Rotunda Family Sets the Record Straight on Mike Rotunda’s Health

The wrestling world has been sending love and prayers to WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda after concerning reports surfaced earlier this week — but his family has now issued an official statement to clear the air about his condition.

Former tag team partner Barry Windham sparked confusion on Tuesday when he mentioned that Rotunda had entered hospice care. However, the Rotunda Family has since confirmed that this is not accurate. According to a statement shared by Mika Rotunda on social media Wednesday, Mike is currently in a rehabilitation facility, continuing to recover from a massive heart attack he suffered on September 20.

“My father is not in hospice, but rather in a rehabilitation center,” Mika wrote. “He suffered a massive heart attack on September 20, was in a coma for a week, and spent over a month hospitalized. By the grace of God, he has now transitioned to a rehabilitation center, where our family remains present, hopeful, and focused on his recovery.”

The family’s message also cleared up how the misunderstanding began, explaining that Barry Windham misspoke while answering a question during an interview and did not intend to spread incorrect information.

Despite making progress, Rotunda still faces a long road to recovery. His family emphasized that his trademark strength, work ethic, and athleticism will be crucial in helping him heal, and they asked for privacy as he continues his rehabilitation.

Mike Rotunda — known to WWE fans as Irwin R. Schyster (IRS) — is not only a Hall of Famer but also the patriarch of one of wrestling’s most beloved families. His sons, Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas, both made their marks in WWE, with Dallas currently leading the Wyatt Sicks faction. Sadly, Bray Wyatt passed away in 2023, but his influence continues to be felt across the wrestling world.

The Rotunda family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans and colleagues alike. As Mike continues his recovery journey, the wrestling community remains united in wishing him a full and steady return to health.

WWE NXT Preview 10/28/2025

WWE NXT tonight on The CW and Netflix internationally.

  • Fallout from Halloween Havoc
  • TNA Knockouts Championship: Kelani Jordan (c) vs. Jordynne Grace
  • EVOLVE Women’s Championship: Kendal Grey (c) vs. Lash Legend
  • WWE Men’s Speed Tournament Finals: Axiom vs. Jasper Troy
  • Myles Borne vs. Tavion Heights
  • New NXT Women’s Champion Tatum Paxley & The Culling to appear

WWE Hall Of Famer Rikishi Shares Heartfelt Message After Emergency Surgery: “Grateful To Be Alive”

WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi is on the road to recovery after undergoing emergency surgery, and he’s expressing nothing but gratitude in the aftermath.

The beloved Samoan legend — father to WWE stars Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and Solo Sikoa — took to Instagram to update fans on his condition. In an emotional post, Rikishi shared a photo with family and wrote:

“God is amazing. Grateful to be alive. We share blessings today and forever more. I’m proud of my boys (missing few more) #FatuAnoai Stay safe and know there’s more work to do.”

The message immediately drew an outpouring of support from fans and fellow wrestlers alike. His daughter-in-law Naomi, who is expecting her first child with Jimmy Uso, commented on the post with, “😍 my guys 🙏,” showing love and relief for the family’s patriarch.

While Rikishi didn’t share specifics about the nature of the emergency, he confirmed that he’ll be missing several upcoming appearances as he focuses on rest and recovery.

Rikishi — real name Solofa Fatu Jr. — was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015, celebrated for his charisma, larger-than-life personality, and unforgettable moments in the ring, from dancing with Too Cool to delivering his signature Stink Face. Beyond WWE, he’s also the co-owner of Knokx Pro Wrestling Academy, where he continues to mentor the next generation of wrestlers.

The wrestling community has flooded social media with messages of encouragement, wishing Rikishi a full and speedy recovery. As he said himself — there’s still “more work to do.”

Everyone at Wrestling News Blog sends best wishes to Rikishi and the entire Fatu/Anoa’i family during this time.

WWE Drops Full WrestleMania 42 Promo After Series of Mysterious Teasers

After a weekend full of cryptic teasers that had fans buzzing online, WWE has officially released the complete WrestleMania 42 promotional video — and it’s every bit as cinematic as fans expected.

The long-awaited reveal premiered earlier today on The Pat McAfee Show, confirming that the hype surrounding WWE’s social media hints was all building toward this year’s “Show of Shows.” The teasers began late last week, with short, mysterious clips that left the WWE Universe speculating wildly. Things came into focus on RAW, when a poker chip marked “2026” all but confirmed that WrestleMania season talk had begun early.

The full video leans heavily into the Las Vegas theme — fitting, since WrestleMania 42 will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, on April 18 and 19, 2026. In the spot, Triple H and Paul Heyman oversee a high-stakes poker game featuring Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Brock Lesnar. Each Superstar goes “all in,” as Triple H narrates about the art of reading moments and tells — a perfect metaphor for the gamble of WrestleMania itself.

This marks WWE’s first official promotional rollout for WrestleMania 42 and sets the tone for what looks to be a massive event. It also highlights WWE’s evolving media partnerships: fans in the U.S. will be able to stream the two-night extravaganza on the ESPN App, while Netflix will broadcast it to international audiences.

Tickets are already available, with two-day combo packages now on sale via Ticketmaster. If this early teaser is any indication, WWE is betting big on WrestleMania 42 being one of the most must-see events in company history — and Las Vegas seems like the perfect stage to go “all in.”

WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda Reportedly in Hospice Care

The wrestling world is once again rallying around the Rotunda family as heartbreaking news emerges about WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda, father of the late Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy).

According to a post shared Tuesday morning by former WWE star Leilani Kai, Rotunda has reportedly been placed in hospice care. Kai shared a touching photo of herself with Rotunda, writing that she would “treasure it forever” and asking fans to keep him and his family in their prayers.

Kai’s post follows comments made earlier in the day by Rotunda’s brother-in-law and longtime tag team partner Barry Windham, who spoke briefly about Rotunda’s health during an interview with Bill Apter. While Windham didn’t go into specifics, he called the situation a tragedy — particularly so soon after the passing of Rotunda’s son, Windham “Bray Wyatt” Rotunda, who died suddenly in 2023 at just 37 years old.

For decades, Mike Rotunda was a respected presence both in and out of the ring. A versatile performer, he found success across multiple promotions and eras — first as one half of The U.S. Express with Windham, later as part of The Varsity Club alongside “Dr. Death” Steve Williams, and of course, as the calculating Irwin R. Schyster (I.R.S.) during WWE’s golden era of character-driven wrestling. Rotunda even had a brief run as part of the nWo during the mid-90s boom.

In 2024, Rotunda was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame alongside Windham, solidifying his legacy as one of wrestling’s most consistent and dependable performers.

The wrestling community continues to send love and strength to the Rotunda family during this difficult time. Fans around the world have taken to social media to share memories and messages of support, celebrating the impact that both Mike and his late son Bray had on the industry.

WWE Raw Preview 10/27/2025

WWE Raw airs live today globally on Netflix from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT.

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria & Bayley
  • CM Punk and Jey Uso face-to-face, ahead of their match at Saturday Night’s Main Event
  • WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella vs. Judgment Day’s Roxanne Perez
  • WWE Intercontinental No. 1 Contender’s Match: Rusev vs. Penta

Fans Are In Speculation Mode After WWE Post Mysterious Vignettes

WWE has once again stirred up the rumor mill with a series of cryptic vignettes that dropped across the company’s official X account, leaving fans to piece together what—or who—might be coming next.

The first video hit the timeline early on October 26 at 7:42 a.m., showing nothing more than a pair of sharply dressed feet walking across a dark, reflective floor. Later clips arrived at 4:18 p.m. that same day, then 7:42 p.m., and finally another at 4:18 a.m. this morning. The pattern led many to expect a fifth post at 7:42 a.m., but as of now, WWE has held off—only fueling speculation further.

Each vignette features a slightly different pair of shoes, suggesting that multiple individuals could be involved rather than a single returning Superstar. The clips are accompanied by a faint piece of background music that many fans have pointed out sounds strikingly similar to the classic Saturday Night’s Main Event theme, adding an extra layer of nostalgia and intrigue.

Online discussion has ranged wildly. Some are convinced the teases point to GUNTHER’s return, especially since the former Intercontinental Champion has been off TV since dropping the World Heavyweight Title at SummerSlam. Others have floated more outlandish theories, including Brock Lesnar aligning with The Vision or even the comeback of Andrade El Idolo.

The Vision speculation does make some storyline sense—after all, the group recently ousted Seth Rollins from its ranks. A new leader or addition could mark the next evolution of the faction. However, the idea of Lesnar joining forces with Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed feels far-fetched given the group’s current trajectory and Lesnar’s long history with Paul Heyman, a relationship that was seemingly severed on-screen years ago.

As for GUNTHER, the clues don’t line up perfectly either. Fans have noted that all of the mysterious figures are wearing socks—something the “Ring General” famously avoids. Still, with rumors swirling that he’s John Cena’s potential opponent for Cena’s rumored “final match” later this year, the timing of a comeback tease wouldn’t be surprising.

One last wrinkle: eagle-eyed fans noticed that the times of the posts—7:42 and 4:18—both add up to 13 when the digits are combined. Whether that’s an intentional clue or just WWE playing with fan theories remains to be seen, but the company has certainly succeeded in one thing—getting everyone talking.

Whatever these vignettes are leading to, it’s clear WWE is setting the stage for something (or someone) big. The only question now is: when will we get our answers?

UPDATE: WWE posted the following vignette this afternoon:

Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Final Match: Could Shinsuke Nakamura Be “The Ace’s” Last Opponent?

As NJPW legend Hiroshi Tanahashi prepares for his final match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in January 2026, rumors are swirling about who will face him in his retirement bout. Recent reports suggest WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura — one of Tanahashi’s most iconic rivals — could be in line for the honor. However, interpromotional politics between WWE, AEW, and NJPW could complicate the dream matchup.

The Ace’s Last Dance

As 2025 winds down, New Japan Pro Wrestling is preparing to say goodbye to one of its greatest icons. Hiroshi Tanahashi, the man affectionately known as “The Ace,” is nearing the end of his legendary in-ring career. After more than a year on his emotional farewell tour, Tanahashi will wrestle for the final time on January 4, 2026, at Wrestle Kingdom 20 inside the historic Tokyo Dome.

Tanahashi’s retirement tour has been a celebration of two decades of excellence — a journey that saw him face top stars across generations, from Kazuchika Okada and Tetsuya Naito to Will Ospreay and Zack Sabre Jr. But as the Tokyo Dome finale approaches, fans are buzzing about who will stand across the ring from him in his final match.

According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, one potential — and emotional — choice could be Shinsuke Nakamura, the current WWE Superstar and Tanahashi’s most famous rival.

Nakamura Teases the Possibility

Speculation started growing during WWE’s recent tour of Japan. Nakamura paid homage to Tanahashi by mimicking his signature mannerisms during matches and later referencing him in a post-show promo — a nod that didn’t go unnoticed by fans or by Meltzer.

Interestingly, Nakamura’s WWE contract reportedly includes a clause that allows him to work select dates in Japan. On paper, that would make a Tanahashi vs. Nakamura farewell match possible. However, Meltzer pointed out that it’s far from a done deal, and there are major hurdles to overcome.

NJPW, AEW, and WWE Politics Complicate Things

The biggest obstacle isn’t Nakamura’s willingness — it’s the current state of interpromotional politics. NJPW maintains a close working relationship with AEW, and with AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita currently holding the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, it’s expected that AEW talent will feature prominently at Wrestle Kingdom 20.

Having a WWE talent like Nakamura appear on the same card could create political friction between the promotions. Meltzer speculated that NJPW may hesitate to invite a WWE wrestler to such a high-profile show while the AEW partnership is active.

That said, Tanahashi’s retirement isn’t just another event — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Meltzer added that if there’s any scenario that could make WWE, AEW, and NJPW look past competitive barriers, this could be it. Tanahashi’s influence and legacy are that significant.

A Rivalry That Defined an Era

If Nakamura were to be chosen, it would bring things full circle. Tanahashi and Nakamura’s careers have been intertwined since the early 2000s, leading New Japan through one of its most transformative periods.

Their clashes — including classic bouts over the IWGP Intercontinental Championship and main events at Wrestle Kingdom 8 — helped define NJPW’s modern in-ring style and reestablished the promotion as a global wrestling powerhouse. The chemistry between Tanahashi’s fiery heroism and Nakamura’s flamboyant charisma became a cornerstone of New Japan’s resurgence.

A final encounter between the two, more than a decade after their last major showdown, would be the perfect symbolic closing chapter for both men’s shared legacy.

When Will the Opponent Be Revealed?

Fans likely won’t have to wait long for answers. Meltzer noted that the identity of Tanahashi’s final opponent could be revealed as soon as November 2, during Tanahashi’s “Final Homecoming” event in his hometown of Gifu, or in the days following.

Regardless of who steps up — whether it’s Nakamura, an AEW name, or a rising NJPW star — one thing is certain: Hiroshi Tanahashi’s last match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 will be more than a wrestling match. It’ll be a celebration of a legacy that helped rebuild New Japan Pro Wrestling and inspire an entire generation of wrestlers and fans alike.

Former WWE Star Nixon Newell (Tegan Nox) Makes AEW Debut Backstage On Collision

AEW’s growing women’s tag team division got an unexpected boost this weekend as former WWE Superstar Nixon Newell, known to WWE fans as Tegan Nox, made a surprise appearance on the October 25 episode of AEW Collision.

The backstage segment featured Anna Jay and Tay Melo, better known as TayJay, discussing how they’ve been part of AEW’s women’s tag team scene since its earliest days and helped pave the way for the ongoing AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship Tournament. Their nostalgia trip was quickly interrupted by Nixon Newell and “The Lucha Baddie” Miranda Alize, who stepped in to make a statement of their own.

Newell and Alize declared that they’ve been proving themselves as two of the best wrestlers on the independent scene and decided it was time to show what they can do on wrestling’s biggest stage. Melo didn’t take too kindly to the interruption, calling the newcomers “rude,” but added that if they were looking for a fight, TayJay would be more than happy to meet them in the ring.

The segment marked Newell’s first AEW appearance and her first on major U.S. television since her WWE release in November 2024. That was actually her second departure from the company — the first coming in 2021 before a brief return to the NXT and main roster brands. Since leaving WWE, Newell has stayed active across the independent circuit, regaining her footing and teaming frequently with Alize.

As for Miranda Alize, the “Lucha Baddie” is no stranger to AEW fans. She wrestled several matches for the company between 2019 and 2021, including a memorable clash with Awesome Kong on AEW Dynamite. A veteran of the international scene since her 2014 debut, Alize has competed across Mexico, Japan, and the U.S., often facing — and sometimes teaming with — Newell.

With AEW’s women’s tag tournament heating up, it looks like Newell and Alize may be eyeing a spot in the division. If their Collision appearance is any indication, the duo could be the next major addition to AEW’s growing roster of women’s tag teams.

WWE NXT Halloween Havoc 10/25/2025 (Results)

WWE NXT Halloween Havoc 10/25/2025 (Results)

Quick Results:

  • Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater def. Mr. Iguana & La Parka
  • NXT North American Championship – Day Of The Dead Match: Ethan page (c) def. El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr.
  • NXT Women’s North American Championship: Blake Monroe def. Zaria (defending on behalf on Sol Ruca) to become the new NXT Women’s North American Champion
  • NXT Women’s Championship: Tatum Paxley def. Jacy Jayne (c) to become the new NXT Women’s Champion
  • NXT Tag Team Championship – Broken Rules Match: Dark State def. The Hardy Boyz (Broken Hardys) (c) to become the new NXT Tag Team Champions
  • NXT Championship: Ricky Saints (c) def. Trick Williams

Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater def. La Parka & Mr. Iguana

The night kicked off with a fast-paced tag battle that felt straight out of AAA’s wildest dreams. Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater went toe-to-toe with La Parka and Mr. Iguana in a showcase of athleticism and charisma. After a dizzying series of dives, springboards, and aerial counters, the young duo sealed the win when Slater hit a 450 Splash on Mr. Iguana. The crowd roared as Evans and Slater danced their way to victory, looking like NXT’s next big tag team threat.

Ethan Page Retains the NXT North American Championship (Day of the Dead Match)

“All Ego” Ethan Page defended his title against El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. in one of the most brutal “Day of the Dead” matches NXT has ever seen. Between trash cans, tables, chairs, and mask-ripping mind games, both men left it all in the ring. Wagner nearly pulled off the upset after a wild avalanche Frankensteiner, but Page turned the tide with a blinding powder attack and a devastating Avalanche Twisted Grin through a table to retain the title.

Blake Monroe Wins the NXT Women’s North American Championship

Defending on behalf of Sol Ruca, Zaria battled Blake Monroe in a spirited showdown — but things took a dramatic turn when on the floor, Monroe knocks Sol over and Zaria sees red! Back inside, discus lariat but she doesn’t go for the pin, instead she checks on Ruca! Monroe capitalized on the chaos, attacks her from behind, spikes her with the Glamour Shot to score the pinfall and capture the NXT Women’s North American Championship for the first time in her career.

Tatum Paxley Captures the NXT Women’s Championship

In a match overflowing with interference and emotion, Tatum Paxley toppled Jacy Jayne to become the new NXT Women’s Champion. The Culling, Fatal Influence, and others all got involved in ringside bedlam before Izzi Dame accidentally struck Jayne with the title belt. Paxley seized the moment, hitting Cemetery Drive to score the three-count. The Culling celebrated in the ring — though Dame’s expression suggested there’s unfinished business ahead.

Darkstate Crowned New NXT Tag Team Champions (Broken Rules Match)

Broken Matt Hardy and Brother Nero defended their tag titles in pure carnage against Darkstate, in which amounted to a 4-on-two match because there was no rules in the match. Tables, ladders, and kendo sticks littered the arena in a chaotic brawl that lived up to its “Broken Rules” name. After Jeff Hardy’s missed Swanton through a pile of tables, Darkstate capitalized, hitting a Doomsday Device through another table on Brother Nero to win the NXT Tag Team Championships. The new champs stood tall as the Hardyz were left in the wreckage.

Ricky Saints Retains the NXT Championship Against Trick Williams

In the main event, “Absolute” Ricky Saints put the NXT Championship on the line against fan favorite Trick Williams in a hard-hitting, emotional clash. The two traded power moves, suplexes, and nearfalls, with Williams nearly sealing it after a Trick Shot and even a Book End through the announce desk. But Saints survived, hitting a sharp step-up tornado DDT to secure the win and retain the NXT Title. Saints stood tall amid smoke and lights as NXT closed the night on a dramatic note.