Wrestling news (WWE, AEW, Impact & more) - Xfire https://www.xfire.com/wrestling/ Video game, TV & movie, and wrestling news, guides, and fandom Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:21:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.xfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cropped-icon-96x96.png Wrestling news (WWE, AEW, Impact & more) - Xfire https://www.xfire.com/wrestling/ 32 32 Sting is not about to retire at AEW All-In in August https://www.xfire.com/sting-not-retire-aew-all-in-august/ https://www.xfire.com/sting-not-retire-aew-all-in-august/#respond Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:21:16 +0000 https://www.xfire.com/?p=296891 As wrestling fans worldwide anticipate the upcoming All In event at Wembley Stadium in August, a cloud of speculation has been growing over the future of one of AEW's most enduring stars: Sting.

Sting's popularity over the audiences, even the younger ones, will guarantee that he'll always have a place in wrestling for as long as he wants to be in the ring.

The iconic wrestling figure, who remains as spry as ever at 64 years old, responded to the speculations about his retirement at the media scrum following Sunday's Forbidden Door pay-per-view, assuring fans that although the end is imminent, it will not happen at All In.

Despite speculation to the contrary, Sting clarified, "I have not decided on a date. For sure, a lot of people have wondered if I will retire in Wembley, that would be very cool, but I don't see that happening. I think I'm going to continue on."

After a near-six-year hiatus from professional wrestling, Sting made a much-lauded return to the ring in 2021. His initial retirement announcement came during his 2016 WWE Hall of Fame speech following a spinal injury he sustained in a match against Seth Rollins at the 2015 Night of Champions event. Since then, his journey with AEW has been a path of resilience, reinvention, and triumph.

In a clear rebuff to the rumors of an impending departure, Sting reiterated that AEW President Tony Khan has extended an open invitation for him to continue wrestling as long as he wishes. However, the wrestler acknowledged the inevitability of his retirement, hinting, "Showtime is just about over."

The wrestler's return to London is particularly significant. He fondly reminisces his past appearances in the city as the 'Joker Sting,' an era that was warmly received by fans. His keen anticipation for the upcoming event at Wembley Stadium signals his desire to continue performing and entertaining his worldwide fan base.

As one of AEW's biggest draws, the upstart wrestling promotion will be smart to keep on extending Sting's contract for as long as he wants.

Although Sting has previously mentioned retiring when his contract expires later this year, he didn't rule out the possibility of a contract extension. He has also indicated that his final match won't be a solo venture. In line with his current role as a mentor and tag team partner to Darby Allin, he wants Allin involved in his farewell match, ensuring a symbolic handover of the torch.

As for Tony Khan, he appears hopeful about keeping the WWE Hall of Famer active as long as the icon is willing to step into the ring. Khan's recent hint at a "historic moment" being set up at All In has fans eagerly speculating about what this might entail.

So, while the "Showtime" for Sting may be drawing to a close, the final act is yet to play out. The questions of when and where Sting's career will culminate remain open, adding an extra layer of suspense and anticipation to AEW's forthcoming events.

What we can be sure of, however, is that Sting's eventual swan song will be a spectacle worth waiting for, a celebration of a truly iconic career that has spanned multiple generations of wrestling history.

Who knows? Sting could keep on doing this for two more decades or so and immortalize himself as one of the oldest active professional wrestlers ever.

With Sting in tow and possibly CM Punk as well as MJF, AEW All-In has a good shot at giving WWE's biggest events ever a good run for their money once the gates open and the event actually starts.

Until then, AEW fans can check out AEW: Fight Forever, which comes out on  June 29 with a packed roster.

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Paul Heyman believes that Roman Reigns can still get better https://www.xfire.com/paul-heyman-roman-reigns-can-get-better/ https://www.xfire.com/paul-heyman-roman-reigns-can-get-better/#respond Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:59:47 +0000 https://www.xfire.com/?p=296777 Roman Reigns recently etched his name in WWE history by surpassing Pedro Morales to be the fourth-longest reigning world champion in WWE history with a reign that's looking to be extended to well over 1,000 days. Reigns isn't looking to defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship until SummerSlam in August, at the very least. Instead, he's involved in the captivating Bloodline Civil War tag match with Solo Sikoa and The Usos that takes place at Money in the Bank in London on July 1.

Roman Reigns is expected to defend his title at this year's SummerSlam but it's still unclear who he'll be fighting against.

In the middle of this all-time run, Paul Heyman recently joined The Pat McAfee Show where talked about Reigns and how, in his own words, can only get better as he constantly fights against his future self.

Reigns, according to the Special Counsel, is always in a battle with his future self, always striving to be a better man than he is today and tomorrow, perpetually evolving. To quote Heyman, "The Roman Reigns of tomorrow has to be better than the Roman Reigns of today, and the Roman Reigns two days from now needs to be better than the Roman Reigns tomorrow."

This is a testament to the drive, resolve, and relentless ambition driving Roman Reigns to retain his position atop the totem pole.

And, while most see Reigns as vulnerable as ever due to The Bloodline's recent troubles, Heyman dismisses the recent split of The Usos as "growing pains."

Going back to Reigns, Heyman says that The Head of the Table is Jordanesque in his approach to self-improvement. His aim, just like Michael Jordan, is to constantly outdo himself, out-work, out-perform, and out-class everyone else, including his own past achievements. That's a mindset that paves the way to legendary status.

It's now just Solo Sikoa and Roman Reigns in The Bloodline.

Heyman further reinforced Reigns' legacy by praising his championship run as the greatest in pro wrestling. Imagine this: neither Steve Austin, John Cena, nor The Rock has held the title for 1,000 days. Reigns is in uncharted territory, facing an unrivaled level of competition. Yet, he stands tall, a testament to his prowess.

As we stand on the brink of yet another milestone for Reigns, it's worth considering Heyman's words about Reigns. Is his run so phenomenal that it outshines the likes of Hulk Hogan, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and John Cena? The storytelling, the drama, and the raw intensity packed into this storyline seem to suggest so. But we're getting ahead of ourselves here, folks. The final chapter of The Bloodline's story has yet to be written, and only time will tell whether Reigns' reign will indeed be considered the GOAT.

Roman Reigns' run, while not initially part of the WWE's plans, is proof that sometimes, the best things come unexpectedly.

Until then, we'll be here, on the edge of our seats, savoring every Superman Punch, every spear, and every dramatic twist in this wrestling saga.

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Kurt Angle provides optimistic update on potential WWE return of Randy Orton https://www.xfire.com/kurt-angle-update-wwe-return-randy-orton/ https://www.xfire.com/kurt-angle-update-wwe-return-randy-orton/#comments Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:12:48 +0000 https://www.xfire.com/?p=296719 In the world of professional wrestling, few names command as much respect and admiration as Randy Orton. However, the past year has seen Orton sidelined due to a debilitating back injury, leaving fans concerned about his future in the squared circle, especially following reports that he might have to retire.

The WWE will be a whole lot better if Randy Orton makes his return.

Thankfully, recent updates from Kurt Angle, another legendary wrestler, have sparked hope among wrestling enthusiasts, suggesting that Orton's triumphant return to WWE may be on the horizon.

In a recent episode of The Kurt Angle Show, Kurt Angle offered a much-needed glimmer of hope for Randy Orton fans.

Angle revealed that Orton had made significant progress in his recovery and had successfully completed his rehabilitation. Speaking highly of his former opponent, Angle expressed optimism that Orton will return "pretty damn soon" and that he was doing much better. This update from a respected figure in the wrestling world reignited anticipation for Orton's return.

Randy Orton's absence from WWE television has been felt deeply by fans who have eagerly awaited his comeback. A severe back injury suffered during an assault by The Usos forced Orton to undergo a challenging back fusion surgery.

Following the procedure, doubts arose regarding his ability to return to in-ring competition. Medical professionals advised him against a hasty return, as per his WWE Hall of Famer father, Bob Orton Jr. This further raised questions about Orton's future inside the ring.

Randy Orton's ability to be an effective heel and babyface is what makes him such a compelling performer to watch.

Randy Orton's impact on the WWE cannot be overstated. With an illustrious 21-year career, Orton has established himself as one of the most revered and beloved professional wrestlers. His 14 world title reigns and numerous accolades are more than enough to solidify his status as a true icon even if he were to rewrite now. 

Prior to his real-life injury, Randy Orton had been teaming up with Matt Riddle as RK-Bro as the two captured the Raw Tag Team Championships and captivated the WWE Universe. More importantly, the partnership between Orton and Riddle had brought a unique dynamic to the tag team division, with their chemistry and success adding another chapter to Orton's storied career. The hiatus interrupted this exciting chapter, leaving fans eager to see how the RK-Bro story unfolds upon Orton's return.

The WWE Universe eagerly awaits the moment when Orton's music hits and the arena erupts in applause. His return will undoubtedly bring a renewed energy and excitement to WWE programming, as fans and fellow wrestlers alike are eager to witness the Apex Predator's dominance once again.

Wouldn't it be fun to see Randy Orton help Matt Riddle take the Intercontinental Championship off of Gunther at Money in the Bank?

Who knows? The return might come in July 1 at the Money in the Bank PLE in London. It's been rumored that Orton will appear at the event to help out his former tag team partner in his title match against Gunther.

This would certainly be one of the better ways to bring back a legend in Randy Orton and give him a chance to square up against one of the rising superstars in the WWE in The Ring General.

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Roman Reigns is officially a WWE Champion longer than Pedro Morales https://www.xfire.com/roman-reigns-wwe-champion-longer-than-pedro-morales/ https://www.xfire.com/roman-reigns-wwe-champion-longer-than-pedro-morales/#respond Sun, 25 Jun 2023 23:24:34 +0000 https://www.xfire.com/?p=296648 Roman Reigns, a name familiar to every WWE fan, has established himself as the apex of the company's superstar roster. In his reign as the WWE Universal Champion, he's taken all comers. He's beaten the likes of Brock Lesnar, Drew McIntyre, and most recently, Cody Rhodes. Now, he's established himself as a historically significant figure as well.

Roman Reigns will likely end up beating every other championship reign outside of Bruno Sammartino.

As of now, he's held the Universal Championship for a staggering 1,028 days, surpassing Pedro Morales' reign of 1,027 days and becoming the fourth-longest world champion in WWE history.

With this achievement, Reigns has now only three icons standing before him: Hulk Hogan (1,474 days), Bob Backlund (2,135 days), and Bruno Sammartino (2,803 days).

It's crazy to think that Roman Reigns has never been pinned in a singles match for three years now.

This feat speaks volumes about Reigns' legacy in WWE. His championship reign began in Payback 2020, following a win in a triple-threat match against The Fiend and Braun Strowman. He's since held the title with an iron grip, defeating a smorgasbord of industry titans en route to being crowned as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion by defending his title successfully nearly 30 times.

Watch this story and subscribe to Xfire on YouTube.

Perhaps what's most impressive about Reigns' run is that he effectively forced the WWE to introduce a new championship title after he unified both brands' title belts by defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38 in a title-for-title showdown.

Over 400 days have passed since that triumphant day, and Reigns continues to stand as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, a testament to his dominance.

Roman Reigns' continued dominance in the WWE is prove of his dedication to his craft and his popularity among fans.

Contrary to popular belief, Reigns' journey to this point has been nothing but a smooth ride. In fact, Reigns is probably a lot more vulnerable than ever as the ever-strong foundation of The Bloodline has started to crack. Despite Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and Paul Heyman standing their ground, there's undeniable tension among the Anoa'i family members, which, for now, will culminate in the Bloodline Civil War match at WWE Money in the Bank.

Comparisons with legendary champions such as Pedro Morales, Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund, and Hulk Hogan aren't new. Each of these champions left an indelible mark on WWE. However, what sets Reigns apart is the unique challenges he has faced. He's not just contending with top-tier challengers for his title, but also battling internal disputes within his faction, all while maintaining a title reign that has been nothing short of extraordinary.

His next milestone is within reach; Sammartino's second title reign of 1,237 days. But can he rise to the challenge and beat the most intimidating records held by Backlund and Sammartino? Reigns has already showcased a dedication and resilience that has cemented his place in WWE history, but to break these records would put him in a class of his own.

Roman Reigns isn't expected to lose his championship belts until at least WrestleMania 40, but even then, the plans might still change.

For now, fans can only wish for Reigns to defend his title sooner rather than later. Then again, the WWE is smart to keep on riding The Bloodline as it continues to rake in the numbers for Friday Night SmackDown.

At the moment, Cody Rhodes remains the top title contender against Reigns but he's currently busy with other stuff. The American Nightmare is set to wrestle a very effective heel in Dominik Mysterio for some reason at Money in the Bank, so there's no way he'll get a chance for a rematch with Reigns anytime soon. But, hey, maybe WWE can give us a memorable match without risking Rhodes' quest to finish his story? The last we heard, Drew McIntyre is close to returning to the WWE.

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Jimmy and Jey welcome Solo Sikoa to the Uso Penitentiary https://www.xfire.com/jimmy-and-jey-solo-sikoa-uso-penitentiary/ https://www.xfire.com/jimmy-and-jey-solo-sikoa-uso-penitentiary/#comments Sat, 24 Jun 2023 19:18:33 +0000 https://www.xfire.com/?p=296381 The squared circle was on fire on June 23 as audiences over at the Cajundome in Lfayette, Louisiana, found themselves at the mercy of an awesome night.

We don't think the WWE is brave enough to hype The Usos up this much ahead of Money in the Bank only to make them lose against Solo Sikoa and Roman Reigns.

The latest WWE Friday Night SmackDown episode wasn't just any wrestling episode, but a window into a saga that's been simmering in The Bloodline for years, the Uso Penitentiary's rise, and the showcasing of an unstoppable force, Solo Sikoa.

Three years in the making, The Usos – Jimmy and Jey, set the stage for a family showdown as they heralded The Bloodline Civil War match against The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa. They not only reminded their cousin and brother of their prowess as the best tag team in wrestling but also took a jibe at Paul Heyman, The Special Counsel.

It's clear that Solo Sikoa will be the next to defect from the Bloodline after The Usos.

Accusing him as the catalyst for Reigns' heel turn, the twins ignited speculations of Heyman and the role he's yet to play as the Bloodline storyline reaches a new crescendo

The Usos' confidence, charisma, and poignant commentary made a lasting impression. Their passionate claims brought a fresh intensity to their positions as babyfaces, as they balanced forgiveness with a warning of impending war. Their address to Reigns and Heyman was a reminder of the deep-seated familial ties mixed with professional rivalry that’s set to come to a head at Money in the Bank on July 1 in London and could very well extend all the way until WrestleMania 40.

The night witnessed more than just the Usos' dramatic challenge. The main event put the spotlight on Solo Sikoa, who held his own against Sheamus. The match was a testimony to Sikoa's growth as a wrestler, his ability to hold his ground against seasoned performers, and a glimpse into his potential as a powerful figure in the WWE universe.

The match saw a relentless Sikoa launch a counter-offensive against his opponent, with a thrilling series of right hands, one Samoan Drop on the outside, and a stunning Samoan Spike that sent Sheamus tumbling. A uranage atop the announce desk and a hip attack through the barricade sealed Sheamus's fate and ended the match via referee stoppage. Sikoa's brute power and relentless attack could not be ignored, and the WWE Universe watched in awe as he held his ground against the seasoned Celtic Warrior. But, as the dust settled on Sikoa's victory, the Usos made their presence felt again, charging the ring to lay down a series of superkicks on Sikoa.

The Usos punctuated their assault on the lone Bloodline member, their younger brother, with The Uso Splash, standing tall for the second consecutive week, reinforcing their reputation as the formidable tag team in wrestling.

The Usos' have done a great job selling themselves as the top baby face tag team of the WWE today, even more so than the incumbent champions, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.

As if it wasn't guaranteed already, all eyes are on Money in the Bank on July 1, where the WWE Universe anticipates what's shaping up to be a culmination of simmering familial tensions and the ascension of new stars.

Judging from what we've seen, Money in the Bank will be a hell of an event with Logan Paul poised to win the briefcase and Seth Rollins defending his title in a rematch seven years in a making against Finn Balor.

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Yuke's reveal AEW: Fight Forever launch roster ahead of June 29 release https://www.xfire.com/yukes-aew-fight-forever-roster-june-29-release/ https://www.xfire.com/yukes-aew-fight-forever-roster-june-29-release/#respond Sat, 24 Jun 2023 18:23:02 +0000 https://www.xfire.com/?p=296362 As wrestling enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the launch of AEW: Fight Forever, Yuke's – the former WWE developer, and AEW have revealed an impressive lineup of 52 playable characters.

Only time will tell if AEW: Fight Forever is a homerun or a flop.

The roster features a blend of legends, current stars, and even a few unexpected surprises, all set to engage players in the high-octane, nostalgic arcade-style gameplay experience that has been the cornerstone of the game's promise since its announcement in November 2020.

The game aims to channel the vibes of beloved late-'90s titles like WWF No Mercy and WCW/nWo Revenge, focusing on easy-to-pick gameplay enriched with an array of mini-games and match types.

Fight Forever promises a distinct break from simulation-style games like WWE 2K, with a decidedly smaller launch roster. However, this hasn't dampened fans' enthusiasm, as the roster brings an encouraging mix of AEW's homegrown stars and former WWE talents as well as legends of the sport, setting the stage for an intense battle in the virtual ring.

One of the standout figures in the lineup is former AEW star Cody Rhodes. Despite his move back to WWE, Rhodes remains in the game – a decision that AEW star Kenny Omega previously confirmed. The inclusion of Rhodes is the AEW's way of acknowledging his role in the formation of AEW in 2019. And while there are notable omissions in the initial lineup, Yuke's and AEW Games have already announced plans for DLC packages that will bring additional stars into the gaming arena.

A sneak peek into the season one pass reveals that it is set to augment the roster with seven significant additions, including FTR, Keith Lee, The Bunny, Hook, and Danhausen. Moreover, anyone who pre-orders the game will get playable versions of Matt Hardy in both his Hardys and Broken variants. The Elite Edition pre-order even promises more surprises, with stars like Cash Wheeler, Dax Harwood, Keith Lee, The Bunny, HOOK, and Danhausen set to be available as downloadable content at a later date.

Yuke's and AEW has a different approach to AEW: Fight Forever compared to Visual Concepts and 2K with WWE 2K.

The game's journey from its announcement in 2020 to its final release date has been full of anticipation, speculation and a fair share of confusion. With incremental updates released over two and a half years, the game's development timeline saw several notable moments. Notably, the game was officially confirmed for a June 2023 release, coming after Forbidden Door, AEW's crossover pay-per-view with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

So, get ready to engage in electrifying matches, execute legendary moves, and immerse yourself in the world of wrestling with AEW: Fight Forever, because the wait is finally over!

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AEW All In on track to post highest gate since WrestleMania 32 https://www.xfire.com/aew-all-in-on-track-to-post-highest-gate-since-wrestlemania-32/ https://www.xfire.com/aew-all-in-on-track-to-post-highest-gate-since-wrestlemania-32/#comments Sat, 24 Jun 2023 07:27:45 +0000 https://www.xfire.com/?p=296099 WrestleMania 32, headlined by Roman Reigns and Triple H, set the largest paid attendance for a wrestling event in 2016 at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, which had a reported attendance of 101,736 people.

CM Punk's return to AEW also gives him enough time to create a credible crowd-drawing storyline for All In.

Fast forward to today and All In, AEW's groundbreaking UK debut event scheduled for August 27 at Wembley Stadium, is right up there just next to the record-setting event.

With around 66,500 tickets sold and a gate of approximately $8.35 million, All In is set to be the largest paid attendance for a wrestling event in nearly a decade.

Beyond marking AEW's first-ever event in the United Kingdom, "All In" also signifies the highest-attended event in AEW's short yet impactful history. Prior to this, the record was held by AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City, which pulled in an estimated 20,177 fans in 2021.

MJF is expected to retain his title belt until All In.

All In marks a significant milestone for AEW. The event's success signifies the company's ambitious expansion and further solidifies its place in the wrestling industry. While the match card for All In remains a closely guarded secret, fans can expect the fallout from the second Forbidden Door event to heavily influence the event's top storylines.

The said event represents another one of AEW's boundary-pushing initiatives as a co-promoted PPV with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, which is scheduled for June 25 in Toronto.

Ticket sales for the upcoming AEW event have been strong, with 13,143 tickets out and only a few scattered singles left. It has a gate of approximately 1.5 million Canadian dollars ($1.14 million US), which already makes it the biggest gate for a wrestling show in Canada in over 20 years, surpassing WWE's Elimination Chamber event this past February.

As we eagerly anticipate these mega-events, one thing is clear: whether it's by hosting record-breaking shows or opening the 'forbidden door' of global collaboration, AEW is truly all in when it comes to delivering unforgettable wrestling experiences.

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Carlito to make his official WWE return in New York on July 7 https://www.xfire.com/carlito-official-wwe-return-new-york-july-7/ https://www.xfire.com/carlito-official-wwe-return-new-york-july-7/#comments Sat, 24 Jun 2023 07:13:43 +0000 https://www.xfire.com/?p=296098 In an era of wrestling where nostalgia often runs hand-in-hand with new talent, there's perhaps no better example of a fan-favorite return than the recent reemergence of Carlito, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion.

Carlito's return as a face as part of the LWO is going to be huge for the WWE.

Apparently, Carlito's recent comeback was not simply a one-off nostalgia-fueled appearance, but rather, a strategic re-entry into the WWE, which is exciting news to fans and industry insiders alike. The Caribbean Cool, who initially worked for WWE from 2003 to 2010, has reportedly inked a new deal with WWE.

Now, according to PWInsider Elite (as per WrestlingInc), Carlito is all set to spit on people's faces with his chewed-up apple when he makes his return on the July 7 episode of SmackDown, taking place at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City.

It's crazy to think that this all started with just one appearance by Carlito as WWE Backlash.

The Puerto Rican star's road back to WWE was paved with surprises and speculation. His reappearance at WWE Backlash in early May, where he helped Grammy-winner Bad Bunny triumph over Damian Priest in a San Juan Street Fight, was nothing short of electrifying. The hometown crowd in Puerto Rico met his surprise entry with a thunderous ovation, cementing his popularity and sparking rumors about a potential return.

After the match, Carlito and fellow WWE legend Savio Vega expressed their allegiance to the Latino World Order (LWO), a faction whose members include prominent stars such as Santos Escobar, Cruz Del Toro, Zelina Vega, Joaquin Wilde, and Rey Mysterio. As the LWO was drafted to the blue brand during the 2023 WWE Draft, Carlito's upcoming entry into SmackDown aligns him with his comrades and sets the stage for some high-voltage storyline potential.

Indeed, Carlito's return is not just exciting for the fans, but also for WWE officials. Reports suggest that the company was "very happy" with Carlito's Backlash return and there was a positive buzz backstage about how much the star had matured since his last significant run in 2010. As the son of WWE Hall of Famer Carlos Colon Sr., Carlito carries a wrestling lineage that commands respect and admiration.

Carlito's return signifies not just a return of a fan favorite, but it's also a hopeful sign of WWE's continual commitment to highlighting diverse talent and storylines.

Whether he returns as a heel or as a face, Carlito is a welcome sight for long-time WWE fans.

However, July 7 is still a few weeks away. For now, fans can look forward to Money in the Bank in London, which is going to be headlined by the titular match with Logan Paul in it as well as Seth Rollins defending his title belt against Finn Balor.

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Seth Rollins helps WWE NXT pull up its best viewership numbers in years https://www.xfire.com/seth-rollins-wwe-nxt-best-viewership-numbers/ https://www.xfire.com/seth-rollins-wwe-nxt-best-viewership-numbers/#comments Fri, 23 Jun 2023 22:20:23 +0000 https://www.xfire.com/?p=296079 WWE NXT universe recently witnessed one of the biggest matches in its history as Seth Rollins came down from the main roster to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker in an event that captivated viewers across the globe.

Seth Rollins really seems like he's having fun defending his title belt as often as possible.

The match, coupled with the lack of competition from NBA and NHL playoffs, created a significant upsurge in ratings and viewership for the wrestling brand.

According to ShowBuzzDaily and Wrestlenomics, the June 20 "NXT" episode averaged 773,000 viewers, a remarkable 33% increase from the previous week. The "key demo" most valued by advertisers, which are the adults aged 18 to 49, made up approximately 300,000 of these viewers, representing an impressive 46% uptick from the preceding week.

Seth Rollins' current run as a fighting champion has been nothing short of amazing.

This figure translates to a 0.23 rating in the 18 to 49 demographic, which ranked "NXT" second in ShowBuzzDaily's rankings of Tuesday's cable originals – the highest the show has ever achieved in its near-four year run on USA Network.

As per Wrestlenomics, the positive trend was reflected across all tracked demographics, with each gaining at least 23% if you compare it to the prior four weeks' median numbers. The biggest percentage increase was observed in men aged 18 to 49 at 50%, followed by both adults aged 25 to 54 and adults aged 35 to 49 at 48%, female viewers aged 12 to 34 at 46%, and adults aged 18 to 49 at 41%.

