WWE Raw tonight will air live globally on Netflix, beginning at 8:00pm ET/5:00 pm PT from the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
During the post-Royal Rumble 2025 press conference, Triple H shared his excitement for the upcoming launch of WWE EVOLVE, a new developmental brand that he says reminds him of the early days of NXT.
“That will be a show that I’m excited about,” Triple H said. “In many ways, for me, it seems like going back to the very beginning of NXT, where nobody knew who anybody was, and it was just a bunch of young kids trying to find their way to get in the business. And that’s what we’re going to go back to with that show.”
EVOLVE will serve as a training ground for WWE’s next generation, with a strong focus on talent from the WWE ID program and the Performance Center. With 100-120 talents training at the PC at any given time, EVOLVE will give young wrestlers a platform to work in front of live crowds, gain experience in front of cameras, and develop into future WWE Superstars.
While NXT has evolved into a more polished, mainstream product, EVOLVE looks to recapture that raw, underdog energy of its early days. Fans of old-school NXT—or those who love watching wrestlers grow from unknown prospects into top stars—may want to keep a close eye on this new brand.
In 2015, Evolve formed a relationship with WWE, allowing WWE to scout Evolve talent and potentially sign them. On July 2, 2020, WWE officially purchased Evolve. WWE is set to relaunch Evolve as a new series titled WWE Evolve in March 2025 on Tubi.
After a year away from the ring, Alexa Bliss made her long-awaited return to WWE during the Women’s Royal Rumble Match on Saturday. Entering at #21, Bliss shocked both fans and many within WWE itself, as she had not been scheduled for the match as of Friday’s rehearsals.
According to Fightful Select, Bliss and WWE had been far apart in contract negotiations, leading to an assumption that she wouldn’t appear until the situation was resolved. However, by Saturday, both sides had clearly reached an agreement—at least enough for Bliss to make her return. Interestingly, her entry wasn’t originally planned, as the #21 spot had reportedly been intended for Shotzi, who has been working her way back from a knee injury. While some in WWE were thrilled to see Bliss back, others expressed sympathy for Shotzi, whose return to the main roster was seemingly delayed as a result.
Bliss had previously posted a picture of herself with her baby daughter, implying she would be spending the night at home. But much like Jordynne Grace’s misdirect before her own Rumble appearance, this may have been a clever attempt to throw fans off the scent.
With Bliss now back in the fold, the big question is: What’s next for her? Could she step back into title contention, or does WWE have a different storyline in mind? Either way, it’s good to see the former SmackDown Women’s Champion back in action as the Road to WrestleMania heats up.
WWE had already prepared Bliss’ merchandise for her return, which was created in advance for RAW in San Jose.
Bliss would be part of the RAW brand moving forward
Previously there was reports that she will join the Wyatt Sicks upon returning, who has been moved to SmackDown
UPDATE
With Alexa Bliss now back on WWE television and seemingly destined for the RAW brand, Pwinsider Elite is reporting that there have been internal discussions about moving her to SmackDown instead.
Bliss was absent from Monday’s WWE RAW TV tapings, despite early reports suggesting a return to the red brand in January. The potential move to SmackDown comes amidst The Wyatt Family’s shift to the blue brand, and there is speculation that WWE may revisit their original creative plans involving Bliss’ connection with the group.
The Royal Rumble always brings surprises, but this year, one of the biggest stories came after the match, when Drew McIntyre stormed out of Lucas Oil Stadium, visibly frustrated. Reports quickly surfaced that McIntyre was upset about how his elimination played out, specifically blaming interference from another Superstar for throwing off the moment.
According to F4WOnline, McIntyre holds LA Knight responsible for the botched sequence, feeling that Knight “got in the way” and caused the planned angle with Damian Priest to lose momentum. Footage from the match fueled speculation among fans, with some initially pointing the finger at Logan Paul, but it’s now confirmed that Knight was the one involved.
This kind of real-life tension has often been turned into on-screen storylines in WWE, and there’s a possibility that McIntyre and Knight could be heading toward a rivalry leading into WrestleMania 40. The two have history dating back to their TNA days, and with Knight’s momentum cooling off in recent months, a feud with McIntyre could be exactly what he needs to climb back up the card.
However, McIntyre’s post-Rumble reaction suggests he’s not too happy with Knight at the moment, which could complicate things. If WWE wants to capitalize on this, they’ll need to get both men on the same page. Will we see their real-life frustration spill over into a heated WrestleMania program? Or will McIntyre push to move in a different direction?
McIntyre according to PWInsider, sources within the promotion have told them that the Scottish star will likely be moved to SmackDown with WWE’s transfer window that ended at the Royal Rumble
Either way, this is definitely a situation to watch as the Road to WrestleMania heats up.
While WWE officials, including Paul “Triple H” Levesque, continue to celebrate a successful Royal Rumble weekend, not everyone left Indianapolis in high spirits. According to PWInsider, Drew McIntyre was visibly frustrated following his elimination from the Men’s Royal Rumble match, leading to a heated backstage incident and his abrupt exit from Lucas Oil Stadium.
McIntyre entered the match at No. 17 and found himself battling against longtime adversaries such as CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Sami Zayn. However, his night ended at the hands of Damian Priest, who eliminated the Scottish Warrior once all 30 entrants had made their way into the match.
According to PWInsider’s report, something about McIntyre’s elimination did not go as planned, leading to immediate backstage frustration. When he returned to the Gorilla Position, he was overheard “screaming and cursing”, allegedly upset that “someone had to get their moves in” at the expense of the match’s storytelling.
Rather than sticking around to watch the final moments of the Rumble, McIntyre stormed out of the arena before the match had even concluded. This incident echoes a similar situation from Survivor Series 2023, when he reportedly left the venue immediately after CM Punk’s shocking return.
It remains unclear who McIntyre was referring to in his post-match frustration, but his reaction highlights potential tension behind the scenes.
With WrestleMania 41 now on the horizon, McIntyre’s current status raises several questions. Could this frustration impact his standing within WWE? Is this a sign of deeper creative frustrations? While McIntyre has been vocal about his contract situation in recent months, this latest outburst adds further intrigue to his future with the company.
For now, WWE is moving forward with Jey Uso as the 2025 Royal Rumble winner, while McIntyre’s next steps remain uncertain. Stay tuned to WrestlingNewsBlog.com for further updates on this developing story.
The 2025 WWE Royal Rumble delivered plenty of unexpected moments, as 60 Superstars battled for their chance to main event WrestleMania. From shocking returns to unexpected debuts, this year’s Rumble continued the tradition of jaw-dropping surprises.
The biggest shock of the night came when Jey Uso outlasted 29 other men to win his first-ever Royal Rumble, eliminating John Cena to secure his WrestleMania moment. The win solidifies Jey as a true main-event player, and the WWE Universe is already buzzing about who he will challenge on the grandest stage of them all.
But the surprises started much earlier. Akira Tozawa was scheduled to compete but never made it to the ring, thanks to a blindsiding attack from Carmelo Hayes. With a sudden vacancy in the match, Triple H made a split-second decision and sent out popular streaming star iShowSpeed, who happened to be nearby. The internet sensation may not have lasted long, but his appearance added a wild, unpredictable element to the match.
In a major crossover moment, TNA World Champion Joe Hendry made his surprise Royal Rumble debut to a thunderous ovation. However, his decision to go after Roman Reigns proved costly, as The Tribal Chief quickly disposed of him. Still, Hendry’s brief but memorable appearance marked a huge moment for WWE and TNA’s ongoing working relationship.
The surprises didn’t stop there, as AJ Styles made his long-awaited return after months sidelined with a foot injury. Entering at number 21, The Phenomenal One put on a strong showing, even eliminating LA Knight before Logan Paul ultimately sent him packing.
The Women’s Royal Rumble also delivered its fair share of shocking moments, none bigger than Jordynne Grace officially entering as a WWE Superstar. The former TNA Knockouts Champion’s participation confirmed what had been rumored for weeks—she’s now part of the WWE roster.
Another major return saw Alexa Bliss step back into the ring after two years away. Amid speculation about her WWE future, Bliss silenced the doubters by making a strong comeback.
Fans were also treated to appearances by two WWE Hall of Famers. Trish Stratus entered at No. 25, while Nikki Bella had the advantage of the coveted No. 30 spot. However, both legends fell victim to Nia Jax, who had a record-breaking performance, eliminating nine competitors before being taken out herself.
With Jey Uso now set for a championship match at WrestleMania and several surprise entrants making waves, the road to WrestleMania 41 is already heating up. Will Jordynne Grace make an immediate impact in WWE? What’s next for AJ Styles after his return? And how will John Cena respond to coming up short?
Women’s Royal Rumble Match:
Winner: Charlotte Flair last eliminating Roxanne Perez
WWE Tag Team Championships Two Out Of Three Falls Match: #DIY (c) defeated Motor City Machine Guns
Ciampa and Sabin to start, off the ropes, Shelley tags in, double-teams ensue! Gargano in, double solebutts, double whips reversed, do-si-do, MCMG double corner lariats and DIY get dumped to the floor! Chris tags back in, stereo baseball slides! Back inside, DIY cut Sabin off and get a nearfall out of it!
Chris gets a boot up in the corner, victory roll Tom through, tag blocked, back elbow takes Alex out! Running kick from Sabin, Shelley tags in, John fakes a tag, Ciampa with a knee…
#DIY win the first fall by pinfall with a knee trembler from Tommaso Ciampa on Alex Shelley, going up 1-0.
Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, collectively known as #DIY, put their gold on the line against the legendary Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin. The fast-paced action kicked off with both teams displaying their signature chemistry and rapid-fire double-team maneuvers.
Fall 1: #DIY wins
After a flurry of counters and hard-hitting exchanges, Ciampa landed a devastating knee trembler on Shelley, securing the first fall and putting #DIY in the driver’s seat.
Fall 2: MCMG win
The Machine Guns fought back, using their veteran experience to isolate their opponents. After a perfectly executed Skull and Bones on Gargano, Sabin and Shelley evened the score at 1-1, forcing a decisive third fall.
Fall 3: #DIY wins with outside interference from The Street Profits
Just as the match reached its climax, a hooded figure appeared at ringside, causing a distraction. That figure turned out to be Montez Ford of The Street Profits! Before Shelley could react, Angelo Dawkins cracked him with a steel crutch, setting up #DIY to capitalize with their Meet in the Middle finisher for the victory. With a 2-1 win, Gargano and Ciampa retained their titles, but the post-match attack by the Profits sent a clear message—this rivalry is far from over.
Undisputed WWE Championship – Ladder Match: Cody Rhodes (c) defeated Kevin Owens
The night’s main event saw Cody Rhodes put his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against Kevin Owens in a brutal, high-stakes Ladder Match. Both men wasted no time turning the bout into an all-out war, brawling through the crowd and using every available weapon.
Ladders quickly became instruments of destruction, with Owens powerbombing Rhodes into one, while Cody retaliated by breaking off a rung and using it as a weapon. The physicality escalated when Owens executed an avalanche Fisherman Buster through a ladder, forcing WWE officials and medical personnel to check on both competitors.
In the match’s most jaw-dropping moment, Owens attempted a Package Piledriver on the announce desk, but Cody countered with an Alabama Slam through a ladder, sending KO crashing to the floor. With Owens down, Rhodes climbed the ladder and retrieved his title, surviving one of the most punishing matches of his career.
As the dust settled, medical personnel and Sami Zayn rushed to Owens’ aid,
Men’s Royal Rumble Match:
Winner: Jey Uso
With the WWE Royal Rumble set to take place this Saturday, speculation is running wild about potential surprises—and according to Bully Ray, fans should expect something massive.
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, the WWE Hall of Famer revealed that he’s received some inside information about the event and hinted at a major shocker in store.
