MINNEAPOLIS Is it actually over for Brock Lesnar?The Beast Incarnatelost to Oba Femi during SummerSlam 2026 night one on Saturday, Aug. 1, falling in a Hell in a Cell match that served as the main event. Femi secured the rivalry win, and after the match, Lesnar went back in the ring and hugged his opponent, before telling the audience Femi is the "future of WWE."It was a passing of the torch moment, and with questions about Lesnar's future going into the event, it leaves many people wondering if this is the end of Lesnar in wrestling.THE PAST THE PRESENT THE FUTURE@BrockLesnar | @Obaofwwepic.twitter.com/YLmd6tDWg5 WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2026Could it really be Lesnar's end? He gave no indication he would be stepping away from the ring for good.Of course, people have been fooled before. After he first lost to Femi at WrestleMania 42 in April, Lesnar strongly indicated he would be retiring as he cried and left his gloves and boots in the ring and shared an emotional embrace with longtime manager Paul Heyman.WWE then ran promos that alluded to him bidding farewell to wrestling, but he returned in May with a surprise attack on Femi. That led to a second match at Clash in Italy, which Lesnar won to set up the trilogy match in Minneapolis.A national championship-winning collegiate wrestler at Minnesota and one-time preseason player with the Minnesota Vikings, Lesnar has had a decorated WWE career since his debut in 2002. With SummerSlam in his home state, there was reason to believe Lesnar would decide to end his career where it all began.As of now, it looks like fans will have to wait to see what is next for Lesnar, or if he does eventually say anything about retirement in his next appearance.In WWE, he is a 10-time WWE champion, a two-time Royal Rumble winner and has won King of the Ring and Money in the Bank.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Brock Lesnar retiring? What's next for WWE star after SummerSlam loss

St. Paul forgot to bring their bats Saturday night, and Omaha starter Henry Williams was in no mood to help the Saints find them.Despite entering the night with a 7.03 ERA, Williams dominated the visitors lineup, allowing St. Paul just three hits and one walk, striking out five over six shutout innings as the Saints fell to the Storm Chasers 4-0.The Saints managed just four singles overall against Williams and two relievers. Hendry Mendez was the only St. Paul batter to reach base twice, recording the teams lone walk to go with his base hit.Matt Bowman (2-4, 4.81 ERA), who relieved Saints starter Ricky Castro to start the fourth, was saddled with the loss after giving up the games first run on a sacrifice fly in the first of his two innings of work. He allowed three hits and with the one earned run.With the win, Omaha (51-55) took a 3-2 series lead in their six-game set with St. Paul (60-46). The Saints look to even the series in Sundays finale, with first pitch scheduled for 5:05 p.m. Trent Baker (3-3, 5.89) take to the hill for the guests, while the Storm Chasers have yet to announce a starter to oppose him.Related Articles Saints fall as Omahas bats wake up Saints top Omaha for 60th victory of season Saints come through late to beat Omaha Omaha scores 3 in 8th inning to pull away from Saints Matt Wallner hits two homers in Saints victory

Oba Femi has been elevated to main event status while feuding with Brock Lesnar. (Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)Getty ImagesWWE SummerSlam 2026 was the culmination of arguably the best feud of the year: Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi.At WrestleMania 42, The Ruler decimated the The Beast in mere minutes in one of the best star-making moments WWE has booked this decade. After the bout, Lesnar indicated that he was retiring only to pull a fast one and return weeks later before ultimately defeating Femi in impressive fashion at Clash in Italy.At SummerSlam 2026, the two colossal stars looked to settle the score once and for all in a highly anticipated rubber match inside the sadistic Hell in a Cell structure.FORBES | By Blake OestriecherWWE SummerSlam 2026 Results As Randy Orton Returns, Shafts Cody RhodesWWE SummerSlam 2026 Results For Oba Femi Vs. Brock LesnarAt SummerSlam, Oba Femi got the best of Brock Lesnar. One more time.After battling back-and-forth in a brutal Hell in a Cell match, Femi picked up yet another career-defining victory over Lesnar. In their third epic encounter, Femi slayed Lesnar with an enormous Fall From Grace powerbomb to potentially send Lesnar off into retirement.Here are the biggest moments and key highlights from Lesnar vs. Femi at WWE SummerSlam 2026:As soon as the bell rang, the two behemoths went at it. Femi exploded on Lesnar with big body shots and a running clothesline before Lesnar caught him with three German suplexes. Femi miraculously bounced right back to his feet and clotheslined Lesnar to the outside.Lesnar whipped Femi into the steel ring steps shoulder-first, but Femi returned the favor. Femi whipped Reigns and sent him crashing through a table. Lesnar didnt stay down long. Instead, he picked up the steps and bashed Femis head three times before delivering yet another German suplex, then a fifth one.The Beast targeted Femis back with some devastating shots with a steel chair followed by a suplex onto two chairs on the ring mat. Lesnar went for the F5, but Femi countered with a monstrous choke slam to level the playing field momentarily. Femi blasted Lesnar with a trio of body shots and running uppercuts in the corner.Lesnar nearly hit an F5, but Femi countered with another choke slam before tossing Lesnar across the ring. Femi picked up Lesnar and planted him with the Fall from Grace powerbomb, and nearly won it. But Lesnar kicked out at the last second. Lesnar sat up Undertaker-style and planted Femi with not one or two but three F5s. He went for the pin, but Femi kicked out at two as Lesnar began looking unsure of himself.Frustrated, Lesnar ripped the canvas off the ring mat, exposing the wooden boards. He picked up Femi, did Undertakers infamous throat slash gesture and then hit the Tombstone Piledriver onto the exposed boards. Femi Shockingly kicked out as the crowd went berserk with some NSFW chants.Femi blocked a chair shot from Lesnar with a big punch and then hit a Fall From WWE SummerSlam 2026 Results: Whats Next For Oba Femi And Brock Lesnar?After his faux retirement at WrestleMania 42, Lesnar didnt officially confirm his retirement at SummerSlam. But after his loss to Femi, Lesnar took the microphone and called himself the past and Femi the future of WWE.WWE is, at least temporarily, closing the chapter on one of the most decorated stars in WWE history, whose wrestled quite infrequently over the past few years. Although Lesnar rightfully received his fair share of criticism in recent years, he did exit WWE, for the time being, in memorable fashion by putting over Femi in a big way on his way out.But that doesnt necessarily mean Lesnar is gone for good. In fact, there is an expectation that he may wrestle again for WWE next year.Femi has, by a wide margin, been WWEs biggest breakout star of 2026. Not only did he beat Lesnar at WrestleMania and at SummerSlam, but he also won the King of the Ring tournament and almost instantly established himself as one of WWEs most popular stars. In many ways, Lesnars exit, whether permanent or not, paves the way for Femi to assume Lesnars old role as WWEs most unstoppable force.After seemingly giving up his guaranteed SummerSlam world title match, Femi is reportedly in line for a WrestleMania 43 match against Roman Reigns in a bout that would almost assuredly be for the World Heavyweight Championship. That puts Femi in a bit of a holding pattern until WWE executes that feud.After all, Femi, after losing once to Lesnar, has no business losing to anyone else on WWEs roster anytime soon. Still, WWE should continue to put him against some of the companys top Raw stars, whether that be Seth Rollins, LA Knight or Jacob Fatu. With WWE choosing to delay Femis title shot, booking him over the course of the next year wont be easy.After his SummerSlam win over Lesnar, Femi will be riding high, but WWE has its work cut out to keep him busy until an inevitable clash with Reigns.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi faced off inside Hell in a Cell at WWE SummerSlam 2026. WWEOba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar in a remarkable and memorable main event at WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night 1. The highlight came when Brock Lesnar ripped the ring apart, unveiling the wood holding up the ring. Lesnar delivered a tombstone on Femi, who kicked out and finished off Brock with a Fall from Grace. The hard-hitting match made use of a table, chairs, steel steps and a ring mat, but not the cell. It was essentially a weapons match surrounded by a cage, but a great one at that. After the match, Brock Lesnar Oba Femi destroyed Brock Lesnar in their first encounter, which made an already rising Oba Femi into an overnight sensation. Oba Femis popularity has only increased since then, with the Nigerian Ruler winning the 2026 King of the Ring at WWE Night of Champions. Prior to Oba claiming the crown, Brock Lesnar came out of apparent retirement to attack Oba Femi and get his win back. Lesnar did just that at WWE Clash in Italy after seven F5s in a controversial decision. WWE overthought its booking of Oba vs. Brock, with Oba foregoing his No. 1 Contenders shot that he earned at King of the