Latest Sports News | Fox News

Athena goes above and beyond to retain title at Ring of Honor's Supercard of Honor, eyes legendary reign

Sat, 16 May 2026 07:12:04 -0400

Athena has been one of the most dominant champions across pro wrestling and that dominance continued on Friday night at Ring of Honor’s Supercard of Honor.

The Ring of Honor Women’s World Championship was up for grabs in a Survival of the Fittest six-way match. Athena had to outlast Billie Starkz, Maya World, Trish Adora, Yuka Sakazaki and Zayda Steel. Chairs, ladders and other foreign objects would enter the match through the night.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

While Athena eliminated Steel early, putting down the rest of her opponents was not an easy task. Athena found herself in a precarious position. Competitors stacked chairs on top of each other and Adora made use of them. She chokeslammed Athena through them during the match.

Sakazaki even tried her best to keep Athena down.

Athena was laid out on a table. Instead of going to the top turnbuckle to hit a splash, Sakazaki springboarded herself off the top rope in the middle of the ring and hit the Magical Girl Splash onto Athena and through the table.

Still, Athena was undeterred.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Athena needed to go nearly 10-feet up onto a ladder. She flipped off it and hit World with the O-Face. She then pinned World, completing the final elimination.

Athena has now eclipsed 1,253 days as the Ring of Honor women’s world champion.

She told Fightful earlier in the week that her goal was to surpass Bruno Sammartino’s reign as champion. The legendary pro wrestler held the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship for 2,803 days at the height of his career.

"Hey man, when we get to Supercard of Honor this week and I beat the epic Roman Reigns’ last championship run, I just want you to know that I’m gonna be so petty," she said. "I want everyone to know that we are gonna have the pettiest celebration ever. We’re gonna have kittens, green apple skittles, whiskey, tequila, you name it. … But we are just gonna have a big smorgasbord of a party. We’re gonna have a cookout. It’s gonna be amazing.

"But like I said before, my goal is Bruno Sammartino. Seven years, baby, seven years. But you know what, when you’re ‘forever champion,’ what’s years? What’s years? A lot of people think that might be getting ahead of myself. But at the end of the day, I’ve been champion for over—what is it 1,250 days or something like that? I don’t see this anytime soon.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"Hell, all these girls that are in this match think that they’ve learned something by experiencing Athena, but I’m ever changing, ever evolving. That’s just the way I’ve always been and there’s not gonna be a harder worker than me. As I’ve said before and I’ll say it again, no man can touch my reign, no woman can live up to my legacy. I am the forever Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion. It’s about time y’all get over it."

It’s clear that the "Forever Champion" is focused on being just that.

Supercard of Honor results

Sammy Guevara def. Action Andretti.
Rush def. LSG.
Mina Shirakawa and Queen Aminata def. Janai Kai and Lacey Lane.
Dezmond Xaver and Myron Reed def. Ariya Daivari and Tony Nese.
Nigel McGuiness def. Josh Woods.
Red Velvet def. Viva Van to retain the Ring of Honor Women’s World TV Championship.
AR Fox def. Lio Rush to retain the Ring of Honor World TV Championship.
Deonna Purrazzo def. Diamante to retain the Ring of Honor Women’s Pure Championship.
Lee Moriarty def. Ace Austin to retain the Ring of Honor Pure Championship.
Dalton Castle, Truth Magnum, Turbo Floyd def. Carlie Bravo, Shane Taylor and Shawn Dean to win the Ring of Honor Six Man Tag Team Championship.
Mark Davis def. Xelhua to retain the AEW National Championship.
Bandido def. Blake Christian to retain the Ring of Honor World Heavyweight Championship.

Gunther accuses Cody Rhodes of making his SmackDown arrival about himself ‘just like a typical American’

Sat, 16 May 2026 06:38:22 -0400

Gunther had two decisions to make on "Friday Night SmackDown."

After he failed to sign a contract with SmackDown, the favor he wanted from Paul Heyman appeared to come to fruition. Heyman got Gunther a match at Clash in Italy for Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship.

Heyman put the onus on Rhodes – the face of the blue brand – to make Gunther sign the contracts. Rhodes got to the ring and setup the tables and chairs himself as he awaited Gunther to come to the ring.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Gunther was upset that Rhodes allegedly impeded on Gunther’s "strategic planning" that went into signing with SmackDown. He said Rhodes made his arrival to SmackDown all about himself.

"Just like a typical American. I shouldn’t be surprised. I see it on your neck every week," the 6-foot-4 Austrian said of Rhodes’ neck tattoo. "When the attention is not on you, you cry, you complain and you find a way to make it all about yourself. But not like me. This is my deal. This is my title match. This will be my title. So, golden boy, all I want you to do is be professional, address me nicely and don’t forget to say please. It’s very simple."

Rhodes reminded that Gunther "got the drop" on him and that he got Heyman to do a favor for him.

"Yes, I’m the one with the U.S. flag on the side of my neck, sure, but you’re the one who’s making it weird," Rhodes responded. "So, here’s the thing, I’m going to make it simple. This is the contract right here. It’s in this ring. That’s where you need to be and you need to sign it. You want me to say please? Sure, please come to this ring, sign this contract so that you’re guaranteed to get your a-- kicked at Clash in Italy."

Royce Keys interrupted the segment and told Gunther that if he wouldn’t sign the contract, he would. Keys marched to the ring and was about to sign the contract before Gunther took the pen away.

SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis said Gunther "over played" his hand and that he wasn’t guaranteed a shot anymore. Aldis made a match between Gunther and Keys for later in the night.

Keys went into the match still with Solo Sikoa in his ear trying to get him to join forces with him, Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga. With Sikoa possibly in his head and later on the outside of the ring in his corner, he came into the SmackDown main event looking to leap to the top of the championship ladder.

Gunther gave everything Keys could handle, but couldn’t keep the big man down. Keys showed why he was a force to be reckoned with. However, Keys just couldn’t get a pin on him.

When the referee went down, Sikoa slid a chair in and tried to goad Keys into using it. Keys threw it back at Sikoa. It was the distraction that Gunther needed. The ref got back up, Gunther powerbombed Keys and pinned him for the win.

Rhodes attacked Gunther from behind as the "Career Killer" was celebrating the victory.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Carmelo Hayes, Ricky Saints showcase future of SmackDown

Carmelo Hayes and Ricky Saints represent the future of SmackDown and the two were in action during the night as they both looked to emerge as contenders for the United States Championship.

Hayes, a former U.S. champion himself, was making his first appearance in the ring since April 3 when he lost his rematch for the title against Sami Zayn. Hayes didn’t appear to show any sort of ring rust as he took the attack to Saints early.

But Saints, the savvy former NXT and North American champion, got his opportunity to slow down the match and take it to Hayes. He showboated his way through the match as he hit dropkicks, suplexes, chops and more to wear down Hayes.

Hayes avoided a superplex attempt and turned the tables on Saints, hitting a frog splash. He only picked up a two count. The two men were staggered and stunned as they hoped for the win. Saints even broke out a high-angled driver, but only got a two count.

Saints was surviving everything Hayes was giving him. After Saints kicked out of the First 48, he hit a Revolution DDT on Hayes, but again, only got a two count. Saints tried to cheat to get the win, but referee Charles Robinson caught him and stopped his count.

As Saints argued with Robinson, Hayes rolled up Saints and used the ropes for leverage to get the pin. Robinson didn’t see the move and Hayes got the win.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

SmackDown match results

Trick Williams def. The Miz
Paige and Brie Bella def. Giulia and Kiana James.
Carmelo Hayes def. Ricky Saints
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss def. Michin and B-Fab via DQ.
Gunther def. Royce Keys.

Justin Thomas, Keegan Bradley get heated with official over pace of play at PGA Championship

Fri, 15 May 2026 19:24:06 -0400

After a slow first round at Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia on Thursday, pace of play was a point of emphasis at the PGA Championship on Friday.

However, when an official approached Justin Thomas and Keegan Bradley, they became animated.

Thomas, a longtime Team USA Ryder Cup member, and Bradley, last year's United States captain, were on the fourth hole when they were approached by an official in a cart, and the conversation quickly turned into finger-pointing.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Thomas said after the round that he, Bradley and fellow USA Ryder Cupper Cameron Young, who won the Cadillac Championship earlier this month, were put on the clock, with the official telling them to pick up the pace. However, both Bradley and Thomas appeared to point at the group in front of them.

"We just didn't really agree with it," Thomas said, citing course conditions, high winds and tough pins. "We were behind. That wasn't our issue... It's just the fact that we weren't holding up the group behind us."

Thomas said they were caught up with the pace on the very next hole.

GARRICK HIGGO SHARES BAFFLING COMMENTS WHILE REACTING TO TWO-SHOT PENALTY AT PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

Thomas had a lengthy conversation with the official, while Bradley appeared to make his point short and sweet -- though he was definitely not happy with the call.

It is a large PGA Championship field, with 156 golfers at the course and groups even starting their rounds on the back nine. The scores have also been rather high, with just 25 players below par at the time of publishing.

Aronimink also features a shared tee box on 1 and 10, holes 9 and 17 crossing paths, and a lengthy par-3 eighth hole that's causing problems. Three par-3s are over 200 yards on the course, and there is also a 457-yard par 4 on the fourth.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

As Chris Gotterup put it on Friday, "You're not going to get any four-and-a-half hour rounds out here."

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Detroit Tigers broadcasters rip MLB replay after calls are overturned: 'This is gonna get ugly in a hurry'

Fri, 15 May 2026 18:54:30 -0400

Tigers broadcaster Jason Benetti can't believe what he's witnessing from MLB's replay office.

Is someone drunk? Are the replay officials even looking at the footage that fans at home are watching? Benetti and Tigers color analyst Andy Dirks worked a game Thursday that featured two calls that ended up in the hands of officials that went in favor of the Mets, who won the game 9-4 for a three-game sweep.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

"This is going to get ugly in a hurry," Dirks said seconds after the home-plate umpire announced that the New York office overturned a 5th inning call. To be fair, the game got ugly in the top of the 4th when Tigers manager A.J. Hinch was kicked out of the game after getting into a screaming match with the ump over a call at third base.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE

The very next inning, Benetti and Dirks had seen enough. "I’ll tell you what, the Tigers have a good right to believe that something isn’t on their side right now, whether it’s the baseball gods or whatever," Benetti added after Dirks' comment. "The first one was ridiculous. The first one should have been safe. This one, I just don’t know that we’ve seen clear proof of anything."

"If that one wasn’t clear proof at third, how do you have clear proof at first? I’m just beside myself with trying to understand what these rules mean and who’s got discretion of what," Dirks fired back.

MLB maintains a page on its website where it shows multiple angles of replay challenges. Here's the play in the 4th inning. Even the Mets booth says the Tigers runner was safe. New York replay officials didn't see it that way. You make the call. Based on the extra footage provided by MLB, the 5th inning overturn appears to be the right call.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

To Dirks' point, how is the fifth-inning call any different from the fourth? Watch the videos and you tell me. What's clear is that baseball now needs to find a way to determine a definitive angle. And show fans in real time. They shouldn't have to visit MLB's replay archive on a nightly basis.

Former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro died from fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol overdose: report

Fri, 15 May 2026 17:57:16 -0400

Former NFL player Josh Mauro died from a drug overdose, the California Post reported, citing the Maricopa County Medical Examiner.

The Post said that Mauro died from "acute combined fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol intoxication."

Mauro's death was ruled accidental, the outlet added.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Greg Mauro, Josh’s father, announced his son’s death in a Facebook post last month, saying he passed on April 23.

"With many tears and broken hearts, yet anchored in the unshakable certainty that our precious Josh Mauro is now healed and made new – live in the presence of the Lord – we humbly covet your prayers as our family walks through the devastating loss of our amazing son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend," Greg Mauro wrote in the post.

"On Thursday, April 23rd, Josh breathed his last breath on this Earth and his first breath in heaven. The Lord has been our strength in this unimaginable moment. Your prayers for continued strength and comfort mean more to us than words could ever express."

WISCONSIN SENATOR SAYS 'ENOUGH IS ENOUGH' AFTER NFL PUTS PACKERS HOLIDAY GAME BEHIND NETFLIX PAYWALL

Mauro entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Stanford, signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014. But the Steelers didn’t hold on to the 6-foot-6, 290-pound defensive end long, cutting him during final roster moves before the start of the season.

However, Mauro landed with the Arizona Cardinals, and he would spend the next four seasons in the desert helping their defensive line.

Over six seasons with the Cardinals, Mauro collected 83 combined tackles and four sacks across 55 games (29 starts). He worked himself into a starting role in 2016, when he saw seven tackles for loss across 15 games.

Mauro also spent time with the New York Giants and then-Oakland Raiders before a return to the Cardinals for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Mauro was born in England, where his father was stationed for work. He would eventually move from England to Texas and work up a high school resume that allowed him to play Division I football at Stanford.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Across 80 career games, Mauro had five sacks, 130 combined tackles (20 for loss), two forced fumbles and five passes defended.

Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Dodgers catcher takes out frustration on himself by banging bat over his own head after strikeout

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:53:51 -0400

Dalton Rushing is in a bit of a slump, and he sure knows it.

The Los Angeles Dodgers catcher and first baseman got off to a scorching start to the season as he found playing time with Will Smith, hitting .444 with a 1.761 OPS in his first eight games of the season.

But in 14 games since then, he's 7 for his last 39, which accounts for a .179 batting average, and has posted a .484 OPS.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

In the bottom of the fourth inning with a runner on second against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday night, Rushing struck out on a breaking ball out of the zone and was not pleased with himself. Rushing broke his bat over his leg and slammed his leg guard on the dugout bench.

Two innings later, with men in scoring position, Rushing struck out on a high fastball, and he put himself in harm's way by slamming his new bat over his helmet — still on his head — three times.

Overall, it was a game to forget for Rushing, who struck out three times in a hitless effort. He has not gotten a hit since May 6.

BASEBALL FAN HOSPITALIZED AFTER FALLING INTO VISITING BULLPEN DURING WHITE SOX-ROYALS GAME

After losing four consecutive games, each by at least four runs, the Dodgers, even with Rushing's struggles, got back on track to win the final two games of their four-game series against the Giants, including a 5-2 victory on Thursday.

They haven't exactly wowed the competition, as they sit at 25-18, but they have not let go of first place in the National League West yet this season. However, the San Diego Padres remain right on their tail.

The Dodgers embark on a nine-game road trip on Friday night, although they don't have to go far for the first three, as they'll face the Los Angeles Angels.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

But then, it's a big series against the Padres before taking on the Milwaukee Brewers in a National League Championship Series rematch.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

NFL insists Vrabel-Russini scandal not considered in scheduling Patriots for 2026 kickoff game

Fri, 15 May 2026 15:34:31 -0400

The NFL considered multiple factors in scheduling its 2026 regular-season kickoff game with the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, and in picking the New England Patriots as the opponent, league executives insist the drama surrounding the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini scandal played no part in their choice.

