Tag: WWE

Malakai Black Reportedly Done With AEW, Can’t Appear At WWE Royal Rumble

After months of speculation surrounding his status, Malakai Black—known to WWE fans as Aleister Black and to independent wrestling followers as Tommy End—has reportedly wrapped up his time with AEW. According to a report from PWInsider, sources within AEW confirmed that Black has finished up with the promotion, with no plans for a farewell appearance.

This development comes after weeks of storyline hints suggesting Black’s exit from the House of Black faction, the dominant group he helped form and lead. While AEW has yet to make an official announcement, the report strongly suggests Black’s tenure with the company has quietly come to an end.

No WWE Return Just Yet

Naturally, rumors are swirling about a potential return to WWE, where Black had a memorable run in NXT as a former NXT Champion and Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic winner. However, PWInsider noted that Black won’t be available in time to make a surprise appearance at next week’s Royal Rumble. Instead, he’s expected to become a free agent sometime in February or March, giving him plenty of time to decide his next move.

For those keeping tabs on Black’s personal life, his wife, Zelina Vega, is still an active member of WWE’s roster, adding another layer of intrigue to his potential return to the company.

Speculation About His AEW Exit

Black’s departure has been the subject of fan discussion for some time, fueled in part by his uncharacteristic post-match display of emotion after facing Adam Cole in AEW. The two, who share a history from their time together in WWE’s NXT, shared what appeared to be a heartfelt moment following their match—a rare departure from Black’s usually stoic and dark character. This fueled questions about his status in AEW, with rumors suggesting his creative dissatisfaction and a shorter-than-expected contract were factors in his exit.

Black originally joined AEW in mid-2021 after being released by WWE earlier that year. Though his AEW debut came with significant fanfare, his time in the company saw limited singles action. In total, Black wrestled just 15 singles matches during his tenure, losing only three, but his creative focus was largely on the House of Black faction.

What’s Next for Malakai Black?

While it’s unclear where Black will land next, fans are already speculating about his potential future in WWE. With Triple H now at the helm of WWE’s creative direction, a return to the company could provide Black the opportunity to pick up where he left off and possibly revisit the more prominent role he had in NXT.

If he does return to WWE, Black’s dark and striking persona would be a perfect fit for the current landscape of the company’s storytelling, where characters like Bray Wyatt and The Judgment Day are thriving.

Whether he chooses WWE, the independent circuit, or another promotion entirely, one thing is certain: Malakai Black’s blend of in-ring skill and theatrical presence makes him one of wrestling’s most compelling talents. Fans will be eagerly awaiting his next move.

Nikki Bella Reportedly in Talks for WWE Return

Nikki Bella’s surprise appearance at the Netflix WWE Raw premiere earlier this month has fans buzzing about the possibility of a return to the squared circle. While the two-time Divas Champion hasn’t wrestled in singles action since 2018, her presence at the event ignited speculation about a comeback—and now, new reports suggest that her return could be closer than expected.

According to WrestleVotes, there have been “significant discussions” about Nikki Bella stepping back into the ring. The report notes that multiple WWE sources believe her return is “sooner rather than later,” adding fuel to the rumors that Bella could play a role in the upcoming Royal Rumble on February 1.

A Look Back at Bella’s In-Ring Hiatus

Bella last competed in a WWE ring at the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble, where she made a one-off appearance alongside her sister, Brie Bella. However, her most recent singles match was back in 2018, when she faced Ronda Rousey in the main event of WWE’s Evolution pay-per-view for the Raw Women’s Championship.

Since then, Nikki has largely stepped away from in-ring action, citing health concerns and frustrations with WWE. In 2023, she and Brie publicly aired grievances with the company, noting they no longer saw “eye-to-eye” with WWE leadership. However, time appears to have smoothed over those issues, as Nikki seems poised to re-enter the fold.

Could Royal Rumble Be Nikki’s Big Comeback?

The timing of these discussions has led to speculation that Bella could make her return at the 2024 Royal Rumble. WWE fans are well aware of the Rumble’s reputation as the perfect stage for surprise returns, and Nikki’s involvement would be a headline-grabbing moment for the event.

While it’s unclear whether Bella’s return would be a one-off or a longer-term run, her return could add a significant boost to WWE’s women’s division, which continues to thrive with top-tier talent.

A New Chapter for Nikki Bella

Outside of wrestling, 2023 was a challenging year for Nikki. She filed for divorce from her now ex-husband, Artem Chigvintsev, after a turbulent period that included his arrest on felony domestic violence charges. Now, it seems Nikki may be ready to turn the page on her personal struggles and re-focus on her career.

For fans, Nikki Bella’s potential return isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a chance to see one of the most popular stars of WWE’s Divas Era write a new chapter in her storied career. Whether she’s making a single appearance or gearing up for a longer run, the WWE Universe is ready to see Fearless Nikki back in action.

Report: Alexa Bliss’ WWE Return Plans Put on Hold Indefinitely

Alexa Bliss’ long-awaited return to WWE has hit an unexpected snag, as recent creative plans for the former Women’s Champion have reportedly been put on hold indefinitely, according to PWInsider.

Original Plans for Bliss’ Return

WWE had been actively preparing for Bliss’ return to television, including developing new merchandise and promotional materials. The company reportedly intended for her to be involved in a storyline with The Wyatt Sicks and had penciled her in for an appearance on a recent episode of RAW.

However, the situation changed when The Wyatt Sicks was moved to SmackDown. As a result, Bliss’ planned role alongside the faction was reportedly scrapped.

Not a Health Issue, but Potential Contract Concerns

While some speculated that health issues may have been a factor in the delay, PWInsider reports that this is not the case. Instead, one source within WWE suggested that the delay could stem from a “contract issue,” though this claim has not been officially confirmed. WWE officials are reportedly tight-lipped about the reasons for the change, leaving fans and insiders alike wondering what might come next for Bliss.

Alexa Bliss’ Recent Hiatus and Challenges

Bliss last appeared in WWE at the 2023 Royal Rumble. She then took time off due to her pregnancy and welcomed her first child, a baby girl, in November 2023. In addition to her pregnancy, Bliss faced significant health challenges over the past year, including skin cancer, preeclampsia, and various postpartum complications. However, she assured fans in late 2024 that her health had fully recovered.

Despite the setbacks, Bliss began teasing her return earlier this month on social media, fueling speculation about her next move.

What’s Next for Alexa Bliss?

With Bliss’ return plans now shelved, her immediate future in WWE is uncertain. Her current contract status and length remain undisclosed, adding further mystery to her situation. Whether or not the rumored “contract issue” proves to be the root cause of the delay, one thing is clear: Alexa Bliss remains one of WWE’s most intriguing and dynamic talents, and her eventual return will undoubtedly be a major moment for fans.

Steve Austin Underwent Total Knee Replacement Surgery, Gives Update

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin took to Instagram on Tuesday to provide an update after he underwent total knee replacement surgery seven weeks ago. He wrote,

“How it was. And how it is…

I am 7 weeks post op on a Total Knee Replacement. My left knee was on its last leg, and I have been putting this surgery off for years.

Post op X-Rays show everything is healing nicely.

Many thanks to Dr. Nicholas Dirig, Derek Bobst, and their excellent team for my surgery.

Thanks to Bill Wall of Physical Therapy Specialist for getting me back on track.
Before starting PT, I came out of the gate aggressive and started walking way too soon and too far and really pissed off my new knee. Total Knee Replacement is a year long healing process, so I dont know what the hell I was thinking.

Swelling is still an issue, but things are healing up nicely and getting solid.
I am back in the gym and training. Nothing heavy yet. And no squats…

I have my sights set to race in The Mint 400 outside of Las Vegas, NV with the @gfiracing team and my teammate @zach_kisman in 7 weeks.

I will get back in my @kawasakiusa KRX1000 for the first time this weekend to knock the rust off and get back to driving. I am thankful to have found the challenge of Desert Off Road Racing. I love competition and the harsh conditions that come with it. So here goes…”

Corey Graves Returns to NXT Commentary After Brief Absence

It didn’t take long for Corey Graves to find his way back behind the microphone. After a one-week absence from WWE programming, Graves made his return to the commentary table on last night’s episode of NXT, stepping into his new role with an air of enthusiasm and a touch of grit.

Graves had been vocal on social media about his frustration after being shifted from the main roster commentary team to NXT—a move that caught many fans off guard. However, his return to NXT was marked by a confident statement that set the tone for the evening.

“I am right where I want to be,” Graves declared as the show kicked off. “Where passion is everything and only the hungry survive, and pro wrestling never stopped being cool.”

https://twitter.com/PWUnlimited/status/1881870446934766049

A Fresh Start or a Reluctant Transition?

While Graves’ comments last night seemed to convey pride in being part of the NXT brand, his initial reaction to the move painted a more complicated picture. The shift from calling flagship shows like Raw and SmackDown to the developmental brand appeared to come as a disappointment for the veteran commentator, who has been a staple of WWE programming for years. His brief absence led to speculation among fans about whether the transition was entirely smooth.

Despite the initial frustration, it seems Graves is now embracing the opportunity to lend his voice to NXT’s unique energy. The black-and-gold brand has long been a platform for hungry up-and-coming Superstars, and Graves’ passionate commentary style could help elevate the show’s growing roster of talent.

A Voice That Resonates

Corey Graves has built a reputation as one of WWE’s most dynamic and opinionated commentators. His sharp wit and deep knowledge of the business have made him a standout presence on the headset. While moving from WWE’s main roster to NXT may have seemed like a step down at first glance, his return to the developmental brand could breathe new life into the product, particularly as NXT continues to build momentum heading into 2025.

It’s worth noting that Graves himself has a deep connection to NXT. Before transitioning to commentary, he competed as a wrestler on the brand during its early days, making his return last night feel somewhat full-circle.

What’s Next for Corey Graves and NXT?

Graves’ return to NXT could signify a renewed focus on the commentary team as WWE looks to keep the brand competitive in an increasingly stacked wrestling landscape. Whether he’ll be a long-term fixture on Tuesday nights remains to be seen, but his passion for the business is undeniable.

For now, Corey Graves is back where “pro wrestling never stopped being cool,” and fans can expect his signature mix of sarcasm and insight to add a spark to NXT’s weekly broadcasts.

WWE World Returns During WrestleMania Week in Las Vegas – Here’s What Fans Can Expect

WWE has officially announced the return of WWE World, its fan-focused multi-day convention, during WrestleMania 41 week in Las Vegas. After its successful debut in 2024, WWE World is back, promising five days of immersive wrestling experiences from Thursday, April 17, to Monday, April 21, 2025.

The event will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall and will feature the largest WWE Superstore in WrestleMania history—a dream for collectors and merch enthusiasts. Tickets for WWE World go on sale Monday, February 3, at 12 PM ET/9 AM PT, with an exclusive pre-sale starting Wednesday, January 29, at 12 PM ET/9 AM PT on FanaticsEvents.com/WWE.

What Fans Can Look Forward To

In a press release accompanying the announcement, WWE teased an action-packed lineup of activities that fans won’t want to miss. Here’s what to expect:

  • Superstar Roundtables & Live Podcasts: Fans will get a chance to watch live discussions and recordings with some of WWE’s biggest names on the central main stage.
  • Memorabilia & Autograph Sessions: Fanatics Live will host live auctions of WWE memorabilia, alongside autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with current stars and wrestling legends.
  • Exclusive Merch: WWE World promises exclusive merchandise that will only be available at the event, making it a must-visit for collectors.
  • Immersive Exhibits: Celebrate over four decades of WrestleMania history with exhibits and memorabilia showcasing key moments from WWE’s flagship event.

While WWE hasn’t yet revealed which Superstars will participate in meet-and-greets this year, last year’s WWE World featured big names like Chelsea Green, Johnny Gargano, Andrade, and former NXT Champion Trick Williams. Fans can expect another star-studded lineup for 2025, given WWE’s track record of delivering memorable fan experiences.

WWE & Fanatics Team Up Again

The return of WWE World highlights WWE’s growing partnership with Fanatics, the global leader in licensed sports merchandise and memorabilia. Together, they’ve been creating exclusive WWE products and enhancing fan experiences through live events and digital activations. WWE World is the latest extension of this collaboration, giving fans a one-of-a-kind way to connect with their favorite Superstars.

Don’t Miss Out!

With WrestleMania 41 set to electrify Las Vegas, WWE World is shaping up to be the perfect complement to the Showcase of the Immortals. Whether you’re looking for exclusive merch, autographs, or the chance to soak in WrestleMania history, this five-day extravaganza promises something for everyone.

Mark your calendars, secure your tickets early, and get ready to dive into the ultimate WWE fan experience in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

WWE NXT Preview 1/21/2025

WWE NXT live tonight on The CW.

  • NXT Championship Match: Oba Femi vs. Eddy Thorpe
  • NXT North American Championship Match: Tony D’Angelo vs. Ridge Holland
  • NXT Women’s Champion Giulia to appear
  • Roxanne Perez has dared Bayley to show up
https://twitter.com/roxanne_wwe/status/1881527366155215303

Bayley Switches From SmackDown to Raw, Declares for the 2025 Royal Rumble

Bayley is back where it all began for her main roster career—on WWE Raw. The announcement of her roster move was first made by WWE official Adam Pearce, who confirmed the change during the “transfer window” via X (formerly known as Twitter). Bayley, however, made it official herself during a backstage segment on Raw, shortly before stepping into the ring for a match against WWE SmackDown’s Nia Jax.

In addition to addressing her return to Raw, Bayley took the opportunity to make another big announcement—she’s officially entering the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match. Fans will remember that Bayley won last year’s Rumble and used that victory to dethrone her former Damage CTRL ally, IYO SKY, for the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 40. However, Bayley’s title reign came to an end at SummerSlam when Nia Jax captured the gold. To add salt to the wound, Jax once again came out on top in their match on Raw, solidifying her dominance over the former champ.

Interestingly, Bayley and Jax now stand as the only two women who have declared their entry into this year’s Rumble so far. With the road to WrestleMania just heating up, it will be worth watching to see if Bayley can recapture the magic of last year’s win or if her recent struggles with Jax will continue to haunt her.

Meanwhile, Bayley’s schedule has been as chaotic as ever. She appeared on WWE NXT last week in what seemed like an attempt to mentor former NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez. However, things took an unexpected turn when Perez attacked Bayley in the middle of the ring. The confrontation ended with “The Prodigy” extending an invitation for Bayley to return to NXT this week, as revealed in a SmackDown digital exclusive.

With tension rising across Raw, NXT, and even SmackDown, it’s clear that Bayley’s presence is felt throughout the WWE Universe. Whether it’s reclaiming gold, asserting her dominance in the Rumble, or dealing with fiery up-and-comers like Perez, Bayley has no shortage of challenges ahead. Fans will undoubtedly be glued to their screens to see how “The Role Model” navigates this pivotal chapter in her career.

Stay tuned for updates as the Royal Rumble approaches, and be sure to catch all the action as Bayley continues to make waves across WWE programming.

WWE Raw Preview 1/20/2025

WWE Raw will air live globally on Netflix tonight from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

  • WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria returns to Raw
  • Pure Fusion Collective vs. Damage CTRL’s Dakota Kay and IYO Sky
  • WWE Hall of Famer “JBL” John Bradshaw Layfield to appear
  • The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) in action
  • Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre
  • Sami Zayn to appear
  • Jey Uso to appear

Charlotte Flair Retuning To WWE Programming Soon

Anticipation is building as “The Queen” Charlotte Flair appears to be gearing up for her long-awaited return to the WWE women’s division. Flair, a 15-time women’s champion and one of the most decorated performers in WWE history, posted a 19-second video on X (formerly Twitter) that has fans buzzing about her comeback.

In the clip, Flair is seen running up and down a quiet road, wearing a knee brace, as a gritty monologue plays over the footage. Addressing both her critics and herself, Flair says, “Charlotte, she’s selfish. She’s just Ric Flair’s daughter. She’s going to come back washed. She’s not even that good. Oh, she’s been handed everything. You’re going to prove them wrong. Ashley, get out of your f**king head.” The caption accompanying the video reads, “It’s ME vs ME. Always has been, always will be” — punctuated by a painted red nails emoji.

The powerful video not only serves as a message of resilience but also suggests Flair is ready to silence doubters and reclaim her spot at the top of WWE’s women’s division.

The Long Road to Recovery

Charlotte Flair’s last WWE appearance was on SmackDown in December 2023, when she suffered a devastating injury during a match against Asuka. A dangerous fall from the top rope left Flair with a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus, forcing her to the sidelines for over a year. The Grand Slam Champion’s absence was felt deeply in the women’s division, and rumors of her comeback have been swirling ever since.

Last September, reports surfaced that WWE had preliminary creative plans to involve Flair in a storyline with then-WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax and rising star Tiffany Stratton. However, her recovery timeline put those plans on hold. Now, with the Women’s Royal Rumble just two weeks away on Saturday, February 1, speculation is mounting that Flair could make her dramatic return in the annual battle royal.

Could Flair Be Royal Rumble-Bound?

The timing of Flair’s video has fueled speculation that her comeback could happen at the Royal Rumble, one of WWE’s biggest events of the year. Adding to the intrigue, Flair is not the only high-profile name rumored for a return at the Rumble. Alexa Bliss, who has been absent from WWE programming since mid-2023, and Becky Lynch, Flair’s longtime rival and occasional ally, are also reportedly gearing up for returns.

The idea of Flair, Bliss, and Lynch reentering the fold simultaneously has fans dreaming of blockbuster feuds and fresh storylines for 2024. With Flair’s history of dominating at marquee events, it wouldn’t be surprising to see her use the Royal Rumble as the perfect stage for her return.

What’s Next for “The Queen”?

If Flair does make her comeback at the Royal Rumble, it could set the stage for a potential WrestleMania moment. A win in the Rumble would give her a title opportunity at WrestleMania 41, and with a division stacked with stars like Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and IYO SKY, the possibilities are endless.

Regardless of when and where Flair officially returns, her video makes one thing clear: she’s coming back with something to prove. As her motivational monologue suggests, Flair isn’t just battling external challenges — she’s facing down her own doubts and expectations. For “The Queen,” it’s always been about striving for greatness and silencing anyone who dares to question her legacy.

Stay tuned as more details emerge, and be sure to catch the Women’s Royal Rumble on February 1 to see if Charlotte Flair makes her triumphant return to WWE!

Last night on WWE SmackDown the following vignette aired to build hype for Charlotte Flair’s return: