Below are a couple of top WWE news stories of the day, involving Stephanie McMahon and Paul Heyman.
• Stephanie McMahon has long been a pivotal figure in WWE, playing crucial roles that have significantly contributed to the company’s success. Despite leaving WWE, she made notable returns during WrestleMania 40 and afterwards. Most recently, she was spotted at last night’s SmackDown at Madison Square Garden.
Previously, Stephanie took a leave of absence to spend time with her family but returned to work in 2022 amid an investigation into her father, Vince McMahon. Vince’s comeback as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2023 led to Stephanie’s resignation.
In a surprising development, Vince stepped down from his role as Executive Chairman of TKO Group Holdings, paving the way for Stephanie’s return at WrestleMania 40 and eventually during the WWE Draft this year.
The June 28 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, held at Madison Square Garden, was packed with action and memorable moments, including an assault on Paul Heyman by The Bloodline.
Stephanie was seen enjoying the show from the front row:
WATCH: WWE Doctor Touches Stephanie McMahon’s Knockers:
• Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa & Paul Heyman came to the ring in the main event segment of last night’s SmackDown. Heyman started talking and Solo interrupted in between and wanted the mic. Fans started a loud “We Want Roman” chant. Solo then introduced the newest member of The Bloodline and his Enforcer – “The Samoan Werewolf” Jacob Fatu – who came out to his own entrance theme song.
Sikoa then told the MSG crowd to acknowledge him and everyone booed. Sikoa told Tama, Tonga & Jacob to come forward one by one and told them to acknowledge him, and they did. Solo then told Heyman to acknowledge him as his Tribal Chief and wants him to put the Ula Fala around his neck as well.
Heyman said: “I acknowledge that you are NOT my Tribal Chief” and the crowd erupted. Solo then hit Heyman with the Samoan Spike. Jacob hit Heyman with the Diving Headbutt. All of them then powerbombed Heyman through the announce table!
Jacob put the Ula Fala around Sikoa’s neck and the new Bloodline raised their fingers to end the show.
Adult movie company Brazzers tweeted the following after SmackDown went off the air: