WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda Reportedly in Hospice Care

The wrestling world is once again rallying around the Rotunda family as heartbreaking news emerges about WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda, father of the late Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy).

According to a post shared Tuesday morning by former WWE star Leilani Kai, Rotunda has reportedly been placed in hospice care. Kai shared a touching photo of herself with Rotunda, writing that she would “treasure it forever” and asking fans to keep him and his family in their prayers.

Kai’s post follows comments made earlier in the day by Rotunda’s brother-in-law and longtime tag team partner Barry Windham, who spoke briefly about Rotunda’s health during an interview with Bill Apter. While Windham didn’t go into specifics, he called the situation a tragedy — particularly so soon after the passing of Rotunda’s son, Windham “Bray Wyatt” Rotunda, who died suddenly in 2023 at just 37 years old.

For decades, Mike Rotunda was a respected presence both in and out of the ring. A versatile performer, he found success across multiple promotions and eras — first as one half of The U.S. Express with Windham, later as part of The Varsity Club alongside “Dr. Death” Steve Williams, and of course, as the calculating Irwin R. Schyster (I.R.S.) during WWE’s golden era of character-driven wrestling. Rotunda even had a brief run as part of the nWo during the mid-90s boom.

In 2024, Rotunda was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame alongside Windham, solidifying his legacy as one of wrestling’s most consistent and dependable performers.

The wrestling community continues to send love and strength to the Rotunda family during this difficult time. Fans around the world have taken to social media to share memories and messages of support, celebrating the impact that both Mike and his late son Bray had on the industry.

WWE Raw Preview 10/27/2025

WWE Raw airs live today globally on Netflix from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT.

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria & Bayley
  • CM Punk and Jey Uso face-to-face, ahead of their match at Saturday Night’s Main Event
  • WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella vs. Judgment Day’s Roxanne Perez
  • WWE Intercontinental No. 1 Contender’s Match: Rusev vs. Penta

Fans Are In Speculation Mode After WWE Post Mysterious Vignettes

WWE has once again stirred up the rumor mill with a series of cryptic vignettes that dropped across the company’s official X account, leaving fans to piece together what—or who—might be coming next.

The first video hit the timeline early on October 26 at 7:42 a.m., showing nothing more than a pair of sharply dressed feet walking across a dark, reflective floor. Later clips arrived at 4:18 p.m. that same day, then 7:42 p.m., and finally another at 4:18 a.m. this morning. The pattern led many to expect a fifth post at 7:42 a.m., but as of now, WWE has held off—only fueling speculation further.

Each vignette features a slightly different pair of shoes, suggesting that multiple individuals could be involved rather than a single returning Superstar. The clips are accompanied by a faint piece of background music that many fans have pointed out sounds strikingly similar to the classic Saturday Night’s Main Event theme, adding an extra layer of nostalgia and intrigue.

Online discussion has ranged wildly. Some are convinced the teases point to GUNTHER’s return, especially since the former Intercontinental Champion has been off TV since dropping the World Heavyweight Title at SummerSlam. Others have floated more outlandish theories, including Brock Lesnar aligning with The Vision or even the comeback of Andrade El Idolo.

The Vision speculation does make some storyline sense—after all, the group recently ousted Seth Rollins from its ranks. A new leader or addition could mark the next evolution of the faction. However, the idea of Lesnar joining forces with Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed feels far-fetched given the group’s current trajectory and Lesnar’s long history with Paul Heyman, a relationship that was seemingly severed on-screen years ago.

As for GUNTHER, the clues don’t line up perfectly either. Fans have noted that all of the mysterious figures are wearing socks—something the “Ring General” famously avoids. Still, with rumors swirling that he’s John Cena’s potential opponent for Cena’s rumored “final match” later this year, the timing of a comeback tease wouldn’t be surprising.

One last wrinkle: eagle-eyed fans noticed that the times of the posts—7:42 and 4:18—both add up to 13 when the digits are combined. Whether that’s an intentional clue or just WWE playing with fan theories remains to be seen, but the company has certainly succeeded in one thing—getting everyone talking.

Whatever these vignettes are leading to, it’s clear WWE is setting the stage for something (or someone) big. The only question now is: when will we get our answers?

UPDATE: WWE posted the following vignette this afternoon:

Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Final Match: Could Shinsuke Nakamura Be “The Ace’s” Last Opponent?

