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Tony Dâ€Angelo hasnâ€t been seen on WWE television since the July 15th edition of NXT this year and while his absence continues, Dâ€Angeloâ€s current status has been revealed.

While speaking on the post-RAW show, Sean Ross Sapp was asked about Tony Dâ€Angeloâ€s current status. He said that from what heâ€s been told, Tony hasnâ€t been at the Performance Center recently, or at least hasnâ€t been seen there by others.

Sapp noted it may just be a situation where WWE is waiting on new creative plans for him. Sapp confirmed that Tony is still signed with WWE, but there havenâ€t been many details beyond the fact that he hasnâ€t been at the Performance Center when Sapp has checked.

“Well, when I asked, I heard he hasnâ€t been at the PC lately, or hasnâ€t been seen by everybody else at the PC. Maybe theyâ€re waiting for creative stuff. Heâ€s still signed to WWE — that much I can confirm — but I havenâ€t heard a lot of details about where he is other than not at the PC when Iâ€ve asked.â€

This comes after reports noted that Tony Dâ€Angelo simply requested time off and that his absence had absolutely nothing to do with an injury. He was also advertised to appear at an NXT live event on October 10, but he didnâ€t end up appearing in the end.

While Tony Dâ€Angelo is currently off WWE TV, itâ€s important to note that he is still under contract. Itâ€s clear that WWE may be holding off until they have a meaningful storyline or direction for him, so weâ€ll have to see when heâ€ll finally return to WWE television.

Do you want Tony Dâ€Angelo to return with The Family storyline, or should WWE refresh his character entirely? Share your thoughts below.

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November 11, 2025 7:31 am

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Florida coach Kevin O’Sullivan (Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Nearly two weeks have passed since Florida announced that longtime coach Kevin Oâ€Sullivan was taking a leave of absence to address what he described as “personal and family issues that need my full attention.â€

The decision thrust one of college baseballâ€s most stable programs into a rare period of uncertainty. Neither Oâ€Sullivan nor the university have provided a timetable for his return, though athletic director Scott Stricklin reaffirmed the schoolâ€s backing in an Oct. 22 statement, saying Oâ€Sullivan had the departmentâ€s “full support as he takes the time he needs to focus on personal matters.â€

In the weeks since, Florida has worked to maintain continuity amid shifting circumstances. When Oâ€Sullivan stepped away, associate head coach and recruiting coordinator Chuck Jeroloman was appointed acting head coach. That stability proved short-lived, however, as Jeroloman accepted the same position under newly-hired Tennessee coach Josh Elander roughly a week later, compounding the unease surrounding the program.

Florida responded by hiring veteran coach Tom Slater to replace Jeroloman a day after he informed the university of his decision. Slater brings extensive experience, including previous stops in the SEC and professional baseball, but it still left the Gators without a defined recruiting lead. Jeroloman had long managed that responsibility, and his departure created a significant void during one of the busiest recruiting stretches of the year.

Sources told Baseball America that Oâ€Sullivan has been in direct contact with Florida commits in recent days, and that the university administration is aware of his outreach. It marks a significant new development for a program seemingly operating amid uncertainty about its long-term leadership, though the university has provided no additional clarity on Oâ€Sullivanâ€s future.

Oâ€Sullivan has been the central figure in Florida baseballâ€s modern rise, transforming the program into one of the nationâ€s premier powers since his arrival in 2008. His tenure has produced nine College World Series appearances in 17 seasons—the most in the nation in that stretch—including a national championship in 2017 and runner-up finishes in 2011 and 2023. The Gators†consistent success and player development under O’Sullivan’s direction have set a standard few programs in the country can match.

Floridaâ€s recruiting efforts remain central to its trajectory, particularly with several of the nationâ€s top prospects committed over the next two cycles.

The Gators†2026 class includes outfielders Brady Harris and Kevin Roberts and pitchers Denton Lord and Ethan Wheeler, all of whom are viewed as early-round prospects in the 2026 draft class. Floridaâ€s 2027 group is already taking shape behind a pair of high-end talents, Rylan McMahan, ranked No. 30 among high school prospects, and Jace Moran, ranked No. 56.

The SEC has become a magnet for elite amateur talent, and in the NIL era, even marginal instability can shift recruiting dynamics overnight. Twenty-four of Baseball Americaâ€s top 100 prospects for 2027 are currently pledged to LSU or Tennessee—two programs with strong momentum and, in Tennesseeâ€s case, a newly hired associate head coach who previously served as Floridaâ€s lead recruiter.

