Category: SmackDown

Backstage Update on Wyatt Sicks & Alexa Bliss Ahead of WrestleMania

With WrestleMania 41 fast approaching, fans have been wondering about the status of Alexa Bliss and the eerie Wyatt Sicks faction. Bliss made a surprise return at the Royal Rumble in February, fueling speculation that she would soon align with the group inspired by the late Bray Wyatt. However, after falling short in the Elimination Chamber match, Bliss has been absent from WWE programming—just like the Wyatt Sicks, who haven’t been seen since their loss to Karrion Kross’ Final Testament (a faction that has since mostly disbanded).

So, what’s going on with Bliss and the Wyatt Sicks? And will they be involved in WrestleMania?

Wyatt Sicks Cleared, Waiting for the Right Time

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE plans to keep Bliss off TV until the Wyatt Sicks return to SmackDown. Meanwhile, Fightful Select reported that the reason for the group’s lengthy absence was an injury to their leader, Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy). However, Dallas—and the faction as a whole—has now been medically cleared to compete.

While WWE’s creative team is actively discussing their return, there’s no official word on exactly when they’ll be back. The company is reportedly waiting for the perfect moment to bring them back into the fold.

Is Bliss Still Set to Join the Wyatt Sicks?

Since Bliss’ return, WWE has dropped multiple hints about her potential involvement with the Wyatt Sicks, including subtle flashes of the faction’s emblem appearing on screen when she was on camera. Given her history with Uncle Howdy, dating back to early 2023 before she took time off for pregnancy, many believe she’s destined to be the sixth member of the group.

Recent reports caused some confusion when Bliss was removed from certain WrestleMania Week appearances, but it was later clarified that these were WWE World events, not WrestleMania itself. While it’s unclear if Bliss and the Wyatt Sicks will be part of The Show of Shows, their return seems inevitable.

What’s Next?

With WrestleMania just weeks away, could we see the Wyatt Sicks and Alexa Bliss make their return on the Grandest Stage of Them All? Or will WWE hold off and bring them back in a more calculated fashion after the event?

For now, it’s a waiting game, but when the Wyatt Sicks do return, expect them to make an impact—and possibly bring Bliss along for the ride.

Rey Fenix Officially Signed To WWE Contract

WWE is on the verge of adding another high-flying sensation to its roster, as reports indicate that Rey Fenix has officially signed with the company. The news follows a mysterious vignette aired last week on WWE SmackDown, which many fans speculated was teasing Fenix’s arrival. Now, per Fightful Select, those suspicions have been confirmed.

Fenix Bound for SmackDown

According to reports, WWE plans to introduce Fenix on SmackDown, the same brand where his teaser aired. However, an exact debut date remains unknown. The signing comes after weeks of speculation, as Fenix underwent routine medical evaluations before finalizing his WWE deal.

This move marks the latest chapter in the career of the former AEW Tag Team Champion, who made a name for himself alongside his brother Penta as one of AEW’s most dynamic duos. While both men had been linked to WWE interest as early as last year, Fenix’s jump to WWE was delayed due to injury-related contractual obligations in AEW. Initially, Tony Khan extended Fenix’s contract to account for missed time, but he later reversed the decision, ultimately granting Fenix his release.

Another AEW Star Makes the Jump

Fenix now joins a growing list of former AEW stars transitioning to WWE. In the past year alone, WWE has welcomed the likes of Ethan Page, Ricky Saints (formerly Ricky Starks), Shawn Spears, and his own brother Penta, who debuted on WWE Raw in January with a win over Chad Gable.

With Fenix expected to join SmackDown, the question now is: How will WWE utilize one of the most electrifying luchadors in modern wrestling? Could a reunion with Penta be in the cards, or will Fenix carve out his own singles path in WWE? Fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out.

UPDATE

The latest Rey Fenix teaser video:

WWE SmackDown Preview 3/21/2025

WWE SmackDown from the Unipol Arena in Bologna Italy.

  • Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu
  • Jade Cargill vs. Liv Morgan
  • Zelina Vega vs. Piper Niven
  • Roman Reigns, CM Punk and Seth Rollins to appear

WWE Drops Mysterious Teasers—Are Rey Fenix & Aleister (Malakai) Black on Their Way?

Over the past few months, speculation has been running wild about former AEW stars making the jump to WWE. But few names have generated as much buzz as Malakai Black and Rey Fenix. Now, WWE has seemingly added fuel to the fire with two cryptic video packages that aired during SmackDown this past Friday—both of which have fans convinced that these two stars are on their way.

A Flash of Lightning—Is Rey Fenix WWE-Bound?

The first teaser was brief but packed with intrigue. The video opened with a crack of orange lightning before revealing a shadowy figure perched atop a turnbuckle. With eerie ambient noise buzzing in the background, the screen flashed again, and just like that—it was over.

Despite lasting only six seconds, the imagery was enough to send social media into a frenzy, with many speculating that the vignette was hinting at the arrival of Rey Fenix. The former AEW star, best known for his jaw-dropping high-flying abilities alongside his brother Penta as part of the Lucha Brothers, reportedly finished his AEW contract in early March.

The big question now is: If this is indeed a teaser for Fenix, will he be joining Penta on Raw, or will he be making his mark as a solo star on SmackDown?

A Cryptic Number—Is Aleister Black Making His WWE Return?

While Fenix’s vignette was mysterious, the second teaser was even more cryptic. It began with swirling grey smoke over a black background before a pulsating white “4” appeared at the center of the screen. The sixteen-second clip then abruptly cut to black.

This immediately led to speculation that Malakai Black—formerly known as Aleister Black in WWE—could be making his long-awaited return. The number “4” could signify several things, including his ties to the occult-inspired “House of Black” faction in AEW or his previous WWE character’s fascination with symbolism and darkness.

Black, who was released by WWE in 2021, had a memorable run in NXT and a solid, albeit short-lived, main roster stint before his departure. His last WWE match was a brutal no-disqualification loss to Kevin Owens on Raw in 2020. Now, with rumors swirling that he parted ways with AEW in January, fans are wondering if he’s set to rejoin WWE—potentially alongside his wife, Zelina Vega, who currently wrestles for the company.

What’s Next?

With WrestleMania season behind us and WWE entering a new creative phase, it wouldn’t be surprising to see major signings debut in the coming weeks. If these vignettes are truly hinting at Fenix and Black’s arrivals, WWE could be setting up two major shake-ups for the SmackDown brand.

Until then, fans will be keeping a close eye on the next set of teasers—because if WWE has taught us anything, it’s that the best surprises are always just around the corner.

Lilian Garcia Steps Away from Full-Time WWE Ring Announcing, SmackDown in Barcelona was Her Last Full-Time Show

For decades, Lilian Garcia’s voice has been synonymous with some of WWE’s most legendary moments. From championship introductions to emotional farewells, her signature delivery has been immortalized in WWE history, video games, and collectibles. However, a new era is beginning, as Garcia has officially announced that her most recent appearance on WWE SmackDown was her final show as the blue brand’s full-time ring announcer.

Garcia broke the news to fans via Instagram, thanking the Spanish crowd at Friday’s event before confirming that she would no longer be a full-time announcer for WWE moving forward.

“There’s just a new era upon us. Things are being shifted around,” Garcia explained, hinting at broader changes within the company.

Not a Farewell, But a Transition

While stepping away from weekly announcing duties, Garcia made it clear that she’s not cutting ties with WWE. She confirmed that she will still be involved with the company in select capacities, including performing at special events. Her first scheduled appearance post-SmackDown departure will be at the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12, where she will be lending her vocal talents.

Additionally, Garcia teased new projects in collaboration with WWE, though she remained tight-lipped on specifics.

“I am working with WWE on some new projects,” she revealed. “So, I invite you to follow me and just keep along this journey. It’s a brand new chapter, and we’ll see what happens.”

What’s Next for Garcia—and WWE’s Announcing Team?

Although she’s stepping back from her weekly role, Garcia assured fans that WWE will always be home to her. Before officially ending her full-time duties, she will be part of the promotion’s European tour, specifically the upcoming German leg.

As of now, WWE has not announced a permanent replacement for Garcia on SmackDown, but she left the door open for occasional returns.

“You never know if I pop up on Raw or SmackDown whenever I’m needed,” she said, suggesting that she may still lend her iconic voice to WWE when the moment calls for it.

Garcia’s departure from weekly programming marks the end of an era, but her continued presence ensures that her legacy will live on in WWE. Whether through special appearances or new projects, fans haven’t heard the last of Lilian Garcia just yet.

WWE SmackDown Preview 3/14/2025

WWE SmackDown takes place today at the Olimpic Arena, Barcelona, Spain.

International Netflix subscribers can watch tonight’s episode live, beginning at 3:00 pm ET. The show will air on a tape delay in the United States on the USA Network, starting at 8:00 pm ET.

  • WWE World Tag Team Championship Match: #DIY (c) vs. The Street Profits
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes appears on Miz TV
  • Randy Orton vs. Carmelo Hayes
  • Charlotte Flair vs B-Fab

WWE SmackDown Preview 3/7/2025

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network in and on the U.S. and Netflix internationally, beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT from the Well Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

  • Fallout from Elimination Chamber
  • Street Fight: WWE Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green vs. Michin
  • WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes addresses John Cena’s attack
  • Jade Cargill to address her attack on Naomi
  • Randy Orton is scheduled to appear
  • Charlotte Flair likely to appear

WWE SmackDown Preview 2/28/2025

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown is the go-home show for Saturday’s Elimination Chamber premium live event and will air live on the USA Network in the US and Netflix internationally. from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

  • WWE United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. LA Knight
  • WWE Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green vs. a mystery opponent
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to appear
  • WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus to appear

The Rock Makes a Chilling Offer to Cody Rhodes on WWE SmackDown

The Rock may have arrived on SmackDown to announce WrestleMania 42 for New Orleans, but by the time he left, he had dropped a far more personal bombshell on Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. In a dramatic in-ring segment, The Rock first extended his hand in friendship—before revealing a much darker intention.

“I Want Your Soul”

Earlier in the night, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis hinted that The Final Boss wanted a word with Rhodes, setting the stage for a tense confrontation. When The Rock finally addressed the WWE Champion, he reflected on their complicated history—how their paths clashed heading into WrestleMania 40, how their families had since grown close, and how much respect he had for Rhodes. At first, his words seemed almost benevolent.

“I want you to be my champion,” The Rock told Rhodes, promising to help him achieve all his dreams and even calling him his “brother.”

But the vibe quickly shifted. The Rock reminded Rhodes that last year, he had planned to main-event WrestleMania 40 against Roman Reigns—until Rhodes got in the way and even slapped him. That, Rock admitted, was why Cody was special. And now, he had an offer: Rhodes had until Elimination Chamber on March 1 to make a decision.

Rhodes, sensing where this was heading, asked if The Rock wanted a shot at his WWE Championship. But The Great One made his true intentions clear.

“No… I don’t want your title. I want your soul.”

The chilling declaration left the crowd stunned, as the WWE Universe tried to piece together exactly what The Rock meant by his ominous words.

The Rock’s Power Play

Beyond his challenge to Rhodes, The Rock also reminded everyone of his growing influence behind the scenes. He brought up his position on TKO Group Holdings’ board of directors—the parent company of WWE—and even joked that Ari Emanuel himself said The Rock practically owned the company.

That statement alone could have major implications. With The Rock’s power in both the corporate and creative side of WWE, is this a sign that he’s setting the stage for something bigger than just a match?

What’s Next for Cody Rhodes?

Now, the ball is in Cody Rhodes’ court. With Elimination Chamber just around the corner, what exactly does The Rock’s challenge mean? Is this leading to a match, an alliance, or something even more sinister?

One thing’s for sure—when The Final Boss makes a move, the entire landscape of WWE changes.

Stay locked on WrestlingNewsBlog.com for all the latest updates as this massive story unfolds!

WWE SmackDown Preview 2/21/2025 – The Rock

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown will air live on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix Internationally, from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana,

  • The Rock coming to SmackDown tonight. – The Rock took to social media hyping up his return to SmackDown, noting that The Final Boss is coming to handle business
  • WWE Tag Team Championship: DIY (c) vs. Pretty Deadly
  • WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes, Braun Strowman and Damian Priest vs. Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga
  • Judgment Day’s Liv Morgan vs. WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Naomi
  • Drew McIntryre vs. Jimmy Uso