A unique twist has entered the world of professional wrestling, where it's not just the Superstars who generate buzz but also beloved pets. CM Punk's dog, Larry, has surged to fame, reportedly becoming one of the top merchandise sellers for WWE, outpacing even some of the top human wrestling stars. This humorous yet heartwarming development has turned Larry from just another pet to a fluffy icon amid the glitzy world of wrestling entertainment.
During discussions on the Wrestle Votes Radio podcast, it was revealed how Larry's merchandise, consisting of just two items—a T-shirt reading "it's slobbering time" and a plush toy—has outshined iconic wrestlers' offerings on the weekend.
Fans of wrestling might recall Larry's unexpected yet significant role during the infamous backstage altercation between Punk and the Young Bucks, which sparked wild rumors and speculation. Since CM Punk's return to WWE, the marketing potential of Larry has exploded, making the dog a fan-favorite, even prompting plans for new merchandise lines whenever Punk reappears on television, ensuring the adorable pet remains centrally featured.
While fans delight over Larry's rise, not everything has been cheerful within the WWE universe. The wrestling world was rocked recently by the announcement of Baron Corbin's impending release after over 12 years with the company. The news came as quite the shock, with many wrestling fans expressing disbelief. Corbin himself voiced his feelings, indicating disappointment over how his character was portrayed and developed, especially considering his last match was against none other than Kurt Angle at WrestleMania 35.
Kurt Angle, reflecting on Corbin's release, articulated his disappointment as well. Speaking on the WrestleZone podcast, Angle noted, "Baron, I think he’s underrated. I think it kinda sucks [seeing him get let go]. They started utilizing him the way they should have." Angle emphasized how the disappointment was layered upon knowing Corbin's performance during their match led to his significant career milestone—winning King of the Ring—yet he felt the subsequent shows failed to capitalize on Corbin’s potential.
Now, as reports of Corbin’s situation permeate the wrestling community, the discourse around his possible next steps has begun. Many speculate about what the future could hold for Corbin, with some fans optimistic he might thrive outside WWE, potentially shedding the character layers imposed by the company.
Meanwhile, Ric Flair recently found himself caught up in the throes of grief following the untimely passing of his stepson, Sebastian Kidder. Charles Barkley, the NBA legend, offered his support during this tumultuous time on the show Inside the NBA, stating his love for Flair and his desire for the couple to hang on through this dark period.
Kidder, who passed away at just 24, was remembered not only for his familial ties but also as a rising star within the music industry. Having pursued dreams of being a musician, his loss has deeply affected both his immediate family and the broader entertainment community. Flair shared heartfelt reflections via social media about the influence Kidder had on his life, stating, "I’m so thankful for the time I had with Sebastian... He was multi-talented & will always be remembered."
To add to the happenings, WWE Hall of Famer Jake Roberts has recently expressed his sentiments surrounding different match types, professing there are certain styles he would never choose to compete in again. His reflections contextualize not only his own personal professional wrestling experiences but also help frame the types of matches contemporary stars face within today’s era.
WWE continues to capture attention, not just for its Superstars like Punk and Corbin, but also through footage of heartwarming moments intertwined with sadness and support among its community members. This interconnectedness helps pave the way for discussions about mental health and wellness, as wrestlers, fans, and public figures reflect on their influences and experiences on and off the screen.
With legendary figures sharing their journeys and new stars breaking barriers, the wrestling scene remains as dynamic as ever. For fans of WWE, wrestling achievements, personal tribulations, and the layered stories behind each superstar offer depth rarely seen outside the ring, reminding audiences why they keep coming back for more. Whether it's from the unpredictability of character arcs or the heartfelt moments shared by fans and wrestlers alike, the world of WWE is infinitely increasing its scope of emotional engagement.
