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BY SACNILK

WWE has officially filed to trademark “Viktor Zanov,” the ring name currently being used by former Olympic judoka Aaron Fara as he continues his development with WWE EVOLVE. WWE submitted the trademark filing for the Viktor Zanov name for use across its professional wrestling and sports entertainment services. The filing covers live wrestling performances as well as appearances through television, radio, internet and other broadcast platforms. The complete purpose listed in the filing reads: “Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment.” The Viktor Zanov name belongs to Aaron Fara, an Austrian judoka who competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics before making the transition into professional wrestling. Fara represented Austria in the men's 100kg division and also competed in the mixed team competition. After moving into WWE's developmental system, Fara was given the Viktor Zanov name and began appearing on WWE EVOLVE. Zanov has also been working alongside fellow former Olympic judoka Shido Ash, whose real name is Shady Elnahas. The two have been presented together on EVOLVE as WWE continues to develop them as professional wrestlers.

BY SACNILK

Before they became known as the Acolytes Protection Agency, JBL and Ron Simmons had already established themselves as a tough tag team in WWE. The APA eventually took that identity in a different direction, with the two men regularly shown drinking beer, playing cards and getting into fights in bars and backstage areas. The gimmick became one of the most understood parts of their run together. According to JBL and Simmons Chris Van Vliet, however, those bar-fight segments were not produced like carefully choreographed movie scenes. The pair recalled that WWE did not have many established rules for the type of destruction they were asked to perform, and some of the chaos came from simply figuring things out as they went. JBL explained that the APA's segments were happening at a time when wrestlers were not working with the same type of stunt coordination that is common in entertainment today. “We had real people ask if it was real beer. Yes. It was real every time. I didn’t even know if they had fake Hollywood beer at the time. We didn’t have OSHA. We didn’t have none of that crap. We had the first ladder matches and stuff. We didn’t have stunt coordinators. We were just guys doing stuff and hoping it worked.” The former WWE Champion then recalled one particular bar-fight segment involving Bull Buchanan that went wrong in a way that became another memorable APA story. JBL said he was supposed to throw Buchanan through a gimmicked wall, but Buchanan warned him that they were heading toward the wrong wall. The situation did not go according to plan, and the two ended up crashing through the wall and into a bathroom. “I’ve got Bull Buchanan. I’m going to throw him through a wall and we gimmick the wall and Bull says, ‘That’s the wrong wall.’ And I go, ‘I’m sorry.’ We go through a wall. We land in a toilet. He didn’t go through. He went through it. We land by a toilet. We went through a wall and went into a bathroom.” The story became even more unusual when the two explained who owned the bar where the segment took place. According to JBL and Simmons, the owner, Tim White, would actually give them instructions about what he wanted destroyed because he planned to replace certain items afterward. White's instructions reportedly turned the destruction into something of a renovation project. “Tim would give us a list of stuff he wanted broken so we could rebuild it. He had a jukebox that didn’t even work and we threw a guy through the jukebox by Tim’s request. He got like a digital jukebox to replace it. He had an analog television that didn’t work. He goes, ‘Guys, would you guys break my television?’ He got like a flat-screen TV to replace it.” Simmons added that the APA essentially ended up rebuilding the bar through their WWE segments. “We rebuilt his bar, man. Rebuilt his entire bar.” JBL then recalled how Vince McMahon was surprised by how much of the bar had to be replaced. “Vince told us, he goes, ‘I had no idea that I was going to rebuild Tim’s entire bar.’” The APA's bar-fight material was also tied closely to the pair's beer-drinking gimmick. JBL confirmed that the beer seen during some of their segments was not always fake, which occasionally created problems when they had to perform afterward. He recalled one incident at the Staples Center when the APA had been drinking before they were suddenly told they needed to perform live. “We had sat back there and got drunk. Again. Is that a common occurrence? It was. We had real people ask if it was real beer. Yes. Yes, it was real every time. And they go, ‘Guys, you got to go live. You got to get this right this time.’ And I said, ‘Why are we about to go live?’ They go, ‘No, you’re slurring your words.’” The stories help explain why the APA's segments often felt different from standard WWE backstage skits. JBL and Simmons were not simply playing two characters who happened to fight in bars; their real friendship and willingness to participate in the chaos became a large part of what made the act work. JBL and Simmons have previously described the APA as a natural fit because of the close relationship they had developed over the years. In the interview, they also discussed how that friendship helped them create a tag team that felt believable to fans. The bar fights ultimately became one of the defining elements of the APA era, alongside their famous office, poker games, beer-drinking segments and the iconic door. The new details from JBL and Simmons show just how much of the destruction was built around practical setups, real reactions and the trust they had in each other.