“It’s going to be big. Inside information on a need-to-know basis, and I needed to know … I’m telling you, what I found out this morning for the Rumble, big is not the right word. Huge.”
While he didn’t provide specifics, Bully Ray also emphasized that neither the men’s nor women’s Rumble matches will have an easy winner, which could indicate unpredictable outcomes or unexpected entrants.
With WrestleMania season officially kicking off at the Royal Rumble, there are several possibilities for what this major moment could be. Here are some of the biggest rumors and theories circulating:
Regardless of what it is, Bully Ray’s comments have only added to the anticipation and excitement leading into Saturday’s event.
So far, WWE has been tight-lipped about any major surprises, which makes this year’s Rumble even more unpredictable. With Triple H leading creative, fans have high expectations for a blockbuster moment that will set the stage for WrestleMania 40.
WWE Superstar Asuka is making it clear—she wants no romantic advances from fans.
Earlier this week, the former Women’s Champion took to Twitter (X) with a direct message, urging fans to stop developing romantic feelings for her, calling it “100% pointless.”
She also revealed that she has been feeling unsafe lately and has already consulted the police regarding the matter. Asuka expressed concern that, if this continues, she may feel threatened even when approached by fans in public settings like airports or city streets, making her hesitant to interact.
Her statement was unambiguous:
“I absolutely reject any romantic or personal approaches toward me. There is absolutely no possibility for others to interfere in my private life.”
Following her initial post, Asuka provided an update on Friday, informing fans that WWE and TKO Group Holdings are taking action to protect her. While she didn’t specify the exact measures being implemented, it’s clear that the company is treating the situation seriously.
Unfortunately, Asuka is not the first WWE Superstar to deal with overzealous or inappropriate fan behavior. Alexa Bliss, Sonya Deville, and Rhea Ripley have all had publicized incidents involving stalkers or obsessive fans in recent years. While most fans are respectful, cases like this highlight the darker side of fan interactions, reinforcing the importance of boundaries and personal safety for performers.
Asuka’s message serves as a reminder that wrestlers are entertainers—not romantic interests for their fans. While social media and meet-and-greets allow for more interaction than ever, there’s a fine line between admiration and invasion of privacy.
WWE has yet to comment publicly on the situation, but with TKO stepping in, it’s clear they are taking Asuka’s concerns seriously. Hopefully, these measures will ensure her safety and peace of mind moving forward.
Maria Kanellis has officially wrapped up her time with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The longtime wrestling personality announced on X (formerly Twitter) that January 31 marked her final day with the company. However, her husband, Mike Bennett, will continue competing for AEW as part of The Kingdom alongside Matt Taven.
Kanellis, who has worked in WWE, TNA Wrestling (now TNA Wrestling again), and Ring of Honor (ROH), signed with AEW in 2022. Though she made appearances on AEW programming, her primary role was in Tony Khan’s version of ROH, where she served as a manager for talents like Cole Karter and Griff Garrison.
Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Kanellis’ AEW contract was initially set to run through late 2024, but the two sides instead agreed to a short-term extension through the end of January. Now, with her contract officially expired, Kanellis is a free agent and free to appear wherever she chooses.
Throughout her tenure in AEW and ROH, Kanellis was outspoken about wanting a larger role behind the scenes, possibly in a creative or administrative capacity. However, it seems that she and Tony Khan weren’t able to align on a vision for her position in the company, leading to her exit.
Beyond her wrestling career, Kanellis has also faced personal challenges. In 2023, she revealed that doctors had found an unusual growth on her adrenal gland, which required surgery. Thankfully, in an update later that year, she shared that the procedure was successful and that the mass was non-cancerous.
With her experience as a wrestler, manager, and promoter, Kanellis has plenty of options ahead. Whether she returns to WWE, finds a new home in TNA Wrestling, or takes on a backstage role in another promotion, it will be interesting to see what’s next for her. One thing is for sure—wherever she goes, she’ll bring her signature mix of intelligence, presence, and industry knowledge.
Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for more updates on Maria Kanellis
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