WWE SmackDown will air tonight on the USA Network, taped last week from the XL Center in Hartford, CT.
As WWE gears up for a transformative 2025, the company’s programming continues to shift across networks, and it seems NXT Level Up is the latest casualty of this new era.
According to a report from Fightful Select, WWE is set to wrap up NXT Level Up this week, with Thursday’s taping reportedly marking the series’ final episode. This comes amid WWE’s broader network shuffle, as the company prepares for RAW’s highly anticipated move to Netflix in January.
NXT itself has already undergone significant changes this year. Back in October, SmackDown moved from FOX to the USA Network, while NXT transitioned from USA to The CW Network. Along with this shift, older episodes of NXT migrated from Peacock to The CW App, causing uncertainty about where supplemental content like NXT Level Up would land.
NXT Level Up first debuted on February 18, 2022, as a successor to the beloved 205 Live. The show primarily served as a proving ground for newer NXT talent—those who had yet to establish themselves on the main Tuesday night NXT broadcast. Episodes were often taped either before or after the live NXT shows, giving developmental wrestlers a chance to gain experience in front of a live audience.
Despite its role in spotlighting emerging stars, the future of NXT Level Up has felt uncertain for months. The lack of clarity on its streaming home—especially with NXT’s library moving to The CW—sparked speculation that the show would soon be discontinued. Now, with Fightful’s report indicating its imminent conclusion, it appears WWE is officially pulling the plug.
While NXT Level Up may be ending, WWE’s developmental brand remains a key focus. NXT’s move to The CW has given the brand a new home with broader reach, and WWE is clearly investing in elevating its younger talent through Tuesday night programming. With RAW moving to Netflix in 2025 and SmackDown thriving on USA Network, WWE’s media landscape continues to evolve—and smaller shows like NXT Level Up may no longer fit into the company’s long-term strategy.
For now, fans can tune in to the final episode of NXT Level Up this Thursday as WWE says goodbye to the short-lived series. It’s a bittersweet end for a show that helped develop the next generation of stars, but it’s clear WWE has its eyes set on a much bigger stage as it heads into 2025.
After spending all of 2024 sidelined with diverticulitis, former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega is finally set for an in-ring return. Omega’s first official match back will see him face NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion Gabe Kidd at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5, 2025, in the iconic Tokyo Dome. But while fans eagerly await Omega’s return to Japan, reports suggest his comeback to AEW could happen even sooner.
According to Fightful Select, Omega’s return to AEW is likely to take place before his NJPW bout. In fact, there’s been significant internal discussion about potentially bringing Omega back at AEW’s final pay-per-view of the year, Worlds End, on December 28. Although nothing has been officially confirmed, this would be a monumental way for AEW to close out 2024 and kickstart Omega’s next chapter.
Omega’s return has been highly anticipated, and AEW has already begun building momentum. A vignette promoting his comeback aired during the Holiday Bash edition of AEW Dynamite, sparking excitement among fans. However, AEW has noticeably avoided mentioning Omega’s Wrestle Dynasty match against Gabe Kidd, raising questions about what role Omega might play upon his return.
Interestingly, Omega’s choice to have his first match back in Japan rather than AEW is reportedly part of a goodwill gesture to New Japan Pro Wrestling. Sources close to the situation indicate that AEW President Tony Khan personally approved the decision to strengthen the working relationship between AEW and NJPW. Omega himself has also spoken about the move, expressing his desire to repay NJPW for its role in shaping his career.
Before his health setback, Omega was reportedly on track for a high-profile feud with Kazuchika Okada, a rivalry that would have reunited two of the best to ever compete in NJPW. While it remains unclear if AEW will pick up those plans, Omega’s return opens up countless storytelling possibilities, especially as AEW heads into 2025 with growing momentum.
Omega’s absence this year left a noticeable void in AEW, but his return promises to reignite the fanbase. Whether it’s at Worlds End on December 28 or another major AEW show leading into the new year, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see how “The Cleaner” re-establishes himself on the AEW stage.
Stay tuned to wrestlingnewsblog.com for further updates on Kenny Omega’s return, his role in AEW, and his upcoming clash with Gabe Kidd at NJPW’s Wrestle Dynasty. One thing’s for sure: 2025 is about to get a whole lot cleaner.
The Bloodline saga has been one of WWE’s most captivating storylines in years, but even its biggest supporters have pointed out a minor flaw: the rivalry is built around an abstract concept. While Roman Reigns’ title as “Tribal Chief” is deeply rooted in the faction’s Samoan heritage, it lacks the tangible symbolism often seen in championship-driven feuds. However, WWE may soon change that.
According to a report from WrestleVotes, WWE is considering introducing a Tribal Chief Championship belt into the Bloodline storyline, giving Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and the entire faction something more concrete to fight over. The report suggests this championship would be similar to the People’s Championship presented to The Rock earlier this year at WrestleMania 40.
If this move happens, it could coincide with the highly-anticipated January 6 debut of WWE Raw on Netflix, where Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa are already set to clash. Their match, which Reigns officially laid out on the December 13 episode of SmackDown, will be a “Tribal Combat” Match — a stipulation that features no disqualifications and no outside interference. WWE elaborated further on Raw three days later, building anticipation for this significant showdown.
While the introduction of a Tribal Chief Championship is still speculative, it wouldn’t be the first time wrestling has seen story-driven titles designed to enhance rivalries.
These titles, while not always formally recognized, added depth to storylines and served as symbolic trophies for larger-than-life personas. A Tribal Chief Championship could play a similar role, giving Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa an unmistakable prize that embodies their struggle for leadership and power within the Bloodline.
The timing would certainly make sense. With the Netflix era of WWE Raw on the horizon and Roman Reigns’ storyline entering yet another pivotal chapter, a new championship would help escalate tensions and provide fans with a fresh visual centerpiece for the Bloodline feud.
Should WWE proceed with this plan, the Tribal Chief Championship could become a unique piece of wrestling lore — a title driven less by traditional wrestling wins and losses and more by legacy, dominance, and family pride.
Stay tuned to wrestlingnewsblog.com as we continue to cover all the latest developments leading up to WWE Raw’s Netflix debut and the ongoing Bloodline saga. Could Solo Sikoa or Roman Reigns soon hold a title that defines the true Tribal Chief? We’ll find out soon enough!
Former AEW TNT Champion Adam Copeland has been absent from the ring since suffering a brutal tibia injury during his Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match against Malakai Black at Double or Nothing in May. The injury forced Copeland to relinquish the TNT Championship and put him on the sidelines for months. However, it seems his time away is finally coming to an end.
According to a report from Fightful Select, Copeland has officially been medically cleared to return and could be making his comeback sooner rather than later. Most in AEW reportedly believe that his return will take place on the January 1 episode of AEW Dynamite: Fight for the Fallen. The timing and location make a lot of sense for several reasons.
Firstly, AEW’s January 1 Dynamite marks their streaming debut on MAX, making it a major milestone for the company. Secondly, the show will take place in Asheville, North Carolina, a city where Copeland currently resides. Adding more fuel to the speculation, FTR, who are also Asheville locals, recently teased that they wouldn’t be coming to Fight for the Fallen “alone.” If those comments are anything to go by, Copeland could very well be joining them in some capacity.
While Copeland has reportedly been training in preparation for his in-ring return after being medically cleared , he’s also been keeping busy outside the ring. He’s currently shooting the second season of Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, where he plays Ares, the God of War. The filming is expected to wrap in January, so it remains to be seen whether Copeland’s potential appearance at Fight for the Fallen will be a one-off or if he’ll resume a more consistent schedule.
Interestingly, Copeland’s acting career has been thriving. He recently earned a Children’s and Family Emmy Award nomination for his work as Ares in the first season of Percy Jackson. Between his wrestling success and his Hollywood recognition, Copeland is proving once again why he’s one of the most versatile stars in the industry.
Adding to the importance of Fight for the Fallen, all proceeds from the show will go toward hurricane relief efforts in Asheville and surrounding areas following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. With AEW combining a charitable cause, a major streaming debut, and a potential surprise return, the January 1 Dynamite could be one of AEW’s biggest shows of the year.
Will Adam Copeland return to AEW on January 1 and kick off 2025 with a bang? If the speculation holds true, fans are in for an unforgettable night in Asheville! Stay tuned to wrestlingnewsblog.com for any updates on Copeland’s status and AEW’s Fight for the Fallen.
Ring Of Honor – Final Battle – December 20, 2024 · New York, NY · Hammerstein Ballroom
Main Card:
ROH Women’s World Championship Match:
Athena (c) vs. Billie Starkz
ROH World Championship Match:
Chris Jericho (c) vs. Matt Cardona
ROH Women’s TV Championship Match:
Red Velvet (c) vs. Leyla Hirsch
ROH World Tag Team Championships Texas Bull Rope Match:
Sammy Guevara & Dustin Rhodes (c) vs. The Righteous
ROH TV Championship Survival of the Fittest Match:
Brian Cage (c) vs. AR Fox vs. Willie Mack vs. Komander vs. Blake Christian vs. Mark Davis
ROH Pure Championship Open Challenge:
Lee Moriarty (c) vs. TBD
QT Marshall vs. Jay Lethal
Atlantis Jr. vs. Mansoor
Katsuyori Shibata vs. “The Dynamite Kid” Tommy Billington
Zero Hour:
The Infantry vs. Undisputed Kingdom
Alex Reynolds & John Silver vs. Grizzled Young Veterans
Lee Johnson & EJ Nduka vs. Gates of Agony
Harley Cameron vs. Hanako
ROH TV tonight on HonorClub.
TNA Wrestling is keeping busy behind the scenes as they prepare for the new year. According to a report from PWInsider, the company is currently in “active talks” with multiple talents regarding new contracts, signaling an effort to lock in key performers as their roster evolves.
This news comes on the heels of several notable departures. As previously reported, stars like KUSHIDA, Trent Seven, and Rhino have all recently wrapped up their time with TNA. While the promotion hasn’t officially commented on these exits, their departures mark a period of transition for TNA heading into 2024.
For fans tuning into TNA Impact on AXS TV, the next few weeks will feature the promotion’s annual Best of the Year episodes, celebrating standout matches and moments from 2023. The first episode featuring new in-ring content is currently set for January 2nd, kicking off what looks to be a pivotal year for TNA.
With TNA actively working to solidify its roster, the question remains: which talents will stick around, and could we see fresh faces join the promotion as it builds momentum? Stay tuned for updates as TNA’s 2024 plans continue to take shape.
Logan Paul is back in WWE, and he’s not holding back. Despite teasing retirement after becoming a father, the former United States Champion made a bold return at WWE Raw’s Netflix launch event at WWE headquarters on Wednesday. Paul’s comeback aligns with the red brand’s major move to Netflix, which is set to kick off on January 6.
In typical Logan Paul fashion, the social media sensation-turned-wrestler didn’t shy away from stirring the pot. In a fiery video posted to WWE’s official X account, Paul made it clear that he’s gunning for a top spot and doesn’t plan to ask for anyone’s approval.
“I see the narrative online that I’m a bully,” Paul admitted. “And guess what? I am a bully, and WWE is my playground. I’m not here to take part—I’m here to take over.”
Paul didn’t stop there. With his trademark confidence, he sent a warning to the entire WWE roster, vowing to dominate and take whatever he wants. “Your approval means nothing to me,” Paul said. “Because you’re still watching—and you will stay watching—because you are a spectator, and I am a star. I promise everyone watching: you’re looking at the future WWE World Champion, and his name is Logan Paul.”
Paul’s last WWE appearance was at SummerSlam in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, where he fell short against LA Knight in a United States Championship match. Before that, he also lost to Knight in a Money in the Bank qualifying match and came up short against Cody Rhodes at King and Queen of the Ring. Despite those setbacks, Paul seems more determined than ever to climb to the top of WWE.
With Raw heading to Netflix and Paul’s bold declaration to capture a world title, one thing is certain: Logan Paul’s presence in WWE will be impossible to ignore. The question now is, can he back up his words and finally claim championship gold at the very top of the mountain?
AEW Dynamite Holiday Bash airs live tonight on TBS from the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, DC.
TBS Championship Match: Mercedes Mone’ (c) vs. Anna Jay
Jon Moxley, PAC and Wheeler Yuta vs. Hangman Page, Orange Cassidy and Jay hite
Continental Classic Gold League Match: Will Ospreay vs. Darby Allin
Continental Classic Blue League Match: Shelton Benjamin vs. The Beast Mortos
Hook and Katsuyori Shibata vs. Christian Cage and Nick Wayne
We’ll hear from FTR in a message from their hometown of Asheville, North Carolina
MJF will appear live
Wrestling News Blog 