The Rock’s Next Potential WWE Appearance Revealed

The WWE Universe was stunned at WWE Bad Blood 2024 when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a surprise return during the main event. Jimmy Uso had just assisted Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns in defeating Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu, and in a moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy, The Rock emerged to count the decisive 1-2-3.

But it didn’t end there. After the match, The Rock shared an intense staredown with Cody, Roman, and Jimmy Uso, leaving fans with more questions than answers. The tension teased the possibility of something bigger on the horizon—and the speculation hasn’t stopped since.

WrestleMania 41: The Rock Addresses the Rumors

For months, the wrestling world has been buzzing about a potential showdown between The Rock and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. With The Rock’s involvement at Bad Blood, those rumors have only gained momentum.

However, The Rock himself recently attempted to cool the fire. When addressing WrestleMania chatter, he candidly dismissed the growing buzz, saying, “Don’t believe any of that bull***.”* Of course, wrestling fans know better than to take such comments at face value—especially with WWE’s knack for long-term storytelling.

The Rock Teased for WWE RAW’s Netflix Debut

Adding fuel to the speculation, WWE seems to be dropping subtle hints about The Rock’s next appearance. On this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, General Manager Adam Pearce hyped the highly anticipated Netflix debut of RAW on January 6, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

But eagle-eyed fans noticed something curious during the segment. Behind Pearce, a WWE production truck prominently displayed an image of The Rock—something that certainly didn’t seem accidental.

WrestleVotes, a reliable source for WWE backstage news, reported that these kinds of “easter eggs” are WWE’s way of subtly teasing future storylines or major returns. According to the report:

“If you watched RAW last night… Right over [Pearce’s] shoulder is a semi-truck with a big picture of The Rock. They don’t do that type of thing by accident… There’s a purpose for that. As far as I know, he’s expected to be there [on January 6].”

While WrestleVotes clarified that The Rock’s January 6 appearance doesn’t guarantee he’ll wrestle at WrestleMania 41, it’s clear WWE is keeping him in the mix for its major storylines.

What’s Next for The Final Boss?

The Rock’s connection to WWE remains strong, and it’s clear that his sporadic appearances will continue to be major events. With RAW set to make history as it moves to Netflix, having a Hollywood megastar like The Rock at the inaugural show makes perfect sense.

Whether this all leads to a massive WrestleMania 41 main event involving Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, or even Jimmy Uso remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: The Great One is back, and the road to WrestleMania just got a lot more electrifying.

Fans will want to keep an eye on RAW’s Netflix premiere on January 6 to see what WWE and The Rock have in store. If history has taught us anything, WWE never teases without a payoff.

Stay tuned to WrestlingNewsBlog.com for all the latest updates on The Rock, WWE’s move to Netflix, and the road to WrestleMania 41!

Matt Cardona Close To Signing With AEW (Report)

It looks like “Alwayz Ready” Matt Cardona might be closer than ever to a major return to the big leagues. According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, AEW has officially offered Cardona a contract, with discussions reportedly nearing the finish line. While it’s unclear if the deal has been signed yet, Meltzer noted, “I know he was offered a contract. I don’t know if he signed. I guess maybe [he’s] close, yeah.”

If this deal comes through, it would mark Cardona’s first long-term contract with a major promotion since his WWE release in 2020. Cardona has been one of the busiest and most talked-about names on the independent scene since then, building a reputation in promotions like GCW, NWA, and IMPACT Wrestling. Now, he’s making waves again through a storyline with Chris Jericho that has been turning heads across AEW and its sister promotion, Ring of Honor (ROH).

AEW Merch and ROH Spotlights

Further fueling speculation about Cardona’s future, AEW has started selling official Matt Cardona merchandise through its online store. The shirt, featuring a skull rocking Cardona’s signature headband and the text “Alwayz Ready,” includes a notable detail in the fine print: “All Merchandise is owned by Ring of Honor.” This suggests that while Cardona may technically be signed to ROH, AEW’s flexible contracts would still allow him to make appearances on both platforms.

Cardona’s recent presence in ROH has been significant. On December 5, he stepped into the spotlight to challenge ROH World Champion Chris Jericho, setting up a showdown at Final Battle on December 20. Adding even more fuel to their feud, Jericho crashed Cardona’s December 14 booking at GCW, disguised in a hoodie and face bandana. Jericho blindsided Cardona with a baseball bat shot, allowing Effy to pick up the victory. But Jericho wasn’t done — after revealing his identity, he left Effy lying with a Judas Effect, adding an exclamation point to the chaos.

AEW Rampage Momentum

In AEW itself, Cardona has also been picking up momentum. On the December 13 episode of AEW Rampage, he secured a victory against rising star Bryan Keith. This win and the ongoing angle with Jericho suggest AEW may already be positioning Cardona for bigger things. However, if he does sign on the dotted line, the current story developments indicate that Cardona might see his primary role in ROH — at least for now — while still having the flexibility to shine under the AEW banner when Tony Khan and his creative team see fit.

A Long-Awaited Spotlight

For Matt Cardona, a major AEW/ROH contract would be the culmination of years of hustle and reinvention since his WWE departure. Cardona has proven himself as a versatile performer, capable of working as both a dominant main-eventer and an entertaining heel. From his hardcore battles in GCW to his indie world championships, Cardona has shown he can thrive anywhere. Now, as his feud with Jericho picks up steam, fans will be watching closely to see how this storyline unfolds — and where exactly Alwayz Ready ends up in AEW and ROH’s expanding universe.

With Final Battle just around the corner and the AEW/ROH machine gaining momentum, Cardona’s next move could be one of the biggest stories of the month. Stay tuned!

WWE NXT Preview 12/17/2024

WWE NXT live tonight on The CW from the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, MA.

  • WWE NXT Championship Match: Trick Williams (c) vs. Eddy Thorpe
  • WWE NXT Tag Team Championships Match: Nathan Frazer & Axiom (c) vs. Gallus (Joe Coffey & Wolfgang)
  • Oba Femi vs. Axiom
  • Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson vs. Sol Ruca & Zaria
  • Wren Sinclair vs. Jaida Parker

WWE will also be taping next week’s episode to air on December 24 later tonight.

Is Jade Cargill Injured? Conflicting Reports Continue to Swirl Around WWE Star

The status of WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Jade Cargill has become one of the most confusing stories in wrestling right now. Ever since her abrupt backstage attack on the November 22 episode of WWE SmackDown, fans and insiders alike have been left scratching their heads about Cargill’s condition, her absence, and WWE’s overall direction for the Women’s Tag Team Championships.

A Timeline of Confusion

It all started when Cargill was written off TV after being ambushed and left sprawled on the hood of a car in a backstage segment. While the angle looked like classic WWE storytelling, it quickly fueled speculation that something else was at play. Was it an injury? A creative reset? Or simply time off for personal reasons?

Reports since then have been all over the map. Some outlets initially claimed Cargill was perfectly fine, while others hinted she might be dealing with a minor, undisclosed injury. Then came the revelation from PWInsider that Cargill was enjoying some downtime on vacation in the Bahamas and also focusing on non-wrestling ventures. That seemed to settle the matter—for a moment.

However, the waters were muddied once again after Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Live delivered a much more ominous update. Alvarez stated bluntly:

“Jade Cargill, by the way, I don’t care what you read online, okay? Jade Cargill is injured, and it’s serious, and I don’t know when she’s going to be back.”

This report paints a far less optimistic picture and leaves fans wondering just how serious Cargill’s situation really is.

What Does This Mean for the Women’s Tag Team Titles?

Despite rumors of a significant injury, WWE has yet to strip Cargill and her partner Bianca Belair of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Instead, WWE is temporarily filling the void by having Naomi step in as Belair’s partner for an upcoming title defense.

This move isn’t unprecedented. WWE has a history of creatively adjusting title situations when one half of a tag team is injured. Most recently, Piper Niven replaced Sonya Deville as Chelsea Green‘s partner when Deville suffered an ACL injury in 2023.

That said, the uncertainty surrounding Cargill’s health has sparked growing frustration among fans, especially given how her absence affected major events. Cargill was notably removed from the women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series and was replaced in the ongoing WWE Women’s United States Championship Tournament by Lash Legend.

WWE’s Silence Raises Questions

What’s most intriguing—or perhaps frustrating—is WWE’s silence on the matter. The company hasn’t provided any official update on Cargill’s injury status, nor have they addressed whether she and Belair will be able to continue as champions. If the injury is as serious as Alvarez claims, WWE will eventually need to make a decision about the titles, especially with Naomi temporarily filling in.

What’s Next for Cargill?

Jade Cargill’s WWE run has been highly anticipated since her signing earlier this year. After an impressive stint in AEW, she arrived in WWE with enormous buzz and has been positioned as a major star. However, her current absence—combined with the conflicting reports—has left her momentum in limbo.

For now, fans will have to wait for official word from WWE, though the uncertainty surrounding Cargill’s injury doesn’t appear to be clearing up anytime soon. Whether it’s a storyline, a minor setback, or something more severe, one thing’s for sure: the Women’s Tag Team Championship picture is as cloudy as ever.

Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold.

TNA Faces Major Roster Shake-Up As Multiple Stars Are Exiting The Company

TNA Wrestling is entering 2024 with some significant changes, as the company prepares for a wave of talent departures. Following Final Resolution and the most recent TNA Impact tapings, several key names appear to be closing out their runs with the promotion, signaling a major shake-up for the roster heading into the new year.

KUSHIDA Nearing the End of His TNA Run

One of the most notable names preparing to exit is Japanese star KUSHIDA. According to Fightful Select, KUSHIDA is currently wrapping up his last contracted run with TNA. While he’s been a prominent part of the promotion, KUSHIDA’s primary focus seems to be shifting back to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he and Kevin Knight are the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. The duo will defend their titles at Wrestle Kingdom 19 on January 4, a clear indicator that NJPW will become his main priority moving forward.

KUSHIDA’s exit will leave a void in TNA’s international presence, as his blend of technical precision and high-flying style has been a key highlight for fans over the past year.

Trent Seven Officially Departs

Another international talent saying farewell is Trent Seven. Reports from PWInsider confirm that Seven has wrapped up his time with TNA, placing him alongside his Speedball Mountain partner “Speedball” Mike Bailey in the free-agent pool. Seven’s departure marks the end of his brief but impactful run with the company, where he delivered standout performances both as a singles competitor and in tag team action.

Jade Chung and Josh Alexander Eye Free Agency

Behind the scenes, Jade Chung has also exited TNA. Chung, who served as a ring announcer and on-screen personality, has officially confirmed her departure, a move supported by her husband, Josh Alexander. Interestingly, Alexander—one of TNA’s top stars and a former World Champion—could also be testing the waters of free agency in the near future. His potential departure would be a major blow to TNA, as Alexander has been a cornerstone of the promotion over the last several years.

Other Big Names on the Move

These exits join a growing list of talent either leaving TNA or reportedly considering their next steps. Among them:

  • Rhino, a TNA Hall of Famer, recently wrestled his final match at the latest Impact tapings, marking the end of an era. On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that talent was asked to take a pay cut, which factored into Rhino’s exit. He said, “One of the things that happened was a lot of the talent was asked to take pay cuts, I don’t know how many, that was among the reasons Rhino left. So he left. His last match would have been on Saturday.”
  • AJ Francis (formerly known as Top Dolla in WWE) will become a free agent unless he receives a new contract offer before the year’s end.
  • Jordynne Grace, one of TNA’s most decorated Knockouts Champions, is rumored to be WWE-bound once her contract officially expires. Grace’s potential move to WWE has been a hot topic, given her star power and dominance in the Knockouts division.

What’s Next for TNA?

While the departures mark the end of an era for many familiar faces, TNA has long been a company that thrives on reinvention. The upcoming months will likely focus on rebuilding and introducing new talent to fill the gaps left behind. With stars like KUSHIDA, Trent Seven, and Jordynne Grace making waves across wrestling’s global landscape, TNA’s roster shake-up could serve as an opportunity for emerging talent to rise to the occasion.

For fans, the biggest question remains: Who will step up to lead TNA into 2024? As the promotion enters a new chapter, one thing’s for sure—change is coming, and all eyes will be on TNA to see how they adapt in the year ahead.

Mysterious “Zero” Teaser on WWE Raw Sparks Fan Speculation—Is Penta El Zero Miedo WWE-Bound?

WWE fans have been buzzing ever since Monday’s Raw aired a cryptic teaser video that left more questions than answers. The short clip, featuring what appeared to be a stylized “zero” with a line through it—drawn in orange on a black background—has sparked widespread speculation online. Accompanied by dramatic music, the minimalistic teaser has fans wondering: Is this the arrival of Penta El Zero Miedo?

https://twitter.com/Fightful/status/1868850404014145968/history

Penta El Zero Miedo, also known as Pentagon Jr., became a free agent at the end of November following the expiration of his AEW contract. Since then, his future in professional wrestling has been a major topic of conversation. The teaser video has only added fuel to the fire, with many fans interpreting the “zero” symbol as a nod to Penta’s iconic “Cero Miedo” persona.

Penta’s Possible WWE Move

Penta recently appeared in Mexico’s AAA promotion, where he delivered an emotional farewell that seemed to signal a shift in his career trajectory. If WWE is indeed the next chapter for the Lucha Bros standout, it would mark a major addition to their roster. However, signing with WWE would mean he could no longer work with AAA due to WWE’s strict contractual exclusivity.

Penta’s rumored move hasn’t been without drama. His brother and longtime tag team partner, Rey Fenix, remains tied to AEW after the promotion added injury time to his contract. The Lucha Bros’ absence from AEW programming since August 2024 reportedly stemmed from speculation that the duo had been in contact with WWE while still under contract—something that AEW President Tony Khan takes very seriously. Fenix’s frustrations with his treatment in AEW were also evident in now-deleted social media posts.

With Fenix expected to remain with AEW for at least another year, fans have questioned whether Penta would make the leap to WWE without his brother by his side. If Monday’s teaser is any indication, the answer might be a resounding yes.

What Could This Mean for WWE?

If Penta does debut in WWE, it would represent a significant signing for the company. Known for his hard-hitting style, charismatic presence, and trademark “Cero Miedo” taunt, Penta has been a fan favorite in every promotion he’s appeared in. WWE has increasingly shown interest in incorporating top-tier lucha libre talent into its programming, and Penta could make an immediate impact—whether as a singles star or part of a tag team.

For now, though, WWE fans will have to wait and see what comes next. Was the teaser truly about Penta El Zero Miedo, or is WWE setting up something entirely different? Until then, speculation will continue to run wild, but one thing’s for sure: all eyes are on WWE’s next move.

WWE Raw Preview 12/16/2024

WWE Raw airs live tonight on the USA Network from TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

Chris Jericho Attacks Matt Cardona At GCW Event Ahead Of ROH Final Battle

Chris Jericho isn’t waiting until ROH Final Battle on December 20 to send a message to his challenger, Matt Cardona. The ROH World Champion made his presence felt in surprising fashion at GCW Highest in the Room 3 in Los Angeles this weekend, ambushing Cardona during the main event. Cardona, who was battling Effy, found himself blindsided by the “King of New York” as Jericho sent a clear warning ahead of their title clash.

The shocking moment quickly made waves, and Jericho took to Instagram afterward to share a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how the ambush came together. Alongside the video, Jericho addressed his rival directly in a caption dripping with confidence:
“…Hi @themattcardona, you didn’t think that the King of New York would pop up in Los Angeles at your @gamechangerwrestling Indy Event, did you? You made a big mistake forgetting who you’re dealing with……I always get my man! See you at #rohfinalbattle. @aew @ringofhonor.”

