Category: WWE

Jordynne Grace Signs Multi-Year Deal with WWE, Possible Royal Rumble Appearance Teased

It’s official—Jordynne Grace, one of the most dominant performers in recent memory, has signed a multi-year contract with WWE. According to Fightful Select, WWE reached out to Grace just weeks before she wrapped up her time with TNA Wrestling, making their interest clear.

Grace, a former TNA Knockouts Champion and a standout in women’s wrestling, reportedly finalized her WWE deal shortly after competing in her final TNA match. Following TNA’s Genesis event, Grace flew to the WWE Performance Center to finalize her contract, with PWInsider confirming she was at the facility earlier this week.

Leaving TNA Behind

TNA was reportedly aware of Grace’s decision to leave and had time to prepare for her departure. Known for her powerhouse style and undeniable presence in the ring, Grace was a cornerstone of TNA’s Knockouts division. Her move to WWE marks the next big step in her already illustrious career.

As a result of her signing, Grace has canceled an independent wrestling appearance scheduled for this weekend in Texas. This sudden change in plans has sparked speculation about her immediate future in WWE.

Royal Rumble Speculation

Grace is expected to be in Indianapolis this weekend, which coincides with the Royal Rumble. While WWE hasn’t officially confirmed her participation in the women’s Rumble match, her presence at the event has fueled rumors that she could debut as a surprise entrant. If Grace does enter the Rumble, it would be a monumental way to introduce her to WWE’s global audience.

What Jordynne Grace Brings to WWE

Grace’s signing is a huge win for WWE’s women’s division. Known for her blend of power, athleticism, and technical skill, she is a game-changer in any promotion she joins. Whether mixing it up with the likes of Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, or Bianca Belair, Grace has the potential to make an immediate impact and quickly rise to the top of the roster.

What’s Next?

All eyes are on this weekend’s Royal Rumble, where Grace could make her WWE debut in front of a massive crowd. Even if she doesn’t appear in the Rumble, fans won’t have to wait long to see the powerhouse make waves in her new home.

Could AJ Styles Make a Phenomenal Return at the Royal Rumble?

The Royal Rumble is shaping up to be even more unpredictable as reports suggest that former WWE Champion AJ Styles could potentially make his long-awaited return during the men’s Rumble match. According to PWInsider, WWE is “hoping” Styles will be cleared in time for the event, which takes place this weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Injury That Sidetracked Styles

Styles has been out of action since October, following a knee injury suffered during a comeback match against Carmelo Hayes on SmackDown. The injury occurred during a fireman’s carry move when Styles’ knee buckled after his foot didn’t properly plant, forcing an early stoppage to the match. While some initial reports speculated the injury might be storyline-related, Styles later confirmed it was legitimate, revealing he suffered a Lisfranc injury, which affects the ligaments and bones in the foot.

In January, Styles gave fans an update on his recovery, describing it as “challenging.” Despite the long road to rehabilitation, WWE appears optimistic that “The Phenomenal One” could make it back just in time for one of the biggest nights on the wrestling calendar.

A Rocky Year for Styles

This injury was the latest setback in what has been a tumultuous year for Styles. Before his match with Hayes, he returned from a three-month hiatus following a loss to Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in an “I Quit” Match. That match ended when the referee called the bout after Styles was rendered unable to continue, marking a tough chapter in his career.

The Royal Rumble and the Road Ahead

If cleared, Styles’ entry into the Rumble would electrify an already stacked field and potentially set the stage for a major storyline heading into WrestleMania 41. Known for his incredible in-ring skills and versatility, Styles could reestablish himself as a top contender and potentially set his sights on unfinished business with Cody Rhodes or even the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting Styles’ return, and his presence would inject a dose of “phenomenal” excitement into the Rumble. As WWE has shown before, the Royal Rumble is no stranger to shocking returns, and Styles emerging from the curtain would be a moment fans would talk about for weeks.

Final Word

As of now, nothing is officially confirmed, but the possibility of AJ Styles making his comeback this weekend is enough to have fans buzzing. Will “The Phenomenal One” make his return and shake things up on the Road to WrestleMania?

WWE NXT Preview 1/28/2025

WWE NXT live on The CW from Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Bianca Belair & Naomi (c) vs. Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson
  • Bayley & NXT Women’s champion Giulia vs. Roxanne Perez & Cora Jade
  • Trick Williams vs. Wes Lee
  • Cedric Alexander vs. Ethan Page
  • The Grayson Waller Effect (hosted by Grayson Waller & Austin Theory) with Special Guest NXT Champion Oba Femi

WWE Raw Preview 1/27/2025

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.

  • WWE World Tag Team Championship: The War Raiders (c) vs. The Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Naomi and Bianca Belair vs. Judgment Day’s Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez (Non-Title)
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to appear
  • Sami Zayn vs. Drew McIntyre
  • Logan Paul to appear

Colonel DeBeers Passes Away at 80: A Wrestling Villain Remembered

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.”

A Legacy in Wrestling

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.

Controversial Character, Complex Legacy

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.

Remembering Edward Wiskoski

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.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event 1/25/2025

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

  • World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Jey Uso
  • Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Nia Jax
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Sheamus
  • Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu
  • WWE Undisputed Championship Contract Signing for The Royal Rumble PLE between Cody Rhodes (c) and Kevin Owens, moderated by WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels

WWE SmackDown Reportedly Returning to Two-Hour Format Later This Year

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.

The End of the Three-Hour Experiment

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.

What This Means for WWE Programming

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.

SmackDown’s Future on USA Network

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.

More WWE Stars Switched Brands As Part Of The Transfer Window Storyline

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 Preview 1/24/2025

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.

  • LA Knight vs. Tama Tonga
  • Motor City Machine Guns vs. Pretty Deadly

Malakai Black Reportedly Done With AEW, Can’t Appear At WWE Royal Rumble

After months of speculation surrounding his status, Malakai Black—known to WWE fans as Aleister Black and to independent wrestling followers as Tommy End—has reportedly wrapped up his time with AEW. According to a report from PWInsider, sources within AEW confirmed that Black has finished up with the promotion, with no plans for a farewell appearance.

This development comes after weeks of storyline hints suggesting Black’s exit from the House of Black faction, the dominant group he helped form and lead. While AEW has yet to make an official announcement, the report strongly suggests Black’s tenure with the company has quietly come to an end.

No WWE Return Just Yet

Naturally, rumors are swirling about a potential return to WWE, where Black had a memorable run in NXT as a former NXT Champion and Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic winner. However, PWInsider noted that Black won’t be available in time to make a surprise appearance at next week’s Royal Rumble. Instead, he’s expected to become a free agent sometime in February or March, giving him plenty of time to decide his next move.

For those keeping tabs on Black’s personal life, his wife, Zelina Vega, is still an active member of WWE’s roster, adding another layer of intrigue to his potential return to the company.

Speculation About His AEW Exit

Black’s departure has been the subject of fan discussion for some time, fueled in part by his uncharacteristic post-match display of emotion after facing Adam Cole in AEW. The two, who share a history from their time together in WWE’s NXT, shared what appeared to be a heartfelt moment following their match—a rare departure from Black’s usually stoic and dark character. This fueled questions about his status in AEW, with rumors suggesting his creative dissatisfaction and a shorter-than-expected contract were factors in his exit.

Black originally joined AEW in mid-2021 after being released by WWE earlier that year. Though his AEW debut came with significant fanfare, his time in the company saw limited singles action. In total, Black wrestled just 15 singles matches during his tenure, losing only three, but his creative focus was largely on the House of Black faction.

What’s Next for Malakai Black?

While it’s unclear where Black will land next, fans are already speculating about his potential future in WWE. With Triple H now at the helm of WWE’s creative direction, a return to the company could provide Black the opportunity to pick up where he left off and possibly revisit the more prominent role he had in NXT.

If he does return to WWE, Black’s dark and striking persona would be a perfect fit for the current landscape of the company’s storytelling, where characters like Bray Wyatt and The Judgment Day are thriving.

Whether he chooses WWE, the independent circuit, or another promotion entirely, one thing is certain: Malakai Black’s blend of in-ring skill and theatrical presence makes him one of wrestling’s most compelling talents. Fans will be eagerly awaiting his next move.