Dev

BY SACNILK

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.

BY SACNILK

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.

BY SACNILK

After a successful run that lasted over a month, Dhamaal 4 is finally approaching the end of its theatrical journey. The film has been a significant contributor to the box office in 2026, but the latest numbers indicate that it is now reaching a point of exhaustion. With new releases like Awarapan 2 and Batwara 1947 taking over the majority of screens, the space for this comedy sequel has shrunk considerably. While it has performed admirably, the current pace suggests it will not be able to hit any further major milestones, likely settling just shy of the 170 crore net mark. The drop in show counts tells the story of its final phase. Just a few days ago, around Day 35, the film was still running across 1,670 shows. however, by its sixth week, that number has plummeted to double digits, with Day 40 recording only 84 shows across India. On its 40th day, a Tuesday, the film earned a meager 0.02 crore net, bringing the total India net collection to 167.62 crore. While the film saw a small jump over its sixth weekend, the weekday collections have now fallen to the level of a few lakhs, signifying that the movie has almost entirely completed its run in theaters. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Despite the current slow pace, the lifetime achievements of Dhamaal 4 are impressive. It has officially locked its place as the 4th highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2026, comfortably outperforming other major comedy rivals like Welcome To The Jungle. On the global stage, the film has achieved a worldwide gross collection of 229.88 crore. This is supported by an India gross of 199.03 crore and a respectable overseas contribution of 30.85 crore. For a franchise that relies on ensemble comedy, reaching these heights after 40 days is a clear win for the makers. The film has also been a personal success for Ajay Devgn. In terms of lifetime ticket sales on BookMyShow, Dhamaal 4 has recorded 2.89 million tickets sold, making it the 4th highest-selling film in the actor's career on the platform. It sits just behind his other major hits like Singham Again, which leads with 3.77 million tickets, followed by Shaitaan at 2.97 million and Raid 2 at 2.91 million. However, it significantly outperforms titles like De De Pyaar De 2, which recorded 1.11 million tickets. This high volume of ticket sales highlights the initial pull the film had across both multiplexes and single screens before the competitive wave of new big-budget releases took over. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While Dhamaal 4 is fading out of theaters with over 202,714 shows under its belt, it leaves the box office as one of the standout successes of the year. The transition to digital platforms is the next logical step as it reaches theatrical exhaustion, and industry insiders are already speculating that the film will arrive on OTT by September 4. This move will allow the comedy to reach a wider audience at home now that the theater space is dominated by newer releases.

BY SACNILK

There are very few actors who can maintain their position at the top for half a century, but Rajinikanth continues to prove that his superstardom is in a league of its own. As fans eagerly wait for the return of Tiger Muthuvel Pandian in the upcoming sequel Jailer 2, the film has already started rewriting the history books of Indian cinema. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the sequel carries the massive responsibility of following up on the 2023 cult classic, which famously collected over 604 crore at the worldwide box office. The momentum behind this second installment is now being felt in the business circles, where the film has just set an unprecedented record. According to an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama, Jailer 2 has officially secured the biggest non-theatrical deal for any Tamil film to date. Sources close to the development have revealed that the streaming rights for the film have been sold to a major OTT partner for a staggering 160 crore. This figure is significant because it not only surpasses the previous record held by Vijay's Leo but also reportedly exceeds the digital deals for other upcoming big-budget films like Shah Rukh Khan's King. It appears that streaming platforms are willing to pay a heavy premium to secure the Rajinikanth-led saga, viewing it as the most high-profile acquisition of 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The marketing machinery for the film is also beginning to move at a rapid pace. Production house Sun Pictures is reportedly planning to release the first single from the movie on August 21, 2026. Given the massive impact Anirudh Ravichander’s music had on the first film, especially with the viral hit Hukum, there is immense pressure on the composer to deliver another chartbuster. There is also significant buzz regarding a grand audio launch tentatively scheduled for October 2. While Rajinikanth's landmark events are traditionally hosted at the Nehru Stadium in Chennai, the official venue for this sequel is yet to be confirmed. Regardless of the location, the launch is expected to be a massive celebration of the superstar's journey, with a planned television broadcast on Sun TV likely set for October 9. While industry chatter had suggested a potential push to the Diwali weekend due to post-production delays, Sun Pictures has confirmed that Jailer 2 will release on its original scheduled date, effectively ending speculation about a potential delay. This confirmation is seen as a strategic move by industry experts who were concerned about a box office clash with the pan-Indian film Ramayana during Diwali. By sticking to the October window, the film is expected to secure a better screen count and a solo run, providing the necessary space for its large ensemble cast to draw audiences across India without immediate competition. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The return of the character Tiger Muthuvel has created a level of anticipation that is rarely seen even for major sequels. With a record-breaking OTT deal already in the bag and a promotion schedule that looks to build a fever pitch over the next two months, Jailer 2 is positioned to be a commercial juggernaut. If the film manages to replicate the word of mouth of its predecessor, it could very well challenge the all-time records of the Tamil film industry.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, August 19 - Superstar Yash's much-awaited action drama Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups is gearing up for one of the biggest worldwide theatrical releases for an Indian film. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film is reportedly targeting a massive 12,000-screen release globally, underlining the enormous scale of the project and the expectations surrounding Yash's first major release after the blockbuster KGF: Chapter 2. The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on August 26, 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The latest development is that advance bookings for Toxic are set to open on August 21 in India, giving the film five full days of pre-sales ahead of its theatrical release. The movie will release across Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and English, allowing the makers to target a broad domestic and international audience. The final worldwide screen count is still subject to confirmation, but the reported 12,000-screen target reflects the ambitious global rollout planned for the film. Internationally, Lionsgate is handling the distribution of the English version, while the Indian release has been divided among several major distributors. AA Films is handling North India and Nepal, Sri Venkateswara Creations is associated with the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana release, and Panorama Films is handling Kerala. Tamil Nadu distribution involves Think Studios, S Picture and White Nights, through Trident Arts and Five Star Senthil. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Toxic boasts a major ensemble alongside Yash, including Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth. The film is written and directed by Geetu Mohandas and is backed by KVN Productions with Monster Mind Creations. The project has generated substantial buzz following its promotional campaign, with Yash presenting a darker and more intense action avatar than his previous outings. The reported 12,000-screen worldwide rollout could make Toxic one of the widest theatrical releases for an Indian film if the target is achieved. With bookings beginning on August 21, the next few days will be crucial in determining the film’s opening-day momentum across India and overseas markets. All eyes are now on whether Yash’s star power and the film’s large-scale release can translate into a record-breaking start when Toxic hits cinemas on August 26.

BY SACNILK

Superstar Rajinikanth is currently filming for his upcoming project, Dharman, produced by Kamal Haasan under the Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) banner. Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, the movie has transitioned into its second shooting schedule in Chennai. The collaboration has generated interest due to the combination of a veteran lead and a relatively new director known for his work on Oh My Kadavule. As filming progresses, more details regarding the ensemble cast and the film's core premise have begun to emerge. The most significant development according to recent industry reports is the casting of Telugu star Ram Pothineni in a pivotal role. In a move that is being seen as a masterstroke for the film's pan-Indian appeal, Ram Pothineni is reportedly set to play the antagonist against Rajinikanth. The dynamic between the two is said to be a intense father-in-law versus son-in-law conflict. Ram, often referred to as the Energetic Star in the Telugu industry, will reportedly portray a character dubbed as the Deadly Doctor. This role marks a significant departure for the actor and suggests a medical thriller angle woven into what is otherwise described as a pakka family entertainer. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The supporting cast adds further weight to the production. Veteran actress Simran is rumored to be playing the mother-in-law, reuniting with Rajinikanth after their successful pairing in Petta. Additionally, Raashii Khanna has joined the ensemble, reportedly playing the role of the daughter in the film. This combination of established veterans and popular young stars indicates that the makers are aiming for a broad demographic. By casting a prominent face like Ram Pothineni, the production team is also ensuring that the film finds a massive footing in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana markets, where Rajinikanth already enjoys a legendary status. Technically, Dharman is shaping up to be a high-profile venture. The film features music by Anirudh Ravichander, who has become a staple for Rajinikanth's recent blockbusters, providing high-energy background scores that define the superstar's modern screen presence. The action sequences are being handled by the renowned duo Anbariv, known for their gritty and impactful choreography in films like KGF and Vikram. The second schedule, which is currently underway in Chennai, is expected to involve major portions featuring the lead cast, as the director looks to balance the emotional family beats with the high-stakes thriller elements of the script. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the project is still in its production phase, the level of detail regarding the character arcs has already set a high benchmark for expectations. The collaboration between Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan's production house is being treated as a historic event in the industry. As more official updates regarding the teaser and release date are awaited, the current focus remains on the intriguing face-off between the veteran superstar and the young Telugu powerhouse. Dharman is clearly positioning itself to be more than just a typical commercial film, aiming instead to be a well-crafted genre-blender that could dominate the box office across multiple languages.

BY SACNILK

Jacy Jayne has reached another milestone in her WWE career after defeating Giulia to win the WWE Women’s United States Championship. Now that she has had time to take in her victory, Jane has spoken about becoming a main roster champion, her years in NXT, and what she wants to do with the title. During an interview with Not Sam Wrestling, Jane discussed her championship victory and explained why finally becoming a singles champion on WWE's main roster means so much to her. She also talked about the wrestlers she wants to face and her desire to help bring more attention to women's wrestling. Jane said winning the title feels right after spending so much of her career working toward opportunities as a singles wrestler. Before winning the Women's United States Championship, Jane had already held the NXT Women's Championship. However, she explained that she had spent a long time waiting for the chance to compete for singles gold after being part of a tag team for much of her early WWE run. Speaking about having the championship around her waist, Jane said: “Yeah, I feel great. You know, it felt kind of weird not having a title around my waist. I feel like I'm right back where I need to be and my first main roster title and I'm ready to kick ass.” Jane also reflected on the period when she was waiting for her chance as a singles wrestler. According to the WWE star, she had been waiting for the opportunity for a long time and felt ready when it finally came. She explained: “Honestly, I felt like I waited so long for that opportunity to just have a title match to be a singles competitor because I was always in a tag team. So, I waited so long for that moment and when it finally came, I was ready and there was no looking back. I was like, ‘This is what, you know, I should have been doing this whole time.’ So, now I just want to rub it in everyone's face and I just keep trying to set the bar higher and higher. There's no going back. There's only forward.” Jane spent around five years in NXT before arriving on the main roster. While she admitted that she sometimes became frustrated while waiting for her call-up, she now believes the extra time helped her prepare for WWE's two-hour weekly shows. She also thanked Shawn Michaels for keeping her in NXT and helping her develop as a performer. “If I had come up two years ago or whatever the case was, like there's no way I would be in this kind of position. I wouldn't have been ready, you know? I probably would have sunk. So, thank you, Shawn Michaels, for keeping me around and helping me get better even when I was annoying about it.” Now holding the Women's United States Championship, Jane has already discussed the type of matches she wants during her reign. She said there are several women on the WWE roster whom she has not yet wrestled and mentioned Tiffany Stratton as someone with whom she believes she has good chemistry. Jane said: “There's nothing more that I love than having like a five-star classic match. You know, I would love to get—there's so many girls on the roster that I haven't been able to work yet that I think I would have great chemistry with. I thought me and Tiffany had great chemistry. Tiffany is tough as hell. So props to Tiffany.” Jane's approach to her championship reign also fits with the character she has built throughout her WWE career. She said she enjoys being booed and does not want to change her personality simply because she is now a champion. “I don't want to be cheered. I want you to hate me. I want you to try to attack me in the parking lot. I want old school. That's the kind of heat I want.” With her first main roster championship now secured, Jane wants to defend the Women's United States Championship, face new opponents and keep giving WWE fans reasons to boo her. For JC Jane, the win over Giulia is only the beginning of her run with WWE's Women's United States Championship.

BY SACNILK

JC Jane has reached another milestone in her WWE career after defeating Giulia to win the WWE Women’s United States Championship. Now that she has had time to take in her victory, Jane has spoken about becoming a main roster champion, her years in NXT, and what she wants to do with the title. During an interview with Not Sam Wrestling, Jane discussed her championship victory and explained why finally becoming a singles champion on WWE's main roster means so much to her. She also talked about the wrestlers she wants to face and her desire to help bring more attention to women's wrestling. Jane said winning the title feels right after spending so much of her career working toward opportunities as a singles wrestler. Before winning the Women's United States Championship, Jane had already held the NXT Women's Championship. However, she explained that she had spent a long time waiting for the chance to compete for singles gold after being part of a tag team for much of her early WWE run. Speaking about having the championship around her waist, Jane said: “Yeah, I feel great. You know, it felt kind of weird not having a title around my waist. I feel like I'm right back where I need to be and my first main roster title and I'm ready to kick ass.” Jane also reflected on the period when she was waiting for her chance as a singles wrestler. According to the WWE star, she had been waiting for the opportunity for a long time and felt ready when it finally came. She explained: “Honestly, I felt like I waited so long for that opportunity to just have a title match to be a singles competitor because I was always in a tag team. So, I waited so long for that moment and when it finally came, I was ready and there was no looking back. I was like, ‘This is what, you know, I should have been doing this whole time.’ So, now I just want to rub it in everyone's face and I just keep trying to set the bar higher and higher. There's no going back. There's only forward.” Jane spent around five years in NXT before arriving on the main roster. While she admitted that she sometimes became frustrated while waiting for her call-up, she now believes the extra time helped her prepare for WWE's two-hour weekly shows. She also thanked Shawn Michaels for keeping her in NXT and helping her develop as a performer. “If I had come up two years ago or whatever the case was, like there's no way I would be in this kind of position. I wouldn't have been ready, you know? I probably would have sunk. So, thank you, Shawn Michaels, for keeping me around and helping me get better even when I was annoying about it.” Now holding the Women's United States Championship, Jane has already discussed the type of matches she wants during her reign. She said there are several women on the WWE roster whom she has not yet wrestled and mentioned Tiffany Stratton as someone with whom she believes she has good chemistry. Jane said: “There's nothing more that I love than having like a five-star classic match. You know, I would love to get—there's so many girls on the roster that I haven't been able to work yet that I think I would have great chemistry with. I thought me and Tiffany had great chemistry. Tiffany is tough as hell. So props to Tiffany.” Jane's approach to her championship reign also fits with the character she has built throughout her WWE career. She said she enjoys being booed and does not want to change her personality simply because she is now a champion. “I don't want to be cheered. I want you to hate me. I want you to try to attack me in the parking lot. I want old school. That's the kind of heat I want.” With her first main roster championship now secured, Jane wants to defend the Women's United States Championship, face new opponents and keep giving WWE fans reasons to boo her. For JC Jane, the win over Giulia is only the beginning of her run with WWE's Women's United States Championship.

BY SACNILK

Je'Von Evans has made it clear that his goals in WWE go far beyond simply becoming a champion. The young star wants to establish himself as one of the greatest wrestlers the company has ever seen, and when discussing the wrestlers he studies, Evans pointed to Roman Reigns as someone who has already left a lasting mark on WWE. During his recent interview, Evans was asked who he considers the greatest wrestler of all time. While he named Shawn Michaels as his personal choice, he also praised Reigns when discussing the current generation and explained why he has so much respect for the former Undisputed WWE Champion. Evans credited Reigns with helping change WWE during a period when the company was dealing with declining viewership and revenue. He believes Reigns' return and transformation into his Tribal Chief character changed the way WWE presented its top star. “Roman, bro, he came back into the game and, bro, he carried WWE for like, I would even say four or five years. Like, he's doing his thing.” Evans then explained that Reigns did more than simply become a successful champion. In his view, the former world champion changed the overall feel of WWE and developed a presence that could connect with different generations of fans. “He changed the game. He changed the swagger, bro, of WWE. He changed everything.” Evans also compared Reigns' ability to draw reactions to that of John Cena, pointing out that both stars can step away from WWE and still return to major reactions from the audience. “No matter what, bro, like kind of like Cena, for real. Like no matter what, bro, he can take a break, come back and still get that big reaction.” The comments about Reigns also connect to Evans' goal of becoming the greatest WWE wrestler of all time. The 22-year-old has repeatedly spoken about wanting to build a career that places him among the biggest names in company history. Evans revealed that he is studying Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes and Triple H as he prepares for the future. He particularly admires the way Reigns understands WWE's changing audience and believes that Reigns has found a way to appeal to both longtime wrestling fans and newer viewers. “Roman for sure because he's so, like I said, he changed the game. So he kind of understands that this is not like a old fan base anymore... he knows how to kind of get the new fans and the old fans.” For Evans, Roman Reigns represents more than a potential future opponent. He is someone the young WWE star believes he can learn from as he works toward reaching the level of success he has set for himself.

BY SACNILK

Zilla Fatu has opened up about his WWE debut, revealing what was going through his mind moments before he entered the ring for the first time on NXT. The young wrestler also spoke about feeling the presence of his late father, Umaga, during the emotional moment. Fatu made his WWE NXT debut on the August 11 episode of NXT, arriving alongside Tama Tonga and JC Mateo to confront Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. The appearance marked Fatu's first WWE television appearance and brought him into a story involving several members of the Anoa'i family. Fatu's first WWE appearance came after he had spent years developing his wrestling career outside the company. He trained under Booker T at Reality of Wrestling and built a following before eventually earning his opportunity with WWE. Speaking on The Hall of Fame with Booker T and Brad Gilmore, Fatu explained what was happening inside his head immediately before he walked out for his NXT debut. He said he already knew what he had been asked to do and focused on executing the plan while still bringing his own personality to the performance. “Whenever I pulled up, I already knew what time it was. Long as they called the play, I ran it. I did exactly what was told and I put my flavor on it. I put my flavor on it and we did it like that and we had fun. And right before I went out, I just said a quick prayer to myself, and I knew my dad was there because I felt him. I felt him.” The reference to his father made the moment especially personal for Fatu. Umaga passed away in 2009, but his influence remains a part of Fatu's wrestling journey. Before entering the ring at NXT, Fatu said he felt his father's presence and carried that feeling with him during his first WWE appearance. Fatu also remembered looking toward Booker T before he made his entrance. Seeing his mentor watching him provided reassurance that everything was going according to plan. “Right before I went out, man, it was just—it happened. I don’t even know how to express it. Like the slide and everything I did, and then right before I slid in, I looked at Book. I seen him like, ‘Okay, yep. As long as he’s looking, we good.’” Fatu later described the debut as a memory he would never forget and said he is ready for the next chapter of his career. “It was a memory I never forget, and I’m just ready to start this new journey. And like I said, man, you guys better buckle up, man. It’s going to be a long ride.”