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Articles by Luke Marcoccia
Why Bully Ray Says WWE Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan Will 'Always' Be A Measuring Stick
Time has begun to heal the pain from the loss of "The Immortal" Hulk Hogan but undeniably, his name and legacy will never, ever be forgotten. Many fans and industry peers have come to terms with Hogan's controversial personal and professional lives to embrace the extraordinary impact that he had on pro wrestling. "Busted Open" host Bully Ray spoke more on Hogan's legacy and where it will stand going forward.
Kane: This Recurring WWE Celeb Would've Been A Hall Of Famer If He Chose Wrestling
From its inaugural class in 1993, the WWE Hall of Fame has welcomed in more than a dozen members into their "celebrity wing." These celebrity members have come from the sports and music worlds, being individuals who made significant contribution to WWE and transcending the business into their profession fields. WWE Hall of Famer Kane joined "Off The Ropes" and noted how he feels that a current member of the "celebrity wing" could have entered the Hall of Fame for in-ring work.
AEW Star MVP Details How WWE Hall Of Famer The Undertaker Led By Example
The Undertaker's reputation as the WWE locker room leader still stands as a time-tested example of how to carry yourself as a top figure in the company. Handling problems within the locker room and being the liaison for communication between the wrestlers and management, the WWE Hall of Famer was a trusted source for ensuring that everyone handled their business.
Matt Hardy Addresses Impact Arrival Of Hulk Hogan Had On TNA
January 4, 2010, was a landmark day in pro wrestling. For the first time in more than twelve years, Bret Hart returned to WWE to confront Shawn Michaels on "WWE Raw," while TNA Wrestling countered WWE with their first-ever live edition of "TNA Impact" that featured the company debut of Hulk Hogan. Hogan worked on-camera and behind-the-scenes for TNA for almost four years and although his name value was enough to legitimize TNA more than ever, he wound up harming more than helping.
Seth Rollins Refuses To Provide Details About Worked Knee Injury Ahead Of WWE Raw
Wrestling fans are still in absolute shock over what they say during SummerSlam weekend. The ending of night two with Brock Lesnar's return has primarily been the core memory of the weekend's PLE, but Seth Rollins' "Ruse of the Century" Money in the Bank cash-in on CM Punk has not been forgotten. The new WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins joined "The Rich Eisen Show" to address the criticism that he faked his knee injury supposedly sustained last month at Saturday Night's Main Event.
Freddie Prinze Jr. Most Proud Of Work With Former WWE Champion
Star of the upcoming Hollywood reboot of "I Know What You Did Last Summer," actor Freddie Prinze Jr. still follows along with pro wrestling despite his acting schedule and potential hard feelings from the past towards WWE. Prinze worked two stints for WWE between 2008 and 2012 as a creative staff member, a producer, and a director. While joining "The Rich Eisen Show," Prinze was asked what of his WWE work is he most proud of.
Jordynne Grace Discusses Decision To Join WWE NXT
Former TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace has now been with WWE for more than six months, having officially signed with the promotion in late January. Grace made her WWE debut in the 2024 women's Royal Rumble match entering as the fifth entrant, and began to make appearances on "WWE NXT" last May, including matches at the Battleground and NXT 2300 events. On "The Takedown on SI," Grace talked about her decision to join the "black and gold" brand. "I was used to being on top all the time.
WWE Hall Of Famer JBL Addresses Scrapped Plans For Him In TNA
WWE Hall of Famer John "Bradshaw" Layfield has had nothing short of a controversial reputation for many years, but the former WWE Champion caused quite the ruckus when he shockingly debuted in TNA Wrestling last year at their Emergence PPV, showing support for then-TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth. After several run-ins during championship matches, the appearances for Layfield stopped in January, last being seen on "TNA Impact" delivering a Clothesline From Hell to Matt Cardona.
AEW's MVP Calls This Former WWE Star The Easiest Tag Partner To Work With
The relationships that pro wrestlers have with each other are not unlike the average everyday working relationships. Co-workers in offices do not have to work tag team matches together but it is common that there are people that can work together but cannot work together; this could be due to work ethic, prior events, or just personality clashing.
Tommy Dreamer Loves That This WWE Star Is Working Bigger, 'Stepping Up Big Time'
There was reasonable concern for the status of The Judgement Day and the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship after Liv Morgan went down with an injury. The titles remain in Judgement Day with Roxanne Perez standing in for Morgan alongside Raquel Rodriguez. With Morgan injured, Rodriguez has become the lead of the champions and a mentor to Perez. "Busted Open After Dark" host Tommy Dreamer feels that Rodriguez has maintained momentum for the tag champions but also herself individually.
Matt Hardy On How Hulk Hogan's Controversies Impact WWE Hall Of Famer's Legacy
The legacy of Hulk Hogan has been immensely celebrated in these few days since his passing with exceptional tributes to Hogan from fans, wrestlers, celebrities, media outlets and wrestling promotions worldwide. Many people are having to come to terms with Hogan's passing but also with his personal controversies that placed a blackmark on his name going as far back as the 1980s.
WWE's JBL On Reaction To This Goldberg WrestleMania Match: 'Fans 100% S*** On It'
WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg has had several classic, albeit short, matches in his career. His trilogy of matches with Brock Lesnar in WWE started off rough, but recovered with a shocking upset at Survivor Series 2016, and ended with their explosive final battle at WrestleMania 33. On "Something to Wrestle," fellow WWE Hall of Famer JBL looked back on the disastrous first encounter between Goldberg and Lesnar at WrestleMania 20 in 2004. "This was one of the most brutal things I've ever seen.
WWE Legend Earl Hebner Eulogizes 'Ruler Of The Business' Hulk Hogan
Today has been one of the toughest days for wrestling fans past and present, casual, regular, or diehard worldwide with the news of Hulk Hogan's passing. Arguments can be made otherwise, but Hogan will forever be seen as the greatest pro wrestler of all-time due to the impact he made on the industry and transcending it further than the ring. Legendary referee Earl Hebner joined "Off The Ropes" today and gave his tribute to "The Hulkster." "Hogan made this business what it was back then.
JBL Would Have Paid 'Whatever' To See Gunther Face This Controversial, Late WWE Star
Gunther is coming off arguably the most prolific match of his entire career when he faced WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg earlier this month at Saturday Night's Main Event for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and being Goldberg's final opponent in his career. Dream matches for Gunther will always be thought of; back in 2023 rumors swirled of a dream match between Gunther and Brock Lesnar.
Nikki Bella Describes Being In WWE Star Stephanie Vaquer's Devil's Kiss
Signature moves now become noticed more than ever because of social media. Non-wrestling fans have come to learn of the RKO, Sweet Chin Music, and the Swanton Bomb from viral videos rather meant to give tribute to the wrestling stars or that did so incidentally. Stephanie Vaquer's Devil's Kiss has captured the attention of millions of people, fans or not.
Trick Williams On The Possibility Of Main Roster Call-Up As TNA Champion
TNA Wrestling is coming off arguably their biggest event in company history last night with their Slammiversary PPV. As historic as the night was for TNA, it was bittersweet as both the TNA Knockouts World Championship and TNA World Championship left in the hands of "WWE NXT" stars Jacy Jayne and Trick Williams respectively.
Drew McIntyre Recommends Cheeky Name Change For WWE Success
A menace in the ring, on the mic, and on social media, Drew McIntyre is ruthless when it comes to speaking his mind. The former WWE Champion has celebrated his boredom at work, and has gone as far as mocking a celebrity's appendage on national television. While joining "The Pin Down" with Sports Illustrated, McIntyre commented on wrestling families and getting immediate recognition from their name. "I couldn't really care less what your last name is.
WWE Hall Of Famer JBL Looks Back On Last Match After Goldberg's SNME Retirement
A mythical creature to kids and an exciting admiration to adults during his WCW years, Goldberg's legendary career is now behind the WWE Hall of Famer. Goldberg certainly held his own against Gunther at Saturday Night's Main Event last weekend, being unmoved by the "Ring General's" horrifying chops, even taking down the WWE World Heavyweight Champion with a spear and Jackhammer. On "Something to Wrestle," WWE Hall of Famer JBL thought back to his final career match at WrestleMania 25.
AEW Star Eddie Kingston Details Mentality Of Choosing 'The Boys' Over 'The Office'
The "Mad King" Eddie Kingston is nearing his five-year anniversary with All Elite Wrestling, but has been on the shelf for fourteen months due to a severe leg injury. Kingston is a very passionate person who is certainly not afraid of upfront honesty. The inaugural AEW Continental Champion wears his heart not just on his sleeve but all of his body, and will stand up for and stand with any wrestler that he sees is underappreciated.
Speedball Mike Bailey Looks To These AEW Stars When It Comes To Promo Delivery
"Speedball" Mike Bailey is arguably Canada's most popular independent pro wrestler. Bailey has been wrestling for almost 20 years, working overseas for DDT Pro-Wrestling and New Japan Pro-wrestling, as well as TNA Wrestling before joining AEW earlier this year. Although already being an industry veteran for his young age, having been wrestling since his high school years, Bailey feels his promo abilities still need work.
WWE's Damian Priest Counts This Former AEW Talent Among His Best Friends
Many relationships between pro wrestlers are formed on the independent scene through all the travelling required, meeting people all over a region, nation, or world.
Abyss Says WWE Producers Are Like 'Seal Team 6'
Christopher Joseph Park, better known as Abyss, has now been part of WWE's production team for 6.5 years and was recently celebrated by being added to WWE 2K25 as DLC. The TNA Hall of Famer is one of the few veterans of the industry that have a trouble-free history while holding universal respect amongst his peers. While joining "Fightful Wrestling," Abyss spoke candidly on his time as a WWE producer, responding to praise Cody Rhodes gave him for being one of the best producers he has ever had.
John Cena Reflects On 'Special' Build To WWE WrestleMania 28 Showdown With The Rock
The reality of John Cena's retirement sets in stronger each day as the dates on his retirement tour wind down. The current Undisputed WWE Champion undoubtedly has one of the greatest careers of any pro wrestler ever in the history of the industry. While going through his career highlights as a guest with "Vanity Fair," Cena looked back on the Road to WrestleMania 28 for his "Once In A Lifetime" match against The Rock. "This was a wonderful journey to get to this.
Rhea Ripley Discusses 'Weird' Aspect Of WWE Unreal, Admits She Has Anxiety Attacks
Today, Netflix dropped the official trailer for the upcoming "WWE: Unreal" series that premieres July 29th on the streaming platform. The behind-the-scenes feature that filmed around WrestleMania 41 showed Rhea Ripley in the trailer saying that she was freaking out at the event until her theme music began to play. While joining "ESPN Unsportsmanlike," Ripley discussed "Unreal" and the revelations the show will present about WWE production.
Why WWE HOFer Bully Ray Doesn't Think WWE Needs A Third Evolution PLE
Fans were skeptical going into WWE's second all-women Evolution PLE last night due to the event's build that did not draw as much excitement and ticket sales as hoped for. This fired up every woman who was on the show as Evolution 2 received exceptional praise, ending with Naomi cashing in her Money in the Bank contract to win the WWE Women's World Championship. Albeit an overall success, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray commented on "Busted Open" as to why the show had low buzz going on.
Why Lillian Garcia Ring Announced WWE Saturday Night's Main Event But Not Evolution
WWE fans are always happy when Lillian Garcia is in the ring for announcing duties. A familiar face and voice from a remarkable era in pro wrestling, Garcia made her WWE return this weekend for Saturday Night's Main Event. Originally planned to announce at tonight's Evolution PLE, Garcia had to drop out of the event. On her Instagram account, Garcia revealed that she is suffering from an illness which is affecting her abilities. "Hey guys, life is definitely a funny thing.
