Hikuleo, Reportedly Will Be Backstage At WWE SmackDown – Could The Bloodline Be Calling?

Nearly a year after word first broke of his WWE signing, it looks like Hikuleo is finally stepping into the WWE spotlight.

According to a new report from PWI Elite, the towering former NJPW standout is set to be backstage at this Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown in Lexington, Kentucky. While Hikuleo has been listed on WWE’s internal roster for some time now, this marks the first indication that the company may finally be ready to integrate him into the on-screen product.

The timing is intriguing — and so is the potential creative direction.

Given his real-life family ties to Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa (all three were members of NJPW’s Guerrillas of Destiny), speculation has long pointed to Hikuleo eventually becoming part of WWE’s ever-evolving Bloodline saga. With the faction undergoing a major shake-up in recent weeks, now might be the perfect time for a new piece to be added to the puzzle.

At Money in the Bank this past weekend, the Bloodline story took another wild twist. Jacob Fatu, who recently debuted and already holds the United States Championship, shockingly cost Solo Sikoa the briefcase opportunity — going as far as to yell “Solo, I hate you!” as he shoved him off the ladder. That moment allowed Seth Rollins to capture the contract, and it signaled that the cracks in this next-gen version of The Bloodline are only getting deeper.

If Hikuleo is coming in now, the big question is: whose side is he on?

It’s worth noting that fellow NJPW alum Jeff Cobb (now competing as JC Mateo) recently aligned with Jacob Fatu, helping him retain his title at WWE Backlash. Could Hikuleo follow suit, or might he be walking into the chaos to back up his brother Tama Tonga — or even Solo Sikoa?

Before signing with WWE, Hikuleo spent eight years making his mark in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He held the IWGP Tag Team Titles, the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship, and had brief appearances in AEW and TNA as well. At 6’8”, with a unique blend of raw power and agility, he certainly brings a physical presence that fits WWE’s main event scene.

Whether Friday’s SmackDown marks his on-screen debut or simply the start of his transition to TV, the message is clear: Hikuleo is on WWE’s radar — and perhaps on a collision course with the chaos surrounding The Bloodline.

TNA Impact Preview 6/12/2025

TNA Wrestling will present a new episode of Impact tonight on AXS TV.

  • Fallout from Against All Odds
  • 8-4-1 Match: Indi Hartwell, Killer Kelly, Jody Threat and Tasha Steelz vs. Tessa Blanchard, Xia
  • Brookside, Dani Luna, and Rosemary
  • First Class vs. The Hardys
  • Jason Hotch vs. Leon Slater
  • The IInspiration vs. TBD
  • First Class Penthouse w/ Trick Williams
  • Santino Marella kicks off Impact
  • Steve Maclin sounds off
  • We’ll hear from Mance Warner & Steph de Lander

Luke Gallows’ Lariato Pro Wrestling Lands Broadcasting Deal, Announces “HEATWAVE” TV Debut Event

Big things are brewing in the world of independent wrestling, as Lariato Pro Wrestling, the Georgia-based promotion founded by former WWE and NJPW stars Luke Gallows (aka Doc Gallows) and Karl Anderson, has officially signed its first-ever broadcasting deal with STGN 49 Media Group.

After nearly a decade of steady growth and grassroots momentum, Lariato Pro is leveling up in a major way. The promotion will now air live events, pay-per-views, and original content across STGN 49’s global platforms, which include ROKU, Amazon Firestick, and Turkish Television, reaching audiences in 33 countries including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the UAE.

According to Gallows and Anderson — collectively known as The Good Brothers, one of the most decorated tag teams in the business — the partnership couldn’t have come at a better time. “We don’t take no for an answer,” the duo emphasized in a statement, calling STGN 49 their “forever home.”

The move is seen as a major win for both sides. STGN 49 Program Director Veronica J. Woodard, along with Lariato’s own talent and event coordinators Chris and Jessica Johnson, will oversee production of the promotion’s upcoming programming slate. Television executive Eric Mitchell praised the deal as an ideal match for STGN’s rebranded direction and family-friendly expansion goals.

First Stop: HEATWAVE

The new era officially kicks off this Saturday, June 14th, with “HEATWAVE” — Lariato Pro’s first televised event under the STGN 49 banner. Set to take place in Dublin, Georgia, the card is headlined by a Triple Threat Match for the LPWG Heavyweight Championship, featuring:

Bryce Cannon (c) vs. Matt Hardy vs. QT Marshall

The champ Cannon faces a tall task defending against two veterans with major company experience — will he survive the heat, or will Hardy or Marshall walk out with the gold?

Also scheduled to appear:

  • The Good Brothers
  • John Skyler
  • Fry Daddy
  • Dax Anthony
  • And more surprises in store

Bell time is 7:30 PM, and tickets are still available at www.theLPWG.com.

With a TV deal now in hand and star power like Matt Hardy and QT Marshall in the mix, Lariato Pro Wrestling Guild is proving it’s ready to take the next step — bringing southern wrestling grit and high-caliber talent to a worldwide stage.

Omega vs. Okada Set for AEW All In 2025 in Blockbuster Title Unification Match

AEW just raised the stakes for All In 2025 in a massive way — and fans are already responding.

On this week’s AEW Summer Blockbuster special, it was officially announced that Kenny Omega will go one-on-one with Kazuchika Okada in a high-stakes title unification match, pitting the AEW International Championship against the AEW Continental Championship. The winner will walk out of Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas as the inaugural AEW Unified Champion.

According to Fightful Select, this dream clash has been in the works for nearly a year, with AEW reportedly locking in plans for Omega vs. Okada as far back as December 2024 — before Omega’s recent return to New Japan Pro Wrestling. The match not only reunites two of the most iconic rivals of the last decade, but also repositions AEW’s mid-card titles under a single, more prestigious banner.

While some speculated the new belt might carry the historic “Intercontinental” label, sources say AEW never seriously considered that name. Instead, the AEW Unified Championship is internally viewed as a major title — not just a mid-card placeholder, but a division-defining accolade meant to sit just beneath the World Championship in prominence.

And the announcement is already paying off. AEW reportedly moved over 1,400 additional tickets for All In 2025 in the week following the reveal — a clear sign that the Omega-Okada rivalry still draws major attention.

For fans worried about the fate of the Continental Classic tournament — don’t be. Despite the title merger, AEW is expected to continue the annual tourney in future years, likely with new stakes or perhaps feeding into the Unified title picture.

With two of the best wrestlers of this generation set to collide on one of AEW’s biggest stages, All In 2025 is shaping up to be another can’t-miss moment in wrestling history. The road to All In Texas just got a lot more epic.

Report: Brie Bella in Talks for WWE Return Following Nikki’s RAW Appearance

The Bella Twins might be gearing up for one more run in WWE — together.

According to a report from TMZ, Brie Bella is currently in discussions with WWE about a potential return to the ring, with early indications pointing toward an appearance at the upcoming Evolution event on July 13.

This news comes hot on the heels of Nikki Bella’s surprise appearance on Monday Night RAW earlier this week, where she was seen interacting with several members of the women’s roster backstage. Things took a turn when Nikki was attacked by Women’s Tag Team Champion Liv Morgan, sparking immediate speculation about a possible storyline brewing — and possibly setting the stage for Brie’s return.

While nothing has been confirmed by WWE or the Bellas themselves, the timing seems too perfect to ignore. With Evolution being promoted as a landmark night for women’s wrestling — potentially a sequel to the all-women’s pay-per-view first held in 2018 — bringing back one of the most iconic duos in WWE history could be a major draw.

The Bella Twins haven’t wrestled as a team since 2018, but both have remained involved in the industry through outside ventures, WWE appearances, and their reality series. Their return, particularly in the current landscape of WWE’s women’s division, could add a nostalgic jolt and elevate whichever feud they step into.

If Brie does return, it could mean The Bellas vs. Liv Morgan & a partner is on the horizon — and that’s a matchup sure to generate buzz.

Stay with Wrestling News Blog as we continue to track developments on Brie Bella’s WWE status and everything leading up to Evolution on July 13.

WWE Reportedly Planning Major Change to Draft Timing in 2025

WWE could be shaking up more than just its rosters next year — it might be reworking the timing of the entire Draft.