In that environment, Oâ€Sullivanâ€s direct engagement with recruits carries particular weight. His presence in conversations with commits provides a measure of continuity at a time when rival programs are poised to challenge Floridaâ€s standing among the nationâ€s recruiting elite.

Oâ€Sullivan is also critical for the Gators to maximize their very talented 2026 roster, which is constructed to compete for a national title with high-end draft prospects across the field.

Righthander Liam Peterson, the top-ranked pitcher in the 2026 draft class, headlines a rotation that could be among the nationâ€s best. Center fielder Kyle Jones and righthander Russell Sandefer are also viewed as early-round prospects, giving the Gators premier-level talent on both sides of the ball.

The underclass core is equally formidable. Infielder Brendan Lawson ranks as Baseball Americaâ€s top college player in the 2027 class, with righthander Aidan King not far behind. Fellow righties Jackson Barberi and Joshua Whritenour are also top 50 prospects in that same group, positioning Florida with one of the strongest long-term foundations in the country.

That high-end talent is supported by a veteran core and key transfers ready to contribute immediately. Ole Miss transfer Ethan Surowiec brings offensive upside at third base, Hawaii transfer Cooper Walls adds another proven arm to the pitching staff and senior second baseman Cade Kurland returns as a steadying presence in the infield. Taken together, the Gators have the personnel to contend again provided the program regains stability at the top.

For now, Oâ€Sullivanâ€s involvement in recruiting stands as a significant development.

His continued presence in conversations with commits provides reassurance to a program navigating the unknown. It does not signal a definitive return, but in a landscape where perception often shapes reality, the active role of one of college baseballâ€s most successful coaches carries meaningful weight for the Gators†immediate and long-term future.

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MJFâ€s absence from AEW television isnâ€t a retreat—itâ€s a reinvention. The former AEW World Champion has spent the past few months diving headfirst into Hollywood, taking on major film roles while staying out of the wrestling spotlight.

According to Fightful Select, MJF has been thriving in his new environment and adapting quickly to life on set. The report revealed that his current project, Violent Night 2, is nearing completion, marking the latest in a growing list of acting credits for the Salt of the Earth.

“MJF is taking well to Hollywood… and Winnipeg.â€

A few months ago, it was confirmed that MJF had landed a role in Violent Night 2 after appearing in Happy Gilmore 2 and being cast in The Iron Claw. His schedule has been intense, with the AEW star frequently traveling between wrestling tapings and Winnipeg, where Violent Night 2 was filmed, before stepping away from AEW entirely once production picked up. It was also noted that filming is almost finished but thereâ€s still no confirmed timeline for his AEW return.

“Weâ€re told that the filming of the movie is set to wrap relatively soon, though weâ€ve not yet heard when MJF is scheduled to return to AEW. AEW sources indicated that MJF has the acting bug, and has spoken about how much heâ€s enjoyed filming.â€

His passion for acting isnâ€t exactly new—MJF has long been known for his charisma and theatricality—but this Hollywood run shows just how far heâ€s taking it. Between filming Violent Night 2, juggling prior commitments to Happy Gilmore 2, and previously dropping the CMLL World Heavyweight Title to Mistico in Mexico, MJFâ€s time away has been anything but quiet.

His wife, Alicia Atout, even joked about their postponed honeymoon after All Out, saying “he might be dead†and “if heâ€s alive, heâ€s gotta go shoot the movie.†But MJFâ€s own words after his brutal loss to Mark Briscoe revealed a deeper focus.

“I cannot come back until I look in the mirror and I no longer see a fraud, but I see a man who was once at the top of this profession. I will not come back until I am the most dangerous I have ever been.â€

With filming nearly wrapped and a renewed fire to return stronger than ever, MJFâ€s next chapter looks set to blend Hollywood star power with the venom that made him one of AEWâ€s biggest names. When he finally steps back through the curtain, he may be more dangerous—and more famous—than ever before.

Do you think MJFâ€s Hollywood success will make him an even bigger star when he returns to AEW, or could acting eventually pull him away from wrestling for good? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

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AEW may still have a loyal fanbase, but the company is facing year-over-year declines in both ratings and attendance—and now a new corporate shake-up at Warner Bros. Discovery could put their television future in even more jeopardy.

On October 21, 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed that it is formally exploring a potential sale or split after receiving unsolicited offers. This includes interest in purchasing either the entire company or individual business units like Warner Bros. Studios and Discovery Global. What this means for AEW, whose flagship shows air on TBS and TNT, is a growing cloud of uncertainty. CEO David Zaslav confirmed the process in a public statement:

“We have initiated a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives to identify the best path forward to unlock the full value of our assets.â€

WBD still plans to split into two divisions—one for cable networks (TNT, TBS, etc.), and the other for streaming and film (Max and Warner Bros. Pictures)—by mid-2026. But now, the door is wide open for a complete sell-off.

“We continue to believe that our planned separation to create two distinct, leading media companies will create compelling value. That said, we determined taking these actions to broaden our scope is in the best interest of shareholders,†added Board Chair Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr.

While WBD recently turned down a $20-per-share offer from Paramount-Skydance, several other major players are still circling. During the October 23 episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer broke down the situation in detail, explaining how it directly affects AEWâ€s standing:

“Thereâ€s so many different things going on all at the same time. WBD itself is still in plans to split into two entities, which is all the cable stations, and the other entity would be the streaming services and the movie studio. The movie studio is actually doing very well right now. So would you buy one? Do you buy both?â€

He also listed the top suitors currently in play:

“Netflix is looking at it. Paramount/Skydance is looking at it. Comcast is looking at it. Comcast itself is also in the midst of a split-up where theyâ€re going to essentially unload almost all their TV stations into another company and keep the network and the streaming stations.â€

But the real concern came when Meltzer addressed AEWâ€s future directly:

“So, thereâ€s a lot of different things that could happen as far as who gets it. And the future of AEW is certainly involved in all this. It could go any one of a number of different ways. I mean, TBS and TNT—who knows whatâ€s going to happen? Whoâ€s going to be owning them? Will they be part of a deal?â€

And whoever ends up controlling those networks will ultimately decide whether AEW stays, moves, or gets dropped entirely:

“Whoever owns [TBS/TNT] is going to have their own opinions on a lot of different things. And AEW would be one of those things.â€

With AEWâ€s viewership numbers softening across its flagship shows and attendance dropping at both Dynamite and Collision tapings, this ownership shuffle comes at a rough time. What happens next could determine whether AEW continues its presence on mainstream cable—or is forced to pivot to a new broadcast partner entirely.

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Do you think AEW should start shopping for a new network? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

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Gautam Gambhir hints at uncertain ODI future for Virat Kohli, Rohit SharmaGautam Gambhir with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday opened up about the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.Both Kohli and Sharma have now retired from Tests and T20Is; ODI cricket is the only international format that remains for the Indian greats, with the pair aiming for ultimate success at the 2027 showpiece tournament, which will be held in southern Africa.When pressed on whether he expected the duo to be in contention for a potential swansong in 24 months’ time, Gambhir said: “The 50-over World Cup is still two and a half years away.”I think it is very important to stay in the present. That is something which is very important.”Obviously they are quality players, and their experience will be valuable in Australia. Hopefully, both will have a successful tour in Australia.”Kohli and Sharma are part of India’s 15-man ODI squad that faces the Aussies in three matches in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney on October 19, 23, and 25.That squad will be led by recently appointed Test skipper Shubman Gill, who will take the full-time reins of the 50-over side for the first time in this series.Earlier, opener KL Rahul hit an unbeaten 58 as India beat the West Indies by seven wickets in the second Test to sweep the series 2-0 on Tuesday.Chasing 121 for victory, India resumed on 63-1 and reached their target in the first session after losing two wickets on Day Five at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.West Indies skipper Roston Chase struck twice with his off-spin to send back overnight batter Sai Sudharsan for 39 and skipper Shubman Gill for 13.Rahul hit the winning four, and India celebrated victory over the visitors, who had launched a spirited fightback while following on.India’s left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav returned a match haul of eight wickets, including 5-82 in the first West Indies innings.

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India remain a team in transition under 26-year-old Gill, after the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.Gill’s India won the opening Test by an innings and 140 runs, having secured a thrilling 2-2 draw in their five-Test series in England in June-August.

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The Warriors are focused on the present, but general manager Mike Dunleavy can’t ignore the uncertainty looming with Steve Kerr’s future as coach.

Dunleavy joined 95.7 The Game’s “Steiny & Guru” on Friday and discussed where things stand with Kerr as he enters the final year of a two-year contract he signed in February 2024.

“Yeah, I mean, I guess technically there is [uncertainty],” Dunleavy said. “This isn’t really a regular situation with a head coach where he’s in the last year of his deal. We know what it is with Steve. He’s been here a long time. He’s been an amazing part of this franchise, and as far as I’m concerned, can stay as long as he wants.

“We’re going to give him the grace of the season to go through it, or at least some of it, to see and feel where he’s at mentally and physically.”

With two years left on Steph Curry’s contract, two left on Draymond Green’s with a player option in the final year and Jimmy Butler also signed through the 2026-27 NBA season, it only feels right that Kerr would end his Warriors tenure with the guys he started it with.

When asked about it last week, Kerr told reporters he didn’t want to address it at that point because he wants to see how he feels in six months, adding that he’s “very comfortable” just going into the season with one year left on his deal.

“I get how maybe it doesn’t line up,” Dunleavy said, “but it’s hard to see Steve moving on, or to see Steph finish his career without Steve on the sidelines. I think it’ll all work out, but we’re not going to jump into anything. We’re going to go on Steve’s terms.

“And right now, he just wants to take it and see how the season goes. And no problem on our end.”

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CRANBERRY, Pa. — As Evgeni Malkin sits in an empty locker room at the Penguins practice facility, being interviewed for a story about his longtime teammate Sidney Crosby, the 39-year-old Russian center makes a point for emphasis.

“You see security here?” Malkin says, motioning to the Penguins’ detail, standing discreetly in the doorway. “It’s like, not my security. It’s Sidney Crosby’s security.”

Malkin’s résumé certainly warrants the celebrity treatment: Calder Trophy, Hart Trophy, two scoring titles and, of course, three Stanley Cups in a nine-year span that brought the Penguins back to glory.

But nobody on the Penguins — or perhaps the entire hockey world — can match Crosby’s star power. The captain’s reputation, let alone his list of on-ice accomplishments, is pristine. “You never heard one bad thing about Sidney Crosby,” said Kris Letang, the other member of Pittsburgh’s big three. “He’s perfect. He’s the perfect ambassador for the game.”

It’s why, ahead of Crosby’s 21st season in the NHL, there has been so much discourse about what his future might hold — and whether one of hockey’s most transcendent talents is wasting his final chapter holding on to what he once had in Pittsburgh.

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Not only is Crosby’s production absurd (1,687 points in 1,352 career games and counting) but few players in hockey history have remained this consistent and this competitive as they enter their career twilight. While playing his sound two-way game, Crosby scored 91 points (33 goals, 58 assists) in 80 games this past season, leading the Penguins by 21 points. In an NHLPA poll released in April, Crosby was voted by his peers as the “most complete player” in the game — for the sixth straight season.

Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid — at age 28, a full decade younger than Crosby — is in the prime of his career. But he still defers to Crosby. McDavid advocated for Crosby to captain Team Canada at last February’s 4 Nations Face-Off, calling it a “no-brainer.”

“He hasn’t seemed to change at all,” McDavid said last fall. “He has been great year after year. It’s so impressive to see someone I grew up admiring still doing it to this day.”

Crosby has once again been able to play meaningful games on the international stage, which should include NHL players’ long-anticipated return to the Olympics this February, where he will likely captain Team Canada again.

The Penguins’ prognosis, however, is not as bright. Pittsburgh’s 16-year Stanley Cup playoffs streak ended in 2023, and the Penguins haven’t returned since. GM Kyle Dubas has been embarking on a rebuild, restocking a prospect pool that was essentially barren, with so many draft picks and young players traded away in order to chase championships. Pittsburgh’s opening night roster will feature five rookies, led by a first-time head coach, Dan Muse, who is just five years older than Crosby. They are loading up for the future.

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“We’re in a period of transition, and our goal is, and the expectation is, we’re going to get to the point where we’re not just contenders again, but it’s gonna be contending on a consistent basis,” Muse said. “It’s not just get back into the playoffs; it’s to be a true contender, and then to stay there. And I think that’s been extremely clear to me from day one. And that message has been consistent in the time prior, until now.”

Nobody knows how long that plan will take — including the Penguins. It’s dictated by a series of factors, including development.

Meanwhile Crosby’s performance at 4 Nations (he tied McDavid for the team lead with five points in four games as Canada won the tournament) punctuated how exciting it is to see him still on hockey’s most competitive stages.

Some people around Crosby, 38, have tried to advocate that it’s a disservice to hockey to stick around for a rebuild with no end in sight. That includes Crosby’s longtime agent, Pat Brisson, who has said publicly that it’s his personal belief that Crosby needs to be playing playoff hockey.

For his part, Crosby maintains tunnel vision. That might sound like lip service for most people, but not Crosby, whose determination is fueled by details and an obsession for routine. He said his mindset every season is the same — an approach that prepares him to play in June. He maintains that he hasn’t seriously considered a trade to this point.

“I know that if all my energy isn’t towards what it needs to be, then I’m not giving myself the best chance for it to be successful,” Crosby said. “If it ever came to that point, I would discuss it, but I don’t feel like I’m there.”

Crosby’s two-year extension he signed summer 2024 kicks in this season. It’s extremely team friendly: $8.7 million average annual value, perhaps half of what he could receive on the open market. It’s also an extremely tradable contract — and all the cards belong to Crosby, who has a full no-movement clause. League sources believe the Penguins would never approach Crosby to waive it, out of deference to him. A trade would have to be Crosby driven. He would choose the time, and he would choose the destination. The Penguins would need to get compensation they felt is fair. And it all likely would go down quietly.

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Or it might not happen at all. Crosby’s future is entirely in his hands. He wants to win again as badly as anyone — but in Pittsburgh. To this point in his career, he has demonstrated incredible loyalty to Pittsburgh, as well as his teammates. That’s especially true with Malkin and Letang; they are longest-tenured trio of teammates in major North American sports history

“He’s a very special person for me, because he’s probably my best friend here in Pittsburgh,” Malkin said. “First guy I met when I went to Pittsburgh, I go to dinner with Mario [Lemieux] and Sid. And after, we’re always together. I mean, he texts me all summer, you know? He texts me during season, we try to support each other. It’s not always perfect, you know? Sometimes, like, we need to understand each other. Some guys have problem with, like, games, with families, you know? Like — and he asks me, like — all the time like, ‘If you need anything, come to my house.'”

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have played together in Pittsburgh since 2006. AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Malkin enters the final year of his contract and trade speculation is sure to ramp up around his name as well. As the Penguins opened camp, Malkin said he hopes it won’t be his last season in Pittsburgh, but admitted that would be dependent on both how he and the team play. Malkin scored 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games this past season. Letang is signed through 2028.

Another name to watch this season will be Bryan Rust, Crosby’s winger on the top line. Rust is signed through the next three seasons. The 33-year-old is happy in Pittsburgh and wants to stay. However, he doesn’t have trade protection. If the Penguins get a good enough offer — a package that could accelerate the rebuild — Rust could be traded away just like Jake Guentzel two years ago.

It’s not just friendships on the ice for Crosby that tie him to Pittsburgh: it’s relationships with the community.

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“We have the children’s hospital visit that we do once a year with the entire team. There’s tons of cameras,” Letang said. “But he’s also going to go see patients in a different hospital and that’s completely off radar. And, you know, I was a witness because he asked me to come with him one year and see what he was doing.”

Youth hockey in Pittsburgh has exploded since Crosby’s arrival. The Little Penguins Learn to Play program Crosby launched in 2008 has introduced thousands of kids to the sport. Crosby and the city are in a long-term relationship that truly has benefitted them both.

“I still remember my first day going there, getting to the airport, coming down the escalators, and just it was packed,” Crosby said. “To have that kind of welcoming, and then just, right from arriving at the rink to living with Mario, just so many amazing first impressions, but then great memories since. It’s been a long time I’ve been there, and I couldn’t be more grateful that it worked out the way it has and that I was drafted there.”

Those close to Crosby say the distinction of wearing only one jersey is something he strongly considers. When Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar announced his retirement after this season, he noted playing his entire career in one city was a major point of pride for him.

However, there’s a counterpoint: Tom Brady. His reputation in New England is still as its all-time franchise legend. But after 20 years, he signed with the Buccaneers and was able to finish out his career with another championship there, too.

So, it comes down to the question: What motivates Crosby at this point?

“As you play, if you still have the passion, I think you find different things that motivate you,” Crosby said. “This year is obviously an Olympic year, so you know, that’s a big motivation. But as far as just in general, I think the motivation is just to be my best. You know, whatever that is, you know, regardless of age and expectations, all that. I always just try to be my best, and that’s enough for me.”

Malkin took it a step further.

“I think he mentally wants to show every year he can play 100%,” Malkin said. “And mentality, like, maybe one more cup, you know? We want to win together again. Because last cup, like, 10 years ago.”

In fact, it has only been eight years since the Penguins last won. But for an all-time great, that can feel like forever.

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    Jesse RogersOct 5, 2025, 04:41 PM ET

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      Jesse joined ESPN Chicago in September 2009 and covers MLB for ESPN.com.

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Brewers centerfielder Jackson Chourio’s status for Game 2 of the NLDS against the Chicago Cubs on Monday is uncertain after an MRI on his right hamstring came back inconclusive, according to manager Pat Murphy.

Chourio, 21, left Game 1 on Saturday after legging out an infield hit in the bottom of the second inning. It’s the same hamstring he injured in July — also while playing against the Cubs — putting his immediate playing future in doubt.

“I can’t give you a definitive, but I know that we’re going to test some things today,” Murphy said on Sunday afternoon. “He’s going to be out there today. I don’t know that he’ll do much, but the MRI came back and it’s inconclusive and it’s not a serious hamstring strain, but it’s not necessarily something that won’t limit him.”

Chourio was 3 for 3 in the game before leaving. Murphy indicated rookie Isaac Collins would likely take Chourio’s place in the lineup if the latter player can’t go.

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The Brewers manager also announced lefty Aaron Ashby will start Game 2 for his team, though he probably won’t last long after throwing 1â…“ innings on Saturday. He’s likely opening the game to help neutralize Cubs leadoff man Michael Busch — also a lefty — who homered to start Game 1.

“He could go as long as we want him to,” Murphy said of Ashby.

Righty Quinn Priester is likely the bulk innings guy for the Brewers after Ashby, but Murphy stopped short of declaring his plans. The Cubs are countering with lefty Shota Imanaga, who pitched in Game 2 of the wild-card round against the San Diego Padres.

“He’s a competitor,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “And I think he’s a thinking-man’s competitor, and he also pitches with a lot of joy on the mound, while competing at a really high level.”

Imanaga has a 5.73 ERA in four career games against the Brewers, including three starts this season.

“I think all the hitters, they understand what they need to do, and I think that’s the Brewers’ offense,” Imanaga said of his struggles against Milwaukee. “Even yesterday, just the next guy was up, the next guy was ready. So I think, for me, it’s just making sure, take it one out at a time, and then thinking about that one out.”

Murphy was asked about facing the second-year Cub who features a rising fastball and a sinking splitter.

“His heater plays way up,” Murphy said. “If it says 91, the hitter sees it as 95 to 96.”

Milwaukee won Game 1 in a route, 9-3.

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Bianca Belair hasnâ€t wrestled since WrestleMania 41, and now itâ€s becoming clear why — her finger injury from that night is still causing her problems, and thereâ€s still no timeline for her WWE return.

During a recent appearance on the Club 520 Podcast, Belair casually revealed that her injury hasnâ€t healed yet, months after her triple threat match against Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY. Though fans knew she suffered a broken finger, no one expected the recovery to drag on this long.

“I have my wedding ring on my right hand because my left finger is still broken.â€

WWE had initially expected a much quicker turnaround. According to Sean Ross Sapp on the Fightful Select Backstage Report podcast, the company didnâ€t anticipate this extended absence and thought sheâ€d be back already. He explained the full extent of what went wrong during that now-infamous WrestleMania spot:

“When the injury happened, WWE did not think she was going to be out this long. Now, her finger looked terrible from what I understood — it like swelled up big time. People were coming and checking on it. It was on the triple German suplex spot at Mania where I think that she thought she broke all of her fingers, but she actually broke the knuckle. So it ended up a lot worse than they thought.â€

Even while sidelined, Belair remains proud of the performance she delivered on the biggest stage of the year. But the reality is clear — WWEâ€s timeline has been thrown off, and thereâ€s no official word on when sheâ€ll be cleared.

“Thatâ€s one of my matches Iâ€m super proud about at WrestleMania this past year with Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY. There was a lot of strength and athleticism that we displayed, and storytelling. Thatâ€s whatâ€s amazing about WWE, itâ€s sports entertainment, for sure, and thatâ€s what we do. Iâ€m super proud to be a part of something like that.â€

With no definitive return plan in sight, the WWE Universe is left waiting for the ESTâ€s next move — whenever that may be.

Do you think Bianca Belair should return in a title chase, or start a fresh rivalry? Drop your take in the comments and let us know how youâ€d book her return.

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