Jim Ross Believes Vince McMahon Will Influence WrestleMania 42 Creative

Jim Ross Believes Vince McMahon Will Influence WrestleMania 42 Creative

Jim Ross has shared his belief that Vince McMahon could still play a role in WWE creative, particularly when it comes to WWE WrestleMania 42.

Speaking on the latest episode of Grilling JR, Ross was asked directly about the possibility of McMahon returning to influence WWE programming. He made it clear that, in his view, McMahon’s involvement is already likely.

“Yeah, absolutely no doubt about it. I don’t even have a question in my mind where there’s, you know, it’s the old cliche, or there’s smoke, oftentimes there’s fire, and there’s been a lot of smoke regarding VKM in WWE, and what his future may or may not be, and how he can still contribute.”

Ross pointed to McMahon’s long history in the wrestling business and suggested that his experience still carries weight, especially for a major event like WrestleMania. He described McMahon as someone capable of handling large-scale creative direction.

“This can still contribute. He’s a big picture guy, and that takes a lot of detail work and planning, but he can do that. He can make all that happen. And you know he’s hungry, so we know he’s in the kitchen. So I don’t think there’s any doubt in my mind that Vince will be instrumental in this year’s Wrestlemania as far as creative is concerned.”

When asked if McMahon may already be influencing WrestleMania 42 behind the scenes, Ross continued to stand firm on his stance, suggesting that any involvement may not yet be visible to the public.

“Oh, yeah. He’s not going to wait on anything. He’s not going to, as John Wayne would say, we’re burning daylight. Something’s going to happen. I believe that McMahon will have the will to contribute to this year’s WrestleMania… I just think that he’s going to be involved in WrestleMania in some shape, form or fashion.”

Ross also addressed how McMahon’s potential involvement would fit alongside the current leadership structure, which is led by Paul Levesque. He emphasized that any contribution would not undermine the existing team but could instead add value.

“That’s not a disrespect to Triple H’s team and all that at all. It’s the fact that you got the most successful pro wrestling guy in history who’s available. Absolutely, absolutely. They would not be good businessmen if they weren’t willing to entertain that idea.”

He further pointed to key executives like Ari Emanuel and Nick Khan as decision-makers who could consider such a move from a business perspective.

Ross closed by reinforcing his view on McMahon’s influence and legacy.

“Because they realize that McMahon is a guy that built the whole damn thing. He has a vision that nobody else has.”

While there has been no official confirmation regarding McMahon’s involvement, Ross’ comments add to ongoing speculation about his potential behind-the-scenes role. If McMahon does contribute to WrestleMania 42, it would mark a notable development given WWE’s current leadership structure.

Jim Ross Believes Vince McMahon Will Influence WrestleMania 42 Creative

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Je’Von Evans Teases Potential Heel Turn While Referencing Past Persona

Je’Von Evans Teases Potential Heel Turn While Referencing Past Persona

Je’Von Evans is quickly gaining attention as one of WWE’s most naturally likable rising stars, but he is not closing the door on a possible character shift in the future.

During an appearance on the No Contest Wrestling podcast, Evans spoke about how he is currently viewed as a babyface and whether fans could eventually turn against him. The interviewer noted that Evans seems like someone the audience connects with easily, making a heel turn feel unlikely.

“I don’t think he ever went heel, for some reason. I don’t see a heel Je’Von Evans because I don’t necessarily see the fans turning on him…”

Evans agreed with that perception and admitted it is something he has heard backstage as well.

“Got to be. Got to be. Got to be.”

He went on to explain that several experienced figures within WWE see him as a natural babyface due to the strong reactions he receives from the crowd.

“There’s actually a lot of people that don’t really see a heel Je’Von… he was like, ‘Yeah, bro, you’re just such a good babyface. I’m kind of, you know, excited to see what happens when you’re a heel—because, bro, the crowd as of right now, they like me a lot.’”

While Evans acknowledged the current support he enjoys, he made it clear that fan reactions can change over time.

“You feel me? So—but, you know, people, if you do your research… sometimes the wind blows a different direction. That’s all.”

He then pointed to a previous version of his character as an example of how different he can be when needed. Before joining WWE, Evans performed under the name Jay Malachi, a persona he described as more intense and unpredictable.

“Sometimes Je’Von’s twin brother named Jay Malachi… he comes out—he can tweak, you know what I mean? Sometimes he just be doing too much, and he gets too aggressive and gets too mad, you feel me? But I’ve talked to him about it, and he’s taking a break from wrestling right now.”

Although that version of Evans is not currently part of his WWE presentation, his comments suggest the foundation for a heel turn is already in place. For now, he remains one of the company’s most well-received young talents, but the possibility of a shift in character remains an option if circumstances change.

Je’Von Evans will compete at WrestleMania 42 in an Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match against Penta (c), Dragon Lee, Rusev, JD McDonagh and Rey Mysterio.

Je’Von Evans Teases Potential Heel Turn While Referencing Past Persona

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Former CMLL & WWE Star La Catalina Reportedly Expected To Debut In AAA This Saturday

On Tuesday, CMLL announced that La Catalina was no longer part of their Amazonas roster and that they wished her well in her future endeavors. La Catalina reportedly didn’t re-sign due to unhappiness with how she was being booked. Rumors have also swirled about where she is going next.

According to luchablog, La Catalina is expected to debut in AAA this Saturday, making her the first talent to leave CMLL for AAA since they were purchased by WWE. He also reported that CMLL offered her a new contract, but she rejected it. News of her departure started to leak on Monday, so CMLL put out an official statement the following day. La Catalina has yet to speak out about her departure.

La Catalina previously wrestled in WWE as Carolina and then as Katrina Cortez before being released in 2021. The day after her release, she found out her visa was expiring and expressed her frustration on social media. She has said in the past she would never return to WWE, including as recently as last September. She also competed in ROH several times last year and wrestled Mercedes Moné for the CMLL Women’s Championship in June 2025 when Moné was champion.

Dave Meltzer Comments On Speculation Over WWE’s Role In TNA Cancellations

On Wednesday, it was reported that several matches between AEW and TNA stars on independent wrestling shows had been cancelled, including AEW World Champion MJF versus Nic Nemeth (formerly known as Dolph Ziggler), as well as Ricochet versus Leon Slater. The cancellation was made by TNA President Carlos Silva due to “partner conflicts,” but according to Dave Meltzer on the “Wrestling Observer Radio,” many within the industry believe WWE’s partnership with TNA was the reason the matches were called off.

“It’s really bad business, I mean, obviously, there’s been heavy speculation that it was WWE forcing the hand of TNA. I mean, everyone in wrestling thinks that’s the case. I cannot prove that’s the case. I know people who are involved who think that’s the case, but they also can’t prove it’s the case because the only thing that’s happened is Carlos Silva is the one who said it and it makes him look really bad saying it after proving it,” he explained. “Even if it comes from WWE and they say ‘We don’t want you doing this,’ I think that they should’ve fought back to the point of going like, ‘Okay, but the stuff that’s advertised for this week, I mean, give us a break’ … TNA is the one that looks bad, not WWE.”

MJF and Nemeth were originally scheduled to battle for Create-A-Pro on May 1, but now Friedman will hold an open challenge while the former WWE star will fight Bear Bronson. Despite MJF still having a match on May 1, he didn’t hold back from airing his frustrations with Silva on social media.

Meltzer also claimed that arguably the biggest disappointment was Ricochet and Slater not being able to collide, with both men having wanted the match and it being advertised for weeks beforehand. 

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Wrestling Observer Radio” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

CMLL Premiering On Fox Sports 2

Since 2024, and perhaps earlier, CMLL has been on one of the hottest runs the promotion has seen in its 93 years of existence, including a record number of sell outs and tickets sold for events for 2025. And it seems that the hot streak, which has continued into 2026, is paying off with CMLL gaining even more of a foothold in Mexican television.

On “CMLL Informa” Wednesday evening, CMLL announced that the promotion had secured a television deal with Fox Sports 2; though there has been some confusion, it appears the deal is with the Mexican FS2 and not the American network. CMLL’s first episode on the network will be on Friday April 24, which play-by-play announcer Julia Cesar Rivera confirmed would be the day CMLL runs their Aniversario of Arena Mexico, an annual event held at the end of April.

The deal may contain some synergy between CMLL and American promotional partner AEW, which has been airing its weekly shows, as well as a studio show, on Fox Sports Mexico since October 2024. While it’s unconfirmed whether AEW provided a helpful hand in CMLL securing this new TV deal, both promotions being on the same network would seem to suggest AEW was involved in some aspects.

While this is the most notable television news to emerge about CMLL in recent memory, it is not their only TV deal. The promotion has been airing regularly on Televisa’s over-the-air station on Saturday’s, broadcasting some, but not all, of CMLL’s Friday night show in Arena Mexico. At the moment, it’s unclear whether this deal with FS2 will have any effect on CMLL’s Televisa deal, or if the promotion will be airing on both networks going forward.