On the latest episode of The Nikki & Brie Show, Brie Bella voiced strong frustration over the leak that ruined the surprise of Paige’s WWE return ahead of WrestleMania 42. The former Divas Champion called out a backstage “stooge” who had tipped off the dirtsheets earlier in the week, declaring she would identify the person responsible as she remembers everyone who was there for the match run-through.

“The Paige stuff got leaked from a stooge, and I will find out who saw it earlier in the week. I will say this, you guys, something, just let things be special and a secret. Who runs and tells people?” – Brie Bella

To combat leaks that spoil major returns and storylines, WWE has implemented rigorous prevention strategies in recent years. The company applies clearance levels, sharing sensitive creative details with only a small circle of trusted personnel. Wrestlers frequently learn match outcomes just hours before showtime, while physical safeguards, such as draping or using run-through alternatives, help keep plans hidden. These efforts, paired with last-minute creative adjustments and tighter controls on social media, demonstrate WWE’s determination to avoid spoilers leaking.

Anna Jay has sparked excitement among wrestling fans by hinting at her long-awaited return to the ring. During a recent live Twitch stream, the popular AEW wrestler revealed she has new ring gear and expressed genuine enthusiasm about debuting the fresh look upon her comeback. This update comes as questions swirl around her long-term future, with it previously reported that her AEW contract was set to expire.

“I do have new gear, and I’m excited for it whenever I’m back.” – Anna Jay

Despite her prolonged absence from AEW television following tag team matches in late 2025, Anna Jay remains a beloved performer in the women’s division. Born Anna Marie Jernigan, the 27-year-old Georgia native has built an impressive career since debuting in 2019, showcasing athleticism and determination through injuries and evolving roles. Still, with AEW seeing several wrestlers deciding to pursue a WWE career rather than remain All Elite, it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see her turn up in NXT sooner rather than later.

On his popular podcast, Kevin Nash has voiced his frustration about the lack of catering at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in Las Vegas. Arriving at 3:00 p.m. and remaining until midnight for rehearsals and the event, talent found only minimal snacks available. Nash directly questioned the head of talent relations about the oversight, but the issue wasn’t resolved. He pointed out that standard WWE events, including pay-per-views and weekly tapings, routinely provide full catering, making the lengthy Hall of Fame day especially disappointing.

“There at 3:00, leave at midnight, absolutely not a stitch of f*cking food for the talent available. No protein. Some bags of chips, a couple of f*cking bananas, and a tangerine … I f*cking asked the head of f*cking talent relations, I won’t say his name, I asked him, ‘Is there food?’ And he didn’t come in and say hi to me until the show, till Stephanie was done. In other words, we will probably never have to use him again because he will never do anything. Like, why? All the events are catered, all the matches, all the cards are catered. The pay-per-views are catered. This is even a longer day, or as long a day as that.” – Kevin Nash

WWE catering has historically mirrored the company’s financial health and commitment to its performers. In the cash-strapped mid-1990s, options were notoriously sparse, often limited to basic sandwiches. As business boomed in the 2000s, the promotion invested heavily in lavish buffets featuring grilled proteins, fresh vegetables, and comfort foods, which wrestlers hailed as a major perk of the big leagues. Standards remained high through the 2010s, but later, occasional cost-saving measures have led to infrequent declines.

TMZ has shared a new video recorded in the early hours after WrestleMania 42, showing CM Punk in a confrontation at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. According to witnesses, an overly enthusiastic fan began filming Bayley hugging another person (possibly his wife AJ Lee) in the lobby, prompting Punk to swat the phone out of their hand in frustration. Thankfully, Punk’s long-term friend Ace Steel quickly stepped in to defuse the situation, while security also intervened promptly.

CM Punk has cultivated a complicated rapport with fans over the years, cherishing their enthusiasm during his matches while fiercely protecting his personal privacy. The most notable clash occurred in October 2012 during a Monday Night Raw segment in Sacramento, when he was shoved and struck by spectators and responded by punching one fan, later admitting he had hit the wrong person amid the chaos. WWE apologized, no charges were filed, and Punk ultimately expressed regret while highlighting the provocation.

