Tag: WWE

Jacob Fatu Returns, Interferes In Three Stages of Hell Match On SmackDown – Drew McIntyre Captures Undisputed WWE Title

Friday night’s WWE SmackDown from Berlin delivered one of the most chaotic main events of the year, as Drew McIntyre walked out as the new Undisputed WWE Champion after surviving Cody Rhodes in a brutal Three Stages of Hell Match — with a shocking assist from a returning Jacob Fatu.

The match was built to test endurance and brutality, and McIntyre and Rhodes wasted no time living up to that promise. The opening stage was a traditional singles match, and McIntyre immediately showed a more ruthless edge. While brawling spilled outside the ring early, the decisive moment came when McIntyre distracted the referee by exposing a turnbuckle. With the official turned away, McIntyre delivered a low blow to Rhodes and followed it with a Claymore to steal the first fall.

The second stage shifted into Falls Count Anywhere, and the intensity ramped up quickly. McIntyre introduced a table at ringside and drove Rhodes through it, but the champion somehow powered out at two. The fight spilled into the crowd and backstage area before Rhodes managed to regain control. In a highlight-worthy moment, Rhodes climbed into the stands and launched himself off the railing, crashing through McIntyre and a table below.

Rhodes wasn’t done there. After dragging McIntyre back toward the ring, he cleared off the commentary desk and delivered a Cross Rhodes that sent both men crashing through it. The impact was enough to even the score at one fall apiece, forcing the match into its final and most dangerous stage.

With the steel cage lowering around the ring, both men fought with urgency, knowing escape would mean victory. McIntyre repeatedly tried to flee through the door and over the top, while Rhodes answered with relentless offense. Despite eating multiple Cross Rhodes and a Cody Cutter, McIntyre refused to stay down. Even a Claymore couldn’t put Rhodes away for good, as the champion continued to dig deep.

The turning point came when McIntyre attempted another escape through the cage door — and ran directly into a returning Jacob Fatu. Believing McIntyre was the mystery attacker who sidelined him months ago, “The Samoan Werewolf” unleashed a brutal assault. Rhodes stepped in to confront Fatu, only to get caught up in the chaos himself.

As Fatu and Rhodes brawled inside the cage, McIntyre seized the moment. He crawled through the door and escaped to the floor, officially ending the match and capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship. Inside the ring, Fatu looked on in disbelief as McIntyre celebrated, leaving more questions than answers about what comes next.

McIntyre’s reign begins amid controversy and unfinished business, while Fatu’s return instantly shakes up the title picture. One thing is certain: SmackDown’s main event scene just became far more unpredictable.

WWE SmackDown Preview 1/9/2026

WWE SmackDown tonight 8/7C on USA Network taped at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany.

  • Undisputed WWE Championship – Three Stages of Hell Match (Traditional singles match, a Falls Count Anywhere Match and a Steel Cage Match): Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
  • The Wyatt Sicks vs. MFT’s
  • Trick Williams vs. Rey Fenix

AJ Styles Set for PHENOMENAL TNA Wrestling Return on LIVE January 15 Premiere of Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC

TNA Wrestling is kicking off a brand-new era in a massive way, as AJ Styles is officially set to return to the company on the live premiere of Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC.

For the first time since Slammiversary, “The Phenomenal One” will step back into a TNA ring on January 15, 2026, when iMPACT! goes live from the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas. The announcement immediately sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, with Styles’ return positioned as a cornerstone moment for TNA’s relaunch on a new network.

Styles has long been synonymous with TNA Wrestling, having built much of his legacy inside the company during its formative years. While details remain under wraps regarding his exact role on the show, TNA is clearly framing his appearance as a major statement heading into this new chapter. Whether Styles is returning for a one-night moment, a short run, or something more substantial remains to be seen — but expectations are sky-high.

Stacked Card for Historic Night

AJ Styles won’t be the only attraction on the night, as TNA has loaded up the premiere with multiple championship bouts and marquee names.

The TNA World Championship will be on the line as Frankie Kazarian defends against Mike Santana, a match that has serious implications for the company’s main event scene. In the Knockouts Tag Team division, The IInspiration will put their titles up against The Elegance Brand in what promises to be a high-energy clash.

Elsewhere on the card, Elijah and The Hardys will team up to face Order 4, giving fans another dose of star power on a show designed to make noise.

A New Era Begins

The move to AMC and the launch of Thursday Night iMPACT! represents one of the most significant moments for TNA in years. Bringing AJ Styles back for the debut only reinforces the company’s intent to blend its rich history with its future direction.

Thursday Night iMPACT! premieres live on January 15, 2026, at 9/8c on AMC from Dallas, Texas. Tickets are currently on sale, and if the lineup is any indication, this is shaping up to be a can’t-miss night for TNA fans.

Tiffany Stratton’s WWE Absence Reportedly Due to Legitimate Injury

Fans waiting for “Tiffy Time” to kick off 2026 are going to have to hang tight a little longer. Tiffany Stratton has been noticeably missing from WWE television in recent weeks, and new reports indicate her absence isn’t storyline-related after all.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Stratton is currently sidelined with a legitimate injury. While specifics about the nature or severity of the injury haven’t been made public, her most recent televised match featured a knee injury angle against Jade Cargill. That storyline is now believed to be rooted in real-life issues, suggesting WWE creatively leaned into an existing problem rather than inventing one.

Earlier speculation had pointed in a different direction. A previous report from PWMania claimed Stratton’s time off could have been a deliberate creative move. Paul “Triple H” Levesque has been known to temporarily pull talent from TV to allow fan demand to build, often leading to louder reactions and renewed momentum upon their return. It’s a tactic that has worked well for several top stars over the years.

However, the confirmation of an actual injury reframes that narrative. Stratton had been heavily featured throughout 2025 and was one of the most consistently protected names on the women’s roster. At just 25 years old, she’s already held championship gold and delivered multiple standout performances, firmly establishing herself as a centerpiece of WWE’s women’s division.

There’s currently no word on when Stratton might be cleared to return, but expectations are that her comeback will be met with a strong crowd response whenever it happens. WWE often uses time away to reset characters or adjust creative plans, and Stratton could easily benefit from either approach once she’s healthy.

For now, fans will have to wait — but when Tiffany Stratton does make her return, it’s likely to be a big moment.

WWE Hit With New Class Action Lawsuit Over ESPN Premium Live Events Deal

WWE is facing fresh legal trouble stemming from its high-profile Premium Live Events deal with ESPN, as a new class action lawsuit was officially filed on January 8, 2026. The lawsuit accuses WWE of deceptive marketing practices tied to how access to PLEs was communicated following the 2025 announcement that WWE events would move to ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming platform.

The news was first reported by Brandon Thurston of POST Wrestling, who outlined the core allegations and potential fallout. At the heart of the case is the claim that many fans were led to believe they would automatically receive access to WWE Premium Live Events if they already subscribed to ESPN through cable, satellite, or live TV streaming services — only to later discover they had to pay an additional monthly fee.

What the Lawsuit Is Claiming

According to the filing, customers who already had ESPN through providers like Xfinity or YouTube TV still had to sign up and pay for ESPN DTC in order to watch WWE’s Premium Live Events. The plaintiffs argue this directly contradicts how the deal was publicly described by both WWE and ESPN.

The lawsuit estimates that more than $5 million is tied up in disputed subscription fees. If successful, eligible customers could receive refunds or partial reimbursements. Those represented in the case are ESPN customers who already had access through a TV provider but signed up for ESPN DTC in the lead-up to Wrestlepalooza on September 20, 2025.

Notably, WWE is the only defendant named in the suit. ESPN and its parent company, Disney, were intentionally left out. This move reportedly helps avoid arbitration clauses and class action waivers found in Disney’s terms of service, which also apply to platforms like Disney+.

As of now, neither WWE nor ESPN has issued an official response, though statements are expected as the case develops.

How It All Started

The complaint was filed by Michael Diesa of New Jersey and Rebecca Toback of New York, both of whom say they were misled into paying for access they believed was already included. Toback subscribes to YouTube TV, while Diesa has an Xfinity cable package — both of which already provide ESPN access.

The lawsuit references WWE President Nick Khan’s appearance on the Varsity podcast, where he compared the ESPN deal to WWE’s previous Peacock agreement and suggested there would be no additional charge for existing subscribers. WWE and ESPN’s joint press release announcing the deal is also cited, as it stated ESPN DTC features would be available to anyone already subscribed to ESPN, either directly or through a TV provider.

However, the situation wasn’t uniform across all providers. Customers using DirecTV, Verizon FIOS, and Spectrum reportedly did receive access to WWE events at no extra cost due to separate agreements with Disney. That inconsistency is a major reason why only certain subscribers qualify for the class action.

Why the Case Matters

The plaintiffs acknowledge that individual payouts may only be around $30 or slightly more if they win. Still, the bigger issue is scale. Estimates suggest between 95,000 and 125,000 users signed up for ESPN DTC around Wrestlepalooza, potentially generating millions in additional revenue. That’s on top of WWE’s reported average of $325 million per year from its ESPN deal.

Whether the lawsuit succeeds or not, it shines a spotlight on how major media rights deals are marketed to fans — especially as streaming, cable, and hybrid subscription models continue to overlap. For WWE, it’s another off-screen storyline to manage as scrutiny around its business practices remains as intense as ever.

Report – WWE Interested In David Finlay

David Finlay’s future in New Japan Pro-Wrestling may be approaching a crossroads, as new reports suggest the BULLET CLUB War Dogs leader is at least on WWE’s radar.

According to recent chatter, Finlay’s NJPW contract is coming up relatively soon, and he’s been exploring what his next move could look like. It was noted a few weeks back that Finlay has interest in spending more time in the United States in 2026, which naturally has fueled speculation about potential opportunities outside of Japan.

That speculation picked up more steam thanks to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, which reported that Finlay has been discussed internally within WWE. While there have been no direct talks between the two sides and Finlay still has commitments to NJPW, the report indicates that WWE has interest, with NXT being floated as a possible landing spot if things ever progressed.

From NJPW’s side, the company would reportedly like to keep Finlay around. He’s been a fixture in the promotion since 2015 and has steadily built an impressive résumé. Finlay is a two-time IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, a former IWGP Tag Team Champion, and a former NEVER Openweight Champion. He also added a major accolade to his legacy by winning the 2025 New Japan Cup, further cementing his status as a top-level player.

On-screen, Finlay was active over the past weekend, competing at both Wrestle Kingdom 20 and New Year Dash!!. In both cases, he found himself on the losing end of multi-man tag matches, with United Empire getting the better of the BULLET CLUB War Dogs.

For now, there’s no indication that Finlay is leaving NJPW imminently, but the fact that WWE interest has already been noted will only add intrigue to his contract situation. With his combination of experience, size, and leadership presence, Finlay is the type of talent that multiple companies would understandably want to keep an eye on as his next career decision approaches.

WWE NXT New Year’s Evil 1/6/2026

WWE NXT ‘New Year’s Evil’ tonight live at 8e/7c on the CW.

  • Tatum Paxley vs. Izzi Dame 
  • NXT Women’s North American Champion: Thea Hail (c) vs. Blake Monroe
  • NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne (c) vs. Evolve Women’s Champion Kendal Grey
  • NXT Championship: Oba Femi (c) vs. TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater

Report: Tommaso Ciampa Set to Exit WWE as Contract Nears Expiration

Tommaso Ciampa’s run with WWE appears to be nearing its end, as a new report has added important context to his current contract situation.

As previously noted over the weekend, Ciampa’s WWE deal is expected to expire soon and is not believed to be renewed. While initial reports were light on details, the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio has clarified that the decision was likely Ciampa’s to make.

According to the report, Ciampa informed WWE roughly five weeks ago that he would not be renewing his contract. At this time, there’s no indication that WWE pushed him out, with the choice said to have come from Ciampa himself. The specific reasons behind his decision have not been made public.

