Browsing: crucial

Chelsea Green may not have shared the ring with John Cena, but that doesnâ€t mean the Cenation Leader canâ€t impart his wisdom to the WWE SmackDown star when it comes to building her brand outside the squared circle.

In a new interview with Deanna Barnert of Womanâ€s World, Chelsea Green revealed that sheâ€s been exploring opportunities outside WWE and shared how John Cena has been helping her carve a niche beyond the company.

“Iâ€ve been auditioning for role after role, and trying to dabble in the hosting space as well,†she said. “Iâ€m trying to start at the bottom and not cut corners. I want to do it the right way and gain respect within film and TV—not get there because I had it handed to me on a WWE silver platter.

“My husband and I go on double dates with John and Shay, every couple months, and the knowledge that comes out of him is incredible. He totally has my back and if I just continue to touch base with him, Iâ€ll continue to get those little bits of information and advice that are so crucial when youâ€re on this journey of trying to figure out what you want to do next.â€

John Cena reacts to Matt Cardonaâ€s WWE in-ring return

John Cena and Matt Cardona go way back. Cardona, then known as Zack Ryder, was part of a major storyline in the early 2010s that also involved Cena, Kane, and Eve Torres.

Cardona made his first WWE NXT appearance in over five years this past Tuesday, taking on Josh Briggs in singles action. Despite putting up a strong fight, he was unable to defeat the former NXT UK Tag Team Champion.

Cena acknowledged Cardonaâ€s NXT return by dedicating an Instagram post to him, which prompted a response from the former “Belt Collector.†Fans will have to wait and see whether Matt Cardonaâ€s WWE return was a one-off.

Also read: Killer Kross Says One Of John Cenaâ€s Final Matches Should Be Against This Former WWE Superstar

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Ravindra Jadeja struck to hand India the first breakthrough on Day 4, with the wicket of John Campbell (PTI Photo) Ravindra Jadeja added another milestone to his glittering career as he overtook Harbhajan Singh to become Indiaâ€s third-highest wicket-taker in international cricket at home across formats. The left-arm spinner achieved the feat during the second Test against the West Indies, when he dismissed John Campbell for 115.

‘Jadeja has never done gym!’: Former IND strength and conditioning coach Ramji Srinivasan

The moment came in the 63rd over of the West Indies’ innings. Jadeja struck to remove John Campbell, trapping him leg-before wicket. The Indian fielders immediately went up in a confident appeal as Jadeja celebrated, but umpire Paul Reiffel took a moment before raising his finger. Campbell decided to review the decision, yet the replays confirmed Jadejaâ€s success and ball-tracking showed all three reds, sealing the dismissal.The dismissal ended a strong 177-run partnership between Campbell and Shai Hope, both of whom had scored centuries to help the visitors post 293 for 4 at the end of 89 overs, leading India by 23 runs. The wicket carried special significance for Jadeja. With it, he moved past Harbhajan Singhâ€s tally of 376 wickets at home, taking his total to 377 and joining the elite company of Anil Kumble (476) and Ravichandran Ashwin (475) at the top of the list.

Most wickets for India at home in international cricket

1. 476 – Anil Kumble
2. 475 – Ravichandran Ashwin
3. 377* – Ravindra Jadeja
4. 376 – Harbhajan Singh

Jadejaâ€s recent form has been exceptional, especially in the longer format. He was one of Indiaâ€s standout performers in the England Test series, contributing with both bat and ball. He also scored a century in the first Test against West Indies in Ahmedabad.

Poll

Who do you think is India’s greatest spinner of all time?

Jadejaâ€s rise into Indiaâ€s top three wicket-takers at home is only fitting given that he is one of India’s trusted spinners and has been so over the years.

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During the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this year, Hockey Canada officials figured maybe three-quarters of the championship Canadian team would also play for Olympic gold at the Winter Games in February.

But with two additional spots available, the first few months of the NHL season are crucial to players on the Olympic bubble hoping to make the team and travel to Milan.

“Some players are going to rise up,†Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong said. “Thereâ€s a lot of guys that didnâ€t make that team that are going to want to have a great October, November, December.â€

Armstrong, U.S. GM Bill Guerin and the other federations have until Dec. 31 to submit provisional rosters of 22 skaters and three goaltenders. The so-called long lists of 45 skaters and five goaltenders to choose from is due Oct. 15.

Expect some serious variation for the Americans in Milan, looking to win Olympic gold for the first time since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.

“We canâ€t really run it back with the same team — weâ€ve got to see whoâ€s playing well,†Guerin said. “Other guys are going to play their way on to the team. We had a bunch of guys that showed up for the world championships and produced our first gold medal there in 90-something years, and there are guys that have put themselves in a much better spot because of that. We just really have to start from scratch again and rebuild the team.â€

Some candidates on the edge:

Keller was not just one of the players in his prime who went to worlds and helped deliver the first U.S. title there since 1933. Utah’s captain also wore the “C†and was a point-a-game producer. Getting left off the 4 Nations team fuelled the 27-year-old centre.

“It definitely motivated me, for sure, and I wasnâ€t going to just let it harp on me and have a bad rest of my season,†Keller said. “I think it did the opposite for me.â€

Keller had 30 points in 26 games after the season resumed, followed by his success at worlds. Barring injury, he’s a good bet to play at the Olympics.

Injuries didn’t give Thomas a realistic shot to play for Canada at the 4 Nations, then he showed Armstrong — also his GM with St. Louis — what he could do when healthy. Thomas was the NHL’s top scorer after the break with 40 points, though he’s not satisfied with that success.

“I feel like most people look for people doing well, teams doing well — winners, and so I think thatâ€s how you focus on it,†Thomas said. “Get your team off to a really good start, win a lot of games and put yourself in a good spot in the standings, and I think that should speak enough on your impact for the game.â€

Thomas, 26, has an inside track to Milan but does not want it to be because he plays for Armstrong with the Blues.

“Heâ€s got a job to do,†Thomas said. “He canâ€t pick favourites. His name’s on the line at the end of the day, so heâ€s got to pick the best team.â€

Thompson was also on the U.S. world championship-winning team after he and Buffalo missed the playoffs. He had nine points, and his size at six-foot-six and 220 pounds makes him an ideal fit as Guerin and Co. build the team.

“I did feel like I should have been on the 4 Nations team,†Thompson said. “That gave me a bit of a chip on the shoulder the second half of the season and the summer of training and just kind of adds one more thing on your plate that youâ€re playing for.â€

Thompson has never played in the NHL playoffs because the Sabres have the longest active drought at 14 seasons. Given management wanting to see how guys on the bubble handle pressure situations, going to worlds could give Thompson’s case a huge boost.

A couple of years ago, 2023 No. 1 pick Connor Bedard looked as though he might be the youngest player for Canada at the 2026 Games. Bedard would need to light the league on fire with Chicago out of the gate to get back in that discussion.

San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini, on the other hand, is another story. The 2024 No. 1 pick accepted Canada’s invite to worlds, played alongside Sidney Crosby and put himself right in the mix.

“I thought Celebrini had a fabulous tournament there coming in as a rookie, an 18-year-old,†Armstrong said.

It helps to have the seal of approval from Canada’s likely captain, who scored the golden goal in 2010 and was a big part of repeating as Olympic champs in 2014.

“I skated a little bit with him in the summer, too, in Halifax, and I want to say heâ€s even better than he was at worlds even over the couple months,†Crosby said. “I know heâ€s working hard. Iâ€m sure this is something thatâ€s on his radar, but yeah, I loved playing with him. I think that heâ€s just going to get better and better.”

Armstrong singled out Montreal’s Nick Suzuki and Washington’s Tom Wilson as other players not at the 4 Nations who played well in the second half last season. Wilson would give Canada a big, physical puck retriever with wining experience, while Suzuki would probably have to stand out above the crowd to be considered.

Jason Robertson and Cole Caufield are intriguing talents up front for the U.S., figuring Chris Kreider and Brock Nelson are probably not going to make it. Patrick Kane also has an outside chance as an elder statesman if he gets off to a strong start.

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Two points. Two miserly points from 11 matches. So easy to say, much harder to actually accomplish. Anybody in any doubt about that need only ask Luke Donald.

A Ryder Cup broke out under the blaring sun at Bethpage Black on Sunday. The competitive spirit summoned by the United States of America ultimately was not enough to rip the 17-inch trophy back from Europe’s grasp but wow, did they give Donald and his players a shuddering fright. A singles session that started with the visitors eyeing a procession and record breaking was dominated by Keegan Bradley’s US team. Donald surely feared one of the worst sporting capitulations of our time. How would they recover? How would Europe’s golfers ever recover?

They have been spared that nightmare. It was not Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose or Tommy Fleetwood who carried Europe over the line at Bethpage. Instead, Donald and his players collapsed in an exhausted heap as Shane Lowry holed out from 6ft on the final green of match eight to ensure at least a draw. The record books will show a European win, 15-13. They will not depict the breathlessness.

For Lowry, this was as epic a moment as when he won the 2019 Open Championship. A golfing continent exhaled as Lowry danced across the putting surface with unbridled joy. “That was the hardest couple of hours of my whole life,†a tearful Lowry said. “ I can’t believe that putt went in. The Ryder Cup means everything to me.â€

How precarious this situation was can be explained by the fact that when Lowry took to the 18th tee, Europe held no lead in the four games left on the course. The Irishman was one down. Russell Henley hit a glorious bunker shot to set up a chance of sealing his point. Henley, incredibly, left his putt short. Cometh the hour, cometh the Offaly man.

This was, eventually, a triumph for Donald’s diligence and planning. It should also, though, serve as a reference point for spectator behaviour. Too much of what transpired in New York, largely towards the visiting team, should never be seen at a Ryder Cup again. Golf should be proud of its failure to embrace a yobbish culture. It should recoil at the abuse dished out to Europe as they rampaged towards victory. Adare Manor in 2027 has to and surely will be totally different. McIlroy’s defeat by Scottie Scheffler was due in no small part to the mental exhaustion suffered by the Masters champion. The treatment of McIlroy over three days here was disgraceful.

Europe captain Luke Donald celebrates after Tyrrell Hatton halves his match on the 18th hole during the singles to win the Ryder Cup. Photograph: Paul Childs/Reuters

There was an on-course ruckus to add to the mix. Bradley became irritated by the drop given to Rose – or the time taken to decide on it – on the 13th, the Englishman’s second shot to the par five having found a road. After a delay of about 15 minutes, with Bradley still chuntering in the ear of a referee, Rose played from scrubland at the back of a spectator stand; quite wonderfully, as it transpired. Rose’s shot finished within 6ft of the hole, from where he converted to pull one back against Cameron Young. As Rose won the 14th as well, Young’s lead was suddenly under threat. Bradley continued to mump and moan. Young lightened his captain’s mood with an 11ft putt on the final green to snatch a point from game one.

Justin Thomas backed up Young by seeing off Fleetwood, again on the last. Bryson DeChambeau had been five down after seven to Matt Fitzpatrick but rescued half a point. “I love my country,†said DeChambeau, in typically understated fashion. Scheffler’s game with McIlroy also went the distance, the world No 1 signing off from what was overall a disappointing tournament on a high.

“This has been a really special team and it’s been a lot of fun,†Scheffler said. He is, however, clearly far more at home in individual battle. Light relief for Donald was supplied by Ludvig Åberg, who beat Patrick Cantlay 2&1. Half a point needed. Half a point!

Red was added to the leaderboard by Xander Schauffele, who defeated Jon Rahm, and JJ Spaun’s success over Sepp Straka. Europe were now firmly in squeaky bum territory. Rasmus Højgaard was struggling against Ben Griffin in the battle of the Ryder Cup rookies and Tyrrell Hatton was locked in a tense battle against Collin Morikawa. Could match 11 of 11, where Robert MacIntyre was taking on Sam Burns, really be pivotal? Lowry ended that notion. Griffin prevailed, Hatton halved with Morikawa, before Burns three-putted the last for the same result. Europe won just one singles game to the US half-dozen.

Europe’s Sunday task had been simplified further by the removal of Viktor Hovland from the singles because of a neck injury. In what was a rare example of the Ryder Cup’s envelope rule, the US player pre-determined by Bradley to sit out in a scenario such as this was revealed as Harris English. Both teams took half a point. In keeping with the tone of this competition, US fans heckled Hovland as he watched his teammates from the fairways. And, one assumes, between his fingernails.

If you want to believe the fates are somehow conspiring against the Mets as their wild card berth slips away, Jacob Young’s two spectacular catches at the center field wall in Sunday’s 3-2 loss to the Washington Nationals, one that included kicking the ball skyward to keep it from hitting the ground, played into that narrative.

As Carlos Mendoza said in amazement, “I’ve never seen that before.”

But if you’ve been watching these Mets play some dreadful baseball in recent days, weeks, even months, from their bad defense to boneheaded baserunning to the bats going silent far too often, you know that’s the furthest thing from the truth.

It’s not fate. The Mets have played poorly for much of the last three months — 17 games under .500 since June 13. And now it appears they’re also collapsing under the weight of trying desperately to avoid the embarrassment of missing the postseason with their star-studded roster and their gazillion-dollar payroll.

In short, there’s really no other way to put it: They’re giving it away.

How else to explain losing two of three games to the lowly Nationals at such a crucial point in the season, and playing raggedy defense when their focus should be as heightened as possible.

How else to explain failing to muster any real offense against Jake Irvin, one of the worst starting pitchers in the majors for the last several weeks, as evidenced by his 9.36 ERA over his last seven starts. Or the inability to score against the Nationals’ bullpen, whose 5.60 ERA coming into Sunday ranked dead last in MLB.

How else to explain all the defensive and baserunning miscues lately, to the point where a week ago Mendoza admitted, “We’re not playing good fundamentally right now.”

All of it only happens to a team as talented as these Mets when they’re playing tight, squeezing the sawdust out of the bat, trying not to make mistakes rather than playing freely.

And now the prospect of a full-blown collapse is more real than ever, after the Cincinnati Reds won their fifth straight game on Sunday to pull even with the Mets for the third wild card spot — but not really even, since they own the tiebreaker should the teams finish with the same record.

So in truth the Mets are suddenly behind, to the point where even winning their final six games, three in Chicago against the Cubs, and three in Miami against the Marlins, wouldn’t get them in unless the Reds cooperate.

In the Mets’ clubhouse on Sunday, Brandon Nimmo was doing a group interview when the Reds’ score went final, and he was asked if he could believe the Mets were now out of playoff position.

“Yeah, I can definitely believe it,’’ he said. “It’s been happening right in front of our eyes.”

Yes, the Mets have been sliding for weeks, letting teams like the Reds, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the San Francisco Giants back into the race. And the closer those teams have gotten, the worse the Mets have been playing.

On Sunday, in fact, in what the Mets had to feel was a must-win game, they met the moment with a litany of mistakes early that contributed to a 3-0 deficit by the second inning.

There was Juan Soto getting picked off first base. There was a throwing error by Francisco Lindor that helped fuel the Nationals’ three-run rally. There was a fumble of a routine ground ball by Pete Alonso for another error.

There was also Sean Manaea giving up a two-run home run to a light-hitting backup shortstop named Nasim Nuñez on a flat fastball, which led reporters to ask him why, as Mendoza said, he again wasn’t able to elevate his fastball.

Said Manaea, after several seconds of thought: “I don’t know.”

Even with all of that, the Mets’ worst mistake in some ways, and one that epitomized their  play of late, was Cedric Mullins’ lack of awareness on the bases that proved costly.

It happened on a weird play in the fourth inning: with Luis Torrens on second base, Mullins’ fly ball down the left field line at first appeared to be caught by a diving Daylen Lile. But as he hit the ground, the ball came out of his glove, and according to Mendoza, third base umpire Jeremie Rehak made a safe sign, indicating the ball was in play.

With the ball in plain sight on the ground, and Lile writhing in pain, Torrens took no chances and went back to tag up, then ran all the way to score as the ball still stayed untouched on the ground. Mullins, meanwhile, said he saw no signal from the umpires (nor did first base coach Antoan Richardson), and because he saw Torrens tag up, “my assumption is that it was an out.”

So he lingered around first base, watching Torrens run. Meanwhile, Mendoza said, “We were all screaming from the dugout” to go to second. Mullins didn’t hear them, and only noticed when he finally started to go back to the dugout himself. At that point, umpires had called timeout, and though Mullins did go to second (he was tagged out, though Mendoza said they would have challenged), the play was ruled dead and Mullins was awarded first base.

Clearly Mullins should not have assumed, since he didn’t see a signal, and instead kept running. And it mattered when he was immediately doubled off first on Lindor’s line drive to Josh Bell. When Soto followed with a double to the right field corner, Mullins’ mistake loomed even larger.

Had the Mets’ offense come to life at some point, of course, the play would have been a footnote. Instead, it potentially had a major impact on the outcome. Another blunder that has become far too common for this ballclub.

And so now the Mets are up against it. In their quiet clubhouse the players insisted they still believe. But the tone of their comments shifted as the chasers now.

“We put ourselves in this position, we’ve got to find a way out of it,” said Lindor. “If we want to be where we want to be, we have to play better.”

“We can turn it on in an instant,” added Nimmo.

At this point, though, it’s hard to believe they can merely flip a switch. They’ve been a mediocre-to-bad team longer than they were a good one on this long and winding road of a season.

And most significantly, no matter what they do, they now need help.

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