In a fresh ESPN interview, Triple H has addressed Brock Lesnar’s uncertain WWE future following his shocking loss to rising star Oba Femi on Night Two of WrestleMania 42. The WWE executive stated there was no discussion after Lesnar removed his gloves and boots and left them in the ring, suggesting it was unplanned and he was unaware. Still, many feel this potential unscripted moment could be part of a storyline, and therefore, few are prepared to accept that Lesnar is retired until there is an official announcement.

“Well, it certainly seemed that way. Brock is not a walk-back-through-the-curtain-and-have-a-long-conversation guy. Brock walks back very angry, goes to his bus, and that’s the end of it. So there wasn’t a discussion afterward … I don’t think that was planned. I think Brock went to the ring and walked into a wall called Oba Femi.” –  Triple H

For months, speculation had swirled that 48-year-old Lesnar would retire at SummerSlam 2026 in his hometown of Minneapolis, with John Cena openly hinting at a sunset ride and reports suggesting a farewell match possibly against Gunther. Yet after his sub-five-minute defeat to Femi, where Lesnar appeared to retire on the spot by abandoning his gear, this is no longer believed to be the plan unless it’s part of a long-term angle.

CM Punk and Roman Reigns wrestled an instant classic in the main event of Wrestlemania 42 on Sunday night, with Reigns emerging as the victor and new World Heavyweight Champion. And speaking of classic, Punk’s intro to the match featured the AFI banger “Miseria Cantare,” which was the song he used in Ring Of Honor. The familiar “Cult of Personality” by Living Colour played as soon he appeared in front of the live audience. 

Punk previously used “the song “Miseria Cantare” when he faced MJF at 2022’s AEW “Revolution” pay-per-view. The song comes from AFI’s “Sing the Sorrow” album released in 2003. It’s arguably gothic punk band’s most successful album reaching No. 5 on the Billboard 2000 before eventually going platinum. 

Check out Punk’s Wrestlemania entrance below. 

Earlier this month, it was sadly reported that Bo Lueders, guitarist for Chicago-based hardcore/punk band Harm’s Way, passed away at just 38 years old. Pro wrestlers including CM Punk, Danhausen and Brody King all paid tribute via social media. 

Punk wrote via social media: “Check on your people. Reach out if you need help. Tell em you love them. 988 Text, Call, Chat. Anytime. Anywhere. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, al**hol or d**g use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, counselors are there to help. There’s a lot of stress and sadness in the world right now. Mental health can be a struggle but there’s plenty of support out there. We love you.”

During Sunday night’s Wrestlemania main event, Punk paid homage to several people important to him who have unfortunately passed away. Stitched onto his jacket were his dog Larry, wrestling legend Harley Race, several WWE employees and also Harm’s Way’s late guitarist.

Punk’s intro to the match featured AFI’s “Miseria Cantare,” the theme he used from his Ring Of Honor days, before segueing into the familiar tones of Living Colour’s “Cult Of Personality.” 

Check out Punk’s Wrestlemania entrance below. 

At WrestleMania 42, Dragon Lee created a breathtaking moment when he emerged wearing massive, intricately crafted dragon wings with spiked ridges. However, while the live audience erupted as the high-flying luchador made his dramatic way to the ring, television viewers missed the spectacle completely. An extended commercial break cut away just as he appeared, and only returned when he was already inside the ring, leading fans on social media to say he received a “jobber entrance.“

A  “jobber entrance,” as it is called in the business, is typically reserved for an enhancement talent who loses quickly, an instant visual shorthand that the wrestler was unimportant and losing. The phase was created in the 1980s and early 1990s, when shows were shorter, and ad breaks were frequent. Today, fans apply the term critically whenever a popular performer like Dragon Lee sees a high-production entrance ruined by poor timing, with JD McDonagh and Rusev also suffering the same disrespectful fate on the night.

According to a report by PWinsider.com, WWE originally had far more sinister plans for Randy Orton heading into WrestleMania 42. The scrapped storyline featured Aleister Black psychologically tormenting the veteran in an attempt to awaken his long-dormant “Apex Predator” persona. However, those darker creative ideas were obviously abandoned in favor of a partnership with Pat McAfee, which was not well-received by fans.

“The role would have involved Aleister Black tormenting Orton, trying to bring out the old Apex Predator version of Orton. The idea was that if Black succeeded, it would prove Orton had never changed or evolved and was still the old Orton deep inside.” – PWInsider.com

At WrestleMania 42, Pat McAfee stood in Randy Orton’s corner for the Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes. Still, after Orton failed to capture the title, Orton shockingly turned on his ally, delivering an RKO that appeared to write the former NFL player off television. McAfee’s brief 2026 return as Orton’s advisor was apparently heavily influenced by corporate ties between WWE/TKO and ESPN, who felt the retired NFL players’ involvement would attract more eyeballs.

On a recent episode of Pod Meets World, WWE star Rhea Ripley opened up about her growing frustration with social media. The popular Australian explained that she tries to use X as a professional workspace, yet the platform’s algorithm immediately bombards her with relentless negativity the moment she opens the app. Unable to escape the constant barrage of criticism about her body, booking, and personal life, she now views the platform as far more harmful than helpful for her mental health.

“It’s hard going on and trying to make it a work environment, but then, because it is a work environment, I get all these things coming up on my For You page. As soon as I click on the app, it’s negative towards me. I can’t even escape it.” – Rhea Ripley

Several prominent wrestlers are now stepping away from X due to overwhelming online toxicity. AEW’s Harley Cameron deactivated her account after facing intense harassment over a botched spot on Dynamite involving Penelope Ford. Former WWE star Priscilla Kelly deleted hers following violent threats tied to a controversial booking in Israel. Meanwhile, WWE’s Chelsea Green temporarily stepped back after receiving vicious backlash for posting a tribute to the late Hulk Hogan. Many talents now view the platform as far more harmful than helpful for their mental health.

WWE Hall of Famer Madusa divulged to her followers on X.com over the weekend that she prioritized watching WrestleMania 42 over everything else happening while at sea on the Creed cruise. However, what most fans noticed was that the photograph shard clearly showed her watching an illegal stream, instantly sparking a wave of reactions, including shock, amusement, and playful teasing. Some predicted the retired legend would quickly delete the photo once it was pointed out that it was an unofficial source. Still, as of writing, it remains, suggesting she doesn’t care about any potential backlash.

The history of WWE piracy dates back to the expensive pay-per-view era of the 1980s and 1990s, when fans turned to bootleg tapes and illegal cable boxes. With the rise of the internet, peer-to-peer sites made downloading shows common in the 2000s. The 2014 launch of the WWE Network would significantly reduce piracy. Yet it never fully disappeared, and subsequently, the move to multiple modern platforms like Peacock and Netflix, combined with ESPN’s high costs, has kept unauthorized streams alive.

Former WWE wrestler Ryback has shared the depressing news on social media that his mother, Janeen Reeves, passed away on April 18 at age 67 following a five-month battle with bile duct and liver cancer. Diagnosed last November, Janeen was Ryback’s daily support system and the inspiration behind his fitness journey, which ultimately led him to become one of the top names in the business for a short time.

44-year-old Ryback carved out a rollercoaster WWE career after debuting on Tough Enough, joined The Nexus as Skip Sheffield, and then exploded in 2012 as a powerhouse babyface who had fans chanting “Feed Me More.” Most notably, he worked with CM Punk, won the Intercontinental Championship, and teamed with Curtis Axel as RybAxel. Released in 2016 amid creative frustrations, he wrestled on the indies until severe back and shoulder injuries led him to take an extended break, with most assuming he is now retired from the ring.