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WWE Royal Rumble 2024: Cody Rhodes, Who Aims to ‘Finish the Story’, Bayley, Earn Title Shots at WrestleMania 40

By Michael Fairman

Published

3 years ago

on

Photos: WWE

On Saturday night, The Royal Rumble live from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida and streaming on Peacock, was one of the most highly-anticipated premium live events in WWE history.

Would Cody Rhodes win his second men’s Royal Rumble in a row to punch his ticket to WrestleMania 40 and an apparent rematch from last year’s ‘Mania” with Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, or would CM Punk, Gunther, Drew McIntyre or anyone else stand in his way?  That was just one of the plotlines going into the night.

However, the card started out with the 30 women Royal Rumble, and as it turned out, it wound up being the best match of the night.  Although the women’s rumble lasted well over an hour, it provided many highlights, a tease of stories to come and gave the victor her due. Here’s a rundown of the four matches on the card.

Photo: WWE

WOMEN’S ROYAL RUMBLE: When the contestants clocked in, the usual blasts from the pasts were not involved, which was a good sign that WWE had enough sense to keep it truly competitive. The women’s rumble included the ‘biggest pop of the night’ and that was for the returning Naomi! If you recall, she, along with Sasha Banks, walked out of the building and the company, and threw down their WWE tag team title belts, in May of 2022 and she hasn’t been back in a WWE ring since.

The women’s rumble also featured the long-awaited debut of Jade Cargill, who did not disappoint one bit. During the rumble, it was Cargill who power lifted one competitor over her shoulders, while Bianca Belair did the same, noting that a Bianca vs Jade showdown could come at WrestleMania 40. TNA champ, Jordlynne Grace also appeared in the rumble to the delight of the crowd and the fact that the door appears to be open for Grace to work in the WWE, as well, and future performers from that organization. The last entrant at #30 was returning favorite Liv Morgan, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Photo: WWE

At the end of the match is was down to three: Cargill, Bayley and Morgan. Next, Cargill went over the top rope and then Bayley gave a kick to Morgan and she went over the rope, leaving Bayley victorious. Now, who will Bayley pick to go up against at WrestleMania 40? Well, it has to be Damage CTRL team member and WWE women’s champ, Iyo Sky for the juiciest of storylines. Stay tuned as Bayley’s win will continue the dissolution of the most dominant female clique in sports entertainment, right now.  It was clear the crowd at Tropicana was all-in on a Bayley win.

FATAL FOUR-WAY – ROMAN REIGNS, LA KNIGHT, RANDY ORTON, AJ STYLES for the universal championship

Going second was the Fatal Four-Way No DQ match for Reigns’ Universal Championship. However, aside from coming out of the gate with some major moves by all four competitors, the end of this match was the same ole’ same ole’.

After ‘The Tribal Chief’ was down, he got back only to be targeted by the “Megastar” with a BFT, while “The Phenomenal One” landed a Styles Clash.  However, Orton delivered three RKOa in a row to each of his opponents.

Just as Orton had Reigns about to be pinned for the three-count, the referee got pulled out of the ring, when his leg was grabbed by a hooded man, who revealed himself to be the Bloodline’s enforcer Solo Sikoa. Next Sikoa comes in the ring to deliver a few Samoan Spikes. “The Viper” was furious while an enraged AJ Styles grabbed a steel chair. In the end, Reigns prevailed and hit a spear on Styles to retain the title.

If the Bloodline’s storyline isn’t reinvigorated asap, these wins by Reigns are getting stale, with the same interference over and over again. But, it’s always great to watch, or in the case of the attendees, be in the presence of the ‘Tribal Chief” nonetheless.

Photo: WWE

KEVIN OWENS VS. LOGAN PAUL FOR THE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP

Fresh off signing a new deal full-time contract with the WWE, just what would be the fate of Logan Paul’s run as United States Champion?  The match with KO and “The Maverick” got off to a solid start, due to Paul’s ability to b a high-fly and so athletic and agile in the ring.

After some back and forth, there became a scene at ringside, when a member of Paul’s entourage (revealed to be his real-life manager Jeff Levin) was being told to leave by security. It was then that Austin Theory and Grayson Waller arrived to deliver brass knuckles to Paul.

However, Owens got a hold of the knucks but was caught by the official during a three-count for the victory. The ref quickly disqualified KO. At the end of the match Owens assaulted Paul with a powerbomb through the announce table.

Looks like “The Jerks” clique is becoming a ‘thing” by having Paul, Waller and Theory watching each others backs and cheating along the way.

Photo: WWE

MEN’S ROYAL RUMBLE

The start of the Men’s Royal Rumble was red hot with the #1 and #2 entrants were twin brothers, Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso. It marked the first time the two shared a ring together since Jimmy’s betrayal of his brother at Summerslam. While we thought perhaps at some point the two would work together for their own gain, they were at odds, leading us to believe as many suspect it could be Uso vs. Uso at WrestleMania 40.

Another AEW defector made his WWE debut when Andrade shocked the crowd and returned at the #4 spot.  However, it was clear that the show was behind in time, as the competitors were now making their way to the ring in what felt like lightning speed.

When the smoke cleared, there were only four remaining Drew McIntyre, Gunther, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes.  Punk sent McIntyre flying over the ropes and Rhodes was able to outsmart the IC champion and Gunter went out next.  Leaving to  a heart-stopping conclusion. After several minutes of meeting each other move for move, and Punk clearly trash talking Rhodes, in particular when he said, “I didn’t wait ten years to lose to Dusty’s kid,” it became more apparent that a full heel turn is imminent for Punk.  Previously, Punk delivered a Pedigree on Cody as well.

However, Rhodes was not going to give in to Punk and rallied to throw the “Voice of the Voiceless” over the top win for the victory. Not since ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin in 1997-1998 has anyone gone back-to-back with Royal Rumble victories. “The American Nightmare” joins an elite group of Austin, Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels as the only fourth man to do so in WWE history.

Photo: WWE

At the end of the night, Rhodes celebratory in the ring, pointed to Reigns and special counsel Paul Heyman now seated in the sky box at Tropicana Field, meaning he is coming for him and he intends this time to “finish the story.”

With no shocking entrant such as “The Rock” showing up at #30, this was a predictable way to finish the show. But maybe everyone that was hoping for a plot twist was just blindsided by what’s in front of them. The WWE is telling us Cody will ‘finish the story’ and this April, it looks like Reigns lengthy time on top of the mountain might seriously come to its end.

So, what did you think of CM Punk and Bayley winning the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble? Share your thoughts via the comment section. But first check out the WWE Royal Rumble video highlights, followed by the Michael Fairman Channel’s “What’s Up? Wrestling” livestream immediately following last night’s ‘Rumble’ from St. Petersburg, Florida.

 

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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’

Published

12 hours ago

on

September 12, 2026

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Steffy and Carter

After taking a second pregnancy test on the Friday, September 12 episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) freaks out ever more when it come back positive, too. Leading her to shriek, multiple times over, “Oh my God! Oh my God! I’m pregnant!”

As previously reported, CBS and The Bold and the Beautiful have already confirmed that in the story, the baby Steffy is carrying is Carter’s (Lawrence Saint-Victor) which kicks-off their 40th season of storytelling. However, could there be a twist down the line that it’s really Finn’s (Tanner Novlan)?

On Friday’s episode, Carter gets a text from his wife, Daphne (Murielle Hilaire) telling him she wants to talk more about surrogacy later, since she cannot carry Carter’s child, and the couple was exploring ways for them to have a baby. Suddenly, Carter flashes back to waking up next to Steffy on the couch in the office after they had sex the night before in their drunken stupor.

Carter

Courtesy/CBS

CARTER DEVISES A PLAN

Then, Steffy comes whirling into the office demanding to talk to Carter right away. Steffy is informing Carter that she has to tell Finn about their night together more than ever! A confused Carter asked her what changed, when they agreed to keep their one night together a secret? Carter tells her if she reveals what happened between them, it will tear about all of their lives.

Carter thinks nothing will come of their “mistake” if they keep their mouth shut. Steffy responds, “You’re wrong.” She goes on to explain that she’s pregnant! That declaration stuns Carter and we fade to black.

However, it was the preview for the action next week on The Bold and the Beautiful, that aired at the end of Friday’s episode and is now all over B&B’s social media that is the real tell-tale sign of where this story is heading.

B&B SPOILERS

In a scene airing next week, Carter says to Steffy, “I have a way out of the situation for all of us!” This comes on the heels of Daphne telling Carter she wishes she knew someone who would be their surrogate. So, putting two and two together, it looks like Carter will come up with the idea to pass Steffy and his baby off as the surrogate child of Carter and Daphne.

Look no further than the official B&B spoilers for episodes airing Monday, September 14- Friday, September 18 and the teaser lines of the Steffy/Carter baby drama to back that up below.

Monday, September 14, Steffy’s news complicates things even more with Carter, while on Tuesday, September 15, 2026  Daphne is hopeful she and Carter will be able to find a surrogate and Carter rushes to stop Steffy. On Wednesday, September 16, Carter makes a passionate plea. and by Thursday, September 17, Daphne can’t believe Carter’s suggestion. Then come Cliffhanger Friday, September 18, Steffy is caught off guard.

So, what do you think how it look to be Carter who originated plan to keep the truth from ever coming out, that he and Steffy had sex, and the best way to do this is for Steffy to be the surrogate for Carter and Daphne’s child? How complicated will the cover-up eventually get? Will Steffy fall in love with the baby making this whole thing untenable for her? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section, but first check out B&B’s video teaser for next week’e episodes below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?

Published

13 hours ago

on

September 12, 2026

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Jason and Britt

On the Friday, September 11 episode of General Hospital, Jason (Steve Burton) and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship becomes strained to potentially the point of no return.

Things take a turn when an unglued Britt having been traumatized by almost being killed by Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) asks Jason to back her up with the PCPD when she reports Anna for attempted murder.

However, Jason told Britt, he can’t. Jason shares that he does not believe Anna would have gone through with shooting her. Therefore, Britt was not in any real imminent danger. Britt is flabbergasted and hurt that Jason is refusing to tell the police what he actually witnessed for himself on Mount Emerson.

Britt

Courtesy/ABC

BRITT WANTS BACK UP FROM JASON

Jason counters that he can’t believe that Britt would want Anna punished. or sent to prison, or a mental facility after the trauma she endured while being locked up and mentally tortured while at Wyndemere.

He asks Britt, “How could you even say that you want her locked up or prosecuted for what she did when you knew she was being held prisoner and you did nothing to save her?” Britt is stunned by Jason’s response.

Coming up, official General Hospital spoilers share that on the upcoming Monday, September 14 episode, Jason confides in Carly (Laura Wright), while Britt is stung. In the video preview that aired at the end of the Friday, September 11 episode for this coming Monday, Britt says to Jason, “You don’t believe me. Do you?”

General Hospital head scribes, Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte previously teased in their fall preview of the soap, “Britt and Jason have come a long way and fought a lot of enemies to be together. But the most stubborn obstacle to their happiness isn’t without, it’s within. Decisions Britt made to stay alive while under Cullum’s thumb will come back to haunt her and may prove too difficult for this unlikely couple to survive.”

So, what do you think will happen? Will Jason and Britt break-up over Britt’s lies and Jason’s unwillingness to report Anna’s crime against her? Do you want Jason and Britt to go their separate ways? If they do, will Britt become romantically involved with Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) ? If so, who do you pair Jason with? Anyone? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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Recaps

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy is Shaken to the Core, ‘Oh My God! I’m Pregnant!’

Published

2 days ago

on

September 10, 2026

By

Steffy

On today’s Thursday, September 10 episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) discovers she’s pregnant, after taking a home pregnancy test, that will launch a new story arc that will remain front and center for the show in the months ahead.

The life-changing story kicks off the B&B’s 40th season which officially began on September 8. In it, Carter Walton (Lawrence Saint-Victor) is the biological father of Steffy’s unborn child from their drunken night together when both endured turbulent times in their marriages.

Previously, Carter had trouble with Daphne (Murielle Hilaire), when she initially walked out on him, because she could not carrying his child. Meanwhile, Steffy broke up with Finn (Tanner Novlan) while in Monaco over Finn’s mother Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown) showing up, who once tried to kill her.

Courtesy/CBS

Fast-forward, Carter and Steffy made a pact that no one will ever need to know about their drunken night together, but now with Steffy becoming pregnant it changes everything. Making matters all the worse, Daphne views Steffy as her best friend, in fact, Daphne and Carter have been talking about having a child via surrogacy. While Finn had showed the couple how to start the process of finding a surrogate, Daphne felt just choosing a random person to carry Carter’s child is so impersonal. She would rather have it be someone she knows.

It does not take a scientist to predict … that somehow Steffy will carry the baby pretending to be the surrogate, when she its biological mother, and along the way, the questions become, does she keep the whole thing somehow a secret to herself? Doe Carter find out at some point? Stay tuned to see how this story reveals itself.

At its root, this is a major storyline for Wood, who has already won three Daytime Emmy Lead Actress Awards in her 18 years with The Bold and the Beautiful. In that time, her character of Steffy has experienced multiple pregnancies, given birth to two children, Kelly with Liam (Scott Clifton) as the father, and Hayes with Finn as the father, and endured a miscarriage.

So, what did you think of Steffy getting confirmation she is pregnant and looking mortified when she found out? What will she do next? Will she tell Carter? Will Daphne come to Steffy to ask her to be her surrogate, which Steffy may think will be the answers to her prayers, only for the truth to come out later, or falling in love with the baby since its hers to be begin with? Share your thoughts and theories for this major story for Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, via the comment section.

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