AEW Star Eddie Kingston Offers Update On Injury Recovery
The "Mad King" Eddie Kingston has been on the shelf for 14 months now after suffering a severe leg injury at NJPW Resurgence last May in a No Ropes Last Man Standing match against Gabe Kidd where he tore his ACL and meniscus. Fans have been eagerly anticipating the return of the inaugural AEW Continental Champion, but may not have to wait too much longer as Kingston gave a recovery update while joining "Cezar Bononi." "Mentally, I'm finally seeing progress, you know what I mean?
Abyss Is Retired, But Joseph Park Could Show Up In WWE
WWE producer Christopher Joseph Park, known best as "The Monster" Abyss, has not wrestling since April 2019 where he performed at an independent event in Indiana. As seen during his days in TNA Wrestling, Abyss has a gentler, lawyer alter-ego named "Joseph Park," that appeared on "WWE SmackDown" in August 2020 during a segment with AJ Styles. While joining "Fightful Wrestling," Abyss gave an update on if there are any plans for another appearance on WWE television.
AEW's Tony Schiavone Calls This WCW One-Off The 'Worst Concept Ever'
The thirty-year anniversary of the premiere of "WCW Monday Nitro" is coming up in September. A part of WCW to be celebrated, the defunct-promotion will live forever through its infamy of a healthy mix of gems and blunders. AEW commentator Tony Schiavone, who was a WCW commentator for eleven years, sat ringside and witnessed many of WCW's questionable decisions. On "What Happened When," Schiavone recalled an underwhelming booking in WCW.
AEW's Jim Ross Says This WWE Star Is A 'Good Soldier,' Treats Business With Respect
AEW announcer Jim Ross has been in the pro wrestling industry for fifty years and still has feels he has more matches he can call. In that half-century, Ross has worked with so many people that he could fill a city phone book with their names. On "Grilling JR," Ross gave high praise to one of the people who would be in his phone book, a current member of the WWE roster whom Ross helped bring into the company in 2002. "I remember vividly recruiting Rey [Mysterio] and getting him signed.
AEW's Jim Ross Agrees With This Former WWE Star About Unreal Series
"WWE: Unreal" drops later this month on Netflix, providing fans with a behind-the-scenes look at today's WWE. Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Ryback recently praised the upcoming project, saying that WWE is no different than the movies and that it will help people understand the work that goes in to the weekly episodic production. On "Grilling JR," AEW announcer Jim Ross gave his thoughts on Ryback's take of "WWE: Unreal." "I'm happy and surprised that Ryback has been so objective.
WWE Hall Of Famer Kevin Nash Points Out Unrealistic Aspect Of Promo Delivery
Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, is one of the most common anxiety disorders amongst the average person. The thought of being judged from peers can cause a speaker to tremble, freeze, and forget their context. Pro wrestlers put hours into their speaking abilities to be able to verbally destroy their opponent flawless, but slip-ups naturally occur which can come from over-memorization of a promo to just getting lost in the moment.
Mandy Rose Says She Was Told To Be Less Sexy After First WWE Main Roster Call Up
Former WWE superstar Mandy Rose still has feelings towards WWE for her company release in December 2022. Rose was the NXT Women's Champion for 413 days but had her reign end due to the discovery of her online content, being released from WWE the day after losing the title and being omitted thereafter. On her channel "Mandy Sacs," Rose remembered her experience being called up to the WWE main roster in November 2017.
Matt Cardona Jokingly Explains Why He's 'Basically' A WWE WrestleMania Main Eventer
The "King of the Indies" Matt Cardona had a great fifteen-year career with WWE as "Zack Ryder" where he was a world title away from being a Grand Slam Champion. Cardona got to have a WrestleMania moment in 2016 by winning the Intercontinental Championship Ladder match but while never officially being in the closing match, Cardona was involved in the WrestleMania 24 main event between Edge and The Undertaker.
Triple H Comments On Cody Rhodes' KOTR Win Over Randy Orton At WWE Night Of Champions
Cody Rhodes is the 2025 WWE King of the Ring, winning the crown yesterday at Night of Champions after defeating Randy Orton in the KOTR tournament finals. Rhodes and Orton have a history dating back nearly twenty years and this was Rhodes' first singles victory over Orton in nearly fourteen years, last happening in September 2011. At the WWE Night of Champions Post-Show, WWE CCO Paul "Triple H" Levesque commented on Rhodes becoming the 2025 King of the Ring.
Elayna Black (Fka Cora Jade) Thinks WWE Door Is Open, Still Wants WrestleMania Match
Elayna Black, formerly Cora Jade, has transitioned into life outside of WWE after her release from the company in early May. Black has resumed her in-ring career wrestling on the independent circuit but is hopeful she will soon return to a mainstream promotion, with a return to AEW being on her radar. While joining "Insight with Chris Van Vliet," Black spoke on the possibility of returning to WWE in the future. "Definitely. I'm 24-years-old, I feel like I didn't end on horrible terms there.
AEW's Josh Alexander Compares Wrestling In Lucha Libre AAA To CMLL's Arena Mexico
AEW is still buzzing from their Grand Slam Mexico edition of "AEW Dynamite" last week and deservingly so. The night before "Dynamite," CMLL Martes Populares – CMLL Vs. AEW/ROH took place at Arena Mexico in Mexico City with one of the matches being CMLL's Atlantis Jr. versus "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander of AEW. Alexander has wrestled in Mexico in the past for TNA Wrestling and Lucha Libra AAA Worldwide.
Former NJPW Star Hikuleo Officially Gets New Ring Name After Finally Making WWE Debut
Former New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Hikuleo made his WWE on-screen debut at Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A prior member of NJPW's Bullet Club faction and a current member of the Guerrillas of Destiny stable, the former IWGP Tag Team Champion signed with WWE in July of 2024 but wrestled his first match on June 13th of this year where Hikuleo competed in a dark match taping for "WWE Main Event" prior to "WWE SmackDown" and defeated Kit Wilson of Pretty Deadly.
WWE Talent Flight Reportedly Takes Off From Saudi Arabia After Night Of Champions
There were concerns earlier this week that WWE Night of Champions was going to be in jeopardy when Saudi Arabia, where Night of Champions took place, and the United Arab Emirates suspended civilian flights due to the war between Israel and Iran. The production crew made the travel days before the wrestlers arrived and all travel seemingly went smoothly with the understandable wariness. PWInsider is reporting that the WWE superstars have made their departure from Saudi Arabia.
Triple H Praises John Cena & CM Punk For WWE Night Of Champions Match & Feud
In what may have been their final match against each other, John Cena successfully defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against CM Punk at Night of Champions Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with assistance from an interfering Seth Rollins. Considered one of Cena's greatest rivals, the pair have shared many moments together and undoubtedly share a unique relationship. At the WWE Night of Champions Post-Show, WWE CCO Paul "Triple H" Levesque spoke on the Cena-Punk legacy.
Rhea Ripley Says She Bruised Ribs At WWE Night Of Champions, Recalls Avalanche Riptide
Rhea Ripley defeated Raquel Rodriguez in a physical Street Fight at Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The former WWE Women's World Champion won the match after delivering an avalanche Riptide off a wobbly table from the top rope before pinning Rodriguez, a sequence that was visibly risky but was excellently executed. At the WWE Night of Champions Post-Show, Ripley was asked about her avalanche Riptide which she got candid about. "Honestly, I was just scared that I was gonna fall.
Elayna Black (Fka Core Jade) Says Mandy Rose Is Helping Her Navigate Post-WWE Career
Elayna Black, formerly Cora Jade in WWE, is back wrestling on the independent circuit after her release last month. Black received several independent bookings that has allowed her to have a running start post-WWE but it still hard to manage the reality of being released from a household company. While joining "Insight with Chris Van Vliet," Black revealed what it was like for her personally following her WWE release.
Randy Orton Claims He'll Set A New WWE Record (Passing The Undertaker) At SummerSlam
Randy Orton has had an incredible legacy at WWE SummerSlam PLEs throughout his career, with his first SummerSlam match being in 2003 inside of the Elimination Chamber. Orton has faced The Undertaker, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, and even Hulk Hogan at SummerSlam events with the latter's encounter being Hogan's final WWE match. While at yesterday's WWE SummerSlam Kickoff, Orton reflected on his SummerSlam legacy and how he wants to immortalize it.
Tommy Dreamer Likens Blake Monroe's WWE NXT Video Package To Classic Sitcom
"WWE NXT" scored an exciting addition to their roster this year with the signing of former AEW Women's World Champion Mariah May, now known as "Blake Monroe." Monroe, who shocked AEW fans last summer by bloodying her mentor Toni Storm after winning the Women's Owen Hart Cup, debuted on "NXT" earlier this month confronting NXT Women's Champion Jacy Jayne. "Busted Open After Dark" host Tommy Dreamer has been very happy with Monroe's introduction to the WWE audience.
Becky Lynch Wants To Repeat Her Own Iconic Feat From Last Time WWE Ran MetLife Stadium
WWE SummerSlam is coming up August 2nd and 3rd at MetLife Stadium in Newark, New Jersey. MetLife Stadium has hosted several notable WWE events such as WrestleMania 29 and WrestleMania 35, with the latter being closed with the first-ever women's main event in WrestleMania history where Becky Lynch won the WWE Raw and WWE SmackDown's Women's Championship titles from Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair.
Tommy Dreamer Wonders If WWE Isn't As Behind This Main Eventer As They Were
Some wrestlers are able to stay at the top of the card due to their ability to sell merchandise, obtain views, and receive crowd reactions on a weekly ability. Not all superstardom success and popularity can last, but sometimes those benefits come from trends and fads that fans get behind.
Rhea Ripley Expresses Intent To Break From Ignominious WWE SummerSlam History
An exciting summer in store for the former WWE Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley with Evolution 2 coming up on July 13th, and SummerSlam taking place August 2nd and 3rd. The excitement may wear off in mid-July when reality sets in for Ripley because SummerSlam and "Mami" have a strained relationship. While at the WWE SummerSlam Kickoff yesterday, Ripley replied to Michael Cole's acknowledgement that she has a troubled past at the event.
Tegan Nox Says She Sees These Fellow Former WWE Stars Often
WWE superstars are able to form and maintain deep personal relationships with their co-workers from the amount of time spent with each other. The in-ring action and promo segments also build the off-screen relationships as wrestlers are tangibly and intangibly holding another person's life in their hands, as one wrong move or word could cause a decline in someone's career.
CM Punk: Slim Jim Table Hurt 'Ten Times Worse' Than Normal Table On WWE SmackDown
WWE's on-screen presentation has drastically changed in 2025 with the heavy inclusion of sponsorships and advertising. The Slim Jim logo recently debuting on tables has left fans unimpressed, but the new tables have also left CM Punk less than happy, having gone through one two nights ago on "WWE SmackDown" at the hands of John Cena. At the WWE SummerSlam Kickoff yesterday, Punk explained his disdain for the new Slim Jim table but it was not for its cosmetic appeal.
Tommy Dreamer Discusses 'Big Match' Feel To WWE SNME Bout Between Gunther & Goldberg
A mythical career that captivated millions of fans during the Monday Night Wars of the 1990s is coming to an end next month. WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg will be competing in his retirement match July 12th at Saturday Night's Main Event in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia against Gunther for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. "Busted Open After Dark" host Tommy Dreamer commented on Goldberg's WWE return and the Gunther match announcement last week on "WWE Raw." "Straight-up, big pop.
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