WWE

Austin Theory is fighting his childhood idol, John Cena, on "The Grandest Stage of Them All," WrestleMania, but the current WWE United States Champion wants everyone to know he's not trying to be a Cena 2.0 -- telling TMZ Sports, "I don't want to be a rip-off."

We spoke with Theory ahead of his highly-anticipated match with Cena for the U.S. title at 'Mania ... and he put into perspective what the moment means to him considering John played a role in his desire to be a professional wrestler.

"Being eight years old and knowing what I wanted to do for the rest of my life because of John Cena and that is be a WWE Superstar. That was the first time I seen wrestling and I was inspired. And I went straight to the TV and I'd watch John every single week."

Theory and Cena made their match for the U.S. Championship at WrestleMania official two weeks ago ... during an intense segment where the latter reminded the WWE Universe that he can still cut a promo with the best of them.

"We did have a moment," Theory said about his encounter with Cena. "A face-to-face on Monday Night Raw. He had a lot of things to say to me. In that moment, it's very cool to be out there with John Cena but I'm in a different place now."

Austin told us he's tired of people constantly comparing him to Cena -- a 13-time WWE Champion, widely recognized as the G.O.A.T. in the promotion's history -- especially after he's worked so hard along his journey to establish his own identity.

"I don't want to hear that anymore," Theory said. "I want to be the first Austin Theory and I want people to see that. I don't want to be a rip-off of anybody and at WrestleMania, I'm going to show everybody just how different Austin Theory is."

"My mindset going into this match is all about me," Theory said. "I can't go in there and get swallowed by this giant John Cena story. I know the crowd's going to be crazy for him. 'Let's Go Cena' and 'Cena sucks.' Even the people saying 'Cena Sucks,' they love him, too."

Caitlin Clark has turned John Cena into a huge fan of hers -- because after the Iowa star hit the wrestler's signature celebration during a historic game Sunday night ... he showed her big love on his social media page!!!

Clark went crazy in the Hawkeyes' 97-83 win over Louisville in the women's NCAA tournament's Elite Eight ... and at one moment in her triple-double performance, she broke out Cena's signature "You Can't See Me" move.

The gesture was, of course, fitting ... because Louisville simply couldn't stop the Iowa guard -- who finished the night with 41 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists.

Cena eventually got word of it all on Tuesday afternoon -- and gave Clark a HUGE shoutout on Twitter.

"Even if they could see you," the wrestler wrote, "they couldn’t guard you!"

"Congrats on the historic performance @CaitlinClark22," he added, "and to @IowaWBB on advancing to the Final Four!"

The two sports stars both now have some big weekends coming up -- Clark plays South Carolina on Friday night with a trip to the national championship on the line, while Cena will throw down with Austin Theory on Saturday evening at Wrestlemania 39.

WWE Superstar Alexa Bliss is giving an up-close look at her skin cancer surgery recovery ... showing off several stitches on the side of her face and joking she's "lookin' like Frankenstein!!"

As we previously reported, Bliss went under the knife last week ... after docs discovered she had basal cell carcinoma, which is one of the most common types of skin cancer in the U.S.

Alexa is now on the mend after the "quick and easy procedure" to remove the spot on her face ... and things appear to be going well, 'cause she's cracking jokes about it all now.

"Went from looking like glam to looking like Frankenstein," Bliss tweeted alongside a pic of her stitches.

Although Bliss is still recovering, the 31-year-old didn't let it stop her from hitting up the iHeartRadio Awards on Monday with her husband, Ryan Cabrera.

With Bliss in L.A. for the awards show, WWE fans began to wonder if she'll appear at WrestleMania 39 this weekend at SoFi Stadium ... and while she confirmed to Cinema Blend she'll be there, she didn't reveal whether she would be entering the ring.

"I will be in L.A. for WrestleMania," Bliss told the outlet. "I will be at the arena. Who knows what that leads to? Because, you know, in WWE, you never know what’s going to happen. It's the company where you always expect the unexpected. We'll have to see."

Dana White, fans, fighters ... just about everyone was shocked MMA judge Joel Ojeda scored Marlon Vera, despite being thoroughly beaten, the winner over Cory Sandhagen, and now UFC star Gilbert Burns tells us law enforcement should investigate.

"I think this judge needs to be investigated," Gilbert told TMZ Sports, adding, "We need the FBI on this judge. Those judge might be working with the betting company."

If you missed it, 30-year-old Sandhagen (ranked 5th before the fight) and 30-year-old Vera (ranked 3rd) fought in the main event at UFC Fight Night on Saturday night in San Antonio ... a 5-round scrap that went to the judge's scorecards.

After the fight, both men stood at the center of the Octagon, as Bruce Buffer announced a "split decision" ... and, cue the head-scratching.

Judge Sal D'Amato scored the fight 50-45 for Cory (5 rounds to none), while Chris Lee scored it 49-46 (4 rounds to 1 for Sandhagen). But, Ojeda, was seemingly watching another fight ... scoring the bout 48-47 for Chito (3 rounds to 2).

D'Amato and Lee have loads of experience, while Ojeda has worked only a handful of UFC fights (4).

Now, Chito is one of the baddest dudes in the world, but Saturday just wasn't his night ... by just about every metric.

"Chito's my guy and I want him to win, but, theres no way he won that fight," Burns said. "It's clear to anyone. What's wrong with that judge?"

Further proof ... according to the UFC's official stats, Chito landed 73 strikes to Cory's 187. Sandhagen was also credited with 3 takedowns, resulting in over 7 minutes of control time. Vera attempted 1 takedown but was unsuccessful.

Even Dana was floored.

“I was literally coming out of the bathroom and I was like, ‘What the f**k?’”

The UFC honcho continued ... "It could have been 5-0, it could have been [4 rounds to 1], but [split decision]? Wow, that’s pretty scary.”

We reached out to the Texas Dept. of Licensing & Regulation, who oversee judges in the state, and they told us "TDLR is aware of the concerns about the scoring in one of Saturday's UFC fights. All TDLR officials receive ongoing training and we monitor each fight for consistency and accuracy in scoring."

When we followed up, questioning whether the judge was being investigated, TDLR said they couldn't comment on individual judges, but added they review performance after each event.

We also talked to Gilbert about his upcoming UFC 287 co-main fight with rival Jorge Masvidal ... a fight he says he's gunning to win by knockout our finish 'cause -- can't trust the scoring!

Scary news for Alexa Bliss ... the WWE superstar says she was recently diagnosed with skin cancer, and now she's urging everyone to "get your skin checked!"

Bliss revealed the diagnosis this week, saying she had a biopsy done on a spot on her face that'd "gotten worse," and the test showed it was basal cell carcinoma.

FYI, an estimated 3.6 million cases of basal cell carcinoma are diagnosed each year, according to the Skin Care Foundation. SCF says the cancer is curable if detected and treated early.

Bliss says she then had a "quick and easy procedure" to remove the cancer. Alexa says doctors also discovered squamous cells, another form of carcinoma, which is often the result of too much UV light, according to Mayo Clinic.

"Dear younger me," Bliss wrote on social media after the procedure, "you should have stayed out of tanning beds."

But, in the end, it's good news for Alexa!

"All clear now though! Thank you @americanskininstitute for taking care of me!

Bliss also reassured fans she'll be fine and back in no time ... writing, "Don’t worry, short healing time. Always get your skin checked! Esp if you are in the sun or use tanning beds! Lol"

Bliss hasn't been seen on WWE programming since she lost to Raw Women's Champion Bianca Belair at the Royal Rumble in January ... but Alexa has denied rumors she's on a hiatus from the company.

"Tired of seeing these tweets," Bliss tweeted on March 10. "I am not on a hiatus. They know where to find me."

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin may be the most beloved wrestler of all time ... and look no further why. The WWE legend showed up to a SoCal brewery and hooked up the patrons in a packed bar with free beers to commemorate "Austin 3:16 day!"

Austin hit up El Segundo Brewing Company in Los Angeles County ... where bar employees doled out cold beers left and right to fans who came to celebrate the WWE holiday.

Check it out ... Stone Cold was behind the bar, assisting bartenders as they poured beers, toasting fans as his signature theme music was blaring in the background.

And, they weren't handing out just any ol' beers ... the brewery serves his own signature "Broken Skull IPA." After everyone was served, Austin was naturally thirsty himself, so he chugged a pint glass, too.

Of course, the "Austin 3:16" tagline came to be after Steve defeated Jake "The Snake" Roberts to win the "King of the Ring" tournament in 1996.

After his match, Steve mocked Roberts' Bible-preacher gimmick ... saying, "You sit there and you thump your Bible, and you say your prayers, and it didn't get you anywhere!"

"Talk about your psalms, talk about John 3:16 ... Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass!"

The promo was a defining moment in his career, and the Texas Rattlesnake became one of the most popular faces of WWE's "Attitude Era," widely considered one of the best times in sports entertainment history.

Bad Bunny might be pushing for a collab with Ariana Grande ... singing one of her songs at the top of his lungs with James Corden, and he says is the English song he knows best!

The Puerto Rican rapper was riding shotgun with JC during Tuesday's episode of 'Carpool Karaoke' -- a segment on 'The Late Late Show.'

The two fellas were driving around ... having the time of their lives and singing along to different songs. However, when Corden turns on Ariana's 2014 hit featuring Zedd, "Break Free," Bad Bunny really puts on a show.

He tells the talk show host ... "I think this is the most English song that I most know" as he sings along.

Ya gotta see the moment the chorus comes on, the guys are both in mid convo but they break free from all that and go full-fledged concert mode.

Bad Bunny even showed Corden what the life of a pro wrestler entails ... enlisting the help of future WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio to help teach James some moves inside a ring.

Of course, the car ride took many turns ... and the two talked about a number of things like how the "Me Porto Bonito" rapper, chose his stage name and his rise to fame.

The Bella Twins are going back to their roots in their post-WWE careers -- the famous wrestling superstars will be known professionally by their birth names moving forward -- Nikki and Brie Garcia.

The duo announced their decision on "The Nikki & Brie Show" ... saying it was time to say goodbye to the Bella Twins moniker once their contracts with Vince McMahon's organization expired.

Nikki and Brie joined WWE in 2007 ... and were known as the Bella Twins throughout their rise and fame with the promotion.

Nikki explained the two are now so much more than wrestlers -- they're mothers, businesswomen, television producers and more ... and the name change will help them dive into their future endeavors.

"I just want to thank Brie Bella, the character, the name, all of it that I have been the last ... 16, 17 years," Brie said on the show.

"I am so excited to close that chapter on Brie Bella, put that book to the side, and open up a new one and see what Brie Garcia's going to do next."

"And I am so beyond grateful for Nikki Bella," Nikki added. "Nikki Bella, she powered me, she inspired me, she truly made me become fearless. And the road that she has paved, what she's done for women and the youth -- and will continue to do as Nikki Garcia."

WWE star Ridge Holland -- who inadvertently broke Big E's neck during a match last year -- says he's received death threats and been called "racist" ... one year after the tragic incident occurred.

Remember, Holland and Big E were fighting on SmackDown last March ... when E's neck was broken after a belly-to-belly suplex went wrong. The WWE Superstar later said doctors told him the injury could've killed him.

Big E has been out of ring action ever since ... and fans appear to be pissed at Ridge over the injury to the former WWE champ.

"Death threats. Threats to my family. Lobbying for me to lose my job. Being labeled as racist. Great stuff keep ‘em coming," Holland tweeted.

TMZ Sports recently spoke with E -- who's been sidelined as he rehabs his neck injury -- and he told us he doesn't know if he'll ever compete in a ring again, adding I "want to make the best decision" on his future with the company.

"I gotta see what the scans say," E said. "Talk to doctors, and then go from there." "Right now, before I know anything, I'm not going to make any rush to judgments or anything. See how everything looks."

Kane -- AKA Mayor Glenn Jacobs -- tells TMZ Sports he's focused on running his county right now ... but the WWE legend didn't rule out the possibility of holding other political offices in the future, saying he'd entertain the idea when the time is right.

We recently talked to Jacobs -- currently in his second term as the mayor of Knox County, TN -- and asked the WWE Hall of Famer whether he has ambitions of ascending the political ladder, and running for higher office like U.S. senator or governor.

"I don't know," Glenn said. "I'm just trying to do the best job I can as mayor right now. We'll leave that until the time comes."

