Former WWE wrestler and one-time congressional candidate Daniel Rodimer has asked a judge to dismiss the murder charge against him. The case involves the 2023 death of 47-year-old Christopher Tapp in a Las Vegas hotel room after a Halloween party at Resorts World. According to Fox5Vegas.com, Rodimer’s attorneys argue that coroner reports indicate death by drug and alcohol intoxication rather than assault, while accusing police of violating attorney-client and spousal privileges by intercepting private messages. The 6 ft 7 ex-athlete has pleaded not guilty and now awaits the court’s ruling.

“Attorneys for former professional wrestler and former Nevada congressional candidate Daniel Rodimer have filed a motion to dismiss the murder charge against him in the death of a man on the Las Vegas Strip … In the defense filing, Rodimer’s attorneys argue the Clark County coroner’s findings show Tapp’s injuries were the result of drug and alcohol use and were not suspicious. The motion also alleges police violated attorney-client and spousal privilege by intercepting Rodimer’s text messages with his lawyer and his wife. Rodimer has pleaded not guilty.” – Fox5Vegas.com

Rodimer’s WWE career proved short-lived despite his imposing size. The former University of South Florida football player first caught WWE’s eye during the 2004 $1,000,000 Tough Enough competition on SmackDown, and was signed to a developmental deal in 2006, leading to him competing in Deep South Wrestling and Ohio Valley Wrestling and scoring a televised win over Eugene on Heat. He even challenged John Cena for the WWE Championship at a 2007 house show. However, he was released in August 2007 after just one year, seemingly having failed to meet expectations.

Mexican wrestler El Cuatrero, real name Rogelio Reyes, has been found guilty of domestic violence and attempted femicide against his ex-girlfriend, WWE star Stephanie Vaquer. The landmark verdict brings an end to a multi-year legal battle that began with a violent 2023 altercation. A Mexican court ruled against Cuatrero based on the evidence presented, despite his public denials. Sentencing is scheduled for May 12, marking a significant moment for accountability in the lucha libre community.

For those unaware, the incident unfolded in 2023 at Vaquer’s apartment in Mexico City’s Cuauhtémoc neighborhood. According to her complaint, an argument escalated when Cuatrero allegedly grabbed her by the neck, choked her, and slammed her against a wall, causing a heavy painting to fall. Vaquer suffered visible neck injuries and feared for her life, later describing potential trachea damage. She locked herself in the bedroom, called the police, and El Cuatrero fled before the authorities arrived. She filed formal charges two days later, sharing photos of her injuries with authorities.

Former WWE champion Alberto Del Rio finds himself in hot water once again after a controversial appearance at a May 1 wrestling show in Monterrey. This is because during his tag match, he laughed after his tag partner, LA Park, advised him to hit Dr. Wagner Jr. by saying, “Alberto, I think it’s a woman, hit her.” This has seen some claim that this violated the strict measures imposed following his recent domestic violence case, and according to record.com.mx, could send the 48-year-old straight back behind bars.

“On May 1, at the José Sulaimán Arena in Monterrey, the former WWE wrestler headlined a tribute show to his father, Dos Caras. Prior to the main event, where he teamed up with LA Park against Dr. Wagner Jr. and Cibernético, the controversial moment occurred. ‘ Alberto, I think it’s a woman, hit her,’ LA Park said, referring to Dr. Wagner Jr., prompting laughter from Alberto, who had previously made derogatory comments about women …The legal process is not yet concluded, so there is a possibility that the wrestler could return to prison if a judge determines that he violated the precautionary measures.” – record.com.mx

In April 2026, Del Rio, real name José Alberto Rodríguez, was arrested in San Luis Potosí after his wife reported physical and verbal abuse. Police observed visible injuries on her face and arms, leading to charges that initially carried an 8-to-20-year sentence. Following a swift hearing, he secured his release by paying roughly $60,000 USD in reparations and receiving the victim’s legal forgiveness. He is currently under six months of strict conditions, including mandatory rehabilitation therapy and a compliance hearing set for October 29, 2026, and therefore any violation could revoke his freedom.

Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted will hit the road soon with The Chophouse Band, a group he put together back in 1992 that plays a wide variety of music including “everything from bluegrass to f*cking slabs of metal,” he told Dean Delray. 

Newsted revealed he was just cleared from a recent throat cancer scare, but shockingly that wasn’t the most surprising thing that came from the “Let There Be Talk” podcast interview. Newsted went on to explain the real reason he left Metallica. The story previously was that he wanted to branch out into other projects including his alternative rock band at the time, Echobrain. But that’s not the full story.  

“Sometimes you have to make harsh ass decisions that no f*cker understands,” he continued. “They’re not in my shoes, man. What the f*ck. I’m not in yours. You’re not in mine. There’s no way you can know.”