So, yes, the league would have us believe it did not seriously weigh the sizeable elephant in the room.

"Look, we focused on the football game and the reach of the Super Bowl, and that alone is an incredible story," NFL Executive Vice President Hans Schroeder said Friday during a league conference call.

CHARGERS TROLL PATRIOTS OVER VRABEL-RUSSINI SCANDAL IN SCHEDULE RELEASE VIDEO

Schroeder made the point that the NFL didn't consider the enduring drama that has become a shadow over the Patriots this offseason following the publication of photos showing their head coach spending time with the former reporter for The Athletic holding hands and embracing on the roof of a private bungalow at a Sedona, Ariz., resort.

Those photos and others that followed eventually led to Russini resigning from her job, deleting all her social media accounts, Vrabel being asked about it multiple times in press conferences and missing the last day of the April draft in order to spend time with his family in Utah and get "counseling."

"How do we deliver the best game into the best window?" Schroeder said, outlining the NFL's thinking on setting a Super Bowl rematch as its kickoff game. "And in this case, it felt like that rematch is going to be the most exciting when you can start it out of the box.

"...We liked the idea of really celebrating the Seahawks, giving them a moment to start this year to celebrate their last year. And so we like the idea of opening on NBC on Wednesday, and really using that as a chance to celebrate the rematch, but celebrate the Seattle specifically."

This, by the way, falls into line with the hands-off manner the NFL has viewed the entire Vrabel-Russini scandal. The league said early on that Vrabel was not subject to the Personal Conduct Policy as a result of the photos and the rumors they created.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said at the NFL Draft that it was a club matter for the Patriots to handle.

But while the league is declining to get involved in any way (perhaps rightly so) other clubs aren't looking away and neither are fans.

FANS ROAST PATRIOTS FOR THEIR MOTHER'S DAY SALUTE IN LIGHT OF VRABEL-RUSSINI SCANDAL

It should be noted that both the Los Angeles Chargers and Minnesota Vikings referenced the relationship between the coach and former reporter in their schedule release videos on Thursday evening, with the Chargers getting significant attention around the league for their move.

The Patriots themselves suffered something of an embarrassing time on their own social media account when they posted a Mother's Day salute on Sunday.

Some fans in the replies of that post pointed out, often in colorful ways, the apparent disconnect between a team lifting up moms while its coach has perhaps emotionally hurt the mother of his children.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

And this stuff is unlikely to stop.

The Patriots are past the draft and schedule release, and players being asked their opinion about their coach in press conferences. It's also unlikely Vrabel will continue to be quizzed about the issue assuming no new photos or revelations become newsworthy.

But the Patriots will be playing preseason games and have nine regular-season away games in 2026. Those will give opposing fans the opportunity to spoof New England's coach and the team by extension about the situation.

Unlike the NFL, those opposing fans might not be solely focused on football when thinking about the Patriots.

FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO

Brewers vs Twins betting preview: Why Minnesota's Joe Ryan is the play in Friday's matchup

Fri, 15 May 2026 15:18:20 -0400

Baseball has been a solid moneymaker for me over the past couple of weeks, with very few bad days. Yesterday I had a play on the Astros, and they lost the game in a brutal fashion, but I made up for it with a bet on Yordan Alvarez that balanced it out. He also hit a homer, so if you bet on that, you had a +230 return.

Today, I'm switching to a game between the Brewers and the Twins.

The Milwaukee Brewers just keep doing it. They find ways to win games despite losing key players and people in their organization. This year is no different. They traded away Freddy Peralta, and they still have a winning record. Add Peralta to a long list of people they've had to abandon on this journey to find something that works for an eventual World Series title. At some point, though, the team has to be frustrated with just making the postseason.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

For now, they are 24-17 for the year and 2.5 games behind the Cubs in the National League Central standings.

They have injuries hitting them right now, so maybe the team will be even stronger as the year goes along. Despite trading their ace, they have a team ERA of 3.35 and a 1.23 WHIP. Chad Patrick is going for the Brewers tonight (according to DraftKings, at least). For the season, Patrick has been solid with a 2-2 record, a 3.06 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. He has struggled on the road with a 5.84 ERA, and that is mostly due to his allowing four earned runs in each of his past two road outings. The Twins hitters are 5-for-15 against Patrick.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

For a team that was expected to be one of the worst in the league, the Minnesota Twins are showing remarkable progress. They come into tonight's game with a 20-24 record and are sporting a winning record at home. In reality, the home record isn't all that impressive, just 12-11, but still certainly better than a losing record.

Despite a .236 batting average, the team has scored 211 runs for the year. The pitching staff has a 4.49 ERA, but the 1.36 WHIP is at least manageable.

Tonight they have a guy who is likely to be on the trade market if the Twins' mild success doesn't improve by the middle of the year, Joe Ryan. A lot of teams view Ryan as a No. 1 or No. 2 option for a rotation, and there is good reason to think that.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Ryan is 2-3 for the year with a 3.43 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. He is the proud owner of a 2.60 home ERA as well. He did leave a start with injury just two outings ago. However, he came back last week and threw six innings with one earned run and two hits allowed. Brewers hitters are batting just 14-for-69 against Ryan.

I don't have a great look at a player prop today, aside from Andrew Vaughn going hitless. He is 2-for-12 against Ryan in his career with four strikeouts. Patrick has been decent this season, but he isn't the same level of reliability as Ryan. Give me the Twins in this one through five innings; that way, we shouldn't need to worry about any bullpen meltdowns.

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024

Congress may finally have a bipartisan path forward on college athletics with Cruz-Cantwell legislation

Fri, 15 May 2026 15:16:32 -0400

After years of wrangling over how Congress could help leaders in college athletics curtail some of the ongoing issues at the forefront of chaos, we might actually be witnessing a compromise coming soon to the Senate floor.

As you have most likely seen, the ongoing debate over how to fix the issues that have arisen from the movement into a new era of college sports has led to disarray.

Whether it's the transfer portal, NIL, potential cutting of certain programs or the ongoing discussions around athletic departments having enough money to sustain themselves in this era, the overwhelming thought process centers around Congress getting involved.

EXCLUSIVE: WHITE HOUSE CONFIRMS COLLEGE SPORTS PANEL WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP, INCLUDING A-LIST ATTENDEES

While this is obviously easier said than done, there has been movement recently that suggests the SCORE Act could make its way to the House floor next week, which is at least a step in the right direction.

The problem is that even if this passes through the House, getting Republicans and Democrats to agree on something of this magnitude is highly unlikely if it were to make it to the Senate floor.

EXCLUSIVE: CLARK LEA SAYS COLLEGE FOOTBALL WILL HAVE TO SACRIFICE TRADITION IN EXCHANGE FOR CFP EXPANSION

Committee created by Donald Trump will support legislation

In the meantime, you've seen President Trump sign an executive order pertaining to college athletics, with an emphasis on the transfer portal, eligibility (five years to play five seasons) and the current structure of NIL, along with other points of emphasis.

Even though Trump signed this order, it doesn’t mean this is something that has to be abided by, with the President admitting that it would likely end up in a courtroom.

PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TARGETING 'ILLEGAL' NIL PAYMENTS, SEEKS TO LIMIT NUMBER OF TRANSFERS

But, over the past few months, Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) have been working on a bipartisan bill that would be introduced on the Senate floor that would actually have a chance at being pushed past the barriers that currently exist on both sides.

What could this actually look like when introduced? The final wording of the legislation will be announced sometime next week.

That part is still left to be determined, but sources tell OutKick that this could unite both sides of the aisle if they can agree on how to enact certain language centered around the number of transfers allowed without a penalty, how to work around the dreaded employment argument for college athletes, NIL structure and ways to prevent athletes from circumventing eligibility guidelines put into place by the NCAA.

SCORE ACT FUMBLED: CONGRESS TRIES TO TACKLE NIL CHAOS, GETS RUN OVER BY LANE KIFFIN'S LSU PAYDAY

Bi-partisan bill is the path to actually helping current collegiate issues

In reality, if the government is going to come to the aid of college athletics, this is the only way it will actually happen. Having regulations put into place through this upcoming legislation is a win for both sides, especially if the overall revenue problems plaguing college athletics can at least be solved.

Also, according to sources familiar with the upcoming bipartisan legislation, there would be a governing body enacted to provide clear guidance on rules pertaining to the potential changes coming, with college administrators being in agreement on how they are enforced. '

What type of rules are they planning to address?

This part would include third-party NIL deals that are currently being argued about across college athletics, along with actually enforcing the revenue-share cap that was approved through the House settlement. In addition, this legislation could provide leaders with protection on state laws pertaining to NIL, which has led to lawsuits and a plethora of disagreements.

GREG SANKEY NEEDS ANSWERS FROM NCAA, WHILE THE SCORE ACT SHOULD BE MAIN FOCUS, NOT MEDIA RIGHTS

Essentially, Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, with the advice and guidance of the presidential committee on saving college athletics, have put together a bill that encompasses the current issues brought forth by athletic directors and commissioners, giving this an actual chance of passing through Congress.

Sure, it won't be easy, but this feels like the only solution that can actually pass. There will be arguments made against it, because it wouldn’t be a political maneuver without some type of pushback.

But, we are now at a point where time is not on the side of congressional leaders hoping to pass something substantial that will actually help fix the current problems. The midterm elections are rapidly approaching, along with a recess for Congress, so if a bill is going to make it onto the Senate floor, the time is now.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Can both sides actually agree on something that will help college athletics?

We're about to find out.

Mavericks star Cooper Flagg and Duke center Arianna Roberson go public with relationship in Turks and Caicos

Fri, 15 May 2026 14:44:04 -0400

Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg's season ended last month, but that hasn’t stopped him from making big plays.

Flagg confirmed his relationship with Duke women’s basketball center Arianna Roberson on Thursday with a post to his Instagram Story. Flagg posted a picture of them kissing while in the Turks and Caicos, and Roberson reposted it to her Instagram Story with two black heart emojis.

Roberson also posted a TikTok of the pair together throughout their vacation, captioning it, "carry on."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Rumors first began about their relationship when they posted pictures of just themselves to their own accounts at the same resort at the same time, leading fans to believe they were vacationing together. They were also seen together at Cameron Indoor Stadium in February, attending Duke’s 101-64 blowout win over Syracuse.

The couple overlapped for a year at Duke in 2024-25, when they were both freshmen. Flagg declared for the NBA Draft after leading Duke to the Final Four and was eventually selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

While the Mavericks struggled and missed the playoffs in Flagg’s rookie year, he had a lot of personal success. He edged out former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel, a forward for the Charlotte Hornets, to win NBA Rookie of the Year.

In 70 games, Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Roberson, in 33 games, averaged 8 points per game on 41.6% shooting with Duke. Her older brother, Andre Roberson, played seven seasons in the NBA, spending the majority of his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Giants star Malik Nabers underwent second surgery to remove scar tissue on injured knee: reports

Fri, 15 May 2026 14:13:32 -0400

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers reportedly underwent a second surgery on his injured knee.

Nabers, 22, initially underwent surgery on his ACL and meniscus on Oct. 28. The second surgery on his knee was to remove scar tissue that was causing stiffness, according to The Athletic.

Nabers’ timeline isn’t expected to be impacted, as the second surgery took place weeks ago and was considered a cleanup, according to multiple reports.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The team is still hopeful that Nabers will play in the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 13.

Nabers tore his ACL and meniscus in his right knee on Sept. 28 during the Giants’ win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The win marked Jaxson Dart's first career start, and the rookie quarterback didn’t even get to play a half with his top wide receiver due to the injury.

Nabers was on his way to a dominant sophomore season before the injury. In four games, he had 18 catches for 271 yards and two touchdowns.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

As a rookie, Nabers caught a franchise-record 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns despite poor quarterback play.

The Giants hope that Nabers will continue to thrive as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver for Dart, despite remaking their wide receiver room this offseason.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Wan’Dale Robinson departed in free agency to the Tennessee Titans after he caught 92 passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns last season. To replace him, they signed Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III in free agency.

In the NFL Draft, they traded up in the third round to draft Malachi Fields. The Giants also signed tight end Isaiah Likely, giving the 23-year-old quarterback another weapon.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Sky vs Mercury betting preview: Why the over 166.5 looks like the play in this WNBA matchup

Fri, 15 May 2026 13:33:08 -0400

The WNBA season has been in session for about a week, so it is far too early to make assumptions about teams. That doesn’t mean we won’t make them; it's just too early to really believe it. I lost my first WNBA bet this season, so I’m hoping to avenge that loss here as the Sky take on the Mercury.

The Chicago Sky are one of the most poorly run franchises in basketball. They have had some great names on their team and only one championship to show for it.

There really isn’t a clear indication of what is wrong with the franchise, but they’ve never been able to retain their talent. Aside from Kamilla Cardoso, I can’t name a player on this team that they’ve actually drafted. They just seem to get good players and then show them the door.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE

Even though they've had questionable front office decisions, they seem to have put together a solid team for this season – something I didn’t expect before the season started.

They are 2-0, which is too early to really say they are a good team. I also want to reserve judgment until they face a team with a longer history than last year. The Portland Tempo played their first-ever game against the Sky, and Golden State was good last year, but still is in just their second season of existence.

The Phoenix Mercury are actually considered one of the best franchises in the league. I’m sure there are issues that people have reported, but for the most part, they have good facilities, and people want to play for their team. They made it all the way to the WNBA Finals last season before falling to the Las Vegas Aces. This year, they are looking to restart that journey and see if they can win the last game of the year.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

It will need to come with some better play than they’ve shown through three games this year. They are just 1-2 for the year with a 0-1 home record. The lone win was a blowout victory over the Aces (a clear revenge game if we’ve ever seen one). Then they lost the next two games against Golden State and Minnesota. Losing to the Lynx wouldn’t be a problem, but they didn’t have Napheesa Collier, who still has an ankle injury.

I expect the Mercury to make some adjustments for this game. They haven’t looked very crisp to begin the year, but they’ve been strong on offense, averaging 87 points per game.

The Sky are going to keep relying on their offense to do just enough and their defense to lock in. The Sky do have an edge on the interior, so they can get buckets fairly easily down low. I like the over 166.5 in this game.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

I also think it is worth betting on Kahleah Copper to go over her point total. Copper had two rough games before she broke out in the last game. Now she has the same sight lines and can attack the bigs from the Sky with her athleticism. Since going to Phoenix, she has scored 29, 7, 16, 25 and 28 points in five games against them.

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024

Baseball fan hospitalized after falling into visiting bullpen during White Sox-Royals game

Fri, 15 May 2026 13:09:13 -0400

A scary moment occurred at Wednesday's Chicago White Sox game against the Kansas City Royals after a fan was hospitalized following a fall into the visiting bullpen.

Kansas City had runners on first and second with none out in the fourth inning when the game was briefly delayed while workers attended to the fallen fan. It appeared stadium workers used a stretcher to transport the fan out of the bullpen area beyond the wall.

The White Sox released a statement saying the fan appeared to be headed in the right direction from a recovery standpoint.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"We reached out to the fan to check on his well-being, and his friend was able to share a positive report," the team said before Thursday's series finale against the Royals. "The entire White Sox organization and clubhouse are wishing him a speedy recovery."

Wide-angle video from MLB.com Research shows the fan fell over a roughly 3-foot-high barrier from the front row of Section 105 in the South Side ballpark's right-field seats and into the bullpen.

The video shows the fan rising to his feet as Chicago second baseman Chase Meidroth hits a run-scoring sacrifice fly to Royals center fielder Lane Thomas for the first out in the bottom of the third inning.

The fan continued over the barrier, fell in front of a red ad for a local butcher shop and landed in an area covered by grass and dirt at the west end of the bullpen.

SHOHEI OHTANI MAKING UP FOR STRUGGLES AT PLATE AFTER LOWERING LEAGUE-LEADING ERA TO 0.82

The bullpen is located behind the stadium's right-field wall and in front of Sections 104 and 105.

The base of the barrier is concrete, rising about 10 to 12 inches, topped by a metal fence that is roughly 2 feet high. The front row of seats is about 3 feet behind the fence.

The Royals relievers moved into a far corner of the bullpen after the fan fell.

A similar incident occurred last year at a Pittsburgh Pirates game when a fan fell over the wall and nearly 20 feet onto the outfield warning track.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Kavan Markwood was rushed to Allegheny General Hospital’s trauma unit after the accident, where he was in critical condition. Players were visibly shaken, as were many in the stands, as medical staff from both teams and EMS placed him on a stretcher and carted him off the field.

Fox News' Paulina Dedaj and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Brooks Koepka opens strong at PGA Championship after admitting 'family issues' took a toll last year

Fri, 15 May 2026 12:58:40 -0400

Brooks Koepka has gotten off to a nice start at the PGA Championship, and each made cut has resulted in a top-20 finish this season.

The five-time major winner returned to the PGA Tour this season after spending four years with LIV Golf and was one of 33 players to break 70 in the first round on Thursday at Aronimink Golf Club outside of Philadelphia.

Last year was a struggle for Koepka on the course, as he missed the cut in three of the four majors and finished 31st in the individual LIV standings.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

But it was a struggle off the course as well, especially with his wife, Jena Sims, suffering a miscarriage at 16 weeks pregnant.

Speaking after his first round Thursday, Koepka admitted that "a lot of family issues" last year "took a toll" on him and affected his play.

"That was kind of tough to deal with," Koepka said, via the New York Post.

But home is "in a much better place," which coincides with his impressive scores in the early going.

"It’s easier to come out to work when everything at home lines up. Everything’s a lot better. Last year was just difficult personally with what was going on off the golf course, nothing to do on it. It was just off," Koepka continued.

JON RAHM APOLOGIZES AFTER HITTING VOLUNTEER WITH FLYING DIVOT AT PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: 'INEXCUSABLE'

"So, yeah, just being in a better place. It’s exciting. It’s a little bit of a fresh start as well. I think that’s a big piece of it. Yeah, when all that kind of lines up, it makes it enjoyable to be out here."

"It’s been a long time since I’ve had fun playing golf. I was very frustrated last year. Just wasn’t in a good place, but I think a lot of times when you — it’s like anybody, right? If they’re happy off the golf course, they’re going to play well on the golf course. I think that’s a huge, huge piece of it, and I’ve found that," Koepka told Golf.com last week.

"Refound my happiness, my love for the game. All the pieces are connected. It’s just now I’ve got to go out and go play."

Koepka is currently aiming for his fourth PGA Championship victory, having also won in 2018, 2019 and 2023. He would join Walter Hagen, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only four-time winners of the event.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Koepka struggled in his early return to the PGA Tour, finishing T55 at the Farmers Insurance Open and missing the cut at the Waste Management Open. But since then, despite two other missed cuts, his finishes have ranged from T9 to T18.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Tiger Woods spotted getting off private plane after weeks of treatment in Switzerland following DUI arrest

Fri, 15 May 2026 11:38:26 -0400

It appears that Tiger Woods' treatment overseas is over.

The 15-time major champion was spotted getting off his private plane Wednesday afternoon at Palm Beach International Airport after staying in Switzerland for several weeks.

Woods, with facial hair, donned a black long sleeve and hat with sunglasses, gray shorts and black shoes, while still wearing a compression sleeve on his left leg. He was also joined by a dog on the flight.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Woods was arrested and charged with driving under the influence on March 27 after getting into a car crash. Authorities said Woods appeared lethargic and found hydrocodone pills on him, although he did blow "triple-zeroes" on a Breathalyzer.

Woods was granted permission on April 1 to travel out of the country "to enter into comprehensive inpatient treatment."

"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery," Woods said in a statement.

"I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."

Woods has pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge but announced several days after the wreck he would "seek treatment." At the scene of the crash, he said he was "hoping to" play in the Masters, but his treatment put his eventual return to the course on hold.

JACK NICKLAUS AND GARY PLAYER RALLY BEHIND TIGER WOODS AS HE SEEKS TREATMENT AFTER DUI ARREST

Woods has been on the course since the 2024 Open Championship — this weekend's PGA Championship marks his sixth consecutive missed major.

The arrest was Woods' second in under a decade, having also been handcuffed after being found asleep behind the wheel in Florida in the early hours of the day.

Woods previously told law enforcement prior to the field sobriety tests that he underwent seven back surgeries and "over 20 operations on his leg." He told law enforcement that "I take a few" prescription medications. In 2021, he got into a wreck that resulted in serious leg injuries that kept him off the golf course for the entire year.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

A judge recently ruled that Florida prosecutors can acquire Woods' prescription drug records from Jan. 1 through March 27.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

New Zealand rugby league player dead at 30 after suffering 'unsurvivable' injury in season opener

Fri, 15 May 2026 08:40:48 -0400

A New Zealand rugby player died Tuesday after suffering "unsurvivable" injuries during his team’s season opener, the club confirmed. He was 30.

Glenora Rugby League Football Club Chairwoman Janet Hunt confirmed the death of Eugene Hanna in a post on Facebook. According to Hunt’s statement, Hanna was gravely injured during a game against the Te Atatu Roosters.

"It is with a heavy heart that we inform our members of the passing of Eugene Hanna on Tuesday. Eugene was a valued player in our Premier Reserves squad and although a new Bears member had good friends within the club," Hunt’s statement began.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"Eugene sustained an injury in the team's first game of the season against Te Atatu which was tragically unsurvivable. Glenora Bears would like to extend its gratitude to the Te Atatu Roosters members who helped at the scene, the attending paramedics and Auckland Hospital for their care these last two weeks."

The Roosters also released a statement extending condolences to the club.

JOSAIA RAISUQE, RUGBY STAR WHO WON SILVER AT PARIS OLYMPICS WITH FIJI, DEAD AFTER ACCIDENT INVOLVING TRAIN

While no other details surrounding the circumstances of Hanna’s death were immediately known, the New Zealand Rugby League did issue a statement Thursday warning of the dangers of head injuries and the importance of concussion protocols.

"NRZL places the utmost importance on player safety and welfare and work hard to prevent such tragic outcomes. We have rigorous head injury and concussion protocols in place and work with our rugby league community to ensure appropriate resources and education are provided year-round.

"We urge anyone who sustains a head injury or experiences any symptoms to follow the guidelines in place, seek the appropriate medical advice and treatment, and only return to play when advised and appropriate."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Several clubs issued statements showing an outpouring of support following Hanna’s death, including the Renegades FC of the New Zealand Christian Football League, where Hanna previously played.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Wisconsin senator says 'enough is enough' after NFL puts Packers holiday game behind Netflix paywall

Fri, 15 May 2026 06:39:33 -0400

After the National Football League announced its inaugural Thanksgiving Eve game, a U.S. senator was not pleased.

The Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams will face off in Inglewood, California, on Thanksgiving Eve, and the game is set to be broadcast exclusively on Netflix.

That, of course, requires a paid subscription, which is unacceptable for Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Baldwin last month introduced a bill that would give fans free live broadcasts of their home state's professional sports teams. Shortly after the NFL's announcement, she ripped them.

"As the cost of just about everything continues to rise, the NFL is once again asking Wisconsinites to spend their hard-earned money on another streaming service. Enough is enough," Baldwin said in a statement. "My For the Fans Act would stop this exact scenario and prevent Wisconsin families from being forced to pay for Netflix just to watch the Packers play this Thanksgiving."

A release from Netflix, however, states that its games "will also be available on local, over-the-air broadcast television in the respective team markets." Last year, both of Netflix's games were broadcast on local CBS affiliates.

But, in an email to Fox News Digital, Baldwin's office said that "broad swaths" of Packers fans throughout the state of Wisconsin are left out of the aforementioned "local" media market.

"For the NFL in Wisconsin, our local market is only defined as Green Bay and Milwaukee, leaving the majority of Wisconsin’s media markets (Wausau, La Crosse, Eau Claire, Madison, and Superior) forced to pay to watch the game on streaming. So, while NFL games are available over broadcast for some fans, it leaves the majority of Wisconsin out," Baldwin's office said to Fox News Digital, noting that a similar situation occurred earlier this year for the Packers' playoff game against the Bears, which was broadcast on Amazon Prime Video.

"To address this, Senator Baldwin’s For the Fans Act would require major leagues to provide a live, free option for all local fans, defined in our bill as the state where the home team is based."

So, Packers fans outside of the local market will still need to watch the game on Netflix or NFL+.

Games played on other streaming sites, or even the NFL Network, have been made available to fans on local television.

NFL ANNOUNCES THAT INAUGURAL THANKSGIVING EVE GAME BETWEEN PACKERS AND RAMS WILL BE STREAMED ON NETFLIX

A few years ago, the NFL realized Black Friday could be an option for fans to gather around their televisions, and it found another as hometown bars will be packed the night before the big holiday.

The NFL has dipped its toe into holidays, also becoming the new king of Christmas.

Netflix holds the rights to five NFL games in 2026, including the league’s first-ever game in Australia. The streaming service will have five regular-season games as well as the NFL Honors through 2029. It had been carrying two games on Christmas Day since 2024.

While Netflix's push into live sports has drawn some criticism, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said the strategy is not aimed at securing full-season rights packages for any sports league.

"We’re not bidding on whole season of sports, including the NFL," Sarandos told FOX Business Network's "Mornings with Maria" on Tuesday. So far, Sarandos' comments have held true with Netflix prioritizing marquee events, including Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and the New York Yankees' opening-day shutout of the San Francisco Giants.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

However, federal scrutiny into sports fragmentation has brought the topic of live sports on streaming services to the forefront.

Fox News' Chantz Martin and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Mariners' Cal Raleigh lands on injured list for first time in career as nightmare season continues

Fri, 15 May 2026 06:14:16 -0400

Last season, Seattle Mariners star catcher Cal Raleigh had a season people dream of. No one is dreaming of having Raleigh’s season this year.

The 29-year-old’s nightmarish 2026 campaign continued Thursday when the Mariners placed Raleigh on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain. Raleigh left the Mariners’ 4-3 loss to the Houston Astros on Thursday after appearing to aggravate an injury on his right side.

Raleigh snapped the longest hitless streak in the major leagues during the team’s 10-2 win over the Astors on Tuesday, breaking out of an 0-38 slump with a pair of singles.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

It is the first IL stint of Raleigh’s six-year career. Raleigh missed three games from May 2 to May 4 with soreness in his right side.

Last season, Raleigh hit .247 with 60 home runs and 125 RBI in 159 games. He broke Kansas City Royals star catcher Salvador Perez’s record of 48 for most home runs by a catcher in a single season.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Raleigh broke New York Yankees legend Mickey Mantle’s record of 54 for most home runs in a season by a switch-hitter. He also set the Mariners’ franchise record for most homers in a season, passing Ken Griffey Jr.’s previous record of 56.

This season has been a much different story.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

In 41 games this season, Raleigh is hitting .161 with seven home runs, 18 RBI, four doubles, 18 walks and 16 runs. His .161 batting average is second-lowest in the majors among hitters with enough at-bats to qualify. Only Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Cedric Mullins (.150) has a lower average.

To fill Raleigh's spot on the active roster, the Mariners recalled catcher Jhonny Pereda from Triple-A Tacoma.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Cedric Alexander becomes new TNA X Division champion, crushing Leon Slater's history-making attempt

Thu, 14 May 2026 23:24:42 -0400

All eyes were on the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) X Division Championship on Thursday night as Leon Slater looked to retain the title over Cedric Alexander and solidify himself as the longest-reigning X Division champion in the company’s history.

Slater knew a legacy was on the line as he looked to break a record set by Austin Aries. But he needed to pin Alexander twice in one match to retain the title. It was a steep mountain to climb as Alexander had been just as dangerous since he entered the company.

The match started off hot with Slater and Alexander trading blows to begin the match. But a quick-thinking Slater rolled up Alexander quickly for the first fall.

Alexander was able to go on offense from there. He hit a nasty German suplex on the outside of the ring. He continued to work on Slater’s tweaked neck. He later hit a Lumbar Check to tie the match at 1-1.

Slater went deep into his bag. He hit an avalanche Styles Clash, which could have kept anyone else down. However, Alexander kicked out. Alexander was able to counter Slater’s high-flying abilities just for a moment and knocked him back out of the ring.

Alexander sent Slater into the steel steps, leaving him busted open. Alexander declared that he would be the "greatest" X Division champion. One brainbuster later, Alexander tried to pin Slater, but couldn’t get him down.

Alexander hit a Lumbar Check again, but Slater kicked out. Slater mustered up the last ounce of energy. A tilt-a-whirl slam set Alexander up for a swanton 450. Slater missed and Alexander hit another Lumbar Check, and then again.

Alexander pinned Slater for the win, completely shocking the fans in Sacramento, California. It will be the first reign for Alexander and his first title of any kind in TNA.

Alexander is a reminder, at least for TNA, that "The System always wins."

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Fabian Aichner appears

Moments before TNA went off the air, the lights went out in the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Emerging from the darkness was Fabian Aichner.

Aichner stared down Alexander and appeared to name himself the next challenger for the X Division Championship. Aichner, known as Giovanni Vinci for much of his run in WWE, hadn’t really been seen or heard from in months since his departure from WWE.

Aichner wrestled under his real name for a stint in WWE before he came back as Vinci in June 22. He was with WWE until 2025. He was a two-time NXT tag team champion and an Evolve champion before it became a WWE brand.

Eric Young earns future shot at TNA World Championship

Eric Young outlasted nine other men in an over-the-top battle royal and earned a shot at Mike Santana’s TNA World Championship to start the show.

The match came down to him and Elijah after the latter was able to toss members of The System out of the ring while also avoiding Frankie Kazarian trying to get back into the match following his own elimination.

Young and Elijah came to blows on the apron, knowing that as soon as their feet touch the ground, they would be eliminated. Young grabbed onto Elijah’s hair to try to hang onto the moment. Elijah broke away with Young’s back turned to him. Elijah, however, didn’t account for his wide stance.