Jericho’s attack wasn’t just about intimidation; it also carried a shot of controversy. After the beatdown, Jericho revealed an AEW t-shirt to a chorus of boos from the GCW faithful. This reaction comes amid tensions between AEW and GCW, stemming from past disagreements. AEW President Tony Khan notably pulled Ricky Starks from GCW shows following critical comments made by Effy about Khan’s father. Willie Mack, who was also removed from GCW events, was rumored to have made the call himself, though the situation remains somewhat murky.

For Jericho, these kinds of unexpected appearances have become a trademark since his WWE departure in 2017. He’s no stranger to crossing promotional boundaries to make a statement. Fans will remember his 2018 NJPW attack on Kenny Omega, as well as his shocking appearance at the inaugural All In, where he disguised himself as Pentagon Jr. to surprise Omega again. More recently, Jericho ambushed Will Ospreay at a 2023 RevPro event while disguised as NJPW star BUSHI, and the Jericho Appreciation Society turned heads with a surprise showing at a PWG event earlier this year.

With ROH Final Battle looming, Jericho’s sneak attack has already tilted the psychological advantage in his favor. For Matt Cardona, the ambush serves as a painful reminder of the mind games and unpredictability that Jericho brings to any title defense.

The question now is whether Cardona will have a response ahead of their showdown. Jericho may have struck first, but if history has taught us anything, the “Indy God” isn’t one to back down without a fight. Final Battle just got even more personal, and fans won’t want to miss how this rivalry unfolds.

Jade Cargill’s Absence: New Report Reveals What She’s Really Up To

There’s been plenty of buzz in the WWE Universe surrounding Jade Cargill’s mysterious absence after a backstage attack on WWE SmackDown a few weeks ago. Fans will remember Cargill being laid out on the hood of a car, and since then, she hasn’t been seen on television. That segment left fans speculating: Was it storyline? Was Cargill dealing with an injury? Or was there something else going on entirely?

Now, a fresh report from PWInsider sheds a bit of light on the situation. According to their sources within WWE, the answer seems to be much less dramatic than some fans anticipated. High-profile figures in the company revealed that Cargill has been busy working on non-wrestling projects during her time away from the ring. On top of that, WWE sources confirmed that the Women’s Tag Team Champion is currently enjoying a well-earned vacation in the Bahamas.

As for whether she’s dealing with an injury, the update remains unclear. PWInsider’s report didn’t include any confirmation or denial of physical issues, leaving that part of the story a mystery for now. However, considering she’s actively pursuing other ventures and relaxing on vacation, there’s a good chance Cargill is healthy and cleared to return when the time comes.

In the meantime, Jade Cargill’s tag team partner, Bianca Belair, has been carrying the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships on her own. Belair has had her hands full, recently dealing with challengers like Piper Niven and WWE Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green. Next week on SmackDown, Belair won’t have to go it alone—Naomi has stepped up to team with her, keeping the titles active and the division moving forward.

If Naomi does end up as a temporary fill-in for Cargill, it wouldn’t be unprecedented. Last year, Chelsea Green found herself in a similar situation when Sonya Deville suffered a serious knee injury. Green went on to defend the titles alongside Piper Niven, proving that the Women’s Tag Team Championships don’t lose steam, even when one champion is sidelined.

With Cargill’s future still unclear, the WWE Universe will have to keep an eye on SmackDown for any updates. Whether it’s a vacation, a return, or the next big storyline twist, it’s safe to say that Jade Cargill will make a major impact the moment she steps back into the ring.

TNA Star Hammerstone To Undergo Surgery

Hammerstone suffered a knee injury at Turning Point and was pulled from the Final Resolution pay-per-view event.

Taking to Twitter on Saturday, the TNA wrestler announced that he’ll be undergoing surgery. He wrote,

“An unfortunate update. Surgery scheduled.”