Entertainment
WWE Launches Netflix Era with Star-Studded Raw Premiere
The WWE’s flagship program, Raw, premiered on Netflix for the first time, showcasing an unforgettable night filled with legendary appearances and dramatic moments. The event, held in Los Angeles, featured the return of iconic superstars, including The Rock, John Cena, and The Undertaker, marking a historic shift from traditional broadcast television to exclusive streaming.
The highly anticipated show brought back fan favorites, with John Cena beginning his farewell tour and announcing 2025 as his final year in the ring. Cena, a 16-time world champion and one of the greatest professional wrestlers, told an elated crowd, “I could not think of a better place to start my goodbye.” He also declared his intention to win February’s Royal Rumble.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, now a director at TKO, also returned to celebrate the occasion. Known for his villainous “Final Boss” persona, he surprised fans by praising and embracing Cody Rhodes, a former rival. Later, The Rock appeared during the climactic Tribal Combat Match, congratulating Roman Reigns on his victory over Solo Sikoa.
The three-hour event showcased WWE’s renowned production values, with critics praising its visual enhancements and in-ring performances. However, some reviews noted the “sameness” of the promos delivered by stars like Triple H and The Rock. Hulk Hogan’s appearance drew loud boos from the California audience, sparking debate over his inclusion.
WWE’s move to Netflix comes as part of a broader strategy by TKO, the company formed from the WWE-UFC merger. The transition to streaming is expected to expand the show’s global reach, with WWE claiming 17.5 million weekly viewers in the US and over one billion followers across its social media platforms.
The debut on Netflix also sets the stage for major upcoming events, including Cena’s farewell year and the Royal Rumble in February.
Entertainment
South African Music Icon Winnie Khumalo Passes Away at 51
Beloved South African singer and actress Winnie Khumalo has passed away at the age of 51 after a brief illness, her family confirmed.
Winnie Khumalo’s career began in the 1980s, where her powerful voice and dynamic performances earned her a place among South Africa’s most celebrated artists. Best known for her hit song Live My Life, she also collaborated with legendary musicians, including the late Brenda Fassie, and appeared in popular South African television series.
Her sister, Tshepi Akeepile, shared that Khumalo fell ill recently but was believed to be recovering. “We thought she was getting better,” Akeepile told SABC TV. “This morning, she was rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, she was pronounced dead.” The exact cause of her illness remains undisclosed.
Khumalo leaves behind a rich legacy in both music and television. She released numerous solo albums and supported other artists as a backup vocalist, particularly with Brenda Fassie. Her daughter, Rethabile Khumalo, follows in her footsteps as a singer, and she is also survived by her son, Thabo Khumalo.
Fans, colleagues, and industry peers have flooded social media with tributes, mourning the loss of a “true icon.” Kalawa Jazmee Records, the label Khumalo was closely associated with, celebrated her as a trailblazer who inspired countless others. “Her passion, talent, and dedication have left an indelible mark on the industry and in the hearts of her fans,” the label said in a statement.
Entertainment
Demi Moore Emerges as Oscars Favorite After Golden Globes Triumph
Demi Moore has taken a significant step toward Oscar glory, winning Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes for her transformative performance in The Substance. The 62-year-old actress delivered an emotional acceptance speech, reflecting on the challenges she faced before landing the role that has revitalized her career.
“I was at a low point,” Moore shared. “This award is a celebration of the gift of doing something I love and being reminded that I do belong.”
The Golden Globes, regarded as a strong predictor of Oscar success, marked the official start of awards season. In addition to Moore’s win, the ceremony highlighted other standout performances and productions. Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres surprised many by winning Best Actress in a Drama for her role in I’m Still Here, besting Hollywood heavyweights Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman.
The night also celebrated major cinematic achievements, with awards going to Emilia Pérez, The Brutalist, and Wicked. On the television front, Baby Reindeer and Shōgun took home the top honors.
Moore’s win for The Substance underscores her remarkable comeback and positions her as a leading contender in the Oscars race, a journey that fans and critics alike will be watching closely in the weeks ahead.
Entertainment
MrBeast Announces Engagement to Thea Booysen
Jimmy Donaldson, better known as YouTube sensation MrBeast, has revealed his engagement to girlfriend Thea Booysen. The 26-year-old shared the happy news on social media, posting photos of his Christmas Day proposal, including the special moment he knelt to pop the question.
With 340 million subscribers, MrBeast is the world’s most-followed YouTuber. His fiancée, 27-year-old Thea Booysen, hails from South Africa and is a content creator in her own right. Her YouTube channel, TheaBeasty, boasts nearly 40,000 subscribers, and she also streams games on Twitch and is a published author.
Currently residing in the United States, Thea recounted in an interview with People magazine that the proposal was a private affair, timed while her family was visiting. Despite MrBeast’s reputation for over-the-top stunts, he chose a “really private and intimate” setting for this milestone moment.
The couple shared festive photos featuring themselves and their dog in matching MrBeast-branded Christmas sweaters. As for their wedding plans, they have opted for a low-key celebration.
“We’re thinking of doing it somewhere on an island, far away from just about everybody,” Thea shared with People. “It’s going to be nice, but certainly intimate, with just close family and friends.”
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