A tweet was shared by Bleacher Report on X showcasing an interview with the Northern Irishman ahead of Capital One’s The Match. Meanwhile, during the same, he was spotted fanboying over the likes of “Lionel Messi, Brad Pitt, and Jay Z”, when asked about “One athlete, artist, and actor you’d(sic) like to play a round with!”

Rapid Fire with Rory ahead of Capital One’s The Match

Capital One’s The Match is back Feb. 26th at 6:30pm ET on TNT and @SportsonMax — @Lexi, @rosezhang, @McIlroyRory and @Maxhoma pic.twitter.com/e1UteSanMl

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 21, 2024

Back in 2014, in an interview, the PGA Tour pro revealed his wishes to become a sporting legend just like how Messi and Roger Federer are in their respective sports. “Star power is what drives sport,” said a then-25-year-old McIlroy before continuing, “Messi, Federer – those guys are the pinnacle.” Meanwhile, he also confessed his aim to become “one of the best that’s ever played” all the while admitting how he is a long way from the same.

Moving on to Jay Z. The 4-time major champ seems to have changed his choice of artists as he had, back in 2015, discussed his love for the rapper Kanye West along with his dream of playing against the musician. Adding on, the then-world No.1 said, “I would love to spend four or five hours in his ­company just to see what he’s like,” before dubbing the whole interaction as nothing short of “interesting.”

What about Brad Pitt? Once again the 24-time PGA Tour champ seems to have had a change of heart. The golfer, in 2021, had expressed his ardent love for Adam Sandler’s 1996 comedy movie Happy Gilmore where the actor plays an athlete who tries to win money for his grandmother through golf. Meanwhile, the Northern Irishman had sent an honorary Gold Jacket and commemorative Calamity Jane putter replica to the American artist ahead of the 2021 Tour Championship.

Moreover, while sending the two, he shared a video message as well expressing his gratitude towards Sandler. “I just want to say thanks for all the laughs you’ve given us over the years. Happy Gilmore is one of my favorite movies…,” said the professional as he continued, “I’d love to meet you one day. Hopefully, we can catch up soon.” Well, despite his confessions, it seems the golfer did go ahead and change his favorites ahead of Capital One ‘The Match’.

Rory McIlroy tees it off at the 9th edition of ‘The Match’

McIlroy would square off against the likes of Max Homa, Lexi Thompson, and Rose Zhang in what can be dubbed the first time that pros from the men’s circuit will see themselves tee it up alongside athletes from the LPGA Tour. What’s more, it would witness the four golfers compete against each other individually and in a mixed skins format.

ALSO READ – PGA Tour Update: Justin Thomas Seeks Redemption at Valspar Championship Amid Rory McIlroy’s Absence

In this unique event, the four players would initially tee off from the same tees for the four par-3 holes following which the remaining eight would involve varying yardages tailored for both the male and female pros. One thing is for sure, the captivating 12-hole display set against the backdrop of illuminated night play would be nothing short of exciting.

Watch This Story | Rory McIlroy joins Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in golf’s history books

The post ‘Lionel Messi, Brad Pitt and Jay-Z’: Rory McIlroy Turns Fan-Boy as He Replaces Former Favorites in a Candid Reveal appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Some of the country’s most notable wrestling figures have accepted that this year will be much different with the Olympic Games beckoning. Naturally, USA wrestlers are looking to make waves at Acapulco, Mexico and it looks like they have just the people to undertake the massive responsibility.

USA wrestling stars spotted buckling up in Mexico

In its latest Instagram post, the official USA Wrestling account shared snippets of the athletes after having arrived in Mexico. Captioned “Touched down in , primed for the Pan-American Championships“, the accompanying images show some of the nation’s biggest wrestling stars of different styles gearing up for the imminent rumble on the mat.

 

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A post shared by USA Wrestling (@usawrestling)

With such high stakes, USA’s wrestling icons are looking good as they sweat it out on the mat ahead of the big challenges. The recent social media post shows athletes like Kamal Bey, Kyle Dake, Helen Maroulis, and others soliciting each other’s expertise to start their journey to Paris in style.

