TNA Knockouts star Ash By Elegance is heading into surgery as she battles a complex, unspecified health condition that previously forced her to vacate her championship and step away from the ring. In a heartfelt social media update, the resilient 37-year-old wrestler shared a hospital photo and expressed optimism about her recovery, promising to document the process to inspire others facing similar struggles.

Ash By Elegance’s story is one of remarkable reinvention and perseverance. The former WWE talent, who built her foundation in fitness competition, has overcome profound adversity, including the 2015 loss of her boyfriend, a fellow bodybuilder. Now married to Ulysses Diaz since 2024 and raising their child, she blends raw athletic power with elegant presentation, aiming to turn personal trials into a beacon of hope for wrestling fans worldwide.

WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella has revealed she turned down an audition for Fox’s upcoming Baywatch reboot, admitting she’d feel uncomfortable wearing the show’s iconic red swimsuit full-time. The 42-year-old former Divas Champion, known for her stunning curves and good looks, shared this revelation on The Nikki and Brie Show, sparking fresh conversations about body confidence and demonstrating that even a trailblazing wrestler like her has body doubts.

“I ended up not doing it because I knew that I would not be comfortable, I would not be comfortable wearing a red swimsuit 24/7, because I am not confident yet in a swimsuit. So, I didn’t do it.” – Nikki Bella

Fox’s Baywatch reboot, a 12-episode series filming in Venice Beach for the 2026-27 season, stars Stephen Amell as adult Hobie Buchanan, now team captain and son of David Hasselhoff’s Mitch. The cast blends legacy returns with fresh faces, including Brooks Nader, Shay Mitchell, Noah Beck, Hassie Harrison, and influencer Livvy Dunne. Heavy on models and athletes, the production is already generating buzz with potential new fans and those who love 90s nostalgia.

WWE superfan Michael Corcoran, best known online as Brock Lesnar Guy, has sparked social media buzz by suggesting he change his name to “Oba Femi Guy.” The playful post comes just weeks after Oba Femi seemingly retired his hero, Brock Lesnar, making him an apt replacement. Still, some fans believe Corcoran is just looking for attention, having previously teased changing his name before.

Corcoran, a dedicated WWE supporter, rose to internet fame in 2012. This occurred during the Raw episode following WrestleMania 28, when cameras captured his unforgettable wide-eyed reaction to Brock Lesnar’s shocking return, turning him into an instant meme. Over the years, Corcoran has attended dozens of major events, including nearly 20 WrestleManias, becoming a regular front-row fixture. And while he stated he was stepping back from full-time travel in late 2025, he only missed one show, with the draw of live wrestling apparently too strong.

Bully Ray is suggesting AEW President Tony Khan sign recently released WWE talent Zoey Stark as soon as her 90-day non-compete expires. The veteran wrestler discussed this on Busted Open Radio and recommended handing Stark a live microphone to tell her powerful story of overcoming a serious knee injury, only to be released by WWE right after receiving medical clearance. He believes her emotional journey and proven in-ring ability would instantly connect with fans while adding to AEW’s already strong women’s division.

“If you’re Tony Khan, and you invite Zoey Stark in, what’s the first thing you allow her to do? Here you go, sister, here’s a microphone, you’ve got five minutes. Go tell your story, go make people love you, and if you tell your real story, not only will they love you for your determination, and your passion, and your drive, but they will hate the WWE for letting you go. It’s right there on a silver platter for Tony. You don’t have to do any work. Wait 90 days, sign the girl to a contract, end of story. And Zoey is good in the ring, she’d be good for your women’s division.” – Bully Ray

Zoey Stark, born Theresa Serrano, enjoyed a remarkable career defined by breakout moments and impressive resilience. After early success on the independents as Lacey Ryan, she joined WWE in 2021 and quickly shone in NXT with a major victory over Toni Storm, followed by winning the NXT Women’s Tag Team Titles alongside Io Shirai. Drafted to Raw in 2023, she aligned with Trish Stratus, challenged top stars like Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley, and later co-founded the Pure Fusion Collective stable.

Former WWE star Nikki Cross is already planning her future following her surprise release from the company. Just days after being let go alongside several Wyatt Sicks members, she filed the trademark application for her old ring name “Nikki Storm” as well as the phrase “The Best In The Galaxy” through her company, Best in the Galaxy Wrestling, LLC. The April 28 applications cover wrestling services, live events, merchandise, apparel, and even comic books, strongly hinting that her wrestling career is far from over.

