Tag: WWE

WWE SmackDown Preview 10/17/2025

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix internationally, emanating from the SAP Center in San Jose, California.

  • Fallout from Crown Jewel
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair (c) vs. ZaRuca (Sol Ruca & Zaria)
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to appear
  • Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre (despite reports, Fatu is dealing with a non-wrestling injury that may leave him out of action well into 2026. WWE could do an injury angle to write Fatu off WWE television)

Backstage Update On Seth Rollins’ Injury — Surgery Likely, WWE Title Future Uncertain

It’s been a rollercoaster of a week for Seth Rollins, and not the kind fans were hoping for. The newly crowned WWE World Heavyweight Champion might be facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines following a serious shoulder injury reportedly suffered during his Crown Jewel victory over Cody Rhodes.

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Rollins’ injury is legitimate — not a storyline twist — and the current plan calls for him to undergo surgery soon. The news throws WWE’s world title scene into chaos, especially if “The Visionary” is forced to miss time extending into WrestleMania season.

“It looks like he’s going to need surgery on the shoulder,” Meltzer said. “The story I got was that he was going to have surgery as soon as possible. As for the title situation, I haven’t heard anything concrete yet.”

The injury is believed to have occurred during a coast-to-coast headbutt spot in the match against Rhodes — a brutal moment that saw Rollins clutching his shoulder almost immediately. WWE then followed up with a shocking post-match betrayal from his Vision stablemates, which fans initially suspected was a storyline excuse to write Rollins off TV. However, this time it appears the injury is unfortunately all too real.

With Rollins likely out for a significant stretch, questions now swirl about the future of the World Heavyweight Championship and WWE’s plans for upcoming events like Saturday Night’s Main Event. Meltzer noted that an official update on the title picture could come as soon as WWE’s next show.

This marks yet another tough break for Rollins, who’s battled through injuries before while maintaining one of the most consistent runs in modern WWE history. If surgery does sideline him through WrestleMania season, it will be a huge blow not only to his fans but to WWE’s creative direction heading into 2026.

Jacob Fatu Reportedly Facing Long-Term Injury Layoff

It looks like WWE might be losing another major name to injury — and this one could have big implications for SmackDown storylines moving forward.

According to a new report from BodySlam, Jacob Fatu has suffered an injury that’s expected to keep him out of action for an extended stretch, potentially sidelining The Samoan Werewolf well into 2026.

While the exact details surrounding Fatu’s condition haven’t been made public, sources indicate that it’s a non-wrestling-related injury and serious enough to take him off WWE programming for the foreseeable future.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Fatu, who was gaining major momentum as part of his heated feud with Drew McIntyre. Many fans believed he was on the verge of breaking into the Undisputed WWE Championship picture alongside Cody Rhodes. After dropping the United States Title to Solo Sikoa back in June, it seemed WWE was positioning him for a main event push — plans that now appear to be on hold.

This isn’t the first health setback Fatu has dealt with since joining WWE. He missed brief time last year due to a foot injury following SummerSlam, and later tweaked something again during Survivor Series: WarGames, though he managed to bounce back quickly on both occasions. At this point, it’s unclear whether his latest issue is connected to either of those earlier incidents.

As for what this means for Drew McIntyre’s ongoing storylines, nothing has been confirmed. WWE hasn’t provided an update on McIntyre’s next feud or when Fatu was originally expected to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Title.

Hopefully, Fatu’s recovery goes smoothly — he’s been one of the most talked-about additions to the roster in recent months, and his absence will definitely be felt on SmackDown.

WWE NXT Preview 10/14/2025

WWE NXT live tonight on The CW at 8:00 ET/7:00 CT.

  • WWE NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: Lei Ying Lee, Mara Sadé, Xia Brookside, Heather by Elegance, Jordynne Grace, Victoria Crawford, Kelani Jordan. Jaida Parker, Izzi Dame, Tatum Paxley, Lash Legend, Cassie Lee, Jessie McKay, Kendal Grey, Lola Vice, Karmen Petrovic, Sol Ruca, Thea Hail, Arianna Grace, and Wren Sinclair
  • Blake Monroe vs. ZARIA
  • Matt Cardona vs. Josh Briggs
  • El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. Lexis King

Report: WWE’s Partnership With Def Rebel Nearing Its End — Major Music Changes Ahead

WWE could soon be remixing more than just its storylines. According to a new report from BodySlam.net, the company’s longtime music partner Def Rebel is nearing the end of its contract — and the change could usher in a brand-new era for WWE’s signature sound.

Def Rebel has been the creative force behind some of the most recognizable entrance themes of the past few years, crafting tracks for top stars such as Rhea Ripley, Asuka, LA Knight, Dominik Mysterio, Austin Theory, and Killer Kross (formerly Karrion Kross). Their production style has defined WWE’s current musical identity, blending cinematic beats with aggressive hip-hop and metal influences.

However, as the contract winds down, reports suggest that several Superstars have voiced interest in seeing a shift in how their music is developed and managed. That feedback, coupled with the expiring deal, could open the door for WWE to explore new creative partners or even revive collaborations with outside artists — something the company has done successfully in past eras.

If Def Rebel and WWE part ways, it would mark the end of a significant chapter in the company’s musical evolution. WWE themes have always been a major part of its presentation — from Jim Johnston’s legendary compositions to CFO$’s modern hits — and a new transition could dramatically reshape the sound of WWE programming heading into 2026.

For now, no official announcement has been made about Def Rebel’s status, but with their deal reportedly nearing completion, fans might start hearing new music — literally — in the not-so-distant future.

Samoan Dynasty’s Lance Anoa’i, Wes Lee, and Several NXT, Evolve & ID Talents Released from WWE

It’s been a tough week behind the scenes at WWE, as multiple names from the company’s developmental system—and even a member of wrestling’s legendary Samoan Dynasty—were let go.

Lance Anoa’i, son of former WWE star Samu and cousin to Roman Reigns, confirmed Friday that his time with WWE had come to an end. Anoa’i shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), noting that his run never really got started due to injuries and “bad luck” since signing. Despite not making an on-screen appearance, his family lineage and in-ring pedigree had drawn plenty of attention when he joined the company.

However, Anoa’i’s departure turned out to be part of a larger round of roster cuts. Reports from BodySlam’s Cory Hays and Fightful Select revealed that several names from the NXT and Performance Center ranks were also released. Among them was two-time NXT North American Champion Wes Lee, who had recently been sidelined with an injury. Other names included Stevie Turner, Jin Tala, Drako Knox, Haze Jameson, Summer Sorrell, Brayden “BJ” Ray, and Jamar Hampton.

Turner, who fans may remember from her stint as the “Prime Minister” of WWE Evolve and as Robert Stone’s co-Assistant GM in NXT, took to social media to confirm her exit. “My time with WWE has come to an end,” she wrote. “I’ve had a brilliant time and I’m so excited for the future. See you soon!”

Drako Knox—who had been featured as “Drake Starks” during Season One of WWE LFG—also confirmed his release, stating he was available for bookings in 30 days, as is standard with developmental contracts.

Adding to the list, Zara Zakher announced that her WWE ID deal had expired and that she’d be taking time away from wrestling. With Zakher included, the total number of confirmed departures from Friday’s round reached ten.

For many of these talents, especially those from the NXT and developmental ranks, the releases mark the end of one chapter and the potential start of another. Meanwhile, the loss of Lance Anoa’i quietly closes a brief but intriguing connection between the ever-expanding Samoan Dynasty and WWE’s current generation.

Seth Rollins Injury At WWE Crown Jewel Reportedly Led To Major Creative Shift in WWE’s “Vision” Storyline

The shocking betrayal of Seth Rollins on Monday Night Raw wasn’t part of the long-term plan—at least, not yet. According to new reports from PWInsider and Fightful Select, WWE was forced to make a “heavy creative pivot” following a legitimate injury to the World Heavyweight Champion at Crown Jewel.

Just days after standing tall alongside Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Paul Heyman at the Perth premium live event, Rollins was blindsided by his own allies on Raw. The sudden fracture of The Vision—the faction that had seemed rock-solid heading into Crown Jewel—was reportedly written on the fly to explain Rollins’ upcoming absence from TV.

Sources tell PWInsider that Rollins was spotted with his arm in a sling after his win over Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in Perth. The injury apparently occurred when Rollins went for a high-risk coast-to-coast headbutt. Despite getting hurt mid-match, he powered through to finish the bout and retain his title.

Fightful Select added that the original plan had been for Breakker’s eventual split from Rollins to unfold sometime next year, but the injury forced WWE to move that storyline up. With Rollins now sidelined, Breakker and Reed are reportedly being positioned for a bigger spotlight much sooner than expected.

At this point, there’s no confirmed timetable for Rollins’ return. He’s said to be undergoing medical testing later this week to assess the severity of the shoulder injury.

The timing couldn’t be worse for The Vision’s Architect. Rollins had been locked in a heated rivalry with CM Punk, whom he defeated for the World Heavyweight Championship after a dramatic Money in the Bank cash-in at SummerSlam. In a twist of irony, that title win had been built around fake rumors of a Rollins injury—now, real life seems to have imitated storyline.

WWE fans will now have to wait to see how the company adjusts both the Vision storyline and the Punk feud while their champion recovers.

WWE Raw Preview 10/13/2025

WWE Raw live at special time Monday morning at 8pm ET / 5pm PT from the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

  • Fallout from Crown Jewel
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Penta
  • Bayley & Lyra Valkyrie vs. Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez

WWE Crown Jewel 10/11/2025 (Results)

Quick Results

  • Bronson Reed def. Roman Reigns (Australian Street Fight)
  • Stephanie Vaquer def. Tiffany Stratton – Women’s Crown Jewel Championship
  • John Cena def. AJ Styles
  • Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY def. The Kabuki Warriors
  • Seth Rollins def. Cody Rhodes – Men’s Crown Jewel Championship

Bronson Reed Defeats Roman Reigns in an Australian Street Fight

Perth’s own Bronson Reed earned the biggest win of his career, knocking off Roman Reigns in a wild Street Fight that turned the arena into a playground of destruction.

Reigns opened strong, controlling Reed with signature strikes and even working in some local flavor — wielding a cricket bat, rugby ball, and trash can like a one-man sports montage. But Reed’s power eventually broke through, and things escalated fast once Bron Breakker stormed out to spear Reigns through the barricade.

The Usos made a shocking return to even the odds, briefly helping Roman regain control, but a chaotic sequence ended with Jey accidentally spearing his own cousin through a table. Reed capitalized, hit a crushing Tsunami splash, and pinned the “Tribal Chief” in front of his home-country fans.

Post-match, Reigns tore into Jimmy and Jey for disobeying him, saying he “didn’t need their help” and ordering them to stay away — at least until Christmas. It was a meltdown that could mark another fracture in The Bloodline’s story.

Stephanie Vaquer Becomes WWE Women’s Crown Jewel Champion

La Primera made history again, defeating Tiffany Stratton in a technical, hard-hitting match to claim the Women’s Crown Jewel Championship.

The two women traded chain wrestling early, showing off crisp counters and athleticism before the match turned physical. Stratton found her rhythm mid-way with her signature handspring elbow and power offense, but Vaquer’s precision striking and submissions slowly wore her down.

After surviving the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, Vaquer connected with a beautiful corkscrew moonsault to seal the victory. Triple H presented her with the championship belt and ring, and a visibly emotional Vaquer delivered a heartfelt promo thanking fans for believing in her journey. Perth responded with a thunderous “You deserve it” chant — and they weren’t wrong.

John Cena Tops AJ Styles in a Classic Showcase

For longtime fans, this one was pure nostalgia — and pure class. John Cena and AJ Styles revisited their legendary rivalry in a match that felt like a greatest hits album for both men.

Cena showed respect from the start, handing ring announcer Alicia Taylor a handwritten intro for Styles, referencing his TNA and Bullet Club accolades. What followed was twenty minutes of tight, competitive wrestling — reversals, callbacks, hitting each other with a lot of famous finishers of wrestling greats and a whole lot of near falls.

One cool moment came when Cena paid homage to Bray Wyatt with a Sister Abagail to Styles which caused the fans to bring out the fireflies.

Styles unleashed a full arsenal of classics, including the Phenomenal Forearm and Styles Clash, but Cena kept kicking out. In the end, a top-rope Attitude Adjustment followed by one final AA did the job. The two embraced post-match as the crowd gave them a standing ovation — a true love letter to their shared history.

Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY Defeat The Kabuki Warriors

Hometown hero Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY united to take down Asuka and Kairi Sane in an electric tag team bout that blended Japanese aggression with Aussie attitude.

The Kabuki Warriors isolated IYO early, cutting off the ring and punishing her with pinpoint strikes. But once Rhea finally tagged in, the match flipped fast — Ripley bulldozed both opponents and nearly finished Sane with a RipTide before chaos took over.

After a series of counters and double-teams, Ripley hit the RipTide and SKY followed with her trademark moonsault to score the win. The Perth crowd roared for Ripley, who celebrated with her championship belt and IYO after the match.

Seth Rollins Wins the Men’s Crown Jewel Championship Over Cody Rhodes

In a main event that had “match of the night” written all over it, Seth “Freakin’” Rollins finally overcame Cody Rhodes to capture the Men’s Crown Jewel Championship.

Both men wrestled like they had something to prove, trading technical holds early before turning the bout into a slugfest. Cody nearly had it won after a springboard Cutter and CrossRhodes, but a referee bump changed everything.

Rollins, torn between his ego and his conscience, ultimately gave in to the darker side — cracking Rhodes with his diamond watch before hitting two Stomps (one from the top rope) to secure the three count.

After the bell, Rollins celebrated with Triple H and delivered a fiery promo calling himself “the greatest of all time” and “a Visionary. A Revolutionary. Seth Freakin’ Rollins.” Stephanie Vaquer joined him in the ring for the closing moment — the two new Crown Jewel champions standing tall as fireworks lit up the Perth sky.

WWE Crown Jewel 10/11/2025 (Card)

AEW Crown Jewel – Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 8am ET / 5am PT – RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, Australia

CARD

  • Men’s Crown Jewel Championship: Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins
  • Women’s Crown Jewel Championship: WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton vs. Women’s World  Champion Stephanie Vaquer
  • John Cena vs. AJ Styles
  • Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane)
  • Australian Street Fight: Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed