Tonight’s WWE SmackDown airs live on the USA Network in the United States and on Netflix internationally from the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.
It seems the grass might be greener on the other side for some All Elite Wrestling (AEW) talent. According to a report from Lucha Libre Online, a number of AEW wrestlers unhappy with their roles in the promotion are now viewing WWE as a more appealing option. This shift in attitude comes as more former AEW talent find success in WWE, with recent examples fueling speculation about potential moves.
In the early years of AEW, many believed WWE wasn’t a viable destination for disgruntled talent. Concerns about being “lost in the shuffle” on WWE’s massive roster, coupled with its often-criticized corporate culture, made jumping ship seem unappealing. However, that perception is changing—especially after the notable success of former AEW stars in WWE.
The most recent example? Penta’s debut on RAW this past week, where he delivered a standout performance and defeated Chad Gable in an impressive match. Penta’s instant impact has reportedly given AEW wrestlers confidence that their time in AEW could serve as a strong resume when negotiating with WWE.
The report highlights other former AEW talent who have thrived in WWE, such as Ethan Page and Lexis King (formerly Brian Pillman Jr.). Both wrestlers had relatively quiet runs in AEW but have seen their stock rise since joining WWE. Ethan Page has become a key player in NXT, while Lexis King has been given a fresh start with a new persona that fans and WWE officials alike have embraced.
These success stories haven’t gone unnoticed by AEW’s roster, particularly those feeling underutilized or frustrated with their current roles. For many, the idea of a fresh start under WWE’s revamped management has become more enticing.
Another factor influencing AEW talent’s interest in WWE is the reported culture shift within WWE itself. Changes in management—stemming from Vince McMahon stepping back and Triple H taking a larger role in creative—have made the company more attractive. Under Triple H’s leadership, the creative direction is reportedly more talent-friendly, with increased focus on meaningful storylines and long-term character development.
This cultural change, combined with WWE’s global platform and financial stability, is making it a more viable option for wrestlers who may not feel creatively fulfilled in AEW.
AEW’s rapid growth and star-studded roster have created an undeniable wealth of talent, but that has also led to challenges in ensuring everyone gets their moment in the spotlight. Wrestlers lower on the card—or those stuck in creative limbo—may feel overshadowed by the constant influx of new signings and the heavy focus on established stars like Kenny Omega, MJF, and Jon Moxley.
The frustrations reported by AEW talent are not uncommon in wrestling promotions with stacked rosters. However, the growing sentiment that WWE might offer greener pastures indicates that AEW could face retention challenges if these feelings persist.
The wrestling world is buzzing with possibilities. If more AEW talent make the jump to WWE, it could create fresh opportunities for dream matches and shake-ups on both rosters. For WWE, bringing in AEW alumni allows them to capitalize on the buzz surrounding AEW’s reputation for creating stars. For AEW, however, this trend could mean reevaluating how they manage and showcase their talent to prevent further departures.
As for fans, this growing talent pipeline between AEW and WWE only enhances the unpredictability of professional wrestling. With the free-agent market heating up, who knows which AEW stars might be Raw, SmackDown, or NXT-bound next?
Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for more updates on this story and all the latest happenings in the wrestling world!
The Netflix era of WWE Raw is officially in full swing, with the company having already aired two episodes of its flagship program on the world’s biggest streaming platform. However, just two weeks in, a major talking point has emerged: the show’s runtime. The debut episode on January 6 clocked in at just over three hours, but the January 13 episode was noticeably shorter, running just two hours and 30 minutes. This has led many fans to speculate whether WWE plans to lock in a specific runtime for Raw going forward or if it will vary week to week.
According to a recent report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque has a very specific vision for Raw’s runtime. Sources told Dave Meltzer that Triple H believes two hours and 30 minutes is the “sweet spot” for the show—long enough to deliver compelling matches and storylines without dragging on. This vision seems to have directly influenced the January 13 episode, which hit that exact runtime.
However, sticking to this target hasn’t been without challenges. To meet the two-and-a-half-hour mark for the January 13 show, certain segments reportedly had to be cut, including a debut match and post-match promo from Penta. Despite these cuts, it’s unclear whether Netflix imposes strict guidelines on WWE’s runtimes. Meltzer speculated that Netflix may be flexible, as both episodes aired so far have exceeded their planned lengths by a few minutes.
While U.S. audiences are adjusting to Raw’s shorter format on Netflix, international viewers are still being presented with the show as a three-hour broadcast. This is because Raw continues to air on traditional TV networks around the world, where commercial breaks extend the runtime. To accommodate this, WWE has reportedly been filming additional backstage interviews and segments that don’t appear on the Netflix version. These extra scenes help pad the runtime for international audiences while providing content to fill commercial gaps.
For now, it seems fans in the U.S. will enjoy a more streamlined version of Raw on Netflix, while international viewers will continue to see the full-length three-hour version. Whether this shorter runtime will lead to tighter storytelling and fewer filler segments remains to be seen, but Triple H’s focus on quality over quantity is a promising step.
One thing is certain: as WWE continues to adapt to the streaming landscape, changes like these are inevitable. Whether Raw’s Netflix era ultimately reshapes the entire format of WWE’s programming—or just serves as a platform-specific experiment—remains one of the most intriguing stories to watch in 2025.
In what many wrestling fans have suspected for months, WWE and TNA Wrestling have officially confirmed their working relationship, solidifying it with a multi-year partnership. The announcement, made via a joint press release on Thursday afternoon, marks a major milestone for both promotions, as two of the biggest names in professional wrestling join forces in an unprecedented collaboration.
The seeds of this partnership were planted last year, when former TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace made a surprise appearance in the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble. That cameo was followed by a brief stint in NXT for Grace last summer, fueling speculation about a broader working relationship between the two promotions. Over the past year, cross-promotion between TNA talent and WWE’s NXT brand has been met with enthusiasm from fans, paving the way for this formal announcement.
While the press release didn’t go into specifics about whether the partnership would extend to WWE’s main roster, it did confirm that fans can expect continued talent exchanges between TNA and NXT. For now, it seems the focus will remain on developmental and crossover opportunities within these two brands.
The leadership of both WWE and TNA expressed their excitement about the partnership, framing it as a chance to grow their respective rosters and improve the fan experience. Ariel Shnerer, TNA’s Senior VP of Content & Distribution, emphasized how the partnership has already benefited both companies and their audiences.
“This historic relationship demonstrates that collaboration and competition do not have to be mutually exclusive,” Shnerer said. “Our partnership allows the TNA Wrestling brand and its incredible athletes to reach a significantly wider audience, while giving WWE and NXT stars an opportunity to cross the line and gain valuable experience, as they join forces with one of the most talented rosters in professional wrestling today. The response to our collaboration over the past year has been tremendous, and both companies have benefited—but the fans have reaped the greatest rewards.”
Shawn Michaels, the WWE Hall of Famer and head of NXT, echoed Shnerer’s sentiment, highlighting the opportunities this partnership brings for talent development and fan engagement.
“We look forward to growing and evolving our partnership with TNA Wrestling and its outstanding group of athletes by creating new opportunities to further the development of our talent and to elevate the viewer experience at home,” Michaels said.
The announcement signals an exciting time for both promotions as they work to enhance their programming and strengthen their rosters. Whether it’s NXT stars heading to TNA for new challenges or TNA talent getting the chance to showcase their skills in front of WWE’s global audience, this collaboration promises to shake up the wrestling landscape in ways we haven’t seen before.
While fans may be eager to see main roster crossover events involving Raw or SmackDown, for now, the focus appears to be on the NXT and TNA connection. However, given how open both companies seem to be about this partnership, anything feels possible down the road.
With both brands boasting a wealth of talented wrestlers, the potential for dream matches and unique storytelling is endless. For now, all eyes are on how this partnership will unfold in the coming months—and whether it will inspire other wrestling promotions to consider collaborations of their own.
The Milwaukee Brewers have announced that ‘Mr. Baseball’ Bob Uecker has passed away at the age of 90.
The Brewers wrote: “We are heartbroken to announce that Brewers icon & Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Uecker passed away today at the age of 90.”
Uecker is a baseball legend, WWE Hall of Famer and actor. He played for the Milwaukee Braves, then won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964. He also served as the Brewers’ play-by-play radio announcer since 1971.
For wrestling fans, Uecker is best known for his role at Wrestlemania IV, where he interviewed and got choked by Andre the Giant.
As an actor, Uecker starred in the sitcom Mr. Belvedere and appeared in the Major League films.
Tuesday night’s episode of WWE NXT proved to be a must-watch event, delivering surprises that had fans buzzing. Not only did TNA Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich make an appearance at ringside, but the closing segment of the show brought another unexpected moment: the return of Bayley to her old stomping grounds. The former NXT Women’s Champion confronted Roxanne Perez, and the fiery exchange may have just set the stage for a high-profile feud between the two stars.
Roxanne Perez, coming off her recent loss of the NXT Women’s Championship to Giulia, opened up about her reign during the final segment of the show. Perez, who held the title for an impressive 276 days, boldly claimed she elevated the championship and the women’s division as a whole—something she doesn’t believe Giulia is capable of replicating. She also suggested that the current women’s roster would be “lost without her,” doubling down on her role as the division’s backbone.
But not everyone agreed with Perez’s self-assessment. Enter Bayley.
“The Role Model” made her surprise return to NXT, addressing Perez in a rare veteran-versus-prodigy moment. Initially, Bayley attempted to guide Perez, offering advice about how losses can help a wrestler grow stronger. However, Perez wasn’t in the mood for life lessons. She rejected Bayley’s input outright, prompting the veteran to shift her tone.
Bayley reminded Perez that NXT’s women’s division has thrived in her absence and insisted it would continue to do so with or without Perez. Taking it a step further, Bayley declared that while Perez wallowed in her defeat, she herself was on the path to WrestleMania 41, where she plans to capture the WWE Women’s Championship.
The heated confrontation boiled over when Perez blindsided Bayley with a punch to the face. Not one to back down, Bayley responded by raining down punches of her own, ending the show in a chaotic brawl that left fans eager to see what’s next.
Perez’s loss to Giulia last week left many speculating about her future in NXT. The fiery encounter with Bayley suggests that her next chapter may involve the SmackDown star, but how this rivalry plays out is anyone’s guess.
One possibility is that Perez could follow Bayley to SmackDown, where she’s made only one prior appearance. A move to the main roster would make sense for the former champion, who has already achieved so much in NXT and is poised to become a major player on WWE’s biggest stages.
On the other hand, Bayley has proven she’s not above stepping back into NXT to settle a score. Over the past two years, WWE has frequently integrated main roster stars into NXT storylines, with superstars like Becky Lynch, Finn Bálor, and Natalya making impactful appearances on the brand. Bayley working a full-fledged program in NXT could not only elevate Perez but also continue to shine a spotlight on the already thriving division.
Bayley’s return to NXT and her clash with Roxanne Perez feels like a clash of two eras. Bayley helped define NXT’s golden age of women’s wrestling alongside stars like Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch. Perez, meanwhile, represents the next generation of WWE’s women’s division, carving out her legacy with a title reign that brought prestige to the NXT Women’s Championship.
The contrast between Bayley’s veteran confidence and Perez’s youthful defiance has already created a compelling dynamic. If this rivalry continues, it could serve as a defining moment for Perez, whether she stays in NXT or makes the leap to the main roster.
Bayley’s surprise return to NXT and her confrontation with Roxanne Perez marks another exciting chapter for WWE’s developmental brand, which continues to mix established stars with rising talent. Whether this feud unfolds in NXT or on SmackDown, it’s clear that Bayley and Perez are on a collision course.
The lines between WWE and TNA continue to blur, as reigning TNA Knockouts World Champion Masha Slamovich made a high-profile appearance at this week’s WWE NXT. Slamovich, one of the most dominant champions in TNA today, was seen sitting ringside during the show, catching attention during a match between Cora Jade and Kelani Jordan.
This isn’t the first time a TNA star has stepped foot in WWE’s developmental brand—last year, Jordynne Grace and Joe Hendry both made waves with appearances on NXT. Now, Slamovich becomes the first TNA talent to cross over in 2025, sparking speculation about what her appearance might mean for both promotions.
During the Jade-Jordan match, which centered on both women’s desire to challenge for the NXT Women’s North American Championship, the cameras frequently cut to Slamovich at ringside. Commentary also acknowledged her presence, mentioning her upcoming Knockouts title defense against Rosemary at TNA’s Genesis this weekend. After securing her victory, Jade shot a knowing smirk in Slamovich’s direction—a subtle moment that has left fans buzzing about a potential clash between the NXT standout and the TNA champion in the future.
Slamovich has been a dominant force in TNA’s Knockouts division, capturing the Knockouts title from Jordynne Grace at Bound for Glory in 2024. Since then, she’s made four successful defenses, including a hard-fought two-out-of-three falls rematch against Grace and a recent win over Tasha Steelz in December. Known for her hard-hitting style and unrelenting intensity, Slamovich has solidified her place as one of the most respected names in women’s wrestling today.
Slamovich’s appearance comes on the heels of Jordynne Grace’s impressive showing in WWE last year. Grace, who also entered WWE as the Knockouts Champion in early 2024, competed in the Women’s Royal Rumble and even challenged Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Championship at Battleground. Her most recent WWE appearance came at NXT 2300 in November, where she joined a star-studded team featuring Stephanie Vaquer, Zaria, Giulia, and Kelani Jordan.
Slamovich’s ringside visit represents the closest she’s come to making an in-ring debut in WWE. The Russian-born powerhouse has made her name on the independent circuit and in TNA, with brief stints in AEW back in 2021. While no official match or storyline has been announced, her presence on NXT hints at exciting possibilities for the future.
For now, Masha Slamovich’s focus remains on her Knockouts Championship defense against Rosemary at Genesis this weekend. However, her appearance on NXT has opened the door for endless speculation about potential dream matches and storylines. Could Slamovich eventually clash with Cora Jade or another top NXT star? Could this signal deeper collaboration—or even competition—between TNA and WWE?
One thing is clear: Slamovich’s arrival adds another layer of intrigue to WWE NXT, a brand already thriving on fresh faces and compelling matchups.
Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for updates on this developing story and coverage of TNA Genesis!
Tuesday night’s episode of WWE NXT at the Performance Center raised eyebrows with the absence of Corey Graves, who was originally slated to be part of the commentary team. Instead, the show featured a two-man booth consisting of Vic Joseph and Booker T. While many fans initially assumed Graves’ absence was tied to a storyline, new reports suggest there’s more to the situation than meets the eye.
Recently Graves took to X (formally known as Twitter) to express his displeasure over being reassigned from Friday Night SmackDown to WWE NXT. In an tweet earlier on Tuesday, hinted that he’d have plenty to say on NXT later that night. However, the expected commentary appearance never materialized, and sources close to the situation claim his frustrations are very real.
According to Fightful Select, Graves was genuinely upset about his move to NXT, and his no-show on Tuesday was not part of a scripted angle. PWInsider further reported that Graves was spotted at the Orlando Airport on Tuesday, heading back home to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Graves’ feelings are understandable when considering his long history as a staple of WWE’s commentary teams. After being forced to retire from in-ring competition in 2014 due to medical reasons, Graves transitioned to a full-time commentary role. By 2016, he had cemented his place on the main roster, working for both Raw and SmackDown over the years. In 2024, Graves even served as the play-by-play voice for SmackDown, before being replaced by Joe Tessitore.
The current shake-up in WWE’s commentary teams appears to have left Graves without a spot on the main roster. WWE made significant changes to align with Raw’s recent move to Netflix, appointing Michael Cole and Pat McAfee to handle commentary duties for Raw, while Tessitore and Wade Barrett became the voices of SmackDown. These changes seemingly pushed Graves down the hierarchy, relegating him to NXT—a move he reportedly didn’t take kindly to.
For now, there’s no official word from WWE regarding Graves’ absence or the reports of his frustration. Whether this story becomes part of a larger on-screen narrative or remains an off-screen issue remains to be seen.
One thing’s for sure—Corey Graves has been a vital voice for WWE fans over the last decade, and his absence from Tuesday night’s NXT broadcast did not go unnoticed. With NXT continuing to grow as a developmental and third brand for WWE, only time will tell how Graves fits into the picture moving forward.
Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for more updates on this developing story.
WWE will present a new episode of NXT tonight on The CW.
The WWE transfer portal has been busy again, and it’s bringing major changes to the blue brand. The Wyatt Sicks, a faction shrouded in mystery and chaos, are officially moving to WWE SmackDown. This shift not only signals a fresh start for the group but also puts an end to their ongoing feud with The Final Testament.
Fans learned about the move during a backstage segment on this week’s Raw. While speaking with The Miz outside of Adam Pearce’s office, Karrion Kross revealed that The Wyatt Sicks would be leaving the red brand for SmackDown. The announcement makes it clear that WWE is opting to draw a line under the rivalry between The Wyatt Sicks and The Final Testament, which had been a focal point on Raw in recent months.
This decision also sets the stage for Karrion Kross to move on to new storylines without the ominous faction lurking in his shadow. Whether his comments hint at his own brand move or a new angle for Kross remains to be seen.
The Wyatt Sicks haven’t had the smoothest ride on Raw. The faction, led by Bo Dallas in his Uncle Howdy persona, was last seen on the December 23 episode, where their interference led to Dexter Lumis’ match with The Miz ending in a no contest. Prior to that, the group suffered their first loss on the December 9 episode, with Dallas himself taking the pin in a tag match against The Final Testament.
While their cryptic and chaotic presence created intrigue, these losses marked a stumbling block in their momentum. Moving to SmackDown could be a chance for The Wyatt Sicks to regain their edge and establish themselves as a dominant force.
Interestingly, The Wyatt Sicks’ move reunites them with Braun Strowman, another former disciple of Bray Wyatt. Strowman returned to SmackDown earlier via the transfer portal, and his presence adds an intriguing layer to The Wyatt Sicks’ arrival. With their shared history as part of the Wyatt Family legacy, fans are already speculating about potential interactions—or rivalries—between Strowman and the group.
Uncle Howdy wasn’t with the group during their last appearance on Raw.
The move to SmackDown opens up a world of possibilities for The Wyatt Sicks. The blue brand’s roster is packed with potential rivals, from established stars to rising talents. Whether they continue their mysterious and unsettling antics or take a more direct approach, the group’s presence is sure to shake things up on Friday nights.
Meanwhile, SmackDown’s creative team now has the challenge—and opportunity—to revitalize the faction, potentially giving them a stronger spotlight and better creative direction than they had on Raw.
With The Wyatt Sicks leaving Raw, the group gets a much-needed reset. Whether this move allows them to regain their footing and create the same kind of mystique Bray Wyatt brought to WWE remains to be seen. For now, fans will have to tune in to SmackDown to see how The Wyatt Sicks fit into the mix.
As WWE continues to shake up the rosters and craft new storylines, The Wyatt Sicks’ move could be a major turning point for the faction. Will the blue brand become their playground of terror, or will they face new challenges that test their unity? Time will tell.
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