Another name has been added to WWE’s injury list, as Apollo Crews is now sidelined following surgery.

Crews was last seen in action on the January 25 episode of SmackDown, where he defeated Johnny Gargano in a singles match. However, he has since undergone surgery for a torn pectoral muscle.

The WWE star took to Instagram to share the news, writing:

“Heading into surgery today. A few weeks ago on SmackDown, I tore my pec—an unfortunate situation. Sometimes, you do everything right, but there are just some things beyond your control. I’m looking forward to the road ahead, attacking it with a positive and unstoppable mindset.”

Crews has had a career filled with highs and lows in WWE. After debuting in NXT in 2015 with significant hype, he quickly became a fan favorite and was seen as a future star. He was challenged for the NXT Championship during this time, but did not win the title.

He moved to the main roster in 2016, but his momentum stalled. However, he found success in 2020, capturing the United States Championship. In 2021, he embraced his Nigerian heritage and aligned with Commander Azeez. This character shift led to his Intercontinental Championship victory at WrestleMania 37 in a Nigerian Drum Fight against Big E.

In 2022, Crews returned to NXT before being drafted to the main roster in 2023. We wish him a speedy recovery.

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John Cena made his second appearance as part of his WWE retirement tour at the Royal Rumble, competing in the Men’s Royal Rumble match. Although he reached the final two, he was ultimately eliminated by Jey Uso. Now, the fan-favorite star is set to challenge either World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER or Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41.

Following the event, Cena confirmed that he would compete in next month’s Men’s Elimination Chamber match. If he wins, he will earn the opportunity to challenge the champion that Uso does not select.

According to PWInsider, Cena has already returned to Budapest, Hungary, where he is filming Matchbox, a movie based on the iconic toy brand. As of now, he is not scheduled to appear on WWE programming again until the Elimination Chamber event.

The film, produced by Apple Studios, Skydance Media, and Mattel Films, is described as an “action-packed, globetrotting adventure.” While specific plot details remain under wraps, Matchbox follows a group of childhood friends who must work together to prevent an impending worldwide disaster.

Cena leads a cast that includes Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Arturo Castro, Teyonah Parris, Randeep Hooda, Danai Gurira, and Corey Stoll. Filming began in Budapest in January 2025, with additional production planned in Slovakia and Los Angeles.

Roman Reigns’ immediate future in WWE is uncertain following an attack by Seth Rollins after the Royal Rumble. The length of Reigns’ absence remains unknown.

On Monday’s Raw, Michael Cole provided an update on Reigns’ condition. However, instead of a detailed injury report, he relayed a statement from WWE’s medical staff confirming that Reigns would be out of action for the foreseeable future.

The situation stems from the Royal Rumble, where CM Punk eliminated both Reigns and Rollins. Afterward, Rollins launched a vicious assault on Reigns, culminating in a Stomp on the steel steps. Later in the match, Logan Paul eliminated Punk. Rollins took credit for injuring Reigns later in the show.

Reigns’ absence adds another chapter to a rocky several months in his career. In 2024,  Solo Sikoa had challenged Reigns’ leadership, which ultimately led to a split in the faction following Reigns’ hiatus after his WrestleMania XL loss to Cody Rhodes. Reigns made a shocking return at SummerSlam, attacking Solo Sikoa and seemingly turning babyface for the first time since 2020.

Reigns later participated in a WarGames match, where he helped his team secure victory over The New Bloodline this past November. With his status now uncertain, questions remain about when and how The Tribal Chief will return.

The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) debuted a new entrance theme on the February 3rd episode of WWE Raw ahead of their tag team match against Dragon Lee & Rey Mysterio. With their new music, the match ended with the heels securing the victory after a distraction from Logan Paul.

The group’s heel turn has taken them in a drastically different direction. On the December 2, 2024, episode of Raw, Kingston and Woods shockingly turned on their longtime friend and tag team partner, Big E, during The New Day’s 10th-anniversary celebration.

