE's brightest stars were set to battle it out for the Money in the Bank briefcase. Naomi, Bianca Belair, Tiffany Stratton, Iyo Sky, Zoey Stark, and Chelsea Green all took their shot during the match, and there were some amazing spots throughout the match. People got slammed onto ladders in every conceivable way, including an absolutely insane spot by Sky and Stark that left both knocked out of the match. Green was then so incredibly close to grabbing the briefcase, but Stratton at the last minute took her down and took the case for herself, winning the Money in the Bank.

All By Herself

Everyone left the ring, leaving Green all by herself. She tried to jump up but obviously couldn't reach the briefcase, and then took someone's ladder to set up in the middle. Green was afraid of heights and climbed down and tried to reach the briefcase with the ladder as a hook. That didn't work, and Sky then dropkicked the ladder into Green and sent her to the floor.

Stratton met Sky in the ring and the two exchanged taunts, but Sky hit a meteroaa and slammed Stratton into he ladder. Then Valkyria suplexed Sky into the ladder right after, but got caught up in the ropes after Sky pushed her leg. Valkyria recovered and countered, sending Sky to the mat and and then hit a fisherman's suplex onto another ladder.

Valkyria fended off people but it was taking her a while to open the ladder, and Stark dropkicked her from the top rope to halt her momentum. Stark taunted the crowd and then caught Lyra and slammed her onto a ladder before looking to hit a splash, but she hit her head onto the ladder instead. Naomi was back in and she hit the moonsault onto Stark, and that led to Stratton jumping into the match.

They traded moves and Stratton was able to flip over and slam Naomi onto the ladder. Stratton and Sky battled over a ladder and Stratton walked up it and then hit a swanton off the top and knocked everyone to the floor. Green was up and starting to climb the ladder, but Sky slammed a ladder into her back and knocked her to the floor. Sky started to climb but Valkyria was up and climbed the ladder quickly, but Sky managed to pull her down and lock her legs in the ladder rungs, delivering vicious stomps on her head.

Ladder Insanity

Valkyria then suplexed Sky off the ladder and Stark came in with a knee strike to the head. Stark and Stratton met up top but then Naomi joined them and was doing the splits across both while hitting a DDT. Stratton dragged Naomi down and threw her out of the ring, but Naomi pulled Stratton out and threw her into the barricade.

Naomi then had everyone hyped when she grabbed two tables, and Green ran up and threw Naomi into the steel steps. After some stomps, Green and Stratton teamed up for a minute and set up a table (Table Time) by the barricade. They then set up another table, placing them together. In the ring Stark and Valkyria fought and tried to climb up, and then Sky jumped onto the ladder and got close to the TOP. Green had a ladder and tried to fight Sky with it, and it ended up bridging the ropes.

Stark then flipped up Stratton into the placed ladder, and then she raced up to grab Valkyria's leg to pull her down. Stark then power slammed Lyra onto the a ladder, and Naomi was back in and ready to climb up. Green jumped back in and pulled Naomi down, but Naomi fired back. Green stayed on her and slammed Naomi's face into the ladder, and then Green slammed Naomi's face into the other ladder. Stark climbed up and Sky jumped in to keep her from taking it. Sky grabbed Stark's hand and bent her fingers, and then Sky brought her down onto a ladder with a superplex.

Green raced up and almost had it, but Stratton then ran up pushed the ladder over, throwing Green into the tables they set up earlier. Stratton then grabbed the case and is now your money in the Bank winner, and Liv Morgan and Bayley better look out.

Money in the Bank Card

• World Heavyweight Championship Match: Damian Priest (C) vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins
• Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline
• Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Drew McIntyre def. Carmelo Hayes, Chad Gable, Jey Uso, and Andrade
• Women's 2024 Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Tiffany Stratton def. Chelsea Green, Iyo Sky, Zoey Stark, and Naomi
• Intercontinental Championship Match: Sami Zayn (C) def. Bron Breakker

Are you excited for Tiffy in the Bank? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

WWE's Money in the Bank Premium Live Event continued with a huge title match as Damian Priest defended the World Heavyweight Championship against former champion Seth Rollins. Priest was hoping to originally cash in on Rollins at WrestleMania instead of Drew McIntyre as he has a lot of respect for him. He's the one that offered Rollins a rematch in the first place, as he looks to continue to prove that his title reign is not just a placeholder for the next champion.

Rollins is coming off a severe injury that almost took him out of WrestleMania season entirely. Rollins falcon arrow but Priest kicks out. With both men down, it's the prime opportunity for McIntyre to take his chance at a cash-in like he said he was gonna do. As he charges toward the ring with the briefcase, he goes straight after Rollins who ducks out of the way and tries to get some offense in.

That doesn't happen, and just as it looks like Rollins is going to fall to McIntyre again, CM Punk appears and beats McIntyre down in the ring. With triple threat rules, nothing is illegal, so he continues his beatdown throughout the ringside area. He then grabs the belt and whacks McIntyre over the head with it, taking him out of the match. Priest takes the opportunity to go for the pin, retaining the title as Punk sits cross-legged on the announce desk ala WrestleMania.

CM PUNK is back!!!#MITB pic.twitter.com/EcocPvvZb3

-- WWE (@WWE) July 7, 2024

Priest will now head to SummerSlam in Cleveland where he will face his greatest challenge yet in "The Ring General" Gunther. He won the King of the Ring this year which gave both winners a future title opportunity at SummerSlam. Gunther has been teasing holding the World Heavyweight Championship since before he lost the Intercontinental Championship of which he was the longest-reigning champion.

McIntyre's loss sets up his eventual match with Punk that has been stewing since he was injured at the Royal Rumble. Though Punk hasn't been cleared just yet, the original timetable for his return was the summer, which SummerSlam is right in the middle of. It's the biggest event of the summer for WWE, so a return in Cleveland makes the most sense, especially given his strong history with the city.

WWE Money in the Bank 2024 Card

World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest (c) vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline

Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Chad Gable vs. Jey Uso vs. Andrade

Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Zoey Stark vs. Chelsea Green

Stay tuned to Comicbook for live updates on Money in the Bank!

At WWE Money in the Bank, 16-time World Champion John Cena appeared, shocking fans and leading them to wonder what he is doing in Toronto. Reports earlier in the night indicated that he was spotted in the city but it was unclear if he'd be part of the festivities or not. The last time he was in a WWE ring was back at WrestleMania where he helped Cody Rhodes capture the Undisputed WWE Championship. During that weekend, he also hinted at one final run in the ring before he officially retires.

Cena charged to the ring and got right to his point: next year will be his final year in wrestling. He thanked the crowd for letting him play in the house that the fans built for decades, for their voice, and their honesty. He gets choked up as the fans cheer "thank you Cena" but promises this final run will be unforgettable. He made it clear that the 2025 Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania will be the last of him in WWE.

He sends a message to the entire locker room that if they want a piece of him, now is the last chance for them to do so. Last year when he returned at WrestleMania 39, he went up against the United States Champion Austin Theory who defeat Cena in a major upset, but it was clear that his time of putting over the next generation had come. He went on to face The Bloodline with LA Knight and then was defeated by the current Bloodline leader Solo Sikoa. His final match came at the Raw after WrestleMania of this year when he teamed with Awesome Truth against Judgment Day and won.

The GREATEST OF ALL TIME is here!

JOHN CENA is back at #MITB! pic.twitter.com/anW4GdtC8l

-- WWE (@WWE) July 7, 2024

Cena has had several matches since his last full-time run in WWE which took place in 2017. He chose to bow out and pursue his Hollywood acting career full-time instead, which has given him many incredible opportunities over the last few years. Next month, his next film, Jackpot! with Awkwafina will release on Prime Video.

WWE Money in the Bank 2024 Card

World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest (c) vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline

Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Chad Gable vs. Jey Uso vs. Andrade

Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Zoey Stark vs. Chelsea Green

A physical throwdown was in store for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at Money in the Bank, featuring Sami Zayn defending his Intercontinental Title against one of WWE's fastest-rising stars in Bron Breakker. That power was on display early in the match, but Zayn showcased his experience and ability to adapt throughout the entire match, so while Breakker certainly had him on the ropes at various times, Zayn was always able to recover and get back into the match. That led to a thrilling sequence where Zayn dodged the spear and hit the Helluva Kick for the pin and the win.

A Fast Start

The raw power disparity between Zayn and Breakker was easy to see early, as Breakker made it a point to showcase it at the onset of the match. Zayn wasn't phased though, and despite some early taunting from Breakker, Zayn never wavered and clocked Breakker with a kick to the head and shoulder after leaping off the ropes. Breakker came right back with a vicious clothesline and then delivered slams and suplexes to keep the Champ off his feet.

Zayn got back into it and started a run, hitting a DDT and going for the cover, but Breakker kicked out. Zayn's run continued, as he leapt over Breakker and threw him to the floor. Zayn then jumped off the barricade but Breakker caught him and slammed him down, only to find himself thrown to the floor after the action returned to the ring. Zayn lined up to attack but Breakker cut him off and knocked him away before returning to the ring.

Can't Keep Zayn Down

Zayn caught Breakker's spear attempt and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb into a cover, but Breakker kicked out of the pin. Breakker then went for a cover of his own after hitting a Frankensteiner, but Zayn kicked out of the pin. Then Zayn dodged a spear attempt from Breakker, but Breakker was able to jump from the ring apron and hit a clothesline on Zayn against the announce table.

Breuker was favoring his knee when he returned to the ring, but he still lifted Zayn. Zayn reversed the move and hit an exploder suplex and then lined up for the Helluva Kick, but Breakker hit a knee strike to the head and stopped him cold. Breakker then slammed Zayn down and lined up for the spear, but Zayn caught him with a kick to the head. Zayn went for a Helluva Kick and got it, going for the pin and getting the 3 count. Zayn is still your Intercontinental Champion.

Money in the Bank Card

• World Heavyweight Championship Match: Damian Priest (C) vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins
• Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline
• Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Drew McIntyre def. Carmelo Hayes, Chad Gable, Jey Uso, and Andrade
• Women's 2024 Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Zoey Stark vs. Chelsea Green
• Intercontinental Championship Match: Sami Zayn (C) def. Bron Breakker

What did you think of the match? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

WWE's 2024 Money in the Bank Premium Live Event kicked off in Toronto with this year's men's ladder match. Six men competed for the briefcase that will give them a future title opportunity any time, any place. With a great mix of rising stars and formidable talents, it was truly anybody's game when the bell rang. Several superstars came close to nabbing the green briefcase, including Chad Gable who had has hands around it when the ladder was taken out from under him. He had no choice put the drop to the mat, thwarting his opportunity at winning.

THIS IS INSANE!!!#MITB pic.twitter.com/I5MWIXSajI

-- WWE (@WWE) July 6, 2024

Carmelo Hayes and Andrade certainly had some shining moments as well, especially Andrade who recreated his sunset flip off the ladder and onto another from 2019's Money in the Bank. Drew McIntyre has been clear about winning the briefcase and walking out of the night as the champion when he cashes in.

In a shocking turn of events (or maybe not so, as he did what he said he would), that's exactly what happened. Jey Uso was close to claiming the briefcase but just as he was ready to unlatch it, McIntyre came back into the ring and hit him with a ladder, knocking him off balance and to the mat. He then ascended the ladder and snatched the briefcase for the first time in his career.

He has competed in four other Money in the Bank matches throughout his WWE career. With the lack of CM Punk shenanigans here it seems likely that if Punk is looming in the venue, he will attack when McIntyre attempts to cash-in, preventing yet another title win. Naturally, that would set up their SummerSlam match when Punk gets cleared to wrestle. The last time that Punk was in the same vicinity as McIntyre, "The Scottish Warrior" bloodied him backstage, so if there's ever an opportunity for revenge, it's tonight when he least expects it.

WWE Money in the Bank 2024 Card

World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest (c) vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline

Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Chad Gable vs. Jey Uso vs. Andrade

Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Zoey Stark vs. Chelsea Green

Stay tuned to Comicbook for lives updates on Money in the Bank.

It seems relatively safe to say that LA Knight and Logan Paul won't be best friends anytime soon, as the two WWE superstars have been trading shots at each other for a while now. That's even led to Paul's house being crashed by Knight at one point, and the two are likely to continue butting heads. Knight still has some hilarious shots for Paul up his sleeve, one of which he revealed during an interview with ComicBook ahead of Money in the Bank, and it involved Mike Tyson's Punch-Out. The comparison was one that Paul probably won't love, and we wouldn't be surprised to see him respond at some point.

Glass Joe Has Entered The Room

Knight is competing in the Men's Ladder Match for the Money in the Bank briefcase, and he will attempt to grab the case and cement his presence in the title picture moving forward. Logan Paul isn't in that match-up, but if there's a chance to mess with Knight's upward ascension in any way, it might be too much for Paul to pass up.

That's probably why Knight isn't letting up on him, including when we asked Knight if he could give just one compliment about Paul. Knight said, "Sure he looks like Glass Joe from Mike Tyson's Punch Out", which, you know, could be a compliment...okay it's not. In fact, it also means that Paul has a glass jaw, and Knight is fully intent on making that a reality at some point in the future. We'll have to wait and see if Paul responds to Knight's shot, or if Knight ends up highlighting that comparison more in the future.

Who Is Glass Joe?

Few boxing games have ever eclipsed the popularity level of Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!, and in the game, you play as the boxer Little Mac. As you make your way to fight Tyson, Little Mac takes on a number of unique opponents, and the very first one you confront is Glass Joe. As the first opponent, he is also the easiest opponent in the game and has no special punch like everyone else you'll face.

Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987 and had you working up your way through a gauntlet of fighters until you faced the biggest challenge of all in Tyson. That was no easy task, but once you got Tyson himself, your odds shrunk considerably, as Tyson is considered to be one of the toughest video game bosses ever. The game would also be reenvisioned for The Wii, though the love for the NES version will always be there amongst longtime fans.

Money in the Bank Card

World Heavyweight Championship Match: Damian Priest (C) vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline
Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Chad Gable vs. Jey Uso vs. Andrade
Women's 2024 Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Zoey Stark vs. Chelsea Green
Intercontinental Championship Match: Sami Zayn (C) vs. Bron Breakker

Are you excited for Money in the Bank? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

Last year one of WWE's most unforgettable talents that really left his mark on the world with his creative insights and wrestling abilities, Bray Wyatt, passed away. His shocking death rippled through the entire professional wrestling world, but especially WWE where he spent much of his career. That December he had returned to WWE after over a year away from the ring and with him he brought fresh new storylines that were just getting started.

His final matches were against the formidable LA Knight who he had been feuding with for over a month. Six months later, he unfortunately passed away. While in a program with The Miz, Knight went on SmackDown and paid tribute to the late great Wyatt while also furthering his storyline with Miz. At the time, many called it his best promo on the main roster thus far.

Knight reflected on the moment in an interview with Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez, explaining a similar situation he found himself in when Paul Bearer passed away in 2013. "I had to do something similar to that with the Percy Pringle, William Moody, most people probably know him as Paul Bearer, about 11 years ago," Knight said. "So I'd kind of drawn on that in a certain way where it was like I needed to go out and talk about him while also keeping the business moving and not disrespecting at the same time.

So finding that happy medium, I needed to ask for a lot of freedom. 'Hey, if I'm going to do this, I need to do it this way and let me just go out there and riff.' Thankfully, they were able to let me do that and that's what I did and I think we came out with a pretty good thing. For me, it was a lot of meaning behind it because I mean again that was pretty much a major turning point for me where it was like, 'all right, sink or swim. I can either go here and just be a guy who's just in a thing or I can be a guy who's going to make a real impression with another guy who was a major mainstay in the business,' and that's what we did."

Knight is set to compete at Money in the Bank in the famed ladder match. Up against rising stars and former champions, Knight looks to claim the briefcase for the first time in his career. He's the only man returning from last year's event which saw Damian Priest capture the prize. If he wins, he will earn a future title shot of his choosing any time, any place.

Stay tuned to Comicbook for live updates on Money in the Bank.

WWE is getting ready for tonight's Money in the Bank in Toronto, but they're also keeping an eye towards the future. Today WWE revealed that they are bringing back WWE Bad Blood on October 5th, and it will take place in Atlanta, Georgia at the State Farm Arena. A Bad Blood event hasn't happened since 2004, but it will make its grand return later this year, and WWE brought in one of music's hottest talents for the festivities. In the announcement video, Cody Rhodes is sitting in a car with producer Metro Boomin as they stake out the State Farm Arena, and it seems like only the beginning of this newest partnership. You can watch the video below.

A Grand Partnership

Metro asks Cody if they are just going to sit here in the car until October, and Rhodes says that is exactly what they are doing, as this is an old-fashioned stakeout. Then Metro asks "Don't you have a tour bus?", to which Cody replies "Don't you have a tour bus?" They then resume watching the building, at least until Metro is able to connect to the stadium wifi.

This will be the first time Metro Boomin has partnered up with the WWE, and if he's showing up this early ahead of the event, it's likely he will end up either hosting the event or being heavily involved in the promotion ahead of time. That said, it remains to be seen if he'll actually end up getting involved in any of the matches like we've seen in the past, but if it was going to happen, it would certainly be in Atlanta.

An Unexpected Return

The last time fans saw a Bad Blood pay-per-view it was in 2004, taking place in Columbus, Ohio. That event featured Triple H and Shawn Michaels battling it out in a Hell in a Cell match, so it is rather perfect that it's being brought back with both Triple H and Shawn Michaels in positions of creative control, with Trips running the main roster and Michaels leading NXT. Bad Blood was first introduced in 1997, though it was actually an iteration of In Your House at that time.

That event featured Michaels facing The Undertaker, and that was a Hell in a Cell match as well. The event would return in 2003, where it featured Triple H taking on Kevin Nash. Hell in a Cell is a running theme in those events, so it wouldn't be surprising to see a Hell in a Cell match here as well. Depending on what's happening with Roman Reigns at that point, you could see either Roman or Cody being involved in that match against Solo Sikoa.

Are you excited for the return of Bad Blood? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

WWE's yearly Money in the Bank Premium Live Event is set to emanate from Toronto tonight, and it seems like there are a few surprises in store for the fans that may or may not include an appearance from John Cena. Every year, two WWE superstars walk out of the iconic event as the Money in the Bank winner. While it may not be a physical title, it can lead to one as the winners earn a future title opportunity any time, any place. Last year, Damage CTRL's IYO SKY and Judgment Day's Damian Priest won the briefcases, and while SKY cashed in shortly after, Priest opted to wait until this year's WrestleMania to call his shot.

WWE CCO Paul "Triple H" Levesque posted a video to social media, teasing "a few surprises" at the event which changes the WWE landscape. "It's exciting. Money in the Bank is a great PLE for WWE because it changes the trajectory of a lot of things. So, as you're getting ready to head into SummerSlam, once somebody has that Money in the Bank briefcase, it sort of changes the dynamic because the chase begins," Triple H said. "If you're a champion, you always have to be looking over your shoulder. So, it'll be a big night. We have a lot of great talent there, and I think it is very difficult to call. I think all the matches tonight will deliver, and then some; got a few surprises in the tank so it's going to be a fun night" (h/t: Fightful).

The entire landscape of @WWE is about to change.#MITB streams LIVE from Toronto tonight, 7PM ET/4PM PT @peacock @WWENetwork pic.twitter.com/w4aDSB3RQm

-- Triple H (@TripleH) July 6, 2024

Fightful is reporting that a fan allegedly spotted the future first ballot WWE Hall of Famer in Toronto, though Fightful hasn't heard if he is planned for the show in any capacity. Cena did appear at last year's Money in the Bank event in London where he teased a potential future WrestleMania event in the country.

Cena hasn't appeared in a WWE ring since this year's WrestleMania in Philadelphia where he took part in an unforgettable Avengers-style moment to help Cody Rhodes secure the Undisputed WWE Championship from Roman Reigns. The 16-time WWE World Champion previously went on record, stating that he'd like to put his Hollywood career on pause for one last WWE run as he knows he's closer to the end than the beginning.

Stay tuned to Comicbook for live updates on WWE's Money in the Bank.

Tiffany Stratton has been a force to be reckoned with since her debut on WWE's main roster. After certifying herself as a star down in NXT, she has shown the WWE Universe why it's always "Tiffy Time." Although it's only been a few months since her SmackDown debut, she has already checked off several incredible feats in WWE, some that many work their entire careers to pull off. First, she competed at Elimination Chamber against some of WWE's best women's wrestlers, and the crowd was all in on the young star. From there she competed for the WWE Women's Championship currently held by Bayley at WWE Backlash, she made it to the quarter-finals of this year's Queen of the Ring and now she steps into her first Money in the Bank match which also just so happens to be her first ladder match.

Tiffany Stratton's Favorite Money in the Bank Moments

Ahead of the major career milestone, Stratton spoke to Comicbook at the Money in the Bank media junket about some of her favorite moments in history from past Money in the Banks. She revealed two specific women that she felt were the most iconic with cash-ins. "I feel like Liv's last year was so iconic that she won it the day of and then, or cashed in the day of and won it the same day. I thought that was so iconic and I thought Carmella's run with the briefcase was also so iconic," she said.

Carmella won the inaugural women's Money in the Bank ladder match in 2017 which also had Natalya, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair and Tamina. As for Morgan, at the time of her win in 2022, the fans were really rallying behind her to finally get a title run, and that all paid off when she won the championship from Ronda Rousey in record time. Stratton also revealed in our interview what she would do to the briefcase upon winning it, as many wrestlers decorate the iconic briefcase to make it their own.

If Stratton can win the briefcase, she will automatically earn a future title shot of her choosing. It would set her on a huge trajectory in her career as there are several key players in the match who are all WWE veterans. Stratton is the youngest competitor, but that doesn't mean she should be counted out so easily as she is a former NXT Women's Champion. Case in point, in order to qualify for the match, she defeated both Jade Cargill and Candice LeRae, two dominant women in the division, to earn her spot.

WWE Money in the Bank 2024 Card

World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest (c) vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline

Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Chad Gable vs. Jey Uso vs. Andrade

Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Zoey Stark vs. Chelsea Green

Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Bron Breakker

Stay tuned to Comicbook for live updates on Money in the Bank.

WWE's SmackDown was full of intriguing twists and turns, but one of the biggest was saved for the final moments of the show. That's when fans saw the newest iteration of The Bloodline, with Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu all standing alongside Solo Sikoa. Sikoa then brought out the Ula Fala and had it placed around his neck, but then took things a step further and said Roman Reigns wasn't man enough to defend their Title at WrestleMania or their legacy. That's why he's no longer the Tribal Chief, and Solo is now assuming that Title. Sikoa then said they will recapture their Undisputed WWE Title, and if Roman wants it back, he will have to take it from him. Sikoa has now made it official. Reigns is out, and Solo is taking his place.

The New Tribal Chief

"This...is an Ula Fala. This makes me the Tribal Chief," Sikoa said. "This is not what I wanted, but this is what my family needed. Roman Reigns was not man enough to defend our Title at WrestleMania. He was not man enough to defend our legacy against Cody Rhodes and his legacy. Therefore he shall no longer call himself the Tribal Chief because I'm the Tribal Chief now. And I'm going to take back our WWE Undisputed Title from Cody Rhodes."

Sikoa then had another message for Roman, saying that if he ever returns and wants that Title back, he will have a fight on his hands. Sikoa said, "And if Roman Reigns wants that back, he can try and take it from me, because I am going to show everyone in the Money in the Bank six-man tag match. Cody Rhodes, I am coming for you, and you will acknowledge me." Then the Ula Fala is placed around Sikoa's neck and the video ends.

Bloodline 2.0

Roman Reigns faced Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40, and despite his and The Bloodline's best efforts, Reigns would finally fall to Rhodes with some help from Jey Uso, Seth Rollins, John Cena, and The Undertaker. Reigns hasn't appeared on WWE TV since the match at WrestleMania, but Paul Heyman had orders from Reigns to keep an eye on Rhodes and keep him in check with The Bloodline in his absence.

Sikoa had other plans though, and soon he would start to put doubt in Heyman's mind about Reigns' plans and goals. Sikoa would then introduce Tama Tonga to the group and kick Jimmy Uso out of it, much to Heyman's surprise. Then Tonga Loa would make his appearance and be added to the group. The final piece was Jacob Fatu, who made his grand debut by attacking Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens.

Last week the ultimate move was made when Sikoa asked Heyman to acknowledge him as the Tribal Chief. Heyman wouldn't, so The Bloodline would put Heyman through a table after attacking him in the ring. Now with this latest video, the group is no longer Roman's to lead, and it will surely be interesting to see what happens next when he comes back.

Money in the Bank Card

• World Heavyweight Championship Match: Damian Priest (C) vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins
• Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline
• Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Chad Gable vs. Jey Uso vs. Andrade
• Women's 2024 Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Zoey Stark vs. Chelsea Green
• Intercontinental Championship Match: Sami Zayn (C) vs. Bron Breakker

When do you think Roman Reigns will return to confront Solo Sikoa? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

At WWE Clash at the Castle, a new set of WWE Women's Tag Teams Champions were crowned, taking the belts off of the dominating duo of Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. The former champions won the titles back at WWE Backlash in France, marking Cargill's first title win in WWE since her signing last fall. They unfortunately lost them just a month later.

On SmackDown, Cargill and Belair recovered from their loss, defeating Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae once again and calling their shot for a title rematch. In the post-match promo, Cargill also thanked Fyre and Dawn for keeping the championships warm for them. With WWE Money in the Bank just a day away, it's unlikely that the match will be added to the match card, but WWE does has another Premium Live Event next month in Cleveland, Ohio, SummerSlam.

"We are coming back for OUR tag team titles"@BiancaBelairWWE and @Jade_Cargill have a message for @wwe_alba and @IslaDawn. ?#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/LsJbmfBI4G

-- WWE (@WWE) July 6, 2024

Belair recognizes their impact as a tag team is much stronger than a match between the two of them at this stage, telling Comicbook in a recent interview that despite their loss, it's "all about the journey."

"Yes, we just lost the titles. Like you said, it's ebbs and flows in WWE. If you want a long career, you're going to be at the top, you're going to be at the bottom. You're going to have to work your way back to the top," Belair said. "It's all about the journey. I've been at the top of the mountain, main event in WrestleMania, winning a title, and then getting beat in 26 seconds at SummerSlam and being at the bottom and working my way back to the top."

The Unholy Union of Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn have been a force to be reckoned with since their debut in WWE. They have conquered every quest thrown their way, every locker room they have been in and they continue to show why they are a formidable duo. They won the NXT Women's Tag Titles back in 2023, their first set of championships as a team, and were moved up to the main roster late last year.

They were off television for an extended period of time, leading fans to wonder what was going on as they had teased a storyline between Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. That did not come to fruition, however. When they popped back up in May, fans were elated to see them finally return. They won the Tag Titles just weeks after their big return, in front of their hometown crowd in Scotland.

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill and WWE.

The WWE Tag Team Championships were on the line in tonight's SmackDown main event, as Austin Theory and Grayson Waller looked to continue their successful partnership and Championship reign. To do that they would need to defeat Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano of DIY, who have been appealing to Theory over the past few weeks about how Waller is using him to keep the Titles. Tonight they all met in the ring, and throughout the match, Waller displayed those tendencies time and time again. Despite that, Theory saved the match for Waller by putting his foot on the rope as he was about to be pinned. He couldn't save the match twice though, as Gargano locked Waller in a submission that led to a tap out, making DIY the new WWE Tag Team Champions.

Hot Start

DIY got off to a hot start, knowing the Champs out of the ring to the floor, and they stayed on the attack back in the ring, with Gargano going for a cover after a leg drop. Theory kicked out and then got some momentum back, clubbing Gargano with strikes to the head before tagging in Waller. Waller stayed on Gargano, throwing him to the floor, and then tagged in Theory. Unfortunately, Gargano dodged Theory's charge and that sent him into the barricade.

Then Gargano reversed a move of Waller's and knocked him viciously to the floor, but his run was cut off by Theory, who knocked him down with a hard clothesline. Back in the ring, Theory kept Gargano from tagging Ciampa, and then Waller pulled Ciampa off the ring apron to keep him from getting the tag cone Gargano finally got to him.

Back from break, Gargano had mounted a comeback, successfully knocking Waller into the corner and keeping Theory at bay. Unfortunately, Waller was able to counter a diving spear of Gargano's and get the momentum back, but Ciampi's anger towards the referee caused Waller to punch Theory in the face accidentally and knock him from the ring apron. Gargano tried to pin Waller and finally tagged Ciampa in, and they hit the finisher but Waller was able to kick out.

An Epic Ending

Gargano got thrown to the floor by Theory and then Waller went for the pin, but Gargano broke it up at the last minute. Theory was back in the ring and slugging it out with Gargano, and Waller then intervened and let Theory eat a super kick. Ciampa then hit Project Ciampa on Waller and tagged Gargano in, and the two set up for the big finisher. Gargano went for the pin but Theory put his foot on the ropes to break the pin.

Gargano dove and knocked Theory down but Waller rolled Gargano up for a near fall. Gargano then reversed a move and locked in the Gargano Escape on Waller, but Theory held Waller's hand so he wouldn't tap. Then Ciampa came in and locked in a submission too, and as both were unable to help the other, Waller tapped, and DIY are now your new WWE Tag Team Champions.

Money in the Bank Card

• World Heavyweight Championship Match: Damian Priest (C) vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins
• Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline
• Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Chad Gable vs. Jey Uso vs. Andrade
• Women's 2024 Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Zoey Stark vs. Chelsea Green
• Intercontinental Championship Match: Sami Zayn (C) vs. Bron Breakker

What did you think of the match? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

At Money in the Bank, WWE's Kevin Owens will team up with Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton to take on The Bloodline in a six-man Tag Team match, and tonight the trio hit the ring to get the fans hyped for the impending match. While that certainly happened, it wasn't a typical promo, as Owens revealed that he's been at his mother's bedside the past four days after she had to be rushed to the hospital. Owens said that his family has been by her side ever since, and while he could have stayed there and missed tonight' show, his mother wouldn't approve, as she wanted nothing more than for him to live out his dream as a professional wrestler in WWE, and missing the show would only make her mad. We wish Owens' mom all the best and wish her a speedy recovery.

Owens said, "Monday morning I got a call from my dad, telling me that my mom was rushed to the hospital, I needed to get home. So I jumped on a flight and flew back to Quebec, and that's where I've been for the last five days or so. In the same hospital where she gave birth to me with my dad and my brother at her bedside watching her fight like hell."

"My dad and my mom are not here tonight and they won't be here tomorrow because my mom is still in her hospital bed fighting like hell. I know I could've stayed home tonight and it would've been a problem with anybody back there or out here, and I probably should've stayed home, but I didn't because the one person it would have been a problem for is my mother."

His Biggest Supporter

Owens spoke about how his mother has been supporting his dream since he was 11 years old. "Because ever since I was 11 years old and I discovered professional wrestling in WWE, she did everything she could along with my dad, to make sure I would realize my dream, get to WWE. She wanted me to fight like hell. She told me every single time to come in here and leave it all in the ring...so if she knew. If she heard that I missed a show because of her she'd be so pissed, so here I am," Owens said.

"Bloodline, let me tell you this. I am more serious than I've been in my entire career," Owens said. "Tomorrow, win, lose, or draw, all I care about is that I do what my mom has wanted me to do for the last four years. And that is not just kicking the living hell out of Bloodline, it's to beat their a**** worst than ever before!"

Money in the Bank

• World Heavyweight Championship Match: Damian Priest (C) vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins
• Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline
• Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Chad Gable vs. Jey Uso vs. Andrade
• Women's 2024 Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Zoey Stark vs. Chelsea Green
• Intercontinental Championship Match: Sami Zayn (C) vs. Bron Breakker

We wish Owens' mother a speedy recovery.

WWE's Money in the Bank is one of the best places to cement yourself as a Championship contender, offering two superstars an opportunity to hold their destiny in their own hands. The Women's and Men's Money in the Bank matches will give 12 Superstars the chance to grab the briefcases and instantly become a force in the division, and one of those superstars is SmackDown sensation Tiffany Stratton. Stratton has become one of WWE's fastest-rising stars, and she will hit another gear if she can best superstars like Lyra Valkyria, Bianca Belair, and Zoey Stark to grab the briefcase first. ComicBook had the chance to speak to Stratton about what she would do if she won the match, and it turns out she's got grand plans to give the Money in the Bank briefcase a Tiffy Time redesign.

Tiffy Time Redesign

When asked what her plans are for the briefcase when she takes down the competition and wins the match, Stratton already has extensive plans to not just give the briefcase some additional style, but also make it more comfortable to carry around. Arguably, this will be the most stylish it's ever looked. "So I'm going to paint it pink. I'm going to rhinestone it, and I think I'm going to add an extra strap on, maybe like a fluffy one, and then I'm going to carry it around like a purse," Stratton said.

Gotta say, the pink color choice is already a nice upgrade, and will instantly make Stratton's briefcase stand out. Having the strap so you can carry it like a purse is also a nice touch and pretty practical too. You could even add some wheels to have it double as stylish luggage, and if you really want to go all the way, you could have a portable smoothie machine built in. Who doesn't want smoothies on the go? Okay that last one might be a stretch but when someone does make that happen just remember who loved the idea.

Dream Matches

If Stratton is able to take the briefcase she will have a huge opportunity to create her own dream Championship scenario, as she could challenge any of WWE's Champions. That currently includes Bayley on SmackDown and Liv Morgan on Monday Night Raw, and both are big challenges for anyone. Stratton has had run-ins with both superstars though, so if anyone can pull it off it would be Stratton. We'll have to wait and see who she ultimately challenges if she wins, but during a previous conversation with ComicBook, Stratton did reveal two other dream match scenarios.

"I feel like Charlotte Flair, she and I have similar styles. She was a gymnast," Stratton said. "I have always wanted to... I think Charlotte Flair is one of my dream matches, for sure. Bianca Belair, I love her. I love watching her. She's so fun to watch. Again, we both have similar backgrounds. I did CrossFit. She also did CrossFit before coming to NXT. Yeah, Bianca and Charlotte for sure."

Money in the Bank Card

• World Heavyweight Championship Match: Damian Priest (C) vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins
• Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline
• Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Chad Gable vs. Jey Uso vs. Andrade
• Women's 2024 Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Zoey Stark vs. Chelsea Green
• Intercontinental Championship Match: Sami Zayn (C) vs. Bron Breakker

Who are your picks to win WWE's Money in the Bank? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

Before he returned to WWE, he wrestled all over the world making a name for himself as Eli Drake in IMPACT/TNA, Ring of Honor, and NWA, among many others. One thing all of his wrestling characters have in common is their three syllables. Knight talked to Comicbook at the recent Money in the Bank media junket where he discussed how the current iteration of his character and name came to be.

LA Knight on His WWE Name Change

"There weren't a lot pretty much [of names other than LA Knight], we went straight to LA Knight. It was always gonna be LA something. So the Eli Drake thing happened by accident," Knight said. "It was just that I hadn't been talking for months basically, Drew was talking for me, and at some point I was like, 'well, I got to tell these people my name.' And so I started just kind of spelling it out and I was like, 'well, hell, I'll keep that.' But for me, it was also just simplicity. If I got a mouthful of the name, how do people remember that? How do people chant that? How do people just keep that fresh on their minds? So if you got some garbled up mess of a name, sorry, no offense, but it's going to be tough to latch on to that. So simplicity is key."

Knight is set to appear at this weekend's Money in the Bank men's ladder match where he will compete to win a future title shop by obtaining the coveted Money in the Bank briefcase. Knight has competed at the Premium Live Event once before and that was last year. Although he was the early favorite to win, Damian Priest walked out of the night as a future WWE champion.

This year, Knight is the only returning competitor, and he will have to go up against some of WWE's strongest characters. Jey Uso, Drew McIntyre, Andrade, Chad Gable and recent NXT call-up Carmelo Hayes. WWE Money in the Bank streams live Saturday, July 6th, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on Money in the Bank and WWE.

Carmelo Hayes is one of WWE's current brightest young stars who recently moved to the main roster from the company's NXT brand. He's a beloved wrestler amongst the fans who enjoy his high-energy style in the ring but many were shocked to see what appeared to be the former NXT Champion laid out backstage on WWE Raw. The Wyatt Sicks made their grand debut on the red brand a few weeks back and with them they brought nothing but peril.

They took out several talent and crew members backstage, and although it was dark many tried to piece together who they attacked. One of the names that frequented social media was Hayes as a wrestler with braids similar to his own was pictured. Hayes was quick to take to his social media accounts and address the situation, easing fan concern about it being him in trouble. A fan posted a photo of the man with the caption "This you?" giving Hayes the opportunity to question the fan. "Nope, but are they dead?"

Hayes further elaborated on the moment in an interview with Comicbook at the Money in the Bank media junket. He explained that after it happened, he did notice some similarities between himself and the unnamed stranger, even telling his partner and fellow wrestler Kelani Jordan about it.

Carmelo Hayes on his WWE Raw Lookalike

"Bro, so I get a DM and some kid's like, 'hey man, everybody thinks I'm you!' And I was like, what the hell? I'm like, 'what is this kid talking about?' And I looked and it was the, I don't know if it's spoiling it ... whatever he's alive," Hayes said. "It was the extra who had the braids like me. I was at home sitting at home watching and even I said to my girl, I said, 'dang, that looks like me.' I said, 'I hope they're not trying to do that on purpose and I'm spoiling it for everybody.' I tell everybody I'm like, 'I'm fine, I'm at home chilling.'"

After defeating Randy Orton and Tama Tonga in a qualifying match on SmackDown, Hayes showed the fans just why he is called "Him." He is set to compete in the Money in the Bank ladder match for the first time in his career this weekend. Hayes will have some tough competition in Drew McIntyre, Jey Uso, LA Knight, Chad Gable and Andrade. If he can climb the ladder and retrieve the briefcase, he will earn a future title opportunity that will expire a year after winning it. WWE Money in the Bank streams live Saturday, July 6th, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

Stay tuned to Comicbook for more news out of Money in the Bank.

A former top wrestling free agent's WWE debut may be delayed for just a bit longer. Back in April, former STARDOM champion Giulia appeared in the crowd at NXT Stand and Deliver and received a huge ovation from the fans in attendance. She was then pictured with WWE CCO Triple H and Rossy Ogawa, the former co-founder of STARDOM who has since been ousted, backstage. This followed numerous reports that the star may be making her way to the United States in the near future to join WWE.

Following that appearance, it was believed that she would make her debut at NXT Heatwave which is set to take place this weekend in Toronto. Fans were elated to finally see Giulia mix it up with some of NXT's biggest and brightest talent but unfortunately, those plans were put on hold after she suffered an unfortunate injury. This has put her on the shelf for several months now, leaving her impending debut up in the air. WWE and Marigold have forged somewhat of a relationship together as they look to hold a stronger presence in Japan by working with other promotions. This has already been the case with All Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH.

Giulia's WWE Debut up in the Air Ahead of NXT Heatwave

Fightful Select is reporting that Giulia is not in town for NXT Heatwave as she is currently fulfilling obligations with Marigold. She is set to face Sareee at the Summer Destiny event which they are expected to headline pending her medical clearance. WWE's IYO SKY is also on the show and she will go up against Utami Hayashishita for the first time in their careers.

Additionally, Fightful added that Giulia could appear in Cleveland during SummerSlam weekend as WWE is currently looking to hold an NXT PLE there, but regardless of that happening or not, they are looking to get her in the fold as soon as possible. This likely means whatever PLE is next will see the grand debut of Giulia in WWE and her long awaited return to the United States.

During November's Survivor Series event, Triple H was asked about Giulia. "The funny thing is, I didn't even know there was a term 'joshi'. If somebody's talented and we think that they can hang on the biggest stage in the world, we want them to come here and see if they believe in themselves as much as we do," he said.

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on WWE and Giulia.

Mercedes Mon? continued her winning streak at AEW's Forbidden Door pay-per-view, which resulted in Mon? not only defeating Stephanie Vaquer but also adding the NJPW Strong Women's Championship to her collection. Despite winning the Championship, not everyone was rooting for Mon?, and there was a clear chorus of boos for her as the match progressed. That segment only grew when Britt Baker made her return to Dynamite after her surprise appearance at Forbidden Door, and while Mon? still clearly has a healthy amount of supporters, you could clearly hear the pushback against her in the face-off with Baker. In the most recent edition of her newsletter, Mon? addressed those who turned on her in the crowd at Forbidden Door, highlighting that the CEO isn't just a character, but a whole operation, and it's only going to expand (via Fightful).

Quick to Turn On You

"My fellow board members of yours truly, CEO Mercedes Mon?, I would like to know whoever was a part of the crowd that switched sides on me in the middle of the match... oh did you think I missed that? Come on, have a little fun, fess up now," Mone said. "I mean, I understand having the hometown hate. I'd be bitter, too, if I had to watch the face of TBS, the new Japan strong champion, and one of the living proofs that Boston is, in fact, the city of champions make absolute HISTORY where your teams just can't compete or compare. But hey, have a little class. JK CELTICS NATION FOR LIFE BABY & IF YOUR SOX AIN'T RED - GET OUT OF HERE!"

"I won't lie when the chants started - it had me giggling, silly sillies! Don't you know it's ME who puts the Boss in Boston! I love New York, though, so I'll let y'all paint me in the villain era - that's one thing I love about wrestling: the fans are quick to turn on you, and yet somehow that energy always ends up hyping me up more, so please, carry on, I do enjoy it! If there's one thing you can always expect at a wrestling show, it is that the crowd is unpredictable," Mon? said. "And you may not know what's going to happen, but one thing is for sure: it will be something surely to remember!"

"In fact, NYC - I should be thanking you, changing sides - cheering on Stephanie over me mid-match; that was like a light bulb moment for me, and now I have some far more exciting stuff up my sleeves," Mon? said. "CEO isn't a character; it's a whole entire cooperation, baby! And we are expanding as we speak! Stay tuned!"

The Return of Britt Baker

The switching of loyalties continued on this week's AEW Dynamite, where Britt Baker made her long-awaited return and revealed a number of things concerning her lengthy absence. Baker revealed the details of the medical issues that kept her sidelined, and while there were injuries she was dealing with, it was actually a TIA diagnosis that caused the most concern.

"I tried to open a bottle of water and I couldn't. And my entire right side stopped working. To sum this story up, I spent a week in the hospital with a diagnosis of a TIA, which is a Transient ischemic attack. And the doctors explained that to me as an instance when your Brian isn't getting enough blood for that moment, and it is a major warning sign for a stroke, so much that they call it a mini stroke. And at that moment I looked at myself in the mirror and said Britt, you are not good. And I told Tony 'I need to stay home and get myself right', and he said okay Britt, let me know when you're good," Baker said.

The good news is that she's now fully clear and ready to resume in-ring action, and that led to a confrontation with Mercedes, who was coming out to celebrate her big win at Forbidden Door. Throughout their back and forth, the crowd continued to show quite a bit of loyalty to Baker, with more boos ringing out for Mercedes. This is likely leading to a match at All In, which will always have special meaning to Baker, though right now the match is not official.

Who are you rooting for in this rivalry AEW fans? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

WWE has recently acquired two former AEW talents in Ethan Page and a returning Shawn Spears. While Page has never been to WWE before, Spears has several years of experience in both NXT and on the main roster. Over the years, NXT has sharpened many of the current top WWE stars and it now serves as a major place to mold the next generation of young talent. On a recent media call for NXT Heatwave, Shawn Michaels praised both Page and Spears for their leadership qualities in the locker room and helping out those young talents.

"They're fantastic, obviously Shawn spears is someone that I worked with in NXT many many years ago. Great guy then and great guy now. I've just met Ethan Page but he's just been phenomenal coming in the door. I appreciate both of them from the leadership standpoint that they've been doing, they understand that they're sort of having a balancing act doing two things at once," Michaels said. "They're in here having what I believe is their best run as a majority of the organizations that they've been in and I'm hoping to continue that for them. But also understanding that because of their experience and what they bring to the table, they're out there trying to help us develop and improve a lot of these young talent that we have coming through at NXT. I think the world of both of them."

Michaels continues, stating that he admires people that, despite wrestling being an often self-centered business, being able to come in and help the next generation of wrestlers thrive. He appreciates the maturity and leadership that they both offer to WWE and the NXT brand as a whole. Spears returned a few months back following his AEW contract expiring. He made it clear following his return that WWE is the place that he will hang up his boots when it's time, but for now he continues to appear on-screen and in a backstage role as a producer.

Page was in a similar situation, opting to quietly depart AEW at the end of his contract. He has played a major role in the NXT Championship scene since his debut, and that shows no signs of stopping as he, Spears and Je'Von Evans challenge Trick Williams for the NXT title at Heatwave this weekend.

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on WWE.

WWE and TNA have been steadily building a strong relationship over the last six months, one that originally began at this year's Royal Rumble. Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace appeared in the women's Royal Rumble and it ended up being so successful for both brands that they have continued to trade talent. Several TNA stars have popped up on NXT in recent weeks, including Joe Hendry. The star has been making waves in the professional wrestling world with his song "I Believe in Joe Hendry" which has topped many iTunes Charts since its release. Wrestling fans and non wrestling fans alike have spoken highly of the former IMPACT Digital Media Champion, including NXT head Shawn Michaels.

During the NXT Heatwave media call, Inside The Ropes asked Michaels about getting the opportunity to work with TNA talent, more specifically Hendry. Michaels confirms it was his first time ever meeting him, but he's a "bright young man."

"Clearly you could see what it was. It was my first time meeting Joe. Again, even for me not being the most skilled social media guy. You see his turnaround all the time from a social media standpoint. Clearly he is a bright young man," Michaels said. "The short dealings that I had with him, I liked him a great deal. So again, nothing would thrill me more than to have the opportunity to work with Joe Hendry in the future. I think he would tell you the same thing, he is someone who wants to continue to grow and move up.

But right now, unfortunately, nothing to add at this point in time, but I think he's a young man that's very bright, certainly has a very bright future and I appreciate the way he has generated this on his own and I think that always speaks well of somebody. Again, you used the words thinking outside of the box, he's obviously done that and I always appreciate the intellect that it takes for somebody to grow outside the wheelhouse that they're in."

Hendry is next headed to TNA's biggest event of the summer, Slammiversary. He competed in a qualifying match to earn a spot in the six-man eliminator match that Nic Nemeth and Steve Maclin previously qualified for. Hendry defeated Jake Something to earn the opportunity.

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on Hendry, WWE and TNA.

The professional wrestling world has undergone major shakeups lately. WWE is working with promotions outside of their bubble for the first time in years, AEW just announced a partnership with New Japan Pro Wrestling, Ring of Honor and STARDOM for a new pay-per-view and wrestlers continue to change the course of their careers. Many WWE contracts are currently hanging in the balance as they were re-signed in 2019 to five year contracts. One of those names is Ricochet, a beloved high-flying former champion in WWE and around the world. Reports recently surfaced that his contract was set to expire in the summer and there was a belief he may be exiting the company. His WWE contract officially expired on July 1st, meaning he can officially work with any company he so chooses.

When news of his impending contract expiration surface, several wrestling stars in AEW and beyond had high praise for the wrestler, including AEW International Champion Will Ospreay who is one of Ricochet's greatest rivals. Ospreay told Comicbook in an interview that he hopes Ricochet will bet on himself. "I don't know how much longer he has got in his contract, but I think it might be up soon, man, I don't know. I want him to know that there are people here that genuinely appreciate his work and I want to wrestle him again. I want him back here," Ospreay said. "I want him to know that there isn't a bar. You are the f--king bar.

"I just want to see him with more time and ability to showcase himself how I saw him. He's one of the best going, and if the opportunity presents itself, I think he should bet on himself. I think he should remind himself that he's one of the best high-flyers to ever do it. If it means he's got to come for me, then do it, boss, because I'm right here waiting for you."

In an update, Fightful Select is reporting that he is likely headed to AEW and talks are reportedly well underway. Ricochet's agent attended a set of AEW tapings this week and was spotted backstage as they are leading the talks between both sides. Ricochet had been with WWE for six years, first signing with the NXT brand in 2018.

During his time with the company, he became NXT North American Champion, Intercontinental Champion, United States Champion and most recently WWE Speed Champion. He dropped the championship to Andrade at a taping in June and was officially written on WWE programming when he was attacked by Bron Breakker. His profile on the WWE website was then removed from the active roster.

Stay tuned to Comicbook for updates on Ricochet.

Multiple forbidden doors have been opened across the professional wrestling industry. Following AEW's lengthy working relationships with the likes of Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, Impact Wrestling, and New Japan Pro Wrestling, WWE got in on the crossovers by linking up with TNA earlier this year. TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace entered the Women's Royal Rumble and went on to challenge NXT Women's Champion Roxanne Perez five months later at NXT Battleground, becoming the first actively TNA-contracted wrestler to compete for a WWE title. Since then, NXT's Tatum Paxley wrestled on TNA iMPACT! while TNA's Frankie Kazarian and Joe Hendry popped up on WWE NXT.

TNA Champion Visits AEW Dynamite

One TNA titleholder found himself backstage at AEW Dynamite.

As reported by PWInsider, TNA X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali stopped by the Wintrust Arena for AEW Dynamite this past Wednesday. Ali is a Chicago native and was likely able to stop by due to AEW being in and around his neighborhood.

It's worth noting that TNA, when it was known as Impact Wrestling, previously had a one-year working relationship with AEW that extended from December 2020 until late into 2021. This partnership was mostly built around then-AEW World Champion Kenny Omega going on a belt collecting expedition, as he ventured to Impact thanks to his friendship with then-Impact Executive Vice President Don Callis. Omega would win the Impact World and TNA World Heavyweight Championships upon his arrival there, holding both throughout much of 2021. TNA has not worked with AEW in over two years and currently maintains what appears to be a fairly exclusive partnership with WWE.

Ali finds himself in a notable position within the current TNA, AEW, and WWE landscape. Despite being the TNA X-Division Champion, Ali is not under TNA contract. He is a former WWE superstar as well but had a polarizing exit from that company, as he had expressed creative frustration for years. Ali would eventually get released, but his cut came on the week of his scheduled title victory over then-NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio. After his 90-day no-compete clause expired, Ali began a pilgrimage across the greater wrestling world, competing in multiple indies as well as TNA and NJPW. Given that he is not under TNA contract, he is technically free to appear on AEW programming should he be booked.

Shane McMahon's future in professional wrestling has made headlines as of late. The prodigal son of WWE has spent his entire squared circle career in the sports-entertainment giant, beginning as a referee and eventually becoming an on-screen character and occasional wrestler throughout the Attitude Era. Shane exited WWE in 2009 to pursue other business ventures but made his way back to the family business in 2016. While his 2016 return started out hot, the late stages of it soured, as Shane was victorious in feuds against The Miz and Roman Reigns and even booked himself to outshine a number of top stars in the titular battle royal at WWE Royal Rumble 2022. This led to him being fired from WWE, an outside of an infamous one-off appearance at WWE WrestleMania 39, Shane hasn't been seen since.

Shane McMahon's Recent Conversation With AEW Champion

Shane-O-Mac recently bumped into an old colleague at the airport.

As first reported by PWInsider, AEW TBS and NJPW STRONG Champion Mercedes Mon? and Shane McMahon crossed paths at Laguardia Airport in New York City earlier this week. Mon? was flying out of New York following AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, which took place in Long Island. One source confirmed that one topic of Mercedes and Shane's conversation was AEW.

Mon? confirmed the story in her newsletter, sharing her perspective of the encounter.

"After it all, by only the fates aligned - I walked into the airport, was in line by the bagel shop when I suddenly looked up, and there he was, just as surprised as I was," Mon? confirmed. "My first day being a double title holder and the first wrestler and former WWE Superstar I see is McMahon....come on, if that isn't the universe working in divine timing, I don't know what else it could be.

"I've always loved Shane. When we locked eyes, we both kind of looked at each other like IS THAT YOU? Our faces lit up as we got to talking a bit and before he boarded his flight, he gave me his number... the rest as they say a history or maybe a mystery!"

Shane and AEW have been tied together for a couple of weeks now. The murmurs began after AEW commentator and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross suggested that Shane heading to AEW was not as crazy as it sounds. AEW President Tony Khan responded to these rumors by confirming he has never spoken to Shane but that he is "always welcome" in AEW.

Tonight's Beach Break edition of AEW Dynamite featured a host of anticpated match-ups for the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, with two men's matches and one women's match being decided throughout the night. It would be Bryan Danielson moving on to the final round, while Willow Nightingale would defeat her rival Kris Statlander after an attempt on Statlander's part to cheat. The final match of the night was Jeff Jarrett vs the mystery Wild Card, who turned out to be Adam Hangman Page. Jarrett fought valiantly, but it would be Page moving to the finals, cementing the finals as Page vs Danielson, while Nightingale awaits her finals opponent.

Pac vs. Bryan Danielson

Both Danielson and Pac went for a crossbody and collided in the center of the ring. After getting back to their feet they exchanged strikes and vicious uppercuts, though Pac got the better of Danielson with the last strike, and after being separated by a referee for a minute Pac went for a dive and knocked Pac to the floor.

Pac went for the brutalizer on Danielson but Danielson wasn't tapping anytime soon. Pac continued to have momentum through the break, and Danielson absorbed a lot of punishment, but he was able to mount a comeback and clock Pac with a roundhouse kick to the head. They continued to trade moves until Danielson regained control and locked Pac in a submission, but Pac was able to grit through the pain the break the hold.

Danielson connected with more chops and then after an exchange of momentum, Danielson went up top but was knocked off his footing by Pac, causing significant pain to Danielson. Pac went for the superplex and got it, but Danielson was able to kick out of the pin. Pac went up top and went for the Falcon Arrow but Danielson dodged it and connected with the psycho knee. Danielson went for the pin but then Pac countered into another brutalizer. Danielson tried to reverse it and was able to almost pin Pac, and then they traded reversals again until Daneison ended up getting Pac's shoulders to the mat just long enough for the win. Danielson moves on to the final round.

Willow Nightingale vs Kris Statlander

This fight didn't even wait for the ring to get started, as Statlander met Nightingale on the ramp only to get thrown down the ramp by Willow. Nightingale then delivered a snap suplex to Statlander on the floor before rolling her into the ring, which actually officially started the match.

Nightingale was in complete control at this point, slamming Statlander's head into the turnbuckle, but Statlander was able to poke Willow in the eyes and knock her down after a jump from the top rope. Statlander looked to make up for lost time and stayed aggressive, connecting with hard kicks and forearm shots to the back. During the break, Nightingale was able to get back into the match briefly, but a hard shot and submission attempt halted that momentum.

Nightingale used Statlander's momentum to almost get a pin, but Statlander got her shoulder up in time. Nightingale came back with strikes and a powerful kick to the chest of Statlander, and the fight moved to the ring apron. Statlander tried to suplex Nightingale to the floor, but Nightingale held on and Statlander fell down hard to the floor instead. Nightingale then hit a cannonball from the ring apron and connected, and she followed up with a top rope dropkick. A quick slam led to a cover attempt, but Statlander kicked out.

Nightingale went for a powerbomb but Statalander countered and hit a big kick to the head, though Willow was able to kick out. A huge suplex followed but Nightingale was back on her feet quickly. Nightingale then joined Statlander up o the ropes and hit a powerful German Suplex, but Statlander recovered quicker than expected. A high boot led to pin attempt exchanges, and then Statlander slammed Nightingale down for a sure-fire pin but Willow still kicked out.

Stokely then put a big chain by one of the turnbuckles and she grabbed it when the referee wasn't looking. Willow dodged in time and Statlander pulled back so she wouldn't hit Stokely, but that let Nightingale roll up Statlander for the pin and the win. Nightingale now moves to the finals, where she will face Hikaru Shida or Mariah May.

Jeff Jarrett vs Wild Card

The wild card turned out to be Hangman Adam Page, but that didn't phase Jarrett. Jarrett stayed aggressive and hit back with offense, but Page looked like a machine and just shook it off. Page then really started to shift into another gear, slamming Jarrett's head into the steel steps over and over again.

Back in the ring, the two exchanged strikes and counters, and then Page and Jarrett took a painful-looking spill to the floor. Both continued to battle back in the ring but then Jarrett hit a move out of nowhere and went for a cover, but Hangman kicked out. Page then tried to set up for Deadye but Jarrett countered with Owen Hart's trademark. Unfortunately, Page countered and hit Deadye, but he didn't pin Jarrett.

Jarrett dodged Hangman's move again and locked in the sharpshooter, but Page managed to drag himself to the bottom rope. Hangman seemed to then hit another level, and he delivered the finisher and got the win, defeating Jarrett and moving on to face Danielson in the finals.

What did you think of AEW Dynamite? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

Will Ospreay is not only one of the top stars in All Elite Wrestling right now, but he's probably one of the biggest wrestlers on the entire planet. After arriving in AEW, Ospreay won 18 consecutive matches before finally suffering a loss. The AEW International Champion challenged AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland at Forbidden Door this past Sunday night, but fell just short against the company's top man. While that loss certainly stung, it doesn't look like it affected his momentum.

Daniel Garcia made it a point in recent weeks to make his ambitions known: He wanted to beat Will Ospreay for the AEW International Championship. Garcia didn't achieve his goal on Wednesday night, even with MJF in his corner, but he put up a great fight that had everyone in the arena cheering for him after the match. Unfortunately for Garcia, his moment in the spotlight was stolen, and all that's on anyone's minds following that Dynamite is the return of Scumbag heel Maxwell Jacob Friedman.

MJF has been supporting Garcia in the lead-up to this match against Ospreay, even though he clearly wanted a shot at Ospreay as well. After Ospreay pinned Garcia, the International Champion brought his challenger to the center of the ring and celebrated him as a true competitor. It wasn't until Ospreay left that MJF got back to his nefarious ways.

Friedman made an absolute mess out of Garcia after he put him on the ground with a cheap low blow. An absolute onslaught saw him mercilessly beating an unresponsive Garcia, causing blood to pour from his face. Even a horde of referees and competitors from the back couldn't stop Max's attack.

What the hell is MJF thinking?!

Watch #AEWDynamite Beach Break, presented by #SharkWeek, LIVE on TBS!@The_MJF | @GarciaWrestling | @WillOspreay pic.twitter.com/cXvaOIpPec

-- All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 4, 2024

All of the violence caused Ospreay to return to the ring, hoping to save Garcia. Friedman looked like he was going to take Ospreay on, but he ducked out of the other side of the ring as soon as Ospreay entered, ultimately escaping through the crowd.

Nothing was said by either competitor, but it seems clear that Ospreay and MJF are on a collision course for the biggest pay-per-view event on AEW's schedule: All In. The massive show at London's Wembley Stadium was always going to feature Ospreay in a massive match, and few stars in the company are bigger than MJF. This matchup will easily be one of the most anticipated on the card as the road to London begins.

Britt Baker made her surprise return at AEW Forbidden Door, crashing Mercedes Mone's celebration of her big win. Baker was approached for an interview backstage, but she said she would have more to share on this week's Dynamite instead, and she would live up to her promise tonight. Baker returned to the ring and revealed exactly what kept her out of action for the past 10 months, which was a sudden diagnosis of a Transient ischemic attack, or TIA. Now she's fully cleared and ready to go though, and that led to a confrontation with Mone where Baker challenged the TBS Champion to a match at All In. Mone told her to go to the back of the line, but Baker pushed back on that, and it seems we could be seeing that match happen sooner rather than later.

A Long-Awaited Return

Baker started by addressing the fans and talking about three terms that she's been thinking about a lot lately. "That's a past, a present, and a future. Our past is our lesson. Our present is a gift, and our future is our motivation. Let's start with the past. For the last 10 months, I'm sure a lot of you were wondering 'where' Britt?" And anytime that question was asked, the answer was given 'She's injured.' Yeah, but I think you guys know me by now that it would take more than a couple of herniated discs and a torn hip labrum to keep me away from this place," Baker said.

"Back in November, physically yeah I was banged up, and mentally I was probably running on empty, but every time I looked myself in the mirror I said, I'm good. Until one day I wasn't. Because one day I started feeling really sick, and the room was spinning. My vision was blurry, and my right arm was tingling and numb and it was, something didn't feel right but I looked at myself in the mirror and said I'm good," Baker said.

Then things took a turn, and that would lead to a surprising diagnosis. "I tried to open a bottle of water and I couldn't. And my entire right side stopped working. To sum this story up, I spent a week in the hospital with a diagnosis of a TIA, which is a Transient ischemic attack. And the doctors explained that to me as an instance when your Brian isn't getting enough blood for that moment, and it is a major warning sign for a stroke, so much that they call it a mini stroke. And at that moment I looked at myself in the mirror and said Britt, you are not good. And I told Tony 'I need to stay home and get myself right', and he said okay Britt, let me know when you're good," Baker said.

Baker vs Mone

After addressing Mone a bit and her sudden stature in AEW, Mone came out and had everyone put out balloons and decorations to celebrate her win at Forbidden Door. After some back and forth between the two, Baker spoke about being one of the originals in AEW and competing at the very first All In. That's why it made perfect sense to make more history at the next All In, and she challenged Mone to a TBS Title match at the pay-per-view.

Mone then pushed her face out of the way and told Baker there were lots of other women in the locker room who were up for a Title shot, and to take herself to the back of the line. Baker then looked behind her and asked "what line?" That got a smile out of Mone, so while Mone has shot down a challenge right now, it is definitely in the works.

What did you think of Baker's return? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

Kendrick Lamar had everyone buzzing for a multitude of reasons when he released the Drake diss track Not Like Us, and the track was widely regarded as the final salvo in the rap battle. WWE fans also got an unexpected surprise when the track was released, as Lamar included a line that referenced WWE legend and current head of NXT Talent Development Shawn Michaels. In the song, Lamar includes the line"Sweet Chin Music, and I won't pass the aux," which is a reference to Michaels' iconic finishing move. Michaels would then tweet an invitation to Lamar and Drake, saying they could settle the battle in the ring, and even offered to referee the match. During the media call for NXT Heatwave, ComicBook had the chance to ask Michaels what his reaction was to learning he was mentioned in the song.

Sweet Chin Music

"So look, I will say this, I always get a kick out of that. Whether it's that or again, we talked about athletes doing the cross chop on the field or on the court, those are little moments that happen throughout your life when you... I don't know, again, where I get to sit back, and Hunter and I talk about it all the time, Michaels said. "We get to sit back and look at ourselves and go, Wow, there was a time when we affected a whole generation of people doing stuff."

"Whether it's Taker Austin, Rock, Hunter, myself, or numerous people here in the WWE, that's one of the things that I think as you go on later in your career. It's one of those things that means a lot to you when you see certain people that are in the mainstream doing something that's a reference of what you did back in the day," Michaels said. "For a moment there, you feel pretty good about yourself, and the great thing is they're cool right now. So it gets you over with your kids on a huge level, which helps a great deal."

What's In Store For Heatwave?

While there won't be Kendrick vs Drake at Heatwave, there will be plenty of intriguing match-ups and bad blood. It hasn't taken long for Roxanne Perez and Lola Vice to shift to another gear in their feud, as the two have traded attacks in the ring before delivering lengthy promos on this week's NXT. The feud has gotten personal for both superstars, especially Vice, and Perez even brought out security with her to make sure Vice couldn't attack her, only to watch one of them get knocked out before the segment was over.

Then there's the Fatal 4-Way match for the NXT Championship, giving Trick Williams three different opportunities to lose the Title without having to be pinned. That's never a good thing for the Champion, and while it seemed like Je'Von Evans wasn't intent on screwing Williams over, Williams has shown some paranoia this week thanks to seeds of doubt from Ethan Page and Shawn Spears. Spears and Page are both fully intent on taking the Title from Williams, and they will stop at nothing to make that happen.

NXT Heatwave Card

• NXT Championship Fatal 4-Way Match: Trick Williams (C) vs. Je'Von Evans vs. Ethan Page vs. Shawn Spears
• NXT Women's Championship Match: Roxanne Perez (C) vs. Lola Vice
• NXT North American Championship Match: Oba Femi (C) vs. Wes Lee
• NXT North Women's American Championship Match: Kelani Jordan (C) vs. Sol Ruca
• NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Nathan Frazer & Axiom (C) vs. Chase U
• Karmen Petrovic & Arianna Grace vs. Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx

NXT Heatwave will stream live on Peacock on Sunday, July 7th.

Are you excited for NXT Heatwave? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!

A WWE crossover with The Boys was not on the 2024 bingo card, but it appears that's exactly what happened thanks to Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Rhodes has clearly heard some of the comparisons to Homelander, so Rhodes introduced Homelander to the American Nightmare in an amazing new video ad for The Boys season 4. Footage of Homelander and Rhodes is spliced together in the video, with Rhodes eventually turning around and asking, "So Homelander, what do you want to talk about?" Rhodes' eyes then glow red, previewing a battle that everyone would love to see. You can see the video below.

With the bleach blonde hair and the red, white, and blue gear, you can see why there have been so many comparisons of Rhodes to Homelander, at least aesthetically. As characters the two couldn't be more different, and Rhodes is up for the eventual showdown. Plus, those powers will come in handy in his next Title defense, so really it's a win-win. The caption for the post reads "Homelander, you just met your American Nightmare! Watch all new episodes of The Boys streaming now on Prime Video. #ad @theboystv @primevideo."

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A post shared by Cody Rhodes (@americannightmarecody)

What's Next For Rhodes

We'll have to wait and see if we ever get a true Rhodes vs Homelander battle in the ring, but Rhodes has a full plate regardless. Rhodes was able to defeat AJ Styles at Backlash, but shortly after was targeted by The Bloodline. That would be the new Bloodline though, as Roman Reigns isn't currently leading the ship. Reigns has been absent from WWE since losing to Rhodes at WrestleMania 40, and in his absence, the Bloodline has been taken over by Solo Sikoa.

Sikoa has taken Reigns' absence and run with it, stepping in as the leader of the group and drafting his own members, and he started that run by kicking out Jimmy Uso. Sikoa bought in someone to help with that as well in Tama Tonga, and then a few weeks later Tonga Loa made his surprise debut as the next member of the faction. The final piece of the puzzle was revealed recently, as Sikoa brought in Jacob Fatu to the group.

Fatu made a massive impression when he debuted, as he attacked Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens. All three of SmackDown's top babyface fell in one swoop to The Bloodline, and Owens, Orton, and Rhodes will look to get some payback on them at Money in the Bank, where they will face the trio in a six-man Tag Team match.

Money in the Bank Card

World Heavyweight Championship Match: Damian Priest (C) vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline
Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match: LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Chad Gable vs. Jey Uso vs. Andrade
Women's 2024 Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Zoey Stark vs. Chelsea Green
Intercontinental Championship Match: Sami Zayn (C) vs. Bron Breakker

Are you excited for Money in the Bank? You can talk all things wrestling with me on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb!