All the latest from WWE, AEW, and TNA
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Jake Hager was knocked out by Mahabali Shera (Amanpreet Singh) during a Power Slap match on July 10, marking the second event in his six-fight deal. Hager responded to online reaction on Busted Open, saying he wasn't offended and knew going in that a knockout loss would generate attention. He has four appearances remaining in his Power Slap contract.
Talent agent Nick LoPiccolo argued in a series of posts on July 15, 2026 that WWE's roster cuts and lower contract offers reflect a broader reset of cost structure ahead of TKO's next media-rights cycle, rather than a reaction to TKO's $7.5 billion stock decline. LoPiccolo said WWE is acting without fear that AEW can absorb released talent or drive up salaries, suggesting wrestlers no longer have the leverage created by competition between the two companies. He warned wrestlers against relying on the assumption that another promotion will always offer a competing contract.
Tommaso Ciampa expressed excitement for AEW's upcoming Redemption event and teased big plans for AEW All In 2026. He indicated there is more to look forward to beyond these events.
Adam Pearce announced he will serve as acting general manager for WWE SmackDown on July 17, filling in after Gunther attacked Nick Aldis and left him unable to run the show. This marks the second time Pearce has taken over SmackDown duties due to Aldis being sidelined following incidents involving Gunther. No matches or segments have been confirmed yet for the episode beyond Pearce's authority role.
Talent agent Nick LoPiccolo posted a series of statements on July 15, 2026, telling professional wrestlers to stop relying on a WWE-AEW bidding war for leverage, calling that competition dead. He named Ari Emanuel, Nick Khan and Mark Shapiro as executives who understand this shift while claiming Tony Khan does not, and urged wrestlers to build outside value through film, TV, brands and ownership via his venture RARESTNDRD.
A WWE star has spoken out about her recent heel turn on Monday Night Raw. She revealed her ambitions to capture championship gold once again and expressed a desire to be taken more seriously as a character going forward.
Talent agent Nick LoPiccolo argued on July 15, 2026 that TKO Group Holdings' $7.5 billion stock decline since March reflects valuation correction rather than AEW gaining competitive ground. He claimed WWE's roster cuts and salary compression show TKO has no fear that AEW can capitalize on released talent, suggesting Wall Street believes the wrestling war is already over and the market has consolidated around WWE.
Rhea Ripley was greeted by a group of young fans dressed as her during a look-alike contest at Fanatics Fest NYC, with WWE sharing a heartwarming video of the encounter. The Women's World Champion posed and laughed with the fans while chants of her name filled the venue. Ripley continues to recover from a meniscus tear, with her WWE return still uncertain as SummerSlam approaches.
Ludwig Kaiser (Marcel Barthel) waived his right to a speedy trial during a July 16 pre-trial conference in his battery case, pushing the next hearing to August 27, 2026. The case stems from an April 23 incident at an Orlando apartment complex involving Kaiser, his girlfriend Andrea Bazarte, and Richard Reap, with both sides offering conflicting accounts of the confrontation. Kaiser's defense claims Reap made offensive remarks and acted aggressively, prompting Kaiser to push him in self-defense.
Trick Williams revealed during WWE Now at Fanatics Fest that he expects to team with Lil Yachty in tag team matches in the future. Williams said Yachty is committed to WWE beyond television appearances, wanting to attend house shows and international tours as part of the WWE Universe. Williams noted Yachty is training regularly, adding that a tag match between the two could happen soon.
Maxxine Dupri has addressed her on-screen kiss with Austin Theory in WWE, as well as comparisons being drawn between the Theory-Dupri pairing and the Dominik Mysterio-Liv Morgan storyline. She commented on the similarities fans have pointed out between the two on-screen relationships.
