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HBK vs Shelton Rewind 🗓️, Ricochet Rips WWE 🤯, Punk & Triple H Embrace 📸
Friday, May 2nd, 2025
Good morning. Today we rewind to one of Raw’s greatest matches as Shawn Michaels met Shelton Benjamin in the 2005 Gold Rush Tournament — capped off by a legendary Sweet Chin Music finish. A preview of WWE SmackDown tonight, AEW ratings are in following Wednesday’s All-Star Dynamite, Ricochet blasts WWE in a candid post-signing quote, CM Punk’s backstage moment with Triple H has fans buzzing, and much more. But before we dig in…
It’s time to play The Friday Crossword!
These moves defined eras — now it’s your turn to name them. Whether they ended a title match, shocked the crowd, got spammed 10 times in a WrestleMania main event, or became forever tied to a wrestler’s legacy, finishers and signature moves are a huge part of what makes wrestling unforgettable. This week’s crossword is packed with the most impactful moves from across eras and promotions. Think you can name them all?
Ok, now lets dig in!
🗓️ On This Day in WWE - 2005
Sweet Chin Music Heard Around the World
20 years ago today, WWE Monday Night Raw hosted a match still etched in wrestling fans’ minds: Shawn Michaels vs. Shelton Benjamin in the first round of the Gold Rush Tournament. In what’s widely regarded as one of the greatest singles matches in Raw history, the two put on a counter-heavy clinic packed with athleticism, reversals, and near-falls. The match’s unforgettable finish saw Benjamin springboard across the ring—only to get met mid-air by Michaels' perfectly-timed Sweet Chin Music, sealing the win and earning HBK a spot in the next round.
Still one of the best finishes ever. No notes.
🔮 WWE SmackDown Preview (May 2nd, 2025)
Full Match Card and Lineup
Live Tonight, 8pm EST on USA
Aleister Black vs. The Miz
Latest WWE News, Rumors & Updates
🎤 WWE's Dominik Mysterio Explains Why He Returned To Ring At WrestleMania 41
Dominik Mysterio took home the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 41, leaving fans chanting 'Dirty Dom'. In a recent 'Busted Open Radio' interview, he revealed the unexpected fan reaction extended his celebration time. 'As soon as we heard that reaction and I started mobbing up the ramp, I got word [to] just wait it out, wait for the replays and go back to the ring,' Mysterio said. This marks his first main roster singles title since his WWE debut during the pandemic.
😨 Zelina Vega Details Husband Aleister Black's Fear About WWE Return
Aleister Black's WWE return created a buzz, but the excitement didn't cover his initial fears. His wife, Zelina Vega, shared on 'Busted Open Radio' that Black was worried fans wouldn't remember him. 'He did [have a fear fans weren't going to remember him],' Vega stated. Despite his concerns, Black's reemergence on 'WWE SmackDown' was met with enthusiastic cheers, proving his fears unfounded. Previously, Black wrestled for WWE until 2021, then moved to All Elite Wrestling, and returned to WWE in 2025.
🤼♀️ WWE Star Makes Strange Claim About Working For Triple H
Natalya, WWE veteran, has a renewed zest for wrestling and is keen on proving her mettle to Triple H, despite her recent career slump and absences from main roster television. She feels so alive and free doing outside projects like her debut non-WWE match since 2007 at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, and her upcoming challenge for the NWA Women’s World Championship. Natalya believes Triple H doesn’t owe her anything, but she's determined to earn her way back into the women’s division.
Latest AEW News, Rumors & Updates
💥 AEW Dynamite 4/30/25: 3 Things We Hated And 3 Things We Loved
Mixed reactions from the latest AEW Dynamite episode include a disappointment over Jamie Hayter's overshadowed moment and MJF's forgetful storyline, while an all-star eight-man tag team match and Samoa Joe's smart tactics against Jon Moxley won praise. A future showdown between 'Hangman' Adam Page and Will Ospreay is eagerly anticipated. Despite some compelling storylines, criticism was pointed at the excessive reliance on ROH title belts.