BY SACNILK

Recent booking figures show how Teja Sajja's latest film, Mirai, is performing in the Japanese market. According to recent tracking of Day-1 advance bookings, the movie has secured the seventh position among the top ten Indian films in that market. This placement is notable because it has moved ahead of established commercial hits like Baahubali 2, Dhurandhar 2, and Tiger Zinda Hai in terms of early ticket sales. For a film led by a relatively young actor, sitting just behind major productions like RRR, Muthu, Pushpa 2: The Rule, Devara, and Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire indicates a clear interest in this particular genre from Japanese audiences. The financial data shows a balanced performance between domestic and international markets. Mirai has accumulated a total worldwide collection of 144.21 crore rupees. Looking at the internal numbers, the India gross stands at 111.41 crore rupees, which translates to a net collection of 94.86 crore rupees. The overseas market has contributed 32.80 crore rupees, making up about 22.74 percent of the total business. With these collection figures, the film is a superhit. This suggests that the momentum Teja Sajja built with his previous work in HanuMan has helped establish a reliable floor for his subsequent releases. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The direction and cinematography are handled by Karthik Gattamneni, who is known for his work on films like Eagle. His involvement typically means a focus on high-contrast visuals and a specific technical style. The story is rooted in historical and mythological elements, centering on Emperor Ashoka the Great and the legend of nine sacred scriptures hidden after the battle of Kalinga. The narrative follows a young orphan, played by Teja Sajja, who discovers he is part of a lineage tasked with protecting these books from a dark force. This blend of history with the superhero genre provides the context for why the film is being marketed as a large-scale visual project. The conflict in the film is driven by the interaction between Teja Sajja's character, the Super Yodha, and the antagonist played by Manchu Manoj. Manoj takes on the role of the Black Sword, a character seeking the immortality promised by the ancient scriptures. This traditional hero-versus-villain dynamic, set against a backdrop of ancient secrets and modern action, seems to be a significant factor in its international appeal. By focusing on a self-contained mythological world, the film manages to bypass some of the cultural barriers that often limit regional films in foreign markets. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Comparing these numbers to previous records shows a logical trend. While it is not yet reaching the total volume of RRR, ranking seventh in advance bookings in Japan is an objective metric of growth for this tier of Indian cinema. The fact that it has two more days of advance booking left suggests the ranking could stabilize or even improve slightly before the full release.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, August 20 - The screen-sharing battle between Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2 has entered a fresh round, with the distributor of the Sunny Deol starrer reportedly pushing for theatrical showcasing at single-screen cinemas. The latest development comes at a crucial juncture, with exhibitors already facing pressure to accommodate the strong demand for Awarapan 2 while another major release, Yash's Toxic, is arriving in theatres on August 26. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the distributor of Batwara 1947 has asked single-screen theatres to allot at least one show per day to the Sunny Deol film from August 21. The request has reportedly put exhibitors in a difficult position, as several single screens are keen on giving maximum shows to Awarapan 2, which has been generating stronger audience demand. The situation becomes even more complicated because the distributor of Awarapan 2 is reportedly seeking all shows at single screens through August 27. However, with Toxic scheduled to release on Wednesday, August 26, exhibitors will have to make room for Yash's much-awaited action thriller as well. This effectively turns the show allocation battle into a three-way tussle during a crucial week for the theatrical business. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The distributors and exhibitors are now reportedly engaged in discussions to arrive at a workable solution. While Batwara 1947 is seeking at least a basic presence at single screens, Awarapan 2 is looking to capitalise on its current momentum, and Toxic will demand substantial showcasing once it arrives. The final show allocation across single screens is expected to become clearer soon, with the coming days likely to determine which film gets the maximum advantage in these crucial territories.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, August 20 - Ajay Devgn is taking a more hands-on approach to his upcoming action entertainer Ranger, reportedly stepping behind the camera to oversee the film's climax. The development comes as the makers look to mount a bigger and more impactful finale, with Devgn personally taking charge of portions of the reshoot alongside the action team. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to a report by Mid-Day, the original climax, directed by Jagan Shakti, is being reworked to enhance the scale and intensity of the action. Devgn has reportedly taken the director's chair for the sequence, collaborating with action director Kevin Kumar, known for his work on Jailer. The climax is being filmed at Golden Tobacco Studio in Vile Parle, where a large jungle set has been created for the sequence. The much-anticipated finale reportedly centres on a high-octane confrontation between Devgn's forest officer and Sanjay Dutt's poacher gang. The sequence is expected to feature car chases, gun battles and hand-to-hand combat, giving Ranger a major action spectacle towards the end. The decision to reshoot the climax reportedly stems from the makers' desire to deliver a more ambitious and emotionally satisfying finale. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Ranger is directed by Jagan Shakti and features Ajay Devgn in the role of a forest officer fighting to protect wildlife and tigers. Sanjay Dutt plays the antagonist, while Tamannaah Bhatia is also part of the cast. Following the climax schedule, Tamannaah is expected to join Devgn for a special dance number, which will be another major sequence in the film. With Ajay Devgn now personally involved in shaping the climax, expectations around Ranger have increased. The Devgn-Dutt face-off, coupled with the film's wildlife backdrop and large-scale action, could turn the finale into one of the film's biggest selling points when the movie arrives in theatres. The film is currently scheduled for a December 2026 release.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, August 20 - Could Tony Stark make a surprise return in Avengers: Doomsday? The question has gained fresh momentum after David Harbour, who plays Red Guardian in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appeared to make a cryptic reference to the iconic Iron Man character. While Marvel has officially confirmed Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the MCU, he is set to play Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers film. Harbour's latest remark, however, has fans wondering whether Marvel could be hiding a major Stark-related twist. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Tony Stark was killed off in Avengers: Endgame after sacrificing himself to defeat Thanos, bringing one of the MCU's most important character arcs to an emotional conclusion. A direct return of the same Tony Stark would therefore be a massive development. However, Avengers: Doomsday is expected to embrace the multiverse in a major way, potentially allowing alternate versions of established characters to appear without undoing the events of Endgame. The speculation intensified after Harbour revealed a line from Doomsday, "You are Tony Stark", during a recent conversation with Variety. The comment immediately caught the attention of Marvel fans, with many interpreting it as a possible hint toward an alternate Tony Stark, a multiversal variant or even a connection between Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom and his former MCU identity. At the same time, the remark alone does not confirm that Tony Stark will actually appear in the film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Robert Downey Jr.'s casting as Doctor Doom remains one of the biggest surprises in the next Avengers saga. Marvel has been extremely secretive about the film's storyline, and the studio could potentially be keeping additional major cameos under wraps. If an alternate-universe Tony Stark does appear, it would allow Marvel to bring back Downey Jr. in a familiar form while still preserving the significance of the original character's sacrifice. For now, Tony Stark's return remains unconfirmed, while Robert Downey Jr.'s return as Doctor Doom is official. Still, David Harbour's mysterious statement has added another layer to one of the biggest theories surrounding Avengers: Doomsday. If Marvel is indeed preparing an Iron Man surprise, fans may have to wait until the film's release to discover whether Tony Stark really returns—or whether Harbour's comment points toward something completely different. Doomsday is releasing on December 18 this year.