The betrayal made for an emotional and unexpected moment, generating significant heat from the WWE Universe.This change comes after The New Day abandoned Big E.

Since then, Woods and Kingston had been making their entrances without music, accompanied only by a chorus of boos. Their previous theme, “New Day, New Way” by Jim Johnston, featured an intro by Big E, making their recent shift even more symbolic. The group’s heel turn has taken them in a drastically different direction. 

Since the turn, The New Day has embraced a more serious demeanor, shedding their signature colorful attire in favor of a darker, more somber look. Other WWE stars, including Rey Mysterio and CM Punk, have publicly voiced their disapproval of their actions.

Duke Hudson is no longer part of WWE after spending years with the company.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reported that Hudson was released by WWE in January, though news of his departure is only now becoming public. The reason for his release remains unclear.

Hudson debuted under his real name, Brendan Vink, at an NXT house show in 2019 and made his televised debut in 2020, teaming with Shane Thorne. He also competed in EVOLVE Wrestling as part of the promotion’s partnership with WWE.

In 2021, he rebranded as Duke Hudson and participated in the NXT Breakout Tournament. By 2022, he had aligned with Chase University, becoming a key member alongside Andre Chase and Thea Hail.

Hudson won the NXT Tag Team Championship with Chase in 2023, marking his first title victory in WWE. However, Chase University disbanded in late 2024 following a loss to Ridge Holland, leaving Hudson’s future uncertain.

Before the group’s split, Hudson had been a consistent presence in NXT, showcasing his versatility and potential. His departure raises questions about his next move in professional wrestling.

CM Punk is looking for someone to step up and take his place in WWE.

Since his shocking return at Survivor Series 2023, Punk has reestablished himself as a major presence, engaging in feuds with top stars like Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre. He has also shared the ring with rising talent, notably facing Dominik Mysterio in his first match back at a house show in Madison Square Garden.

In a recent interview with Jackie Redmond, Punk reflected on the balance between mentoring younger wrestlers and maintaining his own competitive edge. He expressed his desire for a new challenger to emerge.

“The air I operate in is pretty rare. Obviously, the guys I’m competing against aren’t asking me for advice—they don’t care what I think. But there are others who do, or maybe they ask because they think politically it’s the smart thing to do. I’ve been open about my purpose here: I’m here to help people. The selfish aspect of it is that I can talk to a 20-year-old track and field athlete from NXT and learn something myself. It’s a two-way street.

At 46, I don’t know what ‘cool’ is—if I ever did. Maybe the younger talent can help me with that. In this business, you’re nothing without those who paved the road before you. It’s not a team sport; it’s a very selfish business. I don’t like talking about myself because it leads me to say things that feel egotistical, like, ‘I’m tired of pretending that half the locker room didn’t buy a pair of boots because they saw CM Punk wrestle.’

But I also see it as a powerful responsibility. I don’t want to treat the next generation the way some veterans treated me. It’s learned behavior—some veterans were hard on me because they feared I was coming for their spot. I want someone to be that hungry. I want someone to take my spot. Old lions don’t die of old age; they die from young lions. Eventually, that’s how the book of CM Punk will end. But I haven’t seen anyone man enough to do it yet.”

Punk’s journey in the 2025 Royal Rumble ended when he was eliminated by Logan Paul, adding fuel to his determination to stay at the top. He recently battled Sami Zayn in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match on this week’s WWE Raw.

WWE and Tubi have announced WWE EVOLVE, a new series set to premiere on March 5, 2025, exclusively on Tubi. The show will spotlight rising WWE prospects as they compete for a chance to advance to NXT and, ultimately, Raw or SmackDown. Episodes will air weekly on Wednesdays.

WWE EVOLVE will showcase talent from WWE’s Performance Center and WWE ID program, providing a platform for future superstars to develop their skills and personas.

“We are excited to work with our incredible partners at Tubi to showcase our young, rising talent to the WWE Universe, as they start their in-ring journey competing each week to fulfill their lifelong dream of becoming a WWE Superstar,” said WWE Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative, Shawn Michaels.

The announcement touted that the show “will introduce viewers to the most intense and charismatic prospects recruited from college athletics and independent wrestling as they strive to build their in-ring careers and elevate their personas. WWE EVOLVE will prominently feature talent from WWE’s world-class Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., and WWE ID, a first-of-its-kind developmental program.”

Evolve Wrestling was an American independent professional wrestling promotion founded in 2010 by Gabe Sapolsky, a former booker for Ring of Honor. In 2015, Evolve formed a working relationship with WWE. This allowed WWE to scout Evolve talent and potentially sign them. It also provided Evolve with increased exposure and credibility. In 2020, WWE officially purchased Evolve. This led to the end of Evolve as an independent promotion.

WWE may be moving AJ Styles to a different brand following his surprise return at the Royal Rumble.

Styles, who had been off television for months due to injury, made his comeback during the Men’s Royal Rumble match. According to PWInsider, there was backstage talk over the weekend about Styles potentially moving to the Raw brand in the coming weeks. However, WWE’s exact plans for him remain unclear.

Styles had been sidelined for months after suffering an injury during a match with Carmelo Hayes on an episode of SmackDown. WWE later announced that he had sustained a mid-foot ligament sprain. Styles later revealed that he had a Lisfranc injury, describing the recovery as challenging.

Despite his time away, Styles showed no signs of ring rust in his return. He immediately targeted some of the match’s top competitors, including Roman Reigns, John Cena, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins. However, his Royal Rumble run was cut short when he was eliminated by Logan Paul, who had entered at number 30.

Following the match, Styles expressed his frustration over the elimination in a post-match interview, joking that he might never live it down. However, he also acknowledged that it’s part of the business and took pride in his performance.

WWE fans should anticipate a surprise appearance by Alexa Bliss at tonight’s Royal Rumble. PWInsider.com reports that Bliss has been spotted backstage at the WWE Royal Rumble PLE and is expected to appear on the broadcast.

Although Bliss has posted social media content suggesting she is at home, that is reportedly not the case. This marks a shift from earlier reports stating there had been no movement in negotiations between Bliss and WWE regarding her return, and there had been no discussions about her appearing tonight.

Initial plans called for Bliss to return on Raw in San Jose several weeks ago, but stalled contract negotiations led to those plans being scrapped. Talks reportedly hit a standstill when Bliss’ representatives pushed for a new deal, while WWE preferred she fulfill the terms of her previous contract, which was in place before she took maternity leave in January 2023.

On Friday, the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter featured a report from Dave Meltzer stating that the two sides remain far apart in negotiations, with sources doubting a new agreement will be reached. Clearly, things have changed.

Bliss has not appeared on WWE television since January 2023 due to her maternity leave.

Penta El Zero Miedo delivered one of the most heartfelt promos of his career on a recent edition of WWE Raw, proving that passion transcends language. Following his match, he spoke openly about his journey, the responsibility of representing Mexico, and his deep gratitude for the moment.

“Nobody told me what to say,” Penta shared with Dave LaGrega of Busted Open Radio. “I spoke from my heart because I carry the responsibility of my country, my culture, my friends, and legends.”

Although English isn’t his first language, his words resonated with fans around the world. “I know my English is not perfect, but my heart, my soul… I just speak with my spirit. This is my dream.”

Penta’s emotional promo wasn’t just about personal achievement but about inspiring the next generation of luchadors.

“For Mexicans, this is an example: no matter where you are from, your city, your town—if you have passion, you can be the best.”

His presence in WWE highlights the growing influence of Lucha Libre in mainstream wrestling alongside stars like Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, and Santos Escobar. His ability to connect with audiences beyond words reinforces why representation matters.

Penta’s journey is far from over, but his Raw speech marked a defining moment in his WWE career. Fans now eagerly await what’s next for the fearless luchador.

Penta El Zero Miedo’s rise to WWE has been filled with unforgettable moments, from Lucha Underground to Impact Wrestling and now WWE. Reflecting on his journey during an interview with Dave LaGreca of Busted Open during Royal Rumble 2025 media day, he credits key figures who helped shape his career.

“Tommy [Dreamer] always gave me the best advice in this business… I want to say thank you for everything. You are my role model,” Penta shared.

His recent WWE match against Chad Gable on the Raw on Netflix premiere episode marked a major milestone in his career as it marked his WWE in-ring debut.

“This match with Chad Gable was the turning point of my career. He is one of the best wrestlers in the world.”

Penta’s adaptability has been key to his success, proving that Lucha Libre can thrive at the highest levels. As WWE continues to embrace international styles, his presence adds to the growing influence of luchadors in mainstream wrestling.

With his fearless attitude and undeniable charisma, Penta is poised for even greater success in WWE. Whether it’s a championship run or dream matches against top talent that WWE has to offer, his journey is still unfolding, and fans are excited to see what’s next.

Penta El Zero Miedo and Dominik Mysterio nearly gave reporters a preview of what to expect when they potentially clash in the Men’s Royal Rumble match this Saturday.

Penta, formerly known as Pentagon Jr., signed with WWE earlier this month and made an immediate impact. He secured a victory over Chad Gable in his in-ring debut during the Raw on Netflix premiere episode.

As seen in the clip below, Penta and Mysterio had a heated confrontation. While it’s unclear what sparked the exchange, it was certainly a moment worth watching:

Mysterio had a busy and eventful 2024 in WWE, engaging in several high-profile feuds and matches. As a key member of The Judgment Day, he has consistently used his cunning and underhanded tactics to assist his stablemates.

Despite his heel persona, Dominik has become one of the most talked-about stars on Raw. His character work and in-ring performances have improved significantly, earning recognition from both fans and critics.

So far, other confirmed entrants in the Royal Rumble include John Cena, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Rey Mysterio, LA Knight, Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, Logan Paul, Chad Gable, Bron Breakker, and Carmelo Hayes.

Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins are expanding their reach in the entertainment industry. According to Deadline, the WWE couple has signed with Adventure Media for management. Lynch will continue to be represented by CAA and Brecheen Feldman Breimer Silver & Thompson.

While away from WWE, Lynch has pursued acting opportunities in Hollywood. She will appear in the first season of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, set to air on Paramount Plus. Production is scheduled to begin in August. Additionally, she has joined the cast of Happy Gilmore 2 alongside Adam Sandler.

Lynch is expected to be in town for this Saturday’s Royal Rumble event. While not officially confirmed, she is likely to compete in the Women’s Rumble match, where she has a chance to earn a title shot at WrestleMania 41 in April. Last year at WrestleMania, she fell short in her challenge against Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship.

Rollins, who headlined Raw’s Netflix premiere earlier this month, is slated to compete in the Men’s Royal Rumble match. He will face top competitors, including CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and John Cena, in his attempt to secure a spot at WrestleMania.

Beyond wrestling, Rollins has ventured into acting, appearing in several films and television projects, including:

• 2016: Sharknado: The 4th Awakens – Portrayed AstroTech Lopez.
• 2017: The Jetsons & WWE: Robo-WrestleMania! – Voiced Seth Rollins/Reactor Rollins.
• 2017: Armed Response – Played the role of Brett.
• 2019: Trouble – Provided the voice for Norm.
• 2020: Like a Boss – Appeared as Byron.
• 2025: Captain America: Brave New World – Cast in an undisclosed role but ultimately not featured in the film.

Despite these acting endeavors, Rollins has stated that Hollywood does not provide him the same fulfillment as wrestling. While he remains open to select opportunities, his primary passion remains inside the squared circle.

WWE Royal Rumble weekend will see several notable names in town, with some attending the big event that kicks off WrestleMania season while others are in Indianapolis for wrestling conventions, signings, and other appearances.

While fans may spot legends and former stars around the city, not all will be involved in the show itself. Some may simply be visiting friends backstage or attending as guests. According to PWInsider.com, several well-known figures are expected to be in Indianapolis this weekend.

WWE Legends Expected for Royal Rumble

PWInsider.com reports that several legends are slated to attend Royal Rumble, including:

• The Undertaker
• Kurt Angle
• Sean Waltman (X-Pac) – While his status has not been officially confirmed, internal discussions within WWE suggest that he may be present.

NXT Trainees and Wrestling Prospects in Attendance

WWE is not only bringing in past stars but also several NXT trainees, including:

• Jacob Henry – The son of WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry. Jacob, who graduated from Vandegrift High School in May 2023, announced he signed with WWE ahead of SummerSlam 2024 in Cleveland. His father, Mark Henry, spent 25 years in WWE, originally signing with the company in 1996.
• Brock Rechsteiner – The son of wrestling legend Scott Steiner. Sources close to the family have stated that Rechsteiner will be in Indianapolis. He currently plays as a wide receiver at Jacksonville State University. His father previously revealed that WWE had extended an NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal to him.

With Royal Rumble weekend known for its surprises, fans will have to wait and see who makes an appearance at the show.

It appears that WWE’s black and gold brand will be present at this year’s Royal Rumble, as several NXT stars have reportedly been brought to Indianapolis for the event.

WWE has a history of having former stars, legends, and NXT talents as surprise entrants in the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches. This year seems to be no exception. According to PWInsider.com, the following names have been brought in for the weekend:

• Lash Legend
• Jaida Parker
• Roxanne Perez
• Stephanie Vaquer

At this time, it remains unclear which—if any—of these stars will officially compete in the Women’s Royal Rumble match.

Who Are the NXT Stars Brought in for Royal Rumble?

Lash Legend

Lash Legend is a former basketball player who turned into a WWE superstar. She joined WWE in 2021, initially hosting the Lashing Out with Lash Legend talk show on NXT. She later transitioned to in-ring competition and joined The Meta-Four alongside Noam Dar, Oro Mensah, and Jakara Jackson.

Jaida Parker

Jaida Parker signed with WWE in 2023 and quickly gained attention for her charisma and in-ring potential. She is still early in her career but has shown promise as a rising star in NXT.

Roxanne Perez

Roxanne Perez is a two-time NXT Women’s Champion and a former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion alongside Cora Jade. Before signing with WWE, she wrestled as Rok-C in Ring of Honor and became the inaugural ROH Women’s World Champion.

Stephanie Vaquer

Stephanie Vaquer has competed in CMLL (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre) and NJPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling). She signed with WWE last year and has since been involved in NXT’s main event scene.

With the Royal Rumble known for its surprises, fans will have to wait and see if any of these NXT stars appear in the highly anticipated match.

Powerhouse Hobbs appeared in a pre-taped segment on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, announcing that he wasn’t cleared to travel for the show. This came just days after his brawl with Big Bill on Collision.

During the segment, Hobbs boasted about taking the big man to hell and made it clear that their feud was far from over, stating that “hell was just the beginning.” However, despite his absence from the live broadcast, Hobbs was actually in attendance for the show. 

According to Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, Hobbs was not medically cleared for in-ring action on Wednesday night, which led to the decision to air a pre-taped segment instead. While Hobbs was present at the venue and willing to perform, the report states that he had stitches that had not yet fully healed. He was reportedly advised to take an additional week before being cleared for competition.

The report also noted that Hobbs was originally planned to play a major role on both Dynamite and Collision. As a result, his absence caused a ripple effect, leading to multiple changes in AEW’s programming this week. AEW is taping Saturday’s Collision immediately after Dynamite.

Paul “Triple H” Levesque is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. According to PWInsider.com, the announcement was made during a WWE Town Hall meeting for company employees. Triple H was caught off guard by the surprise, which was delivered by Stephanie McMahon, The Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels. Reports indicate that he became very emotional upon hearing the news and even joked about “killing” WWE President Nick Khan for the unexpected reveal.

Triple H has had a long and storied career in WWE, filled with accomplishments both in the ring and behind the scenes. Below are some of his key accolades:

In-Ring Achievements:

• 14-time World Champion: A 9-time WWE Champion and a 5-time World Heavyweight Champion.
• 5-time Intercontinental Champion: A title often seen as a stepping stone to the world championship.
• 2-time Royal Rumble Winner: Winning in 2002 and 2016, earning the opportunity to headline WrestleMania.
• 1997 King of the Ring Winner: A prestigious tournament victory in WWE.
• Grand Slam Champion: The second wrestler to achieve this feat, winning the WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, Intercontinental Championship, and a tag team championship.
• Tag Team Champion: Held various tag team titles with partners including Shawn Michaels and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
• WWE Hall of Fame Inductee (2019): Previously inducted as part of D-Generation X.
• WrestleMania Main Eventer: Headlined multiple WrestleMania events, WWE’s biggest show of the year.

Beyond the Ring:

• Key Figure in the Attitude Era: A founding member of D-Generation X, a faction that played a major role in WWE’s Attitude Era.
• Creator of NXT: Credited with developing NXT, WWE’s developmental brand, which has become a critically acclaimed platform for rising stars.
• WWE Executive: Held the role of Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events, and Creative, overseeing talent relations, live shows, and WWE’s creative direction.
• Chief Content Officer: Currently serves as WWE’s Chief Content Officer, responsible for the creative direction of the company’s programming.

Triple H’s contributions to WWE extend far beyond his in-ring success. His influence behind the scenes has shaped the modern landscape of professional wrestling, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Chris Jericho has built a resume worthy of a WWE Hall of Fame induction. As the first-ever WWE Undisputed Champion, a nine-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, and a multi-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion, his legacy in the company is undeniable.

Throughout his storied WWE career, Jericho has been involved in legendary rivalries with Shawn Michaels, The Rock, Steve Austin, Triple H, CM Punk, Kevin Owens, and many others. He is also a multi-time Tag Team Champion, having held gold alongside partners such as The Rock, Edge, Big Show, and Chris Benoit.

Jericho is one of the few wrestlers to have held major titles across WWE, WCW, and AEW. He headlined WrestleMania X8, defending the Undisputed Championship against Triple H. His ability to reinvent himself over the years has solidified his status as one of WWE’s all-time greats.

With WWE announcing new Hall of Fame inductees each year ahead of WrestleMania, the question remains—if offered an induction, would Jericho accept the honor? Speaking to The Toronto Sun, Jericho addressed the idea:

“I’m not one of those guys who cares about the Hall of Fame because I don’t think it’s really real anyway. In some ways, it’s like, ‘Eh, whatever.’ In other ways, I want to pull a Sex Pistols and just refuse to show up. Send a letter saying, ‘Do not mention my name,’ like Axl Rose did. What a great wrestling thing to do. It doesn’t matter to me, it really doesn’t. It’s great that guys go in there and I’m glad they get a chance to, but I’m already a Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame is up here [points to head]. It’s more for the fans. At this point in time, I could get put in the Hall of Fame and maybe get booed out of the building. We’ll see what happens. For right here, right now, I’m enjoying what I’m still doing and I definitely wouldn’t go in the Hall of Fame if I’m still actively performing in the ring. We’ll see where it goes.

For right now, I feel good, I’m doing great work, and when I feel it’s time to hang up the boots, I will do so. Until then, I’m enjoying being part of the business, as I always have for the last 34 years.”

