Hall Of Famer Goldberg Reportedly Set To Return To WWE Soon, Backstage Report On Big Creative Plans

As the saying goes, “When life brings you full circle, pay attention. There’s a lesson there.” For WWE World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER, that lesson may soon come in the form of a confrontation with WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg, as new reports suggest the powerhouse legend is set to make his return.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Goldberg will appear during the fourth episode of WWE’s Raw on Netflix in Atlanta, Georgia, at the State Farm Arena—a venue that holds significant meaning for this rivalry. It was here, during Bad Blood this past October, that Goldberg and GUNTHER first crossed paths.

Revisiting the Beginning of Their Feud

At Bad Blood, Goldberg, joined by his son Gage, was seated at ringside for the unveiling of the Crown Jewel Championship. GUNTHER, ever the provocateur, didn’t hold back, delivering a pointed insult about Goldberg’s fatherhood that drew the Hall of Famer into the ring. The tense standoff escalated to the point where WWE officials and Sami Zayn had to intervene.

While GUNTHER ultimately fell short in the inaugural Crown Jewel Championship match, losing to Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel, the animosity between him and Goldberg has lingered. Now, with Goldberg set to make his return in the same venue, it seems this rivalry is about to heat up.

One Last Match for Goldberg?

Goldberg has been vocal about 2025 marking his final year of in-ring competition. With only one match left in him, speculation is rife that he and GUNTHER will collide in what could be a defining moment for both men. However, key details remain unclear.

Will the World Heavyweight Championship be on the line? Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer suggests it’s unlikely, but he doesn’t dismiss the possibility of this clash taking place on WrestleMania 41 on either April 19 or 20. While no official announcements have been made, fans are already buzzing about the potential showdown at The Grandest Stage of Them All.

What’s at Stake?

For Goldberg, this match could be a swan song for his storied career, offering a chance to cement his legacy in a marquee battle. For GUNTHER, it’s an opportunity to prove himself against one of the most dominant figures in WWE history and further solidify his own reputation as a champion.

With tensions already simmering and Goldberg’s clock ticking down, the stage is set for an explosive encounter. Will GUNTHER learn the lesson of a full-circle moment, or will Goldberg’s legendary presence teach him one instead?

Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for updates on this brewing feud and all the latest in the world of professional wrestling!

Vince McMahon Settles with SEC Over Hush Money Scandal, Pays $1.73 Million

Vince McMahon, the former CEO and long-time face of WWE, has reached a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) following an investigation into undisclosed hush money payments. McMahon agreed to pay a $400,000 civil penalty and reimburse WWE $1.33 million after failing to report settlements tied to allegations against him. The SEC found these actions violated the Securities Exchange Act, leading to material misstatements in WWE’s financial reports.

The payments stem from settlements McMahon made with two former workers in 2019 and 2022:

  • One involved a $3 million payment to a former employee in exchange for non-disclosure of their relationship with McMahon and the release of potential claims against him and WWE.
  • The second was an agreement with a former independent contractor that also involved non-disclosure of allegations and claims.

The SEC noted that McMahon bypassed WWE’s internal accounting controls, leading to the company overstating its net income by 8% in 2018 and 1.7% in 2021. These omissions resulted in WWE filing inaccurate financial statements, ultimately drawing regulatory scrutiny.

McMahon’s Response Downplays the Findings

Following the SEC’s announcement, McMahon addressed the situation in a post on X (formerly Twitter), characterizing the investigation’s findings as minimal. He wrote:
“The case is closed. Today ends nearly three years of investigation by different governmental agencies. There has been a great deal of speculation about what exactly the government was investigating and what the outcome would be. As today’s resolution shows, much of that speculation was misguided and misleading. In the end, there was never anything more to this than minor accounting errors with regard to some personal payments that I made several years ago while I was CEO of WWE. I’m thrilled that I can now put all this behind me.”

McMahon’s statement seeks to downplay the gravity of the SEC’s findings, referring to them as “minor accounting errors,” despite the financial discrepancies and failure to notify WWE’s board and auditors of the settlements.

Fallout and Reflection

The settlement marks another chapter in a tumultuous year for McMahon, who stepped down as CEO in early 2023, ending his decades-long tenure as the architect of WWE’s rise to global prominence. His departure came amid a swirl of controversy surrounding these payments, as well as additional allegations that surfaced during investigations.

While McMahon’s statement suggests he’s eager to move on, the SEC’s findings highlight significant lapses in corporate governance under his leadership. For WWE, the resolution of the case could allow the company to focus on its future as it continues its creative and business evolution under the leadership of Nick Khan, Triple H (Paul Levesque), and other executives.

Ronda Rousey Welcomes Second Child Amidst Los Angeles Fires, Reflects on WWE Journey

Amidst the chaos of one of Los Angeles’ largest wildfires in recent history, former WWE Superstar and SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey welcomed her second child into the world. She and husband Travis Browne celebrated the arrival of their daughter, giving her a Hawaiian name to honor Browne’s heritage, as they did with their first-born.

Sharing the news on social media, Rousey wrote:
“Our little girl came into this world during a windstorm into a city on fire, so grateful she made it safe and sound, Liko’ula Pā’ūomahinakaipiha Browne.”

The former WWE star had announced her pregnancy back in July 2024 during San Diego Comic-Con, where she was promoting her graphic novel, Expecting the Unexpected. The project was part of her Kickstarter campaign, showcasing how Rousey has pivoted to creative and entrepreneurial ventures since stepping away from the squared circle.

A Rocky Journey in WWE

Rousey hasn’t shied away from reflecting on her time with WWE. In an August 2024 podcast appearance, she detailed the highs and lows of her wrestling career. Her debut run was an exciting challenge, bolstered by guidance from industry legends like Triple H, Kurt Angle, Shawn Michaels, and Michael Hayes. With their support, she was well-prepared for her first match, a highly praised outing at WrestleMania 34.

However, Rousey explained that the collaborative environment didn’t last. Over time, the assistance she relied on began to dwindle, leaving her feeling increasingly unsupported. This change, coupled with her criticisms of WWE’s creative decisions, marked the end of her tenure with the promotion. Rousey has been candid about her experiences, offering fans a glimpse into the struggles behind her meteoric rise in professional wrestling.

Focused on Family and New Ventures

Since her WWE departure, Rousey has kept busy with a mix of personal and professional pursuits. Beyond her graphic novel, she has made appearances on various podcasts, conducted interviews, and pursued other creative outlets. Now, with the birth of her second child, it seems her priorities have shifted further toward family life.

Given her later experiences with WWE and her current focus, fans shouldn’t expect to see Rousey in a wrestling ring anytime soon—if ever. For now, the “Rowdy” one appears content blazing her own trail, far from the spotlight of combat sports.

Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for updates on your favorite wrestling personalities, both in and out of the ring!

TNA Impact Preview 1/9/2025

TNA Wrestling will present a new episode of Impact tonight on AXS TV as the build continues for Genesis next week.

  • Gauntlet Match: Mike Santana vs. The Northern Armory
  • Nic Nemeth & Ryan Nemeth vs. Joe Hendry & Rhino
  • The Rascalz vs. The Good Hands
  • The System (Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers & JDC) vs. Eric Young, Jonathan Gresham & Steve Maclin
  • Savannah Evans vs. TBD
  • We’ll hear from Jordynne Grace

ROH Preview 1/9/2025

Ring of Honor will present a new episode of ROH TV on HonorClub tonight.

  • ROH Women’s TV Championship Proving Ground Match: Red Velvet vs. TBD
  • ROH Throwback Match: Sumie Sakai vs. Hazuki
  • Trish Adora vs. Harley Cameron
  • Blake Christian vs. Serpentico
  • Griff Garrison vs. Boulder
  • Rachael Ellering vs. Queen Aminata
  • MxM Collection vs. TBD
  • Billie Starkz vs. TBA
  • Chris Jericho and Bryan Keith appear

Backstage Reaction To Hulk Hogan Getting Booed Out Of The Building On WWE RAW

WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan’s appearance on the premiere episode of WWE RAW on Netflix stirred controversy, as the wrestling legend was met with a wave of boos from the live audience. The segment, intended to promote Hogan’s Real American Beer brand, became a major talking point backstage due to the overwhelmingly negative reaction.

Hogan’s Polarizing Appearance

The segment was designed as a straightforward promotional opportunity, but fans in attendance weren’t shy about expressing their disdain. Hogan’s past controversies, including his vocal support for Donald Trump and associations with divisive figures, appear to have played a role in the crowd’s reaction. The situation reportedly caused frustration among WWE officials, who had high hopes for the Netflix premiere as a marquee event.

Despite the hostile reception, Hogan was said to have taken the incident in stride. While he expressed “surprise and disappointment” at being booed so heavily, he reportedly brushed it off backstage. WWE also limited Hogan’s screen time, with the segment kept short due to his physical condition and to avoid further backlash.

Missed Opportunity with Hollywood Hogan?

Following the event, online fans speculated that Hogan could have embraced the negativity by revisiting his infamous nWo Hollywood Hogan persona, which would have aligned with the heel reaction he received. However, WWE sources revealed that the focus was always on promoting the beer, not reinventing Hogan’s character. One insider noted, “We’re trying to sell beer, not get a 70-year-old over any way we can.”

What’s Next for WWE and Hogan’s Partnership?

While the reaction was far from ideal, WWE does not appear ready to sever ties with Hogan’s Real American Beer brand. However, the incident has sparked internal discussions about exploring other options. Some within WWE reportedly suggested that the company should consider using different legends or active talent to endorse the beer moving forward.

For now, Hogan remains part of the promotional plans. He is expected to appear at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event later this month, though WWE will likely take steps to mitigate another negative crowd reaction.

The Bigger Picture

Hogan’s appearance highlights the challenges WWE faces when working with polarizing figures, even legends as iconic as Hogan. As the company looks to balance nostalgia with its modern audience’s preferences, moments like this could influence how WWE utilizes its Hall of Famers in the future.

Is Malakai Black Leaving AEW? Speculation Surrounds Former Trios Champion’s Future

The wrestling world is buzzing with rumors that former AEW World Trios Champion Malakai Black may be on his way out of All Elite Wrestling. A new report from Fightful Select suggests that Black might be finishing up with AEW, though no official confirmation has been made. This speculation comes despite earlier statements indicating Black’s AEW contract would run through 2027.

Contract Confusion

Black’s contract status has been the subject of intense discussion for months. According to Fightful, Black’s deal was initially reported to expire in early 2025, with additional option years built in. However, AEW President Tony Khan previously stated that Black was locked in until 2027, raising questions about whether an option year was declined or if Black sought an early exit.

Adding fuel to the fire, Black’s House of Black teammate Buddy Matthews recently faced Will Ospreay on AEW Dynamite. Following the match, Ospreay delivered a promo encouraging Matthews to aim for singles gold, even offering to stand in his corner if needed. Some fans saw this as a potential hint at a shake-up within the faction, though no direct mention of Black was made.

WWE Connection and Speculation

Rumors of Malakai Black returning to WWE have been swirling for some time, especially after Paul “Triple H” Levesque took over creative responsibilities in WWE. Black has publicly praised Triple H, and WWE is reportedly interested in bringing him back to the fold. His wife, Zelina Vega, is currently a prominent member of WWE’s Raw roster, which has only added to the speculation.

Back in September, similar rumors about Black’s AEW departure emerged but were ultimately debunked when he returned to AEW programming. As of now, Black is still listed on AEW’s official roster page, but Fightful noted they were unable to confirm whether his contract has been terminated, renewed, or altered in any way.

What’s Next for Malakai Black?

If Black does leave AEW, the move could have significant implications for both AEW and WWE. Black’s dark, enigmatic persona has been a standout feature of AEW programming, particularly as the leader of the House of Black. His potential departure could signal a shift in AEW’s roster dynamics and storylines. Meanwhile, a WWE return would mark an intriguing chapter in Black’s career, especially under Triple H’s creative direction.

For now, fans will have to wait and see how the story unfolds. Whether he stays with AEW or moves on, one thing is certain: Malakai Black remains one of the most compelling figures in professional wrestling today. Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for updates on this developing story.

AEW Dynamite Preview 1/8/2025

AEW Dynamite air live tonight on TBS at 8:00 pm ET and live on Max coast to coast beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT from the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee.

  • AEW World Title No. 1 Contenders Match: Casino Gauntlet
  • Buddy Matthews vs. Will Ospreay
  • Bobby Lashley vs. Mark Briscoe
  • Kenny Omega returns live
  • Jeff Jarrett to appear
  • MJF to appear live

Hulk Hogan Got Booed Out Of The Building On WWE Raw’s Netflix Debut

The debut episode of WWE Raw on Netflix delivered plenty of surprises, but perhaps none were as polarizing as Hulk Hogan’s appearance. Stepping onto the stage at the Intuit Dome on Monday night alongside longtime ally Jimmy Hart, Hogan faced an unexpected reception as the Los Angeles crowd greeted him with resounding boos.

Hogan Booed During Promo

Hogan, one of WWE’s most iconic figures, attempted to rally the audience with a heartfelt speech, declaring that being part of WWE was the “greatest part of his life.” He also reminisced about his legendary career and told fans they were his “greatest partners” over the years. However, his words did little to sway the crowd, which continued to voice its displeasure throughout the segment.

The Hulkster used the opportunity to plug his Real American Beer brand before tearing off his shirt to reveal a custom “Netflix Is RAW” t-shirt. He concluded with a modified version of his famous catchphrase:

“Whatchya’ gonna’ do when WWE and Netflix run wild on you, brother!”

The unrelenting boos, however, suggested the crowd wasn’t ready to run wild with Hogan that night.

Fans Speculate on Backlash

After the show, social media buzzed with speculation over why Hogan was met with such a hostile reaction. Many theorized that his well-documented support for former President Donald Trump may have played a role. Hogan has long been associated with Trump’s MAGA movement, but some fans noted the mixed messaging when comparing his reception to that of other WWE personalities.

For instance, The Undertaker, who had Trump as a guest on his podcast, was loudly cheered when he appeared earlier in the evening. Similarly, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon—both spotted at Trump’s New Year’s Eve party—received warm reactions from the crowd.

Hogan’s Mixed Legacy

Hogan’s polarizing reception underscores the complexities of his legacy. While he remains a cornerstone of WWE history and a hero to generations of fans, his personal controversies and political affiliations have alienated some of his audience. Monday’s crowd reaction was a stark reminder that not all fans are willing to separate the performer from the person.

The Bigger Picture

Despite the boos, Hogan’s appearance achieved its purpose of generating buzz for Raw’s Netflix premiere. Whether fans loved or loathed his segment, it ensured people were talking about the show long after the cameras stopped rolling.

As WWE continues its partnership with Netflix, it will be interesting to see how the company balances nostalgia-driven appearances like Hogan’s with the demands and expectations of its modern audience. For now, Hulkamania might not be running wild in Los Angeles, but it’s certainly stirring the pot.

https://twitter.com/SeanRossSapp/status/1876472815517593992

Becky Lynch Absent from Netflix “WWE Raw” Premiere: Backstage Report On Her WWE Status

When Netflix unveiled its highly anticipated trailer for WWE Raw, many fans expected Becky Lynch, prominently featured in the promotional material, to make a dramatic return during the red brand’s official debut on the streaming platform. However, as the night unfolded live from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, Lynch was notably absent, leaving fans and even some WWE talents scratching their heads.

No Becky, No Problem?

According to a report from Fightful Select, WWE never actually planned for Lynch to appear during the Netflix premiere of Raw, despite speculation that her segment might have been cut. The outlet clarified that Lynch wasn’t even in Los Angeles on Monday, dispelling rumors of a last-minute cancellation.

Interestingly, other reports claimed that Lynch was initially slotted to appear after the WWE Women’s World Championship match between Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan. That spot, however, was reportedly reassigned to WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker, who shared a memorable post-match moment posing with Ripley.

Lynch’s WWE Future

Though Lynch’s absence may have disappointed fans, the good news is that her WWE future seems secure. Fightful Select reported that Lynch has agreed to a new deal with WWE, though the specifics, including the contract’s duration, remain under wraps.

Her previous deal expired in spring 2024, during which she briefly became a free agent. It’s said WWE faced stiff competition from other suitors offering big money, but Lynch ultimately chose to stay with the company where she has become one of the most recognizable and influential stars.

What’s Next for “The Man”?

Becky Lynch’s return may still be a while off, but her absence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Lynch has not competed since May 27, 2024, where she lost to Liv Morgan in a steel cage match on Raw. However, a report from early January 2025 indicates that her return is expected to play a key role in WWE’s plans for WrestleMania 41. While details of her involvement remain under wraps, the company is reportedly working on “high-level” plans to reintroduce her into the fold in a major way.

The Bigger Picture

Lynch’s absence from the Netflix premiere of Raw may have been disappointing, but it underscores WWE’s evolving approach to storytelling and surprises. With her new deal locked in and major plans reportedly in the works, Becky Lynch’s return will undoubtedly be worth the wait.

Fans should keep their eyes on the road to WrestleMania, as “The Man” is likely to make her mark once again, bringing her signature fire and passion to the grandest stage of them all. Until then, speculation about her comeback will only continue to build.