WWE

Wrestling legend Terry Funk -- a WWE Hall of Famer -- has died ... Ric Flair announced Wednesday.

"In My Entire Life," Flair said in revealing the passing of his good pal, "I've Never Met A Guy Who Worked Harder. Terry Funk Was A Great Wrestler, Entertainer, Unbelievably Fearless, And A Great Friend!

"Rest In Peace My Friend."

Flair did not reveal a cause of death.

Mick Foley added in a tribute on his Instagram page that Funk's daughter had confirmed to him the devastating news earlier in the day.

"WE JUST LOST A LEGEND," Foley wrote. "There will never be another like him. May God bless Terry, his friends, family and all who loved him. RIP my dear friend - it was an honor to know you."

Funk initially broke into the wrestling world in 1965 -- and went on to perform in rings all over the world for the next five decades.

He competed in a bunch of different promotions in his career -- including All Japan Pro Wrestling, the WWE, the WCW and the ECW. He held various championship belts at times in most of the orgs too.

"No One Will Ever Replace You In The World Of Professional Wrestling!" Flair added in his statement Wednesday.

Funk also enjoyed a career on the silver screen ... earning a significant role in Patrick Swayze's classic, bar-brawling action film "Road House."

Adam Cole could leave Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday with two titles ... a night that he tells TMZ Sports would be the "highlight of my career!"

Cole -- who spent nine months on the shelf after suffering a serious concussion in May 2022 -- is challenging MJF for the AEW World Championship ... and Adam says, "The excitement is through the roof for everybody involved."

"It'd be the highlight of my career. It would mean absolutely everything to me," Cole said of winning the World Championship at "All In" after the long hiatus.

"To now be in this situation where I am wrestling one of my good buddies again for the AEW World Title, in the main event of one of the biggest shows of all time, It's amazing!"

Of course, Cole joined AEW in 2021 ... after becoming a star in WWE. Adam and MJF are two of the most popular wrestlers in the promotion, and have an interesting relationship. They're friends, but also rivals.

In fact, the two battled to a 30-minute draw on AEW Dynamite in June ... and later became tag team partners. They've had so much success together, the guys are opening this weekend's show with a match with the Ring of Honor tag team title on the line.

If you're keeping track at home ... Adam and MJF are going to team up together to start the night, and end the night by beating the hell out of each other.

"When we teamed, no, I did not expect the audience to be so invested not in Adam Cole versus MJF, but Adam Cole and MJF together. Which that kind of took a life of its own and it's absolutely wild."

Cole continued ... "I do understand why as far as the chemistry that me and him have. I think we both have a very similar thought process when it comes to pro wrestling and what we think makes a really, really exciting pro wrestling angle, match, show, etc."

"So, it's been very, very cool. I'm glad the fans have latched on to it."

Wrestling star Cash Wheeler -- one-half of the AEW World Tag Team Champions -- was arrested on Friday and charged with a felony, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

According to online records, the 36-year-old was booked into an Orange County, Fla. jail at around midnight ... on a charge of aggravated assault with a firearm.

Further details of the allegations against Wheeler were not made immediately available ... though court records indicate the arrest stemmed from a July incident.

Wheeler joined the AEW in 2020 after a notable WWE career ... and has since become a fan favorite in the org. -- wrestling alongside his tag team partner, Dax Harwood.

The two won the tag team title together in April ... and had been slated to co-main event at AEW: All In London at Wembley Stadium in two weeks.

It's unclear if Friday's arrest will alter those plans ... the AEW said in a statement that it "has been made aware of the charge, and we are closely monitoring the situation."

The org. added Wheeler "is fully cooperating with local authorities."

WWE legend Tammy Sytch just pleaded no contest to a felony charge of DUI causing death ... and she's now facing a prison sentence of up to a quarter of a century, TMZ Sports has learned.

The 50-year-old wrestling Hall of Famer was first hit with the count -- and seven others -- back in May 2022 ... after officials alleged she killed a 75-year-old man during a drunken car crash just two months prior.

Sytch had initially pleaded not guilty to all of the charges ... but changed her pleas in a Volusia County courtroom on Wednesday afternoon -- days before the case was slated to go to trial.

According to court documents, in addition to the plea to felony DUI causing death, she also pleaded no contest to one felony charge of driving with license suspended causing death, four misdemeanor counts of DUI with damage to a person, and two misdemeanor charges of DUI with damage to property.

A sentencing hearing for Sytch has not yet been put on the docket ... though, according to court docs, she's facing a maximum sentence of 25 years behind bars whenever it comes up.

Sytch has been in jail since May 2022 in the case ... after prosecutors claimed she crashed her car into the back of another vehicle on a Florida road in March 2022 while it was stopped at a traffic light. The officials alleged at the time of the accident she had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.

Sytch had at first received bond in the case, but days later, she was thrown back in jail after prosecutors called her a danger to the community.

The case was not the first time Sytch had been accused of drinking and driving -- she had also been arrested at least six times for impaired driving before, including back in 2019 in New Jersey.

CMFTR + SAG-AFTRA!

AEW star CM Punk showed big-time support for the striking actors, rockin' a Screen Actors Guild t-shirt to the ring on AEW Collision over the weekend.

Punk's shirt read ... "SAG-AFTRA ON STRIKE"

The "Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists" is an American labor union representing over 150K people working in the entertainment industry, including actors (from Tom Hanks to bit actors). They've been on strike since July 14.

After making the in-ring statement, CM Punk, government name Phil Brooks, has been receiving some hate online.

Punk shared a screenshot on Instagram where a fan sent him a message ... "You have become what you hate"

The wrestling superstar responded ... "I have become what I hate? A guild/union member who stands in solidarity with fellow members fighting for what's right. Bitch, I have become what I LOVE."

Punk isn't the only wrestling star who has the backs of the actors on strike. WWE Superstar Seth Rollins recently professed his support during a conversation we had with him at LAX.

Logan Paul is firing back at the critics of his ultra-popular Prime Energy drink ... saying he and his partners have done nothing wrong when it comes to the beverage -- while insisting its sister product is actually way better for consumers than Gatorade.

The WWE Superstar joined Harvey and Charles on "TMZ Live" to give the 411 on his drinks straight from the horse's mouth ... and he brought along a bevvy of props to make sure his points were heard.

You'll recall ... Paul's energy drink came under fire earlier this year after United States Senator Chuck Schumer questioned whether it should be allowed due to its high caffeine content, but, the Maverick took aim at the critique Wednesday -- saying the bashing just makes no sense.

Paul said at 200 MG of caffeine per can, his Prime Energy drink actually features the same amount as Celsius and Gatorade's Fast Twitch. He also said it comes in with 100 MG less caffeine than Bang's similar energy drink.

As for the allegations that he and his team have been targeting teens with the beverage ... he said that, too, was just simply not true.

While he did say most of the advertising his company does is through social media -- he said those under the age of 18 make up only a small portion of his social media following. He also reiterated that his Prime Energy drinks say specifically on their labels that they're for those 18-years-and-older.

When it comes to the energy drink's sister product -- Prime Hydration -- Paul spoke glowingly about that beverage too ... touting its low sugar content.

"One 20-ounce bottle of Gatorade has 34 grams of sugar in it," he said. "To put that into perspective, one bottle of Prime only has two grams of sugar in it."

Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews are ready to take their romance from the squared circle to the altar ... 'cause the two wrestling stars just revealed they're now engaged!!

Rhea -- a WWE Superstar -- shared the huge news on Instagram on Wednesday night ... saying after Buddy proposed to her, she said "1000x YES!"

"Pure F***ing happiness! ❤️," she added.

In the announcement, Ripley also showed off her new ring ... and you can see Buddy -- an AEW star known for his stoicism -- was clearly thrilled over her decision to say yes too.

The engagement all went down at Cocoa Beach in Florida ... with the couple showing on social media they had been having quite the vacation day prior to the life-changing moment.

The Australian duo confirmed their relationship in 2022 ... after they had met just a couple years earlier while they were both wrestling for the WWE.

Now, their love is split across two promotions -- as Matthews is one-third of the AEW World Trios Champion. Ripley, meanwhile, is currently involved in a WWE storyline where she has an on-screen romance -- of sorts -- with Dominik Mysterio ... the son of luchador legend Rey Mysterio.

Dillon Danis first ... Le'Veon Bell next?!

If Bell had things his way, that's exactly how Logan Paul's upcoming fight schedule would work out ... 'cause the former NFL star-turned-boxer says he wants all the smoke with The Maverick in the ring soon.

Bell made his intentions known with a fiery tweet on Tuesday afternoon -- just hours after Paul revealed he's going to fight Danis on Oct. 14.

"lol you really can’t duck me forever @LoganPaul," Bell wrote. ".. at some point you're gonna have to see me in that boxing ring."

Bell -- who first stepped into the celebrity fighting world following the 2021 NFL season -- has previously had his sights set on Logan's little brother, Jake ... calling out the 26-year-old multiple times over the past couple years.

But, seems he's now turned his attention squarely toward Paul -- adding in a separate tweet that he'd "be ready" if the Danis fight falls through.

Of course, Bell's going to have to get in a long line to be Paul's next opponent ... a bunch of fighters have already requested a taste of the WWE Superstar, including Tyron Woodley, who told TMZ Sports last week he's ready for the older Paul brother after two fights with Jake.

Ric Flair was not saying "WOOOO!!!!" after smoking weed with Mike Tyson -- the former WWE Superstar says he got so high with the boxing legend ... he thought he croaked!!

The Nature Boy opened up on the time he got super faded with Iron Mike in the Hamptons during his appearance on the "This Past Weekend" podcast with Theo Von ... explaining he wanted to go hit for hit with Tyson, and it ended up being a huge mistake.

In fact, Flair -- who spent 11 days in a medically induced coma in 2017 -- compared his high to his medical emergency ... admitting, "I actually thought I died."

Naitch said once he got back to his room, he wasn't able to move ... so he kept asking those around him to squeeze his hand, and everything was in a delayed process.

"I said to myself ... 'Did I die? Have I just died?'" Flair told Von. "I feel like I did when I was in my coma. But I can think, and I don't think I could think when I was in my coma. That's the way I was talking to myself."

Luckily, Ric finally snapped out of it around 3 AM ... and he had to call someone on the phone to make sure he was still kickin'.

Ric and Mike are partners in the weed biz now ... and they've never shied away from sharing footage of their smoke sessions in the past.

Logan Paul is getting back in the boxing ring -- the Maverick is slated to go up against MMA fighter Dillon Danis in October.

The WWE Superstar and internet superstar announced the big news on Tuesday ... saying, "OCTOBER 14 I return to boxing after fighting Floyd Mayweather over 2 years ago."

"I doubt this little parasite will show up but if he does I’m going to erase him from existence."

Paul's hesitation is warranted -- Conor McGregor's buddy was supposed to fight KSI in January ... but backed out due to being "underprepared," according to Misfits Boxing's Mams Taylor.

Paul -- 0-1 as a professional -- most recently went up against TBE in Miami back in June 2021, an exhibition fight that did not have a winner declared.

This will be Danis' boxing debut ... but he holds a 2-0 record in Bellator.

Conor seems pretty stoked for his friend's combat comeback ... saying, "Dillon Danis Returns!"

Danis' involvement is pretty interesting ... considering KSI is on the same card, fighting Tommy Fury.

KSI told us Danis was banned from Misfits Boxing after pulling out of their fight ... saying he would "slap him in the face for all the disrespect he gave me."

It's gotta be a bummer for Tyron Woodley, who recently told us he wanted to throw his name into consideration to be Logan's opponent.

In continuing to investigate claims of misconduct against Vince McMahon, federal agents served a grand jury subpoena and executed a search warrant against the WWE honcho last month ... though McMahon said on Wednesday he's confident the probe will ultimately find no wrongdoing.

WWE revealed the new developments of the federal investigation in a Security and Exchange Commissions filing this week ... saying they happened back on July 17.

The wrestling org. also noted in the filing that federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies have hit it with demands for documents "concerning the investigation and related subject matters."

The WWE, however, said "no charges have been brought in these investigations" at this point.

"We believe this is a continuation of the investigation that commenced last summer," the company said in a statement regarding the matter. "WWE has cooperated throughout and fully understands and respects the government’s need for a complete process."

McMahon, meanwhile, said he was sure no charges will ever come ... saying in a statement of his own, "I have always denied any intentional wrongdoing and continue to do so. I am confident that the government’s investigation will be resolved without any findings of wrongdoing."

According to a July 2022 Wall Street Journal report, McMahon agreed to pay millions of dollars in "hush money" to several different women throughout his tenure as WWE boss. The org. launched an investigation into the claims -- and amid it all, he stepped down from his role in the company.

But, months later, in January, he returned.

WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre is preparing for SummerSlam next month, but there's another match on his mind, too -- the Scottish Warrior tells TMZ Sports he's down to face off against none other than Logan Paul!!!

The former champ had nothing but kind things to say about the social media sensation this week ... praising the Maverick for being a complete natural in the wrestling world right from the start.

But, in the ring, the 38-year-old says he's got the upper hand over the newbie.

"Maybe down the line, we'll get a match with each other and he can try some of his high-flying moves," McIntyre said. "Unfortunately, for him, I'm very grounded, so I'm going to chop him to pieces!"

McIntyre likened Paul's immediate impact in WWE to when Puerto Rican music superstar Bad Bunny started wrestling. In fact, before Logan and Bad Bunny joined WWE ... McIntyre didn't even know who either of them were!

But McIntyre certainly knows who Paul is now ... and he praised his positive impact on the organization.

Logan has continued to "evolve and evolve," McIntyre added, saying ... "He brought a positive attitude from day one. He brought an incredible work ethic."

The British brute is not only focused on his career in the squared-circle ... 'cause he's set to act in "The Killer's Game" alongside Dave Bautista and Ice Cube. McIntyre tells us the movie is "a huge opportunity," and he never imagined a career in Hollywood.