As NJPW legend Hiroshi Tanahashi prepares for his final match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in January 2026, rumors are swirling about who will face him in his retirement bout. Recent reports suggest WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura — one of Tanahashi’s most iconic rivals — could be in line for the honor. However, interpromotional politics between WWE, AEW, and NJPW could complicate the dream matchup.


The Ace’s Last Dance

As 2025 winds down, New Japan Pro Wrestling is preparing to say goodbye to one of its greatest icons. Hiroshi Tanahashi, the man affectionately known as “The Ace,” is nearing the end of his legendary in-ring career. After more than a year on his emotional farewell tour, Tanahashi will wrestle for the final time on January 4, 2026, at Wrestle Kingdom 20 inside the historic Tokyo Dome.

Tanahashi’s retirement tour has been a celebration of two decades of excellence — a journey that saw him face top stars across generations, from Kazuchika Okada and Tetsuya Naito to Will Ospreay and Zack Sabre Jr. But as the Tokyo Dome finale approaches, fans are buzzing about who will stand across the ring from him in his final match.

According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, one potential — and emotional — choice could be Shinsuke Nakamura, the current WWE Superstar and Tanahashi’s most famous rival.


Nakamura Teases the Possibility

Speculation started growing during WWE’s recent tour of Japan. Nakamura paid homage to Tanahashi by mimicking his signature mannerisms during matches and later referencing him in a post-show promo — a nod that didn’t go unnoticed by fans or by Meltzer.

Interestingly, Nakamura’s WWE contract reportedly includes a clause that allows him to work select dates in Japan. On paper, that would make a Tanahashi vs. Nakamura farewell match possible. However, Meltzer pointed out that it’s far from a done deal, and there are major hurdles to overcome.


NJPW, AEW, and WWE Politics Complicate Things

The biggest obstacle isn’t Nakamura’s willingness — it’s the current state of interpromotional politics. NJPW maintains a close working relationship with AEW, and with AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita currently holding the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, it’s expected that AEW talent will feature prominently at Wrestle Kingdom 20.

Having a WWE talent like Nakamura appear on the same card could create political friction between the promotions. Meltzer speculated that NJPW may hesitate to invite a WWE wrestler to such a high-profile show while the AEW partnership is active.

That said, Tanahashi’s retirement isn’t just another event — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Meltzer added that if there’s any scenario that could make WWE, AEW, and NJPW look past competitive barriers, this could be it. Tanahashi’s influence and legacy are that significant.


A Rivalry That Defined an Era

If Nakamura were to be chosen, it would bring things full circle. Tanahashi and Nakamura’s careers have been intertwined since the early 2000s, leading New Japan through one of its most transformative periods.

Their clashes — including classic bouts over the IWGP Intercontinental Championship and main events at Wrestle Kingdom 8 — helped define NJPW’s modern in-ring style and reestablished the promotion as a global wrestling powerhouse. The chemistry between Tanahashi’s fiery heroism and Nakamura’s flamboyant charisma became a cornerstone of New Japan’s resurgence.

A final encounter between the two, more than a decade after their last major showdown, would be the perfect symbolic closing chapter for both men’s shared legacy.


When Will the Opponent Be Revealed?

Fans likely won’t have to wait long for answers. Meltzer noted that the identity of Tanahashi’s final opponent could be revealed as soon as November 2, during Tanahashi’s “Final Homecoming” event in his hometown of Gifu, or in the days following.

Regardless of who steps up — whether it’s Nakamura, an AEW name, or a rising NJPW star — one thing is certain: Hiroshi Tanahashi’s last match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 will be more than a wrestling match. It’ll be a celebration of a legacy that helped rebuild New Japan Pro Wrestling and inspire an entire generation of wrestlers and fans alike.

WWE NXT Halloween Havoc 10/25/2025 (Results)

WWE NXT Halloween Havoc 10/25/2025 (Results)

Quick Results:

  • Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater def. Mr. Iguana & La Parka
  • NXT North American Championship – Day Of The Dead Match: Ethan page (c) def. El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr.
  • NXT Women’s North American Championship: Blake Monroe def. Zaria (defending on behalf on Sol Ruca) to become the new NXT Women’s North American Champion
  • NXT Women’s Championship: Tatum Paxley def. Jacy Jayne (c) to become the new NXT Women’s Champion
  • NXT Tag Team Championship – Broken Rules Match: Dark State def. The Hardy Boyz (Broken Hardys) (c) to become the new NXT Tag Team Champions
  • NXT Championship: Ricky Saints (c) def. Trick Williams

Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater def. La Parka & Mr. Iguana

The night kicked off with a fast-paced tag battle that felt straight out of AAA’s wildest dreams. Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater went toe-to-toe with La Parka and Mr. Iguana in a showcase of athleticism and charisma. After a dizzying series of dives, springboards, and aerial counters, the young duo sealed the win when Slater hit a 450 Splash on Mr. Iguana. The crowd roared as Evans and Slater danced their way to victory, looking like NXT’s next big tag team threat.


Ethan Page Retains the NXT North American Championship (Day of the Dead Match)

“All Ego” Ethan Page defended his title against El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. in one of the most brutal “Day of the Dead” matches NXT has ever seen. Between trash cans, tables, chairs, and mask-ripping mind games, both men left it all in the ring. Wagner nearly pulled off the upset after a wild avalanche Frankensteiner, but Page turned the tide with a blinding powder attack and a devastating Avalanche Twisted Grin through a table to retain the title.


Blake Monroe Wins the NXT Women’s North American Championship

Defending on behalf of Sol Ruca, Zaria battled Blake Monroe in a spirited showdown — but things took a dramatic turn when on the floor, Monroe knocks Sol over and Zaria sees red! Back inside, discus lariat but she doesn’t go for the pin, instead she checks on Ruca! Monroe capitalized on the chaos, attacks her from behind, spikes her with the Glamour Shot to score the pinfall and capture the NXT Women’s North American Championship for the first time in her career.


Tatum Paxley Captures the NXT Women’s Championship

In a match overflowing with interference and emotion, Tatum Paxley toppled Jacy Jayne to become the new NXT Women’s Champion. The Culling, Fatal Influence, and others all got involved in ringside bedlam before Izzi Dame accidentally struck Jayne with the title belt. Paxley seized the moment, hitting Cemetery Drive to score the three-count. The Culling celebrated in the ring — though Dame’s expression suggested there’s unfinished business ahead.


Darkstate Crowned New NXT Tag Team Champions (Broken Rules Match)

Broken Matt Hardy and Brother Nero defended their tag titles in pure carnage against Darkstate, in which amounted to a 4-on-two match because there was no rules in the match. Tables, ladders, and kendo sticks littered the arena in a chaotic brawl that lived up to its “Broken Rules” name. After Jeff Hardy’s missed Swanton through a pile of tables, Darkstate capitalized, hitting a Doomsday Device through another table on Brother Nero to win the NXT Tag Team Championships. The new champs stood tall as the Hardyz were left in the wreckage.


Ricky Saints Retains the NXT Championship Against Trick Williams

In the main event, “Absolute” Ricky Saints put the NXT Championship on the line against fan favorite Trick Williams in a hard-hitting, emotional clash. The two traded power moves, suplexes, and nearfalls, with Williams nearly sealing it after a Trick Shot and even a Book End through the announce desk. But Saints survived, hitting a sharp step-up tornado DDT to secure the win and retain the NXT Title. Saints stood tall amid smoke and lights as NXT closed the night on a dramatic note.

WWE NXT Halloween Havoc 10/25/2025 (Card)

WWE NXT Halloween Havoc – Saturday, Octoner 25, 2025 – Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona

CARD

  • NXT Championship: Ricky Saints (c) vs. Trick Williams
  • NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne (c) vs. Tatum Paxley
  • NXT Tag Team Championship – Broken Rules Match: The Hardy Boyz (Broken Hardys) (c) vs. Dark State
  • NXT Women’s North American Championship: Zaria vs. Blake Monroe – Zaria defending on behalf on Sol Ruca
  • NXT North American Championship – Day Of The Dead Match: Ethan page (c) vs. El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr.
  • Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater vs. Mr. Iguana & La Parka

WWE SmackDown Preview 10/24/2025

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix for international fans from the Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State University.

  • WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton vs. Kiana James
  • Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) vs. DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa)
  • We can expect to see the new United States Champion Ilja Dragunov, Solo Sikoa & his MFT’s and The Wyatt Sicks

WWE Hall Of Famer Kurt Angle Reflects on His TNA Run: “I Think I Had a Better Career There” – Angle Gives Health Update

WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle recently opened up about his time in TNA Wrestling and offered a surprisingly honest comparison to his legendary WWE career. Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Angle revealed that despite his iconic run in WWE, he believes his best in-ring work came after he made the jump to TNA in 2006.

“I had a better career, too. I had better matches,” Angle admitted. “That’s really hard to say because I had some great ones in WWE, but I came into my own [in TNA]. You don’t really hit your stride until six or seven years in, and that’s right when I left WWE.”

Angle said that joining TNA reignited his passion for wrestling, especially given the wealth of fresh talent on the roster at the time. He went on to list several of his top opponents, including AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Sting, Jeff Jarrett, Bobby Roode, and James Storm, among others.

“When I left WWE, I was salivating because there was so much untapped talent in TNA,” he said. “I couldn’t wait to get down there. I take pride in that period — I think I had a better career there.”

Angle also noted that his move to TNA seemed to spark an influx of big names from WWE joining the company, such as Kevin Nash, Ric Flair, and Hulk Hogan, which helped TNA build one of its strongest rosters ever.

“Once I went to TNA, I felt a whole slew followed me… we had a lot of good years and great talent,” Angle said. “I’m proud of what we accomplished.”


Health Update: Angle Shares How He’s Managing Injuries

Angle didn’t shy away from discussing his ongoing health struggles, a result of decades of intense physical competition. The Olympic gold medalist shared that while some surgeries have helped, others haven’t gone as planned.

“I had my knees replaced, and that was a blessing — no pain there,” Angle said. “But I had surgery on my lower back, and that didn’t work at all. What did help was core training. Not the surgery — the training.”

However, Angle revealed he’s now facing another tough decision regarding his shoulders.

“My doctor told me shoulder replacement surgeries are a 50/50 deal,” he explained. “He suggested waiting a few years because technology’s improving. So for now, I’m holding off.”

Despite the setbacks, Angle continues to train and stay active, though he’s careful not to overdo it.

“I just go through the motions and keep my body in shape. I have to keep my weight down because my knees are only supposed to last 20 years — if I gain too much, that drops to 10.”


Kurt Angle’s legacy spans both WWE and TNA, but hearing him reflect so fondly on his time in the six-sided ring underscores just how important that chapter was to his career — and to the evolution of modern wrestling itself.

Broken Hardys Coming to NXT Halloween Havoc

Halloween Havoc is about to get a whole lot more “delightful.” The Hardys are bringing the chaos of the multiverse with them. Matt and Jeff Hardy will defend their NXT Tag Team Championships against DarkState — but this won’t be a standard title defense. The bout will be contested under Broken Rules, which essentially means no rules, no limits, and pure Hardy-brand insanity.

The announcement came in cinematic fashion straight from the Hardy Compound in Cameron, North Carolina. During a pre-taped promo from DarkState, the screen flickered and distorted before cutting to the familiar grounds of the Compound. There, fans saw Matt, Jeff, Señor Benjamin, Reby Hardy, and even the Hardy kids take part in a chilling ritual at the Lake of Reincarnation.

Moments later, the brothers emerged from the water transformed once more into Broken Matt and Brother Nero, signaling the long-awaited return of their most eccentric personas. In classic Hardy fashion, Matt declared, “State of Dark, you have broken the Broken Hardys. DarkState, you only broke us to make us stronger!

This marks the first time the Broken Hardys have appeared in NXT under their infamous gimmick, and the timing couldn’t be better. Halloween Havoc has long been known for its spooky flair and over-the-top theatrics, making it the perfect stage for a Hardy resurrection.

Expect chaos, creativity, and maybe even a few lawnmowers of doom when the Broken Hardys defend their gold against DarkState under Broken Rules. One thing’s for sure — the universe of deletion has officially collided with NXT.

WWE NXT Preview 10/21/2025

WWE NXT tonight on The CW

  • TNA X-Division Championship Match: Leon Slater (c) vs. Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo
  • Speed Tournament Match: Sean Legacy vs. Axiom
  • Speed Tournament Match: Jasper Troy vs. Zachary Wentz
  • OTM vs. Hank & Tank
  • Ricky Starks and Trick Williams contract signing for NXT Championship match at Halloween Havoc 2025