Ring to challenge Brock Lesnar inside Hell in a Cell. While Oba will undoubtedly receive a world title shot in the future, it was an awkward choice for the rising star to publicly declare that he was planning to put his world title aspirations on hold to beat Brock Lesnar twice and for all. Either way, fans were excited for the return of Brock Lesnar to Minnesota inside Hell in a Cell where Brock Lesnar is undefeated. Oba Femi Beats Brock Lesnar And Hails Femi As The FutureOba Femi and US Bank Stadium took part in an Oba Walk during his entrance. Michael Cole paid homage to Taz by saying here comes the pain as Brock Lesnar walked out. Locked inside Hell in a Cell, Brock Lesnar immediately hit three German suplexes. Oba Femi shrugged it off and dumped Brock out of the ring. Fans were split between Oba Femi and their hometown hero Brock Lesnar.Oba Femi hit a suplex of his own to Brock Lesnar on the outside and drove Brock Lesnar into the steel stairs shoulder-first. Oba Femi pulled out a table to the delight of Minneapolis. Oba Femi drove Brock Lesnar into the shoulder as Oba dominated early. Back inside the ring, Brock Lesnar defended himself with a steel step, bludgeoning Oba Femi three times. Lesnar returned to his bread-and-butter, delivering a fourth and a fifth German suplex. Lesnar added multiple steel chair shots to the back of Oba. Brock posed for the the crowd, who cheered. Oba Femi countered an F5 and drove him down with a standing spinebuster. Femi planted Lesnar with a suplex followed by a biel toss. Femi hit Fall from Grace. Lesnar kicked out and hit Oba with three consecutive F5s, two of which Oba immediately got up from. Oba kicked out, prompting Lesnar to bend a steel chair over the back of Femi multiple times. Brock Lesnar ripped the canvas apart and lifted up Femi for an F5. Brock transitioned into a tombstone on the wood. Oba kicked out! Desperate, Brock Lesnar grabbed a chair. Oba Femi punched the chair out of Brocks hand and stuck him with the Fall from Grace for the win. After the match, a tearful Brock Lesnar paid his respects to Oba Femi as Michael questioned whether this was the last time we would ever see Brock Lesnar in a WWE ring.Brock Lesnar took the mic and called Oba Femi the future of WWE. Match Grade: AThis article was originally published on Forbes.com

Lionel Messi is back for the MLS regular season. The superstar returned to Inter Miamis lineup on Saturday, coming off the benchin Miamis matchup against Columbus Crew.Messi entered the game in the 53rd minute for Miamis first substitution of the match, replacing Dniel Pintr. It marks Messis first game since competing in the World Cup, where Argentina fell to Spain in the tournaments final two weeks ago.Rodrigo De Paul, Messis teammate for both club and country, also rejoined Miamis squad on Saturday as a starter.Tonight's starters pic.twitter.com/uQzxZ7l6Mq Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 1, 2026Miami led Columbus 2-1 at halftime, after a weather delay postponed kickoff. An own goal from Casemiro drew the Crew equal with Miami, but young defender Noah Allen put Miami back ahead in first-half stoppage time.Messis exact timeline for a return to Miami post-tournament wasnt entirely clear: Messi and De Paul missed Miamis two games against the Chicago Fire and CF Montral in the week after the Final. (Inter Miami won both games without the Argentine pair) Messi and De Paul also opted to skip the MLS All-Star game despite both players being named to the squad.When speaking to reporters on Friday, Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos didnt commit to either Messi or De Paul returning to the lineup for Saturdays game."We've been talking, in that regard. He only just got back. We haven't really had the chance to have a proper conversation yet," Hoyos said, via ESPN. "We're genuinely happy that they've returned and are back at the club. It's great to see them here."However, Messi posted information about the game beforehand on his Instagram story, indicating that he was more likely to play. Lionel Messi appears set to be available vs the Columbus Crew!Messi posted a promotional ad for todays game to his Instagram Story which has historically meant he will be involved in some capacity.#InterMiamiCF#Messipic.twitter.com/ApcIyjL1EA Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) August 1, 2026After Messi fell short of both the World Cup trophy and the Golden Boot, it raised questions of whats next for the 39-year-old superstar. But for now, that means a return to MLS action: After Saturdays game, Miami will face San Luis and Monterrey in the Leagues Cup group stage this week.Inter Miami is second in MLSs Eastern Conference standings, neck-and-neck with Nashville SC for the top spot.This story will be updated.

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a roster move on Saturday, Aug. 1, promoting Kyle Hurt and Wyatt back to the major league staff, designating Cole Irvin for assignment, and most notably, putting Will Klein on the injured list. Klein is hitting the 15-day injured list with right elbow soreness. The righty had a noticeable drop in velocity of a couple of miles per hour from the start of the season, which is a sign of wear. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation)His pitching results have also been trending down. In June, he had a 4.32 ERA in 8.1 innings. Things got worse in July; he had a 7.71 ERA in 9.1 innings.Jul 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Will Klein (61) throws a pitch against the Boston Red Sox during the second inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn ImagesManager Dave Roberts noted that the team was going to find out the cause behind the drop-off. Were still trying to dig into it, Roberts said. I thought there were some good fastball throws in there tonight, but the secondary stuff, thats kind of whats getting him.The sweeper is not a strike; is not getting chase from it. The curveball has a different shape to it than it did last year. So I dont know if its an arm thing, a mechanics thing, but thats something were trying to dig in on.Cole Irvins contributionsIrvin was brought in for a bullpen game on Friday as Shohei Ohtani stopped pitching due to left knee soreness, leaving an opening in the six-man rotation. The Dodgers deployed Edgardo Henriquez as the opener, Will Klein as the piggyback, and then Irvin, who threw six valuable innings and 102 pitches. He saved the Dodgers from using their regular bullpen arms, with only Evan Phillips pitching after the lefty finished his work. Now, Irvin heads back down to the minor leagues, something he was well aware would be his fate. Part of the job. I signed up to be a Major League Baseball player, and some nights arent going to go your way, Irvin said. And you just got to be able to take it on the lip and keep going. I can sit here and smile because all the work that I put into my season so far got me this opportunity, and Im not going to let anything get in the way of the joy that I have right now. And yeah, it sucks to lose, but at the same time, I earned this opportunity.How has Kyle Hurt done since going down to Triple-A?Since getting demoted, Hurt has pitched in three games. He has allowed six runs in 2.1 innings of work. Much of that damage came in one appearance, when he allowed two hits, two walks, and a hit batter that led to five runs being charged to him. Jul 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Kyle Hurt (63) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn ImagesHurt was sensational for the Dodgers in the first few months, showing promising stuff and looking like the pitcher that the organization had been raving about.However, over time, things fell apart, but he gets another shot to prove that it was an aberration rather than his actual level of play.

SAN DIEGO (AP) San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez, who's among the top trade candidates as Monday's deadline approaches, was scratched from the lineup Saturday night due to cramps minutes before the game against the Padres.The Giants said it was a precaution after the leadoff batter came out of Friday night's game in the seventh inning with cramps. Arraez led the majors with a .328 batting average coming into Saturday night.The three-time batting champion and four-time All-Star is in the midst of one of his best seasons and has flashed improved defense at second base. He is an elite contact hitter who rarely strikes out and is a free agent after the season.He was traded from Miami to San Diego on May 4, 2024. He won his third straight batting title, with three different teams, by hitting .314 that season. He left as a free agent after the 2025 season and signed with San Francisco on Feb. 10. ___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

MINNEAPOLIS Its time for WWEs party of the summer.One of the major premium live events in WWE, SummerSlam is back for its 39th edition in 2026, once again a two-day spectacle that will take place in Minnesota. Six matches make up the first night of the card, and theres a solid case its the best one of the weekend.For the first time in 18 years, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes will battle one-on-one, with the top tier stars fighting for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a match thats been teased for months. Another heavyweight affair is the third installment of Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar, who are meeting in Hell in a Cell.In other action, Liv Morgan finally defends the Womens World Championship, and Nick Aldis makes his intriguing WWE debut by facing a powerhouse in Gunther.Follow USA TODAY Sports for live updates and results of SummerSlam 2026:More: WWE SummerSlam 2026 predictions: Picks, winners for every matchWatch: SummerSlam postshowHell in a Cell match: Oba Femi vs. Brock LesnarThere's no sneak attack in match three. Femi charges out of the gates, and