Vince McMahon

Chicago, IL – Cody Rhodes has definitively addressed speculation about his future in professional wrestling, stating that his next contract with WWE will be his last. The former Undisputed WWE Champion, currently preparing for a high-stakes match at Elimination Chamber, revealed his decision during an appearance on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike on Wednesday.

Rhodes, who has experienced a remarkable career trajectory including a departure from WWE, building his profile elsewhere, and a triumphant return, indicated he envisions concluding his wrestling journey within the company. “I don’t have an conclude date like I used to,” Rhodes said. “I do know that whatever the next deal that I sign with WWE, I ain’t going nowhere, that next deal will be the last.”

The announcement comes as Rhodes, 40, continues to perform at a high level, defying conventional expectations about athlete longevity in a physically demanding sport. He pointed to the continued success of several veteran performers as evidence that age is no longer the limiting factor it once was.

“Wrestling’s so unique in terms of it’s hard to determine your time. Especially in 2026, with the level of athlete that you can grow to be,” Rhodes explained. He specifically cited Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk as examples of wrestlers who are currently performing at their peak despite their experience. “Look at what Brock [Lesnar] is doing currently at this level, he’s in peak form. Roman, older, peak form. Punk, Punk is the best he’s ever been. So age is really not what it used to be in the industry.”

Elimination Chamber and Beyond

Rhodes’ focus is currently on this Saturday’s Elimination Chamber event in Chicago, where he will compete against Randy Orton, Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, LA Knight, and Jey Uso. The grueling match format will determine who earns a guaranteed opportunity to challenge Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.

The Elimination Chamber match is known for its brutal structure and unpredictable outcomes. The steel cage surrounds the ring, and competitors are placed in pods, entering the match at timed intervals. The last wrestler remaining wins the coveted championship opportunity.

A Career Defined by Resilience

Rhodes’ commitment to finishing his career with WWE represents a full-circle moment for the athlete. After initially leaving the company to forge his own path, he returned to a hero’s welcome, captivating audiences with his compelling storyline and undeniable talent. His journey has resonated with fans who appreciate his dedication and perseverance.

The decision to sign a final contract with WWE signals a level of contentment and satisfaction with his career arc. Rhodes has consistently spoken about wanting to leave a lasting legacy in the sport, and remaining with WWE allows him to continue building that legacy on a global stage.

With WrestleMania 42 on the horizon, and a potential championship match against Drew McIntyre looming, Rhodes has a clear path forward. His performance at Elimination Chamber will be crucial in determining his next chapter, but his long-term future appears firmly rooted within the WWE landscape.

What comes next for Cody Rhodes will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike. His dedication to the sport and his commitment to WWE suggest a continued pursuit of excellence and a desire to leave an indelible mark on professional wrestling.

Share your thoughts on Cody Rhodes’ announcement in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow wrestling fans!

When The Rascalz – Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz, and Myron Reed – debuted in All Elite Wrestling in January, a familiar sonic element immediately caught the attention of fans. The trio walked to the ring accompanied by the same entrance theme they’d used during their time in TNA Wrestling, sparking speculation that AEW President Tony Khan had specifically acquired the rights to the music for their arrival. However, the story behind the music’s continued use is more nuanced than a direct purchase.

The Rascalz have quickly become contenders in AEW’s tag team division, and their established presentation played a role in a seamless transition. Their arrival, alongside a recent victory over FTR, has positioned them for a potential shot at the AEW World Tag Team Championship, though the path to that opportunity remains dependent on the outcome of the ongoing rivalry between FTR and The Young Bucks.

According to a report from Fightful Select, AEW didn’t purchase the theme directly from TNA. Instead, the track is part of a licensed music library already accessible to the promotion. Because AEW had existing rights to utilize music from that provider, no additional negotiations or costs were necessary. This practice of using library tracks is common throughout the professional wrestling industry, allowing talent to maintain recognizable themes when moving between companies that share similar licensing agreements.

The use of pre-existing licensed music highlights a practical approach to talent presentation in a landscape where wrestlers frequently move between promotions. It allows for continuity and fan recognition without incurring significant expenses or navigating complex rights negotiations.

The Rascalz’s Early Success in AEW

Since joining AEW, The Rascalz have demonstrated their capabilities in the ring. While they initially fell short in a three-way number one contenders match, they rebounded with a significant win on a recent episode of AEW Collision. The group secured a statement victory over FTR, comprised of Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler. The match’s outcome was influenced by a timely distraction provided by The Young Bucks, allowing The Rascalz to capitalize and secure the win.

This victory has firmly placed The Rascalz in contention for an AEW World Tag Team Championship opportunity. However, the championship picture remains fluid, contingent on the result of the upcoming match between FTR and The Young Bucks at AEW Revolution.

Trey Miguel’s Short-Lived AEW Run

Initially, Trey Miguel was also slated to join The Rascalz’s move to All Elite Wrestling. He signed a contract alongside the rest of the group when they departed TNA ahead of its premiere on AMC. However, Miguel’s AEW stint was brief. He was released shortly after signing, a decision reportedly stemming from concerns raised by leadership within Warner Bros. Discovery regarding past social media posts. This led to his departure before he could appear on AEW television.

Following his release, Miguel returned to TNA Wrestling, where he quickly regained momentum as a singles competitor. On February 13, 2026, at the No Surrender event in Nashville, Tennessee, he defeated Channing Stacks Lorenzo to win the TNA International Championship, demonstrating his continued success outside of AEW.

Meanwhile, The Rascalz continue to build momentum in AEW, awaiting the outcome of the FTR versus The Young Bucks rivalry to determine their path toward a championship opportunity. Their established presence, aided by the familiar sound of their entrance theme, positions them as a force to be reckoned with in the tag team division.

As AEW Revolution approaches, the landscape of the tag team division will become clearer, and The Rascalz’s next move will be determined. Fans can expect continued action and competition as the group strives to claim their place at the top of the AEW tag team ranks.

What are your thoughts on The Rascalz’s arrival in AEW? Share your opinions in the comments below!

Tampa, Florida – Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal was observed backstage at the National Wrestling Alliance’s (NWA) Powerrr television tapings on February 21st, igniting discussion among wrestling fans about his future. The event, a sold-out show at an undisclosed location in Tampa, saw Mahal reportedly visiting with colleagues on the NWA roster, though he wasn’t involved in any official capacity.

Mahal’s appearance comes nearly two years after his release from WWE during a period of roster cuts in 2024. His initial run with the company ended in 2014, but he returned in 2021 before ultimately becoming a free agent. The 2017 WWE Championship win, a significant moment in his career, saw him defeat Randy Orton to claim the title, a victory that reshaped his trajectory within the promotion.

Since departing from WWE, Raj Dhesi, as Mahal is known outside the ring, has remained active in professional wrestling, accepting bookings on the independent circuit. His presence at the NWA tapings has naturally fueled speculation about a potential move to the promotion, or at least future collaborations. The NWA is scheduled to return to Tampa on April 25th for another round of studio television tapings, offering a potential opportunity for further developments.

Mahal’s WWE Career: A Look Back

Jinder Mahal’s journey in professional wrestling has been marked by periods of both success and transition. His initial WWE run saw limited opportunities, leading to his release in 2014. However, a significant physical transformation and a renewed focus led to his return in 2021. The unexpected championship victory in 2017, while controversial to some, undeniably elevated his profile and provided a platform for a sustained run as a main event competitor.

NWA’s Recent Growth and Focus

The National Wrestling Alliance has been undergoing a revitalization in recent years, focusing on a classic wrestling style and building a dedicated fanbase. The promotion’s Powerrr series, filmed in a studio setting, has become a cornerstone of its programming. The NWA’s return to Tampa on April 25th will continue this momentum, providing fans with more action and potentially unveiling modern storylines.

Mahal’s appearance at the February 21st tapings, while seemingly a casual visit, underscores the interconnected nature of the professional wrestling world. With the independent scene thriving and wrestlers increasingly exploring opportunities outside of major promotions, the possibility of cross-promotion collaborations and unexpected appearances is higher than ever.

What comes next for Jinder Mahal remains to be seen. His continued presence on the independent circuit and his recent visit to an NWA event suggest he is actively exploring his options. The April 25th tapings in Tampa could provide further insight into his plans.

What are your thoughts on Jinder Mahal’s appearance at the NWA event? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow wrestling fans!

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T added an unexpected twist to the UFC Houston event this past weekend, appearing cageside at the Toyota Center on February 21, 2026. The crossover appearance sparked excitement among fans and signaled a growing convergence between the worlds of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.

The surprise visit wasn’t a fleeting one. TNT Sports captured footage of Booker T, visibly enjoying the action, which was shared on Facebook. During the UFC broadcast, a commentator acknowledged the wrestling legend, stating, “Booker T, the WWE Hall of Famer, with us here inside the Toyota Center.” The camera then focused on Booker T, who responded with a smile and wave to the crowd, proudly displaying his WWE Hall of Fame rings. This appearance highlights a trend of increased interaction between the two combat sports, driven by shared audiences and a desire for compelling entertainment.

Booker T’s presence at UFC Houston wasn’t the only highlight of the evening. Inside the Octagon, Strickland secured a third-round victory over Anthony Hernandez in the main event. Earlier in the night, Uroš Medić delivered a quick first-round knockout win against Geoff Neal, adding another thrilling moment to the card, according to Wrestling News Source.

This isn’t an isolated incident. The appearance of wrestling icons like Booker T at UFC events, and conversely, UFC fighters at WWE shows, is becoming increasingly common. As Memesita.com points out, both industries excel at selling drama, athleticism, and compelling narratives. Veteran sports analyst Mark Johnson notes that pro wrestling has long been underestimated in its storytelling capabilities, a skill MMA is now recognizing as crucial for amplifying its appeal.

The TKO Group Holdings Influence

The recent acquisition of both WWE and UFC by TKO Group Holdings in 2023 appears to be accelerating this trend. The corporate structure now actively encourages synergy between the two organizations, leading to expectations of more cross-promotion, joint marketing initiatives, and potentially even collaborative events. This strategic alignment aims to capitalize on the overlapping fan bases and create a more unified combat sports experience.

Booker T, born March 1, 1965, is a highly decorated professional wrestler and trainer, as detailed on Wikipedia. His appearance at UFC Houston demonstrates a willingness from established wrestling figures to embrace and acknowledge the growing popularity of MMA. The crossover appeal is likewise evident in the presence of other celebrities at the event, including rapper Bun B and MMA fighters Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Yair Rodriguez, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.

The UFC Houston event, featuring Strickland’s victory and Medić’s knockout, delivered on the action inside the Octagon. However, the presence of a WWE Hall of Famer like Booker T underscored a larger narrative: the lines between professional wrestling and mixed martial arts are blurring, and the future of combat sports may well involve a greater degree of collaboration and cross-promotion.

As TKO Group Holdings continues to integrate WWE and UFC, fans can anticipate further instances of this crossover. The success of events like UFC Houston, coupled with the enthusiastic reception of figures like Booker T, suggests a growing appetite for a more unified and entertaining combat sports landscape. What remains to be seen is the extent to which these two worlds will continue to merge, and what new opportunities will arise from this evolving relationship.

What are your thoughts on the growing crossover between WWE and UFC? Share your opinions in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow combat sports fans!