Before joining WWE in 2016, Nikki Cross thrived for eight years on the international independent scene as Nikki Storm. The Glasgow native debuted in September 2008 for the Scottish Wrestling Alliance and soon became a standout in promotions like Insane Championship Wrestling and Pro-Wrestling: EVE, where she won the EVE Championship three times. She also toured globally, wrestling for Stardom in Japan. Known as “The Best in the Galaxy,” her fiery style made her a fan favorite until her final indie match in ICW in April 2016.

On his Grilling JR podcast, wrestling legend Jim Ross has addressed speculation about Alister Black potentially returning to AEW following his shock WWE release. While noting that questions around trust and reliability could affect future bookings, Ross enthusiastically praised Black’s in-ring skills and strong work ethic. He even declared he would hire the former Malakai Black in a heartbeat, suggesting the door to AEW may still be open.

“I think his chances are running out. Trust is a big thing, man, reliability. Are you reliable? I’m sure a small fraction of some in the wrestling business believe he’s missing something … He’s not missing his attire, his look, or his work ethic. So whatever his downfalls are, they seem to be things outside the bell-to-bell, but I like that guy, I’d hire him in a heartbeat.” – Jim Ross

40-year-old Black’s AEW run from 2021 to 2025 left a lasting imprint on the promotion, and helped establish both Julia Hart and Brody King. Debuting on Dynamite, he quickly formed the dominant House of Black stable, and the faction captured the AEW World Trios Titles in 2023, holding them for 175. Yet rumors persisted that he was unwilling to put others in singles matches, with Adam Copeland being a notable exception. Therefore, when news broke that his contract had expired, his departure wasn’t seen as a massive loss.

In heartbreaking news, Darryl Sammartino, the son of the legendary wrestler Bruno Sammartino, has disclosed to Bill Apter during a recent interview that his mother passed away on March 4, 2026, at the age of 96. Sadly, Carol had spent her final 16 months in care after a long, gradual decline, with her health deteriorating since the death of Bruno in 2018 and Darry’s twin brother just six months later.

“So, my mom passed away March 4th, 2026. She was in a home for about 16 months. And since my dad and my twin brother passed away 6 months after my dad, so, for the last 8 years, she’s just, you know, slowly deteriorated.” – Darryl Sammartino

Born in Italy in 1935, Bruno Sammartino survived a perilous childhood before immigrating to America. He debuted in professional wrestling in 1959 and went on to become the longest-reigning WWWF Champion in history, famously headlining Madison Square Garden for decades. That same year, he married Carol Teyssier, and the couple raised three sons, David, who followed Bruno into the business, and fraternal twins Danny and Darryl. However, their fairytale life together ended in 2018, when the WWE Hall of Famer died aged 82.

Wrestling icon Ric Flair is urging fans and critics alike to turn the page after a string of controversial comments, including disparaging remarks about Ludwig Kaiser, ignited widespread criticism. In a heartfelt tweet, the 77-year-old Hall of Famer admitted to faulty assumptions, offered apologies, and asked his followers to “wake up tomorrow and let Ric Flair be Ric Flair.” Referencing his ongoing heart issues and life’s unpredictability, Flair highlighted his legendary career while pleading for peace amid intensifying online scrutiny.

“I Have Apologized, And I Have Retracted Statements. I Have Made Assumptions That Are Incorrect. I Acknowledge Everything That I Have Said. Can We Just Wake Up Tomorrow & Let Ric Flair Be Ric Flair. I Am 77 With A Heart Condition And Nothing Is Ever Guaranteed. Let’s Just All Be At Peace! If You Look At Social Media, People Love To Attack Every Celebrity Online Without Using Their Real Name. I’m Ric Flair. Take Me For Who I Am. The People Who Know Me Know How Hard I’ve Worked My Entire Life To Achieve My Level Of Success. That Is Not Up For Debate. Thank You For Everything! Please Let Me Wake Up Tomorrow And Have My Social Media Screen Be Only Positives. I’m Always Going To Be A Cowboy! WOOOOO!” – Ric Flair

Despite holding 16 world championships and earning WWE Hall of Fame status, Ric Flair’s illustrious journey has been marred by repeated personal and professional scandals. His flamboyant Nature Boy lifestyle frequently spilled into reality, drawing decades of controversy. From the notorious 2002 “Plane Ride from Hell” allegations and multiple financial lawsuits to bitter divorces, backstage wars with Eric Bischoff, and recent public outbursts, Flair’s triumphs in the ring have often been eclipsed by questions about the man beneath the robes, real-life behavior, which has left fans divided on whether his in-ring greatness is an excuse.