BY SACNILK

Pat McAfee appears to have closed the door on another WWE run. After spending years as a commentator, wrestler, referee and manager, McAfee has now made it clear that fans should not expect to see him back on WWE television. The former NFL punter addressed his WWE future on Instagram Stories, after a fan asked whether he could return within the next year. McAfee pointed back to his WrestleMania 42 storyline involving Randy Orton and said there was only one scenario in which things could have been different. “If Randy had won, maybe, but I made a promise that I would never, ever. I would never be seen on WWE television ever again, and Cody Rhodes won. He is the one. Wow, what a donkey he turned out to be. Maybe I was wrong with what I was saying.” McAfee said. At WrestleMania 42, McAfee was involved in Orton’s story against Cody Rhodes. Rhodes defeated Orton to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship, meaning McAfee’s storyline ended with him following through on his promise. McAfee then made his position even clearer when discussing Rhodes, saying, “And Cody Rhodes won. He is the one. Wow, what a donkey he turned out to be. Maybe I was wrong with what I was saying.” Despite leaving the door open hypothetically if Orton had won, McAfee insisted that he has no plans to return. “But no, wrestling fans can sleep soundly understanding that I will never be back over there,” he stated. McAfee had already spoken about his WWE career shortly after WrestleMania 42, explaining that he felt he had completed everything he wanted to do in wrestling. He pointed to his time on the independent scene, his NXT developmental run, commentary work and his appearances as a wrestler, referee and manager.

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WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event will take place on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The special will stream live in the United States on Peacock at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT and on YouTube internationally. The first-ever Sunday Night’s Main Event is already shaping up around two singles matches: Cody Rhodes will face Randy Orton in their latest chapter, while Oba Femi will go one-on-one with Bron Breakker. The Atlanta show will continue several stories that have been developing across Raw and SmackDown. Rhodes and Orton have moved from former allies to bitter rivals, with Orton repeatedly targeting Cody and their singles match now set for September 6. Femi and Breakker, meanwhile, have been building toward a confrontation that Paul Heyman helped turn into an official match. WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event Atlanta Confirmed Match Card Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton is one of the two matches officially announced for Sunday Night’s Main Event. The rivalry has a long history, with Orton previously serving as one of the people who helped Cody early in his career before their relationship broke down. The current version of the feud has become personal. Orton has repeatedly gone after Rhodes, while Cody has been trying to put an end to the issue in the ring. The match will also have a homecoming feel for Rhodes, who is from Atlanta. WWE's promotion for the event specifically bills the match as Cody going to war with Orton. A win would give Cody another victory over Orton, but Orton has plenty of reason to make sure the match does not end cleanly. Their September 6 confrontation could therefore become another chapter rather than the final meeting between the two. Oba Femi vs. Bron Breakker The second confirmed match is Oba Femi vs. Bron Breakker. The two young stars have been moving toward a matchup after their recent confrontation on Raw, with Paul Heyman ultimately preventing them from fighting immediately and setting the match for Sunday Night’s Main Event. Femi enters the match after defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42, giving him another chance to establish himself against one of WWE's rising stars. Breakker, meanwhile, will be looking to show that he can handle Femi's size and physical style. This should be presented as a clash between two wrestlers WWE sees as future top-level singles competitors. The result could also determine which direction either man takes after the Atlanta event. Predicted Match Card Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs. Solo Sikoa & LA Knight One of the strongest possibilities for the Atlanta card is a tag-team match involving Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, Solo Sikoa and LA Knight. The Bloodline story took another turn when Solo refused to simply return to Roman's side. The situation has since become even more complicated, with Solo attacking Roman while LA Knight has also been involved in the conflict. Jacob Fatu's recent hesitation to help Roman has added another question to the story. WWE could use the match to move the Bloodline story forward without immediately putting Roman and Solo into a singles match. A post-match betrayal involving Jacob Fatu would also be a possible way to create another twist. Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Becky Lynch Another possible addition is a Triple Threat Match involving Liv Morgan, Stephanie Vaquer and Becky Lynch. The three women have been connected through the ongoing women's division storylines, and recent Raw developments have kept Vaquer and Lynch around Morgan's orbit. A match between the three would allow WWE to bring several ongoing issues together on one show. Where and When to Watch WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event United States: 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT — Peacock United Kingdom & Ireland: 1:00 a.m. BST on Monday — YouTube India: 5:30 a.m. IST on Monday, September 7 — YouTube Australia: 10:00 a.m. AEST on Monday, September 7 — YouTube

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Paul Heyman has spent decades working alongside some of WWE’s biggest stars, but he has never been comfortable with being labeled simply as a “manager.” During his appearance on Six Feet Under, Heyman explained why he deliberately tried to change the role rather than be defined by its traditional image. Heyman recalled breaking into the wrestling business in 1987, when several veterans told him that managing was becoming a dying role. He said J.J. Dillon, Jim Cornette, Dusty Rhodes and Jim Ross were among those who encouraged him to become a commentator instead. “When I broke in in 1987, I was told by everybody that, Be a commentator. Why? Because a manager is a dead role. Everyone told me this. J.J. Dillon told it to me. Jim Cornette told me. And literally, I mean...” Heyman said Vince McMahon also gave him similar advice, telling him that the traditional manager role was disappearing and would eventually be replaced by other types of on-screen personalities. “Oh, well, you gotta transition over to be a commentator or something, because that manager, it's a dying role. It's gonna be beautiful women, to accompany the men to the ring, and one or two very, very old-timers.” Rather than leave the role behind, Heyman decided to reshape it. He wanted his work to feel different from what previous managers had done and eventually developed his own approach to working with wrestlers. “So my goal early on was to change that role, was to evolve it into something else. You know, wrestlers weren't wrestlers. They were superstars. Right. Elevate the role, do something different with it. So I don't get compared to anybody else. So I can find my own niche in the business to where I can say I'm the best that's ever done that role.” Heyman also explained that when he returned as part of the Dangerous Alliance, he asked to be called the CEO of the Dangerous Alliance rather than a manager because he felt the title represented the past. “When I came back to being a manager, which was in the Dangerous Alliance, I asked to be the CEO of the Dangerous Alliance so that I wasn't labeled a manager. Because I always figured, wow, that's the past. Let's not call it a manager because I'm just reminding people of a role that no longer exists.”Heyman’s career has since seen him work alongside Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, CM Punk and other top WWE stars, with his role often extending far beyond simply speaking for them.