According to a new report from Bodyslam.net’s Cory Hays, WWE is seriously considering moving the 2025 Draft from its usual spring slot to a post-SummerSlam timeframe, with internal discussions suggesting a September date is now the frontrunner.

For years, the WWE Draft has been a spring staple, traditionally following WrestleMania to reset the playing field for RAW and SmackDown. But that long-standing format may be on its way out. If the shift happens, the Draft would instead align with WWE’s season premiere episodes in the fall — a strategic move that could serve both creative and business goals.

Sources indicate that one of the main reasons behind the potential change is WWE’s intent to let summer storylines breathe, rather than forcing sudden roster shakeups that could cut arcs short. With SummerSlam 2025 scheduled for the weekend of August 2–3, the company reportedly sees the major summer event as a natural point to hit the reset button before heading into the critical fall TV season.

There’s also the matter of roster flexibility. Recent NXT call-ups and ongoing long-term narratives have made a spring Draft feel less essential than in previous years, giving WWE the leeway to reevaluate the timing.

While nothing is official just yet, the signs are clear: WWE seems ready to break tradition and reposition the Draft as a fall feature — a notable shift that could have ripple effects across the creative calendar.

If this happens, fans can expect fresh rivalries and brand switches just in time for the buildup to Survivor Series and the year-end push. Stay tuned — WWE’s calendar might be evolving, and the 2025 Draft could lead the way.

Report: Netflix Teaming With Former WWE Writer For New Wrestling Drama ‘Tuesday Night Titans’

Netflix is looking to step further into the squared circle — this time, with a scripted drama series helmed by a former WWE insider.

According to Deadline, the streaming giant is developing a new pro wrestling-centric show titled “Tuesday Night Titans”, created by ex-WWE writer Michael Notarile, with Jon M. Chu — best known for directing Crazy Rich Asians — attached to executive produce. The series will reportedly dive deep into the personal and professional chaos of the wrestling world, blending gritty drama with the larger-than-life world of sports entertainment.

The premise centers on a television writer who risks her career to get her indie wrestler friend a spot in a major promotion. From there, things spiral into a web of personal demons, backstage politics, and the thin line between fiction and reality in an industry where kayfabe extends far beyond the ring. As Deadline puts it, “kayfabe… bleeds into every aspect of their lives.”

Despite sharing a name with WWE’s old-school talk show from the ’80s, this new Tuesday Night Titans is not connected to the original program. Instead, it promises a fresh, modern look at the inner workings of pro wrestling — not through the eyes of the talent, but from the rarely-explored creative and backstage perspective.

Notarile brings legit experience to the table, having written for WWE from 2013 to 2015. During his stint, he was instrumental in getting The New Day on television — a major creative move that helped launch one of WWE’s most successful modern factions. Post-WWE, Notarile worked on TV dramas like The Cleaning Lady and The Resident, sharpening his storytelling chops outside the wrestling bubble.

Netflix has shown increasing interest in wrestling content in recent years. The platform already carries several WWE programs in international markets — including Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and Premium Live Events — and features titles like Heels, which stars CM Punk, and Wrestlers, the docuseries following Ohio Valley Wrestling.

With Tuesday Night Titans, Netflix appears ready to explore wrestling not just as a spectacle, but as fertile ground for compelling, character-driven drama — and with a WWE veteran steering the creative vision, this could be one of the most authentic scripted looks at the wrestling world we’ve seen yet.

AEW Summer Blockbuster Preview 6/11/2025

All Elite Wrestling will air AEW Summer Blockbuster tonight on TBS and MAX at 8pm ET from the Theater of the Clouds at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. This four-hour special features Dynamite and Collision.

  • Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada Contract Signing: All In Texas
  • Will Opsreay vs. Swerve Strickland
  • “Timeless” Toni Storm vs. Julia Hart (non-title) – Mercedes Mone’ on commentary
  • Trios Match: The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin and MJF) vs. Speedball Baily, Komander and Kevin Knight
  • Mistico Returns
  • TayJay (Tay Melo and Anna Jay) vs. Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford
  • Kyle Fletcher vs. Anthony Bowens
  • “The Toxic Spider” Thekla vs. Queen Aminata

Matt Cardona vs. Shotzi Blackheart at GCW in Dallas, Cardona Threatens Shozi over “Indy God & Death Match King” Monikers

Matt Cardona isn’t letting Shotzi Blackheart stroll back onto the indie scene without a fight — especially when it comes to titles he believes he’s earned.

After Shotzi recently dubbed herself the “New Indy God” during her return to independent wrestling, Cardona wasted no time clapping back. The self-proclaimed “Indy God” and “Death Match King” took to social media to remind everyone — Shotzi included — that those aren’t just nicknames. They’re trademarks. Literally.

Cardona, never shy about protecting his brand, pointed out that he legally owns the rights to both “Indy God” and “Death Match King,” and even hinted that legal action could be on the table if Shotzi continues to use the moniker. He name-dropped well-known wrestling trademark attorney Mike Dockins (aka the “Gimmick Attorney”) as the man who might soon come calling.

Whether this turns into a full-on feud or just a battle of branding, one thing’s clear: Cardona isn’t ready to give up his throne without a fight.

GCW announced Battle of the Indy Gods: Matt Cardona vs. Shotzi Blackheart for their upcoming event Boss Of All Bosses in Dallas, Texas on July 11th.

Below are some post on X from Cardona and Shotzi:

NWA Lands Exclusive Streaming Deal with Roku Channel, Weekly Shows Kick Off This Summer

Big news for wrestling fans — and an even bigger move for the National Wrestling Alliance.

The NWA has inked an exclusive streaming rights deal with Roku, bringing its hard-hitting brand of pro wrestling to The Roku Channel starting July 29. As part of the new partnership, NWA programming will air weekly on Roku’s Sports Channel, with episodes dropping every Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Best of all? It’s completely free to stream for viewers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

This marks a major step for the NWA as it looks to expand its reach with a more accessible digital platform. Under the leadership of Billy Corgan, the promotion has been steadily rebuilding its presence, and this move to Roku gives fans a consistent, no-cost destination to follow all the action.

Whether you’ve been riding with the NWA through its YouTube days or you’re a lapsed fan ready to jump back in, Tuesday nights just got a little more old-school — and a lot more exciting.

Set your reminders for July 29 — NWA Tuesdays are about to hit the big screen.

You can check out the official announcement below:

Roku Inks North American Streaming Rights Deal with Billy Corgan’s National Wrestling Alliance

Partnership kicks off on July 29 on The Roku Channel’s Roku Sports Channel

SAN JOSE, Calif. — June 10, 2025 — Roku, the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico*, and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) announced a new partnership that exclusively brings the promotion’s live professional wrestling matches to The Roku Channel. Starting on July 29, NWA matches will stream for free in the U.S. every Tuesday at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT on The Roku Channel’s Roku Sports Channel. In Canada and Mexico, audiences will be able to watch for free on The Roku Channel.

“We’re thrilled to call The Roku Channel the streaming home of the National Wrestling Alliance, and as Billy and his team continue to excite audiences, we look forward to tapping into the scale of our platform to bring this historic and storied promotion to millions of viewers,” said Joe Franzetta, Head of Sports, Roku Media.

“When I purchased the National Wrestling Alliance in 2017, it was understood we were inheriting the history and legacy of the most storied brand in all combat sports, so to announce today we have now partnered with the #1 TV streaming platform in North America is indeed a moment to be proud of,” said Billy Corgan, Owner, National Wrestling Alliance. “I look forward to sharing new episodes of ‘NWA Powerrr’ with the incredible audience that Roku brings.”

Established in 1948, the National Wrestling Alliance is one of the oldest and most prestigious professional wrestling brands worldwide. In 2017, internationally renowned recording artist William Patrick Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) acquired the NWA with the vision of reinventing the brand for the modern era while honoring its legacy from the 1980s. The NWA has expanded its programming, starting with the critically acclaimed “Ten Pounds Of Gold” docuseries, followed by weekly broadcasts of “NWA Powerrr.” You can follow the NWA across social media platforms such as Meta, X, and YouTube for exclusive content.

The Roku Channel is available to stream on Roku devices or TVs and can be easily accessed online at TheRokuChannel.com and on iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire TVs, Samsung TVs, and Google TVs and other Android TV OS devices.