Browsing: party

WWE

Tony Khan Recounts How AEW Started At An LA Party

Tony Khan smiling

Leon Bennett/Getty Images

Tony Khan has narrated the origins of AEW and how it came to be following a chance meeting with the TBS and TNT president.

Khan, a lifelong pro wrestling fan, stated in a recent interview with “Going Ringside” that he pitched the idea of a new pro wrestling company to the then-president of TBS and TNT at a party.Â

“When I launched it, I was in LA. I was at a cocktail party and saw the president, at the time, of TBS and TNT. I knew him, so I went up and said, ‘With the way wrestling TV rights are going, I think it would make a lot of sense for us to start a wrestling league.’ I would put the shows on TBS and TNT,” he recalled.

Khan stated that there was a history of wrestling shows broadcast on both networks, although there hadn’t been one for nearly 20 years before AEW began. He recalled speaking to the then-president of TBS and TNT, Kevin Reilly, and had several meetings with him. He also revealed that he signed wrestlers to the then unnamed promotion, even before signing a television deal.

“In 2018, I went to the president of TBS and TNT and said, ‘Let’s look at this,’ and he took it seriously. We had a lot of meetings. It was over a year before anything really happened, but there were a lot of discussions. I started to realize there was definitely a market for this. I began signing the wrestlers. It was a major commitment and actually a bit of a gamble because I started signing wrestlers before I had the TV deal. I could feel the deal was coming and that there was a market for what AEW was going to do.”

The AEW CEO had previously discussed how becoming a pro wrestling promoter was his childhood dream, something he had envisioned back in seventh grade.

Source link

Football

Socceroos spoil Canada’s party as World Cup momentum grows

  • Joey Lynch

    Close

      Joey Lynch is a Melbourne-based sports journalist and AYA cancer advocate. Primarily working on football, he has covered the Socceroos, Matildas and A-Leagues for ESPN for over a decade.

Oct 11, 2025, 06:23 PM ET

MONTRÉAL, Canada — Back when he was Melbourne Victory coach, Tony Popovic once described the chance to play the role of villain and ruin an opponent’s fairytale as beautiful. If he still feels the same way as Socceroos boss, then Friday evening’s 1-0 win over Canada might have been one of the most magnificent victories that he’s been a part of.

Canada’s meeting with Australia at Montréal’s Stade Saputo was supposed to be a homecoming and a celebration. Les Rouges hadn’t played in the Québec capital since 2017 and, adding to the sense of civic pride, they’d returned with a collection of Francophiles in the squad. With a home World Cup approaching, wins over Romania and Wales in the last window had pushed them to a record-high FIFA ranking of 26. Prime Minister Mark Carney was in attendance. So was FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Montréal expected a party. Instead, they got 60% of the ball, 17 shots to five, eight shots on target to one, and a 1-0 loss. They got Mohamed Toure registering his fourth goal involvement in three games when he sent in a cross that initially appeared set to be cleared by Niko Sigur, only for Nestory Irankunda to pounce and send a tackle-cum-shot into the back of the net for his second international goal in as many games.

– 2026 World Cup: Who has qualified, and how the rest can make it
– Evolution of the World Cup ball as 2026’s Trionda is unveiled
– Socceroos midfielder Cameron Devlin coy on Hearts future

The hosts got Paul Izzo making a record-setting eight saves and laying down a challenge to Mathew Ryan for the Socceroos’ No. 1 shirt. And they got to see Australia make it seven wins on the bounce, 11 games unbeaten, and join Argentina (who did it twice), the Netherlands, and Mexico amongst the only sides to defeat Canada inside 90 minutes since the appointment of Jesse Marsch. Prime Minister Carney, welcome to Popaball.

“I think the biggest disappointment the guys have is they knew that the crowd was great, and they wanted to electrify them,” Marsch reflected post-game. “You could see the disappointment in their faces, because they wanted the crowd to feel the energy of the team and what’s being done with the team.”

By the time the final whistle rang out, any mirth and goodwill that had filled the stands before the kickoff had dissipated. Jeers rained down as fans sought an outlet for their frustration as their side repeatedly slammed their heads against an Izzo-shaped brick wall; his most incredible save came amid a helter-skelter ending in the 90th minute, when Liam Millar found a wide-open Jacob Shaffelburg, only for his resulting shot to be denied by the sprawling custodian.

“I’m very happy with the performance,” Izzo reflected. “Honestly, I’m a bit lost for words at the moment. I’m taking every game as I can. I wasn’t expecting to play today. But I was given an opportunity, and I really wanted to take it again with both hands.”

Those playing red wore their frayed emotions on their sleeve, too; Joel Waterman and Tani Oluwaseyi both got into a shoving match with Irankunda in stoppage time, only to be met by a goalscorer who refused to take a backwards step. Restrained by Ryan and the Socceroos’ bench, the teenager was immediately substituted by Popovic and pulled in for a bearhug with a message of support for the matchwinner and chief windup merchant.

“That’s something more for me and him that we shared,” Popovic said of their discussion. “I’m just proud of his contribution. He’s a young man who has so much growth to come. Now, in the last two games, he’s scored goals for Australia.

“He’s 19 years old, and we have a striker [Mohamed Toure] that’s 21 starting here, away from home against Canada. Very proud of them.

“And that’s part of football. He doesn’t back down. He was coming off regardless of what happened there.”

Canada’s Joel Waterman and Socceroos forward Nestory Irankunda were seen exchanging pleasantries. Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Ultimately, Australia came to Montréal and did what they do: frustrate, absorb, and make their foes pay. Few will care for the boos and some, like Connor Metcalfe, quietly emerging as a key cog in Popovic’s plans, might even have enjoyed them. Canada, meanwhile, will join an increasingly impressive-looking list of nations that would feel they did enough to beat the Socceroos, only to lose.

Yet there were lessons amidst the spectacle, too. Because, as the stat sheet and Izzo’s man-of-the-match antics would hint at, Australia still had to ride their luck at times — even if breaking down low blocks has been a consistent challenge for Canada.

For much of the contest, Marsch’s side would move the ball forward against a defence that was able to maintain its shape and, should the attack be maintained for an extended period, eventually settle into a low block. Against this highly organised defensive front, possessing cover for its cover, space would be at a premium and angles to goal fleeting. This saw passes being closed down, crosses being cleared, and shots being smothered. That’s all expected; the Socceroos are very good at defending, to the point we almost take it for granted.

All of ESPN. All in one place.

blank

Watch your favorite events in the newly enhanced ESPN App. Learn more about what plan is right for you. Sign Up Now

But there were moments of danger, particularly when the Canadians were able to counter-press (one of the most effective tools for breaking down a low block) and didn’t afford a chance at a unified front. Invariably, winger Tajon Buchanan was at the heart of these efforts, giving Australia’s Kye Rowles — who started as a wingback once more as part of Popovic’s pre-World Cup experimentation — fits as he repeatedly burst into the box and created shots or angles to pass.

Many of these moments arose because against the Canadian press or counter-press, Australia’s attempts to play out for much of the game were largely unsuccessful. The profiles of Rowles, debutant fullback Jacob Italiano, and midfield pivots Max Balard and Aiden O’Neill didn’t gel, and moves forward would often either break down just as soon as they began or were snuffed out when an attempt was made to bypass the midfield entirely with a 50/50 long ball. Rowles is a proven World Cup performer at center back, but as the flanker of a five, there are stronger options.

Things started to change in the second half as the game stretch and really kicked into gear with the introduction of Patrick Yazbek and wingbacks Lewis Miller and Jordy Bos around the hour mark; it taking just seconds, and one Bos run down the left and cross into the box, to demonstrate the importance of having wingbacks that have the physicality and willingness to bomb up and down the flanks — and force opponents to respect that possibility — in Popovic’s system.

Expecting any drastic overhauls in the way the Socceroos play is unrealistic. And unfair. Eleven games unbeaten and seven wins straight is a platform that demands to be built on for the World Cup. However, as shown in the second half, earning wins in the way the Socceroos have is made infinitely easier when you’re helping yourself. And Popovic and his staff know this, and they’ve highlighted possession as a key focus heading into next year’s World Cup.

“It wasn’t our intention to let them have that much ball. But in certain areas of the park, they’re very strong,” said Popovic.

“Would I have liked us to do more with the ball? Yes. But those 20 minutes in the second half were excellent for us. Our challenge is how do we sustain that for longer periods?”

If they can unlock a greater level of adaptability and fluidity, with the next stern test to come against the United States on Tuesday in Denver, will be telling come 2026. But it’s a lot easier to do this work when you’re winning games. And the Socceroos are also getting rather good at that, which is pretty important as well.

Source link

The Godfather Recalls Vince McMahon’s 80th Birthday Party

Vince McMahon recently celebrated his 80th birthday, and The Godfather recalled what actually went down on that special night.

The former WWE Chairman turned 80 on August 24 and arranged a private celebration party with close friends and multiple WWE stars. Photos from the event circulated on the internet, where Jerry Lawler, Sheamus, Titus Oâ€Neil, The Miz, Maryse, and Drew McIntyre were spotted.

Other names who were in attendance include John Cena, JBL, and The Undertaker. In an interview with Esportsbets, the Godfather described Vince McMahonâ€s party as an ‘All first class†and shared details about the private birthday celebration.

“Great time. All first class,†The Godfather said. “Vince rented out a whole hotel, so it was just us. I had a good time. A lot of friends there, a lot of people I havenâ€t seen in a long time. There was a cocktail party the night before. Me, Taker, Bruce Pritchard, Booker T and somebody else had a shot of Jack, and thatâ€s the only shot I had. Then the next night they had the party, it was really fun. I had a great time. Vince, heâ€s still going, man, he looks good.â€

Vince McMahon has remained off television following Janel Grantâ€s lawsuit. However, the celebration implies that he still holds strong connections with current stars and veterans.

What did Vince McMahon gift everyone at his birthday party?

According to the Book Pro Wrestlers Twitter (X) page, Vince McMahon had gifted a bust to his hand at his birthday party. There were only 100 in existence, and the ex-Boss only gave it to his handpicked guests.

The source also confirmed that phones were not allowed in this private event. It certainly appears that Vince McMahonâ€s birthday party turned out to be a massive celebration, and he clearly pulled out all the stops to make that happen.

READ MORE Former WWE Star Says Trying To Get Laid Resulted In Getting His Job Back

Source link

DeChambeauâ€s brash opening act gets party started before Europe spoil the fun | Ryder Cup 2025

The dawn’s early light broke slow and heavy Friday over Bethpage State Park, a pale wash creeping through the trees as if reluctant to reveal the chaos already under way. Fans clad in red, white and blue had been congregating outside since 3am, trotting down floodlit paths to the 1st-tee grandstand when the gates finally swung open at 5am. By 6am, thousands were already wedged together in the dark, swaying to chants and clutching cardboard cups of coffee, tallboys of hard seltzer and greasy breakfast cheeseburgers.

When the clock ticked toward the 7.10am start time, the atmosphere boiled over in the 5,000-seat amphitheater. The chants ricocheted around the stands: “We want Bryson! We want Bryson!†Some wore DeChambeau’s name scrawled across their bare chests while others waved handwritten signs. Their wish was his command. Bryson DeChambeau, golf’s most polarizing showman, emerged with Justin Thomas by his side. They strode through the tunnel shoulder to shoulder, an American flag draped across their backs, DeChambeau pounding his chest as if priming for combat. Across from them waited Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, the Spanish-English duo clad in Europe’s blue and gold, Rahm already stone-faced, Hatton muttering to himself.

A flyover of military jets rattled the sky. Security helicopters hovered above in anticipation of Donald Trump’s arrival later in the day. Those who hadn’t made plans to arrive hours early were stuck in the residential streets outside the grounds in scenes resembling World War Z. On the grandstand video board, Rory McIlroy appeared, warming up on the range, drawing jeers and obscenities. As Keegan Bradley, the rookie US captain, barked into a microphone minutes earlier – “Let’s fucking go, boys!†– this was not golf as country club pastime. This was the bloodsport the masses were promised.

DeChambeau had teased the possibility the day before: the 397-yard opening hole was “definitely drivable†downwind, he said, if you could carry 200mph of ball speed. Rahm promptly missed right into the rough to sarcastic roars. Then DeChambeau turned to face the crowd, took two violent practice swings, then smacked a drive into the New York morning. It bounded down to 10 yards short of the green. Promises made, promises kept. Thomas pitched to 16ft. DeChambeau buried the putt. One up after one. A thunderclap of noise, a fist pump from Thomas, a barbaric yawp from DeChambeau. The crowd nearly shook the stands apart. America had landed its opening punch, just what Bradley wanted from his fiery leaders.

For a moment, it seemed a tone was set. The Ryder Cup was back on home soil, the US determined to avenge Rome, the crowd primed to explode with every red numeral on the board. But the wave never built. The course, softened by rain, played toothless. Europe absorbed the opening haymaker and struck back with prejudice. By the turn, the blue numbers began to bleed across the giant leaderboards. Rahm and Hatton steadied, clawing back. Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley sputtered against Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick. McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood silenced Collin Morikawa and Harris English with cool precision. The sound inside the amphitheater and around the grounds dimmed, chants turning flat, one side starting “U-S-A!†while the other trailed off.

The knockout came at the par-four 7th, where Xander Schauffele tugged his drive into the rough left. From there, he and Patrick Cantlay stumbled, Cantlay missing another tentative putt from nine feet, failing to save par. The last flicker of red vanished from the board. The partisan crowd, primed for pandemonium, sagged into uneasy silence. It was around now that Air Force One lifted off from Joint Base Andrews, bound for Farmingdale. You wondered if Trump, peering at a leaderboard update on the flight deck and tethered to an exhaustively documented aversion for losers, considered turning the plane back.

Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton congratulate each other on a productive first morning’s work. Photograph: David Davies/PA

By the finish, the wreckage was clear. Rahm and Hatton closed out DeChambeau and Thomas 4&3, a rout disguised by that opening birdie. McIlroy and Fleetwood overwhelmed Morikawa and English 5&4. Åberg and Fitzpatrick battered Scheffler and Henley 5&3. Only Schauffele and Cantlay salvaged a point, holding off Viktor Hovland and Robert MacIntyre to escape with a two-up win that prevented the first away-team sweep of any session since 1987. The scoreboard read 3–1 to Europe, the Long Island cauldron quieted.

skip past newsletter promotion

The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend’s action

Privacy Notice:Newsletters may contain information about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. If you do not have an account, we will create a guest account for you on theguardian.com to send you this newsletter. You can complete full registration at any time. For more information about how we use your data see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

By lunchtime, the carnival had dulled. The United States, needing a fast start to rattle Europe, had been rattled themselves. DeChambeau’s opening blast still echoed – an act of theater as brash as his personality – but the American party was muted. Every Ryder Cup insists on being louder and rowdier than the last. Bethpage certainly sounded like it in the opening minutes, when the ground shook under 5,000 stamping feet and DeChambeau nearly drove the green. But memory has a way of being selective. For the fans who had turned up at three in the morning, the image that may linger is the uneasy hush that followed, when the bravado slipped and the Europeans seized control.