Myles Borne Reflects On WWE Application & Tryout Process, Early Days In NXT

With Dempsey primarily focused on the NXT Heritage Cup throughout 2024 and early 2025, Borne and Heights invested their efforts in the “NXT” tag team division. Eventually, their efforts were rewarded with an NXT Tag Team Championship match against Axion and Nathan Frazer at “NXT” Deadline. Two months later, Borne and Heights then welcomed the Hardy Boys (Matt and Jeff Hardy) back to a WWE ring when they collided in tag team competition on “NXT.”

“Me and Tavion, we clicked really good,” Borne said. “We worked good together. I think we had some of our best matches together. I still look back and I’m like, dang, we killed it. We went to Deadline a couple years ago and against Nathan [Frazer] and Axiom. That was a phenomenal match. We had a blast. Me and Tavion, we went hard, and then we got to welcome the Hardy Boys back. That’s fun. So, me and Tavion, we had a good time together. The NQCC, that was fun. I’m happy it happened, but I’m also even more happy that I got to step out and now do something on my own. I wanted that pressure and I wanted that spotlight.”

Borne’s desire to break out from the No Quarter Catch Crew and into the singles spotlight came to a head in June 2025, leading to a British Rounds Rules match between him and Demspey. Borne ultimately defeated the NQCC leader, which meant that his time in the group had officially ended and his freedom to pursue his new goals began. Heights followed suit the next month, and recently, took on the reigning NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “No-Contest Wrestling ” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Randy Orton Absence Linked To Lingering Back Injury

Randy Orton Absence Linked To Lingering Back Injury

Randy Orton’s recent absence from WWE television appears to be tied to a significant ongoing injury rather than a standard storyline break.

After speculation about his return began to build, Randy Orton has now been linked to a serious back issue that has reportedly persisted for years. Orton has been off WWE programming since WrestleMania 42 following his loss to Cody Rhodes.

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Orton’s absence is directly connected to the injury, which has been a long-term problem throughout his career.

“Back injury. That’s why he’s been gone since WrestleMania and it’s probably why he didn’t win the title.”

Meltzer added that the situation is not new and has been an issue that previously placed Orton’s career in doubt.

“He’s got a back injury and it’s significant. He’s had it for years. It almost ended his career, came back, still there and that’s why he’s been out.”

Orton’s WWE absence came after a major post-WrestleMania angle where he attacked Rhodes following their match. The storyline saw Orton strike Rhodes with the championship before delivering a punt kick, closing out his latest television appearance.

In the weeks since, WWE has begun advertising Orton for the May 29 episode of SmackDown in Barcelona, Spain, leading many to assume that a return was imminent. However, the new report suggests that while plans may be in motion, his physical condition remains a major factor in when and how he returns.

There had also been speculation that Orton was in line for a potential WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 42 before creative direction changed, with Cody Rhodes ultimately retaining the title.

For now, Orton’s status remains uncertain, with his return dependent on how his long-standing back issue is managed moving forward.

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IYO SKY And Naraku Announce Marriage With Joint Statement

IYO SKY And Naraku Announce Marriage With Joint Statement

IYO SKY and newly signed WWE NXT talent EVIL, now competing under the name Naraku, have announced that they are officially married.

SKY shared the news on social media, issuing a joint statement from the couple reflecting on their journey and future together in WWE.

“To everyone who has always shown us such warm support. On a personal note, we would like to announce that NARAKU (formerly EVIL) of WWE and IYO SKY (formerly Io Shirai) of WWE are now married. We began our professional wrestling careers in Japan, each seeing different landscapes and “skies,” but starting this early summer, we feel a deep sense of connection and joy at becoming colleagues and comrades as we take on the same stage—WWE—across the ocean.”

The statement highlights their shared roots in Japan and how their careers have now aligned on the same global platform. Both performers built their reputations internationally before arriving in WWE, and this next chapter sees them working under the same banner.

“From now on, as a married couple, we will support each other in our daily lives. As WWE ‘Superstars,’ we will share both the lonely ‘darkness’ and the glory, lifting each other up and striving to shine even brighter.”

They also expressed appreciation for those who supported them throughout their careers and asked for continued encouragement moving forward.

“We will never forget our gratitude to all the fans who have supported and guided us thus far, as well as to everyone involved, and we intend to forge ahead together toward even greater heights. We are still a work in progress, but we humbly ask for your continued guidance and support.”

Naraku, previously known for his run in New Japan Pro-Wrestling as EVIL, has recently been linked to WWE’s NXT brand, marking a significant shift in his career. SKY, meanwhile, remains one of WWE’s top stars, continuing to represent the company at the highest level.

The announcement marks a major personal milestone for both talents as they continue their careers on the same stage.

IYO SKY And Naraku Announce Marriage

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ROH TV Spoilers From May 16 Taping Results From Salisbury, MD

ROH TV Spoilers From May 16 Taping Results From Salisbury, MD

Ring of Honor taped matches for upcoming episodes of ROH TV on May 16 in Salisbury, Maryland, featuring a mix of singles bouts, tag team action, and storyline developments that could carry into future shows.

The taping included several notable names from the Ring of Honor roster, along with ongoing rivalries and faction-based matchups.

Action Andretti picked up a win over QT Marshall in singles competition, while Rush defeated Flyin Ryan O’Neil. Lio Rush also secured a victory, going over Aaron Solo.

In tag team action, Dalton Castle teamed with The Outrunners to defeat 4 Play. Another tag bout saw Jordan Oliver and Alec Price score a win over The Premier Athletes.

The women’s division was also featured prominently. Deonna Purrazzo defeated Janai Kai in singles action. In tag team competition, Maya World and Hyan defeated Allie Katch and Kaia McKenna.

One of the more eventful matches of the taping saw Mina Shirakawa and Queen Aminata defeat Billie Starkz and Diamante by disqualification after Athena interfered and attacked Shirakawa, adding another layer to their ongoing issues.

In another singles match, AR Fox defeated Shane Taylor.

These matches are expected to air in the coming weeks on ROH TV, continuing storylines across multiple divisions.

ROH TV Spoilers (Taped On May 16)

  • Action Andretti def. QT Marshall
  • Rush def. Flyin Ryan O’Neil
  • Lio Rish def. Aaron Solo
  • Dalton Castle and The Outrunners def. 4 Play
  • Deonna Purazzo def. Janai Kai
  • Jordan Oliver and Alec Price def. The Premier Athletes
  • Maya World and Hyan def. Allie Katch and Kaia McKenna
  • Mina Shirawaka and Queen Aminata def. Billie Starkz and Diamante by DQ after Athena attacked Shirawaka
  • AR Fox def. Shane Taylor
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WWE In Talks With Baron Corbin For Possible Return Amid SmackDown Speculation

WWE In Talks With Baron Corbin For Possible Return Amid SmackDown Speculation

WWE is reportedly in discussions with former star Baron Corbin about a potential return to the company, according to Dave Meltzer. The update was shared on Wrestling Observer Radio, where Meltzer stated that talks between the two sides have been ongoing and significant, though not yet confirmed as finalized.

Corbin, now performing under the name Bishop Dyer, exited WWE in November 2024 after his contract expired, ending a 12-year run. Since then, he has remained active across multiple promotions, including MLW, NWA, GCW, and Maple Leaf Pro, along with a one-off appearance tied to an AEW dark match in early 2026.

Meltzer indicated that a return is a real possibility based on current discussions.

“Probably back in WWE. I’ve not heard it’s a done deal, but I know it’s been talked about, yes.”

There is also speculation that Corbin could be connected to the ongoing mystery surrounding Danhausen on SmackDown. Recent segments have featured teases of something “bigger,” leading to theories about a surprise reveal.

“On the SmackDown show, when Danhausen was talking about something bigger, my gut was that that’s who it is. That’s just my speculation, but I just know that he’s been talked with about being brought in.”

Meltzer made it clear that while discussions are advanced, nothing has been officially confirmed.

“It might even be done, but I haven’t had it officially confirmed to me it’s done. But I have 100% confirmed that it’s been heavily talked about.”

Corbin has previously addressed the possibility of returning to WWE during interviews, making it clear the door remains open while he explores other opportunities. He has not signed a long-term deal elsewhere, keeping his options flexible.

During his time away from WWE, Corbin captured the MLW World Tag Team Championships alongside Donovan Dijak as part of The Skyscrapers. He also expanded his focus into combat sports, training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and boxing, and achieving success in competition shortly after his WWE departure.

In WWE, Corbin built a resume that includes winning the 2017 Men’s Money in the Bank, the 2019 King of the Ring, the 2016 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, as well as holding the United States Championship and NXT Tag Team Championship with Bron Breakker.

If a deal is finalized, Corbin’s return would mark another notable comeback from a former WWE name over the past year and a half, potentially with a refreshed character and direction tied to current SmackDown storylines. WWE has not issued an official statement regarding the report.

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