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WWE NXT kicked off a new era from The Factory in St. Louis, Missouri, with a star-studded lineup featuring 14-time World Champion Randy Orton.In a rare NXT appearance, Orton faced wrestling prodigy Je'Von Evans. Despite Evans' impressive skills, Orton's experience proved too much, and he emerged victorious.Meanwhile, Tony D'Angelo dethroned Oba Femi in a thrilling North American Championship match. D'Angelo ended Femi's record-breaking reign of 273 days and 30 consecutive wins.The NXT Tag Team Championships were also on the line as Nathan Frazer and Axiom defended against SmackDown's A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory and Grayson Waller). Fraxiom retained their titles in a hard-fought battle.In the women's division, Kelani Jordan teamed up with WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill to defeat Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne, and Jazmyn Nyx).Trick Williams, the newly crowned NXT Champion, broke his silence after reclaiming the title from Ethan Page. He was interrupted by WWE Intercontinental Champion Jey Uso and Wes Lee, who both expressed their desire to challenge for the championship.

WWE Raw witnessed a thrilling night of action, with Gunther retaining his World Heavyweight Championship against Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes emerging as his next challenger.The main event saw Zayn put up a valiant effort, but Gunther's dominance proved insurmountable. The champion weathered Zayn's relentless attacks, showcasing his incredible strength and resilience. As the match reached its climax, Cody Rhodes made a surprise appearance, setting his sights on Gunther and the newly unveiled WWE Crown Jewel Championship.Earlier in the night, CM Punk addressed his Hell in a Cell victory over Drew McIntyre. However, his moment was interrupted by Seth Rollins, who issued an open challenge to Bronson Reed. The discontent within The New Day continued, with Xavier Woods suffering another defeat against Intercontinental Champion Jey Uso. Woods' frustration has been building, hinting at a potential heel turn.In other matches, Sheamus defeated Pete Dunne in a brutal Donnybrook Match, while Team Natalya emerged victorious in a chaotic tag team contest.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has ignited speculation about his potential appearance at WWE Bad Blood 2024 with a cryptic Instagram post. The legendary wrestler confirmed his presence in Georgia, the host city of the event, just a day before its commencement.Johnson's last WWE appearance was at WrestleMania 40, where he teamed up with Roman Reigns. His return to Bad Blood would mark a significant moment for fans eager to witness the icon in action once again.The Rock's Instagram post was ostensibly a message of support for the Apalachee High School Wildcats, who were affected by a mass shooting a month ago. However, his presence in Georgia has fueled rumors of a possible WWE appearance.The Bad Blood 2024 match card features several high-profile encounters, including a Tag Team Match pitting Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns against Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. CM Punk and Drew McIntyre will clash in a brutal Hell in a Cell Match, while Liv Morgan will defend her Women's World Championship against Rhea Ripley.Other notable matches include a One on One Grudge Match between Damian Priest and Finn Balor, and a WWE Women's Championship Match between Nia Jax and Bayley.Johnson's potential involvement in Bad Blood would add an extra layer of excitement to an already stacked event. Fans are eagerly anticipating the possibility of seeing the People's Champion return to the ring and deliver another unforgettable performance.

WWE, the global leader in professional wrestling entertainment, continues to dominate the industry with its roster of iconic superstars. Over the years, the company has produced legendary performers who have captivated audiences worldwide. In 2024, the top-earning WWE stars remain a testament to the company's enduring popularity and financial success.Brock Lesnar reigns supreme as the highest-paid WWE wrestler, earning an astonishing $12 million per year. His exceptional athleticism and unparalleled dominance have made him a fan favorite and a formidable force in the ring. Lesnar's earnings extend beyond his base salary, as he also receives a substantial pay-per-view fee and a share of merchandise sales.Roman Reigns, the current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, is another top earner, pocketing $5 million annually. His charismatic persona and impressive in-ring skills have propelled him to the forefront of the company. Reigns' star power has also translated into lucrative endorsement deals and other revenue streams.Randy Orton, a veteran of the WWE, earns $4.5 million per year. His longevity and consistent performances have made him one of the most respected and decorated wrestlers in the industry. Orton's signature moves, such as the RKO, have become synonymous with WWE.Triple H, the former WWE Executive Vice President, remains a top earner despite his retirement from in-ring competition. His $3.6 million annual salary reflects his contributions to the company as a performer, executive, and shareholder. Triple H's influence and business acumen have played a significant role in WWE's success.AJ Styles, a former WWE Champion, earns $3.5 million per year. His high-flying style and innovative offense have made him a fan favorite. Styles' charisma and ability to connect with audiences have contributed to his status as one of the most popular wrestlers in the company.Other notable top earners include Becky Lynch ($3 million), Seth Rollins ($3 million), The Undertaker ($2.5 million), The Miz ($2.5 million), and Stephanie McMahon ($2.5 million). These superstars have all achieved significant success in WWE, both in the ring and beyond.Despite the recent departure of Brock Lesnar, WWE remains committed to providing its top stars with lucrative contracts. The company's financial strength and global reach ensure that its wrestlers continue to be among the highest-paid athletes in the world.

WWE legend John Cena, a 16-time champion and future Hall of Famer, has announced his retirement from in-ring competition. At the Money in the Bank Pay Per View in Canada, Cena revealed that 2025 would be his final year in professional wrestling.Cena's retirement marks the end of an era. His 23-year career with the main roster saw him win the WWE championship 13 times and the world heavyweight title three times, tying him with Ric Flair for the most top title wins in WWE history.Cena's last match was against Solo Sikoa at Crown Jewel 2023, where he lost after taking 10 Samoan Spikes. He has headlined five WrestleManias, but his last victory came in 2017.Cena's career began in 2001 with Ohio Valley Wrestling. He debuted on WWE television in 2002, answering Kurt Angle's open challenge. As The Doctor of Thuganomics, Cena won the US Championship at WrestleMania 20 and the WWE title at WrestleMania 21.Cena has faced and defeated some of the greatest wrestlers in WWE history, including Triple H, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Kurt Angle, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and Edge. He has also had memorable matches with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.Cena's retirement is a significant moment in WWE history. He has been the face of the company for over a decade and has helped to shape the modern era of professional wrestling.

Netflix, the streaming giant, has recently ventured into the realm of live sports, sparking speculation about its potential as a major player in the industry. However, experts believe that Netflix's current strategy suggests a focus on complementary programming rather than direct competition for major sports rights.Netflix's live sports offerings have primarily been exhibition events and documentaries that align with its existing content. The Netflix Cup paired Formula 1 drivers with PGA golfers, while the Netflix Slam featured a tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. These events complemented documentaries like "Drive to Survive" and "Point Break," respectively.Similarly, Netflix's upcoming coverage of WWE's "Raw" will be accompanied by a documentary series about rising tennis star Carlos Alcaraz. This approach allows Netflix to leverage its storytelling capabilities and create compelling content that resonates with its audience.Netflix has also demonstrated its ability to produce high-quality sports documentaries and series without carrying live games. The NFL series "Receiver" and the "Quarterback" series have been well-received by viewers. Additionally, Netflix is working on projects with the Boston Red Sox and FIFA.While Netflix has expressed interest in acquiring sports rights, its focus appears to be on international markets. The WWE deal grants Netflix exclusive rights to Raw in several countries outside the United States. This strategy aligns with Netflix's global reach and its desire to expand its content offerings in different regions.Experts believe that Netflix is unlikely to bid on major sports packages like the NBA or UFC unless they include international rights. Instead, Netflix is expected to continue its current approach of creating complementary programming and exploring opportunities in emerging markets.The upcoming Paul-Tyson boxing match on Netflix has raised questions about the company's commitment to combat sports. While some experts see it as a one-off event, others believe it could lead to more boxing content on the platform. However, Netflix's overall strategy suggests a focus on storytelling and compelling narratives rather than a direct challenge to established sports broadcasters.