• Why Brie Bella Didn’t Return For WWE Evolution 2
Brie Bella recently addressed her absence from WWE Evolution 2 and reflected on where she’s at in life right now. Speaking on The Nikki & Brie Show, she made it clear that while she still feels the pull of wrestling, her priorities have shifted. Brie said: “I was yearning to be in Atlanta. To either watch live or I would have loved to have been in a match or been part of something.”
Despite that, she said she’s content with where she is. “You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be… I am, too, but it’s Nikki’s time,” she added. As for a possible return, Brie Bella didn’t shut the door completely. “Fingers crossed, I would love to come one day. If that will ever happen. If it doesn’t, then it doesn’t. That’s fine.”
Nikki Bella, who has been active on WWE television during this comeback stretch, responded: “I hope it does. I miss you. I’m getting lonely in the hotel rooms,” she told Brie. “Everyone wants you back. The Bella Twins are stronger than just Fearless Nikki. When we are a duo, we make magic happen.”
• Update On Cardi B’s SummerSlam Status
Cardi B is still in WWE’s plans for SummerSlam weekend, despite some fans wondering if she’d quietly been dropped from the event. Fightful Select reported that WWE insiders confirmed the Grammy winner remains part of the show. One source told the outlet she is “still set for the SummerSlam show” and that WWE has “long been making plans for the event with her in mind.”
SummerSlam 2025 will mark the first time the event is held across two nights, set for August 2 and 3 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. WWE is banking on a festival-like atmosphere, and Cardi B’s hosting role is expected to be a major part of that. Below is the current match-card for this PLE:
– Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. King of the Ring Cody Rhodes
– World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk
– Women’s World Championship: Naomi (c) vs. Rhea Ripley vs. IYO SKY
– WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Queen of the Ring Jade Cargill
– Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul
– Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria
• Jacob Fatu Set for Mega Push WWE Once Gave Only to Austin & Cena
WWE reportedly has major plans in motion for Jacob Fatu, who has already held the United States Championship and the WWE Tag Team Championship. WrestleVotes reported that WWE is gearing up for a major push for Fatu. The company sees him as a future top babyface and is preparing to elevate his presence on & off-screen. According to the report, the push will go beyond just his role on TV. WWE is expected to spotlight Jacob through promotional appearances and a focused marketing campaign aimed at building his brand.
One of the key parts of this plan includes a merchandise rollout typically reserved for the company’s top names. WWE is reportedly planning to release city-themed gear for Fatu, created in partnership with local sports teams. These exclusive designs will be sold at arenas and stadiums during WWE events.
“This kind of marketing effort has historically been reserved for elite talent,” they noted, naming stars like John Cena and Steve Austin as past examples. Jacob Fatu now joins that level of investment.
• Kurt Angle Joins Hulk Hogan’s New Company
Real American Freestyle, the new freestyle wrestling organization, revealed that WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle will be a commentator and analyst for their inaugural event, RAF01. The debut show takes place on August 30 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Kurt will join Chael Sonnen and Bubba Jenkins in the commentary booth. Tickets for RAF01 are available now via Ticketmaster.
Hulk Hogan, commissioner of RAF, praised Angle’s involvement: “Kurt Angle is a living legend. Having accomplished everything in wrestling, he fits perfectly with Real American Freestyle as we reshape the sport. His energy and expertise will add fire and authenticity to our broadcasts. We couldn’t be more excited to have him on the Real American team.”
Kurt Angle shared his enthusiasm for the project: “Freestyle wrestling is where I started, and it’s an honor to support athletes through Real American Freestyle. I’m excited to join Chael and Bubba to bring freestyle wrestling to audiences around the world.”
RAF aims to bring a fresh, modern approach to freestyle wrestling coverage. The company has already signed top athletes and promises an exciting event.
• TNA Confirms AJ Styles Is Returning At Slammiversary (Video)
TNA fans, buckle up – because all signs are pointing to a major homecoming. On this week’s episode of ‘TNA iMPACT!’, the company dropped a surprise teaser that’s set the wrestling world buzzing: a mysterious vignette that eventually confirmed that none other than AJ Styles is headed back to where it all began… just in time for Slammiversary.
The teaser brought back the infamous mystery box, a classic callback that longtime TNA viewers will instantly recognize. This time, though, it was packed with emotion and loaded symbolism. Inside the box? AJ Styles’ old gear, covered in dust, just waiting to be brought back to life. As the dust was slowly blown off, fans were hit with a wave of nostalgia – because accompanying the imagery was none other than classic Don West commentary, reliving the glory days of the Phenomenal One in his TNA prime.
It didn’t take long for fans to connect the dots. With Slammiversary just around the corner and TNA leaning hard into legacy and long-term storytelling this year, the idea of AJ Styles making his return after more than a decade feels more possible – and more phenomenal – than ever. You can watch it below:
👀#TNASlammiversary pic.twitter.com/hEWZEFveaH
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) July 18, 2025
Sports Illustrated added that Styles returning to TNA has been planned for a while now and has been a “top priority” for the company. Styles’ last TNA appearance was in January 2014 (which was taped in December 2013).
Below is the match-card for this Sunday’s TNA Slammiversary 2025 PPV:
– TNA World Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Joe Hendry vs. Mike Santana
– Title vs. Title match for the TNA Knockouts World Championship and the NXT Women’s Championship: Masha Slamovich (TNA) vs. Jacy Jayne (NXT)
– Ladder Match for the TNA World Tag Team Championship: The Nemeths (Nic Nemeth and Ryan Nemeth) (c) vs. The Hardys (Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy) vs. The Rascalz (Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz) vs. Fir$t Cla$$ (A. J. Francis and KC Navarro)
– TNA X-Division Championship: Moose (c) vs. Leon Slater
– TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship: The Elegance Brand (Ash by Elegance and Heather by Elegance) (c) vs. The IInspiration (Cassie Lee and Jessica McKay)
– Tessa Blanchard vs. Indi Hartwell
– Mustafa Ali vs. Cedric Alexander
– Darkstate (Dion Lennox, Osiris Griffin, Saquon Shugars, and Cutler James) vs. The System (Brian Myers, Eddie Edwards, and JDC) and Matt Cardona
Also Read: WWE’s New Plan For Omos Revealed
