Category: WWE

Corey Graves Returns to NXT Commentary After Brief Absence

It didn’t take long for Corey Graves to find his way back behind the microphone. After a one-week absence from WWE programming, Graves made his return to the commentary table on last night’s episode of NXT, stepping into his new role with an air of enthusiasm and a touch of grit.

Graves had been vocal on social media about his frustration after being shifted from the main roster commentary team to NXT—a move that caught many fans off guard. However, his return to NXT was marked by a confident statement that set the tone for the evening.

“I am right where I want to be,” Graves declared as the show kicked off. “Where passion is everything and only the hungry survive, and pro wrestling never stopped being cool.”

https://twitter.com/PWUnlimited/status/1881870446934766049

A Fresh Start or a Reluctant Transition?

While Graves’ comments last night seemed to convey pride in being part of the NXT brand, his initial reaction to the move painted a more complicated picture. The shift from calling flagship shows like Raw and SmackDown to the developmental brand appeared to come as a disappointment for the veteran commentator, who has been a staple of WWE programming for years. His brief absence led to speculation among fans about whether the transition was entirely smooth.

Despite the initial frustration, it seems Graves is now embracing the opportunity to lend his voice to NXT’s unique energy. The black-and-gold brand has long been a platform for hungry up-and-coming Superstars, and Graves’ passionate commentary style could help elevate the show’s growing roster of talent.

A Voice That Resonates

Corey Graves has built a reputation as one of WWE’s most dynamic and opinionated commentators. His sharp wit and deep knowledge of the business have made him a standout presence on the headset. While moving from WWE’s main roster to NXT may have seemed like a step down at first glance, his return to the developmental brand could breathe new life into the product, particularly as NXT continues to build momentum heading into 2025.

It’s worth noting that Graves himself has a deep connection to NXT. Before transitioning to commentary, he competed as a wrestler on the brand during its early days, making his return last night feel somewhat full-circle.

What’s Next for Corey Graves and NXT?

Graves’ return to NXT could signify a renewed focus on the commentary team as WWE looks to keep the brand competitive in an increasingly stacked wrestling landscape. Whether he’ll be a long-term fixture on Tuesday nights remains to be seen, but his passion for the business is undeniable.

For now, Corey Graves is back where “pro wrestling never stopped being cool,” and fans can expect his signature mix of sarcasm and insight to add a spark to NXT’s weekly broadcasts.

WWE World Returns During WrestleMania Week in Las Vegas – Here’s What Fans Can Expect

WWE has officially announced the return of WWE World, its fan-focused multi-day convention, during WrestleMania 41 week in Las Vegas. After its successful debut in 2024, WWE World is back, promising five days of immersive wrestling experiences from Thursday, April 17, to Monday, April 21, 2025.

The event will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall and will feature the largest WWE Superstore in WrestleMania history—a dream for collectors and merch enthusiasts. Tickets for WWE World go on sale Monday, February 3, at 12 PM ET/9 AM PT, with an exclusive pre-sale starting Wednesday, January 29, at 12 PM ET/9 AM PT on FanaticsEvents.com/WWE.

What Fans Can Look Forward To

In a press release accompanying the announcement, WWE teased an action-packed lineup of activities that fans won’t want to miss. Here’s what to expect:

  • Superstar Roundtables & Live Podcasts: Fans will get a chance to watch live discussions and recordings with some of WWE’s biggest names on the central main stage.
  • Memorabilia & Autograph Sessions: Fanatics Live will host live auctions of WWE memorabilia, alongside autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with current stars and wrestling legends.
  • Exclusive Merch: WWE World promises exclusive merchandise that will only be available at the event, making it a must-visit for collectors.
  • Immersive Exhibits: Celebrate over four decades of WrestleMania history with exhibits and memorabilia showcasing key moments from WWE’s flagship event.

While WWE hasn’t yet revealed which Superstars will participate in meet-and-greets this year, last year’s WWE World featured big names like Chelsea Green, Johnny Gargano, Andrade, and former NXT Champion Trick Williams. Fans can expect another star-studded lineup for 2025, given WWE’s track record of delivering memorable fan experiences.

WWE & Fanatics Team Up Again

The return of WWE World highlights WWE’s growing partnership with Fanatics, the global leader in licensed sports merchandise and memorabilia. Together, they’ve been creating exclusive WWE products and enhancing fan experiences through live events and digital activations. WWE World is the latest extension of this collaboration, giving fans a one-of-a-kind way to connect with their favorite Superstars.