Dake can be seen sparring with national teammate Alex Facundo, evidently fixated on getting his A-game back before his possible meeting with the impressive Geandry Garzon of Cuba on Saturday. In another snap, Olympian Alex Sancho can be seen taking one of his colleagues for a wild ride, while Greco-Roman wrestler Noah William can be witnessed taking notes from one of his peers. But the faces seen in the post aren’t everybody who will be looking to make the Pan Am Championships an event to remember.

The USA sending out a beefed-up squad for the big challenge ahead

Names like Kayla Miracle and Kyle Snyder only add to USA’s wrestling dreams at the Mexican tournament. Snyder is expected to lock horns with his old foe: Arturo Torres from Cuba, while three-time world champ Spencer Lee looks to make his international debut. In 74kg, Dake is expected to run face four-time World medallist Geandry Garzon of Cuba. On the other hand, Cohlton Schultz will be aiming to make bigger impacts after his last Pan Am games saw him finish the tournament as the runner-up in the 130kg weight class.

Read more: Paris Olympics 2024 Hopeful USA Wrestling Team Hits the Mat With Aim To Replicate Pan Am Success

Maroulis will also face a steep challenge as her meeting with Angela Alvarez looks highly possible. Furthermore, both Macey Kilty and Kayla Miracle are also expected to meet strong opponents at the Championships. Six-time world champion Gray has three gold medals in the Pan American Championships. She will aim to add some more to her collection. Now, it waits to be seen how the athletes face up to the task with promises of Olympic glory visible far away.

Watch this story: I Can Wrestle With Anybody Anytime: The Unranked Purdue Wrestler Proved His Boast

The post 30 USA Wrestling Stars Descend on Mexico for First Major Tournament of the Olympic Year appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Last year, the Herons saw a ray of hope when they lifted the League’s Cup, giving hopes of taking the form into the MLS campaign. But it was the disappointing resurfacing injury to Lionel Messi that left the team in an unimproved 14th place in the Easter Conference. How is the situation now? According to reports, the club will still not have the service of Nicolas Freire, who they recently loaned from Liga MX Club UNAM Pumas. The player suffered a muscle injury in October last year and could not play a single pre-season game for the club.

This preseason gave rise to multiple doubts regarding the club’s chances of going all the way this season. They’ve won just one game against Hong Kong after suffering humiliating defeats to rival Saudi League clubs Al Hilal and Al Nassr. Even though Lionel Messi wasn’t 100% and missed out on starts against Al Nassr and Hong Kong, the Argentine is ready to go now.

On the other hand, Luis Suarez, despite being fit, is struggling to find his old energy. The player who takes medications for osteoarthritis has played all the preseason games and is ready to go for the season’s opener, but will he be able to meet the expectations he set at Gremio? Additionally, Jordi Alba is also deemed fit for tomorrow’s home game at the renamed Chase Stadium.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami set to miss some key young players

The club from Florida will still miss some of its young talents. Facundo Farias, who was considered to play an important role in the attacking third, is ruled out due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Reports also suggest that homegrown center-back Ian Fray will still stay out after suffering a similar ACL issue during Lionel Messi’s club debut in the Leagues Cup.

READ MORE – Lionel Messi Makes Heartfelt Gesture for FC Barcelona Despite Winning 8th Ballon d’Or at Inter Miami

Moreover, the club will also miss the services of Corentin Jean and Negri, who also suffered injuries to their anterior knee ligaments. Additionally, midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi will be out for another couple of months due to hernia surgery undergone in January.

Nevertheless, the unit has received a boost with a few players like the USMNT star Julian Gressel, Israel Boatwright, and Tyler Hall. But will the club start their campaign with a victory? Let us know in the comments.

WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen joins Lionel Messi in creating special historic feat

The post Inter Miami Injury Update – Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba & Sergio Busquets ‘Fully Fit’; Nicolas Freire Still Not Ready for MLS Season Opener appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Apart from that, there has been some excitement to see the revamped digital versions of WWE’s top stars. One such star is Jey Uso. WWE has released the first look at his in-game avatar and what his entry looks like as now he is not a member of the Bloodline anymore.

