Over the weekend, wrestling fans have been mocking the head sculpt of the latest Alexa Bliss action figure online after Ringside Collectibles shared a photograph from an upcoming Mattel release. This is because its sculpted face bears almost no resemblance to the WWE star, with some in the comments even suggesting it looks more like Erika Kirk. Of course, it’s too late to make any changes now, and it will be interesting to see whether it becomes a peg warmer despite Bliss’ popularity.

Beyond Bliss’ polarizing figure, wrestling toy history is filled with infamous misses that left fans bewildered, from Jakks using the same face sculpt for both Jeff Jarrett and Owen Hart to a ripped Samoa Joe with an oversized head. And while, over time, companies usually produce spot-on replicas due to advancing technology, an ongoing joke among figure collectors is that no company has yet produced a good Bret Hart, with his figures typically looking more like Howard Stern.

Natalia Markova’s latest look has left fans breathless, with the current NWA Women’s Champion wowing fans by sharing a new photo on social media. Posing casually against a door with one hand behind her head, her long waves cascading freely, and bold makeup enhancing her striking features. Markova captioned the photo, “I didn’t plan to be extra today… It just happened,” and subsequently, fans flooded her post with praise for the effortless confidence that defines her ever-growing influence in the wrestling business.

37-year-old Markova debuted in 2007 with Moscow’s Independent Wrestling Federation under the name Bonnie, capturing the IWF Women’s Championship multiple times through 2017. The Russian wrestler then took a hiatus before relocating to North America, where she has since excelled on the indie circuit and briefly worked for AEW in an enhancement role. However, since 2021, she has been signed with Billy Corgan’s NWA and notably competed against Mickie James, Kamille, and Taya Valkyrie.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Lance Archer’s AEW contract is set to expire in July 2026, sparking speculation across the wrestling world regarding his future. The 6’8” powerhouse, who debuted for the company in 2020, has delivered consistent intensity and memorable brawls that solidified his reputation as one of AEW’s most reliable big men. While many fans hope he remains with the promotion, others believe a fresh start elsewhere could revitalize his career and open fresh opportunities for him.

“Lance Archer’s contract expires in July.” – Wrestling Observer Newsletter

49-year-old Archer has enjoyed a remarkable 25-year journey from Texas independents to AEW stardom. And while his time with WWE was far from memorable, he proved that it’s possible to be successful without WWE fame. Initially thriving in TNA as “Dallas,” capturing two NWA Tag Team titles, then dominating NJPW as part of Killer Elite Squad with Davey Boy Smith Jr., winning multiple tag team championships across promotions. In singles competition, the feared monster heel known for his power, agility, and charisma claimed the IWGP United States Championship twice and impressed in the G1 Climax. 

In the aftermath of AEW Dynasty, president Tony Khan revealed during the media scrum that he had a direct, honest conversation with Ricochet following the star’s controversial social media post. Khan firmly stated that the remarks violated AEW’s social media policy and had no place in wrestling or society. While addressing the seriousness of the incident, he acknowledged Ricochet’s public apology and expressed the company’s desire to move forward, especially after Ricochet’s high-profile victory over Chris Jericho at the pay-per-view event.

“I had a conversation with him. I had a good conversation and a frank talk. That was not acceptable, and I think that was communicated. We have a policy, and it continues to be a policy in place for such things, and that violated it. There is no place for that in wrestling or anywhere. I do appreciate you asking, and we’ve tried to move past that, but thank you for asking.” – Tony Khan

The controversy erupted in mid-March 2026, after AEW Revolution, when Ricochet clashed online with a fan named Sandi who criticized his acting. Upon discovering she has multiple sclerosis, Ricochet replied with a now-deleted tweet saying, “I’m glad you got MS.” The post sparked immediate outrage for mocking a serious illness, leading to widespread condemnation. Ricochet initially defended himself, then deleted the tweet and ultimately apologized the next day, admitting he had wrongly taken out his frustrations on her and promised to do better. 

WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry has firmly rejected any future involvement in Power Slap, agreeing with critics that the sport is dangerous and a direct path to head trauma. This topic came up during a recent TMZ interview following Jake Hager’s six-fight contract signing, with Henry saying it’s “asking for a concussion,” and noting that allowing someone to hit you isn’t a test of a person’s fighting ability.

“I‘m not a fan of the Power Slap. It’s just asking for a concussion. We live enough of an aggressive existence to not put yourselves in harm’s way. If somebody tells me, ‘Hey man, that’s hot, don’t touch it,’ I’m not touching it. I don’t have to feel, smell my own flesh sizzle for me to get the message. If you let somebody hit you, then do you really get the true measure of the man? I’m not letting nobody do me wrong. I’m just not gonna do it. You have to sneak up on me.” – Mark Henry

Slap fighting originated from informal toughness contests among strongmen in Siberia and Eastern Europe, where open-hand slaps replaced punches to settle disputes. These challenges later became sideshow attractions at strongman events in the early 2000s, and from there, viral videos exploded in popularity between 2017 and 2019, catching the world’s attention and leading Dana White to launch Power Slap in 2022. And while White has tuned the underground spectacle into a professional sport with weight classes and medical oversight, many feel the risk of long-term harm isn’t worth the financial reward.

Speaking on a recent episode of his 1 Of A Kind podcast, Rob Van Dam, who returned to action in March after fracturing both heels last year, expressed interest in a retirement match against Gunther. However, he did note it would “have to be a really big payday.” Since departing TNA in 2020, 55-year-old RVD has typically wrestled fewer than 10 matches a year, although during a brief run in AEW, he proved he could still deliver in the ring, hanging with names like Jack Perry and Servant Strickland.

“Yes, and I think that would be a great opportunity if I had the invite, you know? Sounds like a pretty damn good payday … It would have to be a really big payday, real big. If it was big enough, I’d be like, ‘All right, f*ck my career, I’ll pick up another hobby. It might not be giving up that much, anyway. Like, who knows what I got ahead of me? But I haven’t had my last match and ‘the unknown’ always has value when you’re optimistic.” – Rob Van Dam

Gunther has built a ruthless reputation by ending three legendary careers in less than a year. He submitted Goldberg on Saturday Night’s Main Event in July 2025, forced John Cena to tap out in his retirement match that December, and choked out AJ Styles in a career-versus-career bout at the January 2026 Royal Rumble. These dominant victories, achieved with his signature sleeper hold, have cemented the Ring General’s heel persona as a destroyer of icons, and it certainly seems any WWE stars planning on stepping away in the coming years will likely get to work their last match with the Austrian.

Gunnar Eudy, son of wrestling legend Sid Vicious, has grabbed fans’ attention on social media by previewing his attire for the upcoming WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. Dressed in a sharp black suit, crisp white shirt, and tie, the young Eudy bears a striking resemblance to his late father, right down to the flowing blond curls. As WWE prepares to induct Sid Eudy posthumously, Gunnar’s appearance serves as a powerful reminder of his enduring career. However, disappointingly, as a Legacy inductee, there won’t be an induction speech.

Sid Eudy, better known as Sid Vicious, Sid Justice, and Sycho Sid, was a 6’9” powerhouse whose charisma and presence made him a major star of the 1990s. A four-time world champion with two WWF and two WCW titles, he headlined WrestleMania VIII against Hulk Hogan and WrestleMania 13 against The Undertaker. Famous for his devastating Powerbomb and intense promos, Sid’s career also spanned WCW’s Four Horsemen, multiple championship reigns, and unforgettable moments across the Monday Night Wars. He tragically passed away in 2024 at age 63 after battling cancer, leaving behind a larger-than-life monster heel legacy.

In a bold display that has wrestling fans talking, 66-year-old Linda Hogan has shared a glamorous bikini selfie on Instagram to promote the upcoming Netflix documentary about Hulk Hogan, premiering April 22, 2026. The four-part series features Hulk’s final recorded interview, conducted before his passing in July 2025, and dives deep into his legendary career, iconic matches, and personal struggles. Linda’s post, captioned “Gettin sun, havin fun .. check out our pix on NETFLIX !!” shows she remains very much part of her ex-husband’s legacy.

Hulk Hogan and Linda Claridge met in the early 1980s, dated long-distance, and married in 1983 in a star-studded ceremony attended by wrestling legends like André the Giant. They welcomed daughter Brooke in 1988 and son Nick in 1990, later starring together on the hit reality show Hogan Knows Best. However, their 23-year marriage crumbled in 2007 when Linda discovered Hulk’s affair with one of Brooke’s friends. The divorce became bitterly public, sparking lawsuits, financial battles, and emotional scars, including Linda’s accusations in her memoir. Yet despite the pain, she continued to share tributes and carried his kayfabe name.

WWE referee Vicky D’Errico has scored a major victory outside the squared circle, claiming first place and earning pro status in her debut WBFF competition. After nearly a year of intense fitness training while managing her demanding WWE officiating schedule, she proudly displayed her trophy and official certificate on social media. This impressive achievement underscores her remarkable dedication and versatility, marking a significant milestone in her fitness journey and her rapid rise in professional wrestling.

From the boxing ring to the WWE spotlight, D’Errico has forged an impressive career in professional wrestling. The Rhode Island native, born in 2001, brought a decorated background as a Barstool Rough ‘N’ Rowdy boxing champion and model to the company. From there, she stood out during tryouts around WrestleMania 40, was signed in September 2024, officiated her first match at an NXT live event in November 2024, and has since debuted on the main roster.

In a candid interview with soundspheremag.com, veteran wrestler Vampiro offered his unfiltered take on Rhea Ripley’s striking and popular gothic persona. While acknowledging her intimidating look, tattoos, and in-ring dominance, he noted that she wasn’t always immersed in that dark aesthetic early in her career. Drawing from his deep roots in punk rock and occult culture, Vampiro stressed that true authenticity cannot be manufactured or worn like a costume. The former WCW star would, in fact, go as far as to say that if you’re either born authentic or “a f*cking poser,” which some feel is a direct shot at Ripley.

“She’s real Gothic looking, yeah, and the tattoos and all that. But look at her beginning. She wasn’t that. She became that. You know, punk, you don’t learn it. You either are born with it, or you’re not … If you’re a real authentic rock and roller, punk rocker, skinhead, whatever it is you want to call yourself, you never fly the flag and say, ‘Hey, look at me, I’m responsible for that.’ The person who does that’s a f*cking poser.” – Vampiro

For Vampiro, his menacing character was never a gimmick but a genuine reflection of who he has always been. A Canadian punk obsessed with horror and the undead, he earned the name “Vampiro Canadiense” simply by telling CMLL promoters he loved vampires. His skull makeup, braided hair, and all-black attire mirrored his everyday style, heavily inspired by Anne Rice novels and bands like the Misfits. From WCW to JCW, he lived the character to the fullest, proving that authenticity can create a timeless wrestling legacy.

Former WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio was released from jail in San Luis Potosí on April 11, 2026, after reaching a substantial financial settlement with his wife in a high-profile domestic violence case. According to elmananaslp.com.mx, the 48-year-old, whose real name is José Alberto Rodríguez, paid approximately $56,000 in compensation, securing her legal pardon and his conditional freedom. While a judge found enough evidence for trial on repeated family violence charges, the case has been suspended for six months under strict court supervision and compliance conditions.

“As part of the agreements, the payment of one million one hundred thirty thousand pesos was established as reparations for the damage, in addition to the granting of a legal pardon by the victim, which allowed the conditional suspension to proceed. Judge Paulo César Ramiro Zúñiga ordered the immediate release of the accused in this criminal case, under the condition of complying with various measures for a period of six months, in accordance with Article 195 of the National Code of Criminal Procedures.” – elmananaslp.com.mx

Born into lucha libre royalty as the son of legend Dos Caras, 48-year-old Del Rio began his career in 2000 and quickly became a major star in Mexico and Japan. He joined WWE in 2010 as a wealthy aristocrat and made history as the first Mexican-born WWE Champion, in addition to winning the 2011 Royal Rumble and the Money in the Bank match. A multi-time world champion across WWE, AAA, and Impact, his career was defined by technical brilliance, charisma, and memorable rivalries before personal issues tarnished his reputation.

During Rebellion 2026, TNA President Carlos Silva and Tommy Dreamer surprised four-time Knockouts Champion ODB, informing her she is set to be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame. Clearly emotional, ODB expressed heartfelt gratitude to the fans and reaffirmed her deep passion for the industry. The official induction ceremony will take place during Bound for Glory weekend this October, with no other names yet announced.

47-year-old ODB, real name Jessica Kresa, launched her beer-swilling wrestling persona in 2001 and made her TNA debut in 2007, rapidly establishing herself as a cornerstone of the Knockouts division. Engaging in unforgettable rivalries against Gail Kim, Mickie James, Tara, and Awesome Kong. In 2013, she partnered with Eric Young to win the Knockouts Tag Team Championship, becoming one-half of the final titleholders before the belts were retired.