WWE

Roman Reigns opted out of WrestleMania last year over COVID concerns, but with Mania only days away -- and fans set to partially fill the venue -- the WWE Superstar tells TMZ Sports he's NOT worried about his safety.

WrestleMania 37 -- goin' down April 10 and 11 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa -- is always a huge deal ... but it's even bigger this year cause WWE's allowing 25k fans back in the building each night for the first time in over a year.

We straight-up asked Roman if he believes WWE is doing enough to keep him, his fellow wrestlers and the fans safe.

His answer ... yes, Vince McMahon and his team are bending over backward to ensure the event goes off without a hitch.

"I think our safety precautions are second to none," Roman says.

"We'll have the pods to create the social distancing, masks will be required. We'll be giving out masks for those who are forgetful. We'll have, I believe, cashless concessions, so we're gonna create an opportunity where everybody's gonna be as safe as they could be."

Remember, Roman -- who battled and beat leukemia -- bowed out of WM 36 last April ... at the time telling us he didn't want to risk exposing his newborn baby to coronavirus.

But, things have changed, and Reigns says WWE's doing everything they can to keep everyone healthy, while also allowing passionate wrestling fans a chance to let loose.

John Cena's decision to participate in a Nickelodeon hidden-camera show helped an 8-year-old kid SAVE HIS BABY SISTER FROM CHOKING!!!

Seriously -- it's an unbelievable story!

8-year-old Jaxson Demsey was on a family outing in Hazleton, Pennsylvania over the weekend -- when he noticed his 20-month-old sister was having trouble breathing.

Fortunately for the Demsey family, Jaxson had watched an episode of the Nickelodeon show, "The Substitute" ... which featured a cameo from WWE superstar John Cena.

Cena was disguised as a CPR instructor on the hidden-camera show -- and was tasked with teaching a group of kids how to perform chest compressions in case of a choking emergency.

Clearly, the show made an impression on Jaxson -- because when his sister needed help, he sprung into action and successfully dislodged a McNugget!

“We were driving to my haircut, and I noticed she was starting to choke from a chicken nugget from McDonald’s," Jaxson told WNEP ... "I told my dad to pull over. Then I was starting to pat on her back, and it got out."

After the incident, he credited Cena for teaching him the life-saving skills he needed that day!

"In the very first episode [of 'The Substitute'], John Cena was on it, and in the last part, he showed how to save someone when they're choking."

Jaxon’s dad, Matt, was thankful his son stepped up in this situation, but he wasn’t surprised.

“He amazes us every day, you know -- some of the things he says and does, and his actions. We’re simply blessed to have the child that he is, the things that he does for his family, his friends, for his little sister. He’s a good big brother."

WWE star Brian James -- aka Road Dogg -- is bedridden in a hospital after suffering an apparent heart attack ... this according to his wife, who's asking for thoughts and prayers.

Tracy James broke the scary news Saturday, saying RD was having a number of tests done in the hospital to confirm what exactly had happened to him ... this after returning home from work Thursday night and feeling terrible from what she says was a likely heart attack.

She writes, "He has had test run and we’re currently waiting for the results.he has also seen a kidney specialist and will have a stress test done. He’s always been on bp meds for high bp. Just please pray all the test come back for something we can fix."

Tracy goes on to say she's a wreck, but trying to stay positive ... leaving it in God's hands to get her hubby back home safely. She also sent out a somewhat reassuring update.

Sounds like Road Dogg's kidneys are all clear, and a cardiac catheterization is scheduled for Monday to decide the next steps.

Road Dogg's perhaps most famous as part of the D-Generation X tag team collective from WWF's Attitude Era, which was also made up of guys like Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Rick Rude, Chyna and others ... including RD's partner in crime in the ring, Billy Gunn, who helped make up one half of the New Age Outlaws with Road Dogg.

Road Dogg wrestled professionally in WWF/WWE until the early 2000s, at which point he went off and competed in other leagues until about 2011 ... never coming back into the WWE fold officially ... until he re-signed as a producer and a writer for them, that is.

He's reported as being behind the scenes for several 'WrestleMania' events and the head writer for other WWE shows, including 'SmackDown' and others. And, yes, Road Dogg is a Hall of Fame member too ... having been inducted as part of the Class of 2019.

Khabib Nurmagomedov is unemployed ... but if the UFC legend is looking for a new gig, WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre says he'd be a helluva professional wrestler.

TMZ Sports talked to the former 2x WWE champ after the 32-year-old, 29-0 Khabib officially retired from the UFC last week.

Nurmagomedov is known for his fighting -- not his trash-talking -- so we asked the 'Monday Night Raw' star if Khabib would be any good in the WWE ring.

"[Khabib's] so talented that I reckon he could make some noise, and if he can't make the noise himself, we’ve got Paul Heyman. We’ve got a few talented people who can carry the load when it comes to talking," McIntyre says.

"MVP has done a heckuva job for [Bobby] Lashley. Maybe that's another name to throw in the hat. But, [Khabib's] such an amazing performer in the UFC, and if he can't quite figure out that part, we’ll make it work."

Drew continued ... "We’re about enhancing the positives and hiding the negatives. I think the fans would be very excited to see him."

Of course, Heyman is Brock Lesnar's legendary, longtime hype man.

Bad Bunny has another hit on his hands -- meaning, he hit The Miz with a frickin' guitar during "Monday Night Raw!"

Somewhere, the Honky Tonk Man is smiling!

The two have been beefing ever since the Puerto Rican rap star made his wrestling debut at Royal Rumble back in February when Bad Bunny helped eliminate Miz and his partner, Morrison, from the match ... and hit 'em with a frog splash in the process.

There's been a tremendous amount of trash talk ever since ... which continued on Monday night.

After The Miz warned Bad Bunny to stay the hell out of pro wrestling FOREVER ... the music superstar sneaked up from behind and smashed an acoustic guitar right on Miz's back!

That's when Bad Bunny picked up the mic -- called Miz a "bitch" -- and accepted his challenge to square off at WrestleMania!!

Remember, The Miz told TMZ Sports ... if Bunny grew the stones to get in the ring with him, there would be serious consequences.

"He makes a lot of money being a musician," Miz told us back in January ... "So, go do that. Keep on making that money because the fact is, if you come into the WWE ring, I'm gonna break your jaw and when I break your jaw, you're gonna need a lot of money."

WWE Champion Bobby Lashley wants a piece of Brock Lesnar ... telling TMZ Sports he doesn't care if he doles out an ass-whooping in an MMA cage or wrestling ring!!

We asked the 6'3", 273 lb. WWE Superstar about the match every wrestling AND mixed martial arts fans want to see ... a scrap with fellow giant, 6'3", 286 lb. Lesnar.

"I'm willing to wrestle, I'm willing to do 100-meter dash, I don't care. I love those big matchups! Brock is one of the biggest thing across the sports industry, sports world across the board," Bobby says.

"So if I can have an opportunity to fight Brock or wrestle Brock or do anything against Brock, I'm 100% in and I will be ready. That's all I gotta say about that!"

Let's talk resumes ... fighting first.

Bobby has a better record ... and more experience in the cage. He's 15-2 ... and has racked up wins in Bellator and Strikeforce, as well as other promotions. Lashley hasn't fought since October 2016.

As for Brock, he's 5-3 with 1 no contest. However, Lesnar has fought the stiffer competition ... and has wins over Randy Couture, Frank Mir and Shane Carwin. Brock also hasn't fought since 2016.

In the wrestling ring, both men are Superstars in every way. Lesnar is a 5x WWE World Champion, and Lashley is the current WWE Champion ... having recently defeated The Miz.

Bobby -- who you can catch on "Monday Night Raw," -- left us with a message for Lesnar's mouthpiece, Paul Heyman.

Shaquille O'Neal made his highly-anticipated return to the squared circle at AEW Dynamite on Wednesday ... and MAN, WAS IT A SHOW!!!

The 7'1" NBA legend and Jade Cargill got into the ring against Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet in an epic mixed tag-team match ... and we gotta be honest, Shaq looked good!!

Of course, O'Neal has spent time training at Rhodes' "Nightmare Factory" recently ... and he clearly learned a thing or two -- showing off some solid chops and other moves.

The craziest moment of the 10-plus minute showdown came when Rhodes jumped over the ropes and onto Shaq ... forcing both to crush through two tables outside the ring!!!

While all that chaos went down, Jade was able to handle business for her team and pin Red Velvet ... helping secure the victory with Shaq!!

As for the "Inside The NBA" analyst, he was taken away in an ambulance ... but ended up disappearing later on in the show.

The "Dynamite" appearance marks the first time Shaq has taken the ring since the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32 in 2016 ... and it was well worth the wait.

RIP, tables.

IT'S TIME TO PLAY THE GAME!!!

Wrestling legends Triple H and The Big Show showed up to Cleveland Cavs practice on Wednesday ... oh wait, that's Dylan Windler and Damyean Dotson!!

The Cavs players channeled the iconic superstars as they made their way to the court for practice ... and the results are nothing short of amazing!!

Here's how it went down -- Windler posed behind the rising door as Triple H’s introduction music blasted over the speakers ... and as he makes his entrance, he takes a sip of water and does the signature spit-water splash!!

Not to be outdone, Dotson followed up by hoisting a championship belt while Big Show's intro music plays ... and ends up tossing his practice jersey to hype up his teammates!!

It clearly worked -- the players are seen laughing and cheering as the intros unfold.

If you're wondering why this happened, JaVale McGee -- who documented the whole ordeal on IG -- explained these guys do it all the time when they shoot against each other during their pregame routines.

GIGANTIC news in pro wrestling -- the man known as "Big Show" has officially signed a long-term contract with AEW ... ending his 22-year run with WWE.

Big Show -- real name Paul Wight -- will have an "extensive role" with AEW as a wrestler and a commentator on AEW’s newest show, "AEW Dark: Elevation."

The 7-foot tall, 49-year-old superstar says he's excited to begin the next chapter of his storied career.

"It’s been amazing to watch what AEW has built in just a couple of years," Wight said in a statement.

"AEW Dark is an incredible platform to hone the skills of up-and-coming wrestlers, but I also love that established AEW talent can build out their personalities and showcase themselves in new ways on Dark. It’s no exaggeration when they say that AEW is boundless."

Wight signed with WCW back in 1995, using the ring name, "The Giant" -- where he won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice.

Wight moved to WWE in 1999 where his popularity exploded -- taking on opponents like Brock Lesnar, The Rock, Kurt Angle ... basically the biggest names in the biz.

Remember when he took on Floyd Mayweather at Wrestlemania 24 in 2008?

During his 2 decades with WWE, he won just about every single belt and championship available ... he's a surefire Hall of Famer.

If the WWE decides to carve 4 heads into the side of a giant mountain to honor the greatest pro wrestlers in company history, The Miz says his face better be on there.

... right along with Hulk Hogan and John Cena.

And, yeah, Miz is dead serious about this -- claiming he's got the resume to back it up.

"I am the first-ever 2-time Grand Slam champion," Miz tells TMZ Sports ... "That means I've held [the WWE Championship] title twice. The Intercontinental more than twice. The United States champion twice and Tag Team Championships twice."

"I am the only one in the history of this business to be a 2-time Grand Slam champion. So in my opinion, I'm on the Mount Rushmore of WWE."

In all seriousness, Miz has had a pretty epic career since first appearing on WWE's reality show competition "Tough Enough" in 2004 ... busting his ass to become one of the top wrestlers in the world.

So, who gets the 4th spot on WWE's Mount Rushmore??

"You can select between The Rock and [Stone Cold Steve Austin] … and Ric Flair," Miz says.

Of course, there's a solid argument for a handful of other WWE legends ... from Andre the Giant to The Undertaker to The Ultimate Warrior, Randy Savage and more.

America is a fractured country ... but there might be someone who can heal the nation from inside the Oval Office -- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson!!

That's according to Johnson's longtime friend, WWE legend The Undertaker ... who tells TMZ Sports he'd fully support Johnson running for the highest office in the land -- and won't be surprised if he actually throws his hat in the ring.

"That man works his tail off and he dives in wholeheartedly in everything that he does and if he gets his mindset that he wants to make a run at politics, ya know what? I think he'll do it," Taker says.

Of course, 48-year-old Johnson recently told USA Today he'd "consider a presidential run in the future if that’s what the people wanted.”

The wrestling legend and world's biggest movie star doesn't have any political experience ... but let's be real, almost everyone loves The Rock -- so could he mend the political divide?

"I think so. He's so charming, he's so witty, I think he can be the uniter that people are looking for," Undertaker tells us.

"I know that he has the charisma. Maybe all it would take would be 1 eyebrow, and he'd look at the left, raise the eyebrow. Look at the right, raise an eyebrow and hit 'em with 'the People's Elbow.'"

Taker continues ... "I don't know man, there's so many possibilities and if that's what he chooses to do, I'll support wholeheartedly in his efforts to do so."

But, what would ya call him?? The WWE great has some ideas.

"I think people would still call him Rock, I don't know. I would hope I would have that clout that I can get away with calling him Rock, or Jabroni."

President Jabroni ... let that sink in.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson will get clobbered as a third-party Presidential candidate unless he's willing to stand up to billionaires and fight for everyday people ... so says the Green Party.

As you may have heard ... the WWE superstar-turned Hollywood megastar now says he'd seriously consider running for Prez "if that's what the people wanted" -- but Green Party spokesperson Michael O'Neil's not sure The Rock's got the stones.

O'Neil tells TMZ ... he doubts Dwayne is tough enough to deal with the dirty tricks both the Republican and Democratic parties would throw at him to "keep their guillotine chokehold on democracy."

O'Neil likens the Dems and GOP to "brutal cartels" that keep voters from any real alternatives, and says unless Dwayne's down with challenging billionaire elites and having his rich Hollywood pals turn on him ... he's not cut out for the Green Party.

However, O'Neil recognizes DJ has a tremendous fan base, so it's possible he could inspire enough voters ... IF his platform treats healthcare, housing, education and employment as basic rights for the people.

