WWE

GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY ... Jim Ross is leaving WWE.

The 67-year-old legend made the announcement on "The Jim Ross Report" podcast on Thursday -- explaining he'll be leaving the company later this month when his contract expires.

"My WWE contract after 26 years will expire on Friday, March 29," Ross said.

"And, after talking a couple of weeks ago with Vince McMahon, we have mutually agreed I need to move on."

While noting the move is on good terms, Ross suggested powerful people in the organization clearly wanted him out.

"I still think I can do play-by-play even though others that may surround Vince think I can't."

Ross says he's leaving the company "with great thoughts, very positive."

"I've made a lot of money, Vince is amazing to Jan and myself. He set us up for life financially, of which I can never repay him."

"I'm 67, I still feel I can get the job done doing wrestling play-by-play, and I want to explore that opportunity and possibility," Ross said.

So, what's next for Ross? There are rumblings he will sign with the new AEW wrestling organization -- but nothing is official at this point.

Ross has been calling matches for WWE since the early '90s and has been part of the company's biggest moments.

After calling The Undertaker's match at WrestleMania 33 in 2017, he signed a 2-year contract to call special events for WWE. The last time he was on-air was back in April to work the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.

Pro wrestling legend King Kong Bundy -- who famously battled Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania 2 -- has died, WWE confirms. He was 61.

Details surrounding Bundy's death are unclear. We're working on it.

Bundy was a monster in the ring -- billed at 6'4", 458 pounds -- he mauled opponents and usually made the refs count to 5 instead of 3 ... just to prove his dominance.

He made his WWF debut in 1985 -- while managed by the "Mouth of the South," Jimmy Hart. He became so popular, so fast, Vince McMahon smartly booked him to take on Hulk Hogan in a steel cage match at Wrestlemania 2 in 1986.

Bundy lost the match, but became an even BIGGER star. In fact, he booked national commercials and even had cameos on huge shows like "Married with Children," "Weird Science" and "Boy Meets World."

Bundy left WWE (then WWF) in the late '80s ... but returned in 1994 as part of The Million Dollar Corporation and picked up right where he left off, destroying people.

The wrestling world is already paying tribute to Bundy -- real name, Christopher Pallies.

Hulk Hogan issued a statement saying, "Overwhelmed by King Kong Bundy’s passing, only great memories,R.I.P. big man until we meet again."

Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake tweeted, "OMG can’t hardly believe my friend Chris Pallies aka King Kong Bundy has passed away."

"Very sad news he was a kind soul. Rest In Peace Brother until we meet again."

Mick Foley said, "Hate to hear about the passing of King Kong Bundy. He was so cool to me when I walked in that @WWE dressing room as an absolute nobody in 1986."

Story developing ...

Nikki Bella is putting John Cena firmly in her rear view ... and moving forward with her new love interest ... her "Dancing With The Stars" partner, Artem Chigvintsev.

Sources close to Nikki tell TMZ ... Nikki isn't rekindling her romance with John -- despite rumors to the contrary -- and she sees no future with him.

We broke the story ... Nikki and John broke up last summer. We're told they still talk every now and then, but nothing will ever go back to how it was.

With John down for the count, we're told Nikki and Artem are spending a lot of time together.

We're told Artem flew out to L.A. Monday on his day off and squired Nikki to Wally's in Bev Hills. They drank wine and shared a meat and cheese board. Folks who were there say the date went on for hours ... lots of flirting.

Our Nikki sources say she's really into him and it looks like it's turning serious.

Stay tuned.

11:02 AM PT -- We just got AOC on Capitol Hill, and she tells us the comic book is truly an honor, and she's happy the proceeds are being donated to a good cause.

AOC tells us the entire process has been humbling, and she's hoping the comic will inspire people to discover their inner superhero.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is about to become a superhero in a new comic book chronicling her rise to Congress ... and her story starts in the ring.

TMZ has obtained a couple pages from Josh Blaylock and Devil's Due's new project, "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Freshman Force: New Party, Who Dis?" which hits the shelves in May.

The graphic novel paints AOC as a larger-than-life character who shows up in D.C. to kick some GOP ass with her fellow freshmen. Sounds real enough, but check out these panels.

Here's how the storyline begins ... AOC is a promising wrestler, and in WWE style, she kicks the butt of veteran Congressman Joe Crowley in the ring, and back in the locker room she meets a RIPPED Nancy Pelosi.

It's clear ... Josh and co. are not skimping on all the pulp drama. For the record ... AOC is not involved in the comic and, so far, has said nothing.

Oh, and BTW ... there's another page we got our hands on that takes a big shot at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Peep it for yourself ... very "Where's Waldo?"-esque.

WWE Hall of Famer Tammy Sytch -- aka "Sunny" -- was arrested for DWI in New Jersey over the weekend, the 6TH time she's been busted for drunk driving.

Officials say the 46-year-old was driving the WRONG WAY on a one-way street around 6:30 PM on Saturday. She also blew through a stop sign.

When cops pulled her over, officers noticed she had an alcoholic container in the car and believed she was drunk -- so they arrested her on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

Cops say during the incident, they also realized Sytch was driving on a suspended license and she had two outstanding warrants out for her arrest.

Sytch was taken into custody and hauled to a nearby station. She was eventually released after facing a judge via video conference.

Sytch has a long and sad history with alcohol abuse and police. She's been arrested for drunk driving 6 times starting back in 2012 and just last year, she served 8 months in jail after 3 DUI arrests in 2018.

The last time we spoke with Sunny back in April 2017, she said she was cleaning herself up and completing rehab.

Sytch is a WWE legend -- she's widely considered the first WWE Diva and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame back in 2011.

Roman Reigns just gave cancer the Superman punch ... 'cause the WWE Superstar announced his leukemia is in remission!!

Last October, the 33-year-old -- who was originally diagnosed with leukemia in 2008 -- gave up his universal title and walked away from the ring to focus on his battle with cancer.

RR returned to Monday Night 'Raw' last night to officially announce the great news ... saying "THE BIG DOG IS BACK!!!"

"I said I was going to swing for the fences ... We did better than that, y'all," Roman said to a bunch of fans shouting his name in support.

"We didn't just swing for the fences. We hit a home run. So when I tell you this, I'm so grateful and so humbled and so honored to announce this ... The good news is, I'm in remission, y'all!!"

Reigns says he intends to use his platform to raise awareness for those dealing with similar diseases ... but also hinted at making a full return at a later date.

It wasn't just an announcement night for Reigns ... he also got in on the action -- saving Dean Ambrose from a 4-on-1 attack!!

Ric Flair thinks Bradley Cooper would be the perfect fit to play him in the upcoming Hulk Hogan biopic.

Ric came on "TMZ Live" Monday, which happens to be his 70th birthday, and we asked who he wants cast as Nature Boy in Todd Phillips' new movie ... and without skipping a beat, Ric's wife, Wendy, shouted her answer.

Ric's a smart man, so he ran with it. Happy wife, happy life.

Hey, when your wife throws you a surprise birthday bash with tons of celebs, ya gotta listen to her!

Wendy might actually be on to something here ... Todd often works with Bradley, so we're guessing the director would be down to cast him alongside leading man Chris Hemsworth.

What do you get for "Rolex wearin’, diamond ring wearin’, kiss stealin’, wheelin’ dealin’, limousine ridin’, jet flyin’ son of a gun" who's turning 70?

A BIG ASS FREAKIN' SURPRISE PARTY!!!!

That's exactly what Ric Flair's wife, Wendy, did to celebrate the Nature Boy's 70th ... and the celebrity guest list was exactly what you'd think a living, breathing legend would get.

It went down at Friday at 1818 Club Ballroom in Duluth, Georgia and huge stars like Todd Gurley, Charles Barkley, Jeff Hardy, Triple H, Evander Holyfield and Dennis Rodman were all there to wish Naich well.

CEO Custom Cakes provided the confectionery delight in the form of a gigantic custom cake shaped like a wrestling belt, while super fancy petal pushers Venus ET Fleur provided the flowers.

Wendy also had a sick robe designed modeled after Flair's favorite from back in the day.

Fantastic job, Wendy ... we're sure your birthday will be even better now, complete with a free ride on your favorite theme park attraction.

WWE legend X-Pac understands why people are upset Chyna is going into the WWE Hall of Fame as a part of D-Generation X ... and not individually ... but he insists it's still a VICTORY for her.

"I totally understand where they're coming from," Sean Waltman tells TMZ Sports ... "Of course, she deserves to go in by herself."

But, Waltman -- who was engaged to Chyna in real life in 2003 -- says the WWE only has a limited number of people they can induct each year, and he believes they're doing the best they can.

WWE announced on Monday the main members of DX (as a group) will be included in the H.O.F. class of 2019. Meaning, Chyna will be enshrined with Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Road Dogg, Billy Gunn and, of course, X-Pac.

But, a swell of wrestling fans feel Chyna was such an important figure in WWE -- the first and only female Intercontinental champ -- that she shouldn't have to share the honor with anyone.

X-Pac says he understands the frustration -- but says Chyna would still be thrilled with the honor.

"I hope that the people who think this about her are still grateful that she's going in, because this is a win and sometimes we should take the win."

As for himself, X-Pac says he's grateful to be included -- and can't wait to get the gang back together!!!

WWE superstar Matt Riddle thinks a major change is coming ... saying 'NXT' is on a trajectory to explode and take over as the No. 1 show in the WWE Universe.

For years, 'NXT' has been viewed as WWE's developmental brand -- used to springboard up-and-coming wrestlers on to shows like 'Raw' and 'Smackdown Live' ... where the top stars play.

But, Riddle -- along with other young stars like Ricochet, Adam Cole and Johnny Gargano -- have turned 'NXT' into arguably the most must-see WWE show ... and it only seems to be getting better.

Riddle says 'NXT' is "different" and "fresh" -- and not "the same kind of watered-down child's product that WWE's kind of turned into a lot."

He adds, "People watch us, even though it's scripted a lot of the time, it's more real. It's more believable."

Riddle says he can feel the momentum behind 'NXT' -- and it's affected the way he sees his career with the WWE.

"Funny enough, I was thinking about that the other day. And, I want to get to the main roster, but then I was thinking, 'Maybe I'm thinking about it wrong,' because 'NXT' is so hot, maybe we should stay and try to build 'NXT' and make it bigger than 'Raw' and 'Smackdown' and just be the big guy, which isn't impossible."

There's more ... Riddle -- a former UFC fighter -- also says he'd LOVE a shot to go 1-on-1 with John Cena, but not in a traditional pro wrestling match ...

"I think I wanna fight John Cena. He might wanna wrestle, but I kind wanna fight him."

WWE Superstar Jimmy Uso -- half of the popular Usos tag team -- was arrested after a drunken dispute with cops in Detroit ... TMZ Sports has learned.

The 33-year-old -- who's the son of WWE HOF'er Rikishi -- and his wife, fellow WWE Superstar Naomi, were pulled over near downtown Detroit ... after cops say Naomi was driving the wrong direction on a one-way street.

According to our police sources, cops say their 2018 Dodge Journey reeked of booze ... so they ordered Naomi out of the car.

We're told while Naomi talked to cops, Jimmy got out of the car -- despite commands from police -- and took off his shirt and jacket and squared up like he wanted to fight.

We're told the officer took out his taser 'cause he was scared for his safety.

Jimmy ultimately settled down and complied with their commands ... then he was handcuffed, and arrested for disorderly conduct and obstruction.

He was taken to jail ... and later posted bond.

Uso was not in Detroit for a WWE event.

Suicide prevention is a huge issue for Ronda Rousey -- both her father and grandfather took their own lives -- which is why she's so passionate about helping to open a new suicide prevention center in L.A.

The WWE superstar -- along with Melissa Rivers -- held a big event Thursday outside the building where the new Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center will open on Feb. 22.

Ronda and Melissa stressed the importance of having a massive sign on the street -- to inform people struggling with suicidal thoughts that there's a place where they can go to get help.

The big message Ronda was pushing on Thursday was eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health -- so that more people feel comfortable reaching out for help.

"My message that I would give is reach out don't tough it out," Ronda told TMZ Sports.

Ronda has worked with Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services for years -- and was the recipient of the org's Erasing the Stigma Leadership Award in 2014.

Do you like UFC star Israel Adesanya!?!?!

IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU LIKE HIM ... because he busted out The Rock's legendary PEOPLE'S ELBOW during his open workout on Wednesday -- and it's fantastic!!

Adesanya was getting the crowd in Australia hyped up for his big fight with Anderson Silva at UFC 234 on Saturday ... and put on a little tribute to his favorite WWE superstars in the process.

First, he busted out Stone Cold Steve Austin's famous Stone Cold Stunner -- then after laying the smackdown on his training partner, gave the crowd a little People's Elbow.

CAN YOU SMELLLLLLLLALALALALALA ... WHAT ISRAEL ADESANYA IS COOKING?!!!

Smells like awesome.

WWE superstar Mustafa Ali took a REAL shot to the face during a particularly brutal match with Randy Orton on Tuesday -- and now he's got the massive shiner to prove it.

It seems the injury was suffered in the opening moments of his match with Orton on 'Smackdown Live' -- when Orton was stomping Ali's face in.

It appears Orton's boot caught Ali in his left eye -- and you can see it starting to swell up as the match went on.

Orton ultimately pinned Ali after hitting him with the RKO -- but it wasn't over yet ... Samoa Joe invaded the ring and kicked Ali in the face again ... sending him flying.

After the match, Ali posted a pic of the damage with the caption, "Just trying to catch your eye."

Rob Gronkowski's played 130 football games in his legendary NFL career and Super Bowl Sunday might be his last ... so, is WWE Superstardom next for the 29-year-old?

Gronk's BFF, Mojo Rawley, tells TMZ Sports he would absolutely love that ... and Rob would kill it in pro wrestling -- IF decides to sign with WWE.

"If he came to join me in the WWE would I be happy? Yes, I would be very happy. I'd be very ecstatic. That would be awesome."

Gronk's been in the squared circle before ... he charged the ring at WrestleMania 33 in 2017 and helped Mojo eliminate Jinder Mahal in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

As dope as it'd be, Mojo says Gronk ain't lookin' past tomorrow's championship game.

"He's gotta do what's best for him, and what's best for him is winning the Super Bowl on Sunday, and the Patriots are gonna handle them!"

But, after that, it seems wrestling could be a viable option for Gronk -- who has pondered retirement from football.

WWE superstar Adam Cole thinks it's a joke that he's not the reigning 'NXT' champion -- and says he plans on making a massive violent statement when he gets in the ring on Sunday.

Cole is teaming up with Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa for a 6-man tag team match at WWE's 'Halftime Heat' show ... and tells TMZ Sports it's an opportunity to show the world why he deserves a shot at the title.

"I'm a guy who feels like I should be a champion at 'NXT' ... I think it's an outrage that I'm not."

By the way, Cole also has a message for his Super Bowl halftime competition, Adam Levine -- but it's more of an olive branch than a declaration of war ... unlike the WWE promo for 'Halftime Heat.'