For the first time since 1999, the New York Knicks are going back to the NBA Finals after winning the Eastern Conference Finals in a four-game sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers. But while most are giving the credit to Knicks star players Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, “ESPN’s SportsCenter” believes another person may have been responsible: WWE’s Danhausen.
On Tuesday, one day after the Knicks closed out the Cavaliers with a 130-93 win, “SportsCenter” did a deep dive into Danhausen’s involvement with the series. And it began so in a way that may have undermined Danhausen’s influence, pointing out that Danhausen had originally cursed the Knicks, as well as “First Take” host and die hard Knicks fan Stephen A. Smith, earlier in the playoffs. Fortunately, the curse hadn’t worked, with the Knicks beating the Atlanta Hawks in six games in the first round before sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round.
It was at that point that Danhausen and the Knicks’ alliance officially formed, with Danhausen returning to ESPN to uncurse the Knicks and Smith, while placing a curse on the Cavaliers, much to the chagrin of Danhausen’s rival and Cavs fan The Miz. Danhausen saw immediate benefits from his change of course, receiving a jersey from the Knicks, as well as attending Game 1 of the Knicks-Cavs series in Madison Square Garden.
For a moment though, it looked like Danhausen’s curse may have backfired, as the Cavs dominated most of Game 1, even going up by twenty two points with a little over seven minutes left remaining. It was then that Brunson took over with a herculean performance to send the game to overtime, with the Knicks ultimately prevailing 115-104. The rest, as they say, was history, history that vindicated Danhausen’s cursing abilities, and landed him a crossover merch deal with the Knicks.
From the perspective of fans, Christopher Daniels’ retirement match in January 2025 came out of nowhere. According to Daniels himself, though, the element of surprise, as well as his final opponent, were purposeful.
“This was my idea. I actually went to Adam Page, and I asked him if we could do something where he would be the guy to retire me,” Daniels said on Highspots “Sign It Live.” “So I knew full well and I tried to keep it as under wraps as I could because I wanted it to be a surprise to the fans. I wanted people to be shocked because we don’t always know when the last time we get to do something is going to be. I wanted to portray the idea that it could happen at any time for anyone.”
As for the decision to appoint “Hangman” Adam Page as his opponent, Daniels noted that it originally stemmed from wanting to help the former AEW World Champion gain more heat in his heel run, which included an intense feud with Jay White. By the time he and Page reached the actual match, though, Page’s on-screen character had begun turning babyface. Nevertheless, the pair worked together to deliver the match they had long envisioned, just with this new creative dynamic taken into account.
“As that happened, he and I discussed how the match could stay the same, but the ramifications and the repercussions of him retiring me were going to be different now that he was becoming more of a popular character,” Daniels said. Page ultimately bested Daniels in a Texas Death Match on “AEW Collision” by dropping the industry veteran with a Deadeye onto a chair and following with a lariat to the back of his neck.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Sign It Live“with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
I know I’ve said that I’m glad Saquon Shugars is out of DarkState and is now hopefully going to be able to shine on his own very soon, but that “very soon” was not tonight, as he was nowhere to be seen. Until the very last few seconds of the broadcast, however, which changed over to the local news so fast it was hard to see him standing menacingly on a trailer in the “NXT” parking lot as his former stablemates left the building. Even if the camera did linger for a few more seconds, that’s all he was doing. Standing there.
Dion Lennox, Osiris Griffin, and Cutler James opened up the show with a promo attempting to explain themselves and just why they kicked Shugars out of the group. First, I could barely take them seriously when Shugars’ mask in their entrance graphic was just covered with a big, red “X” rather than being removed from the graphic entirely, which made it look really cheesy.
It can probably be chalked up to the fact that these guys are quite literally in developmental and still learning, but they also failed to play to the crowd at all during the opening segment, which made it really hard to get through. Rather than acknowledge the boos and chants, even with a passing “shut up” or something, Griffin, Lennox, and James seemed to just race through their lines. I know there can be some passionate hecklers in that Performance Center crowd, and some probably should be ignored, but it kind of took me out of it all, as we’ve seen plenty of developmental talent still playing up to and acknowledging the crowd.
