Jeff Hardy Pleads Not Guilty ... In DUI Case

Wrestling star Jeff Hardy is fighting back in his DUI case -- pleading not guilty to all charges this week, court documents show.

Hardy, according to the docs, pled not guilty on Tuesday to the three charges related to his arrest earlier this month.

During the June 13 incident, cops accused Hardy of driving while absolutely wasted in Volusia County, Fla. Officers said in police documents, breathalyzer tests following the arrest showed the AEW star had a BAC of .294 and .291.

061422_jeff_hardy_kal_v2
GUNS DRAWN & ARRESTED

Police footage from the stop shows Hardy slurred his words, stumbled on his feet, and admitted to cops he had drank shots of Fireball before getting behind the wheel.

Hardy is due in court for another hearing in the case next week. He's facing jail time if convicted on the counts.

Logan Paul Signs With WWE

Logan Paul is officially becoming a WWE Superstar -- the Maverick just signed a contract with the wrestling giant.

The 27-year-old shared the news on Thursday ... posting pics of his contract signing alongside Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at WWE headquarters.

Of course, Paul wowed the wrestling world with his tag team performance with The Miz at WrestleMania 38 in Dallas in April ... so it was certainly a natural move for the promotion.

As we previously reported, Miz was blown away with Logan's athletic ability and hard work leading up to the match ... and now that he's signed on the dotted line, the Maverick will be showing off his skills in the squared circle a bit longer.

030122_the_miz_kal_1 MAY 2022
TEACHING "THE" TAKEDOWN
TMZSports.com

Sources tell us the contract will keep Logan involved in multiple events through next year ... and it's not just for show -- he will be a Superstar.

An impressive wrestler in high school, Logan has made a name for himself in fighting -- he has fought YouTuber KSI twice ... and most recently, went up against Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition.

Logan wasted no time getting into his new role -- saying he's already focused on getting revenge on Miz for crossing him after their WrestleMania victory.

Getcha popcorn ready.

Ex-Bellator Star Valerie Loureda Signs With WWE ... Done With MMA

062922-valerie-loureda-wwe-kal
OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME
TMZSports.com

Valerie Loureda is walking away from the cage and into the squared circle -- the former MMA fighter tells TMZ Sports after months of training and mutual interest, she's signing on with the promotion to compete as a wrestler.

The 23-year-old made the news official on Wednesday ... saying it's a dream come true.

"I've been waiting for this moment for so long," said Loureda, the first Cuban-American woman ever to sign with WWE. "You have no idea. I'm excited it's finally here."

And she's got BIG goals with the promotion -- the taekwondo expert said her dream is to headline WrestleMania one day ... but more importantly, she wants to represent Latina women across the world.

"I'm the first Cuban-American woman to sign with the WWE," Loureda said, "and for me alone that is a dream come true."

"The moment I found out I had the opportunity, I knew I could make history and represent my culture in a way no one has before. And that's what I was born to do."

Loureda tells us that her first official day with WWE is July 18 -- one day before her 24th birthday -- and that the timing of it all couldn't have been better.

040122-triple-h-aj-ferrari-valerie-loureda-kal
NAILING FUNDAMENTALS

Of course, we got a glimpse of Valerie in the ring already ... when she hit up WWE tryouts earlier this year.

"Turning 24 and becoming a WWE Superstar, like, that's my dream," Loureda said. "I'm going to train there very hard. My goal personally is to be on live TV by the end of the year."

"Obviously, I trust the WWE and what they've done with all their athletes, and I'm going to follow their path. But, I set big bars and expectations for myself, and I'm going to work very hard to make life to be ready by the end of this year.

Ultimately, Loureda wants to be a star on the main roster ... and once she arrives, she's already got her sights set on one particular WWE women's Superstar.

AEW's Jake Atlas Domestic Violence Case Dropped

AEW star Jake Atlas is breathing easier today ... his domestic violence case has been dropped, TMZ Sports has learned.

According to court documents, a month after Atlas was arrested for allegedly scratching his boyfriend following an altercation in Orlando, officials said they were declining to prosecute the 27-year-old.

"From the investigation which has been made," officials wrote in docs that were filed last week, "it is the opinion of the writer that this case is not suitable for prosecution."

Court records show a hearing in the case that had been slated for Tuesday has been canceled, and the matter is considered closed.

As we reported, Atlas -- real name Kenny Sanchez Martinez -- had been hit with a misdemeanor domestic battery charge after he allegedly got physical with his BF on May 23.

The two, according to police documents, quarreled over a sexual encounter. Atlas had been accused of scratching his boyfriend and tearing the man's tank top during the tiff.

We've reached out to prosecutors for comment, but so far, no word back yet. Atlas' attorneys, meanwhile, declined to comment on the case.

Atlas -- who is openly gay -- wrestled in the WWE from 2019 to 2021. He went on to wrestle with AEW in late 2021, but suffered a significant knee injury in Jan. 2022 and has not returned to the ring since.

WWE Star Liv Morgan Donating To Abortion Rights Org ... '100%' Of July Cameo Earnings

WWE superstar Liv Morgan is donating cash to an abortion rights org ... just three days after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

The wrestler announced on Monday that every dollar she earns in July from her Cameo appearances will go toward the National Network of Abortion Funds -- an org. set up to remove financial and logistical barriers to abortion access.

The money could end up being significant -- the 28-year-old is a huge star in the wrestling world, and she's charging $555 per video.

"Please consider booking a cameo from me so we can ensure every woman around the world has a choice," she said in her announcement.

Liv, who's been wrestling in the WWE since 2014, added a heart emoji as well.

Worth noting -- Linda McMahon recently praised the reversal of Roe v. Wade ... saying, "Today is a historic day! After decades of fighting for innocent lives, the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade."

"Now, the decision of abortion will be returned to the states, where our pro-life fight will continue!"

Vince McMahon Appears On 'Monday Night Raw' ... Amid WWE Probe

062122_vince_mcmahon_kal_1 6/17/22
LONG TIME RUNNIN'
WWE

Vince McMahon made another unexpected appearance on TV -- this time he surprised the 'Raw' crowd in Nebraska -- just days after WWE announced the boss would be temporarily stepping aside as CEO and chairman of the company.

McMahon, who's being investigated for allegedly paying an ex-employee "hush money" after the two had an affair, started off his segment by thanking the fans for making 'Raw' the longest episodic running program in TV history.

Vince, 76, was also there to announce to the capacity crowd that John Cena, a future WWE Hall of Famer, would be at next week's episode of 'Raw.'

McMahon, however, did not address the scandal.

061722-vince-mcmahon-kal 6/17/22
'THEN, NOW, FOREVER'
WWE

Monday's appearance marks the second time Vince has been seen on WWE programming since The Wall Street Journal report. He also kicked off Friday Night's 'Smackdown' show ... where many thought he'd address the decision to voluntarily relinquish his duties as the org.'s top boss.

In a recent press release, WWE and its Board of Directors said McMahon "will retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE's creative content during this period" -- adding Vince is committed to cooperating with the review.

McMahon, largely credited for building WWE into the global powerhouse it is today, has been a staple on the company's TV shows over the decades ... but he's seemingly appearing more since the allegations against him came to light.

Vince's daughter, Stephanie, is serving as the interim CEO and chairwoman in her father's absence.

Oliver Luck, Vince McMahon Settlement Reached ... In XFL Termination Case

Oliver Luck and Vince McMahon's beef won't go to trial after all ... the two sides have just settled, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

As we previously reported, Luck -- who McMahon hired to be commissioner and CEO of the rebooted XFL back in 2018 -- sued the WWE honcho in 2020, claiming McMahon had wrongfully terminated him after the league folded earlier in the year.

Luck -- Andrew Luck's dad -- claimed in his suit that he did nothing wrong ... and that McMahon had essentially fired him to avoid paying him the millions he said he was owed.

McMahon later countersued, claiming Oliver was indeed fired for cause. The case was slated to go to trial on July 11.

But, according to court documents filed in the case last week, the parties "reached an agreement to resolve this case on June 16."

Specific details of the settlement were not revealed ... though attorneys for Luck said in a statement to TMZ Sports, "The parties have amicably resolved this matter, and wish each other well in future endeavors.

We also reached out to attorneys representing McMahon for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

Logan Paul The Rock Cut Ties With Me ... After Suicide Forest Vid

Logan Paul says his relationship with The Rock was completely ruined amid the fallout from his suicide forest vlog in 2017 ... revealing his idol asked him to remove any traces of them together from social media following the controversy.

The 27-year-old YouTuber/boxer had celebs and politicians calling for him to be canceled after posting footage of a man taking his own life to his channel after a trip to Japan ... but claims one person, in particular, left him truly hurt.

"This was one of the saddest moments of my life, what I'm about to say." Logan said on the True Geordie Podcast.

"After Japan happened, I obviously found myself in a hole -- rightfully so -- that I had never been in before. Extremely low, mentally, and I got a call from my publicist, who also repped Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson."

"She's like 'Hey, Dwayne has asked that you remove every video and picture that you've done with him. Maybe in the future, the relationship can be reconciled, but for now, he basically wants nothing to do with you.' Which I also understood. I get it. I made a grotesque error."

"He has had things happen in his life where that incident has affected him in a vastly different way," Logan added.

Johnson has previously opened up about his mother's suicide attempt when he was just 15 years old ... calling for people to look out for and take care of each other.

Logan says he wishes The Rock had reached out to him personally to explain his decision to cut ties ... saying, "I feel like we had a healthy relationship, an open line of communication. I was so sad that my hero wanted nothing to do with me."

"I was sad because I understood it. I really f***ed up."

As for their relationship now, Paul says Johnson recently hit him up via Instagram DM and pretended like nothing happened ... but he didn't respond.

Johnson also reacted to Logan's recent WrestleMania appearance, saying he was very proud of the Maverick's work .... but it sounds like this relationship is far from fixed.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Vince McMahon Appears On 'Smackdown'... After Stepping Away From WWE

061722-vince-mcmahon-kal 6/17/22
'THEN, NOW, FOREVER'
WWE
UPDATE

5:56 PM PT -- Vince McMahon made an appearance on Friday Night 'Smackdown,' where he addressed the WWE universe for the first time publicly since stepping away from his duties as CEO and Chairman of the company.

UPDATE

"I'm here to simply remind you of the four words we just saw, in what we call the WWE signature," Vince said. "Those four words are then, now, forever, and the most important word is together."

UPDATE

"Welcome to Smackdown."

Vince McMahon is voluntarily stepping away from his duties as CEO and Chairman of WWE amid an investigation into alleged misconduct by the billionaire ... and his daughter, Stephanie, has been appointed interim CEO and interim Chairwoman.

WWE and its Board of Directors, of which Vince is a member, announced on Friday the 76-year-old will take a step back from his responsibilities as the org.'s honcho until the conclusion of the investigation.

"WWE and its Board of Directors take all allegations of misconduct very seriously," the statement read. "The Independent Directors of the Board engaged independent legal counsel to assist them with an independent review."

"In addition, the Special Committee and WWE will work with an independent third-party to conduct a comprehensive review of the company's compliance program, HR function and overall culture."

They added ... "The Company and the Board do not expect to have further comment until the investigation is concluded."

The investigation into Vince stems from a claim that he allegedly agreed to pay a former employee $3 million over 5 years after the two had an affair.

The woman alleges that Vince paid her $1 million in advance ... and was expected to dish out the remaining $2 million in "hush money" over 5 years.

The Wall Street Journal reported that a preliminary investigation into Vince revealed Vince made a payment to the ex-employee using "personal funds."

Vince said in the statement Friday that he will cooperate and support the investigation by the Special Committee ... and he will accept the findings and outcome of the probe once it's over.

“I love this company and am committed to working with the Independent Directors to strengthen our culture and our Company; it is extremely important to me that we have a safe and collaborative workplace," said Vince, who is expected to appear on 'SmackDown' on Friday night.

"I have committed to doing everything in my power to help the Special Committee complete its work, including marshaling the cooperation of the entire company to assist in the completion of the investigation and to implement its findings."

As a result, Stephanie, who recently stepped away from her role as the chief brand officer of WWE to be with her family, is back with the company as interim CEO and interim Chairwoman.

Originally Published --  6:46 AM PT

Vince McMahon Allegedly Paid Ex-Employee $3M After Affair ... WWE Board Investigating

WWE's board is investigating an alleged multi-million "hush pact" payment made by Vince McMahon to a former employee after the pair allegedly had an affair, according to a new report by The Wall Street Journal.

WSJ claims World Wrestling Entertainment's 12-member board -- where Vince sits as the chair -- is investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged affair and subsequent payment.

FYI, WWE is a publicly-traded company on the NYSE. The company's stock closed up nearly 5% on Wednesday, despite the paper's story going public earlier today. Even though they're a public company, Vince holds immense power within the top wrestling promotion.

In January 2022, McMahon, the CEO and Chairman of WWE, allegedly agreed to pay a former employee with whom he had an affair $3 million total ... over the course of 5 years.

The woman -- who was allegedly hired as a paralegal in 2019 -- says McMahon paid $1 mil up front ... and the remaining $2 million was to be spread out over a 5 year period.

Vince has been married to his wife Linda since 1966.

What's interesting is the WWE board is partially made up of Vince and his family.

His daughter Stephanie McMahon -- who recently stepped away from the company to spend time with her fam -- and her husband Triple H (Paul Levesque), as well as WWE President Nick Khan, are all on the board.

The 8 other members have hired a New York City law firm to investigate the situation with VM and the ex-employee.

According to the Journal, the preliminary investigation shows McMahon made a payment using "personal funds."

As for WWE, the company told WSJ they're fully cooperating with the board's investigation, and added the relationship with the woman was consensual.

Jeff Hardy Drinking Joke Day Before DUI Arrest ... 'Whiskey Is My Best Friend & My Worst Enemy'

Less than one day before Jeff Hardy was accused of drunkenly driving his car through Florida highways ... the AEW star took a swig from a cup and made a joke that whiskey was "my best friend and my worst enemy."

The 44-year-old wrestler was filmed on Sunday evening making the comment -- some 12 hours or so before cops say he was driving a white Dodge Charger while severely intoxicated in Volusia County.

The video shows Hardy in Orlando for a wrestling convention (one in which his brother, Matt Hardy, also attended) ... singing for several people inside what appeared to be a conference room.

Jeff, discussing lyrics to a song, took a big sip of a drink, turned to the crowd and said, "Whiskey is my best friend and my worst enemy!"

The footage shows he then smiled, while people in the audience chuckled and shouted.

As we reported, Jeff was later arrested at around 9 AM on Monday morning by the Florida Highway Patrol for DUI.

061422_jeff_hardy_kal_v2
GUNS DRAWN & ARRESTED

During the stop, officers say he reeked of booze, could hardly stand during questioning, and admitted to drinking before getting behind the wheel. They added that two breathalyzer tests revealed he had a BAC of .291 and .294.

Hardy was charged with felony DUI and two other misdemeanors. He's due in court for a hearing on the matter in July.

The wrestler -- who was slated to compete in AEW event this week -- has since been suspended by the AEW without pay.

Jeff Hardy Suspended By AEW ... Following DUI Arrest

Jeff Hardy has been suspended by the AEW without pay following his DUI arrest on Monday, the org. announced Tuesday.

"We were able to resume contact with Jeff Hardy this afternoon," AEW President & CEO Tony Khan said in a statement. "AEW does not condone Jeff’s alleged behavior."

Khan said Hardy's ban will last until he successfully completes a treatment program and maintains his sobriety.

Khan added the AEW will "assist him in getting treatment for substance abuse issues, which he has indicated that he's open to receiving."

The 44-year-old wrestler signed with the org. this year after a lengthy run in the WWE -- and is considered one of the company's biggest stars. He was slated to wrestle in an AEW match on Wednesday.

As we reported, Hardy was arrested at around 10 AM on Monday morning in Florida, after cops say he drunkenly drove his car through Volusia County highways. He's since been hit with three charges, including felony DUI.

061422_jeff_hardy_kal_v2
GUNS DRAWN & ARRESTED

It's the third time since 2018 that Hardy has been accused of driving while impaired -- he was arrested for the alleged offense in North Carolina in '18 and then again in 2019.

"It was disheartening to hear the news about my brother yesterday," his brother, Matt Hardy -- who also wrestles in the AEW -- said in a statement Tuesday morning.

"Recovery isn’t a linear process & I’ll continue doing whatever I can to help my brother be healthy. Being healthy & well is the most important thing for Jeff, his wife, his children & our family at this time."

Jeff Hardy DUI Arrest Video Three Officers Pulled Guns On Wrestler During Stop

061422_jeff_hardy_kal_v2
GUNS DRAWN & ARRESTED

Three officers were apparently so concerned about the state of Jeff Hardy after they pulled him over on Monday morning, they each drew their guns and pointed them at the AEW star.

The frightening scene was all captured on police video, obtained by TMZ Sports, just before the 44-year-old wrestler was arrested in Volusia County for DUI by the Florida Highway Patrol.

In the footage, you can see after cops stopped Hardy's white Dodge Charger on a freeway after they said it had been swerving all over the road and driving erratically ... they walked to his car and appeared to shout orders at him through his closed windows.

Hardy, though, seemingly didn't comply -- which caused each officer on the scene to pull out their firearm.

Fortunately, Hardy eventually opened his car door without issue ... and the officers were able to get him out of his vehicle without incident.

In the footage, you can see Hardy -- wearing a Jacksonville Jaguars T-shirt -- was not steady on his feet ... and mumbled and whispered responses to the officers.

During questioning, Hardy appeared to admit to drinking shots of Fireball before getting behind the wheel.

Eventually, officers took Hardy away from the busy highway into a nearby parking lot to perform field sobriety tests.

Hardy, though, stumbled throughout each test ... and after several minutes, an officer slapped cuffs on the wrestling star and told him he was "under the arrest for the offense of DUI."

In police documents, officers say they tested Hardy's BAC through a breathalyzer back at the station ... and claim he blew a .291 and a .294.

Hardy bonded out of jail late Monday evening ... but was ultimately, according to court records, hit with three charges, including felony DUI as well as two misdemeanors.

He's due in court for a hearing in the case later Tuesday afternoon.

Mike Tyson Backs out Of Ric Flair Roast 'Unforeseen Circumstances'

UPDATE

12:10 PM PT -- Mike Tyson is out of the Ric Flair roast ... after signing on to participate in the event.

UPDATE

"Due to unforeseen circumstances Mike will not be participating in the roast," Iron Mike's reps told us. They did not wish to elaborate.

Before Ric Flair doles out one last ass whoopin', the WWE legend's gonna take a few (verbal) jabs from Mike Tyson -- 'cause TMZ Sports has learned Iron Mike will be one of the celebs roasting Nature Boy this summer!

We're told 55-year-old Tyson has signed on to be part of the roast of 73-year-old Flair ... going down July 29 in Nashville, TN ... in front of over 1,000 fans!

Ric and Mike -- two of the absolute greatest in their respective fields -- aren't just buddies, they're also business partners.

In fact, Mike's "Tyson 2.0" cannabis company recently struck a deal with "Ric Flair Drip" ... and the men will be selling different marijuana products (think edibles, etc.)

042222_ross_tyson_flair_kal
CALM AFTER THE STORM

And, Tyson won't be alone in roasting the 16x world champ ... Starrcast, the company behind the event, tells us they're in the process of locking down other celebs and wrestlers for the roast.

If Ric makes it through the roast, two nights later he's scheduled to wrestle in the final match of his incredible career. His opponent is still being sorted out.

Big summer for The Nature Boy!!

AEW Star Jeff Hardy Arrested For DUI ... Cops Say He Had .294 BAC

UPDATE

1:53 PM PT -- According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Hardy had a BAC of .294 following his arrest early Monday morning.

UPDATE

In police documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, officers say they pulled over Hardy after claiming he was driving a white Dodge Charger erratically on Volusia County highways.

UPDATE

In the documents, police say they received four separate calls regarding the Charger's "poor driving pattern." Cops say when they finally caught up to the vehicle, it was "traveling significantly under the speed limit, weaving across travel lanes, and running off the shoulder of the roadway."

UPDATE

Cops say during the stop, the 44-year-old wrestler "appeared to be in a stupor and confused."

UPDATE

Officers say when they finally got Hardy out of his vehicle, he reeked of booze, and, during field sobriety tests, displayed multiple signs of being impaired.

UPDATE

They arrested him on the scene, and say when they took him back to the station, two of his breath samples yielded BAC readings of .294 and .291. The legal limit in Florida is .08.

UPDATE

Cops also noted in the docs Hardy's license was suspended following his two previous convictions for driving under the influence. They also noted he "had a driving restriction which required him to have an interlock device in his vehicle," which they said his Charger did not have.

AEW star Jeff Hardy has been arrested again, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Jail records show he was booked in Volusia County, Fla. on Monday morning ... and took a mug shot.

Details surrounding the specific allegations against Hardy are unclear ... but court records show he's been charged with felony DUI, misdemeanor violating restrictions placed on driver's license, as well as misdemeanor driving while license canceled, suspended or revoked.

The records show he's due in court Tuesday for a hearing on the matter.

It's the third time since 2018 that Hardy has been accused of driving while under the influence. In March 2018, he was charged with DWI in North Carolina after getting into a car wreck. He was arrested again for DWI in North Carolina in Oct. 2019.

WWE Superstar Jeff Hardy says he personally called WWE and asked for help the day before his recent DWI arrest ... admitting he knew something was wrong and wanted to change. APRIL 2020
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
WWE/After The Bell with Corey Graves

In the months following the 2019 arrest, Hardy admitted he had problems with substance abuse on the "After The Bell" podcast with Corey Graves ... saying on the show that he was receiving professional help.

Hardy was slated to wrestle with his brother, Matt Hardy, on AEW Dynamite later this week. It's unclear if that match will still go on.

Story developing ...

Originally Published -- 12:16 PM PT

John Cena Makes Teenager's Fantasy Reality ... After Escaping Ukraine

John Cena made one kid's fantasy into a real-life storybook ending -- showing up to meet a boy who was told his family was fleeing Ukraine ... just to meet the wrestling superstar.

WWE released this video earlier in the week, showing JC pop up in Europe to meet Misha Rohozhyn -- a teenager with Down Syndrome, who was forced to escape his native city of Mariupol in recent months because of the Russian attack.

The story goes ... Misha, who's non-verbal, was confused and distressed about leaving home -- as he didn't quite understand what was happening. So, his mom told him a story to help.

She convinced her son that they had to leave so that they could go have a face-to-face with Cena ... who is Misha's hero. The kid has a ton of attire bearing John's face, so upon hearing this ... he was able to be convinced to embark on the dangerous journey.

As sweet of a sentiment is on its own, it gets even better ... because John was apparently made aware of this teen's dream, and ventured over to Amsterdam -- where they'd successfully fled to -- and closed the loop on what had been promised. Totally. Awesome.

The video itself tells the full story, so we'll let John speak for himself on why he did this and what exactly it means for him ... but more importantly, for Misha.

Looks like this meetup was everything the teen could hope for and then some. Once again, John proves why he's a class act -- especially when it comes to his work with children.

Well done.