Former WWE star Sidney Akeem, better known by the ring names Reginald, Reggie, and Scrypts, recently revealed that he was nearly inserted into one of WrestleMania’s most historic matches. During an appearance on Rewind Recap Relive, the current ROH wrestler explained that ahead of WrestleMania 37, Vince McMahon pitched adding him to the Sasha Banks versus Bianca Belair main event, transforming it into an intergender triple threat. Obviously, in the end, this idea was scrapped, but it goes to show how major storylines could change at short notice.

“You will come out and announce that this is no longer a singles. This is a triple threat. When he said that, Sasha had a look on her face, and Bianca had the same look on her face. And I’m just like, ‘I don’t know what the hell is happening right now. I’m not going to look at anyone, I’m not going to say anything.’ Vince said, ‘Because Sasha and Reginald, you guys have great chemistry.’ And Sasha kept asking Vince, ‘What do you mean? What is this chemistry?’ He’s like, ‘I don’t know, it’s just chemistry.’ … Lo and behold, they came to their senses. That would have been stupid to throw me in that match.” –  Sidney Akeem

WrestleMania 37’s two-night main events marked a triumphant return to live crowds at Raymond James Stadium in April 2021. The first night featured Sasha Banks defending her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair in an athletic masterpiece widely praised as a show-stealer. However, Michael Cole’s infamous botched call at the dramatic finish overshadowed Belair’s victory, somewhat spoiling the emotional climax for fans.

During a recent episode of his podcast, WWE and TNA Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley opened up about using performance-enhancing drugs during his TNA run. Battling low testosterone and the brutal toll of a near year-round schedule, he turned to steroids for faster recovery. And in news that likely won’t shock many, considering how lax TNA was once thought to be regarding drug testing, D-Von revealed he did, in fact, fail a test at one point, but all he was told during a brief phone call was not to do it again.

“I got a phone call, said, ‘Hey, you’ve been tested positive for such and such.’ I went, ‘So what are you telling me?’ He’s like, ‘Just don’t do it again. Goodbye.’ Click.” – D-Von Dudley

In stark contrast to TNA’s past hands-off approach, WWE introduced its Talent Wellness Program in 2006 following the tragic death of Eddie Guerrero. Their policy featured random testing, escalating suspensions, and public accountability, which created a far stricter deterrent. While TNA’s old regime conducted infrequent tests with virtually no consequences for failures, WWE strictly enforced penalties to protect both wrestlers’ health and corporate liability. Modern TNA leadership has reportedly improved its standards, but the previous era’s leniency remains a clear point of difference from WWE’s structured system.

In a candid interview with Ariel Helwani, MJF singled out Malakai Black as a prime example of wrestlers who viewed AEW as a mere stepping stone to chase WrestleMania glory in WWE. “Do I think he’s a bad guy? No,” MJF stated. “Do I think he was a mark for wanting to have his ‘Oh, I need my Mania moment’? Yeah.” Speaking as a locker-room leader and self-proclaimed team captain, MJF highlighted widespread frustration with opportunistic attitudes. Additionally, he stressed that hard work in AEW eliminates the need to burn bridges, a point some suspect Black did during his run.

“Do I think he’s a bad guy? No. Do I think he was a mark for wanting to have his ‘Oh, I need my Mania moment.’ Yeah, and there were a couple of guys like that, and they got weeded out. And then they went over there, and some of them found out the grass isn’t greener. And perhaps some of them did, for them, the grass was greener. But I’d say a majority of the guys that were like, ‘I’m just going to use All Elite Wrestling to go back to WWE,’ I think you’re going to see a lot of those guys asked for a 50 percent pay cut from the office. Or you’re going to see a lot of those guys just get released. And it’s unfortunate because if you show up to our company and you work hard, there’s really no need to burn bridges.” – MJF

After a successful four-year AEW run leading the House of Black and capturing the World Trios Championship, Black departed in February 2025 and returned to WWE on the April 25, 2025 episode of SmackDown. Despite the initial hype, he received limited momentum and airtime. Still, most were surprised when, on April 24, 2026, WWE released him alongside his wife, Zelina Vega, as part of a major post-WrestleMania purge, seemingly validating MJF’s blunt message.

Adam Copeland recently opened up on Westwood One Sports Night about the profound love he holds for All Elite Wrestling as retirement looms. The veteran admitted that stepping away from in-ring action will be incredibly difficult, describing his daily arrival at AEW as feeling like a kid in a candy store. He emphasized the genuine joy and excitement the promotion brings him, making the prospect of leaving all the more bittersweet, despite his advancing age and long career.

