TNA Victory Road 2011: Retro 3 Things We Hated And 3 Things We Loved

Part of me is almost of the mind that there’s nothing more that can be said about this match; we’ve all probably seen it by now, we all know it was a disgrace. Does it really bear repeating that point again? After further review, YES!

This match is a failure on almost every level, from Jeff Hardy being obviously impaired during his entrance to Eric Bischoff vamping to Sting literally pinning Hardy down for the three-count to end an 88-second world title match, even though Hardy clearly tried to kick out. Sting and referee Brian Hebner are the only ones here that I would say showed any professionalism. All credit to Jeff Hardy for owning his behavior over the years, but it doesn’t change the fact that he certainly didn’t act professional by coming out for this match in no condition to perform. The TNA executives who allowed him to go out there, who allowed him to get into this state by not keeping a closer eye on him during the day, and who were so clueless to this that they couldn’t put together a proper replacement match in time, were somehow even less professional. And by the way, they continued to be that way in the years since, all trying to pass the buck of blame from themselves. That, dear readers, is how you wind up with this match, one of the most embarrassing things to ever occur in a wrestling ring. You would think I don’t need to tell you it’s a total disgrace, but then again, we should probably all be reminded how terrible this was, just to make sure it never happens again.

Fifteen years later, we all agree with Sting, who agreed with the fans. “That was bulls***,” indeed.

WWE’s The Rock To Be Named Disney Legend As Part Of 2026 Class At D23 Fan Event

Already considered a legend in pro wrestling, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will officially be recognized as a legend in the world of Disney as well.

As revealed by The Walt Disney Company, Johnson is amongst those in the 2026 class of Disney Legends, an honor given to those who’ve greatly impacted the Disney legacy. In Johnson’s case, he is being celebrated for his film and voice acting contributions.

In total, the former WWE Champion has appeared in more than 40 movies. Under the Disney banner, he’s been featured in “The Game Plan,” “Jungle Cruise,” “Zootopia 2,” “Moana” (both the live-action adaptation and animated versions) and other cinematic works.

The 2026 Disney Legends Award Ceremony, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, will emanate from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California on August 16. Those unable to attend the event can stream it on Disney+. In addition to Johnson, the likes of Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway, Pulitzer Prize-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the musical trio of the Jonas Brothers will be honored at the show. The ceremony itself is part of the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

“D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is where we come together to give our incredible fans an early look at what’s coming next across our company, while celebrating the legacy of the extraordinary people whose creativity has shaped Disney into what it is today,” Disney’s CEO Josh D’Amaro said in a statement. “It’s an honor to celebrate our Disney Legends — their impact is felt in everything we do and recognizing them alongside the fans who love their work is what makes this event so meaningful.”

Francis Ngannou On Leaving UFC: ‘Best Decision Of My Life’

Francis Ngannou defended his decision to leave the UFC as Heavyweight Champion in 2023. 

Ngannou will fight Philipe Lins on the upcoming May 16 MVP MMA card pitting Ronda Rousey against Gina Carano in the main event, returning to the cage for the first time since 2024 saw him capture the PFL Super Fights Heavyweight title in his one and only fight for the promotion. 

There can be no doubt that, having left UFC following a dispute in pay negotiations, Ngannou has accomplished what he set out to do in that regard. 

Prior to this MVP deal he had inked an at-the-time groundbreaking deal with PFL both as a fighter and equity partner in its Africa expansion, and he had also boxed twice against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua with huge purses agreed. But natural to when anyone searches for greener pastures there have been some to question it, especially since he left while reigning champion. 

That subject was put forward by Ariel Helwani during a recent interview with Ngannou, asking him about the decision he made and how he feels it paid off. 

“It’s the best decision of my life,” Ngannou defended the decision. “And also, in case those people don’t know, it’s a part of a legacy because I have done something nobody has done before. Nobody could get in the position I am right now before. So I opened that door and I did it my way, I was the first. So what do you want me to prove?”

He continued to say that he still went on to face two of the best heavyweight boxers and is now a part of the first MMA event on Netflix. So, “If somebody doesn’t understand, then they need no explanation.”

Ariel Helwani: Ex-WWE Star Gable Steveson Signs Multi-Match Agreement With RAF

Former WWE star and Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Steveson has signed a multi-match deal with Real American Freestyle Wrestling. 

Steveson won gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics in heavyweight freestyle wrestling, signing a WWE NIL deal that same year, after carving a collegiate wrestling career yielding two gold, one silver, and one bronze in the NCAA Division I Championships – winning in 2021 and 2022, finishing third in his freshman year of 2019, and returning to compete and claim silver in 2025 following his WWE departure in 2024. 

And having spent his post-WWE career notching a 3-0 record in MMA and a 1-0 record in Jon Jones’ Dirty Boxing, Jones being a close friend and mentor to him, there had been some questions as to what his next steps would be. 

Eric Bischoff’s Real American Freestyle then announced that Steveson had signed on to compete at RAF 09 in Dallas, Texas, on May 30. Ariel Helwani reported that Steveson had signed a multi-match deal with RAF and while his first opponent is yet to be determined, the promotion is targeting some big names to face him. 

Wyatt Hendrickson, the reigning RAF Heavyweight Champion, was actually the man to end the 70-match winning streak of Steveson in the NCAA Championship final in 2025. RAF was initially scheduled to be Bahrain, but moved closer to home with the ongoing conflict within the Middle-East. As of the time of writing, nothing is further known about the RAF card and who will be involved.

Tony D’Angelo Explains NXT Absence, Reveals Personal Reset And Major Life News

Tony D’Angelo Explains NXT Absence, Reveals Personal Reset And Major Life News

Tony D’Angelo has opened up about his five-month absence from WWE NXT, making it clear that his time away had nothing to do with an injury.

Speaking on No-Contest Wrestling, D’Angelo addressed the speculation directly and explained that his break from television was part of a personal reset.

“No injury,” D’Angelo said. “It was just a bit of a reset. I will say I did have a couple of personal things that came up unexpectedly. But honestly, things happen the way they’re supposed to.”

He went on to reveal a major life development that occurred during his time away, sharing that he and his wife are expecting their first child.

“I got a reset, I kind of got a different perspective on life and work,” D’Angelo said. “In that time my wife got pregnant.”

D’Angelo described how the demanding nature of a wrestling career can create a routine that becomes all-consuming, making it easy to lose sight of life outside the business.

“You get in this bubble and you’re just so, lift, work, eat, film, you’re just doing that for so long, you kind of forget why you got into this, or that there’s life outside of this,” he explained.

The former NXT standout made it clear that he has no regrets about stepping away, noting that the time off has changed how he views both his career and his personal priorities moving forward.

“Sometimes you need a little reset, and I’m pretty thankful that I got that opportunity,” D’Angelo said. “Now I am what you see on TV. I have a whole new perspective and outlook on what I need to do to achieve my goals and take care of my family.”

D’Angelo was absent from NXT television starting in July 2025 before returning in December with a noticeably different presentation. His comeback saw him move away from the long-running “Don of NXT” persona in favor of a more grounded and authentic character.

With a renewed mindset and major changes in his personal life, D’Angelo appears focused on balancing his in-ring ambitions with his responsibilities outside of WWE.

Tony D’Angelo Explains NXT Absence, Reveals Personal Reset And Major Life News

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