Kofi Kingston Blown Away By Logan Paul In WWE 'He Shouldn't Be That Good'
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Kofi Kingston is in awe at how fast Logan Paul has transitioned into a WWE Superstar ... telling TMZ Sports the YouTuber's skills in the squared circle are unreal!
We recently caught up with Kofi -- a 14x WWE tag team champ -- out at LAX, and he told us Paul's star power, coupled with his ability to pick up the craft quickly, makes him a perfect fit for WWE.
"To me, it just makes sense," Kingston said. "When you think about how popular Logan Paul is and even his entire story. His come-up and what he's been able to do in the world of boxing and entertainment in general, it would only make sense for us to be hand in glove."
Kofi praised Paul -- who alongside The Miz, wrestled his first match against Rey and Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania 38 -- saying, "he has a bright future ahead of him."
LOGAN PAUL HIT A FROG SPLASH AT #WRESTLEMANIA!!!@LoganPaul pic.twitter.com/9hpNIYgfwG
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2022 @WWE
"To see what he did in the ring is very impressive," Kofi said.
"Especially as a performer who has seen a lot of people and has gone through the whole learning process, he shouldn't be that good, that quickly."
Kingston -- 1/3 of the "The New Day" -- said he takes Logan's word when he says pro wrestling is harder than boxing ... adding it's a "true art."
ARE YOU KIDDING ME @LoganPaul?!?!#SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/qOOrRMTffg
— WWE (@WWE) July 31, 2022 @WWE
"Well, I've never been a professional boxer, but it's awesome to hear him say that and kind of put respect on the grind that is WWE."
Kingston also said Big E's injury -- where he was dropped on his neck by Ridge Holland following a botched move -- reminds him how scary it is being a WWE performer.
"With E's situation and him breaking his neck ... you're reminded of just how dangerous what we do is," Kofi said. "It only takes one second for everything to go awry."
"With his situation, we really lucked out."
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Drag Queen Valencia Prime Dead At 25 Collapses Mid-Performance
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The death of a famous Philadelphia drag queen is getting national attention ... due to the tragic manner in which she died.
25-year-old Valencia Prime passed away after performing as part of a drag show ... according to Shaniyah Banks, an investigator for Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office.
A rep for Philadelphia PD tells TMZ they got a call about someone who had collapsed at Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar around 11:15 PM Monday night ... they were pronounced dead just before midnight.
We're told the causes of death were determined to be cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.
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The venue paid tribute to Valencia, posting a statement online about "the loss of a very bright and rising star in the performance community." They also said they're talking with her family about hosting a show in her honor in the future.
She's been met with tributes left and right since her passing ... drag queen Brittany Lynn wrote on Facebook, "You will be sorely missed ... keep twirling, ma'am," while drag artist Aloe Vera said, "I love you with everything in my heart Valencia. Rest in power.”
Valencia was 25.
RIP
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Queen Elizabeth II Guard Face-Plants Next to Queen's Coffin
One of the Royal guards took a rough fall at Westminster Hall ... smacking HARD onto the floor as he stood watch beside Queen Elizabeth II's coffin.
The guard was swaying side to side at the foot of the casket Wednesday before landing face-first on the ground ... the crash echoed through the Hall, with people rushing to his aid.
Royal guards normally rotate around the coffin every 20 minutes, with a full shift lasting 6 hours -- The BBC, which was streaming the ceremony, cut the feed until the incident was resolved.
It's unclear what caused the guard to collapse. No word on his condition either.
The guard wasn't the only one losing consciousness at Westminster Hall ... 41-year-old Lady Gabriella Windsor, the cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, collapsed earlier in the service.
Lady Gabriella was in the receiving line with other members of the Royals when several people began to look concerned ... including her mother, Princess Michael of Kent.
Her husband, Thomas Kingston, rushed to her aid. She reportedly regained consciousness but left the event.
Lady Gabriella had a tight relationship with the Queen for years ... QEII attended her 2019 wedding.
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Nursing Home Hired Stripper Gets Rise Outta Vets!!!
Some wheelchair-bound veterans are still ready to rise and salute -- just send in the stripper, which worked like a charm at a nursing home that's now saying ... oops, we didn't know she was gonna do all THAT!!!
The young woman who showed up decked out in lingerie at the Taiwan facility for retired veterans definitely brought her A-game -- writhing on the floor, getting in laps and even allowed at least one resident to break normal strip club rules ... as he got pretty hands-on with her.
The whole scene screams ... "Please tell me there's a defibrillator nearby!!!"
The stripper's visit went down last week during the Mid-Autumn Festival, an annual harvest celebration in China, and video of her performance has gone viral ... putting some heat on the nursing home's administrators.
Responding to the backlash, a spokesperson says their intent was to "entertain residents and make them happy." Mission accomplished!!! ✅
As for dangerously raising heart rates and blood pressure -- well, the facility admits the dancer's moves were "too enthusiastic and fiery," and they promise to be "more cautious" next time.
Sooo ... hang on for next year, guys???
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New York Fashion Week Bigger They Come, Harder they Fall ... We're Talking Heels
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New York Fashion Week is a contact sport -- just ask this poor model who had a very hard time staying on her feet while rocking painfully high heels down a runway.
Check out this clip, obtained by TMZ, which shows an unidentified model strutting down the catwalk at a warehouse in NYC. The event was for a brand called "Alicia's Designs," and from the looks of it -- this was a packed house, so lots of eyeballs on the models, the clothes ... and the shoes.
Unfortunately for this woman, that meant tons of people watching her wobble her way down the path, before eventually falling hard to her knees. As they say, the show must go on, and she collected herself to continue doing her thing.
That didn't last long, though ... she toppled over a couple different times, but the crowd appreciated her perseverance. They actually applauded her when she got up a second time, this as she finally exited backstage.
Safe to say, it was a rough outing.
In the end, she wanted nothing to do with her footwear -- she ditched the heels when all the models reemerged for a final bow. We mean that literally. She came out barefoot.
NYFW was all about spring and summer styles, but at least one model was ready for fall. 😅
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YouTube Star Steph Pappas Father Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver
Steph Pappas' father was killed by a suspected drunk driver in Ohio this weekend -- and her mother was also injured ... this according to law enforcement.
John Pappas was pronounced dead on the scene Sunday night in Stark County after he and his wife, Kristine -- both parents to the 22-year-old YouTube star -- were struck by a driver traveling westbound ... who cops say veered into the Pappas' vehicle.
I want my dad back 😭 pic.twitter.com/bgsbPWXXEW
— steph pappas (@steph_pappas) September 13, 2022 @steph_pappas
Jackson Township PD tells TMZ ... the driver is believed to have sideswiped the Pappas' car after veering off the centerline, and that there was heavy damage to the driver's side door.
First responders rushed to the scene, but officials from the Coroner's Office found John had succumbed to his injuries. Kristine was rushed to the hospital -- her condition is unknown.
Cops are saying drugs and/or alcohol are believed to be a contributing factor to the crash, however ... no arrests have been made yet. Jackson Township won't tell us what obvious signs of impairment they observed, but they do say they're investigating and collecting samples to present to prosecutors ... which they believe will lead to criminal charges.
Steph has a massive following as an up-and-coming influencer -- she has 1.4 million subscribers and hundreds of thousands of IG followers as well. She's acknowledged her father's passing online, saying she "wants my dad back."
Other influencers, like Shane Dawson, have sent their condolences.
John was 53.
RIP
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PNB ROCK Shot In Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles Rushed to Hospital
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Rapper PnB Rock was shot while dining with his girlfriend at a Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles restaurant ... and video shows him fighting for his life.
The shooting just happened, with restaurant employees in a panic as the rapper lay on the floor. Law enforcement sources say they got a call to the restaurant at 1:23 in the afternoon for a shooting victim.
The video shows Rock still moving, but it's possible he may have taken a turn for the worse.
We don't yet have any info on the shooter, but we know PnB was there dining with his girlfriend, Steph, who posted a photo of their meal. A source connected to the restaurant tells TMZ ... it appears the shooter targeted PnB, because no one else was shot or assaulted, and there were plenty of people eating inside the restaurant.
September 2022
Our source adds it appears the shooter took jewelry off PnB and then fled. PnB had previously posted video of himself wearing several diamond/silver chains.
We're told there's surveillance cameras inside the restaurant, so it may help police apprehend the shooter.
Rock is originally from Philly, but calls L.A. home. He released his debut mixtape in June 2014, and in 2015 signed a record deal with Atlantic Records. In 2016, Rolling Stone named PnB on the list of "10 New Artists You Need to Know."
We don't know his current condition.
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YNW Melly I've Got a Diamond Grill Tooth Infection!!! Denied Pass for Dentist
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YNW Melly's diamond-encrusted grill isn't doing him any favors in jail -- and neither is the judge who denied his recent request to leave jail for emergency dental work.
The "Murder on my Mind" rapper is currently holed up in Broward County jail awaiting trial for double murder ... and recently claimed he has a serious toothache that requires a dental visit.
YNW Melly Alleged Victims' Families Don't Want Him Released From Jail
According to documents obtained by TMZ Hip Hop ... Melly wasn't able to convince the judge, who rejected his motion on August 30.
Melly's full set of diamond dental crowns require constant upkeep, but he claims he wasn't allowed to possess a simple toothbrush, dental floss or get regular dental visits while locked up.
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As a result, he says he developed a painful abscess in his lower jaw that is the source of his chronic infection.
Melly says he has private insurance and his lawyer even argued they were willing to foot the cost of the treatments ... which would include his own transportation and independent security, but the judge still said nope.
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Alex Albon Respiratory Failure After Surgery ... Spent Night In ICU
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F1 driver Alex Albon had a serious health scare after being treated for appendicitis this weekend ... suffering respiratory failure and spending the night in the intensive care unit -- but luckily, he is expected to get back to 100% soon.
Williams Racing released the update minutes ago ... saying Albon had successful laparoscopic surgery on Saturday. But, things changed dramatically when the 26-year-old had post-operative anesthetic complications -- including respiratory failure.
The team says Albon had to be re-intubated and transferred to the ICU, where he spent the night.
Albon's condition improved overnight ... and he was taken off medical ventilation Sunday morning. The team adds he is slated to return home on Tuesday.
Despite the terrifying experience, Williams says Albon's focus is set on getting ready for the Singapore Grand Prix at the end of the month.
With Albon out, reserve driver Nyck de Vries -- a Formula 2 and Formula E champ -- stepped into the Williams car ... finishing 9th on the day.
Albon has scored 4 points so far this season ... and recently re-signed with Williams through 2024.
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MLB's Keibert Ruiz Suffers Testicle Injury In Foul Ball Mishap ... Taken To Hospital
2:47 PM PT -- Martinez told reporters Friday that Ruiz is out of the hospital and on the way to meet his teammates in Philadelphia ... but he's been placed on the injured list and will likely miss the next three weeks due to the injury.
Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz was pulled from the team's game on Thursday and taken to the hospital -- after he scarily took a foul ball straight to the groin.
Nats manager Dave Martinez explained the cringeworthy situation to reporters following the team's win over the Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis ... saying Ruiz's testicles were swollen and injured during the odd play, which happened earlier in the afternoon.
According to the Washington Post, Ruiz was actually hit by the baseball in the bottom of the second inning ... but somehow stayed in the contest.
The 24-year-old, though, apparently felt awful as the day went on -- and needed a trip to a medical facility in the sixth inning in order to be checked out to make sure everything was OK.
No word on how he's doing Friday -- the team has yet to release an update.
Feel better soon, Keibert!
Originally Published -- 6:52 AM PT
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Queen Elizabeth Doctors Concerned for Health ... Royal Family, Harry, William Rush To Her Side
8:56 AM PT -- Prince William was seen driving to Balmoral from the Aberdeen airport. He was in the car with Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Edward's wife Sophie.
8:45 AM PT -- Reports say Prince Harry is making the trip to Balmoral alone, without Meghan.
8:12 AM PT -- A Royal Air Force private jet carrying the Queen's family has arrived in Aberdeen, Scotland ... where Balmoral Castle is.
Prince William, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie all reportedly made the one-hour flight to be by Elizabeth's side.
96-year-old Queen Elizabeth II will remain under doctors' care as concerns over her health continue to grow, this according to a new statement from Buckingham Palace.
"Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral," the palace statement, released Thursday, said.
The Queen's son Prince Charles, her grandson Prince William and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, are heading to Balmoral to be with her. It was also just announced Harry and Meghan are on their way to join the rest of the family.
On Tuesday, Queen Elizabeth hung out with Britain’s new Prime Minister Liz Truss, but she looked kind of frail. Upon hearing the news about the Queens' health, Truss tweeted that "the whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime. My thoughts – and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom – are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time."
Recently, the Queen's health has deteriorated and her Royal duties have been scaled back over the past year. Several trips she would normally take have been canceled by her doctors with no explanation given.
Originally Published -- 6:11 AM PT
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Eminem My 2007 OD Almost Killed Me... Glad My Brain Started Working Again
Eminem is opening up about nearly losing his life after suffering a drug overdose years ago.
On the new episode of Paul Rosenberg's "Paul Pod" podcast, Eminem and his manager discuss his 2007 methadone overdose ... and the effects it had on his thinking cap.
Paul recalls asking the doctors about any potential brain damage when things were looking grim in the hospital. Naturally, the two managed to revert the scary moment back to Em's 1999 track "Brain Damage."
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Eminem had to eventually be stabilized on several medications to return to health, which became an artistic branding moment for him.
In the song "Deja Vu" from his 2009 album "Relapse," Eminem rapped in detail about the incident and how he tried to hide his addiction from his loved ones.
"Okay, so now ya see the reason how come he, Has taken four years to just put out an album, B/See, me and you, we almost had the same outcome, Heath," Slim Shady spit, referencing Heath Ledger's 2008 overdose death ... before continuing, "Cause that Christmas, you know the whole pneumonia thing?/It was bologna, was it the methadone, ya think?"
Interestingly enough, Dr. Dre recently opened up about his own brush with death, revealing his 2021 brain aneurysm was nearly fatal all the same ... but the Shady/Aftermath tandem appear to be in good enough health to work on new music.
Both Em and Dre have been spotted in and out of studios with Snoop Dogg this year following their Emmy-winning Super Bowl performance from February.
Dre and Snoop have a joint album coming together ... and Slim Shady just may be next!
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Horrifying Video Drop Tower Ride Crashes to Ground ... Many Injured
It's about as scary as it gets ... an amusement park ride that encircled a tower high above the earth crashed to the ground in dramatic fashion ... injuring lots of people.
It happened in India ... the Drop Tower ride was 50 feet above the ground and presumably was supposed to make a slow descent, but the exact opposite happened ... it spun in circles as it plummeted downward.
There were 30 people on the ride ... at least 10 were injured. Some were taken to the hospital.
There are reports the operators of the ride fled the area after the mishap.
The incident is under investigation.
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Evander Holyfield Gloves From Mike Tyson Ear Bite Fight Hit Auction ... Could Fetch $100K!!!
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Evander Holyfield's gloves from his iconic rematch with Mike Tyson -- where "Iron Mike" infamously bit part of his ear off in one of the most memorable sports moments ever -- are hitting the auction block, and could fetch $100K!
Holyfield wore the gloves during his highly-anticipated second fight with Tyson on June 28, 1997 ... when the two squared off at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The red gloves worn by Holyfield -- one of the greatest fighters in boxing history -- were made by Everlast, and have "Holyfield #1" in black marker on each cuff logo.
The folks at Lelands tell us Holyfield's gloves show "light use" -- which makes sense, considering the bout was called after only three rounds, when Mike chomped into Evander's ear.
Remember, Holyfield defeated Tyson via 7-round TKO the first time they fought in November 1996.
During their second fight, Holyfield once again proved to be getting the better of Tyson, which frustrated the legend ... who bit Evander's ear in the third round.
Referee Mills Lane deducted points from Tyson, before ultimately disqualifying him, ending the contest in dramatic fashion.
Tyson has since explained the reason he bit Holyfield's ear ... saying he was upset Evander was "headbutting the s*** out of [him]" and "ringing my f***ing bell."
Some speculated Tyson pulled the stunt as a way to get out of the fight after Holyfield got the better of him in the early rounds.
The fight may have disappointed boxing fans in the moment, but the night has become part of boxing lore ... and that's why the used gloves could rake in 6-figures.
The gloves have already been bid on 5 times ... with a high mark of $12,155. Look for that figure to go up substantially.
Bidding ends later this month. Good luck!!
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Jane Fonda Reveals She Has Cancer ... Undergoing Chemo
Jane Fonda has a lot of people rooting for her, after just revealing she's been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
The 84-year-old Hollywood legend made the announcement Friday, saying she's already started chemo treatments, and that she feels very lucky, as it's treatable and about 80% of people diagnosed survive.
In true and incredible Jane fashion, she also took a moment to bring awareness on the importance of health care and as an advocate for it to be affordable to everyone, saying, "Almost every family in America has had to deal with cancer at one time or another and far too many don’t have access to the quality health care I am receiving and this is not right."
Jane says she'll be doing chemo for 6 months, and is handling the treatments quite well ... letting everyone know she won't let the diagnosis interfere with her climate activism.
She says, "We also need to be talking much more not just about cures but about causes so we can eliminate them. For example, people need to know that fossil fuels cause cancer. So do pesticides, many of which are fossil fuel-based, like mine."
Continuing, "We’re living through the most consequential time in human history because what we do or don’t do right now will determine what kind of future there will be and I will not allow cancer to keep me from doing all I can, using every tool in my toolbox and that very much includes continuing to build this Fire Drill Fridays community and finding new ways to use our collective strength to make change."
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She finishes with a call to action, "The midterms are looming, and they are beyond consequential so you can count on me to be right there together with you as we grow our army of climate champions."
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Jane.
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NFL's Antonio Hamilton Suffers Severe Burns In Cooking Accident
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Hamilton suffered second degree burns all over his lower body ... in what he described as "literally a freak accident" in a kitchen.
According to NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the 29-year-old football player was cooking a meal recently ... when he accidentally spilled hot oil all over himself.
Hamilton says he suffered burns on his thighs and feet in the incident ... but he was grateful it wasn't much worse.
"I had an accident that could've ended up deadly for me & my family," Hamilton said on his Twitter page. "But instead I got the short end of it by having my feet severely burned."
The Cardinals put Hamilton on the reserve/non-football injury list Thursday -- which means he's out of Arizona's lineup for at least the first four weeks of the season while he recovers.
It's a super unfortunate break for the defensive back -- because he had just crushed Cardinals training camp and earned a starting job. In fact, Hamilton called it "the greatest camp of my career."
No word on how much time Hamilton will ultimately miss ... but he said in his social media post Thursday, "God spared me to only have these injuries."
Hamilton broke into the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2016. He bounced around the league for several years after that, but latched on with the Cardinals last season.
Get better soon, Antonio!