Jey Uso’s WWE 2k24 look revealed

In a clip posted by WWE on its X (formerly Twitter) account, fans could see The Main Event star‘s first look. He could be seen entering the stadium all by himself with his entry music playing in the background. Another detail that WWE decided to add is his signature hand gesture that he uses to hype up the crowd. The entry is a direct replica of his real-life entry and even the game’s audience could be seen doing the gesture.

YEEEEET!! @WWEUsos #FirstLook #WWE2K24 pic.twitter.com/Hi3ttRoa4E

— #WWE2K24 (@WWEgames) February 20, 2024

Talking about his in-game ranking, Jey Uso has scored a 90. Fans are left disappointed with this as the star’s rating did not increase by a single digit. If we look at his career, Uso has evolved into a much bigger star since he left The Bloodline.

The latest milestone of his career was defeating Gunther and Imperium in a three-man tag team match last week. He had banded with the New Day and the trio took on the WWE Intercontinental Champion and his stable mates.

Read More| Has 9-Time Tag Team Champion Jey Uso Ever Won a Singles Championship in His WWE Career?

Jey Uso could have reached another career milestone last night. However, someone from his family thought that it wouldn’t be a good idea.

The two brothers

On this week’s episode of Raw, Jey Uso went off against Gunther all by himself for a chance to get his hands on the Intercontinental Championship title. Things were in his favor. However, his brother, Jimmy Uso, decided to interrupt the match. It was not ordered by Roman Reigns but was something more personal.

He interrupted the match by ringing the bell way too early, which distracted his brother. This allowed Gunther to attack and defend his title. After the curtains closed, Jimmy Uso laid waste to his brother by repeatedly attacking him. WWE might have hinted that they are planning to re-ignite this rivalry. Apart from that, let us know what you think of Jey Uso’s in-game avatar and entry.

Watch This Story: Rhea Ripley Takes A Cheeky Dig At New Raw Member Jey Uso

The post WWE 2k24: Jey Uso’s Viral Theme Song & Hand Gesture Revealed in First Look Trailer appeared first on EssentiallySports.

A tweet was shared by NUCLR GOLF on X (previously known as Twitter) mentioning how the LIV Chairman is playing in the Pro-Am at the Hassan II Golf Trophy to be held at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. Moreover, the post, which mentions him to have a 12-handicap, has reported him to be teeing it up alongside Arjun Atwal. Interestingly, his participation comes at a time when the merger is in a limbo of sorts.

JUST IN: PIF Governor and LIV Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, a 12 handicap, is playing in the PGA TOUR Champions Pro-Am alongside Arjun Atwal in Morocco. (First reported: @BrentleyGC) pic.twitter.com/72IzPHgRd5

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) February 21, 2024

The post PIF Governor Al-Rumayyan Abruptly Enters PGA Tour Champions Pro-Am Amid Crushing LIV Merger Limbo appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Once again, City struggled to assert their dominance from the start, as their only goal of the night came from their star No. 9. Yet, negative limelight is being shed on Haaland over his lack of finding the net. But Guardiola was quick enough to send a major warning to the 23YO’s critiques. Speaking in the post-match press conference, he said, “When I was young, a friend of mine told me to ‘never criticise the top scorers, they will shut your mouth.’ So sooner or later he [Haaland] is always there.” The Spanish tactician asked to exert patience over Haaland.

“He came after two months, had an incredibly tough last week. He lost his grandmother. It is not easy for a human being. Of course, he is not in his best shape but it’s normal,” he added. Notably, this is the third goal that Haaland has scored since his return from exile. Earlier, the former Dortmund man had scored a brace against Everton.

(This is a developing story…)

WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen joins Lionel Messi in creating special historic feat

The post Erling Haaland ‘Will Shut Your Mouth’ Warns Pep Guardiola, After Critics Doubted Manchester City Star’s Comeback appeared first on EssentiallySports.

The Nebraska vs. Penn State Big Ten dual was expected to wrap up the regular wrestling season in an explosive fashion, and it didn’t disappoint. While the NLWC stars started off wobbly, they quickly turned things around and ensured Penn State maintained its winning ways. However, it was the Huskers’ Brock Hardy who stole the hearts of the fans in a commendable fashion after the team’s loss.