Currently, Jericho is the reigning ROH World Champion and remains an active competitor in AEW.

WWE has officially signed a significant free agent in Jordynne Grace, a move many anticipated. According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, WWE sources have confirmed that Grace has inked a multi-year contract with the company.

The report reveals that WWE expressed their interest and extended an offer a few weeks before Grace completed her commitments with TNA. The promotion, which maintains a working relationship with WWE, was fully aware that Grace intended to leave. Sources within WWE noted that the company finalized the signing almost immediately after her final match in TNA, aiming to secure her before she could enter free agency.

Grace’s final appearance for TNA occurred during the Genesis pay-per-view event on Sunday night in Dallas, Texas, where she faced Tessa Blanchard. In the match, Grace put over Blanchard, marking her exit from the promotion. Although it was previously reported that her TNA deal would run through January 2025, this new development confirms an earlier-than-expected departure.

Grace has made prior appearances for WWE, including an impressive showing in the 2023 Royal Rumble match, which reportedly left a strong impression on WWE officials. Many speculated that she would join WWE once her TNA contract concluded, and this signing has now fulfilled those expectations.

Dakota Kai, one of WWE’s most resilient and dynamic performers, is once again on the injured list following a tag team match on the January 20th episode of Raw. Teaming with IYO SKY against Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler, Kai reportedly suffered an injury during the bout.

According to PWInsider.com, Kai was “hurt” during the match, with one source speculating that the issue may have stemmed from a rough bump taken on a missile dropkick. It was later confirmed to be a concussion. Kai has been pulled from WWE programming and was notably absent from this week’s Raw.

As of now, it’s unclear whether this injury will prevent Dakota Kai from participating in the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble, which is set to take place this weekend. Kai’s potential absence would be a significant blow to both her and her faction, Damage CTRL, as the group has been a prominent force in WWE’s women’s division.

Kai’s latest setback is part of an unfortunate pattern in her career, as she has dealt with multiple significant injuries over the years:

1. Right ACL Tear – December 2018
   • Kai tore her ACL in her right knee during an NXT live event in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This injury sidelined her for over nine months, costing her a spot in the inaugural Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament.
2. Shoulder Injury – Late 2020
   • During her NXT run, Kai suffered a shoulder injury that briefly removed her from active competition. While not severe, it slowed her momentum during her growing partnership with Raquel González.
3. Left ACL Tear – May 2023
   • In a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match on SmackDown, Kai suffered a torn ACL in her left knee after a botched top-rope move. The injury required surgery and kept her out for 9–12 months, sidelining her for the remainder of 2023.

The trailer for Dave Bautista’s upcoming Hollywood project, In The Lost Lands, has officially been released. The film is written by Paul W.S. Anderson and Constantin Werner, based on the short story of the same name by renowned author George R. R. Martin.

The plot centers on a queen who, desperate to fulfill her desire for love, makes a bold move by enlisting the feared sorceress Gray Alys (Milla Jovovich). Gray Alys is tasked with venturing into the ghostly wilderness of the Lost Lands to acquire a magical power. Alongside her guide, the drifter Boyce (Dave Bautista), the two must navigate the perilous landscape and outwit both men and demons.

The cast also features Arly Jover, Amara Okereke, Fraser James, and others in supporting roles. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the movie is set to hit theaters nationwide on March 7, 2025.

To get a glimpse of this epic fantasy adventure, you can watch the trailer here:

Bautista’s breakout moment came when he was cast as Drax the Destroyer in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). His portrayal of the literal-minded but lovable alien warrior won audiences over and showcased his comedic timing. Drax became a fan favorite, and Bautista reprised the role in subsequent Marvel films.

