JC Mateo Wins WWE Debut Match During 5/16 SmackDown - Page 38

JC Mateo Wins WWE Debut Match During 5/16 SmackDown

The May 16 edition of WWE SmackDown took place at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. You never know what WWE is going to bring to the table, and that included a big debut match that nobody saw coming.

This was a big night for Jeff Cobb on WWE SmackDown. He made his debut at Backlash, and this week he received his new WWE name, JC Mateo.

After Solo Sikoa won the Money in the Bank qualifying match this week, LA Knight came out to clear out the after-match skirmish. That is when SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis made his way out to book a match with JC Mateo against Knight. Fans didn’t have to wait long to see it.

The former Jeff Cobb took on LA Knight next during the night. The two had quite a hard-hitting match as WWE fans got their first look at the former NJPW star.

LA Knight took control of the contest for a bit, but then JC Mateo was able to show why he is such a threat in the squared circle. They went to commercial break, and Mateo was still in full control of the contest when they returned, as he kept LA Knight down with a mat wrestling hold.

The match continued, and Mateo was able to avoid a BFT. Then Mateo nailed a suplex and a standing moonsault for a two count. Knight was able to come back and nail a running knee on the apron, but then he took time for a springboard crossbody to take out Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa at ringside.

LA Knight then jumped into JC Mateo’s arms for a Tour of the Islands. That closed the match and gave Mateo his first win in WWE. It should also be noted that Solo Sikoa’s music played during Mateo’s victory celebration.

We will have to see what is next for JC Mateo in WWE. At this rate, he is certainly gaining a lot of attention.

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What’s your take on JC Mateo in WWE? Do you think he’s off on the right track? Let us know what you think in the comments section!

Solo Sikoa Qualifies For Men’s Money in the Bank Match During 5/16 WWE SmackDown

Solo Sikoa Qualifies For Men's Money in the Bank Match During 5/16 WWE SmackDown

The May 16 episode of WWE SmackDown was held at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. The show included qualifying matches for the Money in the Bank event. Two bouts were held to decide entries for the men’s and women’s ladder matches.

The men’s Money in the Bank match has become one of the most important matches on WWE’s schedule every year. Now we know at least one man who will be in that match.

The Men’s Qualifier included Jimmy Uso, Rey Fenix, and Solo Sikoa. The winner would be the first to join the field for the high-stakes ladder match in June. The 2025 WWE Money in the Bank event will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, just outside of Los Angeles.

This match continued through a commercial break, and it was placed just at the end of the show’s second hour. Fenix looked as though he could have won, but the same could be said for everyone in this match.

Fans were split between cheering for Jimmy Uso and Fenix, with Solo Sikoa getting booed heavily. Solo was soon able to gain control of the match, as he slowed things down to his pace.

Eventually, Jimmy Uso nailed a spear on Fenix, but it only resulted in a two-count. Big Jim got on the apron, and Jacob Fatu provided a distraction for Solo to hit him with a Big Spike. Then Fenix nailed an Adios Amigos on Solo, which was followed by Solo nailing a Samoan Spike for the win. Now, Solo Sikoa will be in the Money in the Bank match.

We will have to see what happens at Money in the Bank. At this rate, anything can happen on the road to the big event in California.

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What’s your take on this Money in the Bank qualifying match? Who do you think will win this year? Let us know what you think in the comments section!

Giulia Makes Full Time WWE Main Roster Move During 5/16 SmackDown

Giulia Makes Full Time WWE Main Roster Move During 5/16 SmackDown

Former NXT Women’s Champion Giulia is now officially part of the SmackDown roster. WWE made the announcement during a backstage segment on the May 16 episode of SmackDown, where Giulia was seen exiting the office of SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis.

Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair were discussing a possible alliance outside Aldis’ office when Giulia walked out, catching both women by surprise. Aldis quickly introduced her as SmackDown’s newest full-time talent, making it clear that Giulia’s transition to the main roster is complete.

“This is Giulia – SmackDown’s newest roster member,” Aldis said, confirming that the former NXT star is now officially done with the developmental brand.

Giulia originally debuted on SmackDown back in September 2024 in a match against Chelsea Green, and now it appears she’s there to stay. With her NXT days behind her, the powerhouse is set to take on the best that SmackDown’s women’s division has to offer.

John Cena Set to Face R-Truth at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

John Cena Set to Face R-Truth at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event

You never know what can happen when R-Truth is a part of the situation, and the May 16 edition of WWE SmackDown included a memorable segment for fans of the veteran WWE Superstar. The First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina played host to the night’s events, and that included a sit-down interview with Truth.

John Cena shocked the pro wrestling world when he turned his time during the conference after Backlash into a promo with R-Truth. He AA’ed his longtime fan through a table, but this week, R-Truth had something to say about it.

Wade Barrett had a chance to sit down with R-Truth this week on SmackDown to pick his brain. He wanted to get Truth’s thoughts on what went down at Backlash, which included R-Truth getting involved in the WWE World Title match with Randy Orton.

R-Truth said during that time on SmackDown that he was inspired by John Cena for years to never quit. He remembered how hustle, loyalty, and respect resonated with him as a “beacon of light.”

When Wade Barrett pointed out how crazy it was that John Cena repaid R-Truth at Backlash by putting him through a table. Truth said that wasn’t John Cena, because that John couldn’t put him through a table.

Then R-Truth said that he doesn’t want to fight John Cena, but he is willing to beat him back to his senses. That is when he revealed that he has already spoken to SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, and the match is set for Saturday Night Main Event on May 24.

We will have to see what happens in the future. For all we know, John Cena and R-Truth could tear the house down with the proper build.

What’s your take on how the R-Truth storyline with John Cena has developed? Is this match an example of ultimate long-term booking? Let us know what you think in the comments section!

Alexa Bliss Secures Her Spot In Women’s Money in the Bank During 5/16 WWE SmackDown

Alexa Bliss Secures Her Spot In Women's Money in the Bank During 5/16 WWE SmackDown

The May 16 edition of WWE SmackDown took place at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. The night featured qualifying matches for the upcoming Money in the Bank event. Two matches determined participants for both the men’s and women’s ladder matches.

In the Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier, Chelsea Green, Alexa Bliss, and Michin competed in a triple threat match. The winner secured a spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match. WWE’s 2025 Money in the Bank event is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles.

This match kicked off the show as the first contest of the night, right after Solo Sikoa and his crew opened up the night by debuting Jeff Cobb’s new WWE name. Fans were more than ready for the contest to go down to see who WWE is picking as the first competitor in this year’s women’s Money in the Bank match.

These three women left it all in the ring, and the match stretched through a commercial break. At one point, all three of them were out on the mat. At one point, Michin almost had the win after nailing Chelsea Green with an Eat Defeet, but Bliss broke up the pinfall.

Alexa Bliss nailed a Twisted Bliss on Michin, but Green knocked her off. Then Green hit an Unprettier, but Bliss pulled Michin out of the ring. Then Bliss returned to nail a Sister Abigail on Green to pick up the win. Now, Alexa Bliss is going to Money in the Bank.

We will have to see what goes down on the way to Money in the Bank. That is usually a big pay-per-view for the company, and that will include a ton of updates and unexpected events.

What’s your take on how WWE is preparing for Money in the Bank this year? Let us know what you think in the comments section!

Jeff Cobb Gets New WWE Name During 5/16 SmackDown

Jeff Cobb Gets New WWE Name During 5/16 SmackDown

You never know what can happen when Solo Sikoa and his faction are a part of the situation, and the May 16 edition of WWE SmackDown did not disappoint. In fact, fans got even more to the story.

Jeff Cobb showed up at WWE Backlash, and that helped keep the United States Title around Jacob Fatu’s shoulder. Now Cobb has a new name.

WWE SmackDown kicked off this week with Solo Sikoa and his crew coming out. He wasted no time introducing everyone to his man, J.C. It was later announced that his full name is J.C. Mateo.

WWE has locked down the J.C. name with a trademark, so that will be Jeff Cobb’s new moniker. It is not a stretch from his actual name, as they are using his initials. It will be interesting to see if they ever actually call him Jeff Cobb in WWE at this point.

We will have to see what is next for J.C. and Solo Sikoa’s faction. At this point, anything is possible.

What’s your take on Jeff Cobb’s new name in WWE? Could they have done better than J.C? Let us know what you think in the comments section!

Gabe Kidd Invading 5/14 AEW Dynamite Leads To Anarchy In The Arena Match At Double or Nothing

Gabe Kidd Invading 5/14 AEW Dynamite Leads To Anarchy In The Arena Match At Double or Nothing

The AEW Dynamite Beach Break event was a very special episode of AEW Dynamite on May 14, 2025. The main event of the night was unpredictable, and that included a big surprise for Samoa Joe in the form of Gabe Kidd.

Samoa Joe and Jon Moxley threw down in the main event of AEW Dynamite this week. The two had it out in a cage match for the AEW World Title.

This was a first for AEW, as the World Title had never been defended in a cage match before. Samoa Joe struck first blood as Jon Moxley was busted open. Still, the match carried on through a commercial break.

When we got back, Samoa Joe found himself taking even more punishment from Jon Moxley. He ate a Paradigm Shift, but Joe kicked out. Then Joe locked on a Coquina Clutch, and even though The Death Riders tried to help out, Willow Nightingale and Powerhouse Hobbs took care of them.

Suddenly, someone in a hood slid the briefcase to Jon Moxley, and he used it on Samoa Joe to secure the win. The hooded man turned out to be Gabe Kidd as he got involved in this match.

After the match was over, the babyfaces took a beatdown. Gabe Kidd then got in the ring and he joined Jon Moxley. That is when the Young Bucks came out to applaud Moxley’s winning efforts. Before they could shake Jon Moxley’s hand, Kenny Omega came out to the ring. Then Kazuchika Okada jumped him, and then they lowered the cage around the beaten-down babyfaces. A massacre followed as the heels dismantled the babyfaces one at a time. Suddenly, Swerve Strickland made his way to the ring with Prince Nana by his side. After that, Swerve Strickland challenged the heels to an Anarchy in the Arena match at Double or Nothing.

We will have to see what is next for Gabe Kidd in AEW. At this rate, he is certainly making big waves with this move.

What’s your take on the AEW World Title picture? Let us know what you think in the comments section!

Mina Shirakawa Becomes #1 Contender For Toni Storm’s AEW Women’s Title During 5/14 Dynamite

Mina Shirakawa Becomes #1 Contender For Toni Storm's AEW Women's Title During 5/14 Dynamite

The AEW Dynamite Beach Break event was a very special episode of AEW Dynamite on May 14, 2025. The show went down at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and fans saw a lot of things go down for the women’s division in one huge four-way match. This week’s AEW Dynamite included a big … Read more

Joe Hendry and Trick Williams Face Off in Heated TNA Title Contract Signing on NXT

Joe Hendry and Trick Williams Face Off in Heated TNA Title Contract Signing on NXT

WWE NXT set the stage for a historic clash at Battleground as Joe Hendry and Trick Williams put pen to paper for the TNA World Championship match — a first for NXT. The sit-down contract signing on the May 13 episode featured Hendry and Williams facing off in a tense segment with NXT General Manager Ava overseeing the proceedings.

Ava hyped up the TNA World Title, naming legends like Kurt Angle and Bubba Ray Dudley who once held the gold. But it didn’t take long for the war of words to start.

Trick Williams, who now calls himself “Hollywood Trick,” vowed to take more than just the title. “I’m taking your fame, your title, and your brand,” he declared, staring down Hendry.

Hendry fired back, reminding Trick that he’s been taking risks and making a name for himself in TNA, something he says Trick used to do. “That used to be you, Trick. Not anymore,” Hendry said, claiming that TNA Wrestling is hotter than ever and he plans to carry the title with pride at Battleground.

Things nearly got physical before Ava stepped in to separate the two. But both men signed the contract, with the TNA World Title set to be defended on a WWE Premium Live Event for the first time ever on May 25 in Tampa.

Will Joe Hendry keep his grip on the TNA World Championship, or will Trick Williams back up his bold words and walk out of Battleground with the gold? Share your predictions in the comments below!

Tony D’Angelo’s Safe House Drama Results In New Battleground Match During 5/13 WWE NXT

Tony D'Angelo's Safe House Drama Results In New Battleground Match During 5/13 WWE NXT

The Family is officially at war, and it all went down on the May 13 episode of WWE NXT. Throughout the night, tension simmered as Stacks made his way to Tony D’Angelo’s safe house, where he warned the Don of NXT that a storm was coming.

In a series of segments, Tony D’Angelo, still battered from his match earlier in the night, made his way to the safe house. But instead of finding refuge, he found betrayal. Stacks ambushed Tony D., attacking him and sending a clear message that their partnership is over.

“I’m putting an end to the Don of NXT at Battleground,” Stacks declared, making it clear that their feud will culminate in a showdown at Battleground on May 25 in Tampa.

For months, Tony D’Angelo and Stacks have been a force to be reckoned with in NXT, but now it looks like their alliance has completely fallen apart — and the consequences will be settled in the ring.

Myles Borne Reveals Battle with Deafness in Emotional NXT Promo

Myles Borne Reveals Battle with Deafness in Emotional NXT Promo

Myles Borne opened the May 13 episode of WWE NXT with a heartfelt promo, revealing a deeply personal struggle he’s faced his entire life. The NXT star told the crowd that he is deaf, a condition he’s battled since birth, but he never allowed it to hold him back from chasing his dreams in the ring.

“I never let it stop me,” Borne said, reflecting on how he’s overcome adversity to reach the biggest match of his career. That match is set for Battleground on May 25, where he will challenge NXT Champion Oba Femi for the NXT Title. Borne’s rise to the #1 contender spot was cemented last week when he pulled off a surprising victory in a #1 contender match.

Just as Borne was soaking in the moment, Ethan Page interrupted, making it clear that he doesn’t think Borne deserves the title shot. Page confronted Borne in the ring, accusing him of not being ready for the main event spotlight and claiming that the #1 contender spot should be his.

The confrontation quickly escalated, leading to a match with major implications — Borne agreed to put his #1 contender spot on the line against Page. If Borne loses, he’ll be out of the title picture entirely, handing the shot to Page instead.

This isn’t the first time Borne’s resolve has been tested. Throughout his NXT run, he’s fought through adversity and refused to let his disability define him. But now, with the biggest opportunity of his career hanging by a thread, Borne faces a new challenge in the form of Ethan Page.

Do you think Myles Borne will hold onto his #1 contender spot and go on to face Oba Femi at Battleground, or will Ethan Page take it away from him? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

GUNTHER Announces Future WWE World Heavyweight Title Shot During 5/12 WWE RAW

GUNTHER Announces Future WWE World Heavyweight Title Shot During 5/12 WWE RAW

WWE RAW took over the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky on May 12 for a packed night of action. Logan Paul’s quest to find a top spot in WWE continued, and he set his sights on the biggest prize for the RAW brand.

Jey Uso addressed Logan Paul’s sneak attack during RAW this week. The Maverick made it very clear that he wants a shot at Main Event Jey Uso’s championship, and Uce isn’t going to back down from a fight.

Jey Uso will defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Logan Paul at Saturday Night’s Main Event. That will go down on May 24, 2025, from Tampa, Florida, at the Yuengling Center.

Jey Uso was already around during the opening segment of RAW this week. The leader of the Yeet Movement came out to make a save for CM Punk and Sami Zayn. He then came out during the show’s second hour to address his upcoming match against Logan Paul. Uce also had quite an entrance through the crowd, including a repeat of his entrance music to get fans going.

Uce said that there is a big target on his big back, so he was out there to get something off of his big chest. The promo was full of “yeets” from the crowd, and Uce said he was ready to take on The Maverick at Saturday Night’s Main Event. He also made a promise that he will still be the champion after that match. Then GUNTHER came out to confront Jey Uso.

The man who destroyed Pat McAfee at Backlash made his way to the ring, and he went right to get a microphone. GUNTHER said that it was unimaginable that Jey Uso beat him at WrestleMania, and Uso reminded him that he tapped out.

GUNTHER then revealed that the winner of Logan Paul and Jey Uso’s match at Saturday Night’s Main Event will take on GUNTHER. The Ring General was very confident about his chances on June 9 in Phoenix, Arizona on WWE RAW. Naturally, GUNTHER can’t wait for that match to go down.

Jey Uso replied that he will walk into that match and out of it as World Heavyweight Champion. He was very confident in his chances as fans were behind him. Still, GUNTHER didn’t seem phased.

WWE has a lot of surprises in store, and a lot of them include celebrities. At this point, Logan Paul is considered a full-fledged WWE Superstar, so only time will tell if this shot at the title will result in the beginning of a new era in WWE. GUNTHER will also present an incredible test for whomever walks out of Saturday Night’s Main Event as champion.

What’s your take on Jey Uso as WWE Champion? Do you think that he is going to drop the title to Logan Paul? Let us know what you think in the comments section!

CM Punk’s RAW Segment Erupts into Brawl with Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker

CM Punk’s RAW Segment Erupts into Brawl with Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker

WWE RAW rolled into the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky tonight, and it was quite a show. CM Punk was on hand, and that always means newsworthy events are bound to happen.

CM Punk lost his main event match at WrestleMania when Paul Heyman turned on both him and Roman Reigns during that triple threat contest. Punk hasn’t made much of an impact since then, but things were set to change this week.

CM Punk kicked off WWE RAW this week. Naturally, fans gave him an incredible reception as he made his way to the ring. Once he picked up the microphone, it was all down to business.

The Second City Savior was not happy, but he was glad to be in Louisville. He still can’t shake his anger, and he started talking about his list of enemies, with himself being number one with a bullet. He said that we’ve been here before, because Paul Heyman has stabbed him in the back before.

CM Punk proceeded to call Paul Heyman “a fat, little snake.” He also admitted to being mad at the “Temu CM Punk, Seth Rollins.” Then Punk said he can’t wait to squeeze Paul Heyman’s head until his eyes came out of his head. At that time, Paul Heyman’s voice was heard on the microphone. Punk told Heyman to come out, while calling him The Penguin.

Before Heyman could come any further, Seth Rollins’ music hit, and the Visionary came out with Bron Breakker behind him. CM Punk said that Rollins is “just a song,” and fans barked at Breakker. Seth Rollins then proceeded to say that Heyman is Punk’s best friend, but he made his life a living hell on the road to WrestleMania. The way Rollins saw it, Punk was the one who betrayed Heyman instead.

Seth Rollins said that his belief is that CM Punk is trash, and that is correct. Then Rollins said that Punk loves to play the victim. Then he sent Bron Breakker to the ring to arrange that for Punk. Punk and Breakker started fighting in the ring as Rollins got in. Breakker got the upperhand and beat Punk down, but then CM Punk got around Breakker to take down Punk before Breakker took him down. Suddenly, Sami Zayn rushed the ring, and he tried to help, but Bron Breakker took care of him. Then it was a two on one situation with Punk against Breakker and Rollins, who was given a chair by Heyman.

Jey Uso rushed the ring after that and helped Punk, but the Rollins and Breakker stopped him. Suddenly, Punk and Sami got in the ring with chairs to chase them all off. This is how the opening segment of RAW ended, and it was quite an exciting beginning.

We will have to see what CM Punk is able to do as WWE heads toward the summer. He still has a ton of attention on him, so whatever he does is sure to make some noise.

What’s our take on CM Punk’s direction in WWE at this point? How should they book him creatively? Let us know what you think in the comments section!