“I think the difficult thing will be, I really enjoy working at AEW. I have so much fun going to work that I will miss that. I get there and feel like a kid in a candy store.” – Adam Copeland

Adam Copeland debuted in AEW in October 2023 at WrestleDream shortly after leaving WWE. The 52-year-old veteran quickly captured the TNT Championship twice, delivering hard-hitting matches and compelling storylines with Christian Cage and others. His run highlighted creative freedom and passion for the business. However, age and physical toll showed in May 2024 when he fractured his tibia in a high-risk cage spot at Double or Nothing, sidelining him for months. Still, showing the same spirit that saw him come back from a severe neck injury, Copeland made his comeback in early 2025, resuming a tag team storyline with Christian Cage.

In sad news, PWInsider’s Mike Johnson has reported WWE superfan Vladimir Abouzeide has been hospitalized in New York City following a serious fall. The longtime Parkinson’s patient, whose condition has long affected his balance, suddenly collapsed while walking with his sister and struck his head on concrete. Although initial fears of brain bleeding have eased, he continues to receive care with no discharge date set, and his family has asked fans to send their prayers.

“Vlad has been battling Parkinson’s Disease over the last several years. One of the by-products of the disease is terrible balance issues. This past week, Vlad was walking with his sister when he suddenly fell, striking his head on the concrete. He suffered a major concussion and there was concern about bleeding on the brain, but we are told that he is believed to be out of imminent danger when it came to the bleeding. Vlad will, however, remain hospitalized in NYC for some time to come. There is no timetable for his release as I write this. Vlad’s sister gave me permission to pass along the word so that she can ask everyone to please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he recovers.” – Mike Johnson

Vladimir’s unfortunate journey with Parkinson’s has been defined by remarkable resilience and unwavering passion for wrestling. He publicly revealed his diagnosis over WrestleMania weekend in April 2023, having already dealt with mobility issues evident in the WWE-produced documentary Superfan. After hip surgery, the loss of his mother, and the isolation of the pandemic, he faced profound emotional struggles. In May 2023, he underwent a successful four-hour spinal surgery to improve his balance and walking. Despite these challenges, his spirit and love for WWE have inspired fans worldwide.

The independent wrestling community is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of Michael Blake Whitehead, better known as MB Funk, who passed away at just 31 years old. A standout in the Midwest indie scene, Funk shone brightly as one-half of the popular tag team Funk N Fresh alongside IB Fresh. Colleagues and peers fondly remember him as a kind-hearted, humble, and respectful performer who brought energy, positivity, and professionalism to every locker room. As tributes continue flooding in from wrestlers and fans across the industry, a GoFundMe has been established to help his family with funeral costs and other expenses.

MB Funk left an indelible mark on the Midwest independent circuit through his passionate performances, relentless work ethic, and natural charisma. Best known for his championship success with Funk N Fresh, including capturing the PWK Tag Team titles, the duo thrilled audiences with their explosive chemistry and high-energy style. Whitehead also competed in singles competition for promotions such as Midwest Championship Wrestling, Pro Wrestling King, WrestleArts, Ascend Pro Wrestling, and Revolution Championship Wrestling.

Wrestling legend Missy Hyatt launched a blistering attack on Brock Lesnar after his shocking return to WWE RAW on May 18. In a fiery tweet, the outspoken veteran sarcastically questioned what lured The Beast back to the ring following his brief retirement. Hyatt mocked whether WWE found a woman to “woo him back with urination videos,” speculated if a top executive offered a woman as a negotiation perk, and suggested Lesnar simply wanted to avoid uncomfortable conversations about the Janel Grant allegations with his wife at home.

“I just heard brock lesnar is back. Did they find a woman to woo him back with urination videos? Did a big wig procure him a woman as a negotiation perk? Or did he just want to get out of the house, since those previous allegations are never fun to discuss with your wife.” – Missy Hyatt

Hyatt’s crude “urination videos” reference directly alludes to disturbing allegations in Grant’s federal lawsuit against Vince McMahon, WWE, and others. Court filings claim Lesnar contacted Grant and requested videos of her urinating. Grant stated she complied under pressure, feeling dehumanized. These claims form part of broader accusations that McMahon arranged for sexual encounters as employment conditions. All allegations remain unproven in court, with no criminal findings against Lesnar, who has not publicly commented.

Zoey Stark has officially revealed her new ring name on X.com, updating her display name to Zoey Serrano following her recent WWE release. As Zoey Serrano, she will become eligible to compete again on July 24, 2026, after completing her 90-day non-compete clause. The name change signals a fresh start, with fans eagerly anticipating a fiercer, more determined, and evolved performer ready to make a major impact in her next chapter.

32-year-old Stark, real name Theresa Serrano, brings an impressive independent wrestling background to her next chapter. She previously competed under the name Lacey Ryan before joining WWE in 2021. During her time with the company, she captured the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Io Shirai, teamed up with legends like Trish Stratus on Raw, and impressed audiences with her signature Z-360 finisher. While her release on April 24, 2026, came as a surprise to many fans, the end of her WWE run opens the door for an exciting return to AEW or potentially an AEW debut.

In a nostalgic move that has excited longtime fans, Giulia has unveiled straight blonde hair reminiscent of her iconic Stardom era via an Instagram Story on May 18. The fresh look marks a clear departure from her recent blue braided hairstyle in WWE, coming after a difficult stretch that saw her lose the WWE Women’s United States Championship. Many fans believe this change signals a potential character reset as she continues carving out her path on the main roster.

32-year-old Giulia, born Eimi Gloria Matsudo in London, England, is a British-Italian-Japanese wrestler who was raised in Japan. She made her professional debut in 2017 with Ice Ribbon before joining Stardom in 2019, where she quickly became one of the promotion’s biggest stars. As the leader of Donna Del Mondo, she captured multiple major titles, including the World of Stardom Championship, Wonder of Stardom Championship, and NJPW Strong Women’s Championship, while winning the Cinderella Tournament and 5 Star GP, which put her on WWE’s radar.

Kim Turman-Laurinaitis, the widow of WWE Hall of Famer Road Warrior Animal, has unleashed strong criticism on Facebook against the latest A&E Biography episode on The Road Warriors. As the manager of her husband’s estate and legacy projects, she revealed that the producers never contacted her for input or fact-checking. Turman-Laurinaitis says the documentary misrepresented key details surrounding his death in September 2020 and failed to capture his authentic story. She vowed that the true account would one day be told properly.

“For all of you reaching out to me right now asking if I’m part of the A&E Biography… NO. His actual wife — the one who was with him the night he died and for years before — was not contacted to film, believe it or not. The one who pays for the trademarks and works to continue his wishes and legacy with the LOD Experience and many other things. But this is supposed to be about respect for Joe and the LOD/Road Warrior, right??? Yeah, okay. I can guarantee you my husband is NOT happy in heaven. But his story — the REAL story, the TRUTH, all of it — will come out. … WHAT IN THE FCK AM I WATCHING?!!! OMG, I am SO DONE. This is NOT how my husband died. And FYI, he died on 9/22 at our hotel — NOT a hospital. They never took him to a fcking hospital. They tried to save him in our hotel room!” – Kim Turman-Laurinaitis

WWE documentaries, from Peacock originals to A&E’s Biography: WWE Legends and Netflix’s Mr. McMahon and Hulk Hogan series, continue to face scrutiny over issues of consent, factual accuracy, and narrative control. Critics point to inadequate family consultation, with Animal’s widow now joining voices who condemn productions that prioritize drama over truth. The problems range from polished propaganda and buried scandals to the exploitative editing of real-life tragedies. Without stronger standards, such as mandatory outreach to estates and transparent fact-checking, the genre risks mismanaging legacies rather than honoring them.

WWE star Tiffany Stratton has firmly debunked online rumors claiming that former Imperium member Giovanni Vinci was released from the company for flirting with her. During a recent Twitch livestream, Stratton called the speculation “the craziest one I have ever heard” and stressed that no such incident ever occurred while expressing support for Vinci after his move to TNA Wrestling.

“You guys, that might be the craziest one I have ever heard. That did not happen. That is not true. There is no truth to that. I hope he’s doing amazing. I heard he just signed with TNA, and I think he’s gonna kill it. So, absolutely no truth to that. That’s a complete false accusation.” – Tiffany Stratton

35-year-old Vinci, now competing under his real name Fabian Aichner, recently debuted in TNA after more than a year away from the ring. Released by WWE following an abandoned singles push, he made a surprise appearance on the May 14, 2026, episode of Impact, immediately positioning himself as a top contender for the X-Division Championship. Despite his long absence, Aichner looked to be in excellent condition and appeared poised to finally receive the push many WWE fans have long wanted to see.

Speculation is mounting over a potential WWE return for former star Baron Corbin, now wrestling as Bishop Dyer on the independents. According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio the idea has been discussed backstage in recent weeks, though it’s unclear whether a deal has been finalized. This follows Danhausen’s cryptic “something bigger” comments on SmackDown, leading many to believe the 6’8” powerhouse could be the mystery wrestler teased.

“I know it’s been talked about, yes. On the SmackDown show, when Danhausen was talking about something bigger, my gut was that that’s who it is. That’s just my speculation, but I just know that he’s been talked with about being brought in. It might even be done, but I haven’t had it officially confirmed to me it’s done. But I have 100% confirmed that it’s been heavily talked about.” – Dave Meltzer

Since leaving WWE in late 2024, Corbin, real name Thomas Pestock has reinvented himself as Bishop Dyer, a dangerous traveling big man who blends raw power with jiu-jitsu skills. Forming the dominant tag team The Skyscrapers with Donovan Dijak he captured the MLW World Tag Team Titles, while also wrestling for Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling and even working a dark match for AEW.