Bautista continued to land major roles, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s top action stars:

• Dune (2021): Played Glossu Rabban, a brutal enforcer in Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptation of the sci-fi classic. He will reprise this role in Dune: Part Two (2024).
• Army of the Dead (2021): Starred as Scott Ward in Zack Snyder’s zombie heist film on Netflix.
• Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022): Showcased his comedic and dramatic chops as Duke Cody in Rian Johnson’s murder-mystery ensemble.

Asuka appears to be edging closer to her return to in-ring action after an extended hiatus due to a knee injury.

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, creative plans involving Asuka have been discussed, including a potential tag team match, though that idea was reportedly scrapped. As of now, her official return date remains unclear.

The former champion underwent knee surgery last year following an injury that, despite speculation, did not immediately sideline her. Asuka continued competing, including at Backlash France in April, where she and her partner lost the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles to Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. After announcing she would be taking a break to address the injury, Asuka underwent surgery and has since been focused on rehab. 

She has documented her recovery journey through vlogs on her YouTube channel, offering fans an inside look at her progress. Fightful added there have been no reports of Asuka training at the WWE Performance Center or any confirmation of her status for the Royal Rumble.

For now, fans can only wait and watch for updates as Asuka continues her road to recovery.

WWE fans may soon witness a marquee singles match between Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair. According to Fightful Select, the potential clash has been discussed for WWE WrestleMania 41. Stratton, who has often been compared to Flair, has cited the multi-time champion as her inspiration for becoming a wrestler. Over the years, Stratton has expressed her interest in facing Flair in several interviews.

Stratton’s meteoric rise in WWE has been one of the company’s standout stories. Since joining the main roster in 2024, she has achieved significant success, including winning the Women’s Money in the Bank match. She capped off the year by cashing in on Nia Jax to capture the WWE Women’s Championship at the start of 2025.

Charlotte Flair has been out of action for over a year due to a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus suffered in a December 2023 match against Asuka. Flair has been preparing for her return, with WWE airing vignettes on SmackDown to build anticipation.

WWE WrestleMania 41 will take place as a two-night event on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium. A match between Stratton and Flair would pit one of WWE’s brightest rising stars against a proven legend, making it a must-see event for fans.

Charlotte Flair has officially confirmed her return to WWE, announcing her participation in this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble match. The announcement came during a vignette that aired on Friday’s episode of SmackDown, where Flair declared, “The GOAT doesn’t have to call themselves the GOAT. I’ve crafted a legacy no one can touch, and I know exactly who I am. And I’m back.”

Flair has been absent from WWE since December 2023 due to a severe knee injury sustained during a match against Asuka on SmackDown. The injury, which involved a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus, required surgery in January 2024. Throughout her recovery, Flair kept fans updated via social media, sharing glimpses of her training and rehabilitation process.

The Royal Rumble premium live event will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Flair’s return promises to add excitement and star power to the highly anticipated match.

The winner of the Women’s Royal Rumble Match will earn a title match of their choosing at WrestleMania 41. They can either challenge Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley or Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton. 

What Fans Can Expect from Charlotte Flair’s WWE Return

WWE fans may soon witness a marquee singles match between Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair. Both stars have expressed interest in facing each other in previous interviews, and according to Fightful Select, the bout has been discussed as a potential match for WWE WrestleMania 41. However, these plans are tentative and subject to change, as is often the case in WWE.

Ripley and Belair have been two of WWE’s top stars for several years but have mostly been kept apart, with only occasional teases of a matchup. Recently, Ripley regained the WWE Women’s World Championship by defeating Liv Morgan during the WWE Raw on Netflix premiere. Meanwhile, Belair continues to hold the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Naomi.

The two stars were previously slated to face each other at WWE Money in the Bank 2022, where Ripley was set to challenge Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship. However, an injury forced Ripley to withdraw, and Belair instead faced Carmella. Since then, Ripley and Belair’s interactions have been limited, though they did work together as teammates leading into WWE Survivor Series 2024 in the Women’s WarGames match.

WWE WrestleMania 41 is set to take place as a two-night event on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium.