Category: WWE

Hikuleo, Reportedly Will Be Backstage At WWE SmackDown – Could The Bloodline Be Calling?

Nearly a year after word first broke of his WWE signing, it looks like Hikuleo is finally stepping into the WWE spotlight.

According to a new report from PWI Elite, the towering former NJPW standout is set to be backstage at this Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown in Lexington, Kentucky. While Hikuleo has been listed on WWE’s internal roster for some time now, this marks the first indication that the company may finally be ready to integrate him into the on-screen product.

The timing is intriguing — and so is the potential creative direction.

Given his real-life family ties to Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa (all three were members of NJPW’s Guerrillas of Destiny), speculation has long pointed to Hikuleo eventually becoming part of WWE’s ever-evolving Bloodline saga. With the faction undergoing a major shake-up in recent weeks, now might be the perfect time for a new piece to be added to the puzzle.

At Money in the Bank this past weekend, the Bloodline story took another wild twist. Jacob Fatu, who recently debuted and already holds the United States Championship, shockingly cost Solo Sikoa the briefcase opportunity — going as far as to yell “Solo, I hate you!” as he shoved him off the ladder. That moment allowed Seth Rollins to capture the contract, and it signaled that the cracks in this next-gen version of The Bloodline are only getting deeper.

If Hikuleo is coming in now, the big question is: whose side is he on?

It’s worth noting that fellow NJPW alum Jeff Cobb (now competing as JC Mateo) recently aligned with Jacob Fatu, helping him retain his title at WWE Backlash. Could Hikuleo follow suit, or might he be walking into the chaos to back up his brother Tama Tonga — or even Solo Sikoa?

Before signing with WWE, Hikuleo spent eight years making his mark in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He held the IWGP Tag Team Titles, the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship, and had brief appearances in AEW and TNA as well. At 6’8”, with a unique blend of raw power and agility, he certainly brings a physical presence that fits WWE’s main event scene.

Whether Friday’s SmackDown marks his on-screen debut or simply the start of his transition to TV, the message is clear: Hikuleo is on WWE’s radar — and perhaps on a collision course with the chaos surrounding The Bloodline.

Report: Brie Bella in Talks for WWE Return Following Nikki’s RAW Appearance

The Bella Twins might be gearing up for one more run in WWE — together.

According to a report from TMZ, Brie Bella is currently in discussions with WWE about a potential return to the ring, with early indications pointing toward an appearance at the upcoming Evolution event on July 13.

This news comes hot on the heels of Nikki Bella’s surprise appearance on Monday Night RAW earlier this week, where she was seen interacting with several members of the women’s roster backstage. Things took a turn when Nikki was attacked by Women’s Tag Team Champion Liv Morgan, sparking immediate speculation about a possible storyline brewing — and possibly setting the stage for Brie’s return.

While nothing has been confirmed by WWE or the Bellas themselves, the timing seems too perfect to ignore. With Evolution being promoted as a landmark night for women’s wrestling — potentially a sequel to the all-women’s pay-per-view first held in 2018 — bringing back one of the most iconic duos in WWE history could be a major draw.

The Bella Twins haven’t wrestled as a team since 2018, but both have remained involved in the industry through outside ventures, WWE appearances, and their reality series. Their return, particularly in the current landscape of WWE’s women’s division, could add a nostalgic jolt and elevate whichever feud they step into.

If Brie does return, it could mean The Bellas vs. Liv Morgan & a partner is on the horizon — and that’s a matchup sure to generate buzz.

Stay with Wrestling News Blog as we continue to track developments on Brie Bella’s WWE status and everything leading up to Evolution on July 13.

WWE Reportedly Planning Major Change to Draft Timing in 2025

WWE could be shaking up more than just its rosters next year — it might be reworking the timing of the entire Draft.

According to a new report from Bodyslam.net’s Cory Hays, WWE is seriously considering moving the 2025 Draft from its usual spring slot to a post-SummerSlam timeframe, with internal discussions suggesting a September date is now the frontrunner.

For years, the WWE Draft has been a spring staple, traditionally following WrestleMania to reset the playing field for RAW and SmackDown. But that long-standing format may be on its way out. If the shift happens, the Draft would instead align with WWE’s season premiere episodes in the fall — a strategic move that could serve both creative and business goals.

Sources indicate that one of the main reasons behind the potential change is WWE’s intent to let summer storylines breathe, rather than forcing sudden roster shakeups that could cut arcs short. With SummerSlam 2025 scheduled for the weekend of August 2–3, the company reportedly sees the major summer event as a natural point to hit the reset button before heading into the critical fall TV season.

There’s also the matter of roster flexibility. Recent NXT call-ups and ongoing long-term narratives have made a spring Draft feel less essential than in previous years, giving WWE the leeway to reevaluate the timing.

While nothing is official just yet, the signs are clear: WWE seems ready to break tradition and reposition the Draft as a fall feature — a notable shift that could have ripple effects across the creative calendar.

If this happens, fans can expect fresh rivalries and brand switches just in time for the buildup to Survivor Series and the year-end push. Stay tuned — WWE’s calendar might be evolving, and the 2025 Draft could lead the way.

Report: Netflix Teaming With Former WWE Writer For New Wrestling Drama ‘Tuesday Night Titans’

Netflix is looking to step further into the squared circle — this time, with a scripted drama series helmed by a former WWE insider.

According to Deadline, the streaming giant is developing a new pro wrestling-centric show titled “Tuesday Night Titans”, created by ex-WWE writer Michael Notarile, with Jon M. Chu — best known for directing Crazy Rich Asians — attached to executive produce. The series will reportedly dive deep into the personal and professional chaos of the wrestling world, blending gritty drama with the larger-than-life world of sports entertainment.

The premise centers on a television writer who risks her career to get her indie wrestler friend a spot in a major promotion. From there, things spiral into a web of personal demons, backstage politics, and the thin line between fiction and reality in an industry where kayfabe extends far beyond the ring. As Deadline puts it, “kayfabe… bleeds into every aspect of their lives.”

Despite sharing a name with WWE’s old-school talk show from the ’80s, this new Tuesday Night Titans is not connected to the original program. Instead, it promises a fresh, modern look at the inner workings of pro wrestling — not through the eyes of the talent, but from the rarely-explored creative and backstage perspective.

Notarile brings legit experience to the table, having written for WWE from 2013 to 2015. During his stint, he was instrumental in getting The New Day on television — a major creative move that helped launch one of WWE’s most successful modern factions. Post-WWE, Notarile worked on TV dramas like The Cleaning Lady and The Resident, sharpening his storytelling chops outside the wrestling bubble.

Netflix has shown increasing interest in wrestling content in recent years. The platform already carries several WWE programs in international markets — including Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and Premium Live Events — and features titles like Heels, which stars CM Punk, and Wrestlers, the docuseries following Ohio Valley Wrestling.

With Tuesday Night Titans, Netflix appears ready to explore wrestling not just as a spectacle, but as fertile ground for compelling, character-driven drama — and with a WWE veteran steering the creative vision, this could be one of the most authentic scripted looks at the wrestling world we’ve seen yet.

Mariah May Reveals New WWE Persona On NXT (Blake Monroe), Changes Twitter Handle

Former AEW standout Mariah May has officially transformed into Blake Monroe — and she made that known in true star fashion. Ahead of this week’s episode of WWE NXT, May updated her X (formerly Twitter) handle to reflect her new identity, setting the stage for a high-impact reveal during the show.

Monroe, who debuted on NXT last week fresh off the expiration of her AEW contract, is wasting no time making waves. In a slickly produced video package aired on Tuesday’s broadcast, the newly-minted Monroe was introduced to the NXT Universe in a scene straight out of Hollywood. The segment featured her lounging in a bubble bath, as a news report-style voiceover narrated her arrival with lines like, “She’s beauty. She’s grace. And she will probably punch you in the face.”

Channeling both glamour and menace, Monroe exited the bath, got dolled up in high fashion, and dropped a towel in a Sabrina Carpenter-inspired visual cue to reveal a black outfit and fierce pose. A comic-book style animation then sealed the deal: Mariah May is no more — Blake Monroe has arrived.

Later in the night, WWE confirmed Monroe would be back on NXT next week to make things official by signing her contract. There’s no confirmed in-ring debut date yet, but fans won’t have to wait long to see when she steps between the ropes.

It’s worth noting that Monroe’s last match took place in March at AEW Revolution, where she came up short in a “Hollywood Ending” against Toni Storm. Now, with a bold rebrand and a target set squarely on Jacy Jayne’s NXT Women’s Championship, Monroe looks ready to make her next act her biggest yet.

WWE NXT Preview 6/10/2025

WWE will present a new episode of NXT tonight live on The CW Network starting at 8:00 PM EST.

  • Fallout from WWE/AAA Worlds Collide.
  • WWE NXT Championship: Oba Femi (c) vs. Jasper Troy
  • WWE NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page (c) vs. Sean Legacy
  • Niko Vance & Shawn Spears vs. TBA
  • Tony D’Angelo & Luca Crusifino vs. Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe

Shotzi Blackheart Announces Multiple GCW Appearances, Plans To Direct Horror Flicks

Shotzi Blackheart is back—and she’s not just bringing chaos to the ring, but also plotting a future behind the camera.

The former WWE star and self-declared “Indy God” has confirmed a string of appearances for GameChanger Wrestling (GCW) in what looks to be a major independent resurgence. Shotzi will step back into the spotlight at multiple events this summer, spanning the U.S. and Japan, all set to stream live on TrillerTV.

Here’s where fans can catch Shotzi in action:

  • June 20 – GCW Bangin’ in Little Rock at The Hall in Little Rock, Arkansas
  • July 11 – GCW Boss of All Bosses in Dallas, Texas
  • July 28 – GCW Tokyo Event at Shinjuku Face, Kabukicho
  • July 29 – GCW Tokyo Event at Itabashi Green Hall, Itabashi City
  • July 30 – GCW Tokyo Event at Korakuen Hall, Bunkyo

Shotzi’s return kicks off with a bang—literally—as she faces off against Atticus Cogar in what’s sure to be a wild encounter at Bangin’ in Little Rock on June 20.

Fresh off her hardcore showdown at GCW Tournament of Survival X—a brutal three-way deathmatch against Matt Tremont and Jimmy Lloyd—Shotzi is once again embracing the gritty chaos that made her a standout in the indie scene before her WWE run.

But wrestling isn’t her only ambition.

During a recent appearance on Daria Berenato’s Unwrapped podcast, Shotzi revealed her dream career path once her days in the ring are over: horror movie director.

“Honestly, after wrestling, when my body just can’t take it anymore, I would love to be a horror movie director. That is the dream,” Shotzi said. “Obviously, be in them also—I just want to get my head chopped off a bunch.”

It’s not a surprising direction for the green-haired wildcard, who has always blended punk-rock attitude with spooky, horror-inspired flair. From her tank-riding entrances to her Halloween Havoc hosting duties, Shotzi has never shied away from theatrics—and it sounds like she’s ready to turn that passion into full-blown filmmaking.

For now, though, she’s got some skulls to crack and some blood to spill—figuratively and maybe literally—on the GCW circuit.

Asuka Returning from Injury for WWE Queen of the Ring 2025 Tournament

After nearly a year away from in-ring action, “The Empress of Tomorrow” is finally back.

WWE has confirmed that Asuka will make her long-anticipated return as part of the 2025 Queen of the Ring tournament. The former Women’s Champion, who has been sidelined since May 2024 due to a knee injury that required surgery, is set to compete in a high-stakes fatal four-way match in the opening round of the tournament next week.

Asuka’s return was quietly revealed during WWE’s announcement of the tournament bracket, a subtle but powerful nod to her looming presence in the women’s division.

She’ll face a tough challenge right out of the gate. Her first-round matchup will include rising star Ivy Nile, current Women’s Tag Team Champion Raquel Rodriguez, and red-hot newcomer to WWE Raw—and former NXT Women’s Champion—Stephanie Vaquer. The winner will advance to the semifinals to face whoever emerges victorious from a SmackDown four-way between Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Chelsea Green, and Candice LeRae.

The tournament will culminate at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia later this month, with the Queen of the Ring winner earning a championship opportunity at SummerSlam.

Asuka’s last WWE appearance came in May 2024, when she and Kairi Sane dropped the Women’s Tag Team Titles to the powerhouse duo of Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. Following the loss, Asuka underwent surgery for a knee injury and has been off WWE programming ever since.

Her return now not only reignites her own career, but adds serious star power and unpredictability to this year’s Queen of the Ring bracket. If Asuka can shake off the ring rust quickly, she could easily be a top contender to claim the crown and punch her ticket to a title match at WWE’s biggest party of the summer.

Natalya to Receive Historic Lou Thesz Award at 2025 Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion

In a groundbreaking announcement, the Cauliflower Alley Club has revealed that WWE veteran Natalya Neidhart will be honored with the Lou Thesz Award at the upcoming 59th Annual CAC Reunion, set to take place August 18–20, 2025, at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

With this recognition, Natalya becomes the first female wrestler in history to receive the prestigious Lou Thesz Award—an honor typically reserved for those whose careers have been defined by technical excellence, leadership, and significant contributions to the wrestling business.

The CAC’s statement praised Natalya as a “trailblazer in every sense of the word,” highlighting her deep wrestling lineage, technical mastery, and the historic milestones she’s achieved throughout her career. From the famed Hart Dungeon to WWE’s biggest stages, Natalya has carried the torch of the Hart family legacy while carving out a powerful identity all her own.

A multi-time champion in WWE—holding the Divas Championship, SmackDown Women’s Championship, and Women’s Tag Team Titles (alongside Tamina)—Natalya’s influence extends well beyond her in-ring accolades. She’s also widely respected for her behind-the-scenes mentorship and role in shaping WWE’s women’s division during a transformative era.

“She has elevated the business both inside and outside the ring, and her contributions continue to influence generations to come,” CAC wrote in its announcement, underlining her lasting impact on the industry.

This year’s CAC reunion is shaping up to be a particularly meaningful one as the wrestling world comes together to celebrate a woman who has not only endured but thrived across eras, brands, and evolutions of the sport.

For fans and industry veterans alike, Natalya’s Lou Thesz Award is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a milestone moment for women’s wrestling as a whole.

WWE Raw Preview 6/9/2025

WWE Raw airs live globally tonight on Netflix from the PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT.

  • Fallout from Money In The Bank
  • WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Jey Uso (c) vs. Gunther
  • WWE King and Queen of the Ring Tournament Matches to begin
  • Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena to appear
  • Men’s MITB Winner Seth Rollins to appear
  • WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella to appear