BY SACNILK

WWE Monday Night Raw will take place on Monday, August 24, 2026, from the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. However, fans will need to take note of a different start time this week, as Raw will begin at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT on Netflix, two hours earlier than its usual time. The earlier start is connected to WWE's plans to tape the following week's Friday Night SmackDown after Raw, with that episode scheduled to air on August 28. WWE has previously used double-taping arrangements around holiday periods to give its talent time off. The August 24 episode will continue several stories coming out of Raw on August 17. The World Heavyweight Championship No. 1 Contender's Tournament is moving into its semifinal stage, Stephanie Vaquer is set to return to singles action against Roxanne Perez after being attacked by The Judgment Day, and Oba Femi and Bron Breakker will put pen to paper ahead of their Sunday Night's Main Event match. WWE Raw 8/24/26 Confirmed Match Card World Heavyweight Championship Contender Tournament: Penta vs. LA Parka The World Heavyweight Championship No. 1 Contender's Tournament will continue with Penta taking on LA Parka in one of the semifinal matches. The winner will advance to the tournament final and move one step closer to earning a World Heavyweight Championship match against Roman Reigns. Penta advanced to the semifinals after defeating JD McDonagh on the August 10 episode of Raw. LA Parka, meanwhile, earned his place in the tournament after winning his opening-round match. The two will now meet with a place in the final at stake. World Heavyweight Championship Contender Tournament: Rey Fenix vs. Dragon Lee The other semifinal will see Rey Fenix face Dragon Lee. Both men advanced on the August 17 episode of Raw, with Fenix defeating El Fiscal and Dragon Lee defeating El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. The winner will advance to the tournament final and remain in contention to challenge Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship when Raw heads to Mexico City on September 14. That gives the semifinal another layer, particularly with both competitors coming off first-round victories. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Roxanne Perez Stephanie Vaquer is set to return to the ring against Roxanne Perez. Vaquer's return comes after The Judgment Day attacked her during the August 17 episode of Raw. The situation involving Vaquer, Liv Morgan and Becky Lynch has continued to develop over the past several weeks. On the previous Raw, Becky attempted to help Vaquer when The Judgment Day went after her, but the situation ended with Morgan's group gaining control. WWE has now booked Vaquer for singles competition, giving her a chance to respond inside the ring. Oba Femi and Bron Breakker contract signing Raw will also feature a contract signing between Oba Femi and Bron Breakker ahead of their match at Sunday Night's Main Event. Their rivalry has been building since Femi confronted Breakker after stopping a beatdown on Raw earlier this month. Paul Heyman later announced that the two will meet at Sunday Night's Main Event, and the August 24 contract signing gives WWE an opportunity to add another chapter before their match. Predicted Match Card Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa and LA Knight The Bloodline story could receive another segment following the events of last week's Raw. Solo Sikoa refused to fall back in line with Roman Reigns, and the situation ended with Solo Sikoa and LA Knight attacking Reigns and The Usos. A likely prediction is that Roman Reigns will address Solo and LA Knight, possibly leading to another confrontation. WWE could also use the segment to further establish what Solo wants after rejecting Roman's offer. Je'Von Evans vs. Big Cass Another possible match is Je'Von Evans vs. Big Cass. Big Cass has continued targeting Evans, and the issue escalated after Evans defeated JD McDonagh on the August 17 episode before being attacked afterward. A singles match would give WWE a way to continue their story while also giving Evans an opportunity to respond to Cass' attacks. Liv Morgan and The Judgment Day With Stephanie Vaquer now booked against Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan and The Judgment Day could remain involved in the women's division. A backstage confrontation or ringside appearance during Vaquer's match would fit the story that WWE established on August 17. Where and When to Watch WWE Raw WWE Raw airs live in the United States on Netflix at 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT on Monday, August 24, rather than its usual 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT start time. The earlier broadcast is tied to WWE's double-taping plans for the following week's SmackDown. United States: 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT on Monday on Netflix United Kingdom & Ireland: 11:00 PM BST on Monday on Netflix India: 3:30 AM IST on Tuesday, August 25, on Netflix Australia: 8:00 AM AEST on Tuesday, August 25, on Netflix Mexico: 4:00 PM CST on Monday on Netflix

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, August 19 - Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor is set to return to the Astraverse with Brahmastra Part Two: Dev, as director Ayan Mukerji gears up to take forward the ambitious franchise. The movie has been in development since Part 1's release in 2022, and now, it is set to roll next. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to a report by Pinkvilla, Ranbir Kapoor is set to begin shooting for the much-awaited sequel in April 2027, after completing work on Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana Part 2. The scripting and pre-production for Brahmastra 2 are reportedly already underway. Ranbir is expected to wrap Ramayana Part 2 by January 2027 and will then undergo a brief preparation period before commencing Brahmastra 2. The sequel will reportedly see him take on a challenging dual role as Shiva and Dev, expanding the conflict and mythology established in the first film. Alia Bhatt is also set to reprise her role as Isha, bringing back the central pairing from Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The report further states that Ayan Mukerji is in discussions with Deepika Padukone for the role of Amruta, with the filmmaker and his team believing that the character requires an actor with considerable screen presence and gravitas. Deepika's casting is not officially confirmed yet, with her availability and the overall shooting schedule still being worked out. Brahmastra 2 is expected to take the Astraverse on a significantly larger scale, continuing Ayan Mukerji's modern interpretation of Indian mythology. With Ranbir returning as both Shiva and Dev, Alia reprising Isha and Deepika potentially joining the franchise, the sequel could bring together one of the biggest casts in contemporary Hindi cinema.

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This Friday, WWE SmackDown will take place live from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on USA Network. For international viewers, WWE programming is available live on Netflix in most regions around the world. The biggest attraction on the card will be CM Punk defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens, while NXT Champion Oba Femi has also been advertised for the event. SmackDown Confirmed Match Card August 21, 2026 CM Punk (c) vs. Kevin Owens – Undisputed WWE Championship The only match officially announced for the August 21 episode of SmackDown is CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The match was set after Owens earned his title opportunity by winning a Fatal 4-Way No. 1 Contender's Match against Sami Zayn, Gunther and Finn Bálor at SummerSlam. Owens had also returned from a potentially career-ending injury at the event. The rivalry became more personal on the August 14 episode of SmackDown when Punk and Owens went face-to-face. Their confrontation touched on their past outside WWE and their time in the independent wrestling scene. Owens made it clear that he has wanted the opportunity to face Punk, while the champion questioned whether Owens had lived up to his potential. WWE has now moved the rivalry from the microphone to the ring, with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line in Toronto. Oba Femi advertised for SmackDown Oba Femi has also been advertised for the Toronto show, although WWE has not announced what he will be doing on the episode. Scotiabank Arena itself promoted Femi's appearance, noting that “The Ruler” will be in Toronto fresh off his SummerSlam victory over Brock Lesnar. Because no match or opponent has been announced for Femi, his appearance should not be listed as an official match at this point. He could appear in a singles match, a confrontation or another segment. Predicted WWE SmackDown Card – August 21, 2026 Randy Orton could target Cody Rhodes Another possible development on Friday night involves Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Orton has repeatedly targeted Rhodes in recent weeks, and their feud has continued to grow ahead of their scheduled singles match at Sunday Night’s Main Event on September 6. With the match around the corner, WWE could use the August 21 episode of SmackDown to show a little preview of what's coming later. One possible scenario is for Cody Rhodes to defeat Kevin Owens, only for Randy Orton to appear afterward and attack him. Rhodes could celebrate his victory or address the crowd following the match before Orton strikes. The attack would give Orton another opportunity to leave his mark on Rhodes before their September 6 showdown, while also allowing WWE to keep their feud separate from the Punk-Owens championship story. Giulia vs. Blake Monroe The two have an ongoing issue, making a match between them a possible addition to the Toronto show. This has been discussed in SmackDown previews, but it is not currently confirmed by WWE. Where and When to Watch WWE SmackDown The show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on USA Network and in most international markets on Netflix.