J

Jitu Jangir

3722 Articles

I'm a wrestling writer at Sacnilk and my credentials are simply meant to be momentary-awake deliver of Wrestling.

Articles Written By Jitu Jangir

WWE Raw And SmackDown All Set To Get A Fan-Centric Makeover
789 days ago
WWE News

WWE Raw And SmackDown All Set To Get A Fan-Centric Makeover

WrestleMania 40 may be over, but its impact is far from over. A new era dawns for WWE's flagship shows, Raw and SmackDown, with a focus on bringing the fans closer to the action. ## According to PWInsider.com, WWE is implementing a significant change in production for both Raw and SmackDown. Gone are the elaborate set designs and massive screens that dominated the shows for years. Instead, a simpler, more streamlined approach will prioritize seating capacity, allowing for more fans to witness the live spectacle.## This decision signifies a shift in the "Endeavor era" of WWE, named after the company's parent organization. The focus seems to be on maximizing the in-arena experience for fans, potentially leading to a more electric atmosphere.## The new setup debuted on the April 8th episode of Raw after WrestleMania, featuring a noticeably smaller set and screens at the Wells Fargo Center. This aligns with the streamlined design used at WrestleMania 40, which apparently proved to be a success.## While there may be exceptions for specific events, the smaller production appears to be the new norm for Raw and SmackDown. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

Huge Update On Roman Reigns To WWE Following His Title Loss To Cody Rhodes At WrestleMania 40
791 days ago
WWE News

Huge Update On Roman Reigns To WWE Following His Title Loss To Cody Rhodes At WrestleMania 40

WWE fans eager to see the return of Roman Reigns after his WrestleMania loss to Cody Rhodes might have a clue, but with a caveat. ## The official WWE website lists upcoming events and the superstars expected to appear. Currently, the next show featuring Roman Reigns is SmackDown on August 2nd, the night before SummerSlam.## However, these listings are subject to change, and Reigns' appearance isn't guaranteed. Additionally, the website excludes events in Saudi Arabia, so a potential appearance at King & Queen of the Ring on May 25th wouldn't be reflected there.## Reigns was noticeably absent from the post-WrestleMania Raw, which saw appearances by The Rock, John Cena, and the new champion, Cody Rhodes. During the opening segment, The Rock hinted at a future match with Rhodes upon his return.## So, will the WWE Universe see the "Tribal Chief" before SummerSlam? Only time and perhaps a future announcement from WWE will tell. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

Bron Breakker Says He Is Off To WWE SmackDown Following His Title Loss On 4/9 NXT
791 days ago
WWE News

Bron Breakker Says He Is Off To WWE SmackDown Following His Title Loss On 4/9 NXT

Bron Breakker's time in NXT has definitively come to an end, as the former two-time NXT Champion bid farewell to the brand during a post-show segment following tonight's NXT episode. ## The news comes after Breakker and his tag team partner Baron Corbin, known as the Wolf Dogs, lost their NXT Tag Team Championship title to the newly formed duo of Nathan Frazer and Axiom.## While Breakker had technically "signed" with SmackDown weeks ago, making a few appearances on the blue brand, he remained a mainstay in NXT alongside Corbin. However, tonight's emotional send-off confirmed his official transition to the main roster. ## With tears in his eyes, Breakker expressed his gratitude to the NXT fans, personnel, and his tag team partner. Corbin then chimed in, revealing Breakker's full-time move to SmackDown.## This leaves Baron Corbin's future uncertain. Fans will have to wait for the upcoming 2024 WWE Draft to see if he remains in NXT or joins Breakker on SmackDown. ## In a shocking turn of events, the NXT Tag Team Championship reign of Frazer and Axiom was short-lived. As they celebrated their victory, they were ambushed by the returning Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar), flanked by the menacing presence of Karrion Kross, Scarlett, and Paul Ellering – collectively known as the ominous Final Testament. ## Bron and Corbin came out after the show went off and Bron thanked everyone as Corbin said he is off to Smackdown @bronbreakkerwwe @BaronCorbinWWE #wwenxt pic.twitter.com/jRVofC8oDL— rich schellhase (@richschellhase) April 10, 2024 ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

Stephanie McMahon's Status With WWE: Officially Back As WWE Employee Or Executive?
791 days ago
WWE News

Stephanie McMahon's Status With WWE: Officially Back As WWE Employee Or Executive?

Former WWE co-CEO Stephanie McMahon shocked fans with a surprise appearance at WrestleMania 40, but questions remain about her official status with the company.## According to PWInsider, McMahon's return wasn't a formal comeback as an employee or executive. It appears her role was twofold: to surprise fans and express personal support for the "Paul Levesque era" of WWE, referencing her husband's prominent position as Chief Content Officer.## This wasn't her only WrestleMania weekend appearance. McMahon joined Levesque at the Hall of Fame ceremony, further fueling speculation about her potential return. While Levesque remained tight-lipped on the matter, he did express his delight at having her "back home" in WWE.## McMahon's return comes after a tumultuous period for the company. She stepped down alongside her father Vince McMahon in January 2023 when he retook control as executive chairman. Shortly after, WWE merged with UFC to form TKO, and Vince McMahon resigned amidst controversy surrounding the Janel Grant lawsuit. Stephanie has remained silent on the lawsuit and allegations.## Despite the uncertainties, WWE CEO Nick Khan expressed his desire for Stephanie's return in a March 2023 interview. Her backstage visit at Survivor Series last November also hinted at a potential reemergence. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

Roman Reigns Makes His First Post-WrestleMania 40 Comments; 'Yesterday I Mourned, Today Is Day 1'
791 days ago
WWE News

Roman Reigns Makes His First Post-WrestleMania 40 Comments; 'Yesterday I Mourned, Today Is Day 1'

WrestleMania 40 saw a historic upset as Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns, ending his dominant reign as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. ## Reigns, known for his power and ruthlessness, likely dominated parts of the match. But Cody Rhodes, fueled by his determination, must have countered and landed some decisive blows. ## Initially, Roman Reigns had backup from his family unit, The Bloodline. This included The Rock, Jimmy Uso, and Solo Sikoa. They tried to interfere on Reigns' behalf, likely through sneak attacks or stopping Cody from winning moments. ## There was a surprising turn of events with Jey Uso going against The Bloodline. He countered Jimmy Uso's interference and took both of them out, creating an opening for Cody. The match saw the return of legendary wrestlers John Cena and The Undertaker. They played a role in disrupting Reigns' strategy or momentum. ## Taking to Twitter, Roman Reigns shared his first reaction since losing the game. Reigns stated the following: "Yesterday I mourned. Today is Day 1." ## Yesterday I mourned.Today is Day 1. pic.twitter.com/YzWOVn3JDK— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) April 9, 2024 ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

John Cena on Going Naked On The Oscars 2024 Stage: 'Make Me As Naked As Possible, So Disney Says It's Too Naked'
791 days ago
WWE News

John Cena on Going Naked On The Oscars 2024 Stage: 'Make Me As Naked As Possible, So Disney Says It's Too Naked'

John Cena's "nude" appearance at the 2024 Oscars to present the Best Costume Design award became a viral moment and generated a lot of buzz online. Many fans were surprised and amused by Cena's entrance. It was unexpected and played on the streaker incident from the 1974 Oscars. Videos and memes quickly circulated on social media platforms. ## The comedic exchange between Cena and Jimmy Kimmel before the award presentation added to the lightheartedness of the moment. Fans appreciated the playful reference to Oscar history and Cena's willingness to poke fun at himself. ## This stunt gave the Oscars a burst of unexpected publicity. News outlets and social media users widely discussed it, keeping the ceremony relevant in online conversations. While many found it humorous, some viewers felt the stunt was inappropriate for the prestigious ceremony. ## While speaking On The Pat McAfee Show, Cena stated the following; ## "I think, I do take it seriously, but I take it seriously not to make myself look cool. Because if you try to look cool all the time, you're just chasing a perfect view of yourself that doesn't exist. Man, I know I got a bald spot on the back of my head. I flossed it last night at WrestleMania, me, you, and like seven out of 10 dudes have them, so I don't care. I'm not perfect. That's not me. So I think instead of trying to craft every situation to how can I look the strongest or the best, I look at every situation about how can we make this the best situation. ## when we go over the Oscar bit and they're like, "Ah, do you want to wear Spanx or spandex or a speedo?" No, make me as naked as possible. So Disney says it's too naked. That's how we go. That's the funny bit. That's the gag. That's why everyone's entertained. Yeah, and I think that's what leads to polarizing opinions, and that's what leads to interest, and people can have that stuff and say like, "Oh, this is this," but it is what it is. It's free for you to decide what you want." ## John Cena's appearance at WrestleMania 40 was indeed a brief one, lasting only about 90 seconds. He interfered in the main event, the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. ## If you use this transcription or any portion of it please credit Sacnilk.com and link to this page ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

John Cena: 'I Will Always Be Part Of The WWE Family, But The Time To Compete In The Ring Has Come To An End'
791 days ago
WWE News

John Cena: 'I Will Always Be Part Of The WWE Family, But The Time To Compete In The Ring Has Come To An End'

John Cena's appearance at WrestleMania 40 was indeed a brief one, lasting only about 90 seconds. Here's what went down. He interfered in the main event, the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns.## Cena took down Solo Sikoa, a member of Reigns' Bloodline entourage, with a signature move. There was a brief confrontation between Cena and his old rival, The Rock. ## This appearance seemed to be a way to acknowledge Cena's legacy in WWE while putting the spotlight on the current generation of wrestlers. In an interview with Pat McAfee after WrestleMania, Cena stated that he will always be part of the WWE family, but the time to compete in the ring has come to a close. ## "I'll change my shirt, but you guys know that comes with a uniform change. So, last night wasn't my last night. So this doesn't mean this is my last uniform." ## "So it's not tough because of the foundation I laid and the promise I made to each and every person who pays attention and gives of themselves to WWE. When I feel I can no longer perform at the capacity of the product, it is time to step away. That's not tough. The toughest thing is that I love it so much, uh, and you can still do it at a high level. Uh, yeah. So, when that time is gone, that means that it's done. I'm actively trying to craft that path right now. So, uh, I've put a line in the sand for myself for 50, and I honestly think it's going to be before that. ## I'll be 47 in a few weeks, so we got time still. Many are calling this the greatest WrestleMania ever, right? And I agree. What a spectacle, what a fantastic WrestleMania. But that's because of the talent that actually put the time in. I showed up for 90 seconds. This is the greatest WrestleMania, with or without my involvement, and that is because of the superstars we have now and their contribution to the business. It is going to be time soon for me to go, and I'm embracing that and enjoying it. It allows me to be present, don't I? I can say this with the utmost certainty: I will always, always be part of the WWE family, but the time to compete in the ring has come to a close." ## If you use this transcription or any portion of it please credit Sacnilk.com and link to this page. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

John Cena Praises Cody Rhodes: Hopes For Future Advocacy As 'Greatest of All Time'
791 days ago
WWE News

John Cena Praises Cody Rhodes: Hopes For Future Advocacy As 'Greatest of All Time'

John Cena was at WrestleMania 40, he appeared in the main event, which was a match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns for the WWE Championship. During the climax of the match, Roman Reigns' faction, The Usos, along with Solo Sikoa, interfered to help Reigns. John Cena entered the ring and fought off Sikoa and another wrestler. The Rock also joined the fray, taking down Cena. ## Just as The Rock looked to have the upper hand, The Undertaker's iconic entrance music hit, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The Undertaker appeared and chokeslammed The Rock, creating a huge moment at WrestleMania. ## With now, Cody Rhodes now holding the WWE Championship, Cena predicts that he will be the greatest of all time in the coming year. On The Pat McAfee Show, John Cena stated the following about Rhodes. ## "So, in the biggest event of the year, with our most important prize on the line, I am just an advocate for a fair chance, okay? You know I'm a huge fan of Cody Rhodes, but you also know I'm a huge fan of Roman Reigns. I believe Roman Reigns is the greatest of all time. Okay, again, what's great about WWE is you can have your opinion and you can voice yours, and I think that's fantastic. Will Cody Rhodes be the greatest of all time? He's put himself in a good position.## So, going back to what I said about Roman Reigns, that doesn't mean that Cody Rhodes cannot be the greatest of all time. I just want people to understand that I think what's been done so far, you have to put Roman Reigns in that slot, but Cody's story... Cody's story starts, you know? The whole theme of WrestleMania was finishing the story. His story starts today. I told him in the ring last night, and I'm sure he'll be able to relay this same message. ## When I got to embrace him, he had the championship in his right hand, and I said, "Do you feel that?" He said, "Yes." I said, "Do you feel how heavy it is?" He said, "Yes." I said, "It will get heavier every day." Oh, that's deep because that is the burden you bear of trying to craft the path to being the greatest of all time. I hope... I hope, and this should be the goal for the business, every performer should pass the torch up. So, I hope a year from now, two years from now, three years from now, we can all sit here and be advocates that Cody Rhodes is the greatest of all time because that's the way it should work." ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

When Will Sheamus Return to WWE Television? Update
791 days ago
WWE News

When Will Sheamus Return to WWE Television? Update

WWE fans eager for the return of the "Celtic Warrior" Sheamus will have to wait a little longer. While a recent Raw video package hyped his comeback, sources suggest it might not happen until after the upcoming WWE Draft. ## Sheamus' absence since August 2023 due to a shoulder injury has seen significant changes. His Brawling Brutes stable dissolved, with Pete Dunne (now back to his original name) teaming with Tyler Bate as "New Catch Republic," and Ridge Holland venturing to NXT with a developing storyline.## The Draft, scheduled for SmackDown on April 26th and Raw on April 29th, could be a defining moment for Sheamus. Fightful Select reports that his return might coincide with the Draft, potentially landing him on a new brand altogether.## Sheamus' last WWE appearance was a losing effort against Edge on SmackDown in August 2023. Edge has since left for AEW, leaving a void in the upper card that Sheamus' return could help fill.## With the Draft looming and Sheamus ready to unleash his Celtic rage, the WWE landscape is primed for a shakeup.## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

WWE WrestleMania 40 Shatters Records, Becomes WWE's Most Successful Event Ever
791 days ago
WWE News

WWE WrestleMania 40 Shatters Records, Becomes WWE's Most Successful Event Ever

WrestleMania 40, held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia over April 6th and 7th, has cemented its place in WWE history as the company's most successful event ever.## The two-night extravaganza shattered numerous records, including attendance, viewership, merchandise sales, and social media engagement. ## WrestleMania XL boasted a staggering 145,298 fans over the two nights, a 78% increase over the previous record set at WrestleMania 39. This massive crowd included attendees from all 50 states and 64 countries worldwide. ## Viewership for WrestleMania XL surged by 41% compared to the record-setting audience of WrestleMania 39. In collaboration with Fanatics, WrestleMania XL merchandise sales skyrocketed by over 20% compared to the previous record set at WrestleMania 39. ## WrestleMania XL became the most social WrestleMania ever, generating a whopping 660 million views across the two days. WWE's YouTube channel witnessed its most successful day ever on WrestleMania Sunday, garnering over 67 million views within 24 hours.## WWE World at WrestleMania, organized in partnership with Fanatics Events, became the company's highest-grossing and most-attended fan event ever. Friday Night SmackDown and Monday Night Raw, held at Wells Fargo Center before WrestleMania, drew record-breaking gates, marking the largest attendances in their respective histories. ## NXT Stand & Deliver, held alongside WrestleMania weekend, also witnessed its biggest crowd ever, with 16,545 fans attending the event at the Wells Fargo Center. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

Huge Update On A Possible Cody Rhodes vs. The Rock Match
791 days ago
WWE News

Huge Update On A Possible Cody Rhodes vs. The Rock Match

The echoes of WrestleMania 40 have barely faded, but a new storm is brewing on the horizon of WWE. On the latest episode of Monday Night Raw, The Rock made a shocking return, not to celebrate Cody Rhodes' victory as the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, but to challenge him. ## Many believe that The Rock vs. Cody Rhodes is on the horizon somewhere along the line. However, there is no certainty on when it will happen. Per the latest from Dave Meltzer, the planned singles match between The Rock and Cody Rhodes will take place at 'next year's WrestleMania'. Their history goes back to Rhodes' independent wrestling days, where The Rock, already a megastar, crossed paths with a young and hungry Rhodes. The Rock, ever the showman, dismissed Rhodes, a moment that fueled the latter's determination. ## Fast forward to the present, and Rhodes, the underdog who clawed his way to the top, stands on the pinnacle. The Rock, a legend with a Hollywood career, clearly hasn't forgotten their past. His backhanded congratulations and subtle jabs, all delivered with his signature charisma, were a declaration of war. ## The Rock claims to have "made Rhodes bleed" and promises to "whoop him like a dog." This isn't just about competition; it's about personal redemption. The Rock wants to prove that despite his Hollywood hiatus, he's still The Great One, and Rhodes is just another stepping stone. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

Full Video: CM Punk Cuts A Promo After 4/8/24 Raw Goes Off The Air
791 days ago
WWE News

Full Video: CM Punk Cuts A Promo After 4/8/24 Raw Goes Off The Air

CM Punk closes out a tremendous WrestleMania Week by addressing the people of Philadelphia after Raw goes off the air. Below check out the full transcription; ## "I used to live in Philadelphia. When I lived in Philadelphia, I worked at a little place called the Murphy Rec Center. When I signed with the WWE in 2005, I spent a year in developmental in Louisville, Kentucky. And then when I debuted on television, my first pay per view was right here in Philadelphia. I don't know, 16,000, 18,000 people. I say I don't know because I know for a fact that tonight there's over 20,000 of you maniacs filling this arena right now. ## You know what I like to see? I like to see that small set cuz I like to see all these people here behind it. And it's a testament to people like Main Event Jey Uso putting all these asses in all these seats. Now we can't do this in a city if it doesn't love professional wrestling the way Philadelphia does. ## The Wise Man can't have a Hall of Fame ceremony in a city that doesn't love extreme like Philadelphia does. And hey, I might have been born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, but the city of brotherly love welcomed me with open arms when I lived and worked here. It's a place I love coming back to, and we have just completed the single greatest weekend of WrestleMania in history. ## Over 201,000 tickets sold. So thank you, Philadelphia, for accepting this kid from Chicago into your hearts and always chanting my name. Can I speak for everybody today, Jey? Yeet. I speak for everybody in back, everybody in front of the camera, and everybody who makes this place tick, from driving trucks to working sound, to taking pictures, to holding cameras. To making sure we're safe inside and outside of hotels, and everybody in between, and all their families at home that miss us when we leave. I mean it when I say this, we love you. Thank you, Philadelphia." ## If you use this transcription or any portion of it please credit Sacnilk.com and link to this page. ## ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...