Category: WWE

WWE NXT General Manager Ava Announces Exit From Company

Simone Johnson — known to WWE fans as NXT General Manager Ava — has officially parted ways with WWE. The former Ava Raine confirmed the news on Friday, revealing she chose not to renew her contract and that this past Tuesday’s episode of NXT marked her final appearance with the company.

Taking to Instagram, Ava shared a heartfelt message thanking fans and those she worked with during her time in WWE. She acknowledged the decision wasn’t an easy one, but described it as a meaningful new chapter in her life.

“While my decision to not renew my contract was very difficult, it’s also a new turning point in my life,” Ava wrote. “It has been an honor & a privilege to be Ava.”

Ava’s WWE journey was historic from the start. As the daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, she became the first fourth-generation wrestler to sign with WWE when she joined the company in February 2020. She began training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando and eventually made her televised debut on NXT in October 2022 as part of Joe Gacy’s dark and controversial faction, The Schism.

Competing under the ring name Ava Raine — later shortened to Ava — her in-ring run was brief. She wrestled just four televised matches and never picked up a singles victory. Not long after, WWE pivoted her role on screen, positioning her as an assistant to Shawn Michaels before elevating her to the role of NXT General Manager in January 2024.

Despite limited ring time, Ava became a consistent on-screen presence as the authority figure of WWE’s developmental brand. One of her most high-profile moments came during NXT: New Year’s Evil in January 2025, when she shared a backstage segment with her father — a rare on-screen crossover between the two.

As of now, The Rock, who sits on TKO’s board of directors, has not publicly commented on his daughter’s departure.

What’s next for Ava remains unclear, but her exit closes a unique chapter in WWE history. Whether she stays connected to the wrestling business or pursues something entirely new, her decision marks a major shift — both for her personally and for the future direction of NXT’s on-screen leadership.

WWE SmackDown Preview 1/30/2026

WWE SmackDown airing tonight on USA Network taped from KAFD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

  • Sami Zayn comes face-to-face with Drew McIntyre before Royal Rumble
  • Cody Rhodes takes the mic ahead of Royal Rumble
  • Ilja Dragunov vs. The Miz
  • Axiom vs. Johnny Gargano
  • Carmelo Hayes issues a United States Title Open Challenge

WWE Royal Rumble 1/31/2026 (Card)

WWE Royal Rumble – Saturday 2pm ET/11am PT – KAFD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

CARD

  • Undisputed WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn
  • Gunther vs. AJ Styles (If Styles loses, he must retire)
  • Men’s Royal Rumble Match: Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Penta, Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Bronson Reed, Austin Theory, Je’Von Evans, Oba Femi, Brock Lesnar, The Miz, more TBA
  • Women’s Royal Rumble Match: Iyo Sky, Rhea Ripley, Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Asuka, Chelsea Green, Jordynne Grace, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Giulia, Maxxine Dupri, Becky Lynch, Nikki Bella, More TBA

Latest Update On Chris Jericho’s Potential Status For The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble

Chris Jericho’s name continues to circulate as one of the biggest wildcards heading into the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble, with new reporting adding fuel to the speculation surrounding a possible surprise appearance.

According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there is a “possibility” that Jericho could be involved in the 30-Man Royal Rumble match. While nothing has been confirmed, Meltzer notes that the idea has at least been discussed internally within WWE, keeping the door open for an unexpected return.

Jericho himself has publicly tried to cool down rumors of his involvement in the Royal Rumble, but the backstage chatter tells a slightly different story. Reports indicate that Jericho has been a topic of discussion regarding a potential WWE return dating back to early 2026, especially as his status with AEW remains somewhat unclear.

The former AEW World Champion has not appeared on AEW television since April 2025, though he is still listed on the company’s official roster page. That absence, combined with his long and storied WWE history, has only intensified speculation as the Royal Rumble approaches.

With the 2026 Royal Rumble set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jericho is now being viewed as one of the most closely monitored names going into the event. Whether it’s a one-night surprise or the start of something more, Jericho’s status is shaping up to be one of the key talking points as WWE fans count down to bell time.

Why Tommaso Ciampa Ultimately Chose to Leave WWE for AEW

Tommaso Ciampa officially turned the page on his WWE career this week, making his surprise AEW debut on Dynamite and immediately sparking conversation across the wrestling world. Now, the former NXT Champion has opened up about why he felt the time was right to walk away from WWE and start a new chapter.

Speaking with Rick Ucchino of Sports Illustrated, Ciampa made it clear that his decision wasn’t driven by one single issue, but rather a culmination of factors that became clearer as his WWE contract neared its end. According to Ciampa, those final contract discussions naturally forced him to evaluate where he fit in the current wrestling landscape.

Ciampa compared his mindset to different eras of wrestling. He explained that if he had been wrestling in the 1990s, ECW would have been his destination. In the early 2000s, Ring of Honor would have been the goal — something he was fortunate enough to experience briefly. For the 2010s, his dream was NXT’s “Black and Gold” era, where he became one of the brand’s defining figures. But when looking at the 2020s, Ciampa said the answer became obvious: AEW.

Another major factor was creative freedom, particularly surrounding his “Psycho Killer” persona. Ciampa admitted he pushed for years to fully bring that character to life in WWE, but for various reasons, it never fully materialized the way he envisioned. That changed immediately upon speaking with AEW President Tony Khan and the creative team. Ciampa said the open collaboration and willingness to trust his vision played a huge role in his decision, and he’s already thinking months — even a year — ahead in terms of evolving the character.

Ciampa also addressed long-standing online criticism suggesting that his 2018 run represented the peak of his career. He strongly disagreed, stating that he feels better physically and sharper mentally now than ever before. According to Ciampa, his storytelling, psychology, and overall performance have reached a level he hadn’t previously achieved — and AEW gives him the platform to prove it.

Finally, Ciampa touched on his respect for The Briscoes, specifically Mark Briscoe, whom he’s set to face soon. Ciampa praised Mark as the ultimate babyface, noting his natural charisma and fire. Despite not sharing a ring in over a decade, Ciampa said the chemistry was instantly there the moment they locked eyes, promising fans that their upcoming match will “tear the house down.”

Ciampa’s AEW arrival isn’t just about changing companies — it’s about betting on himself at a stage of his career where he believes his best work is still ahead. If his confidence is any indication, the “Psycho Killer” era in AEW may just be getting started.

Backstage Update On WWE Women’s Royal Rumble Gear For Saudi Arabia Event

This weekend’s WWE Royal Rumble premium live event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is set to be a landmark show, particularly for the women’s division. The 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble match will feature the largest number of female competitors ever to appear on a WWE event held in Saudi Arabia, a significant milestone for the company’s partnership with the region.

However, the historic nature of the match has also brought renewed attention to a familiar topic: ring gear.

For previous WWE events in Saudi Arabia, women have been required to modify their usual in-ring attire, typically competing in full bodysuits to align with the country’s conservative dress guidelines. With so many women involved in the Royal Rumble this time around, there had been some speculation that WWE might adjust or streamline the gear requirements to better accommodate the match.

According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, that is not the case. The report notes that the same attire guidelines used for past Saudi events remain firmly in place for this weekend’s Royal Rumble. One WWE talent involved in the Women’s Rumble confirmed the report, adding that there was no coordinated effort to ensure the competitors’ gear looked distinct from one another once everyone was in the ring.

Another noteworthy detail came from Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, who spoke with a separate talent scheduled for the match. According to that conversation, the women participating in the Royal Rumble were responsible for creating and/or paying for their own gear that meets the required parameters, without direct assistance from WWE. It remains unclear whether this is standard practice across the board or specific to this event.

While the Women’s Royal Rumble is poised to make history in terms of representation and participation, the backstage details highlight that some aspects of WWE’s Saudi events remain unchanged. As always, how the match ultimately comes across on screen — especially with a crowded field and similar-looking gear — will be something fans will be watching closely once the countdown clock starts.

Rey Mysterio Injury Update Raises Royal Rumble Concerns Ahead of Riyadh Event

With the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble just days away, Rey Mysterio’s status has suddenly become a major question mark. The WWE Hall of Famer sparked concern on Monday Night RAW after appearing to injure his arm during a match against Austin Theory, with the post-match visuals suggesting something wasn’t right.

