Tag: WWE

AJ Styles Confirms Retirement Plans for 2026

The end of an era is officially on the horizon—AJ Styles has confirmed that he’ll be stepping away from in-ring competition in 2026.

Speaking with Tokyo Sports during WWE’s recent trip to Japan, Styles revealed that his time inside the squared circle is winding down. While he hasn’t locked in the exact date or match for his farewell, the Phenomenal One made it clear that next year will be his final run.

“I don’t want to show fans an AJ Styles who isn’t himself anymore,” he explained, noting that the decision stems from his desire to retire before his body gives out. “I’ve decided to walk away before I get to that point.”

Styles also hinted that WWE’s Supershow Japan event in Tokyo may end up being his last time competing in Japan—a country that played a huge role in his career resurgence during his New Japan Pro-Wrestling run. After retirement, he envisions staying involved with WWE, potentially working with young talent and preparing them for the main roster.

Interestingly, 2026 also marks the retirement year of Styles’ legendary NJPW rival Hiroshi Tanahashi. Styles praised Tanahashi as “a truly great wrestler,” and while he didn’t confirm anything, he left the door cracked open for one more dream clash with The Ace. “I still want to do it 1000%,” Styles admitted. “But we both have positions to consider, so I don’t know if it will happen.”

While fans wait to see how his final year shapes up, Styles won’t be short on big moments. WWE has already announced that he’ll face longtime rival John Cena during Cena’s own retirement tour at Crown Jewel. That showdown promises to be a major chapter in both men’s farewell journeys.

From TNA to NJPW to WWE, AJ Styles has done it all—world championships, show-stealing matches, and countless unforgettable moments. If 2026 truly is his last dance, he’s making sure it ends on his terms.

Update on WWE’s Piper Niven’s Injury

It looks like we have some encouraging news regarding Piper Niven’s health.

According to a new report from Fightful Select, Niven is currently sidelined with a neck injury and is waiting for an official diagnosis. While there was early fear that the situation could be very serious — even career-threatening — WWE sources now believe she is expected to return to action at some point down the road.

We previously noted the initial concern backstage this week that the injury might force Niven out long-term, but the latest update suggests her outlook is far more optimistic.

Niven has not competed since the August 22nd episode of SmackDown.

This is a positive turn for the former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, who has been gaining momentum in the women’s division. Hopefully, we’ll see her back in a WWE ring sooner rather than later.

Jazmyn Nyx Reportedly Finishing Up With WWE

Another NXT name looks to be wrapping up their time with WWE.

According to a new report from PWInsider, Jazmyn Nyx has decided not to renew her deal with the company. WWE did extend her a contract offer, but Nyx turned it down and will officially become a free agent once her current deal runs out.

The writing was already on the wall on this week’s episode of NXT. In a backstage segment, Nyx was shown laid out and unconscious. Her on-screen ally Jacy Jayne coldly declared it was time to move on from Nyx in Fatal Influence, delivering the line, “only the strong survive.” That moment now looks to be WWE’s storyline way of writing her out.

Nyx’s final in-ring appearance came during last week’s NXT Homecoming special, where she teamed with Jayne and Fallon Henley in a losing effort against Rhea Ripley, Lyra Valkyria, and CMLL’s Stephanie Vaquer.

For those unfamiliar, Nyx — real name Jade Gentile — signed with WWE in November 2022 and has been part of the developmental system for nearly two years.

With her WWE chapter coming to a close, Nyx will soon have the freedom to explore opportunities in other promotions. Given her young career and the visibility she’s gained through NXT, it’ll be interesting to see where she lands next.

WWE NXT Preview 9/23/2025

WWE NXT tonight on The CW. Last episode before No Mercy.

  • A TNA invasion is expected tonight
  • Title For Title: NXT Champion Oba Femi vs. TNA World champion Trick Williams
  • WWE Speed Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Candice LeRae vs. Lainey Reid
  • Lights Out Match: Lexis King vs. Myles Bourne
  • NASCAR’s Sam Mayer and Cole Custer make a special appearance

Concerning Update on Piper Niven’s WWE Status

There’s some troubling news regarding WWE star Piper Niven. According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio, Niven is currently dealing with an undisclosed injury that may be far more serious than initially believed. While details remain scarce, Alvarez mentioned concern that the setback could even be career-threatening.

Niven has been absent from television since the August 22 episode of SmackDown. In her absence, creative plans had to be shifted. On the September 19 edition of SmackDown, Chelsea Green — who has been paired with Niven in recent months — instead teamed up with Alba Fyre to challenge for the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss retained their titles in that bout.

The injury also altered Clash in Paris, where Niven was originally scheduled to team with Fyre against Flair and Bliss. Instead, the match was changed to Alexa Bliss vs. Chelsea Green, with Bliss walking away victorious.

For now, Niven is said to be in Dublin, Ireland as she recovers. WWE has yet to issue an official update, and with speculation swirling about the severity of her injury, fans are left waiting to see what the future holds for the Scottish star.

Niven has been a steady presence in WWE’s women’s division over the past few years, and the possibility of a serious or even career-ending injury is sobering news. Here’s hoping we’ll get more clarity soon — and that “Doudrop” can make a healthy return to the ring.

Report: Gunther Expected Back on WWE TV Soon

It looks like WWE fans won’t have to wait much longer to see the return of “The Ring General.” According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther is set to make his comeback to television after being sidelined since SummerSlam.

Gunther hasn’t been seen since night one of SummerSlam, where he dropped the World Heavyweight Title to CM Punk. That chaotic night saw Seth Rollins cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase on Punk immediately after, leaving the Austrian powerhouse empty-handed. WWE later announced that Gunther was out indefinitely with a series of serious injuries — including a subdural hematoma and orbital blowout fracture. Reports also surfaced that he underwent surgery to repair a broken nose.

Now cleared and expected back “very soon,” speculation is already heating up over what WWE has in store for him. With Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia on the horizon, Gunther could be slotted into a high-profile match on the card.

Over the past year, the former champion has been linked to several potential dream bouts. One of the biggest rumors ties him to John Cena, with whispers that Gunther could be the final opponent on Cena’s retirement tour. That match, however, isn’t expected until December, when Cena’s farewell bout officially takes place.

Another long-discussed showdown is Gunther vs. Brock Lesnar. WWE had initially explored the match for WrestleMania 40 before Lesnar was pulled from creative plans, but with Lesnar now back in the mix and having already bested Cena, that collision with Gunther could finally materialize.

Whether it’s Brock, Cena, or another top name, Gunther’s return is set to shake up WWE’s main event scene. After establishing himself as one of the most dominant champions in recent memory, fans are eager to see who will be the first to step in front of “The Ring General” when he marches back onto WWE TV.

WWE Raw Preview 9/22/2025

WWE Raw tonight at 7 pm ET on Netflix from Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana

  • Fallout from Wrestlepalooza
  • Lilian Garcia to fill in for ring announcer Alicia Taylor for tonight’s Raw
  • New Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer is expected to appear
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to appear
  • Roxanne Perez vs Bayley
  • 6-Man Tag No DQ Match: The New Day & Grayson Waller vs. War Raiders & Penta
  • WWE.com is advertising Seth Rollins, CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, Jey Uso, Becky Lynch and LA Knight for tonight’s show.

Jey Uso Reportedly Enters Concussion Protocol After Wrestlepalooza

One half of The Usos may be sidelined after a rough spot at WWE’s inaugural Wrestlepalooza event.

According to Bryan Alvarez, Jey Uso was placed in concussion protocol following his tag team match alongside Jimmy Uso against The Vision’s Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. The injury happened in unusual fashion: during a chair shot to Breakker’s back, the weapon ricocheted and caught Jey in the head, leaving him bloodied and shaken.

Alvarez noted that the chair shot “split him six ways from Sunday,” and WWE immediately moved Jey into concussion protocol, which has become a standard procedure whenever a potential head injury occurs.

At this time, there’s no official update on the severity of Jey’s condition or when he might be cleared for a return. With The Usos heavily featured in WWE’s current storylines, his status will be one to watch closely in the coming days.

Kylie Rae Announces Pregnancy

Kylie Rae has shared some major life news outside of the squared circle—she’s expecting her second child.

The announcement came after fans asked why she vacated the Relentless Wrestling Women’s Championship. Rae revealed on social media that her pregnancy was the reason for stepping away.

Rae and her fiancé, fellow wrestler Isaias Velazquez, are already proud parents, having welcomed their first child in October 2023. Now the couple is preparing to grow their family once again.

Inside the ring, Rae hasn’t competed since August 8, but she’s still officially recognized as the WWE ID Women’s Champion. Her in-ring future remains uncertain, but the wrestling world is rallying around her with congratulations as she enters this next chapter.

For now, Rae’s focus is on family—but fans will no doubt be excited to see what the future holds whenever she’s ready to return to action.

The Undertaker Surprises Stephanie McMahon At Wrestlepalooza With 2026 WWE Hall of Fame Announcement

The Undertaker surprised Stephanie McMahon announcing her as the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026

At Wrestlepalooza on September 20, 2025, The Undertaker, sporting his “American Badass” persona, appeared at Wrestlepalooza on his motorcycle. The Undertaker pulled up ringside, taking a seat next to McMahon. The Undertaker and McMahon started riffing on their long-standing friendship. He asked McMahon, “Are you ready?” evoking the spirit of D-Generation X and her husband, Triple H. The Undertaker proceeded to announce that McMahon would be the first person inducted into next year’s Hall of Fame class.

McMahon has not worked for WWE in an official capacity since 2023, when it was announced she would be leaving her role as co-CEO of WWE as Vince McMahon returned to the fold and later negotiated the merger with Endeavor to create TKO. She has since appeared in sporadic appearances, mostly those of a broadcasting or guest attending role, though she started her “What’s Your Story?” podcast on ESPN+ in partnership with WWE and Fanatics earlier this year. 

The 2026 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony takes place during the week of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas