WWE's Bianca Belair Logan Paul Can Become WWE Champ ... 'He's A Natural'
-
Exclusive
- 75 shares
Bianca Belair has high praise for Logan Paul ... telling TMZ Sports the newly signed Superstar is such a "natural," he could become WWE champ one day!
We spoke with the Raw Women's Champion in NYC on Friday ... and asked about the potential of the social media star and boxer turned professional wrestler.
"I can see it," said Belair, who's no stranger to capturing WWE gold. "Anything can happen in WWE. [Logan's] proven himself time and time again in the ring, so I'm excited to see what he does."
Bianca raved about how Logan, who made his in-ring debut in a tag-team match with The Miz against Rey and Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania 38 this past April, is a fast learner who knows how to connect with the WWE universe.
LOGAN PAUL HIT A FROG SPLASH AT #WRESTLEMANIA!!!@LoganPaul pic.twitter.com/9hpNIYgfwG
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2022 @WWE
"I think he’s a natural," 33-year-old Belair said. "I think that he thrives being in front of the camera. [He] Thrives being in front of the audience."
"And so, being in WWE, it's none like none other, so you have to be a special type of person to thrive in it."
"And he's doing that," she added.
Bianca also defended The Rock's daughter, Simone, who recently made her wrestling debut using the name Ava Raine -- a name some fans aren't too fond of.
i beg of you guys to find a new joke. anything. https://t.co/40ZEJ1HFSL
— AVA (@AvaRaineWWE) May 29, 2022 @AvaRaineWWE
"I love the name."
"I love the name, Ava. I’m excited for her. I was in NXT a little bit when she first came, and I've always been excited for her debut."
"I'm just happy to see that she’s finally debuting, and I'm excited for her future."
related articles
AnEsonGib Out Of Austin McBroom Fight ... Event In Jeopardy
-
Exclusive
- 16 shares
AnEsonGib will NOT be fighting Austin McBroom on July 30 ... and now the entire Social Gloves event is in serious trouble.
Sources tell TMZ Sports a head injury is forcing Gib to back out of the bout at Crypto.com Arena ... after doctors refused to clear the YouTuber to step into the ring.
We're told McBroom is scrambling to find a new opponent ... but it's not looking good.
If he's unable to get a fighter, sources say the event is at risk of being scrapped ... which would be bad news for people wanting to see two NFL running backs try to knock each other out.
We broke the story -- Le'Veon Bell and Adrian Peterson are slated to face off in the ring next weekend ... as well as rapper Blueface and ex-NBAer Nick Young.
The first Social Gloves event last year also had its problems ... with multiple fighters claiming they weren't paid.
McBroom told us last month he learned from the experience (the fighters eventually got paid) ... and promised a flawless event this time around.
Now, he may not get his shot at redemption.
related articles
Kevin Samuels Died from Hypertension
-
Exclusive
- 8.1K shares
Kevin Samuels died as a result of hypertension ... eliminating any possible suspicious circumstances surrounding the 57-year-old's death.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office just released findings into Samuels' death, telling us he died due to hypertension -- high blood pressure. The ME says, "Evidence of hypertension includes a heart whose chambers are thicker than normal."
It appears Samuels was also taking a medication called Atenolol, because the ME notes in their findings that the medication is used to treat hypertension.
Samuels's death is classified as due to natural causes.
TMZ broke the story, Samuels, who was known for his controversial -- and sometimes not-so-appropriate -- dating advice died back in May.
At the time of his death, Samuels was with a mystery woman, and collapsed in his home. We obtained the 911 call the woman placed, and it was clear, she was desperate to help save his life ... performing CPR in order to try to help Samuels.
Social media buzz at one point thought maybe Kevin's death was suspicious, but according to the medical examiner's findings ... that just isn't the case.
related articles
Austin McBroom I Want KSI, Jake Paul ... After AnEsonGib Fight
-
Exclusive
- 41 shares
Austin McBroom tells TMZ Sports that's his exact plan ... saying after he makes quick work of Gib in their celeb boxing match later this month, he wants fights with KSI and Paul.
McBroom said ideally, KSI -- who's fighting YouTuber Alex Wassabi in a celeb boxing match of his own next month -- would be first up at the end of this year.
After that, McBroom, a former college basketball player turned YouTuber turned boxer, says he wouldn't mind a scrap with Paul.
"I'm more excited about KSI," McBroom told us out in L.A. this week while promoting his Gib fight. "Obviously, the winner of KSI [and I], maybe Jake will take that into consideration."
McBroom, though, knows he has to get through Gib first to make any of that happen -- and he made it clear, he expects that victory to go down with ease.
"I think I'm going to knock him out, or it's going to be a complete stop," McBroom said. "He's going to get hurt."
McBroom is 1-0 in his celeb boxing matches so far -- you'll recall, he pummeled Bryce Hall in a June 2021 event. Gib, meanwhile, is 3-1 in his celeb boxing matches, with his lone loss coming to Paul.
The two will fight on July 30 -- on the same card as Adrian Peterson, Le'Veon Bell, Nick Young and Blueface.
Can't wait!
related articles
Hasim Rahman Jr. I'm Gonna Bully Jake Paul ... Won't Make Same Mistake As Woodley
-
Exclusive
- 122 shares
Hasim Rahman Jr. says he knows where Tyron Woodley went wrong against Jake Paul -- leading to a brutal knockout -- telling TMZ Sports he will absolutely NOT make the same mistakes as the future UFC Hall of Famer.
"Bro, [Jake's] a little boy, and I'm gonna treat him like one. That's what Woodley didn't do. Woodley gave him too much respect, and he sat back with his hands down and he got caught," 31-year-old Rahman Jr. bluntly said when we asked where Tyron went wrong when fighting 25-year-old Paul.
And, 6'3" Rahman Jr. -- who has previously fought north of 260 pounds -- believes he has another advantage ... size!
"All of Jake's opponents have been smaller than him. All of them have been much smaller. This is the first time he's going to be in there with someone that's walking him down and much bigger than him."
Paul -- who's 6'1" and was 191 pounds when he fought Woodley (T-Wood weight 189 for 2021 rematch) -- has faced fighters who all stand under 6 feet (Gib, 5'9". Robinson, 5'8". Askren, 5'11". Woodley, 5'9").
Rahman Jr., 12-1, just fought April 29 ... where he suffered his first loss, via TKO. But, that didn't stop the son of the former 2x heavyweight champ from accepting the Paul fight when Tommy Fury dropped out ... even though Hasim claims Jake made him accept strict rules meant to diminish the heavyweight boxer in the ring.
Hasim says although the fight will be contested at 200 pounds ... he'll only be permitted to rehydrate to 210 pounds just hours before the bell rings. A guy Rahman Jr.'s size could typically gain 15, 20 or more pounds in between making weight and the fight.
"If you really wanted to make a statement you would've came up to heavyweight and fought me. But you didn't. You wanted to bring me down, and stack the deck against me, so you could actually have a fighting chance. He knows he has no chance against me had it been at my weight class," Hasim says.
We also talked to Rahman Jr. about Logan Paul advising his brother to not take the fight, and much more.
One thing's clear ... any lingering feelings of friendliness between the brief former sparring partners are long gone -- and August 6 can't come soon enough!
related articles
Jake Paul Proposes IG Name Change Bet Ahead Of Rahman Jr. Fight
-
Breaking News
- 82 shares
Jake Paul wants Hasim Rahman Jr. to put more than his boxing career on the line when they face off in the ring ... calling on the champ's son to agree to take on a hilariously embarrassing Instagram handle if he loses.
The two fighters went at it in their official press conference for the August 6 bout at Madison Square Garden ... and in true Problem Child fashion, Jake wanted to make a bet with Rahman Jr.
When HRJ refused to make a monetary agreement, Paul got creative.
"When I beat you, you have to change your Instagram name to 'ILetMyDadDown,'" Paul said Tuesday ... adding he already scooped up the handle just in case.
BTW -- we looked it up, and it appears Jake is a man of his word.
Rahman Jr. shot down the offer, saying he wasn't going to entertain Jake's charade ... but it's clear he wants the guy to cave in and take the bet.
Of course, Jake is known for making friendly/humiliating deals with his opponents -- Tyron Woodley got "I Love Jake Paul" tatted on his middle finger after losing to the YouTube superstar in 2021, although it has pretty much faded away by now.
Paul was also planning to make a $1 million bet with Tyson Fury for his fight against Tommy ... before the fight got scrapped.
The whole presser was a ton of smack talk from both sides ... and August 6 can't come soon enough.
related articles
Logan Paul Signs With WWE
-
Exclusive Details
- 8.4K shares
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.
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.
related articles
David Dobrik Jeff Wittek Sues for Excavator Stunt Gone Wrong ... Claims He Almost Died
-
Exclusive
- 1.9K shares
David Dobrik should have never been behind the controls of a massive excavator used in a social media stunt gone wrong, so says a YouTuber now suing the influencer, saying he suffered serious injuries as a result of David's actions.
In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, former Vlog Squad member Jeff Wittek says he traveled to Utah Lake in Provo, Utah in the summer of 2020 with David and a group of friends to shoot video as part of Dobrik's "social media comeback."
Wittek says the plan for one video was to use an excavator, operated by Dobrik, and plant it in the water, to swing people around with a rope while riding various objects -- including wakeboards.
However, Wittek claims Dobrik then suggested people get swung around by the machine -- that he was operating -- by only holding the rope, and without objects.
Wittek says when it was his turn -- David started to swing him around too quickly -- the docs claim Dobrik noticed he was moving the excavator too fast, and slowed down abruptly, causing Wittek to slam into the side of the excavator ... and causing him serious injury.
While he doesn't list the specifics of his injuries in the lawsuit ... Wittek has previously discussed what happened that day -- saying he almost died -- breaking his foot, hip, tearing a ligament in his leg and shattering his skull in 9 places. He also says he almost lost his eye.
Wittek says as a result of the accident, he's suffered wage loss, loss of earning capacity and racked up hospital bills. He's suing for general negligence and intentional tort. He's suing for more than $10 million in damages.
We reached out to a rep for David ... so far, no word back.
related articles
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.
related articles
Logan Paul Gets Cozy With Model Nina Agdal ... At Restaurant In London
-
Breaking News
- 106 shares
It appears Logan Paul has a new lady in his life -- the YouTuber/boxer was spotted out with Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model Nina Agdal in London this week ... and we're told they were packin' on the PDA.
Sources tell TMZ Sports the 27-year-old social media star and 30-year-old beauty were getting cozy at Novikov on Wednesday night ... and at one point, they even shared a kiss as they sat at a table with friends.
We're told Logan and Nina tried to keep it lowkey as they left the restaurant ... exiting several minutes apart from each other as they headed out to go clubbing.
It sure seems the two are hitting it off -- Agdal recently followed Logan's mom and his closest friends, George Janko and Mike Majlak, on Instagram.
Paul previously had long-term relationships with model Josie Canseco and actress Chloe Bennet ... and Agdal famously dated Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Brinkley-Cook.
Paul's been killing it lately -- he fought Floyd Mayweather, crushed it at WrestleMania and launched his Prime Hydration drink line ... just to name a few highlights.
Now he's getting close with one of the most attractive women on the planet??
Not bad for a silly kid from YouTube.
related articles
Jake Paul Slams Pres. Biden ... Look At These 'Accomplishments'
President Biden is taking it on the chin, courtesy of Jake Paul ... who's making it very clear that he's not happy with how the economy is doing, or where the country's headed.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer tweeted out a direct message aimed at JB this weekend, in which he slammed POTUS for the job he's done thus far ... ticking off a list of triumphs under Biden's watch, but doing so with the utmost sarcasm.
Biden accomplishments
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) June 12, 2022 @jakepaul
1. Highest gas prices
2. Worst inflation
3. Plummeting crypto prices
4. Highest rent prices ever
5. Created new incomprehensible language
If you’re reading this and voted for Biden and you still don’t regret it then you are the American problem.
Jake wrote out a handful of Biden's "accomplishments," including "1. Highest gas prices 2. Worst inflation 3. Plummeting crypto prices," plus ... "4. Highest rent prices ever."
He even took a personal shot, adding ... "5. Created new incomprehensible language." Jake wasn't done -- he sent a post-script to Biden voters as well. Jake says, "If you’re reading this and voted for Biden and you still don’t regret it then you are the American problem."
Interesting that Jake sees the ongoing crypto crash as a blemish on Joe's record -- ya gotta figure he's got money tied up in it, and most everything's been on a downward trend for months.
Some have noted not everything here is Biden's fault, but that's likely falling on deaf ears.
related articles
DDG Busted for Wild Lambo Ride ... And Felony Gun Possession
-
Exclusive Details
- 254 shares
7:07 PM PT -- Update: DDG has been released on $35,000 bond and is expected in court on June 28th, 2022.
DDG may not be moonwalking in Calabasas for a while ... we've learned he got hauled off to jail for gun possession, but the arrest started with an alleged joyride.
Law enforcement sources tell us LAPD pulled over the 24-year-old rapper and YouTuber Monday for reckless driving. We're told he was cruising in a Lamborghini at the time.
Cops ended up searching the vehicle and say they found a gun, leading to his arrest for felony possession of a concealed weapon.
DDG -- who's dating singer/actress Halle Bailey -- is currently being held on $35,000 bond in Valley Jail. As of now, it's unclear if they'll ticket him for reckless driving or submit the incident with the gun charge.
We’ve reached out to DDG’s reps … we’ll let you know what we hear back.
Story developing ...
related articles
Kevin Samuels Family Refuses Funeral $$$ ... GoFundMe is a Fake
-
Exclusive
- 6.8K shares
Kevin Samuels' family says an imposter is behind a GoFundMe created to raise money for his funeral expenses, and even though they were offered the cash ... they won't accept the money.
Social media was buzzing after the fundraising page popped up, many calling Kevin's family hypocrites for seeking financial help ... as he always preached a message of financial independence without handouts.
However, a source with direct knowledge tells us they reached out to Kevin's family to verify the account and learned the family did NOT create it ... so GoFundMe scrubbed the fundraiser from its platform.
Not only that, our sources say GoFundMe offered Kevin's family the few hundred bucks raised on the fake page ... but they refused to accept it, so it was returned to donors.
TMZ broke the story, the woman Samuels was with desperately tried to save his life -- performing CPR as she dialed 911 -- but unfortunately, he didn't make it. It's believed Kevin suffered a heart attack.
He was 57.
related articles
Jermell Charlo Shoots Down Fight W/ Paul Bros ... But They're Good For Boxing!
-
Exclusive
- 63 shares
Jermell and Jermall Charlo vs Jake and Logan Paul?!
Not happening, according to Jermell, who tells TMZ Sports the Paul bros ain't on the Charlo bros level right now, but, absolutely no shade here ... 'cause the light-middleweight champ says he's actually a big fan of what they're doing in the sport.
"I f**k with the Paul Brothers."
"I like what they're doing. Let them keep boxing and keep going. They're gaining experience in boxing right now. They're doing what they're supposed to do. They're doing what legacy makers are doing and that's why I feel like the Paul Brothers, they're gonna keep on doing what they doing and making big money in boxing and making money on YouTube."
In fact, Jermell says other fighters could -- and should -- learn from Jake and Logan.
"Boxers need to learn from that s**t, bro."
Of course, the Paul bros, and particularly Jake, have taken the boxing world by storm. Jake is 5-0 professionally.
Jake has beaten fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib, before taking on 2x Slam Dunk champ and all-around incredible athlete, Nate Robinson. Paul flatlined the 5'8" hooper on the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. undercard ... and that's when his popularity exploded.
The Problem Child then beat former MMA champ Ben Askren ... putting the wrestling legend on the canvas.
Then, it was time for his biggest test by far ... MMA legend and future UFC Hall of Famer, Tyron Woodley, whom Jake beat twice, culminating in one of the most brutal knockouts of the year.
As for Logan ... he fought KSI twice. The first fight was a draw, and Paul lost the rematch (LP received an unusually harsh penalty during the fight which affected the result).
So, pretty impressive. But, Jermell and Jermall are two of the top boxers in the world right now. We talked about Jermell's titles ... and he isn't the only one in the fam with belts. Jermall is a former two-weight class world champion.
Speaking of brothers ... we asked Jermell if he'd ever fight his twin, Jermall. The short answer? Nope.
But, what about for a lot of money? Nope.
"I don't care about no money like that. I got enough money man, life is great. Never put my hands on my brother," Jermell told us.
There's more.
We also talked to Jermell -- who is fighting undefeated boxer Brian Castano Saturday night on Showtime -- about Canelo Alvarez's recent loss to Dmitry Bivol, and what it means for the Mexican boxing legend's legacy.
Check out the clip!
related articles
ACE Family Estate Foreclosed Home Finds New Owners ... 2 More YouTubers!!!
-
Exclusive
- 846 shares
The infamous ACE Family estate -- which was foreclosed on last year -- is now in the hands of a couple more influencers ... who actually got it for a heck of a deal!
Sources connected to the sale tell TMZ ... Austin and Catherine McBroom's one-time mega-property -- which is comprised of nearly 2 acres of land in Woodland Hills, CA, and essentially 3 houses spanning over 13,000 square feet total -- was sold Friday for a pretty penny.
The price tag, we're told, ended up at $9.275 million ... a serious drop from its original asking price of $12.9 mil.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
As for the new homeowners ... our sources tell us twin brother YouTubers Alan and Alex Stokes -- who have 13.2M subscribers and over 30 million TikTok followers -- were the lucky fellas who snapped this puppy up. No word on their financing, which is kinda important.
The reason we're bringing that up is because AM and CM's financial sitch came under scrutiny during their time in this massive crib. They first bought it in 2019 for about $10 mil, with $9 mil reportedly secured via high-interest loans ... on which they eventually defaulted.
As news of their choppy money waters surfaced, the couple initially denied anything was wrong, but later copped to having $$$ trouble ... blaming others for their woes.
In any case, the bank ended up taking the property back at the end of last year -- and now it belongs to a whole new brood. BTW, this place is a beaut -- it's got 12 bedrooms, 13 baths and a lot of amenities, like a basketball court and in-ground trampoline, etc.
Perfect for people who wanna go viral ... keeping it in the social media family, it seems. Ernie Carswell and Rick Tyberg of Douglas Elliman held the listing.
related articles
Kevin Samuels Desperate 911 Call Friend Tried to Save His Life
-
Exclusive
- 11.2K shares
It's clear to tell the woman who was with Kevin Samuels at the time of his medical emergency was desperate to save him, and those questioning whether or not foul play was involved in his death should have their answer ... as you can hear in the 911 call.
We've obtained the audio from the call placed Thursday, the woman with Kevin tells the emergency operator she believes Kevin is experiencing an issue with his heart -- possibly an irregular rhythm -- while she continues to perform CPR.
The woman, who identifies herself as a nurse, says it's her first time at Kevin's apartment -- and has trouble giving the 911 operator Kevin's address.
As the call continues, the situation gets more desperate, the caller says he's turning blue -- and asks if the 911 operator can assist in calling his building's front desk and ask if they had an AED in hopes to revive Kevin. However, the front office was closed.
As we reported, Samuels, who was known for the controversial dating advice he gave out on social media, died last week at the age of just 57.
According to the police report, the woman who was with Kevin said he began experiencing chest pains Thursday morning before collapsing.