However, newer reports indicate the issue may not be arm-related after all. According to PWInsider, Mysterio is actually dealing with a rib injury, though the exact severity hasn’t been confirmed. At this point, it’s unclear whether he’ll be medically cleared in time to compete in the Men’s Royal Rumble match, leaving WWE potentially forced to tweak creative plans at the last minute.

There is at least some reason for optimism. Mysterio recently posted a photo from Riyadh alongside Liv Morgan, Jade Cargill, Jacob Fatu, and Raquel Rodriguez, confirming that he has already traveled with the WWE roster for the premium live event. While that doesn’t guarantee he’ll be cleared to wrestle, it does suggest WWE hasn’t ruled out his involvement entirely, even if his role changes close to showtime.

The timing of this injury scare couldn’t be worse. Mysterio only returned to action in November 2025 after missing seven months due to a torn groin, and another setback so soon after raises understandable concerns about his long-term health. For now, all eyes are on WWE’s medical team as fans wait to see whether the legendary luchador will be able to take part in one of the company’s biggest matches of the year—and what it could mean for his road to WrestleMania if he can’t.

Brock Lesnar Confirms Entry In 2026 WWE Royal Rumble Match

Speculation surrounding Brock Lesnar’s WWE future can officially be put to rest — at least for now. The former WWE Champion has confirmed that he will be competing in the Men’s Royal Rumble match at the 2026 Royal Rumble premium live event.

Lesnar made the announcement during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, where he addressed the rumors head-on and left little room for interpretation. In classic Lesnar fashion, “The Beast” didn’t just confirm his entry — he declared his intentions.

“I’m heading to the Royal Rumble, boys,” Lesnar said. “I’m gonna win it.”

The confirmation immediately positions Lesnar as one of the favorites heading into the 30-man match, especially given his dominant history in the Royal Rumble. Lesnar has previously bulldozed through the field in past appearances, and his mere presence tends to shift the entire dynamic of the match.

This year’s Royal Rumble is already historic, as the event will take place on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The show will be held at a temporary outdoor stadium in the King Abdullah Financial District as part of the ongoing Riyadh Season festivities, marking the first time the Royal Rumble is staged outside of North America.

With Lesnar officially in the field, the Men’s Royal Rumble just gained another massive layer of intrigue. Whether WWE plans to use his return to launch a WrestleMania main event program remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — Brock Lesnar isn’t coming to Riyadh just to participate. He’s coming to dominate.

Backstage Update Brings Relief on Rey Mysterio’s Status Ahead of Royal Rumble

Rey Mysterio had WWE fans holding their breath following a scary moment on this week’s episode of RAW. The Hall of Famer appeared to suffer an injury during his singles match with Austin Theory, sparking immediate concern with the Royal Rumble just days away.

The match itself descended into chaos thanks to interference from The Vision — Logan Paul, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed — which ultimately allowed Theory to pick up the win. However, the focus quickly shifted after the final bell when Mysterio was seen clutching his arm. The referee throwing up the dreaded “X” signal only added to the alarm, and Mysterio was notably absent from the post-match angle as medical personnel escorted him to the back.

Given WWE’s history of blending real injuries into storylines, fans were left wondering whether this was all part of the show or a legitimate issue that could derail Mysterio’s plans.

According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, there’s reason for optimism. Meltzer reports that the injury is not believed to be serious, and as of now, Mysterio is still expected to compete in the 30-man Royal Rumble match in Riyadh.

That’s significant news considering Mysterio only returned to action in November 2025 after missing seven months with a torn groin. At 51 years old, any physical setback naturally raises red flags, but WWE reportedly has no plans at this time to remove him from the Royal Rumble lineup.

While WWE will undoubtedly continue to monitor the situation closely, the early word backstage suggests this was more of a scare than a setback — a welcome update for fans hoping to see the legendary luchador shine on one of WWE’s biggest stages.

WWE NXT Preview 1/27/2026

WWE NXT tonight on The CW

  • NXT Tag Team Championship: DarkState (c) vs. OTM
  • NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Joe Hendry vs. Jackson Drake
  • NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Andre Chase vs. Keanu Carver
  • NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Myles Borne vs. Dion Lennox