even after he gets taken to Suplex City, Minnesota, he gets right back up to continue his attack. He throw Lesnar against the cage and steel steps before bringing out a table. He then throws Lesnar right into it. More weapons are brought out by Femi, just for Lesnar to recover enough to use them to his advantage. Femi gets hit with the steel steps and then Lesnar delivers the suplex.Lesnar's relentless in his attack, but his first attempt at an F5 results in a counter from Femi. When they both get to their feet, Femi again breaks up a potential F5 with vicious slams. The Fall from Grace lands and not only doesn't get the pin, but wakes up Lesnar, who then lands three straight F5s. Yet, Femi kicks out of the pin.THESE TWO ARE NOT HUMAN pic.twitter.com/8inl739Nd7 WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2026Frustrated, Lesnar rips the apron up and it's padding, exposing the wood of the ring. Instead of an F5, Lesnar does the Tombstone, in tribute of The Undertaker, and Femi kicks out, shocking Lesnar.TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER ON THE BOARDS AND OBA KICKED OUT!!!! THIS IS CRAZY!!!! pic.twitter.com/wnX1OjZxRm WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2026Femi lands the blow to Lesnar with a chair, and he picks him up for the Fall From Grace. He lands it, and he pins Lesnar to defeat him and officially win the battle against the legend.OBA FEMI SLAYS THE BEAST @Obaofwwepic.twitter.com/vOjL8KyG4K WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2026After Femi celebrates, Lesnar returns to the ring. He stares Femi down before he hugs him, and holds his arm up in the air for victory. He takes the microphone and tells Femi he is the future of WWE."This is the future ladies and gentleman," he said.THE PAST THE PRESENT THE FUTURE@BrockLesnar | @Obaofwwepic.twitter.com/YLmd6tDWg5 WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2026Analysis: There is indeed a new ruler in WWE.In a result that couldn't have gone any other way, Femi definitely proves he is the future of the business by slaying the dragon in Lesnar. Hell in a Cell gave the match intrigue as there were so many ways the fight could get extreme. It didn't as crazy as it could, but there were good uses of the elements, including the unique twist of ripping the ring apart from Lesnar. That spot of Femi kicking out of the Tombstone was the perfect way to prove he is no ordinary star.The end was solid, and the words after Lesnar certified everything we knew about Femi. He is indeed the future of the business, and there was no better way to prove it than by taking down the guy that had been the force of the business for so long. Femi can now continue his quest of dominance, while it remains a mystery as to what's next for Lesnar.Is it retirement or not? All eyes will be on the future of the "Beast."Brock Lesnar entrancePossibly the last WWE match entrance? The "Beast Incarnate" is back in his home state.HERE COMES THE PAIN Brock Lesnar returns to the BROCKTAGON! pic.twitter.com/Az7ahV4Pfv WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2026Oba Femi entranceThe iconic entrance arrives for the main event.KING OBA is ready for HELL @Obaofwwepic.twitter.com/8xaZoT4G4n WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2026Undisputed WWE Championship match: CM Punk (c) vs. Cody RhodesThe once friends, now enemies tie up frequently to start their match, with both sides trying to get the mental edge. Punk targeted Rhodes' left shoulder, while Rhodes tried to simply throw the champion around outside of the ring. Punk took some damage to his left knee.Rhodes got the real first swing of offense as he targeted Punk's left knee, looking sinister in the process. Although limping, Punk was doing anything he could to fend off the challenger, even taking to the turnbuckle fly a flying elbow. He tried to signal the GTS, but didn't have the strength to execute it. Instead, Rhodes landed the Cody Cutter that nearly gets the win. After that, he continues to target Punk's knee while going for another Cody Cutter that can't get the job done.A Cross Rhodes doesn't get a chance to work, and Punk tries to counter it with the GTS. Rhodes catches it, and goes for the Figure Four Leglock as Punk screams in agony. He is able to turn it so Rhodes is forced to let go. Punk tries an Anaconda Vice and Rhodes is able to get the leg on the rope to break it up.Again, Punk signals it's time to sleep, but can't get his finisher off nor the Anaconda Vice. Rhodes gets up and lands the Cross Rhodes, thinking it's it, but Punk kicks out just in time. A surprising moonsault from Punk stuns the crowd as he barely lands it. Moments later, he does get the GTS. It takes time for him to go for the pin, allowing Rhodes ample time to kick out. Punk lands a GTS again, just for Rhodes to get his hand on the rope to break up the count.These two are giving it EVERYTHING at #SummerSlam! @CodyRhodes | @CMPunkpic.twitter.com/nCQpvY4Ziu WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2026At the announcer's table, Punk lays Rhodes down and he climbs up the turnbuckle, the crowd rising to its feet, knowing what's about to happen. Punk flies for the elbow drop, but Rhodes gets out of the way as the champion crashes down into the table in a huge spot not many expected to see.Rhodes drags Punk back into the ring and goes for another Cross Rhodes, but hits referee Charles Robinson instead. Punk gets in a GTS and Rhodes follows it with a Cross Rhodes.That's when the surprise comes: Randy Orton returns for the first time since WrestleMania, and hits Rhodes with an RKO. RANDY ORTON IS BACK RKO TO CODY RHODES!!!! pic.twitter.com/3IK4QrUHSL WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2026Punk and Robinson get back in the ring, and the champion lands another GTS. Even with a slow count, Punk gets the count to retain his title.The Best in the World RETAINS @CMPunk defeats Cody Rhodes after the interference by Randy Orton. pic.twitter.com/3t2j9MoFZR WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2026Analysis: In a match we've all been waiting to see, Punk and Rhodes meet the moment in an epic clash. The match was what you want out of two mega stars, a seesaw battle with plenty of twists and turns as they each dig deep to try and best each other. While Rhodes stayed his course, Punk again pulled out a few surprises, taking to the top rope several times in moves you don't often see the WWE champion do. There was nothing wrong with the fight, but the moment Robinson went down, you knew something was up.Orton returns to re-ignite the feud with Rhodes. The right spot to do it, but definitely spoils what was a fantastic bout. Punk and Rhodes were finally able to get their long-awaited match, duke it out and then go onto new things awaiting them. We know what Rhodes has to deal with, while we wait to see who will be the No. 1 contender for Punk's title.CM Punks entranceThe WWE Champion signals it's clobbering time, with "Cult of Personality" hitting the speakers to welcome to the ring. He comes out with a jacket nodding to the Minnesota North Stars.AURA from the WWE Champion @CMPunkpic.twitter.com/WbXTaNXlN7 WWE (@WWE) August 1, 2026Cody Rhodes entranceStarring in the new "Street Fighter" movie, Rhodes has a video game-inspired entrance, including his mask donning the signature hair of Guile, the character he plays in the movie.An entrance fit for a FIGHTER! @CodyRhodes | @Street_Fighter | #SummerSlampic.twitter.com/s7x0UJjagg WWE (@WWE) August 1, 2026Nikki Bella, Brie Bella and Paige vs. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid)Brie Bella and Henley start the match, and Fatal Influence's chemistry and sneakiness allows them to gang up on their opponents, dealing a fair amount of damage to Bella against the steel steps. They gloat and mess with the other side. It takes Nikki Bella to change the swing of the match into their favor, but even then the veterans aren't quick enough to deal with all of the movement coming from Fatal Influence, trying to just fight them off. During a sequence, it looks like Brie Bella hurt her right shoulder.Jayne tries the Rolling Encore against Nikki Bella, but it doesn't land and gets Paige in. However, that doesn't entirely work. Thanks to a distraction from Henley, Jayne surprises Paige with a Rolling Encore, and gets the pin in quick fashion.Fatal Influence pick up the WIN! What a #SummerSlam debut for this group! pic.twitter.com/UfVttksopR WWE (@WWE) August 1, 2026After the match, the Bella Twins attack Paige. While a clearly injured Brie Bella looks on, Nikki Bella does most of the damage to their now former friend, sparking a new feud for the Hall of Famers in the process.OH MY GOD @NikkiAndBrie have TURNED on Paige! pic.twitter.com/DXKlQlrRHL WWE (@WWE) August 1, 2026Analysis: The new kids on the block have arrived, taking down the icons of the women's division. Fatal Influence controlled this match, and it didn't seem like there was much for the Bellas and Paige to do. It may have resulted in the bout coming off as boring, but that may have been thanks to Brie Bella appearing to be legitimately hurt. The tag team battle doesn't produce anything memorable. Fatal Influence has been a surprising but great addition to the main roster, and there's no reason to kill their rise so soon. They've continued to show they are here to stay. On the other hand, we have a clear new feud between the Bellas and Paige. Brie Bella may be hurt, but Nikki Bella vs. Paige will be something enticing to watch.Gunther vs. Nick AldisIn his first WWE match of his career, Aldis is quickly in some headlocks from Gunther, as the "Ring General" taunts him in the process. After taking some shots, Aldis finally gets some offense in, much to the delight of the crowd. Still, Gunther towers over him, and does some more damage in front of Aldis' wife, WWE icon Mickie James.Gunther goes for an early sleeper hold, the one that has ended the careers of several icons. Yet Aldis stays on his feet and breaks it up, looking for any ounce of momentum to swing his way with Gunther getting ahead of him at every step. As chants of "you still got it" rain down inside the stadium, Aldis fights back, with consecutive flying elbows before locking in the Sharpshooter. Gunther fights to reach the rope and break up the hold."YOU STILL GOT IT" @RealNickAldispic.twitter.com/Qx2pVbte0g WWE (@WWE) August 1, 2026Aldis tries the sleeper, just for Gunther to reverse it and then turn it into a Powerbomb. The sleeper is applied once more, and Aldis can't break it, tapping out and falling as Gunther claims another victim on his run of terror.After the match, Aldis gets a standing ovation from the crowd as James and his son join him in the ring to soak in the moment."The Career Killer" strikes AGAIN @Gunther_AUT has defeated Nick Aldis at #SummerSlam. pic.twitter.com/ZakxhlhWQZ WWE (@WWE) August 1, 2026Analysis: In his long awaited WWE debut, Aldis holds his own in defeat. It's always interesting to see how people who have been away from the ring do, and Aldis didn't disappoint. He showed up in incredible shape, and looked like his old self with some of those spots, something he should be proud of.Of course, it was another long-time star that Gunther was going to take down. The "Ring General" was again one step of his opponent, constantly on the attack. Aldis had his few moments to shine, but it was all Gunther in this one. It would have been cool to see Aldis pull off the upset, but there wasn't anyway Gunther could drop this. It was a good feud to get him in the mix for SummerSlam, and now he should move on to another top card battle.Nick Aldis entranceThe SmackDown general manager makes his WWE entrance debut, with the song "Morning Glory" by Oasis.What a MOMENT @RealNickAldis is ready for his FIRST match in WWE! pic.twitter.com/Q0lK2BlDFA WWE (@WWE) August 1, 2026LA Knight, Solo Sikoa and Royce Keys vs. The Bloodline (Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu)The Bloodline challengers don't wait much time to start the fight, rushing the ring to get the party started. The first one-on-one fight is with Jey Uso and Sikoa, and Uso seems to get the early advantage, but Sikoa mocks his brother and gets the upper hand. Just to taunt, he even runs it back with Uso's theme music, as he and crowd yeet in front of a disgruntled Uso. Not Solo Sikoa running it back This is CLASSIC! pic.twitter.com/FqA1XO5Jjx WWE (@WWE) August 1, 2026Naturally, Fatu comes in the picture to changes the whole dynamic, allowing The Bloodline to tee off on their family member. The assault lasts a good amount of time until Sikoa is able to get a lifeline by tagging in Keys, who goes back-and-forth with Jimmy Uso. Next up are LA Knight and Jey Uso, with the "Megastar" getting the upper hand despite a sudden spear. All hell breaks loose as everyone gets some action in the ring, leaving Fatu and Keys alone to battle it out. Outside of the ring, Keys surprises Fatu by launching him over the barricade. Back in the ring, Jey Uso spears Knight and sets his twin brother up for the splash, but the pin attempt doesn't end it. Sikoa then sneaks in a Samoan spike on Jimmy Uso, distracting Jey Uso. When he looks back, Knight has a BFT waiting for him. He sticks it and pins him to defeat The Bloodline.After the match, Sikoa gets a hug from LA Knight.Analysis: The Bloodline isn't as dominant as before, suffering a loss while one of its former members shines.LA Knight may have gotten the win and Keys had the major spot toward the end, but Sikoa was the absolute star of this match from beginning to end. His charisma as a face is ridiculously entertaining, and he has the whole crowd in the palm of his hand. He stood out from everyone else in this match, and you can only hope there's more going forward with him as a solo act. The match wasn't spectacular nor bad, executing exactly what it needed to do in the current run of The Bloodline.Women's World Championship match: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Iyo SkyThe champion quickly attacks Sky off the jump, trying to end it early, but the challenger's quick thinking spoils it and gets a big push of momentum, gleefully trotting around the ring while landing hits on Morgan. When the action goes outside of the ring, Sky tries to get up on the barricade, just for Morgan to trip her up and seize control. She continues the fight in the ring, executing the patented Three Amigos with the signature Eddie Guerrero emote.When a small window open, Sky pushes through it and is back on the hunt, taking to the top turnbuckle with a drop kick and getting the crowd going with her signature emote. She follows it with a stunning leap out of the ring, and when she tries to get her finisher readied, Roxanne Perez comes out to distract the referee, while Raquel Rodriguez pushes Sky down. That allows Morgan to try to get the win, but Sky kicks out. The two try to attack Sky again, but the challenger is ready for it. Morgan then gets sent crashing down onto her fellow members of The Judgment Day, and Sky flies to take them out. Back in the ring, the two competitors meet at the top turnbuckle, where Sky delivers the Spanish Fly that nearly gets the victory.IYO SKY CAN FLY pic.twitter.com/RtkM94oshe WWE (@WWE) August 1, 2026Punches are traded when they get back on their feet, and Morgan attempts ObLIVion, just for Sky to avoid it. Moments later, Sky does her own version of her opponent's finisher, landing it but not getting the win. Sky zeroes in on the win with the Over the Moonsault, and Morgan gets out of the way and quickly gets a flying Code Breaker. The pin attempt on that one doesn't work.There's another ObLIVion attempt that fails, but this time, Morgan stays ready and follows it with a Code Breaker that does land. Sky bounces back toward the ropes, and finally, ObLIVion works. The champion takes Sky down and gets the win to retain her gold.WOW @YaOnlyLivvOnce retains the Women's World Title after a BATTLE at #SummerSlam! pic.twitter.com/CmfvGHEYcs WWE (@WWE) August 1, 2026Analysis: Was that Morgan's best match ever? The champion meets the moment with Sky to deliver an epic opening match that was rocking from the jump. Sky has a knack for bringing out the best out of her opponents, so it may be the case, but this definitely was a standout performance for Morgan from their meeting a Night of Champions. She stepped her game up to not give an ordinary outing, with a finsihing sequence that was brilliant and worthy of a title-holder. You knew Rodriguez and Perez would come out to make their presence known, but not letting them dictate the result helped the match be brilliant on its own. Sky was great as usual, but it's hard to ignore how good Morgan was, especially that final sequence that just ruled.A stellar start to the event, and Morgan makes the wait for her first title defense well worth it and proves a Danhausen curse doesn't last forever.Justin Jefferson opens SummerSlamMinnesota's star receiver narrates the introduction of SummerSlam.Justin Jefferson welcomes @WWE SummerSlam to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis this weekend. Stream both nights of the event live on the ESPN App. pic.twitter.com/JboXM5smho Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 31, 2026Who is Vaughn Evelyn?"God Bless America" was sung by Vaughn Evelyn. If she looks familiar, it's because she is the youngest daughter of Paul "Triple H" Levesque and Stephanie McMahon.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WWE SummerSlam Night 1 results: Oba Femi rules the day; winners, highlights

Shaquille O'Neal admits he understands why some Lakers fans dislike him and LeBron James originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Over the years, the Los Angeles Lakers have had plenty of superstars come through their doors and stand out. Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James are among those players, and they helped them become champions. Shaq won three championships and Finals MVPs during his time, while LeBron led them to a title with a Finals MVP as well.Unfortunately, it seems they are not the biggest fan favorites despite their success with the Lakers. Shaq is not seen as one of the top Lakers legends, which is likely connected to his feud with Kobe Bryant. Now, it seems there is a mixed reaction to LeBron even after he just left the team.Shaquille O'Neal thinks he knows why the Lakers dislike him and LeBron JamesShaq has probably heard from all kinds of Lakers fans over the years, especially the past two decades. He left the team in some bad circumstances because it came from the peak of his feud with Bryant. O'Neal and Bryant got to reconcile at some point, but it left a bad taste in some Lakers fans' mouths.When it comes to James, the Lakers fans did embrace him, especially when he led the team to a championship in only his second season with the team. Unfortunately, they could not win the championship again during his stint, which led to a vocal minority resenting him.MORE:The Lakers get a brutal grade from the LeBron James departureThe Lakers now have Luka Doncic on the team, so it is easy to get over James leaving because they have a superstar. However, it does feel a little bit weird because a lot of supporters are not feeling that sad with LeBron leaving, which Shaq can relate to."They didn't love me; they loved Kobe. Listen, this is what we call B.O.B brother, the Business of Basketball. When they get like me, when I'm in charge, I'm a difficult man to deal with. The thing has to be done my way, and people don't agree with that, so when you get you up out of there, I can kinda understand both sides," Shaq said about what he felt about the Lakers' fans not taking a liking to him and LeBron.James is now playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, which is a team that has a stronger chance of winning the title due to the abundance of star-level talent. It can be a bitter pill to swallow for some Lakers fans, but a lot of them still appreciate LeBron for what he did. They are also well aware that they don't have to be sad because they still have a mega star on their team.More NBA news:The timeline for Jonathan Kuminga to make his decision gets an updateThe Lakers are in a bidding war for Jonathan Kuminga with the Cleveland CavaliersKevon Looney is on the same contract with the Lakers as LeBron James in PhiladelphiaThe reason why Julius "Dr. J" Erving loves LeBron James so muchRich Paul provides a big update on Bronny James' future with the Lakers amid trade rumors

Lane Thomas, who will be a free agent after the season, has hit well against lefties this year