Chicago Can’t Sell a Cage Match… So WWE Tries a “Blackout” Finish
WWE’s Elimination Chamber (Feb. 28 at the United Center) is getting the kind of heat you don’t want: the “why are there still seats available?” kind. Reports say ticket sales are lagging, with thousands still unsold—and WWE’s response isn’t “drop prices,” it’s “cut off the local oxygen.”
Yep: bars and restaurants within roughly 50 miles are reportedly being blocked from airing the show, even if they’re willing to pay a licensing fee. That means fewer watch parties, fewer alternatives, and one big neon sign that reads: “Buy a ticket or watch alone.”
Chicago is a wrestling town. If you’re still not selling? That’s not “the market.” That’s the office.
Royce Keys: Royal Rumble Pop… Then Straight to Podcast Purgatory
Remember the splashy debut? Royce Keys (formerly AEW’s Powerhouse Hobbs) shows up in the Royal Rumble… then vanishes like creative’s accountability.
And what’s he done since? The most visible thing making rounds is an interview with Stephanie McMahon on her podcast.
Now, I’m not saying podcasts don’t matter. I’m saying you don’t debut a monster and then feed him soft-launch content while the roster’s spinning its wheels. That’s not a push — that’s a bookmark.
Also: if your opening segment turns into “kids have the flu” small talk? Congrats, you’ve invented the fastest way to make fight fans hit skip.
ICE Custody: Indie Wrestler Nicole Lucero’s Real-Life Fight
Here’s the part that isn’t storyline, isn’t “angles,” and isn’t funny.
Independent wrestler Nicolth Hernandez-Lucero (who wrestles as Nicole Lucero) was taken into ICE custody in South Florida earlier this month, according to multiple reports and local coverage.
Her husband says she’s from Colombia, has lived in the U.S. since she was 15, and that they’ve been working through the immigration process; reporting also notes she entered legally and has had an ongoing asylum-related process.
This is one of those moments where the wrestling world drops the tribal nonsense and remembers: it’s a human being first.
Mexico in Chaos After “El Mencho” Killed — Lucha and Live Events Take the Hit
Multiple major outlets report that Mexican security forces killed CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (“El Mencho”) in a military operation, and the aftermath has triggered waves of violence across parts of the country—roadblocks, arsons, clashes, and widespread fear.
And when society locks down, entertainment gets punched right in the mouth. Reports indicate events and venues have closed/canceled, and pro wrestling has been directly impacted — including a CMLL cancellation in Guadalajara amid the crisis.
For Canadian readers: some reporting also points to travel disruption and advisories tied to the unrest in affected areas.
If you’re in Thunder Bay planning a trip south (or down to Mexico) because “it’s cold and I deserve joy,” make sure you’re checking official updates and not just the loudest guy on your timeline.
AEW/ROH: “Free Tickets” in Jacksonville… Because That’s How You Fill a Room
Meanwhile, AEW’s event listings show Ring of Honor tapings at WJCT Studios in Jacksonville on Sunday, March 1, with free tickets via pre-registration (capacity limited).
This is the simple truth WWE keeps dodging: make it easy to attend, and people attend. Wild concept, I know.
Boxing: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II Set for Sept. 19 at Sphere — Streaming on Netflix
And now the nostalgia cannon fires.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao II is officially booked for Saturday, Sept. 19, at Sphere in Las Vegas, streaming live on Netflix.
The first fight was a record-setting money-printing event. The rematch? It’s combat sports admitting what it always does: new stars are hard — old brands are easy. Just don’t dress it up like it’s 2015 again. It’s 2026. The miles are real.