In recent weeks, WWE programming has subtly reflected Ciampa’s absence. Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae have continued appearing on SmackDown without him, including during last week’s episode, signaling a possible creative shift ahead of his reported departure.

Ciampa has yet to comment publicly on the situation, and there is no information regarding where he may land next. If this does mark the end of his WWE tenure, it would close the book on an accomplished run. Ciampa is a former two-time NXT World Champion, a two-time WWE Tag Team Champion, and a former NXT Tag Team Champion, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures of the black-and-gold NXT era.

His most recent WWE appearance came on the December 19 episode of SmackDown. As Ciampa’s contract situation continues to develop, fans will be watching closely to see what the next chapter holds for “The Blackheart.”

WWE’s Longtime TV Partner USA Network Sold To Versant

A major shift in the television landscape has quietly closed the book on one of WWE’s most important partnerships of the modern era.

This week, USA Network officially separated from NBCUniversal as Versant completed its debut on NASDAQ, finalizing the sale of NBCUniversal’s cable holdings. With the move, USA Network is now fully owned by Versant, bringing an end to a relationship between NBCUniversal and USA that stretched back more than two decades.

For wrestling fans, the news carries significant historical weight. USA Network has been synonymous with WWE programming for much of the past 30 years. WWE RAW famously debuted on USA in 1993, helping redefine weekly pro wrestling television and becoming one of cable’s most consistent primetime draws. Although RAW briefly left the network in 2000, it returned in 2005 and remained a cornerstone of USA’s lineup for nearly 20 years.

USA’s ties to WWE didn’t stop there. The network has aired SmackDown during several major runs, most recently bringing the blue brand back in 2024. NXT also joined USA in 2019, giving the network a period where all three of WWE’s flagship weekly shows aired under the same roof — a rare and highly influential stretch for both sides.

The USA Network–NBC connection dates back to 2004, when NBCUniversal unified its broadcast and cable properties. Over the next 21 years, that partnership became deeply intertwined with WWE’s rise during the cable television boom of the 2000s and 2010s. This week’s separation officially closes that chapter, with both brands now moving forward independently.

Under Versant’s ownership, USA Network joins a portfolio that includes CNBC, E!, Syfy, Golf Channel, Oxygen, Rotten Tomatoes, and Fandango. The restructuring reshapes the broader entertainment landscape and could have ripple effects across sports and live programming as new strategies take shape.

While WWE’s current television plans — including SmackDown’s ongoing run — are not immediately affected, the sale could play a role in future rights negotiations once existing deals expire. As the media industry continues to evolve, USA Network’s sale marks a turning point for one of cable television’s most iconic homes for professional wrestling.

Report – Update On Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer’s ‘Legit Injury’ After WWE RAW

There may be real concern surrounding Stephanie Vaquer after this week’s episode of WWE RAW, as a new report confirms that her apparent injury is not just part of a storyline.

During RAW, WWE subtly hinted that Vaquer could be dealing with an injury, especially after she was attacked by Raquel Rodriguez following her in-ring segment. The angle immediately sparked speculation among fans that the attack was designed to write Vaquer off television, raising questions about whether the injury was legitimate.

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, those concerns are valid. Sapp has confirmed that Vaquer is indeed dealing with a real injury, though the exact severity remains unknown at this time. The good news, however, is that there are at least some optimistic signs.

Sapp noted that Vaquer has been seen wearing a walking boot rather than a full cast and was still able to do limited physicality. That combination suggests the injury may not be severe enough to require a long-term absence. With Vaquer having successfully defended her championship just last week, WWE may have some flexibility when it comes to managing her schedule.

If the injury turns out to be relatively minor, WWE could potentially stretch things out for several weeks. With the Royal Rumble approaching, creative could buy time through the Chamber event, allowing Vaquer to recover without immediately vacating the title or rushing her back into action.

For now, Vaquer’s status is something to keep a close eye on. While the injury is legitimate, all signs point to WWE hoping it won’t derail her momentum — or her reign — as the company heads into one of the busiest stretches of the year.