Nebraska Huskers star steals the fans’ hearts

In his recent post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Hardy took a moment to reflect on his loss against Penn State’s No. 1 Beau Bartlett in the 141lb weight class matchup. “This won’t make as much waves, but I wanted to put this out there“, reads the caption of Hardy’s post, before proceeding to elaborate on the matter. From the looks of it, the Huskers’ No. 7 seems to accept his defeat with elegance, even if his fans clamor about foul play.

Several Nebraska fans alleged the referee’s controversial decision in the 141lb bout between Bartlett and Hardy. However, the Huskers wrestler aims to set the records straight with his post.

“I lost fair and square on Sunday“, wrote Brock in his post. The two wrestlers’ clash was a tight one, but Bartlett held on to his lead after two takedowns in the first two periods. Hardy sought to clear things up and commented, “Even if I did get the takedown, there is no guarantee of what would happen in those last 40 seconds“.

This won’t make as much waves, but I wanted to put this out there: pic.twitter.com/er9yft2JNr

— Brock Hardy (@theebrockhardy) February 20, 2024

Despite his loss, Hardy claimed that representing the Nebraska Huskers in front of a wrestling-crazy crowd at the Rec Hall was an incredible experience for him, and requested his fans to accept the team’s fate in a sporting fashion. However, it was a heartbreak for the Nebraska fans, given how the duel progressed.

Nebraska lost its footing after a good start

The Huskers started the dual strongly as Nebraska’s No. 12 Caleb Smith (125) pulled off an incredible win over Penn States’s No. 6 Braeden Davis with an 11-3 decision win. A similar result was replicated in the 133lb weight class as Husker Jacob Van Dee picked up another 6-2 decision win. However, the momentum was lost after Bartlett came up with an impressive win, putting Penn State on the scoreboard.

Read more: Former Wrestling World Champion Raises Thought-Provoking Question Over Penn State HC Cael Sanderson’s Dynasty

While the 149lb weight class saw the Huskers bag another decision win, the Penn State wrestlers quickly came back and won five out of the last six bouts. Now, as the Nebraska team waits to meet Arizona State next Sunday, it waits to be seen if they can find their winning mentality once again.

Watch this story: I Can Wrestle With Anybody Anytime: The Unranked Purdue Wrestler Proved His Boast

The post Nebraska Huskers Wrestling’s Brock Hardy Charms Fans With Class Act After a Close Loss Against Penn State appeared first on EssentiallySports.

But soon, a dismantling situation shattered the South African team members’ dream of participating in Paris. Swimming South Africa remained at the center as they decided not to send their team to the Paris Olympics 2024. However, the embroiling state has everyone’s words in it. 

The saga of claiming the Paris 2024 berth and losing it a few days after 

Just after Doha Aquatics’s conclusion on February 18, the South African national water polo sides came to know that they were not participating in the Paris Olympics. In much obscurity, they learned about it from the Canadian national side’s social media update. After SA teams move out, they are ultimately on the profiteering side to get the berth. However, as Daily Maverick posted about the withdrawal news, they questioned the SSA CEO about the contributing reason. “For us to accept a continental slot, they had to achieve a top-12 ranking [at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha] and they did not achieve a top 12 ranking,” Shaun Adriaanse lamented. But that justification was not enough. 

In the Tokyo Olympics, the SA women’s water polo team came in 10th position. And the men’s team earned the 12th position. The performance of both teams was proverbial, as it was almost their first occasion. Moreover, in 2023 Fukuoka Aquatics, the women’s team claimed the 12th position. So since then, the SSA board set the benchmark of 12th position for its national water polo teams to have a nod for them for the Paris Olympics. However, that justification seemed to be outlandish for the players on the sides. Ultimately, they had a word to share about it. 

The authorities cry foul while players demand justifications

In a further investigation of Daily Maverick, a team member from the SA Water polo side disbursed some loathing scenarios of the authority. As per that player, the squads just had one training camp together after Fukuoka. Moreover, that training camp in Gqeberha worked as the ultimate selection camp. So, the gelling between players was not in place. To extend the pain, the final team selection came just two weeks before the Doha Aquatics. And after that, the squads only had one training season together. 

Read more: Paris Olympics 2024 Update: Despite Stellar Performance, Senior Member of USA Rivals Shocked as Last Qualification Hangs in the Balance

The lackadaisical approach was there in Doha as well. The teams did not receive enough support from the SSA authority. “It was like being set up to fail,” the player cried. Now, after losing the berth, the players have nowhere to go to register their complaints. That fiasco penned an agonizing end of dreams. 

Watch this story: “The Impossible Wave”: The Tale of a Surfing Legend Who Brought the Water Sports on the World Stage of Olympics

The post Paris 2024 Update: South Africa Withdraws Water Polo Teams From Olympics Over Questionable Reasons appeared first on EssentiallySports.

As Ayesha offered fans a sneak peek into her debut acting role, Stephen Curry, always supportive, shared the excitement with his NBA followers. Reposting the trailer on his story, Curry exclaims, “Let’s goooo, congrats my baby,” while tagging Ayesha and amplifying the celebration of her new venture. Furthermore, Steph actively engaged with Ayesha’s post, spilling the beans on her role. Stephen wrote, “Ayyyye, I know one of the bridesmaids in the movie!!! ”

 

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A post shared by Ayesha Curry (@ayeshacurry)

From what it looks like, Ayesha Curry will take on the character of Heather, one of the bridesmaids in the romantic comedy, and Lindsay Lohan will star as Maddie Kelly. The film, scheduled for release on March 15, boasts a stellar cast, including talented individuals like Ed Speleers and Alexander Vlahos. Moreover, Motion Picture Corporation of America and Riviera Films are the production units behind the flick.

Read More – Ignored at Young Age, Stephen Curry Recalls Struggles in Fulfilling Basketball Dream

Ayesha and Stephen Curry are godparents to Lindsay Lohan’s son

While Lindsay Lohan may take center stage as the biggest celebrity in the upcoming film, Ayesha Curry’s involvement is no mere coincidence. The two share a profound connection that extends beyond the screen, encompassing their families. Lindsay Lohan and her husband, Bader Shammas, welcomed a son named Luai in 2023, and recent revelations show that Stephen and Ayesha Curry are, in fact, the godparents to little Luai.

This connection came to light following Curry’s extraordinary 60-point game earlier this month. In a heartwarming gesture, Curry signed his jersey for Luai, including a personalized message that read, “Your godparents love you!”

Watch This Story –  Stephen Curry’s Wife Ayesha Left Shocked After Learning Her Mom’s Age

As fans started to catch wind of this connection, the narrative began to gain momentum. In response, Lindsay took to her Instagram, sharing a close-up of the autographed jersey from Steph for all her followers to see. While the exchange showcases a profound bond between the two families, it also hints at a clever marketing move orchestrated by Ayesha and Lindsay. They strategically engaged fans just before the trailer launch, adding more anticipation to the upcoming film.

The post Stephen Curry Leaks Major Premise in Wife Ayesha and Lindsay Lohan’s Netflix Romcom appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was unable to save SmackDown

In reports published online, this week’s Friday Night SmackDown saw a dip in numbers. The show performed really well in the numbers game last week. While in the 18-49 demographics, the show scored 0.75 this week and last week as well. It fell a little short when it comes to viewership. This week’s viewership clocked in at 2.555M viewers as opposed to last week’s which was, 2.578M viewers.

#WWE Friday Night SmackDown Episode 229 (and the 7th of 2024) averaged 2.555M viewers. (0.75 in the 18-49 demo).

Last year, same week: 2.383M (0.58) https://t.co/bRc2fqjDMX

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) February 20, 2024

As stated by Dave Meltzer, he believes that since the show had some competition last week, this might have caused a dip in numbers. Apart from that, it is still to be known where will the episode rank in terms of viewership.

The post Despite Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Return WWE Smackdown Viewership Declines, Here’s Why appeared first on EssentiallySports.