Jacobs -- who's been a WWE Superstar since 1995 -- told us he's content in his current role, and wants people to remember him for the difference he's made in their lives through his policies and advocacy.

"What I want is pretty simple," Jacobs said. "People to understand that I cared about my community and wanted to do what I could to make it a better place. As mayor, you don't do that yourself, but what you can do is kind of lay out a vision and get people to the table and somewhat lead the way."

Glenn was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021, and says he didn't enter politics for personal gain, but rather to make Knox County "even better than it already is."

It's been exactly a year since Big E broke his neck during a wrestling match ... but the WWE Superstar says he's not rushing back into the ring just yet, telling TMZ Sports he's going to take his time and make the "right decision" on his future.

Remember, Big E suffered the injury during a tag-team match on "Smackdown" in Birmingham, Alabama last March ... after he was picked up and dropped on his head.

It wasn't just Big E's wrestling future people were worried about at the time ... but also whether he would have any serious health concerns moving forward.

We spoke with Big E at LAX last week ... and the former WWE champ told us he's close to finding out if his scary injury will keep him from lacing up the boots again.

"I gotta see what the scans say," E said. "Talk to doctors, and then go from there."

Big E said he won't "rush to judgments" on his health until he sees how everything looks ... adding he's not sweating the results either way.

"Right now, before I know anything, I'm not going to make any rush to judgments or anything. See how everything looks."

Big E says he's not dealing with any anxiety as he awaits his scans ... adding, "Everything isn't permanent. If it comes to an end, cool. If doesn't, cool. What will be, will be. I'm good with whatever."

WWE Superstar Liv Morgan appeared annoyed and uninterested as some dude chatted her up at the Knicks game on Tuesday ... but as it turns out, that guy is a WWE executive!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the dude who went viral for talking a mile a minute as the Knicks lost to the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden is Justin Scalise, the wrestling org.'s senior vice president for live events.

A clip of Scalise and Morgan's courtside interaction was quickly clipped and posted on social media ... with many assuming he was trying to shoot his shot with the wrestler.

That wasn't the case ... but that didn't stop Twitter users from posting memes and poking fun about how Scalise was probably trying to impress Liv with his NFT and crypto knowledge.

Morgan was a VIP guest at the game ... just a few days before she's slated to enter the squared circle at WWE's Road to WrestleMania Supershow at MSG on Sunday.

She got a ton of special perks on Tuesday -- including a custom jersey, video board shout-out and pics with the Knicks' dance team.

Fans and MMA "experts" may believe Stipe Miocic has no chance against Jon Jones, but the man Bones Jones called the greatest UFC heavyweight ever says he's motivated by the underdog status, and has zero doubts he going defeat JJ!

40-year-old Miocic joined Babcock and Mojo on the TMZ Sports TV show (airs weeknights on FS1) where we asked him, you vs. Jon aside ... give us your scouting report of Jones, the heavyweight.

"He won, good for him. That's about it."

So, yeah ... color Stipe unimpressed with the heavier version of Jones.

"I don't really have much to say because it wasn't that long of a fight," Miocic added.

Of course, Jon only needed 2 minutes and 4 seconds to choke out Ciryl Gane, one of the most dangerous men in the world at UFC 285, winning the heavyweight title Stipe held for years.

The fight between Jon and Stipe is likely to go down in July, and Jones is already around a -370 favorite (put up $370 to profit $100). Add to that all the MMA fans who have said Miocic doesn't stand a chance in the Octagon with Jon. We asked SM if he was motivated by the doubters.

"Hell yeah it does [motivate me]. I love being the underdog, I love being told something not gonna happen because I'm the guy that puts a big dagger in that."

It seems some people may have forgotten what Miocic has accomplished in the Octagon. Stipe previously beat Daniel Cormier, twice. He also defeated Francis Nagannou, Junior dos Santos, Fabricio Werdum, Mark Hunt, and others.

Speaking of Cormier, his rivalry with Jones was one of the best (and realest) in UFC history. We asked Stipe if he's considered bringing D.C. into camp to help him train. Miocic didn't say no, but it's clear this is just another fight for the firefighter from Ohio.

"No, no, I mean maybe, I don't know. Right now, just gonna keep getting better and grinding away and make myself the best I can be."

As for retirement, we asked Stipe if the Jones bout could be the last of his illustrious Hall of Fame career.

"I don't know. We'll see. I think about retiring after every fight since my first one. We'll see. Right now just gonna keep getting better, getting stronger, make myself finally tuned ready for that fight in July."

Cannot! Wait! 👊

Mercedes Mone is putting the wrestling world on NOTICE ... telling TMZ Sports she'll fight any wrestler, anywhere, anytime -- saying, "I turn down to nobody."

We spoke to Mercedes -- formerly known as Sasha Banks in the WWE -- after she captured the IWGP championship in her New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) debut last month ... and she was hyped about performing in front of her family and friends.

"It was a moment I'm always going to remember," Mone said. "It's probably my second favorite moment of my career thus far and that's saying a lot because I've done so much in professional wrestling."

Mercedes said competing in front of a sold-out crowd at the San Jose Civic Center in California -- close to where she grew up -- was special ... adding working with her opponent, Kairi, who she defeated to become champ, was an incredible experience.

Mone told us now that she's the IWGP champ, she's got big plans. In addition to showing off her gold on red carpets, she also called out Japanese pro wrestler AZM ahead of her scheduled appearance at Sakura Genesis in Tokyo on April 8.

"I wanna see who's ready for Mercedes Mone," the champ said. "I'm always here for the check. I'm always here for the bag and whoever has the biggest bag is where I'm gonna go."

Could an epic showdown between the Pauls and Furys happen at WrestleMania 39?! The Miz says he's totally for it ... telling TMZ Sports Logan, Jake, Tommy and Tyson are all welcome at the huge event this year.

Miz will be hosting both nights of the WWE's annual spectacle being held at SoFi Stadium in April ... and he says he's leaning into the theme "WrestleMania Goes Hollywood" -- telling fans to expect surprises throughout the weekend.

"You never know what's going to happen at WrestleMania," Miz told TMZ Sports. "Especially at SoFi Stadium. Los Angeles. We want to make some splashes. Make some noise."

When we brought up the possibility of seeing Logan tag team with Jake against the Furys on the heels of the younger bros' recent boxing match ... he welcomes the idea.

It would make complete sense -- after all, three of the four guys have history with WWE ... with Jake and Tyson participating in previous events, and Logan already being a Superstar.

Miz told us preparing to host WrestleMania is drastically different than when he's gearing up to fight inside the squared circle ... and called the opportunity a "dream come true."

The tradition of hosting WM isn't new ... Miz will join The Rock, Hulk Hogan (twice), Alexa Bliss, Rob Gronkowski, The New Day, and Titus O'Neil as superstars who've hosted.

Miz -- who's familiar with hosting thanks to his own show "MizTV" -- says he knows there's pressure to keep the crowd involved, but he's looking forward to the challenge.

Ultimately, Miz said his job is to make sure the show is "upbeat" and "fun" ... and encouraged fans to tune in on April 1 and 2 as WWE tries to create "buzz-worthy" moments.

WWE Superstar Tamina Snuka is so proud of her cousin/Dwayne Johnson's daughter, Ava Raine, she was literally overcome with emotion during a recent interview with TMZ Sports.

Tamina -- daughter of WWE legend Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka and cuz to The Rock -- said she views Ava as one of her daughters, and recalled how she felt when Ava made her NXT debut.

"When you have your niece who has been there watching your career through that whole time," Tamina said, adding ... "and you're seeing this girl grow up to be the woman that she is today, you can't help but be so totally proud of her."

Tamina also talked about how, despite the enormous pressure on Ava that comes with being the offspring of a WWE legend, the 21-year-old wrestler hasn't let it affect her.

The former WWE women's tag team champion also praised her other family members ... WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Jimmy and Jey Uso, and Solo Sikoa for the dominant run they've enjoyed over the last few years.

"Everybody wants to be part of the bloodline," Tamina said.

"I'm proud of that bloodline. They are all thriving. They are finding who they are. They each have something to prove. It's a family bond."

Tamina also talked to us about WWE Rivals on A&E, which will feature the on and off-screen feud between The Rock and John Cena, and she says she's looking forward to reliving their epic rivalry.

The episode airs this Sunday, March 5.