But before Logan and McIntyre explore a fight ... first up is SummerSlam, where Paul will face Ricochet and McIntyre will vie for the Intercontinental Championship against Gunther!!!

Vince McMahon underwent major surgery last week to fix an issue with his spine, TMZ Sports has learned.

Sources close to the WWE honcho tell us the procedure lasted over four hours. It was, however, deemed a success ... and the 77-year-old is now recovering.

No word yet on what it will all mean for his future in the ring ... though McMahon's action in the squared circle has waned since his memorable appearance at Wrestlemania 38.

Regardless, it's been a year full of ups and downs for McMahon ... he retired as WWE CEO last July amid allegations of misconduct -- only to come back in January.

Months later, in April, McMahon helped spearhead a merger between the WWE and the UFC ... forming a $21 billion company.

Hulk Hogan and his fiancée had a romantic night out on the town after the WWE legend proposed this week ... and her engagement ring is HUGE!!

TMZ Sports broke the story -- Hulk and Sky Daily, his lady of a year and a half, are slated to tie the knot after he got on one knee at a restaurant in Tampa.

Fresh off the awesome news, the happy duo decided to celebrate with a dinner at Latitude 28 in Clearwater ... and they were both in great spirits as they showed up at the JW Marriott.

Hulk rocked his usual bandanna, t-shirt, and chain for the date ... and future Mrs. Hogan went for a patterned shirt and tight brown pants -- and, of course, her shiny, new accessory.

Take a look at the pics -- Sky gave a quick glimpse of the bling as she fixed her hair ... and it's safe to say you could see the thing from outer space.

This will be Hulk's third marriage -- he was previously married to Linda until 2010. He finalized his divorce from his second wife, Jennifer McDaniel, back in 2021.

No word on when Hulk and Sky are going to walk down the aisle, but it might not be long -- 'cause it's clear they can't get enough of each other!!

WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre is ready to put on an unforgettable performance at SummerSlam next month ... telling TMZ Sports he's expecting a hard-hitting battle with Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship.

McIntyre is fresh off a three-month hiatus to "get some things fixed physically" ... and he says he'll hopefully be ready for the task ahead, 'cause his opponent is an "incredible competitor."

"I'm excited to get a big match with him," the 38-year-old Scottish Warrior says. "We were part of a triple-threat at WrestleMania, which was one of the best matches I've ever had, one of the funnest matches I've ever had."

"He is a hard-hitting guy, I'm a hard-hitting guy -- I guarantee you, everyone watching SummerSlam is going to feel the strikes in that match."

Currently in his second run with WWE, McIntyre is looking forward to recreating previous magic in the ring against the longtime IC champ at Ford Field on Aug. 5.

The former WWE Champion -- who once held the Intercontinental title almost 14 years ago -- says Gunther has helped re-establish the IC championship as a premier title like the days of Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart.

McIntyre is happy to be back in the ring after the longest absence of his wrestling career ... saying the time away allowed him to focus on his personal life out in the real world.

"Sometimes you lose that perspective, and the last time I really had a hard look at myself outside the bubble was 2014 when I got fired from WWE."

McIntyre continued ... "So this time, I didn't have to get fired, thank goodness. I had some time off, and I was able to sit down, reassess things -- things I want to achieve within the industry and as a person and return with that mindset and come right into a huge match that I'm really excited for."

The British brute is hoping to become champion once again in Detroit ... and he's telling all fans -- and newcomers -- to tune in.

Forget money, Jake Paul paid his personal barber with something far more special this week -- gifting his go-to guy a brand new Rolex for keeping his hair on point ahead of his big boxing match against Nate Diaz!!

The Problem Child flew in JB Always Fresh -- a famous hair stylist/businessman in his own right -- from Canada to Puerto Rico to get a fresh cut before heading to Dallas for fight week ... and made sure to thank the "best barber in the world" for his service.

"He's a young hustler," Paul said. "I love and respect young hustlers."

In a clip of the gift presentation that Paul posted on his social media page ... you can see the boxer revealed the classic Oyster Perpetual Rolex -- which comes with at least a $5,000 price tag -- and JB refused to believe it, thinking the whole thing was a skit.

"I'm being serious," Paul said. "It's a nice little Rolex. I'm being deadass."

"I'm being for real. It's yours, bro."

JB -- real name Jamiel Bustos -- was emotional over the gesture ... thanking his client for going above and beyond for him.

"Yo, oh my God. You don't know how much this actually really means to me bro," JB said. "I've met over like a thousand millionaires in my whole lifetime, I've met a bunch of other influencers, creators ... dude, this is like some real, genuine stuff."