wwe legends

WWE legend John Cena unveiled 'The John Cena Classic' at Backlash 2026, a new event championing opportunity for WWE and NXT stars. The winner will earn a brand-new WWE Championship bearing Cena's name. Significantly, fan votes for a superstar's hustle can determine the champion, giving the WWE Universe unprecedented influence. The event is slated to become an annual fixture.

WWE Backlash 2026 is set for May 9 in Tampa, Florida, featuring Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and John Cena's return. The event will broadcast globally on ESPN and Netflix, with five confirmed matches including championship bouts. John Cena is slated to announce history-making news that could significantly impact WWE.

Sky Daily is mourning the death of her father, Kirk, after his battle with colon cancer, less than a year after losing her husband, Hulk Hogan. In emotional Instagram tributes, Daily reflected on both losses and described the pain of grieving two loved ones so close together. The former yoga instructor had married Hogan in 2023 and remained by his side until his death in 2025. Her recent messages have offered a deeply personal look into a difficult year filled with family loss, remembrance, and healing.

Tulsa witnessed a dramatic SmackDown as Cody Rhodes faced an unexpected challenge from NXT's Ricky Saints. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were aided by Rhea Ripley against Jacy Jayne and Fatal Influence. Tag team titles were defended, and a surprise interference closed the show, hinting at future championship battles.

Donald Trump faced criticism after paying tribute to late media and wrestling mogul Ted Turner while simultaneously attacking CNN as “woke.” Critics argued the statement shifted focus from Turner’s groundbreaking legacy in broadcasting and professional wrestling to political grievances, overshadowing his transformative impact on CNN, WCW, and the Monday Night Wars.

MMA legend Ronda Rousey is finally set to make her long-awaited return to combat sports this Saturday in a blockbuster fight against Gina Carano. The highly anticipated clash will headline the first-ever live MMA event streamed on Netflix. Fans have waited years to see the two pioneers of women’s MMA face each other after talks of a fight first surfaced more than a decade ago.

LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to appear in 300 playoff games during the Lakers’ Game 2 matchup against the Thunder. The historic feat came during his 19th postseason run as he continues carrying Los Angeles without injured star Luka Doncic. James has remained productive throughout the playoffs, helping the Lakers reach the Western Conference semifinals.

WWE SmackDown showcased Jacob Fatu's impressive victory over multiple opponents. Cody Rhodes issued a strong warning to any challenger. New talent emerged, shaking up the WWE landscape. Tiffany Stratton captured the Women's United States Championship. Paige made a return, and NXT stars debuted. R-Truth and Damian Priest retained their Tag Team titles.

Following WrestleMania 42, WWE, under TKO Group Holdings, conducted a significant talent release, impacting both main roster and developmental stars. Several released superstars, including Zelina Vega and Zoey Stark, shared their gratitude and reflections on their WWE careers via social media and live streams, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of new ones.

WWE legend John Cena is confirmed as the official host for WrestleMania 42, marking his return after retiring in 2025. Speculation is rife about a potential reunion with ex-fiancée Nikki Bella, possibly during a surprise comeback by Paige. Nikki Bella's injury status adds to the uncertainty surrounding her potential participation.

Hulk Hogan's new Netflix docuseries, 'Hulk Hogan: Real American,' reveals his financial struggles post-divorce from Linda Hogan in 2009, where he lost a significant portion of his assets. The series also details his near-fatal fentanyl addiction, a consequence of managing pain. Hogan tragically passed away from a heart attack in July 2025.

Brock Lesnar’s apparent retirement at WrestleMania 42 raised more questions than answers. While the emotional in-ring moment suggested a farewell, reports of a limited-date contract and ongoing storyline links hint at a possible return. Gunther’s rise as a legend-killer positions him as a likely final opponent, while Lesnar’s off-script X gesture adds intrigue. For now, his future remains uncertain, balanced between legacy and one last fight.

WrestleMania 42 delivered a two-night spectacle from Las Vegas, featuring championship changes and surprising moments. Cody Rhodes retained his Undisputed WWE Championship, while Roman Reigns captured the World Heavyweight Championship. The event also saw shocking returns and potential retirements, making it a memorable show.

The WWE Hall of Fame 2026 ceremony honored a star-studded class, including Stephanie McMahon, Dennis Rodman, and the legendary tag team Demolition. AJ Styles headlined the event, delivering an emotional speech. The iconic moment of Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania 3 was also immortalized in the new 'Immortal Moment' category.

Brandon Phillips is retiring as a Cincinnati Reds player and entering the team’s Hall of Fame. His wife, WWE star Jade Cargill, will be there to support him. From a chance Starbucks meeting to building a family together, their story shows both love and strong support during one of the biggest moments of Phillips’ career.

At WrestleMania 42, Oba Femi achieved a significant victory over Brock Lesnar. While Lesnar, with an estimated net worth of $20 million, appears to have retired, Femi, a rising star with a net worth of $200,000-500,000, has a bright future ahead.

Royce Keys, a new WWE superstar, won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the WrestleMania 42 go-home SmackDown. World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk offered advice to Cody Rhodes before his main event match. The show also featured a Street Fight, a No. 1 contender's match, and Tag Team Championship defense.

WrestleMania 42 Night 1 is set to electrify Las Vegas on April 18th, hosted by John Cena. The event features a stacked card including Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton and Seth Rollins facing Gunther. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN and Netflix.