Former professional wrestler Bully Ray has urged All Elite Wrestling (AEW) to stage a free event during WrestleMania 43, which WWE announced will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2027. Ray suggests that AEW can capitalize on WWE’s overseas move by organizing a WrestleMania-style show in the United States, providing an accessible alternative for wrestling fans who cannot attend WWE’s international event.
Ray’s idea revolves around using the opportunity to host a major wrestling event in the U.S., possibly in a city like Chicago, to coincide with WWE’s show. This would create a counterbalance for the domestic audience, offering fans a free alternative while WWE focuses on its lucrative overseas market.
Bully Ray Details Plan for AEW’s Show During WrestleMania
On the Busted Open Radio podcast, Bully Ray outlined his vision for AEW’s counter-programming, emphasizing the importance of delivering value to wrestling fans and independent organizations alike. Ray stated,
“During WrestleMania of 2027, put on an event in the United States, WrestleMania-esque for the people here, for the WrestleCon to piggyback off of, for the independent wrestling companies to piggyback off of. It’s right there in front of him, man. Do the show in like Chicago. This is your opportunity to put on an event for the United States where [you say], ‘Okay wrestling fans, if they want to take their show all the way over there, fine. Here is what we’re doing.’” — Bully Ray
He continued by stressing the potential to challenge WWE’s perceived greed by offering the show free of charge, providing a stark contrast to WWE’s profit-driven Saudi Arabia event:
“This would be a great opportunity for AEW to counter program the biggest show on WWE’s calendar. And since the perception is the WWE is being greedy and they’re going after all the money, this is all about money, this decision to go to Saudi. What’s the opposite of going after the money and only being about money? The opposite is free.” — Bully Ray
Ray also highlighted Tony Khan’s financial ability to fund such a show, underscoring that it would create a powerful impression among wrestling fans:
“Listen, if anybody can afford to throw money at a show like that, it’s Tony. He does have disposable money. And think about the perception that you would create if you did a free event the same night as WrestleMania. If Tony doesn’t take advantage of this opportunity, where there is no competition in the United States on that day, where there is nobody standing up because it’s not like the WWE is going to be able to come back and go, ‘Well, we’re going to put on a show in Chicago that day.’ Also, they’re not going to counter program WrestleMania with their own programming.” — Bully Ray
Further, Bully Ray sees this as a defining moment for AEW’s image and relationship with wrestling fans, giving the promotion a chance to become the centerpiece of wrestling in the United States, benefiting both major and independent companies:
“Here is the opportunity we’ve been talking about for a while to create a perception of what AEW is and what AEW means to wrestling fans and what you can do to get eyes on your product. Give wrestling fans what you call the greatest pro wrestling on the planet. Give it to them. Give WrestleCon an opportunity. Give the Indies an opportunity. Allow AEW to become the center of the wrestling universe in the United States.” — Bully Ray
Kevin Nash Reflects on WrestleMania 43’s Saudi Arabia Location
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash commented on WWE’s WrestleMania 43 decision to hold the event in Saudi Arabia during his Kliq This podcast. Recognizing WWE’s broad international ambitions, Nash admitted it feels unusual to see the company’s biggest show outside the United States.
Discussing logistics, Nash suggested WWE will record much of the build-up and promotional material in Europe before flying into Saudi Arabia for the main event:
“No, they’ll have a base someplace in Europe. And they’ll put all that s**t in a can, probably… Then fly in. It’s like the Super Bowl. Heavy playoff game, you fly in, you do your media, you do your WrestleMania week, and Saudi Arabia.”
On the topic of WWE’s Hall of Fame ceremony, Nash felt it could remain pre-taped without affecting its stature, referencing the 2020 event held without a live audience:
“Well, I would tape the Hall of Fame because it didn’t seem to hurt the 2020 Hall of Fame. When we were in COVID, we filmed that with no crowd.” — Kevin Nash
Nash also touched on rumors about WWE possibly holding two WrestleManias annually to maximize revenue from live premium content as streaming platforms evolve:
“Haven’t you heard that there’s going to be two WrestleManias a year? I’ve heard that… If the Netflix deal becomes a f**king absolute wrestling desert, you’re gonna f**king do whatever you have to to watch f**king a premium live event. I don’t know, I’m trying to come to grips with what I’m gonna do.” — Kevin Nash
Injury Forces WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton Out of NXT Homecoming
WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton has been withdrawn from tonight’s NXT: Homecoming match at Full Sail University due to a medical issue. Originally slated to team with Stephanie Vaquer and Rhea Ripley against Fatal Influence, Stratton’s spot will be filled by Lyra Valkyria.
Wrestling Observer Radio host Bryan Alvarez explained the likely cause of Stratton’s injury was a concussion or head trauma sustained during her recent SmackDown title defense against Jade Cargill. Alvarez elaborated:
“The most likely spot was a moonsault off the post in the match, the championship match with Jade Cargill, where she smashed her head on the ground. And this was right before the finish and they both got counted out. You could see the referee was talking to [Stratton] and then Nia was scheduled to do a run-in and attack both of them, and if you watch it, man, she barely touched Tiffany.” — Bryan Alvarez
Neither WWE nor Stratton have publicly disclosed further details or a recovery timetable, leaving fans concerned about her health and future return date.
Val Venis Spreads Controversial Claims About Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
Former WWE star Val Venis has stirred controversy by sharing conspiracy theories regarding the assassination of political figure Charlie Kirk, whose death shocked the nation. Venis posted on Twitter a video alongside claims that Kirk was shot at close range with a concealed palm pistol, implying the involvement of a “deep state” conspiracy.
Venis claimed,
The SHOT and the TUCK found. Small-caliber bullet shot from mere feet in front of Charlie HIT HIS JUGULAR. Watch till the end. Share this everywhere. THIS IS YOUR TAXPAYER FUNDED DEEP STATE MURDERERS!
These assertions were debunked rapidly by Twitter community notes and official sources, which clarified that the murder weapon was a common hunting rifle (a Mauser 98) fired from a significant distance, showing no evidence of a palm pistol or close-range shot.
Charlie is hit by a bullet immediately upon that man’s hand reaching the requisite position, leaving no time to aim these extremely difficult-to-aim micro-guns. Moreover, palm pistols, like all guns, generate substantial recoil & muzzle flash. Neither exists here.
Incorrect. Charlie Kirk was not assassinated with a palm pistol, nor was it from close range. Officials have confirmed that the murder weapon was a Mauser 98 common bolt-action hunting rifle.
Despite fact-checking efforts, Val Venis doubled down on his theory and urged followers to investigate what he dismisses as misinformation from media fact-checkers:
I The palm pistol is concealed inside this man’s fist with the stubby barrel visible between his ring and middle finger of the closed fist. Then the tuck!
“Hey @Elonmusk. This “fact” checker is lying about my video attempting to dismiss it without any investigation whatsoever. @LeadStoriesCom & @USATODAY and others have attempted to hide the truth from the American people. I stand by my videos.” — Val Venis™ (The Big Valbowski™)
Venis also posted thoughts on propaganda and perception, urging followers not to trust mainstream narratives:
The power of propaganda on minds that are malleable will make the malleable mind convinced the sky is red when the boob tube is telling you the sky is red but your eyes see blue. The sky is blue dude. Don’t be weak-minded. Your eyes are not lying.
These statements have reignited discussion online, reflecting tension and deep divisions regarding Kirk’s assassination and public trust in information sources.
Wrestling Ratings and Viewership Updates
Recent reports indicate a notable downturn for AEW Collision’s viewership on September 13, 2025, with a significant decline compared week-to-week. Conversely, WWE Raw’s ratings on September 8, 2025, showed an upward trend, bolstered in part by the return of AJ Lee to the Raw roster.
These ratings fluctuations highlight the ongoing competition between WWE and AEW, spotlighting how star appearances and booking decisions impact audience engagement.
Miscellaneous Industry Updates and Talent News
The latest backstage news reveals that WWE creative adjustments have been mandatory following recent roster changes, including the release of Andrade, which reportedly involved Charlotte Flair’s influence. Additionally, rumors about potential AEW returns for stars like Ronda Rousey and speculation about Chris Jericho’s future with AEW or WWE continue to circulate.
Stephanie Vaquer addressed recent alterations to WWE WrestlePalooza booking and explained her signature look involving horns and face paint, offering insights into her character’s evolution. Meanwhile, Tiffany Stratton marked a significant WWE milestone before her abrupt injury withdrawal.
WWE is also preparing for upcoming tryouts and “huge announcements,” with Paige’s possible return and changes to the Worlds Collide event on the horizon.
Former professional wrestler Val Venis is on the case as are his followers pic.twitter.com/sSDR2ostHg
— Kristi Yamaguccimane (@TheWapplehouse) September 16, 2025
The power of propaganda on minds that are malleable will make the malleable mind convinced the sky is red when the boob tube is telling you the sky is red but your eyes see blue. The sky is blue dude. Don't be weak-minded. Your eyes are not lying. https://t.co/K6MfYX9tcB
— Val Venis™ (The Big Valbowski™) (@ValVenisEnt) September 16, 2025
Hey @Elonmusk. This "fact" checker is lying about my video attempting to dismiss it without any investigation whatsoever. @LeadStoriesCom & @USATODAY and others have attempted to hide the truth from the American people. I stand by my videos. pic.twitter.com/ryPTzoCTug
— Val Venis™ (The Big Valbowski™) (@ValVenisEnt) September 16, 2025