In that case, O'Neil says he'd be able to smell what The Rock's cooking, and would want him on the Green Party ticket to take down the country's political "duopoly."

As you may know ... The Rock's been pretty cagey for years about his political leanings, although he did endorse Joe Biden a month before the 2020 election.

Before that, you'd have to go all the way back to 2000 -- when he was the biggest name in wrestling -- and he made an appearance at the Republican National Convention.

This is absolutely awesome!!!!

WWE legend The Undertaker is offering up one of the coolest WWE experiences EVER -- and it's all to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The long story short ... Taker has agreed to personally host the winner of an Omaze fundraising sweepstakes at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando where he will personally customize a RING ENTRANCE for the lucky fan!!

"We're gonna sit down and we're gonna create their own personal ring entrance," Taker tells TMZ Sports ... "So, they're gonna tell me 'Well I wanna do this, I like this, I like this.' So they're gonna get to pick my mind, pick my brain, ya know -- I know a little about entrances!"

"We'll sit there and formulate their own personal WWE ring entrance and then they'll get to do that entrance."

The lucky winner will also stay at a 4-star hotel, meet other WWE superstars and get all sorts of cool WWE merch.

The Undertaker -- real name Mark Calaway -- says he's happy to donate his time and energy since it's to raise money for Make-A-Wish, one of his favorite organizations on the planet.

"When you get to interact with these children and you know what they're going through -- and man, to see the smiles on their faces!? Not to sound cliché but I tell you what, it will put you on point because it makes you realize how blessed you are and it's just a thrill."

"It really has been one of the highlights in my career working with Make-A-Wish."

Taker has done more than 40 Make-A-Wish events over the years -- though he would have happily done more "if it hadn't been for the character."

It's a good point!!

WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre says Shaquille O'Neal would've been a LEGENDARY wrestler if he chose WWE over the NBA, telling TMZ Sports he would've been like Andre The Giant with great mic skills!!

We talked to the current WWE Champion about the 7'1", 325+ lb. Hall of Famer ... and asked how Diesel would've fared in the squared circle.

"He's a big big man! Very charismatic guy. If he didn't get into basketball at such a high level, he definitely would have succeeded in the world of WWE."

Now, not sayin' Shaq made the wrong decision. After all, he made $286 million in NBA contract money alone ... and was one of the most dominant forces in league history.

But, pretty cool to hear a legit WWE Superstar say hoopin' ain't the only sport where Shaq could've been a legend.

"Just based on the size alone, he would have been a heck of a WWE superstar, and such a spectacle like an Andre the Giant," McIntyre says, adding ... "but add on that personality on top of it -- box office!"

Drew says he was actually in the building when Big Show -- another gigantic, legendary wrestler -- and Shaq nearly went at it at WrestleMania 32 in 2016.

"I was there when [Shaq] and the Big Show had the face-off and Shaq is considerably taller, which I don't think Show was so happy about."

You're probably asking ... why are we talking to Drew McIntyre about Shaq??

Well, the WWE Superstar -- along with Tim Tebow, Ezekiel Elliott, Quavo, Olivia Culpo and a bunch of other big stars -- are players in the Shaq Bowl ... O'Neal's Super Bowl pregame extravaganza.

The stars will compete in everything from tug-of-war (Drew Mac says Zeke's his biggest competition) to a hot wing eating contest ... and all the craziness will be streamed live on Facebook!

A former WWE superstar is going public about her gender transformation -- announcing, "This is me. Unashamed, unabashedly me."

The wrestler is Gabbi Tuft -- who performed for years under the ring name, Tyler Reks. Reks first appeared on "Smackdown" in 2010 and went on to wrestle with some of the top names in the biz, including John Cena, CM Punk and Ryback.

Reks last wrestled for WWE in 2012.

Now, Tuft -- who previously used the name, Gabe Tuft, in her personal life -- says she's going public as a proud transgender woman.

"This is the side of me that has hidden in the shadows, afraid and fearful of what the world would think; afraid of what my family, friends, and followers would say or do," Tuft said in an emotional IG post.

"I am no longer afraid and I am no longer fearful. I can now say with confidence, that I love myself for WHO I am."

Tuft says she's been struggling over the past 8 months -- "The emotional turmoil of being transgender and having to face the world has almost ended me on multiple occasions."

But, Gabbi says she stopped caring about what other people think -- which has allowed her "authentic self to come into the light."

Gabbi has been married to her wife, Priscilla, since 2002 and they have a 9-year-old daughter together. Tuft says her family is supporting her through the transition.

"My loving wife, family, and closest friends have accepted me for who I am. To them, I am forever grateful. Your support along the way means more than you will ever know."

Gabbi says she promises to be "transparent and truthful" with her journey -- and clearly intends to be a role model for younger transitioning people who might be struggling, too.