Just days away from WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, WWE — under the TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) umbrella — is proving once again that it’s not just a wrestling company; it’s a global entertainment machine.
With massive moves across podcasts, live events, toy licensing, and international expansion, WWE has laid out a roadmap that stretches far beyond the squared circle. Whether you’re tuning in on YouTube, attending a live Raw taping, or flying to Paris for a Premium Live Event, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious years in WWE history.
Here’s everything fans need to know.
🎙 Cody Rhodes Launches “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” Podcast
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is bringing his charisma to the airwaves with the launch of “What Do You Wanna Talk About?”, a biweekly podcast produced by Fanatics and presented by Wheatley American Vodka.
Debuting later this month, the show features Cody in candid one-on-one interviews with WWE Superstars and Legends, revisiting pivotal career moments, untold stories, and more — all while enjoying cocktails crafted from Wheatley Vodka, distilled at Buffalo Trace.
The podcast expands on Rhodes’ 2024 digital series, which saw him travel cross-country in a Wheatley-wrapped tour bus for intimate interviews with names like Randy Orton and Bianca Belair. New episodes will stream on all major audio platforms and on WWE’s YouTube channel, which boasts over 108 million subscribers.
“We’re gonna talk about the journey — the wins, the heartbreak, the grit. And we’re doing it my way,” Rhodes said in a preview teaser.
🎧 Fanatics Doubles Down on WWE Podcasting
Cody’s podcast is part of WWE’s expanded media relationship with Fanatics, who are now handling the production and distribution of all WWE-branded podcasts. The newly launched “Raw Recap Show”, hosted by Megan Morant and Sam Roberts, recaps the latest episodes of Monday Night Raw.
Up next? An instant-reaction podcast dropping after each Premium Live Event, starting with WrestleMania 41 this weekend.
The partnership builds on the success of Fanatics managing WWE’s e-commerce and live-event merchandise business, which hit record numbers during last year’s WrestleMania XL in Philadelphia.
🌍 Clash in Paris Announced – Cena’s Final WWE Match in France
In a major international move, WWE has announced Clash in Paris, the company’s first-ever Premium Live Event in France, set for Sunday, August 31 at Paris La Défense Arena. That same venue will also host Monday Night Raw on September 1, creating a blockbuster two-night run in the French capital.
Combo tickets for both shows go on general sale Friday, April 25 at 10 a.m. CET via Ticketmaster.fr, with presale access opening Wednesday, April 23.
The event is also slated to be the final WWE appearance in France for John Cena, as part of his global 2025 Farewell Tour.
Other featured stars include:
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Cody Rhodes
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GUNTHER
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CM Punk
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Rhea Ripley
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Charlotte Flair
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Penta
Fans looking for an upgraded experience can secure Clash in Paris Priority Passes through On Location, which offer ringside seats, Superstar appearances, photo ops, and pre-show hospitality. Details and deposit info: onlocationexp.com/wwe/paris
🎟 10-City Summer Tour of Raw & SmackDown Announced
WWE is hitting the road this summer with 10 new tapings of Raw and SmackDown across the U.S. and Canada, with tickets going on sale Friday, April 25 at 10 a.m. local time.
Highlights include:
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July 7 – RAW – Providence, RI – Amica Mutual Pavilion
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July 11 – SmackDown – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
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July 21 – RAW – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
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August 8 – SmackDown – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
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August 11 – RAW – Quebec City, QC – Centre Videotron
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August 15 – SmackDown – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Fans can register for presale access starting Wednesday, April 23 at 10 a.m. local by visiting:
👉 wwe.com/new-events-presale-registration
🧸 Mattel & WWE Extend Licensing Deal for Action Figures and More
WWE also announced the multi-year renewal of its long-running global licensing agreement with Mattel, continuing the production of their popular action figures, playsets, vehicles, and roleplay items.
Since 2010, Mattel’s WWE figures have been top-sellers, and the WWE Main Event Action Figure Series is now the longest-running continuous action figure line in history. The extension comes as WWE content expands globally on platforms like Netflix, which began streaming Monday Night Raw in the U.S. this January.
“We’re committed to delivering authentic, high-quality products that capture the energy and larger-than-life personalities of WWE,” said Josh Silverman, Mattel Chief Franchise Officer.
“This partnership brings our Superstars to life in a way that connects across generations,” added Alex Varga, WWE Co-Head of Revenue.
Fans can find the current collection online at shop.mattel.com and at global retailers.
🎡 WWE World Returns for WrestleMania 41 Weekend
And for those heading to Las Vegas this weekend, WWE World — the five-day interactive fan festival — returns at the Las Vegas Convention Center (West Hall) from April 17–21. With meet-and-greets, memorabilia showcases, live shows, and exclusive merchandise drops, WWE World remains the centerpiece of WrestleMania Week.
🧾 Final Thoughts
From launching podcasts to launching Premium Live Events on new continents, WWE is expanding at every angle — digitally, globally, and in live experiences. With stars like Cody Rhodes leading the charge, and legacy icons like John Cena passing the torch, the summer of 2025 will be remembered not just for in-ring action — but for how WWE once again raised the bar on what it means to be a global entertainment brand.
🎧 Stay tuned to The Cut Pro Wrestling Podcast and Back Sports Page for full WrestleMania coverage, behind-the-scenes exclusives, and interviews from Vegas and beyond.
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