• “You’re doing a great job” – WWE Veteran To Logan Paul After Clash In Paris
In the co-main event of WWE Clash In Paris, John Cena defeated Logan Paul. Logan issued the following statement after his loss:
“When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. I wanted a match with John Cena to prove that I not only belong in the business but can bring the best out of the business. Mission accomplished. For me, last night was peak professional wrestling.
Fair play to John, an absolute mastermind of the craft. He wrestles better than Pablo Picasso paints… idk if it’ll ever be understood how good he is.
Although my hand wasn’t raised, I came away with more victories than I can count. Grateful.
Go toe to toe with another GOAT, check.
Ps – les fans français sont putain de fous”

WWE Veteran Natalya commented the following under Logan’s post:
“You’re doing a great job.”
• The Rock Cries After His Movie Gets a 15-Minute Standing Ovation (Video)
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson may have just delivered the performance that changes the trajectory of his entire acting career.
His turn as troubled MMA fighter Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine drew an overwhelming response at the Venice Film Festival, where the premiere ended with a thunderous 15-minute standing ovation that left Johnson in tears.
Dwayne Johnson weeps during the 15-minute #Venezia2025 standing ovation for ‘The Smashing Machine.’ This was the most emotion we’ve since on the Lido since Brendan Fraser launched his Oscar campaign here four years ago for ‘The Whale.’ pic.twitter.com/BzAjB4v6uk
— Ramin Setoodeh (@RaminSetoodeh) September 1, 2025
Is the Rock headed to the Oscars?Dwayne Johnson cries as #Venezia82 erupts in a 15-minute standing ovation for ‘The Smashing Machine.’ pic.twitter.com/B1OsOspuXL
— Ramin Setoodeh (@RaminSetoodeh) September 1, 2025
For decades, Johnson has been Hollywood’s bankable action star, headlining franchises like Fast & Furious, Jumanji, and superhero fare such as Black Adam. But his latest role strips away the glossy blockbuster persona. Under heavy prosthetics and a physically transformed frame, he becomes Kerr – a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion battling addiction, love, and inner demons. Critics say it’s the rawest and most vulnerable Johnson has ever been on screen.
The emotion in Venice wasn’t limited to Johnson. Director Benny Safdie, making his solo feature debut, embraced Johnson and co-star Emily Blunt as applause rained down. Even Kerr himself, present at the premiere, was visibly moved. The atmosphere recalled Brendan Fraser’s tearful reception for The Whale in 2022 – a moment that launched his Oscar-winning comeback.
Benny Safdie collapses into tears during the 15-minute #Venezia2025 standing ovation for ‘The Smashing Machine.’ pic.twitter.com/UaogVSyYey
— Ramin Setoodeh (@RaminSetoodeh) September 1, 2025
Earlier in the evening, Johnson’s wrestling past made a cameo when a fan shouted, “Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?!” before the screening began. Johnson laughed, then went on to charm the red carpet, signing autographs and taking selfies with fans.
The early reviews have been glowing. The Independent called Johnson’s performance “raw and vulnerable,” while Discussing Film hailed the film as more than a sports biopic, describing it as an exploration of human struggle powered by Johnson’s “spectacular lead performance.” On Rotten Tomatoes, the film debuted with a perfect 100% score.
Johnson has admitted he sought out Safdie’s vision because of the director’s reputation for uncomfortable, authentic storytelling (Uncut Gems, Good Time). For Johnson, this was about challenging himself: “I want to make films that matter, that explore humanity, struggle, and pain,” he said in a recent interview.
With Safdie stepping into solo directorial territory, Johnson reuniting with Blunt after Jungle Cruise, and Oscar chatter already in full swing, The Smashing Machine has positioned itself as one of the most significant films of The Rock’s career.
The movie, distributed by A24, opens in U.S. theaters October 3rd. Whether it carries The Rock all the way to the Academy Awards remains to be seen, but after Venice, one thing is clear: the world isn’t just smelling what The Rock is cooking – they’re savoring it.
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