Author: John Bass

Bully Ray Teases “Huge” Surprise Planned For WWE Royal Rumble

With the WWE Royal Rumble set to take place this Saturday, speculation is running wild about potential surprises—and according to Bully Ray, fans should expect something massive.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, the WWE Hall of Famer revealed that he’s received some inside information about the event and hinted at a major shocker in store.

“It’s going to be big. Inside information on a need-to-know basis, and I needed to know … I’m telling you, what I found out this morning for the Rumble, big is not the right word. Huge.”

While he didn’t provide specifics, Bully Ray also emphasized that neither the men’s nor women’s Rumble matches will have an easy winner, which could indicate unpredictable outcomes or unexpected entrants.

What Could This “Huge” Surprise Be?

With WrestleMania season officially kicking off at the Royal Rumble, there are several possibilities for what this major moment could be. Here are some of the biggest rumors and theories circulating:

  • A major return – Could we see The Rock?
  • A shocking debut – WWE has been known to bring in outside stars for big moments. Could a TNA or NJPW star make a surprise appearance?
  • An unexpected winner – While many expect Cody Rhodes, Gunther, or Seth Rollins to take the men’s Rumble, could WWE throw a curveball? And on the women’s side, could someone like Jade Cargill or a returning legend shake things up?
  • A game-changing storyline twist – WWE is known for pulling off massive storyline swerves at the Rumble. Could this be the night we see a major Bloodline betrayal, a new faction debut, or a shocking turn of events?

Regardless of what it is, Bully Ray’s comments have only added to the anticipation and excitement leading into Saturday’s event.

WWE Keeping Things Under Wraps

So far, WWE has been tight-lipped about any major surprises, which makes this year’s Rumble even more unpredictable. With Triple H leading creative, fans have high expectations for a blockbuster moment that will set the stage for WrestleMania 40.

Asuka Issues Firm Warning to Fans, WWE & TKO Taking Action To Protect Her

WWE Superstar Asuka is making it clear—she wants no romantic advances from fans.

Earlier this week, the former Women’s Champion took to Twitter (X) with a direct message, urging fans to stop developing romantic feelings for her, calling it “100% pointless.”

She also revealed that she has been feeling unsafe lately and has already consulted the police regarding the matter. Asuka expressed concern that, if this continues, she may feel threatened even when approached by fans in public settings like airports or city streets, making her hesitant to interact.

Her statement was unambiguous:

“I absolutely reject any romantic or personal approaches toward me. There is absolutely no possibility for others to interfere in my private life.”

WWE and TKO Step In

Following her initial post, Asuka provided an update on Friday, informing fans that WWE and TKO Group Holdings are taking action to protect her. While she didn’t specify the exact measures being implemented, it’s clear that the company is treating the situation seriously.

Fan Behavior Crosses the Line

Unfortunately, Asuka is not the first WWE Superstar to deal with overzealous or inappropriate fan behavior. Alexa Bliss, Sonya Deville, and Rhea Ripley have all had publicized incidents involving stalkers or obsessive fans in recent years. While most fans are respectful, cases like this highlight the darker side of fan interactions, reinforcing the importance of boundaries and personal safety for performers.

A Reminder to Respect Boundaries

Asuka’s message serves as a reminder that wrestlers are entertainers—not romantic interests for their fans. While social media and meet-and-greets allow for more interaction than ever, there’s a fine line between admiration and invasion of privacy.

WWE has yet to comment publicly on the situation, but with TKO stepping in, it’s clear they are taking Asuka’s concerns seriously. Hopefully, these measures will ensure her safety and peace of mind moving forward.

Maria Kanellis Departs AEW, Becomes a Free Agent

Maria Kanellis has officially wrapped up her time with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The longtime wrestling personality announced on X (formerly Twitter) that January 31 marked her final day with the company. However, her husband, Mike Bennett, will continue competing for AEW as part of The Kingdom alongside Matt Taven.

Kanellis, who has worked in WWE, TNA Wrestling (now TNA Wrestling again), and Ring of Honor (ROH), signed with AEW in 2022. Though she made appearances on AEW programming, her primary role was in Tony Khan’s version of ROH, where she served as a manager for talents like Cole Karter and Griff Garrison.

Contract Expiration and Free Agency

Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Kanellis’ AEW contract was initially set to run through late 2024, but the two sides instead agreed to a short-term extension through the end of January. Now, with her contract officially expired, Kanellis is a free agent and free to appear wherever she chooses.

Creative Ambitions and Departure

Throughout her tenure in AEW and ROH, Kanellis was outspoken about wanting a larger role behind the scenes, possibly in a creative or administrative capacity. However, it seems that she and Tony Khan weren’t able to align on a vision for her position in the company, leading to her exit.

Overcoming Health Challenges

Beyond her wrestling career, Kanellis has also faced personal challenges. In 2023, she revealed that doctors had found an unusual growth on her adrenal gland, which required surgery. Thankfully, in an update later that year, she shared that the procedure was successful and that the mass was non-cancerous.

What’s Next for Maria Kanellis?

With her experience as a wrestler, manager, and promoter, Kanellis has plenty of options ahead. Whether she returns to WWE, finds a new home in TNA Wrestling, or takes on a backstage role in another promotion, it will be interesting to see what’s next for her. One thing is for sure—wherever she goes, she’ll bring her signature mix of intelligence, presence, and industry knowledge.

Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for more updates on Maria Kanellis

AEW Collision Preview 2/1/2025

AEW Collision tonight on TNT, was taped Wednesday night in Huntsville, Alabama.

  • TNT Championship: Daniel Garcia (c) vs. Kyle O’Reilly vs. Lee Moriarty
  • Mid-South Street Fight: FTR vs. Death Riders (Jon Moxley & Wheeler Yuta
  • Hook & Samoa Joe vs. Nick Wayne & Kip Sabian
  • The Learning Tree (Chris Jericho & Bryan Keith vs. The Outrunners
  • Harley Cameron vs. Taya Valkyrie
  • Megan Bayle vs. TBA
  • The Beast Mortos vs. TBA
  • Max Caster’s Open Challenge Series
  • We’ll hear from Timeless Toni Storm

WWE Royal Rumble 2/1/2025 (Card)

WWE Royal Rumble – Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET –
Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana

CARD

Undisputed WWE Championship – Ladder Match:
Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens

Men’s Royal Rumble Match:
John Cena, CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio, Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, Logan Paul, Penta, Chad Gable, Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, Damian Priest, Santos Escobar, Jacob Fatu, 12 More TBA – ? AJ Styles, Omos

Women’s Royal Rumble Match:
Nia Jax, Bayley, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, Naomi, Liv Morgan, Lyra Valkyria, Ivy Nile, IYO SKY, Chelsea Green, Zelina Vega, Candice LeRae, Piper Niven, 17 More TBA – ? Becky Lynch, Jordynne Grace, Nikki Bella

WWE Tag Team Championships Two Out Of Three Falls Match:
#DIY vs. Motor City Machine Guns

WWE SmackDown Preview 1/31/2025

WWE SmackDown live tonight on USA Network from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN

  • WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green (c) vs. Michin
  • Jimmy Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes
  • Naomi vs. Liv Morgan
  • DIY & Pretty Deadly vs. Motor City Machine Guns & Los Garza

Dark Side of the Ring Returns for Season 6 on VICE TV – Full Episode List Revealed

Wrestling’s most controversial and eye-opening docuseries is back. VICE TV has officially announced that Dark Side of the Ring will return for Season 6 on Tuesday, March 25. Since its debut in 2019, the series has shined a light on some of the industry’s most shocking and tragic stories, covering topics like The Plane Ride from Hell, Chris Kanyon’s struggles, and Grizzly Smith’s dark past.

The announcement was made via the show’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, which also included a brief trailer hyping up the new season. The post asked fans, “Which episode are you looking forward to the most?”—and with the newly revealed lineup, there’s plenty to be intrigued about.

Season 6 Episode Topics:

  • Hell in a Cell
  • Big Van Vader
  • Tony Atlas
  • Ludvig Borga
  • Billy Jack Haynes
  • “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert
  • “Superstar” Billy Graham
  • Daffney
  • The Original Sheik
  • Muhammad Hassan

The trailer features WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley discussing his legendary Hell in a Cell match with The Undertaker at King of the Ring 1998. It remains to be seen whether the episode will focus solely on that brutal encounter or explore the Hell in a Cell match type as a whole. Either way, Foley’s involvement suggests an in-depth look at one of wrestling’s most unforgettable—and painful—moments.

One particularly interesting episode will cover Tony Atlas, as former WWE star Mark Henry previously revealed that he was initially hesitant to participate in Dark Side of the Ring due to its focus on wrestling’s darker moments. However, he made an exception to contribute to the Atlas episode, signaling that it may contain some deeply personal and untold stories.

With a lineup featuring wrestling legends, tragic tales, and infamous industry moments, Dark Side of the Ring Season 6 looks poised to deliver another gripping set of episodes.

AEW Grand Slam Australia Set for Unique Broadcast Slot Amid NBA All-Star Weekend

AEW’s highly anticipated Grand Slam Australia is just around the corner, bringing a stacked card to fans Down Under on February 15. With Toni Storm defending the AEW Women’s World Championship against Mariah May and the dream team of Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay facing Kyle Fletcher and Konosuke Takeshita, the event promises to be a major milestone for the promotion. However, there has been some confusion regarding when the show will actually air in the United States.

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Grand Slam Australia will air on a 20-hour tape delay in the U.S., a decision made by TNT to maximize viewership. Instead of airing live in the early morning hours, the event will be slotted immediately after the NBA All-Star Saturday Night festivities, which typically draw massive ratings. While the AEW broadcast is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET, Meltzer noted that the unpredictable nature of NBA events means the show could start closer to 11:05 PM ET if the All-Star coverage runs long.

This strategic scheduling could be a huge win for AEW, as it ensures a strong lead-in audience from NBA All-Star Weekend, which consistently ranks among the most-watched sports broadcasts of the year. Additionally, since the event will air live on the West Coast, Grand Slam Australia will be in primetime for viewers in California and surrounding regions—potentially giving AEW its biggest Saturday night audience in months.

Meltzer also suggested that AEW should capitalize on the moment by kicking off with a major match or angle to hook the new audience. With Revolution set for March 9 in Los Angeles, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a major storyline development in Australia that sets the stage for the pay-per-view.

AEW’s international expansion has been a major talking point in recent months, and if this event pulls in strong ratings, it could open the door for more global shows in the future. Will the decision to delay the broadcast pay off? Fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out.

Becky Lynch Reportedly Set for Surprise WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Appearance

With the 2025 Royal Rumble just around the corner, speculation is running wild about potential surprise entrants in this year’s matches. Names like Jordynne Grace and Omos have already been spotted in Indianapolis ahead of the event, while TNA World Champion Joe Hendry has fueled rumors of his own involvement. But perhaps the biggest potential surprise of the night is none other than Becky Lynch.

According to PWInsider Elite, Lynch is expected to be at Lucas Oil Stadium this weekend, and WWE is reportedly taking extra precautions to keep her presence under wraps. The belief among many within the company is that “The Man” could be a shock entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble match, though as of now, that has yet to be officially confirmed.

Lynch has been absent from WWE programming for months, despite reportedly signing a new deal with the company. Her last major public appearance came in late 2024 when she was at Netflix headquarters to promote Monday Night Raw’s move to the streaming platform.

Her contract situation was one of the most talked-about topics in wrestling last year. Unlike stars such as Finn Bálor, Drew McIntyre, and her husband Seth Rollins, who all re-signed before their deals expired, Lynch actually let her contract run out. However, despite speculation that she could test the waters in AEW or elsewhere, many assumed she would stay loyal to WWE. Instead of jumping to another promotion, she appeared to use her time away to focus on motherhood, promoting her book, and recharging after years of grinding at the top of the industry.

If Lynch does make her return in the Royal Rumble match, it would instantly shake up the women’s division heading into WrestleMania 41. Could she be on a collision course with Rhea Ripley or Bayley for a major title match? One thing is for sure—if “The Man” comes around, the WWE landscape will never be the same.

WWE Royal Rumble 2025: Legends, Rising Stars, and Surprise Appearances Expected

With WrestleMania on the horizon, WWE’s Royal Rumble stands as one of the most anticipated events of the year. Known for its high-stakes, over-the-top-rope chaos, the 2025 edition promises not only shocking eliminations and surprise entrants but also a backstage filled with familiar faces from WWE’s past and promising stars of the future.

According to PWInsider Elite, several WWE Hall of Famers are expected to be in attendance at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 1. Among the names mentioned are The Undertaker and Kurt Angle, both of whom have played significant roles in Royal Rumble history. Additionally, some of the coaches from WWE’s LFG series are reportedly heading to Indianapolis, though it remains unclear exactly which coaches will be present.

Another Hall of Famer whose name has been circulating backstage is Sean “X-Pac” Waltman. While there’s no confirmation on whether he’ll actually be in the city for the event, his potential presence has been a topic of discussion among those within WWE. Given his history with the Royal Rumble match and his long-standing ties to the company, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him make an appearance in some capacity.

But it’s not just legends making their way to Indianapolis—WWE is also using the event as an opportunity to introduce fresh talent. Recent reports suggest WWE has been eyeing Brock Rechsteiner, son of Hall of Famer Scott Steiner, for a potential NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal. To give him a closer look at WWE’s inner workings, Rechsteiner will be in attendance alongside his father. Similarly, Jacob Henry, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry, is also expected to be in the building.

In addition to the next generation of wrestling royalty, WWE has invited several NXT trainees who have yet to debut on television. While their exact roles at the event remain unknown, they’ll have the chance to witness some of NXT’s rising stars firsthand. Wrestlers like Stephanie Vaquer, Roxanne Perez, Jaida Parker, and Lash Legend have all been spotted in Indianapolis this week, fueling speculation that they could be surprise entrants in the women’s Royal Rumble match.

With legends, potential debuts, and unpredictable surprises, the 2025 Royal Rumble is shaping up to be a must-watch event. Whether it’s shocking returns or breakout performances, fans can expect plenty of unforgettable moments as WWE officially kicks off the road to WrestleMania 41.

Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for all the latest updates and coverage from the Royal Rumble weekend!