• Netflix had a blowout quarter, helped by live sports events.
• But Netflix insists it won't break the bank with sports.
• Netflix sees sports as part of live programming, which benefits its ad growth.

Netflix just delivered another blockbuster quarter, helped by record-breaking sporting events. But the streamer was quick to tamp down speculation that it'll charge headlong into big (AKA pricey) sports deals.

Netflix highlighted live sports events in ticking off the strengths of the fourth quarter. It mentioned the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson bout, which it called the most-streamed sporting event ever, and the NFL Christmas Day games, which it said were the two most streamed NFL games in history. Netflix just began a big partnership with the WWE and got exclusive US rights to the FIFA Women's World Cup for 2027 and 2031.

Many analysts would like Netflix to add more sports as they become available, and sports-related questions were prominent on Tuesday's earnings call.

"We believe NFLX would benefit from expanding its sports portfolio but note few US sports rights are up for renewal over the next few years," Citi analysts wrote in a recent note.

The NBA is tied up for the next 11 years, and the NFL signed its 11-year deal in 2021. ESPN's UFC rights are coming up for grabs in 2025, though, and could look more attractive. That's especially true after the Paul-Tyson fight.

Netflix execs were quick to emphasize Tuesday that they're not changing their strategy around sports. They said they plan to keep treating it as part of its live programming, which includes things like "The Roast of Tom Brady."

Live programming — sports especially — can create a sense of urgency that can help fuel Netflix's ads business. Netflix is counting on ads to help it accelerate in 2025 and beyond.

That said, Netflix doesn't want to give the impression it's giving up on cost discipline. With the cost of live sports skyrocketing, Netflix underscored in its shareholder letter that its live programming would "likely be a small percentage of our total view hours and content expense." Netflix has also expressed aversion to renting versus owning its entertainment.

That could be music to the ears of some TV networks. They are being squeezed by the ever-increasing cost of live sports rights and are increasingly outbid by tech giants for them.

"We are constantly trying to broaden our programming, and live is one of those things, and sports is one of those live events," Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said on the call. "But it doesn't really change the economics of full seasons sports being very challenging."

"We're going to be mindful of the bottom line," he added.

Of course, Netflix has been known to change its tune on things before — like ads, password-sharing, and yes, live sports.

British tag team Pretty Deadly guide Alex Pattle through an intense workout in London, giving an insight into what it takes to be a professional wrestler

WWE and TNA Wrestling on Thursday announced a joint multi-year partnership which would open the door for talent to perform for either company.

Talent from WWE’s NXT may appear on TNA’s "IMPACT" and vice versa. Superstar wrestlers could also appear on select WWE premium live events and TNA pay-per-views in the future. The phenomenon had already occurred at several points in 2024.

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"This historic relationship demonstrates that collaboration and competition do not have to be mutually exclusive," TNA Wrestling and Anthem Sports & Entertainment senior vice president Ariel Shnerer said in a news release. "Our partnership allows the TNA Wrestling brand and its incredible athletes to reach a significantly wider audience, while giving WWE and NXT stars an opportunity to cross the line and gain valuable experience, as they join forces with one of the most talented rosters in professional wrestling today. 

"The response to our collaboration over the past year has been tremendous and both companies have benefited, but the fans have reaped the greatest rewards from this talent crossover and working relationship."

WWE STAR CM PUNK GIVES SHOUTOUT TO FIREFIGHTERS BATTLING LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES

Shawn Michaels, WWE’s senior vice president of talent development creative, added, "We look forward to growing and evolving our partnership with TNA Wrestling and its outstanding group of athletes by creating new opportunities to further the development of our talent and to elevate the viewer experience at home."

TNA and WWE NXT wrestlers have already performed on each other’s shows.

Last year, Jordynne Grace kicked off 2024 with an appearance in the women’s Royal Rumble. She went on to compete against Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Championship at Battleground.

Joe Hendry’s popularity rose during the spring and summer months of 2024. He nearly defeated Ethan Page at No Mercy for the NXT Championship.

Former TNA stars have also appeared in WWE over the last few years.

Cody Rhodes, A.J. Styles, Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, CM Punk, Xavier Woods, Penta, Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Chelsea Green, Zelina Vega are among those who have competed for the TNA brand in the past.

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WWE star CM Punk started "Monday Night Raw" addressing the crowd in San Jose, California.

Before he started on about his aspirations of getting to WrestleMania 41 and taking another jab at Seth Rollins, Punk gave a special shoutout to the first responders and emergency personnel fighting the fires in the Los Angeles area.

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"Real quick, before we get to CM Punk’s business, I need to say something real fast. I acknowledge all the firefighters and first responders in the great state of California and everybody in the surrounding states sending everybody to help fight this natural disaster, this fire," Punk said. "I’m talking Canada, Mexico — the people, we hear you, we appreciate you."

The crowd at the SAP Center cheered as Punk then declared himself as one of the entrants for the upcoming Royal Rumble match, which will take place on Feb. 1.

WWE was at the Intuit Dome a week ago for the debut of "Monday Night Raw" on Netflix. Punk defeated Rollins in the first main event of the new era.

MUSIC STAR BAD BUNNY WANTS ANOTHER WWE MATCH: 'I WANT TO SCARE MY MOTHER'

The Los Angeles wildfires began Tuesday afternoon as winds whipped through the area. A few fires were ignited and spread quickly through the region.

More than two dozen people were killed in the devastation.

Officials warned earlier Monday the threat to the area is not over.

"We are not in the clear. I want to make sure of that. We are not in the clear as of yet, and we must not let our guard down," Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said.

"As the increasing wind event is upon us as we speak, the Los Angeles City Fire Department has maximized our resource capabilities and response capabilities," Crowley added. "All available LAFD resources have been staffed. I have strategically pre-positioned engine strike teams and task forces, which are dedicated to rapid response for any new fire that breaks out in the city."

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Latin music star Bad Bunny impressed the pro wrestling world when he battled Damian Priest in a San Juan Street Fight at WWE Backlash in 2023 and came out to a raucous crowd in Puerto Rico.

It wasn’t the first time Bad Bunny had been in a WWE ring – he made several appearances for the company in 2021 – and he’s hoping it’s not his last.

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The music star told Rolling Stone he wants to compete in the ring again.

"I want to do it one more time," he told the magazine in an interview published Monday. "I want to put my life at risk in the ring. I felt like I didn’t risk it enough in the ring, and I want to do it. I want to scare my mother. When? I don’t know. 

"We stay in contact with the people at WWE, we’re always paying attention to what’s going on. But when, I don’t know. I hope there’s a time where I can really get ready, like I did the last few times. And I’d love to take more time to get ready physically.

WWE SUPERFAN VANESSA HUDGENS SAYS 'DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE' AFTER STEPPING INTO THE RING FOR FIRST TIME

"But man, just like in music, I do this to get better and to do something different. Sometimes, I say, ‘I’m going to quit everything and just do wrestling full time.’ I feel like in wrestling, I just go sporadically as a celebrity. I’m going to go full time and be a heel. That’s what I’d love. I was always a fan of the villains more than the good guys."

Bad Bunny’s entrance into the 2023 match was one of the more celebrated moments from that year.

It’s unclear where he would fit in any upcoming storylines but with WrestleMania season upon wrestling fans, anything could truly happen.

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Former WWE star known as Melina was reported "safe" on Sunday after concerns were raised over her whereabouts amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires during the week.

A Matter of Pride Wrestling, which initially expressed fears over the former pro wrestling, offered an update on social media.

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"We’re relieved to share that Melina has made contact and is safe. We want to thank everyone for their concern, support, and outreach during this time. Your kindness and compassion means the world to us," the pro wrestling company wrote on X.

Melina Perez 45, was born in Los Angeles and got into the pro wrestling world in 2001.

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES: ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES-AREA RESIDENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM

She burst onto the WWE scene when she appeared on "Tough Enough" in 2002 in hopes of earning a roster spot. While she didn’t win the spot, she later was the valet for the MNM tag team of Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury.

She had a successful singles run as she was the WWE Women’s Champion three times and the WWE Divas Champion twice.

Perez also competed for the National Wrestling Alliance and TNA Wrestling.

She wrestled from 2001 to 2021.

The Los Angeles wildfires have killed more than a dozen people and left thousands of structures and acres of land burned.

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The former WWE star known as Melina was reportedly "unreachable" amid the devastating wildfires that left a path of destruction in Southern California over the last week.

A Matter of Pride Wrestling and the Cauliflower Alley Club asked their followers about the location of Melina Perez on Saturday.

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"We’re deeply concerned as WWE Legend Melina has been unresponsive amidst the troubling events unfolding in Los Angeles," A Matter of Pride Wrestling wrote on X. "If anyone has seen or heard from her, please report her safe. Any information helps."

The Cauliflower Alley Club added, "Reading on X that apparently former WWE superstar Melina has reportedly been unreachable amidst the wildfire oubreak in Los Angeles. If anyone knows her whereabouts or can contact her it would be a great relief to everyone concerned about her safely. Please share, Thank you."

Perez, 45, was born in Los Angeles.

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES: ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES-AREA RESIDENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM

She burst onto the WWE scene when she appeared on "Tough Enough" in 2002 in hopes of earning a roster spot. While she didn’t win the spot, she later was the valet for the MNM tag team of Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury.

She had a successful singles run as she was the WWE Women’s Champion three times and the WWE Divas Champion twice.

Perez also competed for the National Wrestling Alliance and TNA Wrestling.

She wrestled from 2001 to 2021.

The Los Angeles wildfires have killed more than a dozen people and left thousands of structures and acres of land burned.

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Vince McMahon, who co-founded and previously served as the CEO of WWE, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have reached a settlement following a yearslong probe over undisclosed settlements.

The federal investigation was launched to determine whether McMahon disclosed to the company's board and others that he signed two settlement agreements worth more than $10 million with two women in order for them not to reveal potential claims against himself and WWE.

The SEC said McMahon, without admitting or denying its findings, agreed to cease and desist from violating certain provisions, pay a $400,000 civil penalty and reimburse WWE approximately $1.3 million.

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McMahon released a statement on Friday, arguing the situation was the result of "minor accounting errors."

"The case is closed. Today ends nearly three years of investigation by different governmental agencies. There has been a great deal of speculation about what exactly the government was investigating and what the outcome would be. As today's resolution shows, much of that speculation was misguided and misleading," the statement read. "In the end, there was never anything more to this than minor accounting errors with regard to some personal payments that I made several years ago while I was CEO of WWE. I'm thrilled that I can now put all this behind me."

Federal prosecutors declined to comment.

VINCE MCMAHON CALLS SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HIM 'PURE FICTION'

SEC officials on Friday said one agreement was signed in 2019 and the other in 2022. One agreement required McMahon to pay a former employee $3 million in exchange for the former worker's agreement to not disclose her relationship with McMahon and her release of potential claims against WWE and McMahon.

The other agreement obligated McMahon to pay a former WWE independent contractor $7.5 million in exchange for the independent contractor's agreement to not disclose her allegations against McMahon and her release of potential claims against WWE and McMahon, per the SEC.

McMahon stepped down from his role as chairman and CEO of the popular professional wrestling promotion in 2022, pending the results of an internal investigation which stemmed from allegations of hush-money agreements. His daughter Stephanie McMahon assumed her father's leadership duties. 

A few weeks after stepping down, McMahon announced his intentions to retire from WWE. He returned as executive chairman in 2023, but resigned from TKO — a company that was the result of a merger between the WWE and Zuffa, UFC's parent company — in 2024. McMahon's resignation came after a former employee filed a federal lawsuit accusing him and another former executive of serious sexual misconduct. 

McMahon maintained he committed no wrongdoing following the filing of the lawsuit.

By McMahon not disclosing the agreements to WWE's board, legal department, accountants, financial reporting personnel or auditors, it circumvented the company's system of internal accounting controls and caused material misstatements in its 2018 and 2021 financial statements, the commission said.

The SEC's order found that, because the payments required by the 2019 and 2022 agreements were not recorded, WWE overstated its 2018 net income by approximately 8% and its 2021 net income by about 1.7%.

Once WWE learned of the settlement agreements, it issued a restatement of its financial statements in August 2022.

"Company executives cannot enter into material agreements on behalf of the company they serve and withhold that information from the company's control functions and auditor," Thomas P. Smith Jr., associate regional director in the New York Regional Office, said in a statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Jeff Hardy is one of the most popular pro wrestlers of his generation.

Hardy’s death-defying stunts will live in the minds of fans for the rest of their lives. He performed in WWE in three separate stints between 1994 and 2021. He and his brother, Matt, became a beloved tag team and won several championships in his career. He was also a WWE champion and World Heavyweight champion during one of his runs.

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The heights of Hardy’s career in WWE were derailed because of legal trouble and his battles with addiction. However, the North Carolina high-flyer said in an interview with WFAA-TV that he believes he could have been bigger than John Cena.

"The way I was living life in my 20s and 30s, if I was living life the way I’m living life now, oh my gosh, there’s no telling," he told the station on Tuesday. "I would probably be bigger than John Cena today. I was born with such a gift to be a pro wrestler. It just felt so natural, like I was totally created to do this thing.

JOHN CENA'S FAREWELL TOUR BEGINS WITH MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT ON RAW'S NETFLIX PREMIERE

"The cool thing is I’m still here, have life and feel good. As Matt had mentioned, we’re big ice baths, and that’s been crazy beneficial for me mentally and physically. I don’t put a number on it. I’ll just pretty much wrestle until I can’t wrestle anymore."

The 47-year-old is still one of the biggest acts in the industry. Aside from WWE, he has performed for TNA Wrestling, Ring of Honor and All Elite Wrestling.

The Hardys are the current tag-team champions for TNA Wrestling. They defeated The System and ABC in a triple-threat full metal mayhem match at Bound for Glory last year.

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WWE legend Hulk Hogan made a special appearance at the Intuit Dome with Jimmy Hart as "Monday Night Raw" debuted on Netflix.

Hogan came out to his "Real American" theme song with Hart waving the American flag in the background. As Hogan tried to cut a promo for his Real American Beer brand, which signed a deal with WWE before the show, he was met with a bunch of boos from the Los Angeles crowd.

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The 71-year-old WWE Hall of Famer was seen for a few minutes before he walked to the back.

While the Los Angeles crowd was quick to make their displeasure known, not everyone watching "Raw" on Netflix was pleased with the treatment Hogan received. "The Hulkster" found defenders on social media.

"Hulk Hogan getting boo’d probably because the state of California is the biggest left sided piece of s--- state in the country. F--- your political views and watch wrestling," one Hogan fan wrote on X.

"I love Hulk Hogan idgaf. Guy had a whole life and made a few mistakes okay so what. F-----g people acting holier than holy. P--- off," another Hogan defender added.

JOHN CENA'S FAREWELL TOUR BEGINS WITH MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT ON RAW'S NETFLIX PREMIERE

"The booing for hulk hogan is r------d btw, he’s a legend, respect him," another fan wrote.

"Hulk Hogan getting boo’d on Raw is because he’s MAGA. F----n’ hypocrites. Without Hogan ya’ll aren’t watching WWE. Grow up, Trump is your president," another added.

It was Hogan’s first appearance since he came out in full support of President-elect Donald Trump during election season. Hogan was seen in Trump’s corner during a rally at Madison Square Garden back in October and the Republican National Convention in July.

He also appeared on the "PBD Podcast" and revealed why he decided to speak out, pointing to the assassination attempt against Trump over the summer.

"When they tried to kill Trump, someone that I knew personally, it affected me worse," he said. "I sat up off the couch and I said, ‘that’s it, this has to stop.’ I don’t want to split my audience as a businessman but now I don’t care. This is much more important than business. This is a spiritual revolution now.

"This guy is coming out trying to help people. He wants to help millions of people. He wants to help America. Have God in our country, in our homes, in our schools, and I said, ‘I can’t handle it.’"

Hogan’s appearance in Los Angeles came about two months after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the election.

Hogan, along with Hart, appeared on the "Raw" anniversary show back in January 2023. He warmed up the crowd in Philadelphia at the time and received the totally opposite reception.

The pro wrestler’s relationship with the company has been hot and cold. He has had multiple separations with the company over several scandals.

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John Cena’s WWE farewell tour began with a big announcement and an even bigger prediction. 

Cena shocked the Intuit Dome crowd during "Raw’s" Netflix premiere on Monday night, as they went into a frenzy when his walk-out music played. 

While thanking the Los Angeles crowd for everything they’ve done for him over the years, he announced that he would be heading to Royal Rumble 2025, becoming the famed match’s first entrant. 

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The match, which is scheduled for Feb. 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, is one that Cena does not just want to compete in. 

"I’m going to win the Royal Rumble," he told the crowd. 

Now, Cena did mention there would be a better chance he wins an Academy Award than becoming a 17-time WWE Champion, which would be a record. 

However, if he were to win the Royal Rumble, he would automatically get a world championship match at WrestleMania 41, giving him a shot at WWE history. 

So, as Cena always says, never give up. It might be unlikely, but he seems determined to go out with a bang in his final year. 

It is unclear just how many events Cena will be participating in this year, but his recent appearances have hinted at a pretty hefty schedule in the coming months. 

JOHN CENA TO COMPETE IN 2025 ROYAL RUMBLE EVENT AS LEGEND EMBARKS ON FAREWELL TOUR

The 47-year-old is a 16-time WWE champion who is bound for the Hall of Fame after his retirement. 

Cena was just one of the special guest appearances on "Raw," as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson opened the festivities before his cousin, Roman Reigns, defeated Solo Sikoa to be named the one and only "Tribal Chief." The current undisputed WWE champion, Cody Rhodes, also flew into the ring in suit and tie to help clear out the madness in that match. 

The Undertaker rode in on a motorcycle after Rhea Ripley won the women's world title belt from Liv Morgan, and Chief Content Officer Triple H made a speech in front of the sold-out crowd and millions watching around the globe. 

This new era of WWE on Netflix saw all the stops pulled out on Night 1, and Cena made sure to proclaim his goal for 2025 in the process.

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The WWE announced on Monday that the Royal Rumble, one of the marquee premium live events the company holds, will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2026.

The Royal Rumble event has primarily been held in the United States outside of its first instance in 1988, when it was hosted in Ontario, Canada. It will be hosted in Indianapolis in February before it heads overseas next year.

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"WWE is a global enterprise and it only made sense to expand our relationship with the Kingdom by bringing one of our biggest annual events to Riyadh in January of 2026," WWE president Nick Khan said in a news release.

Saudi Arabia has been the host of a handful of premium live events in the past. Crown Jewel has been the main event held in the country, while The Greatest Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber Night of Champions and the King and Queen of the Ring events also took place there.

"Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Royal Rumble for the first time outside North America reflects the General Entertainment Authority’s ongoing commitment to bringing the world’s largest and most important entertainment events to the Kingdom. Through this partnership with WWE, we aim to enhance the entertainment sector and deliver a transformative experience that attracts a wide audience," Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh added.

THE ROCK TEASES WWE RETURN AS ICONIC 'MONDAY NIGHT RAW' SET FOR NETFLIX DEBUT

"We are excited to see this historic event as part of Riyadh Season’s activities and look forward to providing an exceptional experience for wrestling fans from around the world, whom we welcome to all events hosted in Saudi Arabia."

WWE touted November’s Crown Jewel as a massive success. The company said it set a record for the most-watched WWE event from Saudi Arabia.

The company said the event saw a 28% viewership increase from last year’s event. It was also the sixth Crown Jewel event that was sold out at Mohammed Abd Arena in Riyadh.

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Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson appeared to answer the one question pro wrestling fans have asked in the weeks leading up to WWE’s "Monday Night Raw" debut on Netflix.

Johnson wrote in the caption of an Instagram post on Sunday that he will be at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, as WWE embarks on a new chapter in its history.

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"Until then, I’ll come back home to @wwe tomorrow night as we make history on @netflix and begin a new and exciting era," he wrote.

"Tomorrow night is dedicated to my grandfather, the High Chief Peter Maivia, my grandmother, Lia Maivia and my dad, Rocky ‘Soulman’ Johnson and my ancestors who have ALL paved the way."

Johnson has been seen sparingly on WWE programming since he interfered in WrestleMania 41 Night’s 2 main event between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. Rhodes finally captured the Undisputed WWE Championship that night, ending Reigns’ historic reign as champion.

WWE STAR CM PUNK RIPS BEARS' LEADERSHIP AMID TEAM'S DISAPPOINTING SEASON

Johnson appeared on "Monday Night Raw" the next night to confront Rhodes one last time before he took a hiatus. Johnson then appeared at Bad Blood after Rhodes and Reigns defeated Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu in a tag-team match.

He didn’t say anything but the return was electric. The appearance at the premium live event also sparked ideas about how Johnson could make an impact in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.

The obvious answer would be a match between him and Reigns but there’s still a lot that has to happen to get there.

Additionally, Monday night’s episode will also mark the return of John Cena and his start of a farewell tour.

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Phillip Brooks, better known by his WWE ring name, CM Punk, is not happy with the state of his hometown NFL team.

Punk, who was born in Chicago, aired some of his grievances with the Bears during a guest appearance on Netflix's NFL coverage Christmas Day.

"Nothing’s going to change until the McCaskeys sell the team. I said it," Punk said in reference to the family that inherited ownership of the Bears from team founder George Halas several decades ago. 

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"We’re live on Netflix, I don’t care. I’ve been there. Oh, Lovie Smith is going to change the Bears. Oh, Trubisky is going to change the Bears. Then, we trade up and we lose [Patrick] Mahomes."

ROOKIE QB CALEB WILLIAMS IS FRUSTRATED WITH LOSING, AND SO ARE BEARS FANS

While quarterback Mitch Trubisky finished his four-year run in Chicago with more than 10,000 passing yards, his tenure was viewed as a disappointment.

"We’re going to just walk off the set and let you rant," pregame show co-host Devin McCourty said.

"Mahomes right now. No, he’d be on the Bears. Sorry," Punk responded. 

Trubisky was the second overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, when the Kansas City Chiefs used the tenth overall selection for Mahomes. In April, the Bears had the draft's first overall pick after trading the 2023 top pick to the Carolina Panthers. This year, the Bears kept the pick and selected USC Trojans standout Caleb Williams.

Williams has struggled at times this season. 

The Bears enter Thursday night's game against the Seattle Seahawks with a 4-11 record. The Bears have already been eliminated from playoff contention and parted ways with coach Matt Eberflus last month.

But Punk, a self-proclaimed "Chicago sports fan," suggested the franchise's shortcomings should fall at the feet of the team's leadership. 

"I’m a Chicago sports fan," Punk said. "And, ladies and gentlemen, it doesn’t get any lower than that right now."

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Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship with a victory over Kevin Owens at Saturday Night’s Main Event in New York, but the fireworks really started after the match was over.

Rhodes used the chair Owens brought into the match after two referees were knocked out. He hit the patented Cross Rhodes finishing maneuver after Owens missed with a chair shot. As "The American Nightmare" celebrated, Owens returned to the ring to attack the champion.

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Owens nailed Rhodes with an "illegal" package piledriver. Rhodes left the arena on a stretcher.

As Owens walked toward gorilla position, WWE chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque confronted Owens. Levesque shoved Owens as the two got nose-to-nose. WWE security guards had to separate the two as Levesque went to check on Rhodes.

It was the second time Owens used the package piledriver on a SmackDown superstar. He used it on Randy Orton, which left Orton down and out and also taken out of an arena on stretcher.

It’s unclear what the future held for both Owens and Rhodes in the aftermath.

Elsewhere, Chelsea Green made history with a win over Michin. Green rolled over Michin’s back in the corner and hit an incredible unpretty-her move and picked up the pinfall.

JASON KELCE RECALLS WRESTLEMANIA 40 EXPERIENCE, COMMENTS ON PRO WRESTLING BEING 'FAKE'

Green became the first United States women’s champion as WWE unveiled the midcard belt a few weeks ago.

It has been a long time coming for Green, who made her first appearance in WWE in 2014 before becoming a contestant on "Tough Enough" in 2015. She then made an impact with TNA Wrestling and Lucha Underground before she got a real chance with WWE NXT.

She was a surprising release in 2021 and eventually made a return to TNA and became a tag-team champion with Deonna Purrazzo in 2022. She returned to WWE in 2023 and became a tag-team champion with Sonya Deville and later Piper Niven.

Green entered the U.S. title tournament and defeated Blair Davenport and Bianca Belair in a triple-threat match and Bayley in a singles match to earn a chance at winning the title. She completed her dream on Saturday night, winning her first singles title.

Here are the rest of the results.

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Pro wrestling is often mocked as "fake" because of the pre-determined outcomes each match has, as well as the choreographed moves each athlete performs while in the ring.

Certainly, each move comes with its own set of consequences. The injuries are real, the blood, sweat and tears are real, and sometimes, the beef between wrestlers is all too real.

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Former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce learned firsthand just how real pro wrestling is. He and former teammate Lane Johnson interfered in a match at WrestleMania 40 earlier this year, which took place at Lincoln Financial Field.

Kelce explained in an appearance on "The Rick Eisen Show" how he got acclimated to pro wrestling after being unfamiliar with it.

"WrestleMania was a thing, but we never watched it, and I didn't really know what to expect," he said. "It got announced it was coming to Philly and that they wanted Lane and I to be a part of it. I started to get acclimated to what this event is and how big of a deal it is to the wrestling community. 

ERIC BISCHOFF HOPES PRO WRESTLING COMPANIES PUT MORE OF AN EMPHASIS ON THIS ASPECT OF THE SPORT

"Then Lane and I went to a couple wrestling gyms in South Jersey. We were literally doing moves and bumps. I learned how to bump; I learned how to clothesline. I learned how to get slapped in the chest and not act like it hurt, because it actually does hurt. It's like a massive slap to the chest."

Kelce said his brief time in the pro wrestling arena dispelled any notion, for him, that wrestling was "fake."

"It was a blast. It was a ton of fun. Everybody made it a lot of fun," he added. "Again, a lot of people say wrestling's fake or whatever, and it's like, well, so is the TV show you're watching. 

"But you can still have a level of respect for the amazing physical specimens that are doing outrageous things in front of you at speed. It might be choreographed a bit, but it's still nonetheless very impressive."

Kelce retired from the NFL after the 2023 season. The Super Bowl champion has become a mainstay on ESPN’s "Monday Night Countdown" with a larger role reportedly on the way.

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WWE star CM Punk made his return to the company one year ago Monday and the company put together a video showing the behind-the-scenes reactions and interactions with him.

It had been a decade since Punk left WWE, walking out of the company after disagreements with then-CEO Vince McMahon and chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque.

Punk did his own thing for quite a while. He gave MMA a try – in the cage and in the broadcast booth. He returned to pro wrestling in 2021 with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and had two tumultuous years there. He departed AEW in September 2023.

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Two months later, he showed up following the end of Survivor Series: War Games in Chicago – his hometown. It was one of the most shocking surprises in recent memory. Rumors ran rampant in the days and weeks leading into the premium live event, but each thought was met with skepticism. Until, as Levesque put it at the time, hell froze over.

The WWE video showed Punk entering the Gorilla Position backstage with executive Bruce Prichard. He greeted Stephanie McMahon and others before he received his cue to go out to the thunderous applause.

Fellow WWE stars watched the moment backstage. Wrestlers Bayley and Shotzi were among those surprised.

"What a way to do it," Shotzi said.

Bayley ran to Gorilla Position to greet her longtime friend when he returned from the stage.

"I’m so happy you’re here," she said.

Punk greeted nearly everyone who walked out from the men’s War Games match, including Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio and Randy Orton.

Orton also made his return to the WWE on the same night.

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"Can I not enjoy 10 minutes of my f---ing return," Orton said with a smile.

The video didn’t show Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre’s reactions to Punk’s return. Neither wrestler appeared to be happy to see Punk back in WWE. While pro wrestlers are good at blurring the lines or reality and storyline angles, both acknowledge the real-life tensions they’ve had with Punk in the past.

McIntyre told Fox News Digital in October that their issues were very real but had to put business first.

"You can feel the tension," he said. "Everyone could feel the tension when him and I are near each other. We have to be professionals and do our job. We understand, we’ve been doing this a long time, that real personal issues, real hatred draws money. We also know when that bell rings, we can really lean into each other. None of us are going to complain and when we’re on the microphone, we can see how we feel. Both of us have thick skin, unlike a lot of our superstars – they want to cry whenever I tweet about them. I do appreciate that about them.

"But you can feel the tension when we’re around. And I remember there was some picture that came out online recently, and it was the big talk of the internet because Punk and I were close to each other during the day, and it was, ‘Oh my God they really don’t dislike each other.’ I was like, yeah, you frickin’ idiots. You don’t go to your office job and have to stand beside the guy you don’t like in your office occasionally just because someone snapped a picture of that moment because we’re dealing with a situation you have to deal with in your profession even if you can’t stand the p----."

Punk’s WWE return started with the McIntyre feud. It began at the Royal Rumble in January when McIntyre tore Punk’s triceps performing a move on him. From there, Punk tormented McIntyre and even cost him his brief World Heavyweight Championship reign at WrestleMania 40.

Their rivalry culminated in an epic trilogy that ended in a bloody Hell in a Cell match, which Punk won.

He had been off TV for a few weeks following the match. He returned to the fold this past Friday on SmackDown and put himself into the War Games match between Bloodline rivals.

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Glenn Jacobs, the former WWE superstar who became the mayor of Knox County, Tennessee, said he would advise Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson against stepping into the political ring.

Jacobs appeared on "Going Ringside" earlier in the week and was asked about the possibility of Johnson – a WWE legend, movie star and TKO board member – trying his hand at politics.

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"If I’m him, I wouldn’t. Politics is incredibly contentious and toxic right now," Jacobs said. "Everybody likes Dwyane, no matter where you are on the political spectrum, because he’s a great entertainer, and he’s a good guy.

"Got to remember that no matter what you say in politics, 50% of the people are just going to knee-jerk disagree with you, and you’re going to really tick some folks off. I’ve had to deal with that, obviously. If I were him, I would advise him not to do that, personally."

Johnson’s name has been floated as a potential presidential candidate and at one point had aspirations to run. But he said in 2022 all of that took a backseat to raising a family.

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Jacobs said there are still ways to make an impact behind the scenes, and while Johnson has historically been likable, it’s not going to be the same if he steps into the political sphere.

"What’s going to happen is that you’re going to immediately alienate almost half your fan base, which can be an uncomfortable place to be," he added. 

Johnson got a taste of how toxic politics can be after he endorsed Joe Biden for president in 2020. He told "Fox & Friends" in April the endorsement was right for him at the time but that he regretted the division it caused.

"Am I going to do that again this year? That answer's no. I'm not going to do that," he told Fox News’ Will Cain at the time. "Because what I realized that what that caused back then was something that tears me up in my guts back then and now, which is division. And that got me."

"The takeaway after that months and months and months, I started to realize, like, ‘Oh man, that caused an incredible amount of division in our country.’ So I realize now going into this election, I'm not going to do that. I wouldn't do that because my goal is to bring our country together. I believe in that, in my DNA. So in the spirit of that, there's going to be no endorsement."

"Not that I'm afraid of it at all, but it's just I realize that this level of influence – I'm going keep my politics to myself, and I think it's between me and the ballot box."

Fox News’ Kristine Parks contributed to this report.

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President-elect Donald Trump's new secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, is not exactly the school librarian type. 

As the wife of WWE founder Vince McMahon, Linda has been heavily involved in the wrestling entertainment product for decades, much like Trump himself. She even led the WWE organization as CEO. 

The new executive branch Cabinet member was even the recipient of violent wrestling moves during WWE events decades ago. 

Clips of McMahon's body slams have resurfaced across social media in the days since the announcement of her appointment. 

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In one event, Glenn Thomas Jacobs, also known as "Kane," hit the new Education secretary with a tombstone piledriver that knocked her, apparently, unconscious on an episode of "Monday Night Raw" in the early 2000s. 

In one of WWE's more infamous sagas of the era, she was featured in a series of skits that saw her hit her children, Stephanie and Shane McMahon. In some of those skits, her children hit back. 

McMahon served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009. She told lawmakers at the time that she had a lifelong interest in education and once planned to become a teacher.

She attempted two runs at the Senate as a Connecticut Republican, losing the 2010 race to Richard Blumenthal and the 2012 race to Chris Murphy. 

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McMahon then provided $6 million to help Trump’s candidacy after he secured the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.

McMahon served as administrator of the Small Business Administration under Trump's first term from 2017 to 2019. When she resigned, she wrote that the role had been "immensely rewarding."

When McMahon was chosen for that role, she was praised by Blumenthal and Murphy, the two Connecticut Democrats who defeated her in Senate campaigns. Blumenthal called her "a person of serious accomplishment and ability," while Murphy said she was a "talented and experienced businessperson."

McMahon then chaired America First Action, a super PAC that backed Trump’s re-election campaign in 2020. When Trump lost to Biden, McMahon then helped start the America First Policy Institute to continue advocating for Trump’s agenda and prepare for a potential return to the White House.

When Trump ran for president this year, McMahon was the co-chair of his transition team along with Howard Lutnick, the chief executive of financial services company Cantor Fitzgerald. As part of that role, McMahon has been helping to plan Trump’s new administration.

"As Secretary of Education, Linda will fight tirelessly to expand "Choice" to every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decision for families," Trump said in a statement announcing her appointment.

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Logan Paul’s emergence in WWE surprised regular fans with how quickly he picked up some of the nuances of the sport and how agile he was at 6 feet, 2 inches with no professional in-ring experience.

For the most part, Logan’s brother, Jake, has been missing from his corner. Jake Paul has mostly been focused on his boxing career and trying to make a bigger name for himself in that sport. He made a one-off appearance at Crown Jewel in 2022 but has not made much of an impact in the squared circle.

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Jake Paul, fresh off of a unanimous decision victory against Mike Tyson, said he was interested in a WWE role but not as a competitor.

"I would love to," he said on the "IMPAULSIVE" podcast about possibly joining WWE. "But I would want to be like your Paul Heyman. I wouldn't want to wrestle as much — I could do some s--- – but I’d want to be your sidekick businessman or some s---."

JOHN CENA TO COMPETE IN 2025 ROYAL RUMBLE EVENT AS WWE LEGEND EMBARKS ON FAREWELL TOUR

Logan Paul floated the idea of Jake coming to pro wrestling when he finished with his boxing endeavor. He explained that the industry is "time-consuming," and he may not have time to do both.

Logan Paul first appeared in WWE in 2021 and developed into a fan-hated heel. He won the United States Championship over Rey Mysterio at Crown Jewel in 2023 and held the title until SummerSlam in August, when he fell to LA Knight.

He has not appeared in WWE since.