Legend Killer Returns 🐍, Braun Strowman and Others Released 🚪, AEW Residency 🔔🦅

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Saturday, May 3rd, 2025

Good morning. Today we have a look back when Hulk Hogan wrestled Muta in Japan, WWE SmackDown results from last night, and a preview for AEW Collision tonight (which will air on TBS). Plus a ton of cuts in WWE, AEW setting up residency in the former ECW building, and much more. Let’s dig in!

🗓️ On This Day in WWE - 1993

Hogan Calls WWF Title a "Toy" Before Facing Muta in Japan

31 years ago today, WWF Champion Hulk Hogan traveled to Japan for NJPW Wrestling Dontaku, where he defeated IWGP Heavyweight Champion the Great Muta in a non-title main event. In a now-infamous pre-match interview, Hogan shocked fans and WWF brass alike by declaring that the WWF Championship was "just a toy" and that the IWGP Heavyweight Title was the one he truly respected. While Hogan got the win in front of a red-hot Japanese crowd, it was his comments that caused the real stir—sparking backlash from WWF officials upon his return to the States.

Hard to believe this came just two months before Hogan dropped the “toy” to Yokozuna at King of the Ring.

WWE SmackDown Results (May 2nd, 2025)
Full Match Results & Highlights

WWE SmackDown aired live from the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, featuring chaos across divisions and major steps toward Backlash. Randy Orton delivered a searing takedown of John Cena, Aleister Black fought through interference in his return match, and the women’s division erupted in a chaotic tag main event with championship implications.

LA Knight vs. Damian Priest ended in a no contest. The two clashed after a tense promo exchange, but Solo Sikoa attacked Priest mid-match, causing the DQ. Jacob Fatu joined the assault, laying out both men and sending a warning ahead of Backlash.

Fraxiom def. Pretty Deadly. After a backstage exchange, Nathan Frazer and Axiom delivered a crisp win in their SmackDown debut, finishing with a Spanish Fly and Phoenix Splash combo. The loss left Pretty Deadly fuming as Fraxiom celebrated.

Zelina Vega def. Piper Niven. Niven controlled most of the match with interference from Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre, but it backfired when she accidentally struck Green. Vega capitalized with a roll-up win, leaving the Secret Hervice in disarray.

Nick Aldis announces Fatal 4-Way for Backlash. After back-to-back chaotic matches, Aldis confronted Sikoa and Fatu backstage. He announced Fatu, Priest, Knight, and McIntyre would face off in a Fatal 4-Way at Backlash, shutting down Sikoa’s complaints.

Nia Jax & Naomi’s confrontation sets up tag match. Jax demanded a title rematch from Stratton, while Naomi interrupted to call out both for ruining her shot. Jade Cargill joined the fray, sparking a brawl that led Aldis to book a tag match for later in the night.

Aleister Black def. The Miz. In his first match back, Black dominated early and withstood Miz’s brief offense. After fending off Carmelo Hayes at ringside, he landed Black Mass for the win, leaving Hayes to retreat after a tense stare-down.

Randy Orton called out John Cena. Orton tore into Cena for being a corporate sellout who “raised merch prices, not children,” reviving his Legend Killer persona. He promised to punt Cena’s head clean off at Backlash and end his legacy for good.

Rey Fenix def. Santos Escobar. After Escobar insulted him backstage, Fenix fought through Santos’ verbal jabs and ground-based offense. He scored the win with a meteora, later prompting Andrade to confront Escobar as Legado’s loyalty seemed to waver.

Stratton & Cargill def. Jax & Naomi. After multiple blind tags and miscommunication, Cargill sealed the win with a powerbomb on Jax. Post-match tension escalated when Cargill grabbed the title before Naomi dropped her with a shot to both her and Stratton, standing tall to close the show.

🔮 AEW Collision Preview (May 3rd, 2025)
Full Match Card and Lineup

Live Tonight, 8pm EST on TBS

• AEW Women’s World Title Eliminator match: Toni Storm (c) vs. Lady Frost

• Brody King vs. Josh Alexander

Latest WWE News, Rumors & Updates

💰 Leon Ruff Says He Got An Extra $500 For Match Against Sheamus In 2020 Because Vince McMahon Loved It

During the pandemic, Leon Ruff made a name for himself on WWE Raw and WWE SmackDown. His standout performances against Alesiter Black and Sheamus in 2020 brought him into the limelight, with his match against Sheamus earning him an extra $500. 'Man, I remember getting an extra $500 because McMahon loved the match so much,' Ruff shared on social media. His impressive run led to him winning the WWE NXT North American Championship before his release in August 2021.

🚪 WWE Reportedly Releases Braun Strowman & Four Women's Division Stars

Friday brought unexpected news as WWE released several stars ahead of 'WWE Smackdown.' Notable names like Braun Strowman, Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, Dakota Kai, and Shayna Baszler have all been shown the door, according to Fightful Select. Strowman's departure comes hot on the heels of a feud with the new US Champion Jacob Fatu, while Kai's exit follows a now-deleted post expressing her love for wrestling. No word yet on whether more cuts are on the horizon.

👹 Will Finn Bálor bring back The Demon to face Dominik Mysterio?

