WWE SmackDown live tonight on USA Network from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN
With the 2025 Royal Rumble just around the corner, speculation is running wild about potential surprise entrants in this year’s matches. Names like Jordynne Grace and Omos have already been spotted in Indianapolis ahead of the event, while TNA World Champion Joe Hendry has fueled rumors of his own involvement. But perhaps the biggest potential surprise of the night is none other than Becky Lynch.
According to PWInsider Elite, Lynch is expected to be at Lucas Oil Stadium this weekend, and WWE is reportedly taking extra precautions to keep her presence under wraps. The belief among many within the company is that “The Man” could be a shock entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble match, though as of now, that has yet to be officially confirmed.
Lynch has been absent from WWE programming for months, despite reportedly signing a new deal with the company. Her last major public appearance came in late 2024 when she was at Netflix headquarters to promote Monday Night Raw’s move to the streaming platform.
Her contract situation was one of the most talked-about topics in wrestling last year. Unlike stars such as Finn Bálor, Drew McIntyre, and her husband Seth Rollins, who all re-signed before their deals expired, Lynch actually let her contract run out. However, despite speculation that she could test the waters in AEW or elsewhere, many assumed she would stay loyal to WWE. Instead of jumping to another promotion, she appeared to use her time away to focus on motherhood, promoting her book, and recharging after years of grinding at the top of the industry.
If Lynch does make her return in the Royal Rumble match, it would instantly shake up the women’s division heading into WrestleMania 41. Could she be on a collision course with Rhea Ripley or Bayley for a major title match? One thing is for sure—if “The Man” comes around, the WWE landscape will never be the same.
With WrestleMania on the horizon, WWE’s Royal Rumble stands as one of the most anticipated events of the year. Known for its high-stakes, over-the-top-rope chaos, the 2025 edition promises not only shocking eliminations and surprise entrants but also a backstage filled with familiar faces from WWE’s past and promising stars of the future.
According to PWInsider Elite, several WWE Hall of Famers are expected to be in attendance at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 1. Among the names mentioned are The Undertaker and Kurt Angle, both of whom have played significant roles in Royal Rumble history. Additionally, some of the coaches from WWE’s LFG series are reportedly heading to Indianapolis, though it remains unclear exactly which coaches will be present.
Another Hall of Famer whose name has been circulating backstage is Sean “X-Pac” Waltman. While there’s no confirmation on whether he’ll actually be in the city for the event, his potential presence has been a topic of discussion among those within WWE. Given his history with the Royal Rumble match and his long-standing ties to the company, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him make an appearance in some capacity.
But it’s not just legends making their way to Indianapolis—WWE is also using the event as an opportunity to introduce fresh talent. Recent reports suggest WWE has been eyeing Brock Rechsteiner, son of Hall of Famer Scott Steiner, for a potential NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal. To give him a closer look at WWE’s inner workings, Rechsteiner will be in attendance alongside his father. Similarly, Jacob Henry, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry, is also expected to be in the building.
In addition to the next generation of wrestling royalty, WWE has invited several NXT trainees who have yet to debut on television. While their exact roles at the event remain unknown, they’ll have the chance to witness some of NXT’s rising stars firsthand. Wrestlers like Stephanie Vaquer, Roxanne Perez, Jaida Parker, and Lash Legend have all been spotted in Indianapolis this week, fueling speculation that they could be surprise entrants in the women’s Royal Rumble match.
With legends, potential debuts, and unpredictable surprises, the 2025 Royal Rumble is shaping up to be a must-watch event. Whether it’s shocking returns or breakout performances, fans can expect plenty of unforgettable moments as WWE officially kicks off the road to WrestleMania 41.
Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for all the latest updates and coverage from the Royal Rumble weekend!
Stephanie McMahon may no longer be an executive at WWE, but she’s far from disconnected from the company. Over the past year, she has made several high-profile appearances at WWE events, and now, a new report suggests she’s taking on an exciting project that will keep her involved with the brand in a fresh way.
Stephanie’s relationship with WWE has been a rollercoaster over the past few years. After stepping down from her executive position in early 2023 following Vince McMahon’s return to the Board of Directors, she has largely remained out of the corporate side of the business. However, she has still been present at key WWE events, including WrestleMania XL Night Two, the WWE RAW Netflix premiere, and the recent WWE Town Hall, where her husband, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, was announced as the headliner for the 2025 Hall of Fame class.
According to PWInsider, WWE used the Town Hall to highlight a new project involving Stephanie. The series is described as being similar to Peyton’s Places, the ESPN show where NFL legend Peyton Manning explores the cultural impact of the NFL through conversations with key figures from the sport’s history.
In WWE’s version, Stephanie will reportedly sit down with notable wrestling personalities to discuss the company’s legacy and influence. She has already filmed segments with Cody Rhodes, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and others. While details on the show’s platform and release date remain unclear, it could serve as a fascinating deep dive into WWE’s rich history, offering fans a new perspective from one of its most well-connected figures.
While this project keeps Stephanie engaged with WWE, there’s no word on whether it signals a more permanent return to the company. For now, it looks like she’s embracing a role that blends her deep industry knowledge with her natural charisma in front of the camera.
As more details emerge about the show’s format and premiere date, it will be interesting to see how WWE utilizes Stephanie’s presence in the ongoing evolution of its brand. Could this be the first step toward a larger on-screen role? Only time will tell.
The Road to WrestleMania is officially underway, and while the Royal Rumble will set the stage for WWE’s biggest event of the year, another WrestleMania tradition is also making headlines—the WWE Hall of Fame. This year’s headliner has already been revealed, and it’s none other than the man currently shaping WWE’s future: Triple H.
According to PWInsider, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque will lead the 2025 Hall of Fame class. Despite being in charge of the company’s creative direction, the decision reportedly caught Levesque by surprise. The news was broken to him in a meeting by his wife, Stephanie McMahon, alongside fellow Hall of Famers The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels.
While Triple H has been at the helm of WWE’s creative resurgence in recent years, his Hall of Fame induction is a recognition of his legendary in-ring career. Levesque first gained national exposure in WCW in the early ‘90s before jumping to WWE, where he became one of the most decorated and influential superstars in history.
Over the course of his career, Triple H racked up an impressive 14 World Championship reigns, in addition to capturing the Intercontinental, European, and Tag Team Championships. He also cemented his legacy with wins in the 1997 King of the Ring tournament and both the 2002 and 2016 Royal Rumbles. Beyond the accolades, he was a founding member of D-Generation X, one of WWE’s most influential factions, alongside Shawn Michaels.
With an unparalleled impact both inside the ring and behind the scenes, Triple H’s Hall of Fame induction feels like a long time coming. As the mastermind behind WWE’s creative direction, it’s ironic—but fitting—that he’ll now be the one deciding who joins him in the class of 2025.
Who else will be inducted alongside Triple H? And what does this mean for the Hall of Fame ceremony during WrestleMania weekend? Stay tuned as more names are revealed in the coming weeks!
During a recent interview with the “Toronto Sun,” Chris Jericho discussed a potential WWE Hall of Fame induction, noting that it doesn’t interest him much.
Jericho said, “I’m not one of those guys who cares about the Hall of Fame because I don’t think it’s really real anyway. In some ways, it’s like, ‘Eh, whatever.’ In other ways, I want to pull a Sex Pistols and just refuse to show up. Send a letter saying, ‘Do not mention my name,’ like Axl Rose did. What a great wrestling thing to do. It doesn’t matter to me, it really doesn’t. It’s great that guys go in there and I’m glad they get a chance to, but I’m already a Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is up here [points to head]. It’s more for the fans. At this point in time, I could get put in the Hall of Fame and maybe get booed out of the building. We’ll see what happens. For right here, right now, I’m enjoying what I’m still doing and I definitely wouldn’t go in the Hall of Fame if I’m still actively performing in the ring. We’ll see where it goes. For right now, I feel good, I’m doing great work, and when I feel it’s time to hang up the boots, I will do so. Until then, I’m enjoying being part of the business, as I always have for the last 34 years.”
The Greatest Royal Rumble (2018) remains Jericho’s final in-ring appearance with WWE.
On the June 27, 2022, episode of RAW, Jericho appeared via video message to congratulate John Cena on his career.
Jericho is in AEW and is a former AEW World Champion and is the current ROH World Champion.
It remains to be seen if WWE will one day extend the Hall of Fame honor to Jericho—and if he’ll accept. But if there’s one thing fans know about Jericho, it’s that he’ll always do things on his own terms.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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