• MJF Takes A Shot At WWE’s High Ticket Prices
During an interview with KVIA ABC-7 News, AEW World Champion MJF promoted tonight’s Dynamite in El Paso, Texas, and took a shot at WWE’s high ticket prices:
“You pay me the big bucks, I’m coming. There is a possibility I might be wrestling on that show, who’s to say? You never know. There might be a title defense in El Paso.
Unlike WWE, you don’t have to sell the soul of your firstborn to buy a ticket. There are normal prices. You go to AEWtix.com or Ticketmaster.com.
We don’t discriminate against poors, the same way the world champ does. I hate you people. Look, but somebody’s gotta pay daddy’s bills and that’s gonna be people like you, okay?”
MJF will defend the AEW World Championship against AEW Trios Champion Kevin Knight tonight on Dynamite.
• Spoiler On IYO SKY’s WrestleMania 42 Match
With her tag team partner, Rhea Ripley, going after the WWE Women’s Championship, fans have been wondering what’s next for IYO SKY. Well, they finally have an answer: she will have a title match at WrestleMania 42.
Many noticed that IYO’s match against Giulia was pulled from a recent episode of SmackDown. According to Self Made Pro, that delay was completely intentional.
WWE decided to postpone the match for creative reasons, specifically so they could save the first-time showdown for the WrestleMania stage.
Instead of giving the match away on SmackDown, WWE wants to do Giulia vs. IYO SKY for the Women’s United States Championship at WrestleMania 42.
• ESPN Is Unhappy With WWE’s New WrestleMania 42 Rule
The decision by TKO and WWE to ban WrestleMania 42 watch parties in Las Vegas is reportedly causing friction with ESPN. According to a new report from journalist Blake Avignon, the strict blackout policy — which prevents any venue within 50 miles of Allegiant Stadium from showing the event — is being viewed by some insiders as a major tactical error.
The core of the frustration from partners like ESPN is that this move kills the “FOMO” (fear of missing out) that usually drives ticket sales. The argument is if a fan watches Night 1 at a local bar and sees how incredible the show is, they are much more likely to splurge on a ticket for Night 2. By shutting down these public screenings, WWE is essentially blocking the natural hype that should be taking over the city.
It’s being described as a self-inflicted wound for the brand. Critics are also starting to point toward a growing divide between TKO leadership and the average wrestling fan.
With the cost of attending events already at an all-time high, this latest restriction is being seen by some as a sign that the company is losing touch with its everyday consumers.
Also Read: Major WrestleMania 42 Spoiler
• Jade Cargill Accused Of Assassinating Rhea Ripley’s Character In “Playful Work”
The recent social media exchange between Jade Cargill and Rhea Ripley ahead of their WWE Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania 42 has generated buzz both online and backstage.
According to a report from PWInsider, the heated back-and-forth on X was not something set up by WWE creative. Several sources told the outlet that the situation escalated naturally, with some pointing to Cargill as the person who sparked the conflict.
The report claimed that some WWE talent have previously had issues with how Cargill interacts with others, and that once the argument with Ripley began, a number of wrestlers were quick to join in and voice their opinions. One source suggested that if tensions continue, management may eventually need to step in and address the situation with Cargill.
Another source in the company downplayed the situation, while people close to Cargill reportedly described the situation as the result of competitive personalities clashing.
Fightful Select later added more context to the situation. According to their report, several WWE sources believed the online feud initially started as a “playful work” meant to build interest in the WrestleMania match. However, things reportedly became more serious after Cargill referenced Ripley speaking with WWE creative. One of PWInsider’s sources called this an “upsetting character assassination” in their report.
Fightful noted that some within WWE were surprised that creative discussions were brought into the argument, as that is usually avoided in storyline feuds. Even so, sources told the outlet that the company was generally pleased with the amount of attention the exchange generated, as the tweets drew several million views.
The report also stated that WWE officials are not concerned about the two working together in the ring. Despite the tension online, those within the company believe the match will proceed without issue.
Fightful also addressed other comments made during the social media exchanges. Piper Niven’s reference to “vacations” was reportedly tied to earlier rumors that Cargill skipped WWE’s 2024 holiday tour due to a planned trip. Sources reiterated to Fightful that Cargill had actually been dealing with a legitimate injury during that time.
Overall, according to both PWInsider and Fightful Select, while the situation created plenty of discussion among fans and within the locker room, there does not appear to be significant heat on either Ripley or Cargill, and both are expected to move forward with their WrestleMania 42 match.
Cargill and Ripley will come face-to-face on this Friday’s SmackDown. Rhea posted the following on her Instagram story about this situation:
“Not having fun. Not friends. Learn to work and never lie to defame someone’s real human character by ‘breaking the 4th wall.'”