Finn Bálor is hinting at the return of his darker persona, The Demon, to face Dominik Mysterio. Bálor shared a haunting fan art piece with a caption, 'Arise.' The Demon last appeared in 2023 at WrestleMania 39. Since 2025, Bálor has been overshadowed by Mysterio and Liv Morgan. Mysterio's grandstanding as the Intercontinental Champion may trigger Bálor to unleash The Demon. The fan art suggests that Bálor is ready to reclaim his dominance in Judgment Day.

🔮 The rumor mill says his WWE debut is imminent, but he says he’s retired

Despite swirling rumors of Jeff Cobb's imminent WWE debut, the former IWGP Tag, Ring of Honor Television, and PWG World champion recently hinted at retirement on social media. '16 years is a long time to work, Happy Retirement to me….', Cobb posted, adding he'll 'let the waves take me to my next destination.' Known for his playful online presence, Cobb's post could also be a clever misdirect ahead of his speculated WWE appearance. Only time will tell.

💸 Honky Tonk Man remembers $10 tickets as WWE prices soar to $40,000

Wrestling fans, remember when $10 could get you a ringside seat? WWE Hall of Famer, The Honky Tonk Man, stirs up nostalgia remembering the good old days of $10 tickets at a 1988 Louisville house show. Fast forward to today, WWE SmackDown tickets are going for $208 each, and that's nothing compared to the whopping $40,000 for a front-row seat at SummerSlam. 'Awesome card...and those ticket prices! Boy, has THAT gone by the wayside,' a fan lamented.

🎬 Ben Affleck Expresses Interest In Playing Ric Flair In A Movie

During an appearance on This Past Weekend w/Theo Von podcast, Ben Affleck revealed his interest in playing Ric Flair in a movie. The actor-director shared this after a mention of his blonde wig for The Last Duel, leading to a conversation about Flair’s iconic blonde hair. In 2024, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions announced a Ric Flair biopic, with The Rock expressing his respect for Flair, stating, 'This project is personal, and we can’t wait to tell his unbelievable story.' Flair responded with heartfelt gratitude on social media.

💪 Nikki Bella Training Hard As WWE In-Ring Comeback Nears

Nikki Bella is gearing up for a return to the WWE ring. After a three-year hiatus, Bella made her comeback during the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match, making it to the final four. Now, she's hinted at a possible appearance at WWE Evolution PLE in July, with twin sister Brie potentially at her side. 'I’ve been slowly getting back into lifting heavier to prep for this comeback,' Bella shared on her podcast. Despite her past serious neck injury, it's clear Bella is committed to her comeback.

🇦🇺 WWE moves Crown Jewel to Australia, ending Saudi Arabia run

This year's Crown Jewel, WWE’s flagship event, is moving from Saudi Arabia to Perth, Australia on October 11. This shift ends the Saudi Arabia run which began in 2018. The change comes amid speculations of WWE scaling back to one Saudi event this year, with the upcoming Royal Rumble in 2026. The event coincides with Rhea Ripley’s birthday and John Cena’s projected final match in Australia. How Ripley will factor into WWE’s return to her homeland remains to be seen, but her involvement should be significant.

Latest AEW News, Rumors & Updates

📱 Mercedes Mone Announces Fan Texting Service

Wrestling superstar Mercedes Mone is offering fans a new way to connect - a monthly texting service. For $99.99, superfans can enjoy exclusive one-on-one chats with Mone herself. 'My super fans have always been my super friends. Now, like friends, they can text me directly and privately. I’m so excited to finally be able to connect this way,' Mone expressed. The service launch aligns with her successful run in AEW, where she remains undefeated in singles matches and holds multiple championships.

👊 Megan Bayne To Face Harley Cameron On Saturday's AEW Collision

In a quest for revenge, Harley Cameron is set to take on Megan Bayne in the upcoming May 3rd episode of AEW Collision. This face-off comes after Bayne's surprise attack on Anna Jay during the last episode. 'Harley Cameron wants payback for the Megasus attacking @annajay___ last week on Collision! Don’t miss it TOMORROW!' tweeted Tony Khan. Catch the clash on TBS, Saturday Night at 8ET/7CT.

🎙️ Mercedes Mone Breaks Character To Praise AEW Rival

In a unique display of admiration, Mercedes Mone has praised AEW rival Athena. After their one-on-one match at Dynamite, Mone expressed her respect for Athena's ring prowess. 'Facing Athena was not just a match, but a dream come true. I’ve admired her since our indie days—her creativity and innovation in the ring are truly unmatched.' Mone is set to face Jamie Hayter at Double or Nothing, with the winner challenging for the Women’s World Championship at All In Texas.

🔔🦅 AEW announces two-week residency at the former ECW Arena

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is heading to Philadelphia for a two-week residency at the 2300 Arena, previously known as ECW Arena. The residency will feature six AEW shows from August 27 to September 11, including AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision. It's the first time AEW events will be held at this historic venue, a move celebrated by AEW CEO Tony Khan who said, 'We are thrilled to bring AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision to the 2300 Arena...I look forward to returning to the 2300 Arena for the first time since I was 13 years old and bring our passionate fans in Philadelphia an incredible few weeks of AEW shows this summer.' Ticket details are yet to be announced.

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