Royal Rumble shakes up WWE, Super Rugby pre-season impresses

Halo olageta! It was another action-packed weekend in sports, featuring some of my favourite combat athletes and a surprising winner in the WWE. Let’s dive in!

Jey Uso wins the Royal Rumble

A childhood dream has come true for one of the WWE’s most popular superstars. Jey Uso has secured his spot in the Wrestlemania main event after winning the 2025 Royal Rumble.

During an electrifying match at the 2025 24 Royal Rumble, Jey Uso became the second member of The Bloodline to claim this prestigious victory.

His win marks a significant milestone in his transition to a solo star after years of success in the tag team division alongside his brother, Jimmy Uso.

Jey has earned the opportunity to compete for the championship at WrestleMania 41, where he could potentially face World Heavyweight Champion Gunther.

This match could define his career if he emerges victorious!

The victory adds another layer to the ongoing Bloodline saga as Jey continues to forge his path in WWE.

Jey Uso after winning the 2025 Royal Rumble. Photo/WWE

Israel Adesanya KO’d at UFC Fight Night

This was a tough bout to watch.

Israel Adesanya participated in his first non-title fight since 2019, and despite appearing physically and mentally fit, he was unfortunately knocked out in the second round.

The City Kickboxing fighter returned to the octagon after losing to Dricus du Plessis last year, determined to reclaim his position in the middleweight division.

In the early rounds, he demonstrated his elite footwork and leg kicks, keeping his opponent, Imavov, at bay. He successfully stuffed several takedown attempts, suggesting he was set to dominate the fight.

But in the second round, Adesanya was poked in the eye. Shortly after, Imamov moved in to knock out the former champion.

Adesanya now faces a decision regarding his future in the sport, but he remains a champion in our eyes.

Super Rugby Pacific pre-season underway

The first round of pre-season matches took place over the weekend, and it was fantastic to see rugby back on the pitch.

The matches delivered thrilling action, with the Blues, Highlanders, and Chiefs achieving notable victories.

The Blues staged a dramatic comeback to beat the Hurricanes 24-21, demonstrating resilience with a decisive try in the final moments.

The Highlanders edged Moana Pasifika 28-24 in a high-scoring affair. The teams traded tries before the Highlanders’ composure secured the win.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs dominated the Crusaders 38-14, scoring six tries and showcasing their attacking brilliance and defensive strength.

These matches set an exciting tone for the season ahead!

Moana Pasifika vs Highlanders at North Harbour Stadium. Photo/Moana Pasif

U19 Cricket team achieve historic win

The Pasifika U19 cricket team made history at the 2025 Rangatahi Cricket Festival by winning their first-ever match. This marked a significant milestone as the first Pasifika team to participate in the tournament.

Their victory is celebrated as a major achievement for Pasifika cricket, highlighting the emerging talent within the community.

The festival, which aims to develop young cricketers, provided a platform for the team to showcase their skills and potential.

The boys’ side won their first match against the Māori team by five wickets, while the girls celebrated their historic win by five runs on day one.

This achievement marks a significant step forward for Pasifika cricket and offers a promising boost for the sport's future in the region.

Pasifika Cricket Under 19s Boys. Photo/New Zealand Cricket.

Super Bowl approaches

The 2025 Super Bowl is shaping up to be a blockbuster event. It will feature two powerhouse teams vying for NFL supremacy, with rising star Jordan Mailata playing a key role for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Mailata, a former rugby league player-turned-dominant offensive tackle, has become a cornerstone of the Eagles' offensive line, protecting their star quarterback and paving the way for their dynamic offence.

His journey from rugby to NFL stardom has captivated fans worldwide, adding an inspiring narrative to the big game.

With high stakes and thrilling matchups, the 2025 Super Bowl promises to be an unforgettable showcase of talent, determination, and athletic excellence.