WWE NXT tonight on The CW.
After months on the sidelines due to injury, Tyler Bate is reportedly gearing up for his WWE comeback. The former NXT UK Champion has been out of action since last summer, when he and longtime ally Pete Dunne (aka Butch) secured a tag team victory over Hank Walker and Tank Ledger on On WWE NXT.
Back in July, Michael Cole confirmed on Monday Night RAW that Bate had suffered an injury, and shortly after, the English star took to social media to reveal the details—he had torn his left pectoral muscle and tendon, requiring surgery and extensive rehab.
Recent reports indicate that Bate has been cleared for an in-ring return, and according to PWInsider, the plan is for him to join the RAW brand once he’s back. While there’s no official word on when exactly he’ll step back into the ring, it could happen at any moment.
With Bate’s history of standout performances in both NXT UK and NXT, his return to WWE programming adds another exciting layer to RAW’s roster. However, it remains to be seen what creative direction the company will take with him. Will he reunite with Dunne, or could we see a fresh singles push?
WWE Raw airs live globally on Netflix today with an early start time at 3:00 pm ET from the Forest National in Brussels, Belgium.
Mickie James will not be returning for the second season of WWE LFG, as she has been replaced on the show’s judging panel by Michelle McCool. Reports indicate that The Undertaker, a host of the series and McCool’s husband, was behind the push to have his wife join the program. However, sources clarify that The Undertaker did not request James be removed—only that McCool be added.
Despite this change, fans haven’t seen the last of Mickie James in WWE-related appearances. According to Fightful Select, James still has upcoming promotional commitments with WWE, meaning she’ll continue to be involved with the company in some capacity.
James originally appeared on WWE LFG alongside The Undertaker, Booker T, and Bubba Ray Dudley, as they mentored aspiring wrestlers hoping to land a WWE contract. While her absence will be felt, McCool—a former multi-time WWE Women’s Champion—brings her own veteran experience to the role.
Though she’s off WWE LFG, Mickie James is staying busy inside the ring. She’s set to face Maki Itoh at WrestleCon’s Mark Hitchcock Memorial Supershow during WrestleMania weekend. The match was officially announced on Sunday, adding another exciting bout to the highly anticipated event.
The updated card for the April 17th show now features:
🔹 Minoru Suzuki vs. Butterbean (Special Guest Enforcer: Dan Severn)
🔹 Mickie James vs. Maki Itoh
With James remaining active in both WWE-affiliated promotions and independent events, it’s clear she’s not slowing down anytime soon. Fans eager to see her in action won’t have to wait long, as her WrestleCon showdown with Itoh promises to be a must-see match.
Over the past few months, speculation has been running wild about former AEW stars making the jump to WWE. But few names have generated as much buzz as Malakai Black and Rey Fenix. Now, WWE has seemingly added fuel to the fire with two cryptic video packages that aired during SmackDown this past Friday—both of which have fans convinced that these two stars are on their way.
The first teaser was brief but packed with intrigue. The video opened with a crack of orange lightning before revealing a shadowy figure perched atop a turnbuckle. With eerie ambient noise buzzing in the background, the screen flashed again, and just like that—it was over.
Despite lasting only six seconds, the imagery was enough to send social media into a frenzy, with many speculating that the vignette was hinting at the arrival of Rey Fenix. The former AEW star, best known for his jaw-dropping high-flying abilities alongside his brother Penta as part of the Lucha Brothers, reportedly finished his AEW contract in early March.
The big question now is: If this is indeed a teaser for Fenix, will he be joining Penta on Raw, or will he be making his mark as a solo star on SmackDown?
While Fenix’s vignette was mysterious, the second teaser was even more cryptic. It began with swirling grey smoke over a black background before a pulsating white “4” appeared at the center of the screen. The sixteen-second clip then abruptly cut to black.
This immediately led to speculation that Malakai Black—formerly known as Aleister Black in WWE—could be making his long-awaited return. The number “4” could signify several things, including his ties to the occult-inspired “House of Black” faction in AEW or his previous WWE character’s fascination with symbolism and darkness.
Black, who was released by WWE in 2021, had a memorable run in NXT and a solid, albeit short-lived, main roster stint before his departure. His last WWE match was a brutal no-disqualification loss to Kevin Owens on Raw in 2020. Now, with rumors swirling that he parted ways with AEW in January, fans are wondering if he’s set to rejoin WWE—potentially alongside his wife, Zelina Vega, who currently wrestles for the company.
With WrestleMania season behind us and WWE entering a new creative phase, it wouldn’t be surprising to see major signings debut in the coming weeks. If these vignettes are truly hinting at Fenix and Black’s arrivals, WWE could be setting up two major shake-ups for the SmackDown brand.
Until then, fans will be keeping a close eye on the next set of teasers—because if WWE has taught us anything, it’s that the best surprises are always just around the corner.
For decades, Lilian Garcia’s voice has been synonymous with some of WWE’s most legendary moments. From championship introductions to emotional farewells, her signature delivery has been immortalized in WWE history, video games, and collectibles. However, a new era is beginning, as Garcia has officially announced that her most recent appearance on WWE SmackDown was her final show as the blue brand’s full-time ring announcer.
Garcia broke the news to fans via Instagram, thanking the Spanish crowd at Friday’s event before confirming that she would no longer be a full-time announcer for WWE moving forward.
“There’s just a new era upon us. Things are being shifted around,” Garcia explained, hinting at broader changes within the company.
While stepping away from weekly announcing duties, Garcia made it clear that she’s not cutting ties with WWE. She confirmed that she will still be involved with the company in select capacities, including performing at special events. Her first scheduled appearance post-SmackDown departure will be at the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12, where she will be lending her vocal talents.
Additionally, Garcia teased new projects in collaboration with WWE, though she remained tight-lipped on specifics.
“I am working with WWE on some new projects,” she revealed. “So, I invite you to follow me and just keep along this journey. It’s a brand new chapter, and we’ll see what happens.”
Although she’s stepping back from her weekly role, Garcia assured fans that WWE will always be home to her. Before officially ending her full-time duties, she will be part of the promotion’s European tour, specifically the upcoming German leg.
As of now, WWE has not announced a permanent replacement for Garcia on SmackDown, but she left the door open for occasional returns.
“You never know if I pop up on Raw or SmackDown whenever I’m needed,” she said, suggesting that she may still lend her iconic voice to WWE when the moment calls for it.
Garcia’s departure from weekly programming marks the end of an era, but her continued presence ensures that her legacy will live on in WWE. Whether through special appearances or new projects, fans haven’t heard the last of Lilian Garcia just yet.
WWE SmackDown takes place today at the Olimpic Arena, Barcelona, Spain.
International Netflix subscribers can watch tonight’s episode live, beginning at 3:00 pm ET. The show will air on a tape delay in the United States on the USA Network, starting at 8:00 pm ET.
WWE’s recent wave of free-agent signings could be continuing, as reports indicate that former NEVER Openweight Champion Jeff Cobb might be heading to the company. According to Fightful Select, WWE has expressed interest in signing Cobb, who previously turned down an opportunity with the company in favor of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
One source even claimed that Cobb is already listed on WWE’s internal roster, though this has yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, AEW sources reportedly do not expect Cobb to be heading their way, suggesting that if he leaves NJPW, WWE could be his next destination.
Cobb is currently set to compete in the New Japan Cup, where he faces former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito in the second round. His recent frustrations about his lack of success in NJPW—including underwhelming performances in the G1 Climax—have fueled speculation that he may be on his way out. Given his standing in NJPW’s United Empire faction, previously led by AEW star Will Ospreay, a potential departure would mark a major shift in his career.
The outcome of his upcoming tournament match could provide further clues regarding his future. If Cobb suffers an early elimination, it may signal that NJPW is preparing for his exit.
If Cobb does sign with WWE, he would join a growing list of high-profile acquisitions. The company has already brought in Penta, Ricky Saints (formerly Ricky Starks), Jade Cargill, Ethan Page, and Lexis King (formerly Brian Pillman Jr.), along with top international talents like Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer. Additionally, former AEW star Malakai Black has been rumored to be on WWE’s radar, with creative reportedly pitching ideas for his return despite no official confirmation.
With WWE continuing to reshape its roster with fresh talent, Cobb’s potential arrival could add another dynamic powerhouse to the mix. His blend of strength, agility, and technical prowess would make him a strong fit for the company’s heavyweight division.
Stay tuned as more details emerge on Cobb’s future and whether WWE will land yet another major free agent.
With WrestleMania 41 just around the corner, the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is beginning to take shape. Already announced for induction are Triple H, Michelle McCool, and Lex Luger, and now, it appears WWE has chosen their tag team inductees—but it’s not the duo many expected.
Despite speculation that Demolition could be getting the nod this year, former WWE star Typhoon revealed that The Natural Disasters, the powerhouse team of himself and the late Earthquake, will be entering the Hall of Fame next month.
During an appearance on Sportskeeda WrestleBinge, Typhoon—real name Fred Ottman—shared the big news, expressing his gratitude for the honor.
“It is an honor. It was crazy when I got that phone call and they told me that. Mr. Prichard called me. He’s an awesome guy, and I couldn’t believe it. I was like, ‘Wow, what an incredible thing.’ I always say there’s so many guys that are so worthy to be in there that aren’t yet. For this to happen, it’s just amazing.”
The Natural Disasters formed in May 1991, when Earthquake (John Tenta) and Typhoon (then known as Tugboat) joined forces under the management of Jimmy Hart. The two massive competitors initially worked as heels, engaging in a feud with the Legion of Doom. However, their run as villains didn’t last long. In early 1992, Jimmy Hart turned his back on them in favor of Ted DiBiase and IRS of Money Inc., prompting the Natural Disasters to turn babyface.
The feud with Money Inc. led to their crowning moment on July 20, 1992, when they defeated DiBiase and IRS to win the WWE World Tag Team Championship. Though their reign lasted just a few months—dropping the belts back to Money Inc. in October—the duo remained a popular act until Earthquake left WWE in early 1993, bringing their partnership to an end. There were plans for a feud between the two, but Earthquake’s departure meant fans never got to see the former champions collide.
Though their time together in WWE was relatively brief, the Natural Disasters left a lasting impression on fans with their sheer size, strength, and surprising agility for big men. Their induction into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025 ensures that their contributions to the tag team division will not be forgotten.
With just a few weeks to go until WrestleMania weekend, it’ll be interesting to see who else joins this year’s Hall of Fame class. Who else do you think deserves a spot? Let us know in the comments!
Stephanie McMahon is stepping back into the WWE spotlight—but not in the boardroom. Instead, she’s set to launch her own interview series, Stephanie’s Places, which will premiere on ESPN+ on Wednesday, March 26. The ten-episode series is produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, alongside ESPN and WWE, and will feature McMahon sitting down with some of the biggest names in wrestling history.
With Stephanie’s Places, McMahon will take a page out of Manning’s playbook, mirroring his Manning’s Places series by exploring the personal and professional journeys of WWE’s top stars in locations that hold significance for them.
“WWE has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” McMahon said. “I’m looking forward to having viewers join me as we visit some of the most iconic stars of past and present, in places of meaning for them, and hear how they overcame adversity to become who they are today.”
The series will kick off with a blockbuster first episode, as Stephanie McMahon sits down with CM Punk in an interview recorded just before WWE SummerSlam 2024 in Cleveland. Given Punk’s tumultuous history with WWE and his shocking return last year, this conversation is sure to turn heads.
Other major WWE names set to appear throughout the season include:
The season finale, airing May 28, will be one of the most emotional episodes, as McMahon interviews John Cena. With Cena inching closer to retirement, the episode will serve as a reflection on his legendary career and his impact on WWE.
While WWE programming is no stranger to documentaries and behind-the-scenes specials, Stephanie’s Places offers a fresh, intimate perspective. Rather than focusing solely on in-ring careers, McMahon’s series will explore personal struggles, triumphs, and the roads that led these superstars to where they are today.
With its mix of nostalgia, storytelling, and insight from some of the biggest names in wrestling, Stephanie’s Places is shaping up to be must-watch content for WWE fans.
