PWInsider.com is reporting that AJ Styles has signed a new contract with WWE, which will see him transition from a WWE Superstar to a backstage role, helping developing new talent, serving as a mentor and coach.
The Phenomenal One poured cold water on an AEW run during an appearance on the Talk ‘N Shop Live podcast yesterday, saying that he is officially retired from the ring and will keep working with WWE in a different role.
Styles was given proper send-off this past Monday on Raw and was surprised with a Hall of Fame announcement by none other than The Undertaker himself.
The 48-year-old has spent the past decade working with WWE, winning multiple titles, including the WWE Championship on more than one occasion.
What is for sure is that with the likes of Shawn Michaels and AJ Styles developing the next crop of WWE Superstars, the future is in good hands!
The WWE premium live events Wrestlepalooza 2025, Crown Jewel: Perth, Survivor Series 2025, and Royal Rumble 2026 are now streaming for free to all Disney+ subscribers in the United States as part of a marketing blitz for this weekend’s Elimination Chamber.
All the four premium live events previously aired on ESPN Unlimited. The shows will remain on the service until March 2.
Disney owns ESPN, hence the easy option to put these shows on the Disney+ streaming service.
Elimination Chamber 2026 will stream on ESPN Unlimited. A $29.99 subscription is required to the service unless your cable or streaming provider has an agreement to give you free access to the app.
ESPN Unlimited, the app which carries all WWE premium live events in the United States, is available for Xfinity subscribers for free effective today.
This news, reported originally by Alex Sherman of CNBC, comes just in time for the Elimination Chamber, which takes place this Saturday live from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Xfinity TV customers can unlock ESPN Unlimited by authenticating with their Xfinity credentials and link their account with Disney.
The agreement between the two companies will save $29.99 a month for those Xfinity subscribers who wish to watch WWE PLEs.
Two Slam Dunk editions of AEW Collision will take place later in March, with a two-hour broadcast split in two, one-hour episodes, airing on back-to-back days.
These two episodes of Collision will follow the NCAA coverage on TNT, airing at 11PM ET respectively. The episodes are set for Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22.
Obviously, these will not be live but they will be taped following the Wednesday, March 18 episode of Dynamite in Fresno, California.
For the first time, WWE has surpassed the UFC in terms of revenue, with WWE pulling in a whopping $1.709 billion for 2025, up from $1.398 billion in the prior year.
The UFC had $1.502 billion in revenue last year, also up from the $1.406 billion in the prior year.
The figures were released in the latest Q4 and FY 2025 earnings by TKO Group Holdings yesterday.
WWE revenue increased 21%, or $61.3 million, to $359.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by a $64.9 million increase in media rights, production and content revenue, a $13.0 million increase in partnerships and marketing revenue, and a $8.2 million increase in consumer products licensing and other revenue, partially offset by a $24.8 million decrease in live events and hospitality revenue.
The increase in media rights, production and content revenue was thanks to the new WWE agreements with both ESPN and Netflix.
The increase in partnerships and marketing revenue was due to new partners and an increase in fees from renewals compared to the prior year period.
The decrease in live events and hospitality revenue was primarily related to a decrease in site fees, most notably related to the timing of international premium live events, partially offset by higher ticket sales revenue compared to the prior year period.
For the full year 2025, WWE generated an increase of 22% compared to 2024, or an increase of $311.3 million.
The Elimination Chamber has crossed 15,000 tickets distributed with just a few days to go for the PLE.
According to @WrestleTix, the show has just over 15,400 tickets out, with the United Center currently configured for 17,000 seats. The arena could hold 19,000 if there’s enough demand.
The cheapest ticket available for the show is $204.90 which is the last row of the top-most level of the arena. Tickets remain relatively expensive, although they came down a little bit over the past few days.
WWE will not top last year’s Elimination Chamber attendance, but that was held in a stadium in Toronto with a total of 37,538 in seats.
This is the first WWE televised event from the United Center since SummerSlam 1993.
TKO Group Holdings announced the Q4 2025 earnings results along with the FY 2025 financials.
“TKO’s 2025 results reflect meaningful momentum across both UFC and WWE,” said Ariel Emanuel, Executive Chair and CEO of TKO. “Having concluded our second full year since forming TKO, we are extremely well positioned with long-term media rights agreements in place and operational strength across the business. We intend to initiate the next phase of our capital return program, underpinning our commitment to deliver long-term, sustainable value for shareholders.”
“2025 was a milestone year, underscoring the durability of our premium IP through record-setting live events and transformational global partnerships,” said Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO. “The successful launch of Zuffa Boxing last month sets the table for even further long term value creation. With growing revenue, expanding margins, and an increasingly global fan base, TKO is a high-quality execution story with multiple avenues for outperformance.”
For Q4 2025, revenue increased 12%, or $110.2 million, to $1.038 billion. The increase primarily reflected an increase of $57.5 million at UFC, to $401.4 million, and an increase of $61.3 million at WWE, to $359.6 million, partially offset by a decrease of $24.1 million at the IMG segment, to $247.7 million.
For FY 2025, revenue decreased 3%, or $149.0 million, to $4.735 billion. Results primarily reflected an increase of $96.0 million at UFC, to $1.502 billion, and an increase of $311.3 million at WWE, to $1.709 billion, more than offset by a decrease of $602.9 million at the IMG segment, to $1.367 billion. The decrease at the IMG segment was primarily attributable to revenue recorded in the prior year period for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
AJ Styles appeared on the Talk N Shop Live! Podcast with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, and shot down all rumors that he’s heading to AEW following his WWE retirement.
Styles, aware of the online discord that WWE “blocked” his move to AEW by surprising him with a Hall of Fame induction, directly addressed these rumors.
“Let me give you something to talk about. So, everybody wants to say, ‘Oh! WWE put him in the Hall of Fame so that he couldn’t go to AEW.’ Guys, I am retired from wrestling in the ring,” Styles said. “Like, that’s all this is. I make my own choices, I make my own decisions. I was ready.”
The 48-year-old further announced that he will be working with WWE and nothing will change on that front.
“I am still going to be working with WWE. That’s not going to change. I have these dreams of helping out young talent. If somebody is not ready once they get there, it’s my job to hopefully help them get to that point to where they can do it, and they are confident when they step into a WWE ring,” Styles continued. “Being able to help with that is a blessing.”
When people think of New Zealand, they usually picture rugby dominance, breathtaking landscapes, and a fiercely competitive sporting culture. Professional wrestling rarely comes up in that first wave of associations. Yet over the past two decades, New Zealand has quietly produced performers who have left a serious mark on the global wrestling scene.
Pro wrestling has steadily built a loyal following across the country. Fans tune in to WWE, AEW, and NJPW despite the time zone challenges, and live event screenings draw passionate crowds. That appetite for spectacle and competition extends beyond wrestling itself. Many Kiwi fans embrace other forms of high-energy entertainment as well, including platforms like Kiwi Slots, reflecting the same love for adrenaline, unpredictability, and big moments that define pro wrestling.
New Zealand may be geographically distant from the traditional wrestling powerhouses of the United States and Japan, but its athletes have proven that distance is no barrier to global impact.
Jay White – The Switchblade Who Conquered Japan and Beyond
Few wrestlers have redefined their career trajectory as dramatically as Jay White. Born in Auckland, White trained locally before taking the bold step of moving to Japan to join the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) dojo system. That decision shaped his identity as a performer.
In NJPW, White evolved from a promising young talent into a calculating main-event star. As the leader of Bullet Club, he displayed a rare blend of psychological precision and ring awareness. His in-ring style is not based purely on athletic spectacle; it revolves around timing, manipulation, and long-term storytelling. White understands how to control tempo, draw reactions, and make every near fall feel decisive.
Winning the IWGP Heavyweight Championship placed him among the elite. What makes his story remarkable is not just the titles, but the way he adapted to a different wrestling culture and thrived in it. He represents a new model of international wrestling success — one built on technical growth, mental sharpness, and adaptability.
Dakota Kai – Breaking Through in WWE
Dakota Kai, born in Auckland, carved her path in a different direction. After building her reputation on the independent scene, she signed with WWE and became a key figure in the women’s division.
Kai’s strength lies in her intensity. She doesn’t rely on size or brute force; instead, she blends speed, precision striking, and emotional storytelling. Her heel turns and character shifts have shown depth and range, allowing her to evolve rather than remain static.
In WWE’s highly competitive environment, consistency is everything. Kai proved she could hold her own against established stars and rising talents alike. Her presence has helped highlight the global reach of modern wrestling — a division no longer dominated by one region, but enriched by international voices.
Bad Luck Fale – The Powerhouse Presence
Bad Luck Fale represents another key chapter in New Zealand’s wrestling story. Standing well over six feet tall with imposing size, he became a foundational member of Bullet Club in NJPW.
Unlike more agile heavyweights, Fale built his reputation on strength and presence. His matches often revolve around control and dominance, forcing opponents to adjust their strategies. He became a consistent figure in Japanese main events, demonstrating that a Kiwi performer could command attention in one of the most technically demanding wrestling promotions in the world.
His longevity in NJPW speaks volumes. Maintaining relevance in a promotion that constantly refreshes its roster requires discipline and adaptability — qualities that define Fale’s career.
Toni Storm – International Stardom with Kiwi Roots
Although Toni Storm built much of her career abroad, her New Zealand birth remains part of her identity. Storm has competed in WWE, NXT UK, and AEW, gaining recognition for her athleticism and character work.
Storm’s appeal lies in balance. She combines classic wrestling fundamentals with modern pacing. Her matches often feel structured yet dynamic, blending storytelling with credible physicality. In recent years, her character reinventions have added another layer, proving she can evolve with changing audience tastes.
Her international success reinforces a simple fact: New Zealand wrestlers are not limited by geography. With the right platform, they can become global attractions.
The Growth of Pro Wrestling in New Zealand
The rise of these names is not accidental. New Zealand’s wrestling ecosystem, while smaller than that of the US or Japan, has matured significantly. Several factors have contributed to this development:
Dedicated independent promotions nurturing local talent
Training schools emphasizing athletic fundamentals
Increasing access to global wrestling content and online exposure
Young wrestlers now grow up studying international styles rather than relying solely on local influence. Digital platforms allow Kiwi talent to showcase their skills to promoters worldwide, reducing the isolation that once limited opportunities.
Why New Zealand Produces Competitive Wrestlers
New Zealand’s broader sporting culture plays a crucial role. Athletes are raised in environments that value physical resilience, teamwork, and mental toughness. Rugby culture, in particular, builds durability and competitive instinct from an early age.
Beyond physical traits, there is a mindset factor. Kiwi wrestlers who aim for global careers must relocate, adapt to new cultures, and compete in unfamiliar systems. That process demands independence and long-term commitment.
In many cases, successful New Zealand wrestlers share common characteristics:
Willingness to train internationally
Strong fundamentals over flashy excess
Ability to adapt to multiple wrestling styles
This adaptability has become a defining advantage in a wrestling world that constantly blends American, Japanese, and European influences.
The Future of New Zealand Wrestling
The next generation is already developing. Independent events continue to attract local audiences, and aspiring wrestlers increasingly see international careers as realistic goals rather than distant dreams.
With global promotions scouting worldwide and streaming platforms expanding access, the pathway from Auckland or Wellington to major arenas is clearer than ever. While New Zealand may not produce dozens of wrestling stars each year, the quality of those who break through remains consistently high.
From Jay White’s strategic brilliance to Dakota Kai’s intensity and Toni Storm’s versatility, Kiwi wrestlers have proven that talent is not confined by borders. Their journeys reflect ambition, resilience, and a deep respect for the craft — qualities that ensure New Zealand’s presence in professional wrestling will continue to grow in the years ahead.
Penelope Ford was injured on Dynamite last night and forced a change in how the match was supposed to end.
Ford was teaming with Megan Bayne in their quest for the AEW Women’s Tag Team titles against champions Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron.
The injury seems to have happened when Ford performed a moonsault off the top rope and on to the outside and landed hard, with no one catching her properly. During a commercial break, the AEW medical team checked on Ford and did not participate further.
The ending of the match was changed with Lena Kross interfering, clocking Nightingale with one of the tag team titles causing the DQ finish.
The Elimination Chamber Superstore opens today in Chicago ahead of the Chamber weekend in the city.
The store is located at The Carter Chicago on 1948 W Fulton Street, just a few blocks north of the United Center.
Fans can start their shopping sprees from 1PM today, with the store closing at 7PM tonight. Tomorrow, the store will open from 10AM to 9PM, Saturday from 10AM to Midnight, and if you have any money left, you can also go on Sunday from 10AM to 2PM.
Store entry is free to the public.
Raquel Rodriguez will be at the store for a free meet and greet on Sunday starting at 11AM. A wristband is required for entry and they will be distributed on location an hour before. They are on first-come, first-served basis. No autograph opportunities are available and only photos will be taken.
This location is different from where the photo ops will be held. Photo ops are approximately 1.7 miles away, a six minute drive or a 30 minute walk to 401 North Morgan Street.
The AEW World title match at next month’s Revolution will be contested under Texas death match rules.
MJF and Hangman Page appeared on Dynamite last night to determine the stipulation, with MJF trying to cheat his way out. The champ went for a coin flip, where if Page won, he’d get the Texas death match, but if he won, it would be a match where MJF could use anything in the match but Page couldn’t.
The coin was flipped and MJF won, but after Page requested to see the coin, MJF refused and tried to bolt. JetSpeed and Brodido blocked his exit and it was revealed that the coin was rigged.
The Texas death match stipulation was then officially announced for the match.
Page is a veteran of these matches in AEW, entering his seventh Texas death match while MJF will enter his first.
Dynamite will be live on TBS from the Mission Ballroom in Denver, Colorado tonight and also streams on HBO Max in its usual timeslot of 8PM ET.
Schedule for tonight are Jon Moxley vs El Clon in a non-title match, Brody King vs Mark Davis, Orange Cassidy vs Gabe Kidd, Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron defend the AEW Women’s Tag Team titles against Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford, and Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler, Ricochet, Toa Liona, and Bishop Kaun vs Jack Perry, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, Dezmond Xavier, and Zachary Wentz in a Mile High Madness match.
Plus, AEW World champion MJF and “Hangman” Adam Page will decide on the stipulation for their AEW World title match at Revolution.
WWE posted a five-minute video from Raw after cameras stopped rolling, with all the Superstars in the ring hugging and congratulating AJ Styles following his retirement speech and surprise Hall of Fame announcement.
Other individuals, like Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, Lilian Garcia, Sarah Rowe, Frankie Kazarian, and others were also present for the big send-off.
Collision on Saturday night had 470,000 viewers, down 91,000 viewers from the previous week which was Grand Slam: Australia. Collision had a 0.08 rating in 18-49, down 0.02 from Grand Slam and was #20 on the top 50 cable chart for the night. (Ratings credit: Programming Insider)
Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, AJ Lee said she was “a little nervous” about wrestling her first singles match this Saturday since 2015.
“A little nervous. I got back in in a tag match with the Best in the World. And I had the best tag team in the world the last one,” Lee said. “So…on my own this time.”
Lee will take on Becky Lynch for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental title, with their program expected to stretch all the way to WrestleMania.
Lee described herself as the best of her generation while Lynch is the best of her generation.
“So, if you put the two of us together, nobody else to help us out, what’s going to happen? Who comes out on top? I really think that I’m going to leave the United Center with the Intercontinental championship,” she said.
Lee’s last singles match came against Nikki Bella, a defeat on the March 16 episode of Monday Night Raw in Des Moines, Iowa.
Karl Anderson, one half of The Good Brothers, talked about how their appearance on Raw came about for the AJ Styles tribute during the latest episode of their podcast, Talk’n Shop.
Anderson said that he did not believe that Styles was really going to retire, and when he heard about it, he thought he’d finish up with WWE and go to AEW or TNA.
But the former Bullet Club member did not meet or talk to Styles since he and Gallows departed WWE and their first meeting was caught on camera by the WWE crew filming backstage.
“We get to the back, I said, ‘AJ! I did not know you were really gonna retire.’ He goes, Really!?’ I said, ‘Yeah! What do you mean ‘really?’ We haven’t spoke! How am I supposed to know if you’re really gonna retire or not,'” Anderson recounted.
The former tag team champion said that Styles told him he has to retire because his neck is hurting too much.
Anderson continued, “And he said, ‘Dude, I have to…my neck is hurting too bad, I’m beat up. It’s time. I want to help the next generation,’ and I go…’Well, I didn’t really believe it. So I just kept talking on my podcast about how you were not gonna retire, and you’re gonna go here and you’re gonna go there, and now, I gotta eat a lot of crow, pal!'”
Sarah Rowe, who performed under the names of Sarah Logan and Valhalla in WWE, announced that she has left WWE after her contract expired.
Appearing on the Wise Traditions podcast, Rowe said that she has decided to retire from professional wrestling after her desire to remain home following the birth of her second child grew stronger.
“When at first I was like…’I don’t want to come back to wrestling.’ Maybe I just want to start a homestead and be a farmer and a mother. And once that happened, my body wasn’t used to that peace,” she said. “I was like scared of it. And I didn’t ever…I never felt like I was doing enough. I just left the company permanently. My contract just expired on the 5th, and I’m not renewing it.”
She last wrestled on an episode of Raw in February 2024 under the Valhalla gimmick. She and her husband Erik of the Viking Raiders announced that they were expecting their second child in late April and she gave birth in November.
Smackdown on SyFy last week drew 1,113,000 viewers, up 71,000 viewers from the prior week. This was the second – and last – time that Smackdown was on SyFy due to USA Network’s coverage of the Winter Olympics. The show had a 0.29 rating in 18-49, up 0.03 from the previous week and was #3 on the top 50 cable chart for the night. (Ratings credit: Programming Insider)
