Sports
WWE Accused of High Pressure Tactics to Force Superstars Into Pay Cuts
WWE, via its parent company, TKO, is in full cost-cutting mode following WrestleMania 42.
Despite the company grossing a staggering sum in ticket revenue from that two-night event alone, management have embarked on a drive to slash expenses. This has led to a raft of Superstar releases, including 23 in a single night late last month.
The cuts continued this past weekend as JC Matteo and Tonga Loa of the MFTs were released from the contracts. At the same time, it was confirmed that the New Day duo of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods had “mutually agreed” to terminate their contracts.
A further report then clarified that the pair had been asked to re-structure their contracts. Both veterans were reportedly earning seven figures a year each, a number TKO wanted to reduce significantly. Following talks, Kingston and Woods refused to accept the revised terms and agreed to a ‘mutual’ release.
However, a backstage report has now emerged confirming that several other performers were also asked to take pay cuts, using high pressure tactics.
According to Fightful Select, on the same day that the mass releases took place, “WWE approached numerous talent and asked them to take pay cuts in order to remain with the company.”
Why WWE Asked Some Superstars to Take Pay Cuts
Veteran journalist Dave Meltzer clarified the reasons behind the company wanting to slash these contracts during a recent edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, revealing that he knew of at least one performer who had accepted a pay cut.
“I know one guy who, in this situation, he could go to [rival promotion] AEW [All Elite Wrestling] and he could make a lot of money in AEW. “But he did take a pretty big pay cut to stay [in WWE].
“And [he’s] someone who’s career was pretty much, you know…the reason you would be asked to re-negotiate is because the contract you signed was when they perceived you as being far more valuable than they perceive you as being now.”
WWE’s High Pressure Approach Revealed
Per Fightful, many Superstars who were approached “were given two days to make that decision” or face immediate release. In the case of both Kingston and Woods in was noted:
“New Day’s Austin Creed [Xavier Woods] and Kofi Kingston pretty quickly made the decision that they would rather leave the company. Despite the pay cut offered, the duo still left millions of dollars on the table over the next four years. In a similar situation, when Killer [Karrion] Kross was given his contract offer last year, he claimed he was given only one day to decide.”
Kofi and Woods are widely expected to sign with AEW as soon as their 90-day non-compete period expires. Other Superstars, though, may not find it as straightforward to find new work, explaining why some have agreed to take substantial pay cuts.
Sports
Tottenham Consider Surprise Move For Man Utd Star
Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer picture looks much brighter heading into the summer after Roberto De Zerbi secured their survival in the Premier League.
The north London outfit are already moving forward with strengthening their squad. Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has agreed to join the club once his Anfield contract expires next month.
Spurs need to freshen up their squad after finishing 17th in the top flight for two consecutives campaigns. They will hope their injury problems will not be as momentous next season.
With the World Cup approaching, several clubs are looking to get some early business done before the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States takes centre stage.
Tottenham weigh up Marcus Rashford move
Spurs have discussed the possibility of signing Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, according to the Daily Mail.
Talks are planned between Rashford and the Red Devils as he seeks more clarity on his future.
The England international spent the most recent campaign on loan at Barcelona, with the Spanish club retaining a £26million option to buy the player.
However, the La Liga champions have so far been reluctant to trigger that option as they would prefer another loan. Barca have agreed a deal to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and are keen to sign another striker following Robert Lewandowski’s departure.
Rashford would prefer to remain with Barcelona but Spurs, along with Aston Villa and Arsenal, are reported to have discussed the potential of signing him this summer.
The 28-year-old is on £325,000-a-week at Old Trafford but it was reported last week he had agreed to take a pay cut to force through a move to Barca.
Marcus Rashford would be a huge addition to Tottenham attack
Rashford, who Gordon labelled as ‘one of the best players in the world’, would seriously upgrade Tottenham’s attack for next season if Spurs intensified their interest in the United academy graduate.
Richarlison was the North London club’s top-scorer in 2025/26 with 12 goals. Tottenham’s next two best scorers were centre-back Micky van de Ven and defensive midfielder João Palhinha – with seven each.
Meanwhile, Rashford claimed 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 games in all competitions for Barca. He helped sealed the La Liga title for the club with a stunning free-kick against Real Madrid in a 2-0 victory that clinched top spot.
He impressed in the early months of his loan spell at the club, with manager Hansi Flick hailing him as ‘unbelievable‘. After an impressive start, Rashford did spend some time on the bench, starting just 18 league games.
With Spurs, he would likely be a more regular starter and help provide greater threat to their attack. Rashford had been expected to remain in Spain but now a surprise Premier League return cannot be ruled out.
De Zerbi Wants Tottenham to Sign ‘Incredible’ Star After Andy Robertson
Roberto De Zerbi is targeting a player from his former club Brighton and Hove Albion this summer
Sports
LeBron James Named the NBA Star He Thinks Will Break His Scoring Record
In 2023, LeBron James achieved what many once believed was impossible by surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
The legendary Los Angeles Lakers big man had recorded 38,387 regular-season points throughout his iconic career, a total that stood untouched for decades and appeared nearly impossible to eclipse.
Everything changed, however, once LeBron entered the league and established himself as one of basketball’s most dominant forces for more than 20 years.
His remarkable durability and consistency has cemented his place among the greatest players in NBA history. After overtaking Kareem in 2023, he has continued adding to his tally and now sits at 43,253 regular-season points.
Michael Jordan Named Only NBA Player as Good as Him
Even MJ thought this NBA Hall of Famer was his equal during the 1990s.
Despite turning 41 years old, James continues to perform at an elite standard. Very few athletes in professional sports have maintained this level of excellence for such an extended period, and as long as he remains productive, his advantage atop the scoring list will only continue increasing.
Still, LeBron was once asked which active player he believes could eventually challenge his record, and he didn’t hesitate with his answer.
LeBron James’ Pick to Overtake His Scoring Record
Although surpassing James’ scoring mark feels highly unlikely in the near future, the former Cleveland Cavaliers superstar believes one current NBA player possesses the tools to do it.
During a conversation with ESPN, LeBron was asked who he thought had the best opportunity to become the league’s future scoring king and, as reported by AS, he selected Kevin Durant.
Karl Malone Named His All-Time NBA Starting 5 – Snubbed Michael Jordan
The Mailman gave an extremely controversial take on who he’d pick for his ideal NBA starting five.
James explained: “KD is the first guy that comes to mind. There’s a reason they call him ‘Easy Money’ and ‘Slim Reaper.’ Scoring comes naturally to him. He can knock down threes, dominate from mid-range, finish at the basket, and he’s excellent from the free-throw line as well. Those qualities matter a lot.”
The pair developed one of the defining rivalries of the modern NBA throughout Durant’s career. During the late 2010s, they battled in several NBA Finals match-ups, with LeBron representing the Cavaliers while Durant starred for the Golden State Warriors.
KD currently ranks as the second-highest active scorer in NBA history and sits fifth on the all-time list with 32,597 regular-season points. If he stays healthy, Durant could climb even higher and may potentially move past the likes of Kobe Bryant and Karl Malone.
There is still significant ground for Durant to make up before reaching LeBron’s total, as he trails by more than 10,000 points. However, few scorers in league history possess Durant’s effortless offensive skill set, and James clearly believes the Houston Rockets forward has the talent necessary to eventually make the race interesting in the years ahead.
Sports
Man Utd Will Sign £100m Star
Manchester United are planning to sign a marquee midfielder for Michael Carrick this summer, according to The Sun.
Carrick has been appointed on a two-year permanent deal at Old Trafford, with the option of a third, after an impressive interim spell in charge.
He had 17 matches in the dugout, winning 12 times, drawing three games and losing just twice.
In that time, no other Premier League side picked up more points – with the Red Devils even earning three more points than champions Arsenal during Carrick’s interim spell.
With Casemiro leaving the club, United are in the market for a new midfielder and Carrick is set to be boosted by one marquee signing to strengthen the position.
Man Utd plan £100m midfield signing
The Sun’s Manchester United correspondent Samuel Luckhurst reports a big midfield signing will be made by the Red Devils, with any deal expected to cost around £100million.
Bruno Fernandes was used in a deeper role under previous manager Ruben Amorim but Carrick has moved the Portugal international back into a more attacking midfield position.
In defensive midfield, Kobbie Mainoo has rediscovered his form under Carrick after being a bit-part player under Amorim. However, with Casemiro’s exit, a replacement will be needed for the Brazilian.
Manuel Ugarte is not viewed as good enough to fill the void left by Casemiro. United’s preference would be to sell the player but the Red Devils accept interest in him will be low due to his poor performances, meaning he is poised to stay.
His £120,000-a-week wages also mean any interested clubs would struggle to meet the player’s demands.
The midfielders on Man Utd’s radar this summer
There are several players United are targeting as they eye a big midfield addition.
Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson is one name at the top end of their list but rivals Manchester City are firmly in the race and keen to get a deal done ahead of United.
Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali is another player of interest after an impressive few seasons in the Premier League with the Magpies following his £55million move from AC Milan.
Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid has been described as a dream target for the Old Trafford outfit but a deal for the player would be difficult to do.
Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton are also options. Baleba was keen to make the move to United last summer but Brighton were not willing to lower their asking price.
Wharton’s future at Crystal Palace is also up in the air, but it has been reported that Selhurst Park club chiefs are set to hold talks with the player.
They want to convince him to spend one more year at Palace after they won the Europa Conference League on Wednesday night and qualified for the Europa League.
Romano: Man Utd ‘Very Close’ to Agreement for World-Class Star, He Wants to Join
Manchester United are on the verge of completing Michael Carrick’s first signing
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