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Past, Present And Future

July 2026

July 10

X News

UFC Inducts Star-Studded Hall of Fame Class of 2026 in Las Vegas

During UFC 329 fight week in Las Vegas, the UFC inducted Demetrious Johnson, Dominick Cruz, and Chris Weidman into the Modern Wing for their flyweight, bantamweight, and middleweight legacies. The epic UFC 248 strawweight war between Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Zhang Weili earned a Fight Wing spot, while writer Thomas Gerbasi received a posthumous Contributor Wing honor and Alex Pereira took the Forrest Griffin Community Award. Weidman's emotional speech highlighted family triumphs, and Pereira confirmed plans for a heavyweight return in November.

News

McGregor-Holloway Rematch Set with Record $25 Million Gate at UFC 329

McGregor weighed in at 170.5 pounds for his first MMA fight since his 2021 leg injury, while Holloway hit 170 pounds exactly for the first time in his career. The welterweight clash at T-Mobile Arena tomorrow caps International Fight Week with a sold-out crowd and a UFC-record $25 million gate, topping the prior mark from Noche UFC. Hype peaked at the presser with McGregor's antics and trash talk referencing Holloway's past losses, as Dana White confirmed McGregor's role in three of the top four biggest UFC gates ever.

News

NXT Women's Champ Grey Retains in Grueling Defense Amid Breakout Wins and Debuts

On the July 7 episode, champion Kendal Grey held off veteran Nattie in a tough title match, extending her reign as challengers circle. Layla Diggs, from Fresno and real name Bre Covington, won a Fatal 4-Way over Izzi Dame, Lizzy Rain, and Thea Hail to earn a shot at Zaria's North American Championship next week. Jaida Parker traded barbs online with Nattie over career legacies, and Reina Volcán debuted with a vignette, retiring her indie name Nikki Blackheart as the first woman from the Dominican Republic signed to WWE.

News

WWE 2K26 Releases WrestleMania 42 DLC Pack

WWE Games announced the WrestleMania 42 Pack for WWE 2K26, launching August 19 and recreating the April 18-19, 2026 event's Night 1 fiery sunset stage and Night 2 cool blue neon arena. It includes Persona cards for Cody Rhodes in golden gear, Alexa Bliss, and Liv Morgan with her 'Trouble' entrance theme, ready for MyFaction or Universe Mode. Priced at $10 standalone or included in select editions, the pack draws excitement for its venues while some fans wish for additions like Paige or Finn Bálor's theme.

News

Tiffany Stratton Eyes NXT 'Daddy's Little Rich Girl' Gimmick Return

In a KFAN interview, WWE Women's US Champion Tiffany Stratton revealed why Shawn Michaels dropped her original heiress gimmick—no on-screen daddy for the payoff—and said she's ready to repitch it on SmackDown. The character, inspired by Paris Hilton and Sharpay Evans, launched her with signature chants and a 'Rich Girl' theme, but evolved into her current 'Tiffy Time' heel after moving to the main roster. Now a titleholder fresh off WrestleMania 42 defenses against Bayley and Nia Jax, she also teased singing her own entrance theme, with fans buzzing over potential pairings as SummerSlam nears in Minnesota.

News

Red Bull's RB17 Hypercar Debuts with Roar at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026

The £5.75 million track-only hypercar, packing 1,200 horsepower, thrilled crowds on Day 1 of the July 9-12 Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, with Newey, Isack Hadjar, Yuki Tsunoda, and Alisha Palmowski taking turns on the 1.16-mile climb. Lightning McQueen from Pixar's Cars joined the fun for the film's 20th anniversary, powering up the hill with its signature 'Ka-chow!' grin and drawing huge laughs. F1 stars like Kimi Antonelli mingled with rivals, posing with Ferrari mechanics in a cheeky Mercedes post, while Lewis Hamilton lapped a Ferrari simulator amid the festival's celebration of epic racing duels.

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Ric Flair advises spending the weekend with booze, gambling, and strippers

Wrestling legend Ric Flair shared a video message encouraging people to enjoy the weekend by drinking booze, gambling, and visiting strippers. The post from FADE went virtal.

News

Conor McGregor removes Max Holloway's sunglasses and slaps his hand during UFC 329 faceoff

During the UFC 329 faceoff, Conor McGregor snatched Max Holloway's Oakley Meta Glasses off his face after Holloway complimented them and said 'we're cool.' McGregor then slapped Holloway's hand away when he tried to shake hands.

Media Man Group

Dream Matches

Past, Present And Future

Media Man Most Wanted Wrestling Dream Matches

Pop Culture element/option

CM Punk vs Kross

Logan Paul vs Cody Rhodes - Anything Goes Match!

Logan Paul vs John Cena

Mysterio vs Mysterio

Penta vs Rey Mysterio

Penta vs Rey Mysterio vs Dominik Mysterio

Roman Reigns vs The Rock

Roman Reigns vs John Cena

Logan Paul vs Jake Paul

Mysterio vs Mysterio vs Bad Bunny

Motor City Machine Guns vs Hardy Boyz

The Rock vs Ricky Saints

Cody Rhodes vs Lexis King

Steve Austin vs LA Knight

Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn - Piledriver's Legal!

Oba Femi vs Moose

Elon Musk vs Zuck - Unsanctioned Match!

Just Added: Brock vs Kross!

Kross vs Riddle (MLW): Match Happened!

Brand vs Gates

Rousey vs Rogan

John Cena vs Kenny Omega

Punk vs Jericho

Punk and Rhodes vs Edge and Jericho

Charlotte Flair vs Lash Legend

Cargill vs Green

Roman Reigns vs Talla Tonga

Dream Matches:

Ideal wrestling or boxing bouts

Here are some ideal matchups often discussed among fans for both wrestling and boxing:

Wrestling:

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. CM Punk - Both known for their promos, in-ring psychology, and rebellious attitudes, this could be a clash of eras.

Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns - Both have been seen as the faces of WWE at different times, and their physicality could make for an epic showdown.

Hulk Hogan vs. John Cena - A generational match that would pit two of WWE's biggest icons in terms of popularity and influence against each other. (included as a tribute to the late, great, Hulk Hogan). RIP Hulkster.

Sasha Banks (Mercedes Moné) vs. Asuka - A dream women's match where technical prowess meets high-flying acrobatics.

Kenny Omega vs. AJ Styles - Both have been acclaimed for their performances in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and their styles would mesh brilliantly.

Boxing:

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao (Prime vs. Prime) - Although they did fight in 2015, many fans wish to see them in their absolute primes.

Muhammad Ali vs. Mike Tyson - A matchup of two of the greatest; Ali's finesse against Tyson's raw power.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin (GGG) Trilogy - After two closely contested fights, a third could be the decider fans want.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk - Two of the most skilled heavyweights of today, with different styles, potentially leading to an intriguing battle. (Trilogy likely going ahead)!

Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Gervonta Davis - A matchup of technique, speed, and power at the lighter weight classes.

Jake Paul vs Logan Paul - Media Watercooler Rumor!

Remember, these are fantasy matchups that capture the imagination due to the styles, histories, and legacies of the fighters involved.

News Flashback

Netflix To Get 2nd Season Of WWE Unreal In Early 2026

Themes include The Road To SummerSlam

Featured Superstars: Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Pat McAfee, Jelly Roll, R-Truth, Iyo Sky, Naomi, Chelsea Green, Penta, and Lyra Valkyri.

News

Netflix Sports: News

Netflix has significantly expanded into live sports in recent years, focusing on high-profile events, weekly programming, and select marquee matchups rather than full-season league packages.

All live sports are included with any Netflix subscription (no extra fees), and streams are available globally where rights apply.

Key Ongoing Live Sports Content

WWE Monday Night Raw: Streams live every Monday night.

This is Netflix's flagship weekly live sports/entertainment program, part of a long-term deal making Netflix the exclusive home for Raw in many countries (including the US since 2025).

It features dramatic in-ring action, storylines, and superstars.

NFL Christmas Day Games: Netflix streams exclusive NFL games on Christmas Day. The multi-year deal continues into 2026 (at least one game expected that year).

Boxing Events: Netflix regularly hosts major live boxing matches, such as high-profile bouts featuring stars like Jake Paul. These are occasional blockbuster events.

Upcoming in 2026

Major League Baseball (MLB): Starting in 2026 (through 2028), Netflix will stream:An exclusive Opening Night game (e.g., New York Yankees vs. San Francisco Giants on March 25, 2026).

The T-Mobile Home Run Derby (day before the All-Star Game).

One additional special event game per year (e.g., MLB at Field of Dreams in 2026).

World Baseball Classic: In Japan, Netflix streams all games of this international tournament.

Other Potential Events: Netflix continues to add one-off live sports like tennis exhibitions or golf crossovers, plus future rights to events such as the FIFA Women's World Cup (2027 and 2031).

Netflix also produces acclaimed sports documentaries (e.g., Quarterback, Receiver, Full Swing for golf, Break Point for tennis) and has a growing library of sports-related series and films. For real-time schedules, check the "Live" section in the Netflix app.

This strategy emphasizes "cultural spectacles" and appointment viewing over everyday games, helping Netflix attract viewers with must-watch moments.

Flashback

Netflix: Sports

Netflix has become a significant platform for sports documentaries, offering a wide array of content that appeals to sports fans across various disciplines. Here's a summary of what's available and notable:

Popular Sports Documentaries on Netflix:

The Last Dance: Perhaps one of the most acclaimed, this series chronicles the career of Michael Jordan, focusing on his last season with the Chicago Bulls in 1997-98. It combines archival footage with new interviews, providing a deep dive into Jordan's life and the team's dynamics.

Formula 1: Drive to Survive: This series has significantly boosted the popularity of Formula 1 by offering a behind-the-scenes look at the drivers, teams, and the drama of the racing world. It's known for its engaging storytelling and access to the otherwise exclusive world of F1.

Untold: A series of documentaries covering various sports stories, including the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match, which reportedly contributed to Netflix's largest quarterly subscriber growth in Q4 2024, adding 18.9 million new members.

Last Chance U: Focused on junior college football, this series gives viewers an intimate look at the lives of players who are often on their last chance to make it to the NFL, showcasing the intense pressures and personal stories of these athletes.

Full Swing: Aims at changing the perception of golf as a sedate sport by documenting the lives of professional golfers on the PGA Tour, highlighting their personal struggles and the competitive nature of the sport.

Senna: A biographical documentary on Ayrton Senna, one of Formula 1's most iconic drivers, detailing his life, career, and tragic death. This documentary has resonated with fans new and old, especially with the renewed interest in F1.

News Flashback (For Educational And Historical Purposes)

More Recent Additions:

2025 Sports Documentaries: Netflix

WWE: Unreal. Is unreal! Doco/Sports Series Of The Year Contender!

A series on the rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket.

Documentaries on American Football, focusing on college football conferences and legends like John Elway.

Rafael Nadal's final season in tennis, offering unprecedented access to his life and career.

The USA Men’s Basketball Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

A chronicling of the Boston Red Sox's 2024 MLB season.

Boxing and Wrestling: With the success of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, there's an emphasis on boxing, alongside wrestling with documentaries like "Wrestlers" by Greg Whiteley, which dives into the world outside of WWE.

Viewer Sentiment:

There's been some discussion on X about Netflix's sports content, with some users expressing concern over the platform's focus possibly skewing towards male-dominated sports, potentially sidelining female sports fans. However, the general reception to sports documentaries has been positive, with many appreciating the depth and storytelling quality Netflix brings to sports.

Conclusion:

Netflix's strategy with sports documentaries seems to lean towards creating engaging, story-driven content that not only appeals to hardcore sports fans but also to those who enjoy compelling narratives. The platform continues to expand its sports catalog, focusing on both mainstream and niche sports, providing viewers with a broad spectrum of athletic stories to explore.(Grok)

News Flashback

June 2025: WWE: Unreal, (via Grok)

The series, part of Netflix’s broader WWE partnership (including streaming Raw since January 2025), aims to attract new viewers but has been called overly polished, with some arguing it prioritizes WWE’s PR over raw authenticity. WWE: Unreal is a Netflix docuseries that premiered on July 29, 2025, offering a behind-the-scenes look at WWE's creative process, from the writers' room to major events like Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41. It features stars like John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Jey Uso, and Triple H, revealing how storylines and matches are crafted while breaking kayfabe—the wrestling tradition of maintaining the illusion of reality. The series has sparked mixed reactions: some praise its unprecedented access and appeal to new fans, while others, including purists, criticize it for exposing the scripted nature of wrestling, feeling it undermines the industry's mystique.

Key highlights include:

Insight into Jey Uso’s rise as a solo star and the creative struggles to position him as a main event contender.

Revelations about WrestleMania 41’s original card, including a planned Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins main event, later altered to a triple-threat match with CM Punk.

Chelsea Green’s standout episode, showcasing her title shot journey, and John Cena’s heel turn discussions, though he declined to elaborate on it. (Grok)

*Grok wrote the above on WWE: Unreal, not us (Media Man Group).

Media Man

UFC wins Media Man 'MMA Promotion Of The Month' award

WWE wins Media Man 'Wrestling Promotion Of The Month' award

Netflix wins Media Man 'Streaming Service Of The Month' award

News

Super Bowl Ads: News

Flashback

Super Bowl 59 features a matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, set to occur in New Orleans. This year's commercials are heavily focused on humor and celebrity cameos, with a notable absence of ads related to gambling and cryptocurrency.

Advertisers have paid premium prices for ad slots, with some spots reportedly costing around $8 million. Brands like Bud Light, Hellmann’s, and Uber Eats are among those featured, with celebrities such as Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Martha Stewart, and David Beckham making appearances in various ads.

Notable Ads: Hellmann’s ad features Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan recreating their iconic scene from "When Harry Met Sally."

Uber Eats has an ad with Martha Stewart and Kevin Bacon, humorously suggesting that football was invented to sell food.

Instacart introduces its first Super Bowl ad with well-known consumer mascots like Mr. Clean and Chester the Cheetah.

Bud Light has a commercial with Post Malone, Shane Gillis, and Peyton Manning.

HexClad and Häagen-Dazs are among the newcomers to Super Bowl advertising this year.

Strategy and Impact: The ads aim to leverage nostalgia and humor to resonate with viewers, potentially avoiding the pitfalls of more controversial or divisive themes.

There's a significant focus on building long-term brand impact through these short, high-profile ad slots, with some brands like Hellmann's and Bud Light banking on star power and comedic elements to leave a lasting impression.

Trends and Reactions: There's a trend towards using AI in ads, with companies showcasing their technological advancements or using AI to enhance ad creativity.
Some ads like Google's for its AI tool Gemini had to be re-edited due to factual inaccuracies, highlighting the risks of live advertising.

General Audience Engagement: Super Bowl ads are not just about the immediate impact; they're about creating moments that can be discussed and shared across social media, extending the ad's life far beyond the game itself.

This year's ads reflect a strategy of fun, familiarity, and leveraging celebrity to capture the vast audience's attention, aiming to make a memorable impact in a setting where viewers are known to pay as much attention to the commercials as to the game. (Grok)

News Flashback

Pro Wrestling: WWE

Tiffany Stratton Calls Out Charlotte Flair for WrestleMania Showdown

During a recent WWE SmackDown event, Tiffany Stratton, the current WWE Women's Champion, directly challenged Charlotte Flair, the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble winner, to a match at WrestleMania. This confrontation has ignited discussions among fans and analysts about the dynamics of their potential encounter. While some advocate for Charlotte to elevate Tiffany by possibly losing, others argue for Charlotte to continue her dominant streak. The interaction highlighted Tiffany's ambition to carve out her own legacy in WWE, contrasting with Charlotte's established prowess. Although there's speculation about Charlotte's response, the challenge itself has set the wrestling community abuzz with anticipation for what could be a defining moment at WrestleMania. (Grok)

Media Man News

Pop Culture and Combat Sports Fans Want Return of MTV's 'Celebrity Death Match' that drew record ratings circa 1996-1998 and beyond. Some matches are showcased via the MTV Vault YouTube channel. Credit where credit is due.

Maroubra Surfer. Photo art by Greg Tingle

News

Boxing, Wrestling and Martial Arts for social good - Media Man Int, Media Man Australia and Australian Sports Entertainment

WWE’s YouTube channel hits 40 million subscribers and 30 billion views - 26th February 2019

Fox Sports Asia ramps up WWE, UFC and MMA content

Streaming Media wars heat up: Netflix, Stan, HeyU; Sports Streamers - WWE Network, FITE TV, New Japan World, UFC Fight Pass, ESPN +, Paramount Network, Global Wrestling Network et al. Opportunities, threats and unknowns

WWE and FOX billion dollar handshake deal; Rebel outsiders Murdochs and McMahons - May 2018

MMA vs Pro Wrestling vs Boxing vs Martial Arts vs other combat sports; Battle for audiences, hearts, minds, eyeballs, advertisers, bums on seats and media rights; eSports teaming up with wrestling

Bruce Prichard, sports entertainment - pro wrestling mastermind returning to work closely with Vince McMahon in creative, production, strategy et al - February 2019

Surfers to clean up Sydney Harbour on Sunday 3rd March 2019

Sports Entertainment's Most Valuable Players; Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Vince McMahon, Paul Heyman, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Ronda Rousey, AJ Styles, John Cena, Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, Jim Ross, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Hulk Hogan...

WWE Network tipped to be unveiled at Las Vegas technology show: Steve Austin Announced For WWE’s Big Las Vegas Presentation, WWE Network Announcement Possible - 2014

Social Media and Social Causes themed Media Man Facebook shines a light on both traditional media campaigns and brands as well as social justice and humanitarian news

Pop Culture, Pop Art, Trends, Movies, TV, Music, Photography, Sports and more showcased via Media Man Culture Facebook

Surf Culture and Beach Culture promotions, photography and photo art via Media Man Int, Media Man Australia and Australian Sports Entertainment