WWE NXT live on The CW from Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
Tonight’s WWE Raw airs live globally on Netflix beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
AEW fans may soon see the return of one of the company’s most beloved stars, Riho. The first-ever AEW Women’s World Champion has been absent from television since July 2024, following an injury sustained during a match against Lady Frost on AEW Collision. However, recent reports suggest her return to the ring could be on the horizon.
According to Fightful Select, Riho was spotted in Orlando, Florida, during AEW’s Worlds End pay-per-view on December 28, where she was reportedly training in the ring before the show. While there’s no confirmation that she has been medically cleared to compete, the news has sparked hope among fans eagerly awaiting her comeback. The report also hinted that a return to AEW programming is likely at some point in 2025, though the exact timeline remains uncertain.
Riho made history in 2019 as the inaugural AEW Women’s World Champion, defeating Nyla Rose on the debut episode of AEW Dynamite. Her reign lasted 133 days before Rose reclaimed the title in a hard-fought rematch. Unfortunately, Riho’s AEW career was disrupted shortly after due to travel restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing her from competing in the United States.
During her time away from AEW, Riho remained active in Japan, wrestling for notable promotions like STARDOM and DDT. She eventually returned to AEW in 2021 and has since split her time between the promotion and international bookings. Her 2024 hiatus was reportedly tied to the process of renewing her work visa, but her latest setback—a mid-match injury—has kept her out of action for several months.
Riho’s return to training is a promising sign for AEW’s women’s division, which has felt the absence of the dynamic competitor. A trailblazer for the company, her mix of high-flying maneuvers and technical precision has made her a fan favorite, and her potential comeback in 2025 could inject fresh energy into the roster.
For now, fans will need to stay tuned for updates on Riho’s recovery and possible return. Whether she’s cleared for action sooner rather than later, it’s safe to say that the wrestling world is ready to welcome back the “Golden Idol” with open arms.
The professional wrestling world is mourning the loss of Edward Wiskoski, better known to fans as Colonel DeBeers. The Cauliflower Alley Club confirmed his passing at the age of 80, sharing that Wiskoski died on January 23 in Arizona, where he had lived in retirement. While no cause of death has been made public, the announcement marks the end of an era for fans who remember his infamous work in the ring.
The Cauliflower Alley Club released a heartfelt statement on social media, saying, “It is with profound sadness that the Cauliflower Alley Club announces the passing of Ed Wiskowski, better known to wrestling fans as Colonel DeBeers, at the age of 80. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and fans worldwide. Thank you for the memories. R.I.P. Sir.”
Breaking into the business in 1972, Wiskoski was trained by wrestling legends Harley Race and Lord Littlebrook. Known for his tough-as-nails brawling style and his ability to cut fiery promos, he carved out a memorable career across several promotions. While he made appearances in both WWE and WCW, it was his work in the AWA where he truly left his mark as Colonel DeBeers.
The Colonel DeBeers character stood out as a larger-than-life villain from Apartheid-era South Africa, a role designed to provoke outrage from fans. With his military-inspired look and controversial rhetoric, DeBeers became one of wrestling’s most despised heels during his heyday. His high-profile feud with Jimmy Snuka is remembered as a cornerstone of his career, cementing him as a heat magnet in the wrestling world.
While Colonel DeBeers was effective at drawing heat, his gimmick—a white supremacist military figure—sparked significant criticism, even during the less politically sensitive era of the 1980s. Many fans and wrestlers alike questioned the decision to portray such a divisive character, and his legacy remains a point of debate. Hardcore wrestling enthusiasts often reflect on his work as a masterful performance, separating the performer from the character, though the gimmick itself has not aged well in modern times.
Edward Wiskoski stepped away from the wrestling business years ago, living a quiet life in Arizona. Little is known about his personal life, though it has been reported that he is survived by at least one daughter.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Colonel DeBeers character, Wiskoski’s career highlights his ability to inhabit a role so convincingly that fans couldn’t help but despise him—a hallmark of wrestling’s greatest villains. The wrestling world sends its condolences to his family, friends, and fans as they remember the man behind the mustache-twirling heel.
Rest in peace, Edward Wiskoski. Thank you for the memories.
AEW returns to Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida for tonight’s special Homecoming edition of AEW Collision on TNT and streaming on Max.
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event from the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, airing on NBC and Peacock starting at 8:00 pm ET.
Jesse “The Body” Ventura will be back to do some commentary
Big changes are on the horizon for WWE Friday Night SmackDown. Earlier this month, Triple H announced that the blue brand, currently airing on the USA Network, will be returning to its traditional two-hour format later in 2024.
According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, this shift is expected to happen sometime between May and June, shortly after WrestleMania 41. WWE reportedly plans to keep SmackDown in its current three-hour format through the spring, as the company believes it has enough compelling content to sustain the additional hour until then.
SmackDown’s move back to two hours will mark the conclusion of the show’s recent experiment with an extended runtime. While the three-hour format has allowed WWE to showcase more talent and stories, it has also been met with mixed reactions from fans, many of whom feel that the additional hour dilutes the show’s pacing and impact.
A return to two hours would bring SmackDown back to its roots and align it with what many fans consider its most successful format. Historically, the two-hour structure has been praised for delivering a tighter, more action-packed product, and this change is likely to be welcomed by a majority of WWE’s fanbase.
The timing of the change is significant. WrestleMania 41, which will take place in April, is traditionally a reset point for WWE’s storylines and programming. By scaling SmackDown back to two hours following the biggest event of the year, WWE can adjust its creative direction and focus on crafting concise, high-quality episodes for the remainder of 2024.
This announcement comes as SmackDown continues its current run on the USA Network. The show’s move to the network in late 2024 was part of WWE’s massive deal with NBCUniversal, following the expiration of its previous agreement with FOX. Fans will be keeping a close eye on how this programming change impacts SmackDown’s presentation under its new home.
As WWE gears up for this transition, it’s clear that Triple H and the creative team are looking to optimize SmackDown’s format to keep fans engaged while delivering the best product possible.
For now, fans can look forward to an exciting few months leading into WrestleMania 41, with the blue brand wrapping up its three-hour run in style before heading back to its classic two-hour format later this year.
For months, wrestling legends Matt and Jeff Hardy were working in TNA Wrestling on nothing more than a handshake agreement, technically making them free agents despite their ongoing appearances. That all changed in late November when The Hardys announced they had finalized a formal, one-year deal with the company, solidifying their status as official TNA roster members and reigning TNA Tag Team Champions.
In a recent interview with TV Insider, Matt Hardy opened up about the journey that led them to sign on the dotted line and how this unexpected chapter in TNA unfolded.
“It all started with a call from Tommy Dreamer just a couple of days before the Rebellion show,” Matt revealed. “I jumped in the ring and left Moose laying. At that time, we were working on a handshake deal. My original plan was to work through June 15, building to a world title match with Moose. If nothing worked out beyond that, I’d have a great match with him and call it a day.”
However, plans shifted when Jeff Hardy’s AEW contract came to an end, creating an opportunity for the brothers to reunite under the TNA banner. With Jeff’s return, The Hardys were inserted into a thrilling tag team division featuring teams like ABC, The System, and First Class (AJ Francis & KC Navarro). Their program with First Class gave Jeff a confidence boost as he got back into the rhythm of competition.
The pinnacle of their run so far came at TNA Bound For Glory, where The Hardys outlasted ABC and The System in a hard-fought battle to claim the TNA Tag Team Championships.
“Jeff and I have really enjoyed our time in TNA,” Matt shared. “The way they were utilizing us felt really good. They were putting us in a position to succeed, which is something we haven’t had in a while. Jeff and I said, ‘If you want to do another deal, we’d be up to doing it.’ Then in November, we worked on a year-long deal from December to December.”
The Hardys return to TNA has reinvigorated their careers and added star power to the promotion’s tag team scene. With a full year ahead of them, fans can expect more classic moments, thrilling rivalries, and potentially a few surprises from the legendary duo.
How will The Hardys continue to leave their mark on TNA? Stay tuned as their journey unfolds!
The ever-changing landscape of WWE saw another shake-up during Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, with some stars switching brands as part of the ongoing transfer window storyline.
One of the most notable moves is Damian Priest, who now officially calls SmackDown home. Priest, who’s been riding high as a member of The Judgment Day and had a standout year following his Money in the Bank win, brings a unique intensity to the blue brand. Joining him on SmackDown is The Miz, WWE’s self-proclaimed “Most Must-See Superstar,” adding a veteran presence and endless entertainment to Friday nights.
Meanwhile, the dynamic duo of Grayson Waller and Austin Theory—collectively known as A-Town Down Under—have made their way to Raw.
These moves are part of WWE’s transfer window, which allows roster shuffles to keep the product fresh and intriguing for fans. With Priest and The Miz poised to make waves on SmackDown, and A-Town Down Under bringing their energy to Raw, fans can expect new rivalries and storylines to emerge in the coming weeks.
Who will these superstars clash with next, and how will their moves reshape the WWE landscape?
WWE SmackDown airs live tonight from the Moody Center on the Campus of the University of Texas at Austin in Austin, Texas, beginning at 8:00 pm ET on the USA Network in the United States and on Netflix internationally.
Wrestling News Blog 