🔎 Report: Former WWE & TNA Name Working Behind The Scenes For AEW
Josh Matthews, a former WWE and TNA icon, has been spotted working behind the scenes in AEW's production trucks, aiding in match planning. This reveal validates a recent report from Dave Meltzer that Matthews joined AEW earlier. Known for his onscreen roles, Matthews is no stranger to behind-the-scenes work after serving as TNA's Senior Director of Digital Media. His move to AEW also brings him back together with his wife, Madison Rayne, who is a producer and occasional wrestler at AEW.
🚀 Tony Khan’s all-star booking gives AEW Dynamite a boost in the numbers
AEW Dynamite's April 30 episode, featuring an 'All-Star 8-Man Tag' match, netted 629,000 viewers and a 0.16 rating in the 18-49 demographic. This marks a substantial increase from last week's 521K viewership. The episode also spotlighted Timeless Toni Storm’s open challenge and Hangman Page's bout against Kyle Fletcher. Despite going head-to-head with an NBA playoffs game, Dynamite maintained solid numbers. Can Tony Khan pull another magic trick out of his booking hat to keep numbers steady or going up from here? Only time will tell.
⭐ Tony Khan Wants AEW Star To Stay With Company Forever
AEW's Tony Khan is all praise for Ricochet, who made a stunning heel turn after joining AEW post his WWE stint. In an interview with Superstar Crossover, Khan lauded Ricochet's wrestling skills, his compelling character, and his fantastic work ethic. 'He’s done a fantastic job with it. I’m incredibly impressed with him. I’m proud that AEW has Ricochet on our roster for years to come — and hopefully forever because that guy’s a star,' Khan said.
🎭 AEW's Will Ospreay Opens Up About Dealing With Imposter Syndrome
Will Ospreay, AEW's decorated champion, candidly shares his past struggle with imposter syndrome. Once a 22-year-old working in a mastic firm and wrestling over weekends, Ospreay often felt out of place in the ring, especially when chosen to wrestle imports in RevPro. 'I wrestled Matt Sydal and AJ Styles, and I struggled understanding who I was.' Despite his doubts, key figures saw his potential, leading to his entry into the 2016 Best of the Super Juniors tournament.
🤔 Why AEW's Ricochet Calls Bryan Danielson An 'Idiot'
Ricochet, now shining in AEW, has labeled Bryan Danielson an 'idiot' after being left off Danielson's list of AEW's top talent. 'I knew Bryan Danielson was an idiot,' Ricochet tweeted, reacting to Danielson's interview with The Daily Star. Despite both being established indie stars and their time together in WWE, the two have rarely crossed paths professionally. Uncertainty surrounds Danielson's future in-ring presence, but Ricochet continues to make waves, recently securing a win in an 'AEW Dynamite' match.
⭐️ AEW Set To Bring In Another Free Agent
Thekla, a top international wrestler and former star of STARDOM, is reportedly on her way to AEW. After a dramatic exit from STARDOM, rumors swirled that Thekla might follow former stablemate Giulia to WWE, but insider sources believe AEW is more likely. Fightful Select reports that there's been 'heavy interest' from AEW since late 2024, and Thekla herself has been planning a U.S. move for some time.
🤠 AEW gave us the biggest teases yet for two huge All In Texas matches
AEW is ramping up the tension ahead of their All In Texas event on July 12. The April 30 Dynamite highlighted the brewing rivalry between Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada, and the much-anticipated singles showdown between Timeless Toni Storm and Mercedes Moné. In an interview, Moné discussed her triumph at Double or Nothing and her upcoming AEW Women’s World title bid. Meanwhile, Jamie Hayter crashed Storm’s in-arena promo after her Title Eliminator win, adding more intrigue to the All In Texas lineup.
🚑 Injured AEW Star Closing In On Return?
Skye Blue, who suffered a broken ankle during a match with Hikaru Shida last July, might be ready to step back into the AEW ring. Fightful Select reported her backstage presence during a recent Dynamite event in Norfolk, Virginia, stirring speculation about her potential comeback. Although her return isn't confirmed, AEW's upcoming Beach Break event in her hometown of Chicago on May 14 is the rumored target date for her return.
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