Chris Jericho stars as himself in the new Apple TV series, “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” alongside Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning and Nick Offerman. The show premiered on April 15 and follows Margo, the daughter of a former Hooter’s waitress and an ex-pro wrestler. Margo is a recent college dropout and aspiring writer. Faced with a new baby, touting pile of bills, and dwindling number of ways to pay them, Margo looks for a way forward. 

On a recent episode of the Talk Is Jericho podcast, Jericho revealed how he landed the role saying he originally targeted Offerman’s part in the series. The casting crew were impressed with his audition and offered him a different role.  

“It’s weird enough playing myself, but it’s kind of cool,” Jericho said. “Nick and Nicole, how could you not be cool with this? I actually auditioned for the part that Nick plays. They liked my read. ‘Let’s have him do something in this scene more than just a background.’ That’s how all that came about.”

Check out a wresting match scene from “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” starring Jericho below. 

In a recent appearance on 83 Weeks, Nick Hogan expressed strong enthusiasm about potentially stepping into the wrestling ring if the right opportunity arises. As the son of WWE icon Hulk Hogan, the 35-year-old obviously knows the business well, and he’s been spotted training at the WWE Performance Center, which lends credibility to the claim. Yet, based on his wording, it appears he is more interested in occasional matches than in pursuing a full-time wrestling career.

“Oh my goodness, you never know. I bounced around here and there and knock the ring rust off every now and again. I’ve been attracted to it my whole life. So, I will say I’m in a pretty darn good shape right now, and it’s not unfamiliar territory. So, if the time ever comes or if the opportunity ever presents itself, I would absolutely welcome that.” – Nick Hogan

Typically, the sons and daughters of professional wrestlers who want to follow in their famous footsteps face immense pressure, and many have been unable to cope. Still, some names, such as The Rock, Randy Orton, and Cody Rhodes, have not only lived up to family legacies but also set new heights by combining inherited charisma with their own identities. Whether Nick Hogan could fall into this group is far from guaranteed, but few would begrudge him the opportunity, considering what his father meant to the wrestling business.

Marc Izard, a devoted British wrestling superfan, tragically passed away in Las Vegas on April 18, having traveled from the UK for WrestleMania weekend. And now, in more sad news, his family is struggling with the high costs of repatriating his remains and honoring him with a proper farewell. Therefore, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover the costs, with £12,088 raised of £30K as of writing.

“Marc passed away far from home. As a family, our priority is to bring him back so we can give him the send-off he deserves, surrounded by the people who loved him. However, the costs associated with international repatriation and funeral arrangements are overwhelming. We are reaching out to the wrestling community—the “Wrestling Family” that Marc loved so much—and to anyone who knew him, to help us bring him home.” – Kelly Hall

GoFundMe has emerged as a powerful lifeline for performers, their families, and, more recently, fans in the wrestling world. From funeral expenses for legends to medical recovery support for veterans, these campaigns enable the wrestling community to turn hardship into hope. While not all campaigns reach their targets, all donations go to the person in need, making GoFundMe a great way to support those less fortunate or struggling with unexpected tragedies.

FOZZY is getting ready to embark on their “Twisted Faith Tour” with support from Flaw, Spineshank and Who On Earth. The tour begins with an appearance at the Welcome To Rockville festival in Daytona on May 7 and runs through May 16. Ahead of the tour, the band dropped their latest single, “I Know Evil,” an industrial-tinged hard rocker that follows up their previous single “Fall In Line.” 

The band has previously said that releasing singles will likely be how they introduce new music to fans for the foreseeable future. Guitarist Rich Ward said earlier this year: “I think we’re gonna stick with just releasing singles for a while. And I think part of the reason for that is on the last album, ‘Boombox’, we spent so much time on it. And every song is very important to us. And then two or three songs get released to singles and then the rest of them kind of go in the bin, so to speak. And Chris Jericho, the singer in FOZZY, just so for context, he was really hurt by it, because he realizes that now because we’re not in the age of albums anymore where people go and buy physical albums — we’re in the days of playlists and singles and streaming — and he felt like we should spend our time really focused on a song at a time and release them like that. So the goal moving forward is just to put everything we have into every song. 

Check out “I Know Evil” below.