The fact that Shugars didn’t run out to take out his former stable was really lame. Sure, he went through the commentary desk last week, but he could have come out with his ribs taped up for something. He was the toughest guy in DarkState by a mile, and his just lurking in the shadows at the end of the show was really, really dumb.
I’m assuming he’ll get involved next week during DarkState’s tag match against North American Champion Myles Borne and Tavion Heights, but there’s already a lot of story in that match with the tension between Borne and Heights. It would have made plenty more sense for him to get involved and save the opening promo segment, which would have set a better, more chaotic tone for the rest of the night.
Ludwig Kaiser remains active within WWE following his arrest, and a new report has shed light on how the company is handling the matter internally.
Kaiser, whose real name is Marcel Barthel, was arrested in Orange County, Florida on a misdemeanor battery charge tied to an alleged incident that took place in April in Orlando. Details of the charge indicate that the situation escalated after a confrontation involving another individual and a woman, leading to the alleged altercation.
The news of the arrest quickly raised questions about Kaiser’s standing in WWE, particularly as he has been involved in ongoing storylines and is also linked to appearances in AAA as El Grande Americano.
No Heat in WWE Following Arrest
According to Fightful Select, there is currently no internal heat on Ludwig Kaiser within WWE stemming from the arrest. However, the report adds that some within the company believe his release could eventually happen based on the information they have received.
The same report also addressed a separate narrative that circulated online, which claimed Kaiser had defended himself and Andrea Bazarte from comments related to ICE. Fightful noted that the story may not have originated directly from Kaiser or those close to him. Instead, it was reportedly distributed to multiple wrestling media outlets by an unfamiliar source, raising questions about its origin.
Reactions backstage have reportedly been mixed. Some talent expressed skepticism regarding the “defense” version of events and felt that Kaiser should have removed himself from the situation rather than allowing it to escalate.
Despite the situation, Kaiser is still expected to fulfill upcoming commitments. He is currently scheduled to compete in a mask vs. mask match against OG El Grande Americano at AAA Noche de Los Grandes. Following a judge’s clearance, there are no expected travel restrictions that would prevent him from appearing at the event.
As of now, WWE has not publicly commented on the situation, and Kaiser’s status remains unchanged in terms of ongoing creative plans.
NXT Results – May 26, 2026 – Welcome to Wrestling Attitude’s live coverage of WWE NXT for May 26, 2026, coming to you from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida!
Wren Sinclair versus Kelani Jordan
Kelani attacks Wren before the bell rings and she kicks and punches Wren.
The referee starts the match and Wren with a rollup. They alternate waist locks. Wren kicks Kelani away and gets a near fall with a rollup. Wren with arm drags and a drop kick that sends Kelani to the floor. Kelani with a shoulder from the apron and she comes into the ring and goes after the knee. Wren with a suplex and Kelani with a Northern Lariat. Kelani with punches. Wren with punches of her own. Kelani with a kick to the midsection. Wren goes for a Fujiwara arm bar and she locks it in. Wren with a kick to KElani and a knee lift. Wren returns to the Fujiwara arm bar. Kelani gets to the ropes and Wren kicks the arm. Kelani sends Wren into the turnbuckles. Kelani tries to send the injured leg into the ring post but Wren pulls Kelani into the ring post. Wren with a drop kick through the ropes.
Kelani goes for the Tiger Feint arm drag but Wren blocks it. Wren’s knee gives out and Kelani pulls her to the floor. Wren with a back body drop on the floor. Kendal checks on Wren. Wren sends Kelani into the ring and gets a near fall. Wren with an abdominal stretch. Kelani tries to escape and Wren with a rollup for a near fall. Wren with an arm bar. Kelani with a front face lock and she goes for an abdominal stretch of her own and she locks it in. Kelani with a rolup but Wren gets a near fall with a rollup. Wren goes for a back heel kick and Kelani blocks it and she attacks the injured leg. Kelani wrings the leg into the mat.
Kelani stomps on the knee. Kelani with a step over toe hold. Kelani kicks Wren. Wren sends Kalani into the turnbuckles and then slams the leg into the apron. Kelani with a slingshot knee drop to the leg. Kelani with a leg drop to the injured leg. Kelani continues to work on the knee. Kwlani with a modified trailer hitch but Wren gets to the ropes. Kelani runs into a back elbow. Wren sends Kelani to the apron. Kelani with a kick and a single leg crab in the ropes. Wren with punches and an Irish whip. KElani with a clothesline off the turnbuckles and a suplex. Kelani kicks Wren in the head. Wren with punches. Kelani stops Wren’s momentum and she isses a clothesline. Wren wiht a back body drop. Wren with chops and a clothesline. Wren with a float over into a butterfly suplex and she follows with a gutwrench suplex.
Kelani with an Irish whip and Wren floats over but her knee gives out. Kelani misses a split legged moonsault and Wren with a crucifix for a near fall. Kelani with an STF. Kelani pulls Wren into the ring and she goes for a Calf Crusher. Wren taps out.
Winner: Kelani Jordan
Tatum and Lizzie are in the back and Tatum apologizes to Lizzie about what Zaria did.
Lizzie says she is not going to be collateral damage for Zaria.
Shiloh Hill shows up and he talks about his Mr. NXT campaign.
Tristan shows up and he wonders why Lizzie is involved in this. He runs through the petition names and Tristan talks about the process. He says he hopes Charlie Dempsey stretches some sense into him.
Lizzie says she is going to come after Zaria and she has some scheming to do. Hill asks to join her.
We go to commercial.
DarkState makes their way to the ring.
Osiriss says what they say has a new meaning now. Saquon was always the odd one out. They are college athletes.
Dion says Saquon is an indie wrestler and that is it. He has stree smarts and he knows his way around the ring. That is why he was the last pick.
Osiris says Saquon made things more difficult.
Cutler says Saquon made it easier last week. Saquon forgot about their creed. He became a liability. He is reckless and runs into every situation blind. He never knows the consequences. He feiled and that means he failed DarkState.
Dion says he was shocked to see what happened last week, but that could have been him. He knew the play when they went after Saquon. Cut out the weak link. Saquon made him out to be the bad guy. He says Saquon was acting like he was better than Saquon, he is. John Cena picked him for the Iron Survivor challenge. Stone picked him for the gauntlet match. He earned it and Saquon knew that. He called him a leader of men when he started this. Dion says this machine is for all of them, not just him. There is no DarkState without him. He built this bring by brick and he wasn’t going to let Saquon destroy it.
Dion says they have been sparing everyone for months. The champions need to keep their heads up because DarkState is back. If you thought no one was safe before, you ain’t seen anything yet.
Wren and Kendal are in the trainer’s room.
Lola tells Wren that everything will be okay.
Kali shows up and says that Kendal isn’t that confident now.
Lola asks Kali what is she looking at.
Kali says when you get in the ring with the difference maker, you will see.
Lola says there is someone who needs to be knocked out.
We go to commercial.
Sean Legacy versus Dorian Van Dux in a Speed Tournament Match
Dorian with a side head lock and Sean trips Dorian on a drop down and hits a double stomp and a drop kick. Sean with a suicide dive but Dorian kind of catches him and slams him to the floor. Dorian sends Sean into the ring post. Dorian with a slingshot leg drop for a near fall. Sean with a kick in the corner and a Shiranui for a near fall. Sean goes to the apron and he misses a springboard senton and rolls through. Dorian with a clothesline and a uranage for a near fall. Sean counters a pop up move with a DDT. Sean with a Tiger Feint Kick. Sean flips over Dorian and Dorian with a kick. Sean with a Frankensteiner and he goes for a springboard 450 but lands on Dorian’s knees.
Dorian with a move off the turnbuckles but Sean with a drop kick. Dorian with a jumping knee and a roaring elbow. They go on the turnbuckles and Sean hits Spanish Fly as time runs out.
Time Limit Draw
Nattie enters LOCKER ROOM to thank Layla Diggs for standing up for her. She says someone knows how to treat a legend. Nattie says she wants to be in Layla’s corner tonight.
Jaida Parker versus Layla Diggs
They lock up and Diggs with a hammer lock.and elbow. Parker with a waist lock and full nelson. Diggs trips Jaida and she initiates some movements in her midsection. Jaida with a take down. Jaida blocks a kick and Diggs with a body scissors take down. Jaida blocks a hip toss and they exchange punches. Jaida with a clothesline. Jaida puts Diggs in the ropes and chops her. Jaida goes for the springboard seated splash but Diggs moves. Diggs with a spinning heel kick and she sends Jaida into ther opes. Diggs with a knee drop, a leg drop, and an elbow drop for a near fall. Diggs with an arm bar. They exchange punches. Jaida with chops. Diggs misses a side kick and Jaida with clotheslines. Jaida with a slap. Jaida with a gourdbuster and she sends Diggs into the corner and Jaida with the springboard seated splash.
Jaida goes for a suplex but Diggs lands on her feet. Diggs avoids a clothesline and hits a clothesline. Diggs goes up top for a moonsault and she misses badly. Jaida with a running hip and a sit out choke bomb for the three count.
Winner: Jaida Parker
After the match, Nattie stares at Jaida.
Jaida leaves the ring and stares down Nattie as she goes to the back.
Blake Howard is with Lexis King to talk about the Speed Tournament.
Lexis says there are going to be casualties when you try to deal with him. He says Charlie will make a casualty of Shiloh Hill.
Nathan Frazer and Axiom show up to doubt Lexis’ claims of being the fasted.
Frazer says that Romeo has as much chance to win as Spain does of winning the World Cup.
Axiom tells him that isn’t the best thing to say and Frazer says he doesn’t think England will win either.
We go to commercial.
Tony D’Angelo makes his way to the ring.
Tony says for the past month we have had an influx of new and young talent to make things unpredictable for the fans, but not him. Next week, he goes one on one against Kam Hendrix. He is not here to talk about his potential or when or if he is ready to be an NXT Superstar. He will not be the NXT Champion next week. Tony says he wants to talk to someone who has been appearing in his space. It is time to come face to face.
He calls out Naraku.
Naraku makes his way to the ring.
Tony says he is a straight shooter while Naraku talks in riddles. Just say you want a shot at the title.
Naraku says he is here to keep you and your title safe.
Tony asks Naraku about what he is saying. He asks him if he believes what Naraku is saying. Next week, he will take care of Kam and then he will take care of Naraku.
Naraku says Tony will still be champion because it is their destiny to go to war.
Kam Hendrix comes out. He says Tony changed his life and abandoned his family to be champion. That ends in seven days. You are number one in NXT. Next week, you run into a buzz saw you can’t stop. He says he is the fastest rising superstar in history. He beat two champions last week and he destroys a pillar next week.
Tony says he gets that Kam is confident. You aren’t the first to come out and say they deserve to be on top. You see this title as a status symbol where you can parade around on the red carpet. Tony says he sacrificed to get to the top. He says he dealt with failure and now he has to face a man who hasn’t earned a damn thing in NXT. You won a match. To take this strap from him, you will have to rip his heart out. That ain’t gonna happen.
Tony awalks away and Naraku blocks a punch from Kam and he punches Kam and clotheslines Kam over the top rope.
Naraku bows to Tony and he leaves the ring.
Tavion tells Myles he didn’t cost him the match.
Myles says he knows that Tavion wants to make a statement but he could make both of them crash and burn.
Tavion says Myles should be happy that Kam chose Tony.
DarkState attack Myles and Tavion.
We go to commercial.
Vanity Project walks in the back and Jackson praises their victory. They talk about DarkState breaking up.
Tate Wilder is in the back and Vanity Project asks how long will Tate be out.
Tate says he will not be out long.
Jackson says Tate has a lot to learn.
Tate asks Jackson to step in the ring with him next week.
Jackson says Tate doesn’t want this after what Keanu did to him.
Tate says he lives for this.
Nathan Frazer versus Romeo Moreno in a Speed Tournament Match
They lock up and Frazer with a side head lock. Frazer with a flying kick to Romeo and he hits a flip dive on the floor. Frazer with a springboard move but he overshoots Romeo and flips through. Romeo with a missile drop kick for a near fall. Romeo with a side head lock and Frazer with a near fall. Frazer with a jumping knee and Romeo with a kick. Frazer with a springboard flip side Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Frazer with a thrust kick for a near fall. Frazer goes up top for a Phoenix Splash but Romeo gets to his feet and he hits a German superplex. Frazer with a swinging suplex. Frazer with a punch and Romeo comes off the ropes with a kick. Romeo with a head scissors to send Frazer to the floor.
Romeo with a springboard cross body to the floor. Romeo goes up top and Frazer meets him up there. Frazer with a superplex but Romeo blocks another suplex attempt and he gets the three count with an inside cradle.
Winner: Romeo Moreno
After the match, Frazer raises Romeo’s hand.
We get the stare down.
Izzi says she is going to become the new champion and Niko will win his match. She asks where is Spears.
We go to commercial.
Mason talks to Stone about how he deserves a title match instead of Kam.
Stone says he was happy that Mason did what he did. He says that the statistics show that Kam pinned Myles Borne to earn the title match.
Mason says maybe he needs to do something about that next week.
Naraku says Mason will not ruin the match next week.
Shawn Spears and Niko Vance versus Bronco Nima and Lucien Price
Spears attacks Nima and Price with a chair and Niko yells at Spears.
Sarah stops Kali Armstrong to ask her about her recent actions and what title she will go after.
Kali says she will run through the locker room and she needs to pick her spots. She says she might go after both titles.
Thea Hail says it would be great to go after both titles, but that is a dream.
Kali says it is a dream for Thea, but not for her.
Shiloh stops to ask Zaria if she will sign her petition.
Zaria tells Shiloh to get one of her crazy friends.
Shiloh tells Zaria to worry about Lizzie Rain.
Lizzie attacks Zaria and they fight in the back.
Officials come out to separate them and there are LOUD NOISES!
Shiloh Hill versus Charlie Dempsey
They lock up and Charlie with a side head lock and hammer lock. Hill with a slam. They lock up and Charlie with a side head lock and take down. Hill with an ankle lock and side head lock. Hill with a shoulder tackle. Charlie with a drop toe hold and a wrist lock. HIll with an arm wringer. Charlie with a knee to the midsection and an abdominal stretch. Hill with a back body drop. Hill goes up top and he puts on his opera glasses and hits a clothesline. Hill clotheslines Charlie over the top rope to the floor. Charlie with a hammer lock and a double wrist lock and he takes Hill to the mat but Hill bridges back up to a neutral position. Charlie with a head scissors.
Hill escapes and he applies a side head lock and holds on when Charlie tries to send him off the ropes. Charlie with a knee to the midsection an a European uppercut. Hill blocks a suplex and Charlie blocks a suplex. They go back and forth until Hill hits a shoulder breaker for a near fall. Hill with an arm bar. Charlie with a head butt to the midsection and a European uppercut. Charlie with an elbow and a neck breaker. Charlie with elbows to the back of the head. Charlie with a gutwrench suplex and he gets a near fall. Charlie with a reverse chin lock. Charlie with a reverse chin lock and a knee to the midsection. Charlie iwth an octopus. Hill iwth a hip toss and punches in the corner. Hill with an Irish whip and Charlie with a forearm. Charlie with a butterfly suplex and a cross arm breaker.
Charlie with a triangle and elbows to the top of the head. Hill with an obligatory one arm power bomb to escape. Hill with punches and a forearm. HIll with a slam and a tilt-a-whirl slam. Hill with an inward senton. Hill runs into a boot in the corner but Hill with a clothesline. Charlie with a German suplex an Hill with a boot. Charlie with a knee lift but Hill with a pop up punch. Charlie chops HIll and HIll wants more. Hill goes for a belly-to-back suplex and Charlie lands on his feet. Hill counters a butterfly suplex into a back drop suplex for the three count.
Winner: Shiloh Hill
Tristan Angels comes out. He says enough celebrating. He says he is at his wit’s end with the charade of calling yourself Mr. NXT. He says he needs to teach Shiloh a lesson. He says he talked to Robert Stone and there will be a Mr. NXT Pageant in two weeks. That allows him to prepare to humiliate Hill and for Stone to get the proper pageant matters set up.
Shiloh says he cannot wait to embarrass Tristan. Shiloh cackles a lot.
Izzi wants to know what is wrong with Spears.
Spears says he shouldn’t have gotten a tag match the same night as Izzi’s title match.
Izzi tells Spears he made the right call.
Niko says they will take care of it.
Next week, Kam Hendrix faces Tony D’Angelo for the Men’s Championship. Zaria faces Lizzy Rain. Myles Borne and Tavion Heights face DarkState.
Izzi Dame versus Lola Vice for the NXT Women’s Championship
They lock up and Izzi runs Lola into the corner and connects with shoulders and a clothesline. Izzi with boots to the midsection. Izzi gets Lola on her shoulders but Lola counters with a sleeper and Izzi backs Lola into the turnbuckles. Lola with a thrust kick. Lola with kicks to the midsection. Izzi blocks a kick and gets a near fall with a rollup. Lola with a cross face but Izzi rolls through to get a near fall. Lola with a kick and chops. Lola with a springboard arm drag and a drop kick. Lola with a seated splash off the apron. The referee deals with Izzi and Spears grabs Lola’s leg and Niko pulls him away. Izzi with a lung blower and then Nima and Price come out.
Spears, Niko, Price, and Nima fight to the back.
Izzi with an Irish whip and a back breaker. Izzi with a knee to the midsection and she works on Lola’s back. Izzi with a hard Irish whip. Lola and Izzi exchange punches. Lola with a rollup for a near fall. Izzi charges into the corner and Lola with a sleeper. Izzi with a back breaker to escape the hold. Izzi with a Boston Crab. Lola gets to the ropes to force a break. Izzi misses a boot and Lola with a rollup for a near fall. Lola with a round kick to the head. Lola with a series of kicks and the Naomi kicks. Lola with a running hip into the corner. Izzi with a boot when Lola goes for a second hip in the corner. Izzi with a sit out power bomb for a near fall.
Lola with a knee to Izzi from the apron and she brings Izzi to the apron. Izzi runs Lola into the ring post a few times. Izzi puts Lola on the turnbuckles. Lola with elbows and Lola with a cross arm breaker attempt but Izzi locks her hands and she gets a near fall. Lola with a triangle and Izzi counters with a Liontamer. Izzi has trouble holding on because of her left hand. Lola escapes. Loa runs into a boot. Lola with a thrust kick as Izzi comes off the turnbuckles. Lola almost bumps into the referee and Izzi with a flying boot to take out the referee.
Lola and Izzi with clotheslines at the same time. Izzi and Lola exchange forearms. They throw many punches and Lola with a series of spin kicks. Izzi blocks a kick and she spins Lola and Lola with a back fist but the referee is not able to recover in time so Izzi kicks out. Lola checks on the referee and Izzi gets the title belt and brings it into the ring. Izzi tosses the belt to Lola and she hits a running boot into the belt. Izzi gets a near fall. Izzi pushes the belt to the floor. Izzi sets for a power bomb but Lola iwth a guillotine. Izzi taps her hip on the far side and the referee does not see it. Izzi gets a near fall. Lola with a back fist for the three count.
Winner: Lola Vice (retains championship)
DarkState is outside and they say they are back.
We go to credits with Saquon watching DarkState from afar.