The TNA original kicked Elijah in the groin and pushed him down to the ground. Young won the match and received a shot to win the TNA World Championship in the future.

He also made clear that Santana was next on his list of people to wipe out as he did to Joe Hendry, EC3 and Ricky Sosa in weeks past.

"Mike Santana, you’re gone next," he declared.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Mike Santana learns his next opponent

Mike Santana came out to address the crowd and praised Young for his efforts to help build TNA from the ground up.

"You better be coming with something different because while you may be someone who helped build this place, when it comes to the new era of TNA on AMC, I’m the guy. I’m the man. I’m the one who holds down the fort week after week as your TNA world champion."

While Young might have earned a title shot, Daria Rae came out and revealed to the crowd that Steve Maclin was cleared to return to action following an injury at the hands of Santana.

Maclin will get a shot at Santana’s TNA World Championship next week on "Impact."

Santino Marella also came out during the segment after he was "suspended." He revealed that Indi Harwell re-signed with TNA.

Lei Ying Lee, Xia Brookside rivalry heats up

Lei Ying Lee brought the TNA Knockouts Championship back home last week with a win over Arianna Grace. She addressed the crowd before being interrupted by her former best friend, Xia Brookside.

In all black, Brookside claimed she was already in Lei’s head.

"You’re such a fraud. I’ve destroyed you mentally, I’ve destroyed you emotionally, I’ve destroyed you physically, and that title will be around my waist."

Both competitors tossed expletives at each other before the segment was over. But Brookside made clear that she had her eyes on the title.

AJ Francis prevails over KC Navarro

A.J. Francis told Fox News Digital before the SacTown Street Fight on "Impact" that he was going to bring the pain to Navarro.

While wearing "Show Stealer" across his back, Francis did just that. Francis took some punishment from Navarro – a few shots from a baseball bat and a drop kick with a trash can.

Francis was able to turn the tide for a few moments, using the baseball bat to his advantage. But Navarro dug deep. He aligned six chairs in the ring, hoping to splash Francis through it. Instead, Francis countered and attempted an avalanche Down Payment. Somehow, Navarro countered with a cutter as both men crashed through the sea of chairs.

It looked like it could’ve been it. Navarro went for the pin, but only got a two count.

Francis turned on the heat from there. He got ahold of Navarro and hit a Down Payment through tables lined up on the outside of the ring.

He rolled Navarro back into the ring and picked up the pinfall victory.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"Impact" match results

Eric Young wins the 10-man battle royal to earn a shot at the TNA World Championship.
A.J. Francis def. KC Navarro in a SacTown Street Fight.
Rosemary and Allie def. Veronica Crawford and Mila Moore
Cedric Alexander def. Leon Slater to win the X Division Championship.

AEW champ Kevin Knight gushes about tag team partner 'Speedball' Mike Bailey

Thu, 14 May 2026 19:17:22 -0400

The tag team duo known as Jet Speed had a big night on All Elite Wrestling (AEW)’s "Dynamite" on Wednesday night.

"Speedball" Mike Bailey squashed Westbrook with relative ease to pick up his third win in three shows on AEW. Meanwhile, Kevin Knight successfully defended his TNT Championship against a returning Brian Cage.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Afterward, Knight expressed his support in Bailey’s own pursuit of some gold. Bailey made it clear he was going after the AEW World Championship next. Darby Allin, the current title holder, defended it against Konosuke Takeshita as he gears up for a hair vs. title match against Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF).

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Knight gushed about his tag team partner.

"Man, ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey is a savant – a wrestling savant. He’s been wrestling for almost longer than I’ve been alive," Knight said. "He’s been in every single situation that you can think of. He’s wrestled thousands of times. He watches wrestling all the time. He talks about wrestling all the time. He knows how to put everybody in the right place to get the best reaction from the crowd.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"So, the fact that I got somebody like that on my side … and he kicks extremely hard. So, I think he’s extremely smart and I don’t have to feel those kicks, it’s a great combination for me. So, it’s no complaints from me."

Knight shared some of the wisdom that Bailey has imparted on him through the years.

"The No. 1 thing is don’t over think it. Don’t over think it and do what you do," Knight said. "Like, as simple as that sounds, that’s literally the advice that he gives you. And you just take that and go, ‘OK, don’t over think it and just do what you do.’ And you just go out there and do what you do and you come to the back and everybody’s happy and you just get ready for the next one."

Both men have crushed it since joining AEW.

The two have been two-thirds of the AEW trios championship twice. They won the belts with "Hangman" Adam Page and then again with legendary Lucha Libre competitor Místico.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The ceiling is high for both competitors as they each look for more singles gold.

John Cena shares why losing final WWE match 'defines' his career amid mixed fan reactions

Thu, 14 May 2026 14:45:31 -0400

John Cena’s final run of his in-ring career with WWE started with a dramatic heel turn, a 17th championship and ended with a loss to Gunther in December.

Cena not going out on top against "The Ring General" was a decision that pro wrestling fans have debated intensely over the last five months. The loss marked the end of Cena’s career, but also catapulted Gunther into a "career killer," who later ended A.J. Styles’ time in WWE too.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Videographer Adam Glyn caught up with Cena on Thursday and asked him about the fans’ reaction to his final match. Cena suggested that it was the best ending for him.

"I think we all just live in the moment, right? I think, this is just my perspective, and if people were upset, that’s their right, of course, you can feel how you want to feel. I had a career that was polarizing. That’s the world Michael Cole uses a lot," Cena said. "That was a polite word for people (who) would chant at the top of their lungs that ‘I suck.’

"So, I think with the last match, the audience was polarized. There were people who understood and were entertained in a positive way. There were people who were so in the moment and reacted with such passion, it was like a microcosm of my career. The audience was split. I can’t think of a better way to close the chapter than that. It defines what I did."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Cena is set to be a WWE Hall of Famer when the time comes, and while his in-ring career may be over, he’s still a part of the WWE Universe.

He announced at Backlash that he will host the John Cena Classic in hopes of showcasing WWE talent from NXT to give fans a glimpse into what the future will hold for the company. Similarly, he hand-picked NXT competitors to share his final card with him at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Cena told Glyn he was "super excited" about the event. He said there were still some things that had to be worked out.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"I am fully invested in this," he said. "So, I can’t wait to see what it is. I can’t wait until we announce the date and location. I think that’s obviously step one and we’ll go from there."

Carl Pavano accused of peeing in former wife's shampoo bottles among other gross allegations

Thu, 14 May 2026 14:08:40 -0400

After it was revealed earlier this month that cops have been called to the home of former MLB pitcher Carl Pavano and his ex-wife nine times over the last two years, more heinous allegations against Pavano have emerged.

Pavano was initially accused of "controlling behavior," including name-calling, cutting off her expenses and threatening to take their children amid an ugly prenup battle.

Their divorce was finalized last December, but a new court filing by Pavano's ex, Alissa, claims that Pavano would pee in her shampoo bottles and "intentionally soiled the bed in which Plaintiff sleeps during her parenting time by having his female sex partners occupy the bed," according to CT Insider.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Pavano then allegedly "removed all clean linens from the house so that Plaintiff is unable to have a hygienically clean and safe bed during her parenting time."

The ex-pitcher also allegedly sent photos of "multiple firearms laid out on the kitchen table" to Alissa and their children in a group chat shortly after divorce papers were served.

The couple currently share custody of their three children and alternate weeks with them in a Fairfield, Connecticut, home. Pavano owns the home through a trust.

Alissa accused the former pitcher of forcing her to sign the prenup she says is one-sided.

SHOHEI OHTANI MAKING UP FOR STRUGGLES AT PLATE AFTER LOWERING LEAGUE-LEADING ERA TO 0.82

"A prenuptial agreement is an acceptable way for individuals, prior to marriage, to condition how their financial interests and responsibilities will be determined after marriage," Alissa’s lawyers said in a brief, via the New York Post.

"It should not be an acceptable way for a monied spouse who has already started a family with his significant other to force her to give up her financial independence, and then to extract financial advantages in the premarital agreement under the threat of taking the minor children away from her and leaving her destitute."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Pavano pitched for the Montreal Expos, Florida Marlins, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins, being named an All-Star in 2004. He pitched to a 4.81 ERA in his career, with his biggest payday coming from the Yankees. However, he only made 26 starts in his four seasons with them and is widely considered one of their worst signings.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

LeBron James may be target of apparently leaked Drake song featuring ‘switching teams’ lyric

Thu, 14 May 2026 13:48:46 -0400

Drake's long-awaited album, "Iceman," the ninth of his illustrious career, comes out Friday, but fans were given an apparent sneak peek late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

Overnight, an apparent song from the album was leaked on social media, which is rumored to be titled "1AM in Albany," a series of songs by Drake storytelling during specific hours of certain cities that began with "9AM in Dallas" in 2009.

The song features some thinly veiled hits at Kendrick Lamar following their feud from 2024 into last year, but fans were taken aback at some apparent shots at LeBron James.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

James and Drake were once very good friends, with James even taking the stage during one of Drake's concerts years ago. However, James began to show some loyalty to Lamar during the famed rap beef that found its way to Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show performance.

"I shouldn't even be shocked to see you in that arena, because you always made your career off of switching teams up," Drake rapped. James went from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Miami Heat, back to the Cavs to the Los Angeles Lakers and is set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

CHARLES BARKLEY ADMONISHES SOCIETY FOR BEING HOMOPHOBIC IN VIRTUE-SIGNALING RANT ABOUT JASON COLLINS' DEATH

In a double entendre, Drake also implored his fans to "please stop asking what's going on with 23 and me. I'm a real n----, and he's not, it's in my DNA," a play on words from the website "23andMe."

Drake and James have linked up numerous times, but if this song is legitimate, and the bars are aimed at James, those times may be long over.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"Iceman" will be Drake's first solo album since he released "For All The Dogs" in October 2023. His first album was "Thank Me Later" back in 2010, and he followed up with classics in "Take Care" in 2011 and "Nothing Was The Same" two years later.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Super Bowl champion Michael Irvin defends Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini, tells critics to look in the mirror

Thu, 14 May 2026 13:27:56 -0400

Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin has a message for those criticizing New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former reporter for The Athletic Dianna Russini.

Irvin, 60, said that people need to look in the mirror and their own issues before going off on others.

"We all want to jump in personal lives," Irvin said during a recent appearance on "The Ariel Helwani Show."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"Dude, if I just get a peek at your history, I’m sure it’ll tell me something. We all forget that we have done s--- when we’re talking about somebody else, and then we want to castrate and kill them."

The Dallas Cowboys legend said that people don’t know what they are dealing with, yet they are teeing off on Vrabel and Russini.

"Life happens," Irvin said. "We’re trying to use people in football to be the measuring stick for all the righteousness. And then we act like, ‘I can’t believe this person did this.’ It’s a person, and people do things. Sometimes it’s not right, but we’re not in their homes."

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

"We don’t know what they’re dealing with. And we wanna sit here and say, ‘Man, they shouldn’t do this.’ You don’t know what they’re dealing with. Get out of it. Leave it alone. It’s not your business."

Vrabel married his wife, Jen, in 1999, and they have two sons together. Russini married her husband, Kevin Goldschmidt, in 2020, and they share two kids together.

The pair was seen holding hands and hugging at a luxury hotel in Arizona in March, and photos of their interaction were first released in April. After the initial report, Vrabel said the photos show a "completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day," Russini said.

More photos have leaked of the pair being seen together.

Russini has since resigned from The Athletic. Vrabel stepped away from the team during the final round of the NFL Draft indefinitely to seek counseling and be with his family.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

TNA's AJ Francis eyes Leon Slater's X Division Championship, torches critics in scathing rant

Thu, 14 May 2026 12:37:11 -0400

Leon Slater will be in one of the biggest matches of his young pro wrestling career on Thursday night as he’s set to defend the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) X Division Championship against Cedric Alexander.

Should Slater defeat Alexander, he will solidify himself as the longest-reigning X Division champion and surpass Austin Aries for the record. Aries held the title for 298 days beginning in September 2011 and only relinquished it to get a shot at the TNA World Championship.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Fellow TNA compatriot A.J. Francis is hoping Slater pulls out the victory against Alexander. He said he wants to take the title off his waist as he proclaimed to be the "biggest heel" in the company.

"Hopefully Leon wins because the person that should be taking the X Division title off Leon is me. I’m the biggest heel in TNA," Francis told Fox News Digital. "I’m really the biggest heel in wrestling. I’m such a big heel that there’s this entire initiative that there was a streamer who was excited to see me at Reality of Wrestling on a show and it’s become, like, a thing where, ‘There was no way this guy was that excited to see A.J.’ Wow. Like, I’m such a heel that you hate me so much that someone else can’t enjoy my presence. Nobody else in this wrestling business gets booed like me.

"I mean for real, if we’re calling a spade, a spade, who else in the wrestling industry gets booed? The top heels, the guys who are supposed to be the top heels, the MJFs, the Dominik Mysterios, those guys, they get cheered. Fans cheer them when they come out. Who really gets booed in today’s business, but me? Me and Logan Paul, literally. And then you have Joe Hendry who just did a remix of the same song he made for me two years ago and made it about Logan Paul. And everybody’s like, ‘This is so cool.’ The thing is, I always provide. I’m the ultimate provider. I’m the biggest and best heel in the business. I’m the best big man in the business and I prove it time and time again."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Francis added there would be nobody better to take the X Division title from Slater, adding that he was cheated out of the title in his previous match against Slater.

"So who would be better to take that X Division title off Leon Slater than me? Who would get a better reaction to take that X Division off Leon Slater than me? And also, by the way, in the one match I had against Leon Slater for the X Division title, I was cheated by BDE, Rich Swann and the referee," he said.

Francis then sounded off on the critics and naysayers who have seemingly lined up to wrong him.

"These are facts. See, that’s the thing, I come on here and talk facts and people get mad at me because I talk facts," he told Fox News Digital. "Because in this wrestling business, that’s full of these cowards that only are tough in interviews and only tough behind a TV screen and they’re not tough in real life. They don’t want you to say things that are facts that could be ‘misconstrued’ as trying to ‘get heat’ or ‘trying to going to business for yourself.’ I am going into business for myself. I’ve been in business for myself.

"I was in business for myself when everybody told me I was worthless 2 1/2 years ago. I was in business for myself then. So why do I gotta pretend I’m not in business for myself now? I think if you don’t appreciate the things that I bring to the table as the best big man in the business, as the best heel in the business, personally, I feel, ‘F--- ya.’ And if you have a problem with me saying that, that’s your problem. I can go out of my way disrespecting nobody. I don’t go out of my way talking down to nobody. It’s always other people that want to start with me. The problem is they bring a knife to a gun fight and they get mad they get clapped."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Francis will take on KC Navarro in a SacTown Street Fight on "Impact" in Sacramento, California. The show can be watched live on AMC at 9 p.m. ET.