Don’t Miss Out!

With WrestleMania 41 set to electrify Las Vegas, WWE World is shaping up to be the perfect complement to the Showcase of the Immortals. Whether you’re looking for exclusive merch, autographs, or the chance to soak in WrestleMania history, this five-day extravaganza promises something for everyone.

Mark your calendars, secure your tickets early, and get ready to dive into the ultimate WWE fan experience in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

WWE NXT Preview 1/21/2025

WWE NXT live tonight on The CW.

  • NXT Championship Match: Oba Femi vs. Eddy Thorpe
  • NXT North American Championship Match: Tony D’Angelo vs. Ridge Holland
  • NXT Women’s Champion Giulia to appear
  • Roxanne Perez has dared Bayley to show up
https://twitter.com/roxanne_wwe/status/1881527366155215303

Bayley Switches From SmackDown to Raw, Declares for the 2025 Royal Rumble

Bayley is back where it all began for her main roster career—on WWE Raw. The announcement of her roster move was first made by WWE official Adam Pearce, who confirmed the change during the “transfer window” via X (formerly known as Twitter). Bayley, however, made it official herself during a backstage segment on Raw, shortly before stepping into the ring for a match against WWE SmackDown’s Nia Jax.

In addition to addressing her return to Raw, Bayley took the opportunity to make another big announcement—she’s officially entering the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match. Fans will remember that Bayley won last year’s Rumble and used that victory to dethrone her former Damage CTRL ally, IYO SKY, for the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 40. However, Bayley’s title reign came to an end at SummerSlam when Nia Jax captured the gold. To add salt to the wound, Jax once again came out on top in their match on Raw, solidifying her dominance over the former champ.

Interestingly, Bayley and Jax now stand as the only two women who have declared their entry into this year’s Rumble so far. With the road to WrestleMania just heating up, it will be worth watching to see if Bayley can recapture the magic of last year’s win or if her recent struggles with Jax will continue to haunt her.

Meanwhile, Bayley’s schedule has been as chaotic as ever. She appeared on WWE NXT last week in what seemed like an attempt to mentor former NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez. However, things took an unexpected turn when Perez attacked Bayley in the middle of the ring. The confrontation ended with “The Prodigy” extending an invitation for Bayley to return to NXT this week, as revealed in a SmackDown digital exclusive.

With tension rising across Raw, NXT, and even SmackDown, it’s clear that Bayley’s presence is felt throughout the WWE Universe. Whether it’s reclaiming gold, asserting her dominance in the Rumble, or dealing with fiery up-and-comers like Perez, Bayley has no shortage of challenges ahead. Fans will undoubtedly be glued to their screens to see how “The Role Model” navigates this pivotal chapter in her career.

Stay tuned for updates as the Royal Rumble approaches, and be sure to catch all the action as Bayley continues to make waves across WWE programming.

WWE Raw Preview 1/20/2025

WWE Raw will air live globally on Netflix tonight from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

  • WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria returns to Raw
  • Pure Fusion Collective vs. Damage CTRL’s Dakota Kay and IYO Sky
  • WWE Hall of Famer “JBL” John Bradshaw Layfield to appear
  • The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) in action
  • Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre
  • Sami Zayn to appear
  • Jey Uso to appear

TNA Genesis 1/19/2025 (Results), NXT’s Fraxiom, Cora Jade & Ashante “Thee” Adonis Appeared, Plus JBL

TNA Genesis delivered an action-packed event full of thrilling matches, shocking moments, and a major title change. The show also marked the beginning of a new partnership between TNA and NXT, which was front and center throughout the night. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything that went down.

Pre-Show

The TNA-NXT partnership was officially introduced by NXT’s Arianna Grace, who took full credit for facilitating the collaboration. She wasted no time in hyping up the relationship before the surprises began. The first? Ashante “Thee” Adonis made an unexpected appearance, issuing an open challenge to the TNA roster.

That challenge was answered by none other than Jake Something, who overwhelmed Adonis with his raw power and sealed the win with a devastating swinging side slam.

In another pre-show bout, TNA veteran Frankie Kazarian squared off against rising star Leon Slater. Despite Slater’s high-energy offense and crowd-pleasing dives, Kazarian’s experience and cunning gave him the edge. Slater’s showboating cost him the match, as Kazarian countered a high-risk swanton 450 splash with his knees before sneaking a roll-up victory with a handful of tights.

Genesis

X-Division Championship: Moose (c) Retains Against Ace Austin

The show opened with a high-stakes clash between Moose and Ace Austin for the X-Division Championship. Moose unveiled a sleek new belt design before stepping into a power-versus-speed battle with Austin.

Ace had momentum on his side late in the match, even managing to fend off interference from Moose’s allies in The System. However, Moose’s relentless power proved too much. After catching Austin mid-air with a brutal spear, Moose landed another devastating spear to retain his title. The post-match beatdown by The System was thwarted by Eric Young and Steve Maclin, setting up the next bout.

Eric Young & Steve Maclin defeated Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards

In a continuation of the chaotic scene, Eric Young and Steve Maclin teamed up to take on Brian Myers and Eddie Edwards of The System. Despite interference from Alisha Edwards, who tried to tip the scales in her husband’s favor, the babyfaces emerged victorious. Young neutralized Edwards, allowing Maclin to hit the KIA finisher on Myers for the win.

Knockouts Tag Team Championship: Jody Threat & Dani Luna (c) defeated Ash by Elegance & Heather by Elegance to retain the titles.

The Knockouts Tag Team Champions Jody Threat and Dani Luna successfully defended their titles against Ash by Elegance and Heather by Elegance. Ash and Heather, decked out in Dallas Cowboys cheerleader-inspired attire, couldn’t match the champions’ intensity. Luna’s German suplex barrage and a massive deadlift suplex set up their signature Pressure Drop powerbomb combo to retain the titles. However, a bit of controversy about the legal competitor hinted this feud may not be over.

Tessa Blanchard Defeats Jordynne Grace

In a hard-hitting battle, Tessa Blanchard emerged victorious over Jordynne Grace. Grace used her incredible power to keep Blanchard on her heels, but Tessa’s underhanded tactics ultimately won the day. After removing a turnbuckle pad and using it to her advantage, Blanchard landed a flying Codebreaker to score the win.

Mike Santana Defeats Josh Alexander in an “I Quit” Match

Santana and Alexander put on an absolute war in their “I Quit” match. With Northern Armory banned from ringside, Alexander unleashed a relentless assault, but Santana’s refusal to quit kept the match going. Santana eventually zip-tied Alexander’s hands behind his back and threatened to curb-stomp him onto steel steps, forcing Alexander to say the dreaded words. After the match, Alexander honored his word, shaking Santana’s hand and officially passing the torch to him as TNA’s new standard-bearer. The moment was bittersweet, as Alexander announced he was leaving TNA.

Knockouts Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) defeated Rosemary in Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun match to retain the title.

Masha Slamovich retained her Knockouts Championship in a brutal Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun match against Rosemary. The bout featured everything from barbed wire boards to ladders and even Janice, Rosemary’s signature weapon. Despite Rosemary’s resilience, Slamovich ended things with an avalanche piledriver onto a pile of chairs. After the match, NXT’s Cora Jade made her presence felt, staring down Slamovich in a tease of what’s to come.

TNA World Tag Team Championship: Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy (c) defeated Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz to retain the titles.

Matt and Jeff Hardy defended their TNA World Tag Team Titles against Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz in a thrilling encounter. Midway through the match, NXT’s Fraxiom appeared ringside, creating tension with both teams. After security intervened, the Hardys took control, with Jeff hitting a Swanton Bomb on Trey to secure the win.

TNA World Champion: Joe Hendry defeated Nic Nemeth (c) to win the title.

The main event saw Joe Hendry dethrone Nic Nemeth to capture the TNA World Championship in a thrilling conclusion to the night. The match had its fair share of drama, with Ryan Nemeth banned from ringside and Frankie Kazarian teasing a Call Your Shot cash-in. However, Kazarian’s attempt to enter the fray was cut short by a surprise appearance from JBL, who laid out Kazarian with a Clothesline from Hell.

The match resumed cleanly, with Hendry showing incredible heart. After trading finishers and near falls, Hendry countered a superkick into his Standing Ovation slam to secure the victory and claim the TNA World Championship. The crowd erupted in celebration as Hendry stood tall to close the show.

Final Thoughts

Genesis was a landmark event for TNA, showcasing the promotion’s ability to seamlessly blend veteran talent, emerging stars, and a dose of unpredictability. From Joe Hendry’s emotional title win to the rising tensions between NXT and TNA rosters, the seeds have been planted for some exciting developments in the weeks to come. What’s next for this burgeoning partnership? Only time will tell, but the future looks bright.

Charlotte Flair Retuning To WWE Programming Soon

Anticipation is building as “The Queen” Charlotte Flair appears to be gearing up for her long-awaited return to the WWE women’s division. Flair, a 15-time women’s champion and one of the most decorated performers in WWE history, posted a 19-second video on X (formerly Twitter) that has fans buzzing about her comeback.

In the clip, Flair is seen running up and down a quiet road, wearing a knee brace, as a gritty monologue plays over the footage. Addressing both her critics and herself, Flair says, “Charlotte, she’s selfish. She’s just Ric Flair’s daughter. She’s going to come back washed. She’s not even that good. Oh, she’s been handed everything. You’re going to prove them wrong. Ashley, get out of your f**king head.” The caption accompanying the video reads, “It’s ME vs ME. Always has been, always will be” — punctuated by a painted red nails emoji.

The powerful video not only serves as a message of resilience but also suggests Flair is ready to silence doubters and reclaim her spot at the top of WWE’s women’s division.

The Long Road to Recovery

Charlotte Flair’s last WWE appearance was on SmackDown in December 2023, when she suffered a devastating injury during a match against Asuka. A dangerous fall from the top rope left Flair with a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus, forcing her to the sidelines for over a year. The Grand Slam Champion’s absence was felt deeply in the women’s division, and rumors of her comeback have been swirling ever since.

Last September, reports surfaced that WWE had preliminary creative plans to involve Flair in a storyline with then-WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax and rising star Tiffany Stratton. However, her recovery timeline put those plans on hold. Now, with the Women’s Royal Rumble just two weeks away on Saturday, February 1, speculation is mounting that Flair could make her dramatic return in the annual battle royal.

Could Flair Be Royal Rumble-Bound?

The timing of Flair’s video has fueled speculation that her comeback could happen at the Royal Rumble, one of WWE’s biggest events of the year. Adding to the intrigue, Flair is not the only high-profile name rumored for a return at the Rumble. Alexa Bliss, who has been absent from WWE programming since mid-2023, and Becky Lynch, Flair’s longtime rival and occasional ally, are also reportedly gearing up for returns.

The idea of Flair, Bliss, and Lynch reentering the fold simultaneously has fans dreaming of blockbuster feuds and fresh storylines for 2024. With Flair’s history of dominating at marquee events, it wouldn’t be surprising to see her use the Royal Rumble as the perfect stage for her return.

What’s Next for “The Queen”?

If Flair does make her comeback at the Royal Rumble, it could set the stage for a potential WrestleMania moment. A win in the Rumble would give her a title opportunity at WrestleMania 41, and with a division stacked with stars like Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and IYO SKY, the possibilities are endless.

Regardless of when and where Flair officially returns, her video makes one thing clear: she’s coming back with something to prove. As her motivational monologue suggests, Flair isn’t just battling external challenges — she’s facing down her own doubts and expectations. For “The Queen,” it’s always been about striving for greatness and silencing anyone who dares to question her legacy.

Stay tuned as more details emerge, and be sure to catch the Women’s Royal Rumble on February 1 to see if Charlotte Flair makes her triumphant return to WWE!

Last night on WWE SmackDown the following vignette aired to build hype for Charlotte Flair’s return:

WWE SmackDown Preview 1/17/2025

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown airs live on the USA Network in the United States and on Netflix internationally from the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

  • WWE Women’s Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Bayley
  • Motor City Machine Guns vs. Los Garza
  • Solo Sikoa returns following his loss to Roman Reigns in Tribal Combat

Frustration Among AEW Talent Fuels Interest in WWE Amid Success of Former AEW Stars

It seems the grass might be greener on the other side for some All Elite Wrestling (AEW) talent. According to a report from Lucha Libre Online, a number of AEW wrestlers unhappy with their roles in the promotion are now viewing WWE as a more appealing option. This shift in attitude comes as more former AEW talent find success in WWE, with recent examples fueling speculation about potential moves.

Changing Perceptions of WWE

In the early years of AEW, many believed WWE wasn’t a viable destination for disgruntled talent. Concerns about being “lost in the shuffle” on WWE’s massive roster, coupled with its often-criticized corporate culture, made jumping ship seem unappealing. However, that perception is changing—especially after the notable success of former AEW stars in WWE.

The most recent example? Penta’s debut on RAW this past week, where he delivered a standout performance and defeated Chad Gable in an impressive match. Penta’s instant impact has reportedly given AEW wrestlers confidence that their time in AEW could serve as a strong resume when negotiating with WWE.

Success Stories Turning Heads

The report highlights other former AEW talent who have thrived in WWE, such as Ethan Page and Lexis King (formerly Brian Pillman Jr.). Both wrestlers had relatively quiet runs in AEW but have seen their stock rise since joining WWE. Ethan Page has become a key player in NXT, while Lexis King has been given a fresh start with a new persona that fans and WWE officials alike have embraced.

These success stories haven’t gone unnoticed by AEW’s roster, particularly those feeling underutilized or frustrated with their current roles. For many, the idea of a fresh start under WWE’s revamped management has become more enticing.

A Culture Shift in WWE

Another factor influencing AEW talent’s interest in WWE is the reported culture shift within WWE itself. Changes in management—stemming from Vince McMahon stepping back and Triple H taking a larger role in creative—have made the company more attractive. Under Triple H’s leadership, the creative direction is reportedly more talent-friendly, with increased focus on meaningful storylines and long-term character development.

This cultural change, combined with WWE’s global platform and financial stability, is making it a more viable option for wrestlers who may not feel creatively fulfilled in AEW.

What’s Driving the Frustration in AEW?

AEW’s rapid growth and star-studded roster have created an undeniable wealth of talent, but that has also led to challenges in ensuring everyone gets their moment in the spotlight. Wrestlers lower on the card—or those stuck in creative limbo—may feel overshadowed by the constant influx of new signings and the heavy focus on established stars like Kenny Omega, MJF, and Jon Moxley.

The frustrations reported by AEW talent are not uncommon in wrestling promotions with stacked rosters. However, the growing sentiment that WWE might offer greener pastures indicates that AEW could face retention challenges if these feelings persist.

What This Means for Wrestling Fans

The wrestling world is buzzing with possibilities. If more AEW talent make the jump to WWE, it could create fresh opportunities for dream matches and shake-ups on both rosters. For WWE, bringing in AEW alumni allows them to capitalize on the buzz surrounding AEW’s reputation for creating stars. For AEW, however, this trend could mean reevaluating how they manage and showcase their talent to prevent further departures.

As for fans, this growing talent pipeline between AEW and WWE only enhances the unpredictability of professional wrestling. With the free-agent market heating up, who knows which AEW stars might be Raw, SmackDown, or NXT-bound next?

Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for more updates on this story and all the latest happenings in the wrestling world!

Update On The Expected Runtime For WWE Raw Going Forward

The Netflix era of WWE Raw is officially in full swing, with the company having already aired two episodes of its flagship program on the world’s biggest streaming platform. However, just two weeks in, a major talking point has emerged: the show’s runtime. The debut episode on January 6 clocked in at just over three hours, but the January 13 episode was noticeably shorter, running just two hours and 30 minutes. This has led many fans to speculate whether WWE plans to lock in a specific runtime for Raw going forward or if it will vary week to week.

Triple H’s Vision for the Perfect Runtime

According to a recent report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque has a very specific vision for Raw’s runtime. Sources told Dave Meltzer that Triple H believes two hours and 30 minutes is the “sweet spot” for the show—long enough to deliver compelling matches and storylines without dragging on. This vision seems to have directly influenced the January 13 episode, which hit that exact runtime.

However, sticking to this target hasn’t been without challenges. To meet the two-and-a-half-hour mark for the January 13 show, certain segments reportedly had to be cut, including a debut match and post-match promo from Penta. Despite these cuts, it’s unclear whether Netflix imposes strict guidelines on WWE’s runtimes. Meltzer speculated that Netflix may be flexible, as both episodes aired so far have exceeded their planned lengths by a few minutes.

The International Difference

While U.S. audiences are adjusting to Raw’s shorter format on Netflix, international viewers are still being presented with the show as a three-hour broadcast. This is because Raw continues to air on traditional TV networks around the world, where commercial breaks extend the runtime. To accommodate this, WWE has reportedly been filming additional backstage interviews and segments that don’t appear on the Netflix version. These extra scenes help pad the runtime for international audiences while providing content to fill commercial gaps.

What Does This Mean for Fans?

For now, it seems fans in the U.S. will enjoy a more streamlined version of Raw on Netflix, while international viewers will continue to see the full-length three-hour version. Whether this shorter runtime will lead to tighter storytelling and fewer filler segments remains to be seen, but Triple H’s focus on quality over quantity is a promising step.

One thing is certain: as WWE continues to adapt to the streaming landscape, changes like these are inevitable. Whether Raw’s Netflix era ultimately reshapes the entire format of WWE’s programming—or just serves as a platform-specific experiment—remains one of the most intriguing stories to watch in 2025.