The match between Rollins and Breakker was a particular highlight. The viewership peaked at 950k during the eight-minute overrun after 10 pm, a testament to the drawing power of both superstars. The popularity underscores a successful strategy on WWE's part of integrating main roster stars into NXT programming to bolster ratings as well.

Under the visionary leadership of WWE CEO Nick Khan, NXT seems poised for a potential third brand equal to Raw and SmackDown, aiming to build a more integrated WWE universe. However, the challenge lies in maintaining NXT's identity as a developmental division, a space where the future stars of WWE are nurtured and presented to a committed fanbase that appreciates fresh talents.

Some fans hope that this isn't Seth Rollins' farewell run ahead of his presumed all-in move to Hollywood to pursue an acting career.

It's unclear when Seth Rollins will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against a challenger from NXT next but he'll have his hands full at the Money in the Bank in London on July 2.

Seth Rollins will defend his title belt against Finn Balor in what's being described as a rematch seven years in the making.

Speaking of Money in the Bank, several other matches have also been confirmed for the event, including Logan Paul and his bid to win the titular briefcase, presumably to use and cash in against Seth Rollins at a later date.

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John Cena and The Rock are joining Kevin Hart in Hart to Heart https://www.xfire.com/john-cena-the-rock-kevin-hart-hart-to-heart/ https://www.xfire.com/john-cena-the-rock-kevin-hart-hart-to-heart/#comments Fri, 23 Jun 2023 18:58:08 +0000 https://www.xfire.com/?p=295964 Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up! Kevin Hart is throwing a star-studded party at his house this July and we're all invited. 

It's crazy to think that it's been ten years since this once in a lifetime event happened.

The brand-new trailer for the third season of Kevin Hart's hit talk show, Hart to Heart, sees a list of invitees that include two behemoths from both WWE and Hollywood, John Cena and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

The two future WWE Hall of Famers will be joined by a list of who's who for the popular talk show's third season, including Sofia Vergara, Mark Cuban, Will Smith, Dr. Dre, and J.Cole, among others. This variety of guests is set to offer an eclectic mix of stories, journeys, aspirations, and challenges that will surely have fans laughing and crying all the same.

After its premiere in August 2021, Hart to Heart quickly became a hit among fans. Its candid style and star-studded guest list added a fresh perspective to the conventional talk show format. Over the seasons, the show has hosted several A-listers like Bryan Cranston, John Travolta, Cameron Diaz, Pete Davidson, Jay-Z, and Mike Tyson, to name just a few.

The latest season, set to premiere on July 6, promises to uphold this tradition. The trailer, which is a captivating compilation of soundbites, gives us a sneak peek into what we can expect. In one notable exchange, Cena is heard asking "What's off limits?" to which Hart promptly responds, "Nothing's off limits." Meanwhile, Rock candidly admits to feeling "like s***" in response to Hart's question, "How you feeling about that?"

The only thing that could've made this better if Kevin Hart had both John Cena and The Rock in Hart to Heart at the same time.

The appearance of John Cena and Dwayne Johnson holds particular significance for wrestling fans. Let's rewind the clock to WrestleMania XXVIII, almost 11 years ago, when Cena and Rock had their first face-off in a WWE ring. Touted as a "Once In A Lifetime" event, this iconic match carved a niche in the annals of professional wrestling history.

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After retiring their wrestling personas, both Cena and Rock transitioned to Hollywood, where each has found tremendous success. Cena's roles in Fast & Furious, The Suicide Squad, and Peacemaker, have solidified his reputation as an actor star although he isn't shy about trying things outside of his comfort zone, including hits like Trainwreck and Vacation Friends. On the other hand, Rock's action-packed roles in the Fast series, Jumanji (where he shared the screen with Hart), and others have made him a box office magnet.

Interestingly, both stars are set to collide in the next (and presumably final) Fast and Furious film but that's assuming Cena survived the events of Fast X.

It'll be interesting to hear more from The Rock after a recent string of rare misses from him at the global box office.

As we wait for the third season of Hart to Heart, streaming on Peacock from July 6, one thing is certain - we're all in for an unforgettable experience, served with a hearty side of laughter, truth, and the choicest vintage wine.

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