During the latest Something To Wrestle podcast, WWE Hall of Famer JBL has passionately defended Ludwig Kaiser following his recent battery arrest in Florida. The former Imperium star, whose real name is Marcel Barthel, faces charges after an alleged confrontation at an apartment complex. JBL firmly sided with Kaiser, arguing the other man had no business interfering with a young couple making out and suggesting the victim provoked the situation.

“I don’t know what this guy had a problem with on the elevator. A young couple is making out on an elevator. Come on, man. Who is this dude? … I’m on Kaiser’s side on this. The guy had no business saying anything to him. I get it. But to escalate this? Kaiser’s not the guy who ends up punching somebody. I don’t know who this douchebag was that called the cops, but screw this guy.” – JBL

Kaiser has pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor battery charge and has requested a jury trial. His legal team has secured court approval for both domestic and international travel, with the State of Florida raising no objections. This allows him to continue his WWE duties and AAA commitments while the case proceeds. No trial date has been scheduled yet as the defense awaits full discovery, including surveillance footage from the incident, which will likely be the key evidence.

In an exclusive interview with ClutchPoints, Adam Copeland shed light on the uncertainties surrounding his AEW contract expiration. The veteran wrestler revealed that injury recovery periods and external filming commitments have extended his deal beyond the original terms. Copeland noted that a broken leg and work on projects like The Beekeeper 2 and Percy Jackson added time to his agreement. Still, he seems comfortable with the situation, saying, “I know how to navigate this.“

“I broke my leg, so there’s injury time added, and I had to go film Beekeeper and Percy Jackson, so added. Anytime I have to take a break, that gets added on the back end … I already had to do it once. So the second time, it’s like, ‘Alright, I know how to navigate this. I know what to do.’” – Adam Copeland

Extending contracts for injury time and other absences is a common and standard practice in AEW. The promotion frequently pauses the contract clock when wrestlers are unavailable to them, then adds that time back at the end of the deal. This has been the case for numerous talents, including Chris Jericho, Rey Fenix, Danhausen, Kenny Omega, and Britt Baker. These clauses ensure the company protects its investment when performers are unable to compete.

Over the years, fans have been critical of Dave Meltzer and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for spelling WWE Hall of Famer Eddie Guerrero’s first name as “Eddy” with a Y rather than “Eddie” with an IE, the spelling WWE used. When a fan recently pointed this out again on X.com, Meltzer responded by confirming that Guerrero strongly preferred “Eddy.” The wrestling journalist revealed that the late superstar personally signed every newsletter renewal as “Eddy” from 1992 until his passing and made this preference clear throughout his entire career.

Born Eduardo Gory Guerrero Llanes on October 9, 1967, Eddy was a third-generation Mexican wrestling legend who debuted in 1986. He rose through the ranks in AAA as part of Los Gringos Locos, competed in New Japan Pro-Wrestling as Black Tiger II, and had his major breakthrough in ECW in 1995 with his classic matches against Dean Malenko. He later became a two-time Cruiserweight Champion in WCW before joining WWE in 2000, where he memorably captured the WWE Championship from Brock Lesnar in 2004, won multiple tag team titles, and became one of the most beloved stars of his era, only to pass away tragically in 2005.

Brooke Hogan has clapped back at social media trolls who accused her of posting a thirst trap while grieving the loss of her father, Hulk Hogan. The former reality television star defended her recent beach Instagram photo, explaining the photo was taken at the beach where she felt closest to her late dad. Growing up in swimsuits, she insisted she was simply mourning in her own authentic way rather than seeking attention.

“Trust me, if I wanted to give you a thirst trap, you would have gotten one. If I were a surfer, a swim instructor, heavier, thinner… would it be less shocking? I grew up in swimsuits. … This is my home. This is me. This is one of many days I grieved my dad. Shame on anyone for demonizing it. I am a human. My father was human. And you people have the nerve to act like you’re experts on ANY topic or know anything about my experience with him? And you come at me with your ignorant opinions and nasty comments hiding behind your screens? Go back under your bridge, trolls.” – Brooke Hogan

38-year-old Brooke once shared an incredibly close daddy’s girl type relationship with Hulk Hogan. However, their relationship became strained over the years, leading to full estrangement around 2023. Still, despite private disputes, missing his third wedding, and even requesting to be removed from his will, Brooke has maintained that her love for her late father never fully disappeared.

Valentina Rossi has bid a humorous yet heartfelt farewell to her longtime independent wrestling persona. In a tweet that quickly went viral, she posted “RIP ‘The Mafiosa’ Valentina Rossi” alongside a mock cemetery video featuring a gravestone for the character after officially adopting her new WWE-mandated ring name, Gianna Capri.

This creative send-off highlights a major shift for WWE ID talents, as recent reports indicate that wrestlers in the program must now use only their assigned names for all future appearances. The move underscores WWE’s continued push for unified branding across its entire developmental system, which is understandable given the confusion that could easily arise from wrestlers using two names.

In her latest YouTube vlog, WWE star Asuka directly addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding her future with the company. She confirmed that she currently remains under contract despite her emotional farewell, revealing that she had personally requested time away for important personal reasons. Asuka also emphasized that she is still performing at a world-class level and has, therefore, seemingly has no plans to retire from in-ring competition.

“I know there are a ton of rumors flying around out there. People asking, ‘Are we ever going to see Asuka wrestle again?’ ‘Is she going back to Japan?’ ‘Is she leaving WWE?’The truth is, it was a personal matter. I reached out to WWE, and we talked it through. But let’s be clear, as you all know from watching my matches, I can still go. I am still at the top of my game! I’ve been with WWE for over 10 years now, but remember nothing lasts forever. Everything is finite. I am still officially with WWE, so there’s a chance I might just pop up in front of you when you least expect it.” – Asuka

The 44-year-old Japanese star, whose real name is Kanako Urai, began her wrestling career in 2004 under the ring name Kana. She quickly became a dominant force in Japan’s joshi scene, competing for promotions such as JWP, NEO, and WAVE, capturing multiple championships. After signing with WWE in 2015, Asuka dominated NXT with a historic 510-day reign as NXT Women’s Champion and a lengthy undefeated streak. Since moving to the main roster in 2017, she has continued to make history by becoming a multi-time Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion.

Ludwig Kaiser received a major boost to his WWE career and schedule as the state of Florida confirmed it will not oppose his motion to travel internationally. This follows a shocking report from Raj Giri, the former owner of WrestlingInc.com, who alleged that the German’s arrest came after another resident of his apartment complex made a disrespectful comment toward Kaiser’s girlfriend, Andrea Bazarte, suggesting he would call U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which prompted the altercation.

“This is what I heard regarding the Ludwig Kaiser situation. He was in the apartment elevator with Andrea Bazarte and they were being affectionate, but nothing crazy or out of the ordinary. Reap allegedly didn’t say anything in the elevator but once he got out on the 12th floor, he allegedly said something to Kaiser to the effect of ‘you need to show some f’n respect before I call ICE on that b**ch.’ Kaiser got out of the elevator and they had a little scuffle, but no punches were apparently thrown.” – Raj Giri

Ludwig Kaiser and Andrea Bazarte have been in a public relationship since late 2025, shortly after the German star reportedly ended his romance with Tiffany Stratton. The couple has grown more open about their connection, frequently appearing together in Mexico and at WWE events, with Kaiser often showing support for Bazarte on social media. As a WWE Spanish-language host and AAA personality, Bazarte has even been incorporated into storylines linked to Kaiser’s El Grande Americano character.

On his Grilling JR podcast, legendary wrestling commentator Jim Ross revealed that doctors are currently monitoring him for potential dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. While a worrying situation, the WWE Hall of Famer remains proactive, acknowledging that there is no cure but expressing a willingness to take any available preventive medications.

“They’re worried about dementia and alzheimer’s. I said, ‘What the hell are you going to do about it? There’s not a cure. If there are meds I can be taking, preventively, tell me what they are and I’ll do it.’ We’ll see how it works out. I’m going through a lot of tests now. I don’t feel bad. I feel great, actually. Getting old is a bitch.” – Jim Ross

74-year-old Ross has faced numerous health challenges over the past three decades, but has consistently confronted them with resilience and positivity. His struggles began in 1994 when he was first diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, suffering multiple episodes that affected his speech and on-air presence. In recent years, he has battled and overcome skin cancer in 2021, hip cancer surgery in 2024, and colon cancer in 2025. Despite ongoing issues with falls, mobility, and hospitalizations, Ross continues to be involved in the wrestling business on his own terms.

The Daily Mail has reported that the murder trial of two prisoners accused of the death of former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has dramatically collapsed at Leeds Crown Court. Jurors were discharged after raising concerns during deliberations, leading the judge to order a full retrial to ensure a fair process. Rico Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 44, had denied all charges, and the case is now scheduled to return to court at a later date.

“The murder trial of two inmates accused of killing paedophile Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has collapsed after jurors raised ‘concerns’ while deliberating. The disgraced singer was stabbed to death by Rico Gedel, 25, in his cell at high-security HMP Wakefield, where he was serving a 29-year sentence for child sexual offences. Leeds Crown Court heard that after walking out of the cell, Gedel handed the makeshift knife to fellow inmate Samuel Dodsworth, 44, who threw it in a bin. Both defendants denied murdering Watkins and possessing a knife in prison … The case will now have to be retried at a later date.“ – DailyMail.co.uk

Ian Watkins, the former lead singer of the Welsh rock band Lostprophets, pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court in 2013 to multiple serious sexual offenses involving children. Subsequqntly he was sentenced to 29 years in prison with an additional six years on extended license. The disgraced rock star Watkins would remain incarcerated until his death on 11 October 2025, with very few mourning his death.

According to a new report by PWInsider.com, WWE has quietly removed Triple H from its internal wrestler roster this month. Though he officially retired from in-ring competition years ago due to health issues, he apparently remained listed in the miscellaneous section as an active talent until now. This marks the definitive end of his legendary WWE in-ring career, which started back in 1995.

“This month, WWE quietly removed Paul Levesque (Triple H) from its internal active wrestlers roster, marking a subtle but symbolic close to a long chapter. Although he officially retired from in-ring competition in 2022, Levesque had remained listed in the miscellaneous section of active talent until now.” – PWInsider.com

From debut as the aristocratic Hunter Hearst Helmsley to his explosive rise as a cornerstone of the Attitude Era with D-Generation X, Triple H evolved into “The Game,” a ruthless 14-time world champion. During his run, he won two Royal Rumbles, the 1997 King of the Ring, and headlined WrestleMania an impressive seven times. Then, following his emotional farewell at WrestleMania 38, he fully embraced backstage leadership, using his knowledge to shape WWE’s future, where he is now Chief Content Officer.

According to PWInsider.com, Major League Wrestling has officially parted ways with former World Heavyweight Champion Mads Krule Krügger. The veteran performer, who first arrived in MLW in 2019 and made several returns under his menacing masked persona, is no longer with the company as of May 2026. Recognized for his unique character work and hard-hitting in-ring style throughout the independents, Krügger’s sudden exit has yet to be publicly addressed by the promotion.

“Former MLW Champion Madds Kruger aka Krule is gone from the company, PWInsider.com has learned.” – PWInsider.com

Mads Krule Krügger recently found himself at the center of a major controversy after a wild incident at a Ruthless Pro Wrestling show in Berwyn, Illinois, on March 28, 2026. Initial reports stated that a fan tackled and stabbed the former MLW Champion in the abdomen, prompting the roster to rush in and subdue the attacker. However, conflicting accounts soon surfaced, with many questioning whether a stabbing had actually occurred, becoming a huge talking point on social media.

Independent wrestler Joey Janela has asked Pro Wrestling Illustrated to remove him from this year’s PWI 500 rankings. The outspoken “Bad Boy” voiced strong frustration on X.com after the magazine heavily featured the long-dormant Super 8 tournament while completely ignoring GCW’s Spring Break 10, one of the most talked-about independent shows in recent years, which featured the emotional in-ring retirement of legend The Sandman and the highly anticipated debut of Brodie Lee Jr.

36-year-old Janela has been a steady presence on the PWI 500 as a prominent independent wrestler, especially via his work with GCW. His recent rankings reflect a clear upward trajectory, reaching a career-high #98 in 2025 after placing #165 in 2024 and #138 in 2023. Despite no longer receiving mainstream TV exposure, Janela’s improving position has underscored his continued impact and influence in the business.