WWE Crown Jewel 2025 was held in Perth, Australia, for the first time.
Seth Rollins defeated Cody Rhodes to win the men’s Crown Jewel Championship.
Stephanie Vaquer became the Women’s Crown Jewel Champion by defeating Tiffany Stratton.
In a highly anticipated match, John Cena was victorious over AJ Styles.

For the first time, WWE Crown Jewel was held outside of Saudi Arabia and instead in Perth, Australia, for the 2025 edition. The premium live event features the top champions of the company facing off for the right to be the ultimate title-holder. That meant Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins meeting while Stephanie Vaquer and Tiffany Stratton squaring off in a battle of rising stars, and some underdogs pulled through for a major win.

That wasn’t all that transpired. In a meeting of legends, John Cena and AJ Styles met for one last time, and they put on an absolute thriller in one of the best matches of the year. Australia natives Rhea Ripley and Bronson Reed were in action, and they had some big performances in their home country.

Watch: Crown Jewel post-show

WWE Crown Jewel Championship match: Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins

A matchup both stars desperately wanted to win, Rollins was clearly a different person from the get go, playing desperate knowing how much a victory would do for him. He raged at the announcers and was showing frustration in how Rhodes had the early lead. When Rollins’ powerbomb didn’t lead to victory, he was extremely upset at the referee.

Rollins eventually got the upperhand and that’s when you saw him finally go back to himself, taunting Rhodes with a Stardust and Dusty Rhodes homage. Of course, it eventually bit him back as Rhodes started rolling, getting a Cody Cutter and a bionic elbow in to rattle the World Heavyweight Champion.

Rhodes looked like he was keying in on victory with a Cross Rhodes, but Rollins countered with his own version of it. He landed it but the pin didn’t work, and the frustrations again continued for him. After he was unable to get the victory again, Rollins went out and grabbed the Rolex watch that was once Rhodes’ father. He thought about using it, but he decided not to. The time spent was detrimental, with Rhodes recovering and landing the Cross Rhodes. Rollins kicked out just in time to stay alive.

The tide turned again in Rollins favor, and he turned in a wild coast-to-coast headbutt on Rhodes. A few moments later, the two met at the top turnbuckle, with Rollins landing a Spanish fly, only for Rhodes to again kick out. Rollins looked like he was going for a flying stomp, but Rhodes met him on the turnbuckle again. He then landed a flying Cross Rhodes, and Rollins kicked out of that.

They got to their feet and traded blows, but Rollins grabbed the watch and knocked Rhodes when the referee didn’t see. He was knocked down and Rollins delivered not just one stomp, but a flying stomp for good measure. It was enough and Rollins got the pin to win the Crown Jewel Championship.

After the win, Rollins was presented the Crown Jewel Championship and ring, and he was joined by the women’s winner Stephanie Vaquer.

Analysis: Redemption. Rhodes has haunted Rollins for years, and he desperately needed a win. A loss would’ve been catastrophic for what he has built, especially since Rhodes has had his number. A win and Rollins can continue to build what’s becoming a dominant story in The Vision.

It was clear how desperate he was for it, and although he did resort to some sneaky tactics, he did it without his stablemates interrupting and that’s huge for his reputation. He can in fact do it on his own and prove he’s one of the best in the business.

The World Heavyweight Champion needed a victory. He got it, and 2025 is officially the year of Rollins.

Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane)

The Kabuki Warriors were aggressive out of the gate, attacking their opponents the moment the bell rang in a surprise to Sky and Ripley. Once things settled, Sky and Asuka were in the ring as former friends and now foes squared off in a very frantic pace from the two. Sky had the advantage over Asuka, but when she took the action outside of the ring, Sane came in to help halt the momentum and get the advantage for the Kabuki Warriors as they went to work on their former ally. The punishment to Sky was brutal and looked far more aggressive than typical tag matches.

After several minutes of struggling, Sky finally got the hot tag to Ripley and she wasted zero time clearing up the ring against her opposition. Sane tried to put up a fight against Ripley but she wasn’t able to overpower the Australia-native. Sky came back in and Sane looked to be able to neutralize her, thanks to some help from Asuka. The Kabuki Warriors were calculated in baiting Ripley and Sky into rough spots. 

Ripley looked to have Sane ready for the Riptide, but she got out and tagged in Asuka to help execute an InSane Elbow. A pin would’ve put the match away, but Sky broke up the tag. The momentum suddenly shifted to Ripley and Sky, who used a combination of a Riptide and Over the Moonsault to put the Kabuki Warriors away for the win.

Winner: A captivating tag team match from four highly talented stars, delivering a bout that never felt dull. The match flowed so well, it was remarkable to see the chemistry on display. Every star got the chance to shine, something that can really make a difference in the quality of tag team matches.

It was extremely unlikely to see Ripley lose in her home country, but the match did a great job of making it seem like it was possible. The story between these four doesn’t seem over just yet, and it was a great start to what should be a fun segment to watch.

Watch: Rhea Ripley makes entrance in home country

John Cena vs. AJ Styles

Two faces of a generation had a traditional lock-up to begin the highly anticipated match, turning back the clock as they tried to get an early advantage. Styles had a slight upper hand, seeming to be just a step ahead of Cena. The 17-time champion didn’t stay down for long, executing a Five-Knuckle Shuffle against Styles and following it with an Attitude Adjustment for what looked like what could be a quick victory. However, Styles kicked out.

Styles converted a modified AA on his opponent, but hurt his knee in the process and wasn’t able to get a cover. It gave Cena enough time to recover and he used The Miz’s Skull Crushing Finale on Styles, which wasn’t enough for the win.

Soon afterward, Cena went for the STF submission that was turned into Styles’ own version of it. A submission fury went on with Cena rolling into a Camel Clutch and then trying a Walls of Jericho. Styles rolled into a Calf Crusher before Cena went with another STF.

Styles got out of it and readied Cena for the Styles Clash, which hit. However, Cena kicked out of the pin attempt. ‘The Phenomenal One’ readied for the Phenomenal Elbow, but Cena caught his opponent and had him set up for Sister Abigail in a homage to Bray Wyatt. It landed but the pin didn’t work, and the crowd brought the fireflies out.

Finally, both stars took a moment to breathe and traded blows against each other. Cena tried a Pedigree, only for Styles to drop his opponent on his head. Both stars were down and Styles tried to pin, but Cena kicked out just in time. Cena got up and paid homage to longtime rival Randy Orton with Vintage Orton and then an RKO. However, the pin wasn’t enough, and Styles got up to land the AA, which also didn’t land a pin. Styles went for a Five-Knuckle Shuffle when Cena grabbed his neck just like The Undertaker, and landed the devastating Chokeslam.

Styles perfectly executed a 450 on Cena, and he got the band ready for a Sweet Chin Music, which landed but didn’t result in a win. He followed it with a Phenomenal Elbow, but that didn’t lead to a win either. Another AA from Cena wasn’t enough. Cena then countered with a Tombstone Piledriver and immediately followed it with another AA, which finally did the trick. Cena pinned Styles for the win in the final matchup.

Analysis: What. A. Match.

Cena and Styles delivered so many classics years ago, and in their final meeting, put up a performance for the ages. It was incredible to watch these two legends turn back the clock and deliver an instant five-star classic. There were so many homages to wrestling’s greats and both stars executed those moves beautifully. It was captivating to watch and had everyone on the edge of their seats. It was a reminder of how beautiful wrestling can be.

Given how close we are to the end of the farewell tour, it only made sense for Cena to get the win following the mess at Wrestlepalooza. Now the retirement tour is back on track, but if Crown Jewel showed anything, it’s that Cena definitely still has it, and it’s going to only hurt more to see him go. It also made everyone appreciate Styles as he will retire by the end of 2026. Bravo to these two legends for leaving everything on the line in one of the best matches of the year.

Watch: John Cena makes final entrance in Australia

Only a few more signature Cena entrances left.

Cena also has ring announcer Alicia Taylor give a special introduction for Styles.

WWE Women’s Crown Jewel Championship match: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Tiffany Stratton

Two young stars but two very contrasting styles were clashing right out of the gate, with Vaquer’s technical skill forcing Stratton to quickly adapt so she wouldn’t fall behind so soon. Stratton got some moves in but there wasn’t much for her to build off thanks to Vaquer’s quick thinking to halt any attack. The best combination came when Stratton used a cartwheel to execute an Alabama Slam on her opponent.

Both stars were trying to prepare their signature moves on each other, only for the opponent to counter it into something else. Finally, Vaquer executed the Devil’s Kiss to get some real momentum, with a nice tribute to Eddie Guerrero. The pin attempt was unsuccessful.

Stratton saw a window for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Vaquer got out of the way in time. She saw Stratton down and Vaquer climbed up for the Corkscrew Dive. It landed and Vaquer got the pin to become the Women’s Crown Jewel Champion.

Afterward, WWE chief content officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque presented Vaquer with her ring and title.

Analysis: ‘La Primera’ is on top of the women’s division. What a dominant performance by Vaquer in this one as it just felt like she was completely ahead of Stratton in this one. The WWE Women’s Champion was playing catch up for much of the match and trying to hang with Vaquer, only proving how good of a wrestler she is.

It’s hard to find another meteoric rise like Vaquer. She has completely ascended to the top of the company, but she has proven she deserves it in every massive milestone. There’s no telling if someone will be able to stop it, and with how dominant Vaquer was against Stratton, she is miles ahead of the rest of the women’s division.

Australian street fight: Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed

Following a tense stare down, Reigns quickly went to work with jabs to Reed as he had the crowd in his favor. Reigns threw Reed over the barricade as he continued a heavy offensive attack while maneuvering through the crowd. He also had some fun, throwing a rugby ball at Paul Heyman and using a cricket bat to hit Reed. Soon after, a kendo stick assault took place, and Reigns used the time to get the crowd to acknowledge their Tribal Chief. They did, but that’s when Reed was finally able to get on offense.

Reigns didn’t stay down for long, countering Reed’s attack with a Samoan drop onto a steel chair. He felt a finish coming with all the momentum in his favor, and he readied the Superman punch, only for Reed to turn it back toward his end.

It was becoming difficult for Reed to get a real attack in because of how well Reigns was recovering, and it took Bron Breakker’s emergence from the crowd to really punish Reigns. Breakker speared Reigns outside of the ring, and The Vision partners sent the opponent through the announcer’s table. The advantage didn’t last very long when The Usos came out to help their cousin.

The Vision turned their attention to The Usos in an attempt to wipe out any advantage, including a running spear by Breakker outside of ring to Jimmy Uso to put him through the barricade. Reed watched it unfold and then wanted a Tsunami, and despite a brief fall, he was able to set Reigns up to get an accidental spear from Jey Uso. The ‘Yeet’ man was stunned and then quickly speared by Breakker.

The advantage fell back to The Vision, and with Reigns down, Reed climbed up and executed the powerful Tsunami on Reigns, and it put him away as Reed pinned him for the win.

Afterward, Reigns scolded his family for trying to help, and he left them in the ring while the brothers argued.

Analysis: What a stunner. Reigns has only been pinned by Cody Rhodes in singles competition in the past few years, and to see Reed snatch victory is a monumental achievement not just for The Vision, but for his career.

It was an Australian street fight but there wasn’t too much carnage one could expect in this. Just a few spots outside of the ring, and everyone could have guessed Breakker and The Usos would appear in this one. Yet how the match unfolded was quite entertaining and a solid start to the night.

When is WWE Crown Jewel 2025?

Crown Jewel 2025 takes place Saturday, Oct. 11.

WWE Crown Jewel start time 2025

Crown Jewel begins at 8 a.m. ET. The preshow begins at 6 a.m. ET.

Where is WWE Crown Jewel 2025?

The event will be held at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

How to watch WWE Crown Jewel 2025

WWE Crown Jewel will stream on ESPN’s streaming service. Viewers can sign up for a subscription to the site here. Subscriptions start at $29.99 a month.

ESPN’s streaming service is available through select cable and TV packages, including:

DIRECTV
Fubo TV
Hulu + Live TV
Spectrum
Verizon FiOS

If your cable or TV package includes ESPN, steps to activate it can be found here. The event will also be shown at select movie theaters nationwide.

Internationally, Crown Jewel 2025 will be available on Netflix in most markets.

Stream Crown Jewel on ESPN

WWE Crown Jewel 2025 preshow: how to watch

The Crown Jewel preshow will be available to watch on ESPN and WWE’s social platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

WWE Crown Jewel 2025 match card

Matches not in order

John Cena vs. AJ Styles
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane)
Australian street fight: Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed
WWE Women’s Crown Jewel Championship match: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Tiffany Stratton
WWE Crown Jewel Championship match: Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins

Crown Jewel predictions

USA TODAY Sports’ wrestling writers predict what will unfold at Wrestlepalooza. See the full predictions for the entire event here.

John Cena vs. AJ Styles

Jordan Mendoza: John Cena
Richard Morin: John Cena

Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane)

Jordan Mendoza: Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky
Richard Morin: Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky

Australian street fight: Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed

Jordan Mendoza: Roman Reigns
Richard Morin: Roman Reigns

WWE Women’s Crown Jewel Championship match: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Tiffany Stratton

Jordan Mendoza: Stephanie Vaquer
Richard Morin: Stephanie Vaquer

WWE Crown Jewel Championship match: Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins

Jordan Mendoza: Seth Rollins
Richard Morin: Seth Rollins

Crown Jewel championship

In 2024, WWE introduced the Crown Jewel Championship, which is awarded to the winner of the respective men’s and women’s champion vs. champion match as a “best of the best” prize. 

The winners of the men’s and women’s match are presented with a championship title a ring, similar to a Super Bowl ring, to mark the achievement. 

In the inaugural edition, Cody Rhodes won the men’s Crown Jewel Championship and Liv Morgan won the women’s.

How many dates does John Cena have left?

Crown Jewel 2025 will mark Cena’s 32nd appearance of 2025, and with 36 promised in his final year of wrestling, there are only four shows left for Cena after the show. His career will culminate with Saturday Night’s Main Event on Dec. 13.

His next appearance won’t be until Nov. 10 for Raw in his home state of Massachusetts. Here are the rest of the dates of his final run:

Nov. 10: Raw (Boston, Massachusetts)
Nov. 17: Raw (New York City, New York
Nov. 29: Survivor Series (San Diego, California)
Dec. 13: Retirement Match at Saturday’s Night Main Event (Washington, D.C.)

Bowling Green’s unofficial mascot, Pudge the cat, made his ESPN College Football GameDay debut and continues to captivate the audience with his unique charm and antics, stealing the show every time.

Bowling Green fans proudly wear t-shirts featuring the smooshed face of Pudge the cat, an iconic member of the team since he arrived in the locker room. Pudge joined the team after senior long snapper George Carlson brought his 3-year-old cat for a visit following a long day of preseason camp. He has become more than just a mascot; Pudge is a unifying figure and an integral part of the Bowling Green football program. He travels with the team and even has his own security detail. Taylor Jefferson, the assistant athletic director for marketing and brand enhancement, can be seen carrying Pudge in a carrier on the sidelines to ensure he doesn’t miss any of the action.

The fans’ love for Pudge is undeniable. When they see him, they treat him like a rock star. Head coach Eddie George acknowledges Pudge’s popularity, which often overshadows his own. He compares Pudge to Julius Caesar, with fans throwing roses at his paws, a clear sign of their adoration.

PHOENIX — The 2025 WNBA season is in the books after the Las Vegas Aces swept the Phoenix Mercury to win their third title in four years. Now, all eyes shift to the looming collective bargaining agreement deadline.

The offseason will be one of the most important in league history. The league’s newest franchises, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, will begin play during the 2026 season, which will be WNBA’s 30th anniversary. But the draft lottery, expansion drafts and subsequent free agency period are all contingent on a new CBA, and the WNBA and WNBPA remain far apart on a deal as the Oct. 31 deadline rapidly approaches.

Minnesota Lynx All-Star forward Napheesa Collier, who serves as the WNBPA vice president, highlighted just how far the divide stretches by publicly criticizing WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert as negotiations have slowed.

‘We have the worst leadership in the world,’ Collier said on Sept. 30. ‘We go to battle every day to protect a shield that doesn’t value us. The league believes it succeeds despite its players, not because of them.’

What’s next for the WNBA? What happens if they don’t reach an agreement? Will there be a 2026 season? Here’s everything you need to know as the current agreement is set to end in less than three weeks.

When does the current WNBA CBA run out?

The current CBA, which was signed into effect in January 2020, shortly after Engelbert took over as commissioner in 2019, was originally set to expire in 2027 after eight seasons. The WNBPA, however, exercised its right to opt out of the agreement last October amid unprecedented league growth, meaning the CBA now ends on Oct. 31, 2025.

Collier previously said the players have prioritized ‘two main points’ of concern amid negotiations — increased revenue sharing and salary structures.

Under the current agreement, WNBA players receive 9.3% of the league’s revenue, according to Market Watch, which includes income generated through ticket sales, TV deals, licensing and merchandise. The WNBA’s revenue share agreement is significantly lower than other professional leagues. NBA players receive 49-51% of all basketball-related income, while NFL players get 48% of all revenue and NHL players receive 50% of revenue.

What happens if new CBA not reached by deadline?

Engelbert hinted at the possibility of an extension, which allows the league to operate under the current CBA for a temporary period to avoid a stoppage as negotiations continue between the WNBA and WNBPA. Both sides agreed to a 60-day extension in 2019 before reaching an agreement on the current CBA on Jan. 14, 2020, ahead of free agency.

‘While I hope we make the October 31st deadline, and that is a real deadline from that perspective, we have extended deadlines in the past,’ Engelbert said during her press conference ahead of the WNBA Finals on Oct. 3. ‘Last time, when I was only a couple days on the job, we got to an extension and got a deal done that was progressive at the time. So again, I feel confident that we can get a deal done, but if not, I think we could do an extension.’

If they don’t reach an agreement before the CBA expires, or by the extension deadline if one is agreed upon, the league will experience a work stoppage and temporarily shut down until a contract is signed. That means players will not be able to access team facilities. There would be no draft lottery, expansion drafts, free agency, trades, WNBA draft, training camps or preseason until a new CBA is reached.

Has there ever been a WNBA lockout?

When are the WNBA expansion drafts?

The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire are set to join the league in 2026 as the 14th and 15th franchises of the WNBA, but the teams may have to wait a little longer to begin assembling their inaugural rosters.

When the Golden State Valkyries joined the league as the 13th franchise in 2025, the team’s expansion draft was held on Dec. 6, 2024. Although the Tempo noted their expansion draft will be held in December 2025, the league hasn’t announced an official date or format for a multi-team expansion draft amid CBA negotiations.

‘Obviously we need to get a collective bargaining agreement done before we will probably have those expansion drafts, as well as the draft lottery,’ Englebert said. ‘We have given our general managers some guidance on how we’re thinking, but until we get the collective bargaining agreement done, it won’t be finalized as to the format or process. But you can expect, because you saw what we did last year, something similar.’

There will be more expansion drafts in the future. The league is set to expand to 18 teams by 2030 with the additions of Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029) and Philadelphia (2030), who each paid a $250 million expansion fee to join the league.

Coaching vacancies

There are five open coaching positions heading into the 2026 WNBA season. In addition to the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo expansion teams, three teams parted ways with their head coaching after the 2025 season:

Sept. 21: The Seattle Storm didn’t renew Noelle Quinn’s contract after five seasons following the team’s second consecutive first-round playoff exit against the Las Vegas Aces. The Storm finished the regular season as the WNBA’s No. 7 seed with a 23-21 record.
Sept. 23: The New York Liberty didn’t renew Sandy Brondello’s contract one year after winning a title following the Liberty’s first-round WNBA playoff exit against the Phoenix Mercury. They finished the regular season as the WNBA’s No. 5 seed with a 27-17 record.
Sept. 30: Dallas Wings fired Chris Koclanes after one season following a 10-34 finish, tied for the league’s worst record.

When does free agency start?

Barring any setbacks, WNBA free agency is expected to start in the winter of 2026 and will likely be a wild ride. The league will have a staggering amount of free agents as many players avoided signing contracts past the 2025 season, aside from rookie-scale contracts, as a new CBA and possibly higher salaries are on the horizon.

Money is not the only thing on the negotiating table and a new CBA could impact free agency rules, but as of now, here are the key free agency dates for last season, per the WNBA:

January 11-20                   All qualifying offers and core player designations delivered
January 21                        2025 Player Negotiating period begins
January 21                        Open to trade drafts picks for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 drafts
February 1                         Player Contracts may be signed

When does Unrivaled start?

Although players have repeatedly stated a lockout is the last resort, Collier said the players are preparing themselves for ‘every outcome.’ During the 2025 WNBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis, Collier reiterated a message the union has communicated to players: ‘We don’t want (a stoppage), but you have to be prepared. … Make sure you have money squared away.’

Having options doesn’t hurt. The additions of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league (founded by Collier and Breanna Stewart) and the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball league have provided players alternate avenues to earn money outside of the WNBA while staying in the country.

The second season of Unrivaled tips off on January 5, 2026. The league expanded from six teams to eight teams, increasing roster spots from 36 to 54, in addition to a practice pool. WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, Napheesa Collier, Alyssa Thomas, Breanna Stewart and Kelsey Mitchell are among the players confirmed for the second season, which will broadcast games on TNT, TruTV and Max.

The inaugural Unrivaled season, which ran in the offseason from January to March in Miami, saw players earn a median salary of $220,000, according to the Associated Press. In comparison, WNBA salaries for the 2025 season range from a minimum of $66,079 to a maximum of $249,244 under the current CBA.

ESPN reported Unrivaled made $30 million in revenue its inaugural season, double what league officials had projected. Unrivaled announced on Sept. 8 that it has been valued at $340 million after a second round of investment.

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PHOENIX — Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected from Game 4 of the WNBA Finals on Friday at Mortgage Market Center.

Tibbetts found himself on the wrong end of the referee whistle when he was arguing a foul call on Monique Akoa Makani. Akoa Makani was called for fouling Las Vegas Aces guard Dana Evans. Tibbets got into referee Gina Cross’ face, arguing the call at the 2:41 mark of the third quarter.

Cross issued a double technical foul on Tibbetts, and he was ejected. He did not immediately leave the court, seemingly confused by what had just happened. Eventually, he walked off the court and up the tunnel to exit the game.

The officials were asked postgame what triggered the two technical fouls.

‘After a foul was called on Makani, coach Tibbetts came onto the floor and yelled, ‘That’s f—ing terrible,’’ crew chief Roy Gulbeyan said. ‘After the first technical was assessed, coach Tibbetts stepped in closer, aggressively, to the calling official and again yelled, ‘That’s f—ing terrible.’ At that point, a second technical was assessed, and he was ejected.’

The Mercury rallied to close a 20-point deficit to six points after Tibbetts was tossed but could not get any closer. Phoenix lost to the Las Vegas Aces, 97-86, in Game 4 and were swept out of the WNBA Finals.

‘I can’t remember what I said and I probably don’t need to repeat it,’ Tibbetts said postgame. ‘The inconsistencies night to night, yeah, in a closeout game for them to shoot 35 free throws, it’s not ideal. I thought early in the playoffs, they let teams play a little bit more. But tonight that was not the case.’

Later in the fourth quarter, Mercury center DeWanna Bonner was called for a technical foul when she was stripped of the ball trying to corral an offensive rebound. Kahleah Copper was also assessed a technical when she fouled out with less than two minutes remaining in the game.

Tibbetts said he had a wish list for officiating in the WNBA.

‘Just consistency across the board,’ Tibbetts said. ‘Again, I came from a league (the NBA) that I thought there was real direction and growth in continuity as staffs. There’s change in this league. The product is continuing to get better, there’s more eyes on it. I think the officiating has to grow with the league.’

PHOENIX — After leading the Las Vegas Aces to their third title in four seasons, forward A’ja Wilson was named WNBA Finals MVP on Friday at Mortgage Market Center.

She finished with 31 points, nine rebounds and three blocks as the Aces swept the Mercury by winning Game 4, 97-86, at Mortgage Market Arena in the first best-of-seven series.

‘God is good, he’s been working on this team from the jump,’ Wilson said as she accepted her Finals MVP Award. ‘For us to be able to celebrate this, it’s truly special. We worked our butts off to get to this point and now it’s time to have some fun.

‘I wish I could take the credit, but this is God working.’

Wilson averaged 26.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.1 steals and 2.5 blocks per game in the postseason going into Game 4. It’s been a special season for Wilson, who was also named regular season MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and to the All-WNBA and All-Defensive team.

‘I said this when she got her fourth MVP. Who do you have on your (WNBA) Mount Rushmore? She’s sitting alone on Everest,’ Aces coach Becky Hammon said. ‘There’s no one around.’ 

In eight seasons, Wilson arguably has a résumé that defies logic. She now has three championships, two Finals MVP selections, four regular-season MVP awards, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, two scoring titles and a Rookie of the Year nod.

Albert Pujols, the future first ballot Hall of Famer, interviewed for the Los Angeles Angels’ managerial vacancy on Thursday, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team didn’t plan to announce interviews.

The meeting went well between Pujols and Angels general manager Perry Minasian, with Pujols reiterating his desire for the job, but no offer was formally made, according to a person with direct knowledge of the talks.

“For me, I’ve always been serious about everything that I do in this game,’ Pujols told USA TODAY Sports in March, “and now I’m serious about managing. This game has done so much for me, and now, I want to give back.

“I’m ready.’

The Angels’ managerial job became vacant when the Angels did not pick up Ron Washington’s 2026 option.

If he becomes a manager, Pujols, an 11-time All-Star, three-time MVP and two-time World Series champion who hit 703 homers, would become the first 700-homer hitter to ever manage in the major leagues. Pujols, 45, retired after the 2022 season. He became a special assistant to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, worked as an analyst for the MLB Network, and has been a guest instructor each spring with the Angels, honoring his 10-year, $10 million personal services contract.

Pujols, who recently married Nicole Fernandez, the daughter of former Dominican president Leonel Fernandez, managed Leones del Escogido to the Caribbean Series championship this past winter. He is scheduled to manage the Dominican Republic next spring in the World Baseball Classic, but would abandon the post if he lands the Angels job.

“He’s ready,’ said Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa, who managed Pujols 11 years in St. Louis. “And he’s going to be great.

“You talk about integrity. You talk about his IQ. You talk about his discipline. I call him ‘APP: Albert Perfect Pujols.’ When a guy has that much to offer and has so much love for the game, the game benefits when he wants to stay active and share.’

Certainly, there are plenty of star players who have become Hall of Fame-caliber managers. Joe Torre was a nine-time All-Star and batting champion, leading the Yankees to four World Series. Dusty Baker was a two-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove winner, leading five different teams to the postseason with three pennants and a World Series title. Lou Piniella was an All-Star and two-time World Series champion, and led three different teams to the playoffs and won a World Series championship.

“The key is not whether you’re a great player or not, but whether you have that love for the game,’ La Russa said. “Torre, Dusty, they love the game. And Albert loves the game. He always had the mental side commitment, and was inquisitive, always talking about the game. … So, if you have somebody with the kind of greatness like Albert, and is still motivated to stay close to the game, it’s a win-win for all of us.’’

San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt, who has known Pujols since 2005 during their time together in St. Louis, said: “I truly believe he’s doing to be a tremendous asset to any organization. A lot about managing is caring about people, and Albert does that. He has such attention to detail. He’s very clear in his messaging, a very principled guy with a great reputation. Really, he’s almost out of central casting for a manager.’

Now, he could be the greatest player to ever be a major-league manager, with Minasian predicting this spring that Pujols would be successful no matter where he manages.

“I always felt his baseball acumen is second-to-none,’ Minasian said. “His desire to win is second-to-none. And his ability to connect with all different kind of players, and make players believe in themselves is a hell of an attribute.

“Just the person, take the baseball part of it out, is impressive. The honesty. The belief. Everything. I think he can do whatever he wants in this game.’’

In the words of Angels great Mike Trout: “I think he’s going to be a great, great manager.’

Pujols, who’s looking forward to pursuing opportunity, believes in his heart he’ll be successful, too.

“I’d love the opportunity to give back to the game of baseball,’’ Pujols said. “I know I don’t have the experience as a manager, but 23 years in this game, you go through a lot. I’m talking about experience from baseball, being on the field and in the locker room. It’s not going from a university to try to be a manager and not having any baseball experience. Old-school mentality can help young mentality.

“I’ve learned from some of the best managers in the game. I believe with my experience, and the way I can communicate with players, I can have success. …

“If they give me the opportunity, I can promise you that I’m going to do my best to prepare the team to win a World Series. Is that a guarantee? No. But I can guarantee that I will prepare the guys to play the game just like I did with that mentality and toughness.’’

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This story has been updated with new information.