Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons made a bold statement earlier this week by requesting a trade. The Cowboys’ young defensive star has been in negotiations for a new contract this offseason but the two sides have yet to agree on a new deal.

Current and former Cowboys stars have weighed in, showing their support for Parsons. Same goes for fans, who yelled ‘Pay Micah!’ at Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before he spoke to a crowd at Dallas’ training camp in Oxnard, California.

Jones had a message for Cowboys fans Saturday.

‘I would say to our fans, don’t lose any sleep over this,’ he said during training camp practices on Aug. 2.

This is a stark contrast to what Parsons said in a post a day earlier detailing his reasons for a trade request.

‘Yes I wanted to be here. U did everything I could to show that I wanted to be a Cowboys and wear the star on my helmet,’ Parsons said on social media. ‘I wanted to play in front of the best fans in sports and make this Americas team once again… Unfortunately I no longer want to be here. I no longer want to be held to close door negotiations without my agent present.”

Jones’ comments Saturday are also a slight change from what he said on the eve of training camp.

‘Just because we sign him doesn’t mean we’re going to have him,’ Jones said on July 21. ‘He was hurt six games last year, seriously. We’ve signed, I remember signing a player for the highest-paid at the position in the league and he got knocked out two-thirds of the year in Dak Prescott. So there’s a lot of things you can think about, just as the player does, when you’re thinking about committing and guaranteeing money.’

Parsons missed four games in 2024, not six, and was at least a second-team All-Pro in the three prior years, all of which he was healthy for.

‘Contracts are four, five years, OK?’ Jones continued. ‘There’s a lot of water under the bridge if you step out there and do something in the first two or three. You can get hit by a car. Seriously.’

Parsons was in Oxnard on Aug. 2 when Jones made his latest comments but was not participating in team activities.

The Cowboys had a similar standoff last offseason with Prescott before eventually agreeing to a long-term extension. Parsons is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2025.

Quite a week for Luka Dončić.

First, he appeared in a Men’s Health story about his offseason diet and workout routine, revealing a slimmer, fitter and more muscular Dončić, and then he spent time in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles as a featured athlete in Jordan Brand’s summer campaign.

The week culminated with the Los Angeles Lakers star signing a three-year, $165 million extension that brings his salary through 2028-29 to $206.8 million.

And there’s a catch that will make Lakers fans and Dončić happy: Dončić has a player option for the 2028-29 season, meaning he can become a free agent in the summer of 2028.

“I can’t wait to get started,” Dončić said Saturday.

The Lakers are happy, too. They have Dončić under contract for at least the next three seasons. If Dončić becomes a free agent in 2028, the two sides, according to ESPN front-office insider Bobby Marks, can agree on a five-year, $417 million contract when Dončić is 29 years old.

The Lakers are positioned to make Dončić the face of the franchise for the next eight seasons, while of course sharing that spotlight with LeBron James for at least one more season.

There are short-term and long-term angles to the Dončić-Lakers pairing. They want to compete for a title in 2025-26, and the way Dončić and James are working out this summer, they’re intent on making a run.

This deal is also about the future. The Lakers didn’t trade Anthony Davis and risk alienating one of the all-time great players just to have Dončić leave for another team after a couple of seasons.

The Lakers’ trade for Dončić before the February trade deadline is one of the most stunning trades in NBA history. The Dallas Mavericks gave up an MVP-caliber player and sent him to one of the league’s premier franchises. It was such a stunning trade that it took Dončić time to process it, and there was no guarantee he would make a long-term commitment to the Lakers.

So, the Lakers took their time, gave Dončić time and put together plans to show Doncic how he would be the face of the franchise. At Saturday’s news conference, Dončić acknowledged that he feels “much better” as a Laker today than he did five months ago.

Meanwhile, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss reached a deal to sell a majority stake in the franchise to Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter. The dynamics of the NBA are shifting on and off the court. Ownership is changing hands or has changed hands in Phoenix, Boston, Dallas, Minnesota, Charlotte, and Los Angeles over the past two seasons, and the Portland Trail Blazers are now for sale.

The Lakers need to figure out James’ situation, and that relationship has the potential to become messy. Dončić will do his best to say the right things and stay out of the way there. That’s an issue for James and management.

“All the interactions we’ve had with LeBron and his camp, Rich (Paul, James’ agent) in particular, have been positive and supportive, very professional. … We want to respect his ability to come up with his timetable. If he has a chance to retire a Laker, that would be great,” Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said.

Yes, there were LeBron James questions at Doncic’s press conference announcing Doncic’s extension. But the day was about Doncic – and the days and seasons ahead for the Lakers are all about Doncic, too.

An individual who threw a sex toy onto the court during the Golden State Valkyries’ 77-75 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday at Gateway Center in College Park, Georgia, has been arrested, the WNBA confirmed to USA TODAY on Saturday.

The incident happened in the final minute of Tuesday’s contest as the Dream and Valkyries were tied at 75. The lime green object was thrown from the stands onto the court and landed near the top of the free throw line shortly after Atlanta’s Maya Caldwell blocked a 3-point attempt from Golden State’s Tiffany Hayes. Officials did not stop play as the object bounced toward the sidelines. A police officer later picked the item up using a towel.

Days later, another sex toy was thrown onto the court during Golden State’s 73-66 victory over the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena in Chicago on Friday. The incident happened with 7:42 remaining in the third quarter as the Sky led 39-37. Officials immediately halted play after a green object landed out of bounds under the basket.

‘The subject involved in the incident in Atlanta on Tuesday has been arrested,’ the WNBA said in a statement to USA TODAY on Saturday.

A number of WNBA players have spoken out against the string of incidents. Sky center Elizabeth Williams said it’s ‘super disrespectful,’ while Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham said flying objects could ‘hurt one of us.’

‘I don’t really get the point of it. It’s really immature. Whoever is doing it needs to grow up,’ Williams said following Friday’s game. New York Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison added, ‘ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better. It’s not funny. never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous.’

The WNBA said any spectator caught throwing anything on the court will be ‘immediately ejected and face a minimum one-year ban,’ in addition to facing charges.

‘The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority for our league,’ the WNBA said. ‘Objects of any kind thrown onto the court or in the seating area can pose a safety risk for players, game officials, and fans. In line with WNBA Arena Security Standards, any fan who intentionally throws an object onto the court will be immediately ejected and face a minimum one-year ban in addition to being subject to arrest and prosecution by local authorities.’

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

In real life, it’s said that defense wins championships. In fantasy football, defense is nothing more than a thorn in your side.

The ever-evolving world of fantasy football has seen some changes in recent years, making the removal of defenses a more acceptable league format.

For some, it’s preferred. For others, it’s taking the easy way out.

If you are someone who celebrates tradition and enjoys the defensive mayhem that can occur on a football field, this is for you.

What are the best fantasy football defenses in 2025? Here’s a look at USA TODAY’s preseason fantasy D/ST rankings.

2025 POSITION RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST | Overall

Fantasy football rankings: D/ST

2. Houston Texans. The Texans benefit from playing in a division that will feature a rookie quarterback in Tennessee and a situation in Indianapolis that will have defensive coordinators salivating. An aggressive DeMeco Ryans defense should only make life more difficult, especially after adding C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the fold. They can challenge for the best fantasy D/ST of 2025.

3. Philadelpia Eagles. Philly lost Milton Williams, Josh Sweat and Darius Slay, but is littered with talent across the board. After a dominant Super Bowl performance, there is more than enough here to continue their strong play.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers. Another fantasy staple, Pittsburgh has gone all-in for 2025. T.J. Watt’s contract dispute ended before it became an issue and the secondary got an upgrade in Jalen Ramsey. Coming off another top-5 finish in 2024, this remains one of the more consistent units to trust in fantasy.

6. Minnesota Vikings. Brian Flores runs an aggressive defense, but J.J. McCarthy being an unknown could put this unit in some tough spots this season. Some key departures mean they’re likely to take a step back, but not by much. Still, this isn’t a D/ST for the risk averse.

8. Seattle Seahawks. This team is almost unrecognizable, resembling a group thrown together by the computer in the fifth season of a Madden franchise mode. Yet that is more on the offensive side of the ball as Mike Macdonald’s team finished as DST6 in 2024. Having added even more pieces this offseason, things are looking up on young Macdonald’s farm.

10. Detroit Lions. Despite a lengthy list of injuries in 2024, the Lions still managed a DST10 finish to the season. With new coordinators on both sides of the ball, however, there are some concerns. The reinforcements on the way, especially the return of Aidan Hutchinson, should make the transition smoother though.

13. New York Giants. Big Blue has sleeper potential in 2025, boasting a pass rush that promises to inflict pain and suffering on opposing quarterbacks with Brian Burns and Abdul Carter off the edge. Russell Wilson won’t put them in a bad spot with costly turnovers either, boosting the floor for what could be a sneaky good defense. There’s a real chance you can get this potential top-10 unit at a major discount.

14. Los Angeles Chargers. Jesse Minter appears to be on the fast track to landing a head coaching job in the near future and it’s all thanks to a solid defense. They’ll need some progression from their young players in the secondary and production from Khalil Mack, but they can be on the rise throughout the season if things break right.

15. Kansas City Chiefs. Another year older and plagued by a tough 2024 fantasy season, it’s hard to get on the Chiefs’ bandwagon when it comes to their DST in fantasy. Steve Spagnuolo has done a great job making Kansas City into a solid unit over the years, but there are better options out there.

16. San Francisco 49ers. The return of Robert Saleh also brought some additional investments on defense. San Francisco spent five picks in the top 113 of the draft on defensive players and will look for a return to form in 2025.

17. Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are hoping for a bounce-back season after parting ways with Mike McCarthy. Former Bears coach Matt Eberflus wasn’t effective in the big chair, but the hope is he can find some effectiveness again as a coordinator. Dallas has the pieces in place to continue forcing turnovers and generating pressure. Provided they figure out a deal with Micah Parsons, there’s no reason they can’t return to being a solid fantasy option again in 2025.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

20. Cleveland Browns

21. Washington Commanders

22. New England Patriots

23. Chicago Bears

24. Atlanta Falcons

25. Cincinnati Bengals

26. Indianapolis Colts

27. New Orleans Saints

28. Miami Dolphins

29. Jacksonville Jaguars

30. Las Vegas Raiders

31. Tennessee Titans

32. Carolina Panthers

EUGENE, OR – No hurdles? No problem for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

McLaughlin-Levrone ditched the hurdles to run the open 400 this season – and so, far so good.

McLaughlin-Levrone ran around the track with a comfortable lead down the home stretch and crossed the finish line with a season-best of 48.90 to win the gold medal at the U.S. track and field championships.

“I wanted to challenge myself,” McLaughlin-Levrone said following the win. “I felt like this is the year I wanted to step out of the box and really push myself in a different way.”

Isabella Whittaker placed second (49.59) and Aaliyah Butler got third (49.91) to capture the two other qualifying sports for next month’s world championships in Tokyo, Japan.

For McLaughlin-Levrone, her main competition Saturday was her quest to achieve the women’s 400 American record. Sanya Richards owns the record (48.70) which has stood since 2006.

It would be quite the feat for already the top women’s track and field athlete in the country. Her resume includes four Olympic gold medals and she’s the current world-record holder in the 400-meter hurdles.

McLaughlin-Levrone’s impressive performance — without being pushed much by the other competitors — shows she’s inching closer at owning another record in an event that she still calls “foreign” to her.

“Everyone talks about the American record of course, that’s gonna come when it’s supposed to come,” McLaughlin-Levrone said. “I think I learned a lot about myself. I think I learned a lot about the 400. But ultimately, every day it’s stepping on the track and being the best I can be, figuring out a race that is very foreign to me and taking on new challenges and being comfortable with the 400.”

McLaughlin-Levrone’s performance currently ranks her third in the world in the 400.

Sha’Carri Richardson arrested in alleged domestic violence incident, police say

It’s only a matter of time before she achieves the American record, and possibly, becomes the best 400-meter runner in the world as she is with the hurdles in front of her.

USA TODAY Sports is on the ground at the U.S. track and field championships and has the highlights from day three at Hayward Field:

Jacory Patterson wins men’s 400

Patterson used to work at UPS and now he’s a national champion.

The sprinter won his first ever national championship in the 400, running a 44.16. Patterson currently ranks third in the world as he now sets his sights on Tokyo.

“It feels like a dream. I put in the work,” Patterson said. “I give all thanks to the man above and my support system. They are the ones who got me here.”

Patterson used to split time between training on the track and working shifts at UPS. He’s since earned enough money to focus on the 400.

“My last day was June 5,” Patterson said with a smile.

Jonah Koech upsets Olympic champion in men’s 1,500

Koech used a final kick to surge past Ethan Strand to win the 1,500. He clocked in with a personal-best time of 3:30.17.

The 1,500 was one of the most competitive events of the day. Strand held on for second (3:30.25) and defending Olympic champion Cole Hocker earned a bronze medal, running a 3:30.37.

Reigning Olympic champ Masai Russell earns 100 hurdles crown

Russell separated from the field midway through the race and clocked in at 12.22 to win gold in the women’s 100-meter hurdles.

Grace Stark (12.31) and Alaysha Johnson (12.36) came in second and third, respectively.

Russell gestured as if to put a crown on herself after winning the race in convincing fashion. The defending Olympic champion is ranked No. 1 in the world in the 100 hurdles.

Reggie Jagers takes men’s discus

Jagers tossed a discus 219 feet, 4 inches on his third attempt to win the men’s discus. His winning throw was over four feet better than the rest of the field.

Chase Jackson wins women’s shot put

The two-time world champion threw 68 feet, 4 ½ inches to win. Jackson is currently the top shot putter in the world.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

WWE’s party of the summer is bigger than ever − and it’s already been burned down.

SummerSlam 2025 arrived and it’s the grandest edition of the storied event yet as it takes place over two days this weekend. Six matches kicked off the action on Saturday, Aug. 2, featuring a mix of championship matches and heated rivalries coming to a collision. Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker met Roman Reigns and Jey Uso in a major battle of groups, and Jelly Roll made his in-ring debut in tag team action.

The main event of the night was CM Punk against Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship as ‘The Best in the World’ went for his first WWE title in more than a decade.

Everything changed with an unbelievable ending.

Night one had the opportunity to set the stage for a massive weekend for WWE, and it’s safe to say it already has delivered. USA TODAY Sports had all the action for SummerSlam 2025 night one:

Watch: SummerSlam post-show

World Heavyweight Championship match: Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk

Both stars took the slow approach to the main event match, understanding the absolute battle it was going to be. After feeling it out, Gunther finally landed a chop since Punk was blocking the early attempts. Despite the brutal shot, Punk didn’t get rattled and got back to executing some submissions. It wasn’t until Gunther landed more chops throughout Punk’s body that he finally gained some control.

Punk took chop after chop and tried to fight back several times, only to see Gunther respond with an even bigger shot with his hands or boot. Gunther was gloating about his domination as Punk tried to get back to his feet, only to just receive more punishing chops and more taunting from the champion.

There was a small of window of hope for Punk that was quickly shut down. Gunther had his opponent in a sharpshooter, and Punk somehow reversed it into his own submission. It’s been known the champion can’t handle submissions, but Gunther was able to grab the ropes to break it up. Both stars got back to their feet and Gunther got back to punishing Punk. The taunting continued but Punk didn’t let it happen long, trading shots with Gunther.

Momentum was finally turning toward Punk’s side, getting some offense in despite how gassed he looked. He climbed up the top rope but Gunther met him to throw him off of it and regain control. Gunther nearly had victory and was closing in but Punk kicked out. The challenger almost shocked him with a GTS, however Gunther got out and landed a power bomb. Gunther hit the drop kick and another power bomb, but the pin didn’t work, leaving the champion in disbelief.

With Punk on his feet, Gunther laughed and delivered more chops. The action moved outside of the ring with Gunther soaking in premature victory on the announcer’s table. He wasn’t paying attention to Punk, who got up and dropped him on the table to give himself more time to recover. The fall busted Gunther open and he was bleeding profusely. He scurried to the ring and Punk saw his opportunity. He went on the attack as Gunther tried to protect himself.

Punk delivered a flying elbow and went for the GTS, just for Gunther to move it into the sleeper hold. Punk got out and got back to his feet and finally landed the GTS. He landed one more finishing move and it knocked Gunther down. Punk then got the pin and he’s finally a champion again in WWE.

Seth Rollins comes back

The celebration for CM Punk doesn’t last long.

Seth Rollins comes out with a brace and crutches to remind Punk he is Mr. Money in the Bank. But he takes the brace off to reveal he is fine, and he comes to the ring and beats Punk with the briefcase.

Seth Rollins cashes in Money in the Bank contract

Wow.

After it was speculated Rollins would be out for an indefinite period, he comes back and is healthy. He cashes in the Money in the Bank briefcase and it takes just one stomp to put Punk down and Rollins becomes the new World Heavyweight Champion.

Analysis: The entire WWE universe just got played.

It wasn’t even a month ago everyone was under the belief Rollins suffered a major injury that was going to sideline him for months. It felt like there was going to be massive changes to the copmany’s trajectory.

Instead, it was the plan all along.

The main event match was already stellar, and it went a different route than typical matches Gunther loses in. Him taking a hard fall and bleeding changed the entire tone of the match, paving the way for Punk to win. He capitalized on the opportunity and seeing his emotional reaction to winning the championship was a sweet moment to savor.

But remember, Rollins swore he wouldn’t let Punk become a champion, and he delivered on his promise. His injury actually being a work is one of the greatest fake-outs in recent memory, given the extremes Rollins went to, to make it seem legit.

The collective gasp seeing Rollins toss the crutches is already another signature moment in his career, which he somehow continues to create in what has been a huge 2025 for ‘The Visionary.’ He showed he truly is one of the greatest minds in the business, and it’s another major chapter in the Rollins vs. Punk rivalry. It’s going to be intriguing seeing how this develops in what has once again become a top-tier storyline.

Another major event Rollins steals the show at.

Watch: CM Punk makes entrance

Randy Orton and Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul

Paul has made no secret about his distaste for Jelly Roll, and he delivered a cheap shot to the musician before the bell rang. Orton was going to start the match, but Jelly Roll tagged himself in to face Paul. He landed some shoulder shots to Paul and then landed a slam to rattle his opponent. McIntyre insisted he go in and deal with Jelly Roll, and Orton tried to hype up his teammate to face the ‘Scottish Warrior.’ Jelly Roll slapped McIntyre and landed some jabs before he was delivered a Glasgow Kiss.

Jelly Roll had to endure the attack of Paul and McIntyre before he was able to tag in Orton and let the ‘Viper’ turn the tide. He was readying for an RKO to McIntyre until Paul dragged his teammate out of danger. Instead, Orton delivered each opponent a slam on the announcer’s table. But McIntyre bounced back and delivered a Claymore to Orton.

After he punched Jelly Roll, Paul cleared the announcer’s table and McIntyre propped Jelly Roll on it. Paul climbed to the top turnbuckle and launched himself off to send Jelly Roll through the table in a big-time spot. Medical personnel came to check in on Jelly Roll.

Back in the ring, McIntyre and Paul teed off on Orton while Jelly Roll was taken out of the ring. But the musician stopped and insisted he get back to help his teammate. Orton tagged in Jelly Roll and he was back to life, punishing Paul with a chokeslam. McIntyre then got slammed by Jelly Roll but he was able to prevent him from pinning Paul.

Then came the wild sequence of a Claymore to Jelly Roll and Orton delivering an RKO to McIntyre. But Paul got up and threw Orton out of the ring and climbed up the turnbuckle for another splash onto Jelly Roll. He got the pin to defeat the artist making his in-ring debut.

Analysis: In terms of celebrities, Paul proves he is the better one. The winning team proves that not all celebrities can just walk in and win WWE matches, and flexed its muscle in a decisive victory. It was almost shocking given how celebrities typically win.

It was hard to predict how this match was going to go. There had been constant talk about how much Jelly Roll had been training for this, but it was fair to doubt it was going to be a great match. It wasn’t Bad Bunny-level good, but Jelly Roll held his own and did well in his wrestling debut.

Props to him for taking brutal spots in this match, on the announcer’s table and even taking the losing pin. It was an entertaining match and seeing the fight in the musician had the crowd rocking, and that’s half the battle in making it mean something. If this is Jelly Roll’s lone match in WWE, he did a solid job.

WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill

Cargill showed a different edge to start the bout, taking Stratton outside of the ring and using the barricade to her advantage. But the quick start got to Cargill’s head and Stratton let the challenger know you can’t slip against her.

Despite losing focus, Cargill didn’t spend much time down, landing the Eye of the Storm on Stratton for the first real pin attempt. Stratton kicked out and it started what was a back-and-forth sequence from the competitors. Stratton tried the Prettiest Moonsault Ever and instead ate Cargill’s boots. The champion was down and Cargill executed Jaded. She had the title in her hands, but she rolled Stratton onto the ropes so the referee couldn’t count the pin.

Stratton was fazed and Cargill tried to set up Jaded on the top turnbuckle, but the champion countered it. Cargill hit the ground and Stratton went back up for her finisher. This time she landed it and pinned Cargill to keep her title.

Analysis: A match that had the potential to be the best of the night ends in a dud.

Cargill and Stratton each possess power and skill to really get the crowd on their feet, and while they did have some solid spots, it was such a quick match. You’d figure with how heavy Cargill has been pushed, she would have put on a big performance. But she didn’t really get the chance to have a high-quality one. It was extremely rushed and did a lot of damage to Cargill’s momentum, as she would’ve been better off with not having the match happen.

Stratton has had a stronghold on the title since she won it, but there hasn’t been a real good challenge for her since WrestleMania. Cargill had the potential to be that, but the women didn’t get the time to make it happen. An underwhelming ending makes a rematch not ideal, but if it happens, let’s hope it’s a better match that this.

WWE pays tribute to Hulk Hogan

WWE honors icon Hulk Hogan, who died at the age of 71 on July 24. In attendance is Hogan’s son, Nick.

SummerSlam attendance

WWE announces an attendance of 53,161 inside MetLife Stadium for night one.

Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross

A really fast-moving start between Zayn and Kross led to no real advantage, with the stars trading shots in and out of the ring. When Kross was on offense, he made sure to try and get in the head of Zayn, continuously taunting him. Perhaps Kross was too focused on trying to get Zayn to break, as he wasn’t going down easy.

With Zayn down, Kross’ wife, Scarlett, snuck him the steel pipe to hit Zayn with while she distracted the referee. However, he missed and Zayn landed the Blue Thunderbomb, going for a pin that was unsuccessful. From there, an angry Zayn emerged as the referee had to stop him several times from continuously attacking Kross.

While the referee checked on Kross, Scarlett then gave Zayn the steel pipe to use on her husband. Zayn grabbed it and contemplated using it, but he threw it out of the ring. Kross tried a roll-up but Zayn got out of it. Zayn then threw Kross into the turnbuckle and landed the Helluva Kick to take him down and get the pin for another victory over Kross.

Analysis: Guess Kross can’t get to everyone he crosses paths with.

It seemed inevitable Zayn would crack and finally embrace the sinister side, but he refused to do so and stays morally right. It was another quick bout and was rather forgettable, but it wasn’t about who won. Rather, would Kross be successful? He wasn’t, and losing the match is an extra sting.

This seems like the end of the road of a storyline that felt mostly underwhelming given the avenues it could go. It should get Zayn back into a title picture soon, but it puts Kross in dangerous territory of fading off into the back.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss

While the challengers tried to determine who would start the match, Perez and Rodriguez saw the perfect opportunity to launch the attack. Flair had briefly stopped the early disadvantage, but Rodriguez delivered a clothesline to Flair the referee didn’t see. The champions were very wise in how they plotted their hits so there wasn’t a window for Flair to get an advantage.

Flair was able to tag Bliss in and she unleashed the fury onto Perez. She went for the Twisted Bliss but Perez got her knees up, and she walked right into the power clothesline from Rodriguez to get the champions rolling again. Even though it’s been a short partnership with Perez and Rodriguez, they were flowing extremely well with the power and speed each possess.

Bliss was struggling to tag her partner in, with her opponents taunting her between hits. But she got it and the ‘Queen’ went to work with the signature Flair chops to Rodriguez. With Rodriguez and Perez on the ground, Flair hit the moonsault on both, but Rodriguez kicked out of the pin attempt. Flair then tried the Figure Eight that was quickly broken up by Perez.

The big moment happened when Bliss tried to hit the opponents but they moved out of the way, and she instead hit Flair on accident. It shocked her, and led to the champions readying for victory with a Tejana Bomb and Pop Rox. But just when the champions were about to retain, Bliss ran in to prevent the pin.

Bliss then had Perez ready for Sister Abigail when she turned and saw Flair staring at her. She said something to Flair, who looked like she was about to kick her partner. Instead, she kicked Rodriguez, and Bliss hit Sister Abigail on Perez to win the titles.

And the Allies of Convenience hugged to celebrate.

Analysis: They are indeed friends.

The match didn’t have any spectacular moments but there wasn’t any bad spots. However, the ending was pristine, giving fans a sudden moment of not knowing how this was going to end. The anticipation was one of the best a match could have, and the result made it even more satisfying to take in.

The Bliss and Flair storyline has been brilliant work, allowing the decorated stars the chance to show a different side of themselves and is something that has really hit with the fanbase. It’s been fun and fresh, and it would have been wrong to see this partnership end when it was getting good. Now they get the chance to flesh out a friendship while reigning over the tag team division.

On the other hand, the title loss will add a big problem for The Judgment Day. It’s going to make Rodriguez more upset with Perez, and friction will be heightened on whether the new member stays or not. It’s something that can continue until Liv Morgan returns.

Roman Reigns and Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed

No time was wasted with all four stars getting the action started immediately. Uso and Reigns had the early momentum, and they were feeling good as they started to ‘Yeet’ once more. But they got too cocky and Seth Rollins’ henchmen brought the brutality to their opponents. Breakker was showing off the speed with big running shots to both Reigns and Uso.

The match got to a traditional tag team format with Uso absorbing all of the powerful blows from the heavy hitters, with Reed and Breakker showing their chemistry has grown with some nice combination moves. Breakker went for a flying dive outside of the ring, but Uso moved out of the way and Breakker went into the announcer’s table. Uso had a window to tag-in Reigns, but he was too slow and the heels prevented it from happening.

After spending so much time taking hits, Uso finally got the hot tag in and Reigns went to work on Breakker. The OTC sent Breakker over the top rope, and then Reigns flew far outside of the ring to take both opponents out. Back in the ring, Breakker locked in for the spear but was met with a Superman punch.

Reed then came in and landed big shots to both stars, despite Uso trying a sneak attack. Reed showed he could fly as well with a suicide dive on Reigns and Uso. Breakker followed it with a flying clothesline on Reigns over the announcer’s table, leaving Uso a sitting duck. Despite the disadvantage, Uso kicked out of a pin after a signature Steiner tag team move.

Reed and Breakker were locking in for the finishing spears, but Reigns saw it and delivered the Superman punch to Breakker before he sent him through the barricade with a spear. Reed and Uso were alone and Reed readied for a tsunami, but Reigns emerged to deliver the Superman punch. Then, The Bloodline members used the signature 1D Uso move on Reed. However, Breakker came back to break up the pin.

Breakker had his sights on delivering a spear to Uso, but Reigns moved Uso out of the way to take the hit for his family member. Breakker lost focus, giving Uso time to hit a super kick. He then got Reed, and went up the turnbuckle to hit the Uso Splash and pinned Reed to secure the win.

Analysis: You must still acknowledge the OG Bloodline.

A stellar tag team match kicked off SummerSlam in a highly entertaining bout that showcased the current and future of the business. Reigns has undoubtedly cemented himself among the greatest to ever do it, and he proved it once more. Even though they lost, Breakker and Reed were each able to show they can handle going against the big names on their own.

This match could’ve gone so many ways given the compelling story developing between groups led by Reigns and Rollins. A win would’ve really catapulted Reed and Breakker to superstar status, but it’s hard to really launch them forward with Rollins still out. Reigns and Uso emerging victorious gives Paul Heyman motivation to make sure this new group doesn’t lose steam, and they’ll be hunting to get even in what feels like a long storyline developing.

Bronson Reed enters with Roman Reigns’ shoes

The ‘Tribal Thief’ sports the ‘Shoe-la Fala’ after he took Reigns’ shoes after Raw.

Jey Uso enters through the crowd

Uso continues his signature entrance, making his way through the crowd while the WWE universe hits the ‘Yeet.’

Who is host of SummerSlam?

Grammy Award-winning artist Cardi B.

The host kicks off the night entering the ring and welcoming the crowd to the first two-day SummerSlam.

Druski opens SummerSlam

The comedian does the promo to start the show.

When is SummerSlam 2025 night one?

SummerSlam 2025 night one takes place Saturday, Aug. 2.

SummerSlam start time 2025 night one

SummerSlam 2025 starts at 6 p.m. ET. The preshow begins at 3 p.m. ET.

Where is SummerSlam 2025?

The event takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets..

How to watch SummerSlam 2025

SummerSlam 2025 will stream on Peacock, but you must have their premium or premium-plus subscription to watch. Internationally, it will be available on Netflix in most markets.

SummerSlam 2025 also will be available to watch at select Regal Cinemas theaters around the country. Tickets to see WWE SummerSlam in theaters are available on Fandango’s website.

SummerSlam 2025 preshow: how to watch

The SummerSlam preshow will be available to watch on Peacock, and on WWE’s social channels, including YouTube.

Stream WWE SummerSlam on Peacock

SummerSlam 2025 night one match card

Matches not in order

Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
Randy Orton and Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul
Roman Reigns and Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss
WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
World Heavyweight Championship match: Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk

SummerSlam 2025 night one match order

While the complete match list hasn’t been made official, we know which ones will start and end the night.

Roman Reigns and Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed will kick off SummerSlam, and night one will be capped off by the World Heavyweight Championship match between Gunther and CM Punk.

SummerSlam 2025 stage

The stage has been shown for SummerSlam, and it’s a massive screen inside MetLife Stadium.

WWE makes SummerSlam two nights

For the first time in its 38-year history, SummerSlam takes place on two nights.

WWE first announced the decision for the 2026 event in Minneapolis, with it joining WrestleMania as the company’s two-day extravaganzas. But in September 2024, WWE said the 2025 edition in New Jersey would be a double-night event, kickstarting the timeline early.

With SummerSlam taking over Saturday and Sunday, it allows WWE to have more matches spread across the event rather than only having less than 10. In 2024, SummerSlam had just seven matches, and in 2025, it will have 12.

SummerSlam returns to New York area

It’s another SummerSlam in the New York area as it will be the fourth time it takes place in East Rutherford. Counting New Jersey and New York, the area has hosted 10 SummerSlam’s already, the most of any city. 

The inaugural one took place in 1988, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and was last in the area in 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

SummerSlam 2025 night one predictions

USA TODAY Sports’ wrestling writers predict night one of SummerSlam. See the full predictions for the entire event here.

Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross

Jordan Mendoza: Karrion Kross
Richard Morin: Sami Zayn

Randy Orton and Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul

Jordan Mendoza: Randy Orton and Jelly Roll
Richard Morin: Randy Orton and Jelly Roll

Roman Reigns and Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed

Jordan Mendoza: Roman Reigns and Jey Uso
Richard Morin: Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss

Jordan Mendoza: Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss
Richard Morin: Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss

WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill

Jordan Mendoza: Tiffany Stratton
Richard Morin: Jade Cargill

World Heavyweight Championship match: Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk

Jordan Mendoza: Gunther 
Richard Morin: Gunther

SummerSlam 2025 night two matches

What matches are taking place on night two? Here’s what’s happening on Sunday, Aug. 3:

Matches not in order

Tables, ladders and chairs match for WWE Tag Team Championship: The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy) (c) vs. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) vs. The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Saban) vs. Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix
Steel cage match for United States Championship: Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
No disqualification, no countout match for Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria
Intercontinental Championship match: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. AJ Styles
Women’s World Championship match: Naomi (c) vs. Iyo Sky vs. Rhea Ripley
Street fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. Cody Rhodes

Is there a SummerSlam post-show?

Yes, a post-show will air immediately once the show concludes. It will air on Peacock and WWE social media, including YouTube.

The 2025 Little League Softball World Series has begun, featuring four games on the first day on Sunday at Stallings Stadium in Elm Street Park, Greenville, North Carolina.

On the first day of the tournament, Mill Creek Little League from Washington, representing the Northwest, will face off against Tulsa National Little League from Oklahoma, representing the Southwest to kick off the softball action. Throughout the day, additional games will showcase the diversity of the sport, with international teams like Cantareira Little League from São Paulo, Brazil, making their first-ever appearance at the Little League Softball World Series. Other teams from Canada and Prague will also be taking the field on the first day.

Stay a part of the action by following live updates for all the LLSWS action on Sunday, Aug. 3.

How to watch 2025 Little League Softball World Series

The 2025 Little League Softball World Series will be broadcast on ESPN platforms, with the championship game airing on ABC. Games will also be available to stream on ESPN+.

Dates: Aug. 3-10
TV: ESPN, ESPN2, ABC
Stream: ESPN+
Location: Greenville, North Carolina

Catch the Little League Softball World Series on ESPN+

2025 Little League Softball World Series schedule

Sunday, Aug. 3:

Game 1: (Purple Bracket) Northwest Region vs Southeast Region, 10 a.m. ESPN+
Game 2: (Orange Bracket) North Carolina Region vs Latin America Region, 1 p.m. ESPN+
Game 3: (Orange Bracket): Canada Region vs Europe-Africa Region, 4 p.m. ESPN+
Game 4: (Purple Bracket) New England Region vs Mid-Atlantic Region, 7 p.m. ESPN+

SummerSlam weekend caps off with night two of the event on Sunday, Aug. 3, in what should be one of the most impactful nights of wrestling since WrestleMania 41. All six matches taking place will be for championship gold.

There are rematches for the United States and Women’s Intercontinental Championship that should be brutal contests. The Intercontinental title is also on the line, and the much desired six-team tables, ladders and chairs match will be for the WWE Tag Team Championship. Plus, Naomi, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky meet again after the thriller at Evolution.

But, of course, the main event of the weekend is the WrestleMania 41 rematch, with John Cena defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes in a street fight.

When is SummerSlam 2025?

Night two of SummerSlam 2025 takes place Sunday, Aug. 3.

SummerSlam start time 2025

SummerSlam starts at 6 p.m. ET. The preshow for SummerSlam begins at 3 p.m. ET.

Where is SummerSlam 2025?

The event takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, home stadium of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets.

How to watch SummerSlam 2025

SummerSlam will stream on Peacock, but you must have their premium or premium-plus subscription to watch. Internationally, it will be available on Netflix in most markets.

SummerSlam 2025 will also be available to watch at select Regal Cinemas theaters around the country. Tickets to see WWE SummerSlam in theaters are available on Fandango’s website.

SummerSlam 2025 preshow: how to watch

The SummerSlam preshow will be available to watch on Peacock, and on WWE’s social channels, including YouTube.

Stream WWE SummerSlam on Peacock

SummerSlam 2025 match card

Matches not in order

Tables, ladders and chairs match for WWE Tag Team Championship: The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy) (c) vs. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) vs. The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Saban) vs. Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix
Steel cage match for United States Championship: Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
No disqualification, no countout match for Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria
Intercontinental Championship match: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. AJ Styles
Women’s World Championship match: Naomi (c) vs. Iyo Sky vs. Rhea Ripley
Street fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. Cody Rhodes

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Players were just about ready to take the field at the MLB Speedway Classic on Saturday, Aug. 2, but then the rain came in.

The MLB Speedway Classic between the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves, set to be the most-attended MLB game ever, was delayed for over two hours due to rain near Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. First pitch was finally scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET.

The game did begin, but it was not long before the contest was in a rain delay again that ultimately led to play being suspended.

Play will resume at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 3.

More than 85,000 tickets were purchased for the much-anticipated game, which was originally slated to have Tennessee natives Chase Burns and Spencer Strider on the mound for the Reds and Braves, respectively.

Here’s what to know about the weather delay and suspension:

Braves-Reds weather updates: Play suspended at MLB Speedway Classic

The MLB Speedway Classic was set to start at 7:15 p.m. ET, but the tarp was unraveled at 7:19 p.m. and remained there until around 8:50 p.m.

First pitch was eventually scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET, over two hours after it was initially scheduled. Spencer Strider was no longer the starter for the Braves. Austin Cox ended up taking the ball first.

But the Braves and Reds did not get far into the contest before the skies opened up and the game was delayed again.

The game was halted in the bottom of the first inning, the ‘home’ team Reds up 1-0 and with just one out recorded. Field conditions deteriorated rapidly during the inning.

Play was eventually suspended for the night around 10:30 p.m. ET.

When does MLB Speedway Classic resume?

The game will resume at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 3. It will once again be broadcast on FOX.

Both teams had built-in off days to allow for the potential weather contingency.