WWE News - August 2025

[Casey]

On 8/19/2025 at 11:25 PM, DreamBroken said:

Apparently it's come up that F1RST Wrestling out of Minnesota have a trademark on "Wrestlepalooza" since 2016 and have been using it for events since 2013 as well as a title named after it.

Cassidy Haynes:

"WrestlePalooza was owned and trademarked by F1rst Wrestling. As of August 11th, all F1rst Wrestling talent and staff were to no longer mention or make reference to WrestlePalooza."

[RazorbladeKiss87]

You hate to see an Anarchist bend the knee like that. Say it ain't so, Arik. 

[Niners Fan in CT]

This could change but for now it looks like NBCUniversal isn't playing WWE's game. Reportedly the SNME specials have been kicked off broadcast TV and will be aired only on streaming and this appears to include John Cena's farewell match.  They also will not be moving the date of that match to counter AEW.  They have an NFL game that day and obviously that's way more important than WWE's petty war. 

It's a shame that a lot of fans have likely already cancelled Peacock and will not get to see Cena's final match.  But WWE made this bed. 

[Hail Sabin]

It will be interesting to see if NBC plays ball & gets TNA like WWE wants or goes Fuck Naw then CW gets it instead. 

[TheVileOne]

Will this affect WWE's relationship with its programming on USA? Like a bad break-up with USA/NBCUniversal as a result?

[zendragon]

On 8/20/2025 at 1:50 PM, RazorbladeKiss87 said:

Could always bring back "It Ain't Seinfeld "

Billy Gunn's custom license plates read "Kramer" for some reason

[Niners Fan in CT]

5 hours ago, TheVileOne said:

Will this affect WWE's relationship with its programming on USA? Like a bad break-up with USA/NBCUniversal as a result?

No. NBC still wants to be in the WWE business,  I just think it's clear that some things aren't as valuable to NBC anymore. They didn't see the value of the PLEs anymore compared to the new content they have rolling in like the NBA.   They apparently don't see a value in putting SNME on broadcast either.  

[Cobra Commander]

i'm sure the WWE Vaultmaster is gonna have his fun uploading various Jericho matches in the next few months going into the Rumble

[Hamhock]

On 8/22/2025 at 5:16 PM, Cobra Commander said:

i'm sure the WWE Vaultmaster is gonna have his fun uploading various Jericho matches in the next few months going into the Rumble

I want to see Jericho debut at the Rumble, but he’s forced to wear all of the gimmicks/looks from every preceding era of his WWE career. Shiny shirts under a vest under the light-up jacket under a suit jacket, the scarf around his neck and the LIST in his hand, his remaining hair up in the Y2J idiot knot, short trunks over long tights. He slowly makes his way to the ring under the burden of outfits and accessories and begins shedding the extra layers and finally makes it into the ring and is immediately clotheslined out for elimination.

[Eivion]

No NXT Heatwave thread so I'll just post thoughts on it here.

Kelani vs. Jaida vs. Lola was good. All three looked good here with Jaida and Kelani particularly getting plenty of nice moments to standout. Lola might have been the least impressive, but she still stood out well and feels like things are finally coming together for her. Surprised she won, but I'm looking forward to seeing what she can with Jacy at No mercy and that is not a match I would have looked forward to even six months ago.Both have grown a good deal fairly fast.

Dion/Osiris vs. Hank & Tank built into something and well paced despite being just around 10 mins. Though this was one of DarkState's better matches. Its a shame to see Hank 7 tank's run as champs already over but it didn't feel like there was much else for them at the same time. The tag division has taken a bit of a hit since Fraxiom moved up though its still good when called upon.

Ash vs. Masha vs. Jacy was good. The flow wasn't quite on par with the earlier 3-way, but this had a lot more going on in terms of story and characters. Thought all of that was well used along with general good action. Feels a little weird to see Jacy's reign end here instead of TNA. Curious why they had her win instead of giving Ash that cred 1 on 1 with Masha, but I can't complain much as it was nice to get a good look at Masha.

Blake Monroe vs. Jordynne Grace was pretty good. Nice win for Blake though given the story I'm curious if it will end here with both moving on or give Grace a win before heading up to the main roster.

Ethan/Chelsea vs. Tavion/Tyra was fine action and energy wise. The issue was more that this match did no favors for the Olympian crew given the smarter fanbase with NXT. They got no love with Chelsea being a superstar with the crowd. Even Canada got a chant which frankly makes sense given the current states of the US. This should probably not have happened at all, but I find it particularly odd they pushed for it on a PLE as the CWC would at least have fans willing to get somewhat into the story set up.

Oba/J'Von was pretty darn good with the crowd actually getting a good bit into J'Von and believing he would take it a few times. not sure why they did the false finish with the ref bump late in, but that has to be the fasted I have seen a bullshit chant turned into a holy shit chant ever. They got the crowd back fast and didn't linger for the finish. Ricky coming down to challenge right after didn't surprise me, but it doesn't really excite me either.

 

The wrestling delivered here as expected. The booking I was more mixed on though still leaning towards positive. Good show overall.

They also announced the Speed titles are moving to NXT. A mini tournament with participants from all four brands will compete to determine Sol's challenger at No Mercy.

[Dragon]

Should had let me eat the Speed titles and be done with them.

[blitzkrieg]

Heatwave thoughts:

Kelani/Jada/Lola was a good match even if some of the spots and the ending were a bit on the sloppy side. Wasn't expecting a Lola victory but think her and Jacy could have some good chemistry.

Between the six man two weeks ago and this, Dark State have been looking good. No fault to Hank and Tank but the men's tag team division has been pretty slim pickings which kinda prevented their reign from being really elevated. 

Enjoyed Ash/Masha/Jacy and thought all three looked good even if there's probably another gear that the match never really hit. Jazmyn getting Toxic Influence thrown out was a bit contrived. Thought that Lainey would show up to help Jayce retain but nice moment for Ash.

Liked the story of Blake and Grace's match with Jordynne being dominant and Blake having to find openings to get herself in the match. 

The mixed tag team match felt a bit more like a tv match than a PLE match but it was enjoyable. Ethan and Chelsea work so well together and had a lot great of great comedy moments. Tavion and Tyra got to show off their athleticism which probably would have gotten the crowd into things but Chelsea is really becoming undeniable. Probably need an ideal situation for two wrestlers with as little experience as Tavion and Tyra. 

I really enjoyed the main event because it felt completely different than the usual 'E main event. Also really well done for what was essentially a face vs face match, using Oba's confidence and dominance to create an interesting dynamic. The Dusty finish was a bit of a groan, especially for a PLE main event, but was quickly overshadowed by Oba attempting to murder Je'von. Hopefully they don't wait too long to finally pull the trigger on Je'von.

Fun show which probably didn't quite deliver on a big show level but was enjoyable from start to finish. Did find it interesting that we've getting NXT PLE's 3 months in a row with No Mercy next month and Halloween Havoc in October. Penciling in Deadline for December makes this a pretty packed few months for NXT.

[Curt McGirt]

On 8/20/2025 at 1:58 PM, twiztor said:

well, let's hope that "Barbed Wire, Hoodies & Chokeslams" is still available then

I just watched the Cactus/Sandman barbed wire match from that and it was pretty good. Foley blades the shit out of his arm right in front of the camera and takes some of the nastiest spills I may have seen in a career with some pretty nasty spills. Nancy looks great and screams in terror a couple times, and Hak gets ripped up too, including wrapping himself in the wire -- around his neck, to boot! Psycho.

That was the show where the Gangstas debuted by beating up the PE until they were arrested, too

[odessasteps]

37 minutes ago, Curt McGirt said:

I just watched the Cactus/Sandman barbed wire match from that and it was pretty good. Foley blades the shit out of his arm right in front of the camera and takes some of the nastiest spills I may have seen in a career with some pretty nasty spills. Nancy looks great and screams in terror a couple times, and Hak gets ripped up too, including wrapping himself in the wire -- around his neck, to boot! Psycho.

That was the show where the Gangstas debuted by beating up the PE until they were arrested, too

Torn from today's headlines 

[Curt McGirt]

I have no idea what headlines you speak of and will probably be disappointed in myself when you explain

[odessasteps]

Comparing the beatdown to the Jackson deal. 

[Curt McGirt]

Gotcha. I was thinking it might be something political and am thankfully mistaken. 

Bringing in the Gangstas as an invading force to beat up the posers pretending to be these rappin' fools was probably the best way to introduce them. "You liked these idiots for a long time, huh? Well, we got the real deal now folks."

[Dolfan in NYC]

Out drinking and not repairing his relationship with Dom....   Shameful. 

[Dolfan in NYC]

And speaking of Rey... here he is in Pokemon form.

 

[Curt McGirt]

Wow Rey aged into looking like an adult now

Edited August 29, 2025 by Curt McGirt

[DJ Hero Morganti]

I had to zoom in to see if the facial hair was drawn on lol

[odessasteps]

There's going to be a CMLL/Pokémon event at Arena Mexico and it sold out the first day.