He continued: “One thing I want to straighten out, or just comment on, is the Echobrain thing. That was another project that I took to a certain level. I had 40 projects in the Chophouse to a level of recording, composition, rehearsal, that kind of thing. This one was just more promising, and I took it to a different place. But it’s not the reason I left Metallica.”

Newsted said he was suffering from addiction at the time and asked his Metallica bandmates if he could take time to recover and sort himself out. They denied his request. “The reason I left Metallica is because I was a horrible addict,” he said. “I was way up against myself and if I didn’t get some kind of help, I was gonna die. And so I just said, ‘You guys, can I have a minute? Please give me a minute.’ And they said, ‘No.’”

“I said, ‘I would rather live than be in your band. I love being in your band. I think it’s kind of obvious. I wear your shirt every f*cking night. I wear our shirt every night. I fly my colors every night. I meet every f*cking person that wants to meet and represent us for all the fans every f*cking night. Don’t tell me I’m not committed. Don’t tell me I’m not loyal. Don’t tell me. I’m always the first one in and last one out. I’m not saying the words. It’s f*cking history. It’s real.’ You can’t give me that minute to get my head straight again? Then I have to go. Not that I don’t love you, and certainly not that I’m not committed to this band. But it wasn’t because of Echobrain.”

Check out Newsted’s full interview below. 

On the April 28 episode of NXT, former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL made a stunning surprise debut, stepping into the ring to confront NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo. NXT commentator Vic Joseph cleverly sidestepped using EVIL’s established ring name, relying on careful wordplay instead. And now, according to Fightful Select, the wrestler who is currently listed on WWE’s internal roster under his real name, Takaaki Watanabe, will be wrestling as “Nox Raijin” following a trademark application filed last week.

“Fightful Select learned that EVIL is on WWE’s internal roster under his real name, Takaaki Watanabe. There was a trademark filed on April 28th for ‘Nox Raijin,’ and that is for EVIL in WWE.” – Fightful Select

In professional wrestling, trademarks serve as essential tools for protecting ring names, personas, and merchandise rights. WWE routinely secures these filings to own gimmick names outright, ensuring full control over branding and revenue streams while minimizing legal complications when talent moves between promotions. For incoming stars like EVIL, rebranding under a new trademarked name, such as “Nox Raijin,” allows the company to build long-term value without disputes. This strategic approach transforms wrestlers into protected intellectual property assets, thereby minimizing their value to rival promotions.

After a stormy year that followed her high-profile divorce from Victor Benjamin, which ended nearly a decade of marriage in June 2025, former AEW and ROH favorite Lady Frost has unveiled a passionate new chapter on social media. The Pittsburgh native posted a heartfelt photo on X celebrating one full year with her low-key boyfriend, cheekily asking fans to remind him how lucky he is. The playful post marks a fiery personal and professional rebirth, having recently signed with MLW.

41-year-old Frost, real name Brittany Rae Steding, the granddaughter of wrestler Tony Marino, burst onto the scene with a 2018 WWE Raw debut before pursuing a career on the independent scene. Shesubsequently signed with TNA and then became a high-flying staple in AEW and ROH, challenging for the TBS Championship and earning fans with athleticism. Still, her contract with AEW ended on April 1, 2026, and she now thrives in MLW.

NXT star Izzi Dame has sparked heated backlash from the wrestling collector community after sharing a photograph of her latest autographed trading cards, which appear to have been flung on the floor. Fans took to social media to criticize the rough treatment, arguing it risks creases, dents, and other damage that could destroy grading potential with companies like PSA. Many view this as a lack of respect for dedicated enthusiasts who spend heavily on pristine memorabilia or dream of pulling a “10” from a pack.

Wrestlers signing trading cards remains a vital part of the booming WWE memorabilia industry, turning ordinary inserts into highly sought-after treasures. Through live sessions or official partnerships with Topps and Panini, superstars add personal value that dramatically increases prices. A PSA-graded Hulk Hogan 1982 rookie has sold for over $100,000 in top condition, while modern signed parallels featuring stars like The Rock or Becky Lynch often command thousands. Careful handling and professional authentication is considered crucial, as flawless examples typically increase value exponentially for serious collectors.

WWE star Chelsea Green has undergone a successful three-hour heart procedure to treat supraventricular tachycardia, a condition she silently battled for nearly a decade before finally receiving a correct diagnosis. Sharing an optimistic update on Instagram alongside her husband Matt Cardona, Green confirmed she is recovering well. Colleagues and fans have since flooded her with supportive messages, wishing the popular performer a swift return to the ring.

“After 10 years, doctors finally caught my SVT and I was able to get a heart procedure done! 3 hours later and I’m on the mend.” – Chelsea Green

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a common heart rhythm disorder causing sudden, rapid heartbeats, often between 150 and 250 beats per minute, originating above the heart’s lower chambers. Triggered by abnormal electrical circuits, episodes can start and stop abruptly, leading to palpitations, dizziness, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath. While rarely life-threatening in healthy hearts, SVT frequently goes undiagnosed for years. Thankfully, many patients, including athletes, achieve excellent outcomes through medication or curative catheter ablation, the minimally invasive procedure Green likely underwent.

Paul Wight, the wrestling legend formerly known as Big Show, is preparing for a highly anticipated in-ring return in All Elite Wrestling and regularly shares gym videos on social media to show his progress. And now, in a recent interview with Simon Miller, the 7-foot giant has praised the depth of modern talent and singled out Kenny Omega as a dream opponent for either a high-profile tag team partnership or explosive singles match. Wight also expressed a strong interest in a heel run against the fearless Darby Allin, promising unforgettable moments similar to those he had with Rey Mysterio in WWE.

“So, when I look at our AEW roster, even though he’s not a younger cat, he’s still somebody that I’ve had respect for a long time, Kenny Omega. I think Kenny is one I would think, ‘man, I would love to either tag with Kenny or to compete against Kenny’. I would love to have a great heel run and work Darby. I mean, that would be ridiculous. Cause I could sling Darby’s guts all over the place. Even the old school one, where I slammed Rey into the ring post when he was tied to the stretcher. I can only imagine the carnage I could do with Darby.” – Paul Wight

Wight has enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in wrestling history. Debuting in 1994, he burst onto the scene in WCW as “The Giant,” famously defeating Hulk Hogan for the World Heavyweight Championship and becoming an nWo member. Then, after joining WWE in 1999, he became a globally recognized star, dominating in both singles and tag team action. Known for his surprising athleticism, legendary chokeslams, and frequent turns, he remains a respected veteran after over 30 years in the business.

Former WWE star Carmella has given fans an unfiltered look at her recovery following blepharoplasty. The 38-year-old took to her Instagram Stories, revealing significant bruising and swelling around both eyes. Still, she would optimistically note that the bruises were already turning yellow, a positive sign of healing. Still, despite the temporary discomfort, Carmella remains thrilled with the early results as she prioritizes rest and aftercare.

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery or an “eye lift,” improves the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids by removing or repositioning excess skin, muscle, and fat. The outpatient procedure addresses sagging lids that can impair vision and puffy under-eye bags caused by aging or genetics. Performed under anesthesia in less than 90 minutes, it involves hidden incisions for minimal scarring. Initial swelling and bruising peak early but typically subside within one to two weeks.

WWE shocked fans when they officially pulled Roman Reigns from all advertised Monday Night Raw appearances throughout June, affecting both domestic and international dates. Initially, there was concern about why the World Heavyweight Champion was no longer fulfilling the advertised dates. However, it appears to be simply a booking decision, as Dave Meltzer reports it stems from Reigns not being booked for Night of Champions on June 27 in Saudi Arabia, leaving no major storyline reason for his weekly television presence. 

“Regarding Roman Reigns being pulled from June TV dates that were announced, the reason we were told is that he’s not going to be on the Saudi Arabia PPV and thus there was no reason to do the TV’s building that show. If he loses the title next week, of course that would be a change and there will be more to the story. If he retains, that’s probably all it is. But Reigns is no longer scheduled for any television in June.” – Dave Meltzer

Since signing a new contract in 2022, Roman Reigns has operated on a part-time schedule, focusing on family life as a father of five after overcoming leukemia and years of full-time wrestling. His limited appearances drew criticism from fans who missed his weekly presence despite his star power at major events. Still, following his World Heavyweight Championship victory over CM Punk at WrestleMania 42 in April 2026, Reigns vowed to end the part-time era, promising fans he would be on television “all summer,” a promise that no longer appears to be the plan. 

Wrestling fans have a golden chance to own a true piece of history, as former TNA wrestler Joey Ryan is putting up for sale a ring-worn Stardust suit originally worn by Cody Rhodes. Gifted during their 2017 feud, Ryan later rocked the gear himself, as shown in the tweet. How much such an item could sell for is unclear, as Rhodes is one of the most popular wrestlers WWE has seen in recent years, but he has openly stated that he always disliked playing the Stardust character, which could put off some die-hard fans.

Stardust was Cody Rhodes’ wildly eccentric WWE persona from 2014 to 2016, born out of a memorable tag-team partnership with his brother Dustin Rhodes as Goldust. During this time, Cody fully committed to the cosmic, unhinged character, complete with glittering face paint, neon outfits, theatrical mannerisms, and an obsession with the stars. As a quirky, unpredictable heel, the polarizing gimmick highlighted Rhodes’ versatility and dedication, helping him stay relevant during a challenging transitional phase before his departure and eventual blockbuster return.