• Wrestlepedia
  • Posts
  • Nomi relinquishes title, Ripley's new team & huge show in September

Nomi relinquishes title, Ripley's new team & huge show in September

Inside: Shawn Michaels undergoes surgery.

August 19, 2025

In partnership with

TOP STORIES TODAY

Naomi was forced to relinquish her Women’s World Championship and addressed the WWE Universe on RAW with an announcement. Adam Pearce invited her to the ring to clear up the rumors following her absence from competing the previous week. Holding the title high, Naomi entered the arena emotional and in tears, showing that she had a lot on her mind before nearly breaking down in front of the crowd.

She then directed everyone to listen to a clip from Stephanie McMahon’s What’s Your Story podcast, where she shared the reason behind her decision. On the show, Naomi revealed that Jimmy Uso had something important to announce, giving him the chance to speak. Jimmy explained that the reason for her stepping away was that they are expecting a baby, making the emotional moment one of celebration and change.

Your boss will think you’re a genius

You’re optimizing for growth. You need ecom tactics that actually work. Not mushy strategies.

Go-to-Millions is the ecommerce growth newsletter from Ari Murray, packed with tactical insights, smart creative, and marketing that drives revenue.

Every issue is built for operators: clear, punchy, and grounded in what’s working, from product strategy to paid media to conversion lifts.

Subscribe free and get your next growth unlock delivered weekly.

Rhea Ripley reacted on RAW after the end of Damage CTRL, a faction that lasted over 1115 days. Originally formed by Bayley on July 30, 2022, the group grew stronger with the additions of Kairi Sane and Asuka, despite facing several changes and setbacks over the years. Bayley’s departure, Dakota Kai’s release, and injuries to Asuka and Kairi Sane all tested the faction, but it managed to survive through each challenge until now.

The split came when Asuka revealed that IYO SKY had told her and Kairi Sane not to interfere in her match, marking a betrayal after years of unity. Following her victory over Raquel Rodriguez, Asuka was attacked but managed to escape thanks to Rhea Ripley’s intervention. Backstage, tensions rose as Asuka and Kairi confronted Ripley and SKY, realizing that SKY had aligned herself with Ripley instead. This unexpected partnership ended Asuka and Kairi’s ties with SKY, officially breaking Damage CTRL apart.

Shawn Michaels, often regarded as one of WWE’s greatest in-ring performers, recently underwent surgery to address a lingering back problem. On the latest episode of his podcast, Kevin Nash shared the update about his longtime friend, giving fans insight into Michaels’ current health.

Michaels’ back issues date back to the infamous Casket match against The Undertaker at the 1998 Royal Rumble, where he sustained a severe injury. Despite the damage, he wrestled Steve Austin at WrestleMania 14 before being forced to retire for four years. Nash explained that the recent operation was meant to fix the long-standing issue that had troubled Michaels ever since that period.

FROM THE RUMOR MILL

WWE Secretly Debuting Huge Show in September

WWE is reportedly preparing a major unannounced event in September, with Indianapolis being discussed as the potential host city. According to PWInsider, the show is planned to be unique and could air on ESPN, serving as a preview of the type of programming WWE will bring to the network when their new deal begins in April 2026.

Currently, all premium live events air domestically on Peacock, but no September PLE is listed on the platform’s schedule. The upcoming lineup shows Clash in Paris at the end of August, followed by the next scheduled event in October. This gap has fueled speculation that the secret Indianapolis show will take place during that period, marking an important step in WWE’s transition toward its ESPN partnership.

📢 SOCIAL SLAM

Sportskeeda Wrestling

But only for a very big reason 🤯

www.facebook.com/648952140612451/posts/1206524478188545

Sportskeeda Wrestling

Never thought anything could top the iconic moment of Rey Mysterio and The Great Khali until Triplemania XXVIII gave us one of its own. 😂

www.facebook.com/648952140612451/posts/1205948531579473

Sportskeeda Wrestling

Omos and Microman posed for a photo together following AAA TripleMania XXXII.

www.facebook.com/648952140612451/posts/1206172661557060

TOP FEATURES

Cody Rhodes has begun his second reign as Undisputed WWE Champion after defeating John Cena in a Street Fight at SummerSlam 2025. His celebration was cut short when Drew McIntyre attacked him on the SmackDown following the event, setting up a heated rivalry. A potential clash between the two could decide whether Cody can continue his reign or fall to the Scottish Warrior.

However, even if Rhodes successfully defends his title against McIntyre, his reign may soon face another major challenge. Chris Jericho, the first-ever Undisputed WWE Champion, has hinted at a possible return to the company after seven years away. Given his championship pedigree and history, Jericho’s comeback could mark the end of Cody’s reign if the veteran steps into the title picture.

ALSO READ

ANALYSIS CORNER

Rumors suggest that six-time WWE World Champion Chris Jericho may return to WWE once his AEW contract expires in December. Jericho was one of the first major stars to sign with Tony Khan’s promotion in 2019 and has been instrumental in its growth and success. However, he has not appeared on AEW television since April 2025, fueling speculation about his future.

Jericho’s last WWE match came at the 2018 Greatest Royal Rumble, where he was the final entrant in the 50-man Royal Rumble match. Recently, he has hinted on social media about a potential return to WWE after seven years away, sparking excitement among fans who see the possibility of his comeback to the Stamford-based company.

ALSO READ

Reply

or to participate.