Report: NJPW Standout EVIL Expected to Depart Company, Likely WWE-Bound

A major shakeup could be on the horizon for both New Japan Pro Wrestling and WWE, as longtime NJPW star EVIL is reportedly preparing to exit the promotion with expectations that he’s headed stateside.

According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live, EVIL has likely already informed NJPW of his decision to move on once his contract situation is finalized. Alvarez added that, internally, WWE is widely believed to be his next destination. That report lines up with earlier information from Super J-Cast, which stated that the House of Torture leader had officially given notice to New Japan.

The timing has only added to the speculation. EVIL recently lost the NEVER Openweight Championship to Aaron Wolf at Wrestle Kingdom 20, a title change that immediately raised eyebrows and fueled rumors that his run with the company was nearing its end.

If this truly marks the conclusion of EVIL’s NJPW tenure, it closes the book on a highly decorated run. Since debuting with the promotion, EVIL rose from a popular tag team wrestler into a main event fixture, capturing both the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships. He’s also been a New Japan Cup winner, a four-time NEVER Openweight Champion, and a consistent presence in the tag and six-man divisions as part of Bullet Club and later House of Torture.

While WWE has yet to confirm any signing, the idea of EVIL joining the company is already sparking conversation. His darker persona, physical style, and experience at the top level in Japan could make him an intriguing addition, whether on the main roster or elsewhere within WWE’s system.

For now, it’s a waiting game. But if EVIL’s NJPW chapter is indeed closing, the next phase of his career could put him on the biggest stage he’s ever performed on.

Internal Discussions On Possible Steve Austin WWE Return

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin may be enjoying life away from the ring, but his name is once again making noise behind the scenes in WWE.

Austin famously wrapped up his full-time wrestling career in 2003 after dealing with serious neck injuries, but shocked the world nearly two decades later when he returned for a one-off match against Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38. The No Holds Barred bout exceeded expectations and proved that The Rattlesnake still had some fight left in him. Since then, Austin has largely stayed out of the WWE spotlight, focusing on ventures like Broken Skull Beer and his passion for off-road racing.

That said, a new report suggests WWE hasn’t completely closed the door on using the Hall of Famer again. According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, Austin’s name has recently come up in internal WWE discussions, with multiple departments floating the idea of a potential appearance in the near future. While nothing is locked in and sources reportedly aren’t overly confident, the fact that conversations are happening at all is notable.

Austin himself has added fuel to the speculation in recent interviews. Earlier this month, he confirmed that there were legitimate plans for him to be involved at WrestleMania 40, including a proposed role connected to the main event. However, Austin explained that prior commitments made it impossible for him to participate. He also backed up previous Fightful Select reporting that, at one point, WWE had explored the idea of a blockbuster match between Austin and Roman Reigns.

The WWE Universe last saw Austin at WrestleMania 41, where he made headlines for an unintended reason after accidentally crashing his ATV into the ringside barricade during his entrance. While he didn’t take part in any storyline or physical segment, Austin was there to announce the official attendance figures for the two-night event.

As for another match, Austin has remained cautious. Earlier this year, he indicated that stepping back into the ring again is unlikely. Still, in true wrestling fashion, he left the door cracked open, reminding fans that in this business, you can truly “never say never.”

For now, any return remains speculative, but whenever Steve Austin’s name starts circulating backstage, it’s enough to get fans talking — and that alone shows the lasting impact of The Texas Rattlesnake.

AEW Dynamite Preview 1/21/2026

AEW Dynamite live on TBS and HBO Max from the Addition Arena in Orlando, FL.

  • Kenny Omega vs. Josh Alexander
  • Samoa Joe vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Kevin Knight
  • Street Fight: The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Daniel Garcia & Wheeler Yuta) vs. The Don Callis Family (Hechicero, Lance Archer & Rocky Romero)
  • AEW World Champion MJF to appear

WWE NXT Preview 1/20/2026

WWE NXT will air live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, starting at 8 PM ET on the CW Network. Internationally, fans can also stream the entire show on Netflix and on-demand viewing.

  • NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page (c) vs. Elio LeFleur
  • Qualifying Match for NXT Championship Ladder Match: Josh Briggs vs. Shiloh Hill
  • Qualifying Match for NXT Championship Ladder Match: Sean Legacy vs. Eli Knight
  • #1 Contenders Match for TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Titles: Zaruca vs. Wren-QCC vs. Fatal Influence

Becky Lynch Opens Up About WWE Future: “This Is Probably the Final Run”

Becky Lynch may be thriving on-screen as the current WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, but behind the scenes, the clock is clearly ticking on her legendary career. In a candid and emotional conversation, Lynch admitted that this phase of her WWE run could very well be her last.

Speaking on the latest season of WWE: Unreal, Lynch reflected on the physical and emotional toll of juggling life as a top WWE star and a mother. After returning to the road following the birth of her daughter, Lynch said she pushed herself at full speed — and eventually hit a wall.

According to Lynch, 2024 was a breaking point. She described feeling burned out after years of nonstop work and acknowledged that being away from her daughter weighed heavily on her. While her love for WWE hasn’t faded, the guilt of leaving home was becoming harder to manage, especially when she felt the distance affecting her relationship with her child.

That led to a pivotal conversation with WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque in May 2024. With her contract nearing its end, Lynch asked for time away from the company. WWE granted her request, agreeing to pause negotiations and revisit her deal once she felt ready. That break, she admitted, came with uncertainty — including the possibility that she might not come back at all.

Now that she’s returned, Lynch seems more aware than ever that the finish line is in sight. She openly stated that this is likely her final contract with WWE and described her current run as the closing chapter of her in-ring career. While she still loves performing, connecting with the crowd, and wrestling at the highest level, the emotional tug-of-war between career ambition and motherhood remains constant.

Lynch also touched on the mental side of being a WWE star — the nonstop scrutiny, outside opinions, and internal battles that come with life in the spotlight. Even when those voices aren’t fully believed, she admitted they can linger in the back of her mind, adding another layer to the challenge.

For fans who have followed Becky Lynch from her NXT days to becoming one of the most influential women in WWE history, her words carry real weight. While nothing is officially set in stone, it’s clear Lynch is approaching this run with perspective, gratitude, and an understanding that the end may be closer than many expected.

If this truly is “The Man’s” final ride, she’s determined to enjoy it — balancing passion, purpose, and family — one match at a time.

AEW’s Streaming Future Unclear as Netflix Pushes All-Cash Deal for WBD

AEW may soon find itself caught in the middle of a major media power struggle, as Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery continue reshaping their proposed merger. A newly revised all-cash offer has added urgency to the situation — and for wrestling fans, it raises real questions about where AEW programming could end up once the dust settles.

On January 20, Netflix and WBD confirmed they’ve restructured their merger agreement into a full cash deal, offering $27.75 per share for WBD. While the valuation hasn’t changed, the switch away from stock is a significant move. By removing equity from the equation, Netflix is clearly aiming to streamline regulatory approval and close the deal faster, limiting opportunities for rivals to interfere.

That hasn’t stopped Paramount from trying. The company has aggressively challenged the Netflix-WBD deal, filing lawsuits, launching a proxy battle, and even floating a competing bid reportedly valued at $30 per share. Paramount executives believe Netflix taking control would weaken WBD’s cable and sports assets — a category that directly includes TNT and TBS, the current home of AEW’s flagship programming.

At the heart of the issue is WBD’s planned breakup into two separate entities. Under the proposal, Warner Bros. would focus on studio and entertainment properties, while Discovery Global would house cable networks and sports. That structural split could play a decisive role in AEW’s future, especially when it comes to streaming.

Under earlier versions of the Netflix-WBD plan, live sports were not expected to remain a long-term priority on HBO Max. Instead, properties like AEW were projected to migrate to a standalone TNT Sports app. That direction appears unchanged under the new all-cash framework. While such a move might make sense from a corporate organization standpoint, it could significantly reduce AEW’s visibility compared to being featured on a major platform like Max.

Notably, the latest public statements from Netflix and WBD avoided mentioning AEW, TNT, or sports content by name. Instead, the messaging focused on innovation, growth, and consumer choice. Still, the emphasis on splitting the company into more “focused” units strongly suggests sports will be pushed into a more isolated ecosystem — one without the massive subscriber base of Netflix or HBO Max.

For AEW, that creates a tricky situation. Streaming exposure has become a crucial part of wrestling’s modern business model, not just for weekly TV but also for special events and international reach. A move to a brand-new TNT Sports app could require fans to actively seek out the product again, rather than stumbling upon it through a familiar platform. Casual viewers, in particular, may not make that jump.

The current timeline has the Netflix-WBD merger potentially closing within 12 to 18 months, assuming regulatory hurdles are cleared and the Discovery Global spinoff is completed. Paramount’s legal challenge remains a wild card, but the all-cash structure gives Netflix a cleaner pitch to shareholders eager for certainty.

If that path wins out, AEW’s time on Max may already be on the clock. While nothing is official yet, the broader media shakeup suggests AEW will need to stay flexible — and possibly proactive — about where its content lives long-term. In an era where accessibility often determines audience growth, the outcome of this deal could have ripple effects far beyond Wall Street, directly shaping how fans watch AEW in the years ahead.

AJ Styles Will Put His Career On The Line Against GUNTHER At WWE Royal Rumble

AJ Styles is officially walking into the most dangerous match of his WWE career.

On the latest episode of WWE Raw, Styles confirmed that he has accepted GUNTHER’s brutal stipulation for their upcoming clash at the Royal Rumble event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: if Styles loses, his career is over.

The tension between the two started brewing in the fallout from GUNTHER’s shocking submission victory over John Cena in what was billed as Cena’s retirement match. Since forcing Cena to tap out at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December, the self-proclaimed “Ring General” has been on a victory lap, boasting weekly on Raw about ending the career of one of WWE’s greatest icons. That arrogance didn’t sit well with Styles, another longtime rival of Cena who felt compelled to step in and humble GUNTHER.

Their first encounter took place last week on Raw in Berlin, Germany, and it delivered exactly the kind of hard-hitting, technical battle fans expected. Styles appeared to have GUNTHER beaten after locking in the Calf Crusher and clearly forcing a tap out. The problem? The referee didn’t see it. While Styles argued his case, GUNTHER capitalized on the distraction and escaped with a controversial victory, leaving a massive question mark hanging over the result.

That unresolved finish led Styles to demand a rematch this week. GUNTHER, however, wasn’t interested in a simple do-over. Instead, he raised the stakes dramatically, agreeing to face Styles again only if “The Phenomenal One” was willing to put his entire career on the line. Initially hesitant, Styles later made his decision clear in a backstage segment with Raw General Manager Adam Pearce, officially accepting the challenge.

Now the rematch is set, and the implications couldn’t be bigger. This will be GUNTHER’s third match since retiring John Cena, and he’ll be looking to add another legendary name to his list by ending AJ Styles’ career on one of WWE’s biggest international stages.

Whether this marks the final chapter for Styles or another defining moment in GUNTHER’s dominant reign remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Royal Rumble just became must-see viewing.

Report: Trey Miguel’s AEW Release Was Reportedly Ordered From “Up Above”

When AEW signed The Rascalz, fans were eager to see Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz, Dezmond Xavier, and Myron Reed bring their high-energy chemistry to All Elite Wrestling. That excitement didn’t last long, though, as Miguel was unexpectedly released before the group ever made their planned debut on Collision, leaving many scratching their heads about what went wrong.

According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio, the decision to part ways with Miguel didn’t originate from within AEW’s usual creative or talent channels. Alvarez reported that the move came from “up above,” stressing that it was not connected to AEW’s roster, locker room issues, or even Tony Khan himself.

Alvarez noted that while rumors are circulating, there has been very little clarity backstage. However, his understanding is that the situation stemmed from a higher level of authority outside the normal AEW structure, leading to Miguel’s sudden release.

This has led fans to speculate about possible external factors being involved. AEW has dealt with similar situations in the past, most notably with Jay Briscoe, who was kept off AEW television for an extended period due to past social media posts despite being highly regarded within the company. Because of that precedent, some believe outside oversight or network-related concerns could again be a factor here, though nothing has been confirmed.

As of now, Trey Miguel is reportedly taking time away from in-ring competition. With questions still unanswered, fans are left waiting to see if more details emerge about what truly caused such an abrupt ending to his AEW run — and what’s next for Miguel moving forward.

R-Truth Names His Dream Final Opponent After Reflecting on John Cena’s Retirement

John Cena officially calling it a career in 2025 didn’t just mark the end of an era — it also sparked some deep reflection from one of WWE’s most beloved veterans. R-Truth recently opened up about how watching Cena’s carefully planned exit has influenced how he wants his own WWE journey to eventually wrap up, including who he’d like standing across the ring from him one last time.

Speaking with TV Insider, Truth explained that Cena’s ability to take control of his final chapter left a lasting impression. Rather than letting circumstances dictate the ending, Cena chose when and how to walk away, something Truth says he wants for himself. With a four-year deal currently in place — plus a three-year option — Truth made it clear that retirement isn’t imminent, but he’s already thinking creatively about how that final ride should look.

While Cena’s farewell opponent was decided through a tournament that ultimately led to Gunther defeating him, R-Truth already has his ideal final opponent in mind. For Truth, the answer is easy: The Miz. The two have a long, intertwined history both on-screen and behind the scenes, making Miz the perfect choice in Truth’s eyes.

Truth praised The Miz as being one of the most underrated performers in WWE history, pointing to their shared past as rivals, partners, and champions. From their heated feud back in 2010 to forming Awesome Truth, the chemistry has always been there. That connection resurfaced again in 2024 when the duo reunited and captured the WWE Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 40, holding the gold for two months and reminding fans just how well they work together.

Whether it happens years down the road or closer than expected, R-Truth facing The Miz in a retirement match would offer WWE the kind of full-circle storytelling fans love. Given their history, humor, and unexpected emotional depth, it’s hard to argue against it being a fitting final chapter for one of WWE’s most unique and enduring performers.

WWE Raw Preview 1/19/2026

WWE Raw airs live today on Netflix from the SSE Arena in Belfast, Ireland, with a special start time of 3:00 pm ET/12:00 pm PT.

  • Gunther to open the show
  • WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Maxxine Dupri
  • Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee & Penta vs. The Vision (Logan Paul, Bronson Reed & Austin Theory) with Paul Heyman
  • WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk vs. Finn Balor (non-title)
  • El Grande Americano vs. Je’Von Evans