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Hulk Hogan No Longer Scheduled For WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

Fans should no longer expect to see Hulk Hogan at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event this weekend from San Antonio, Texas.

Hogan was originally slated to appear at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 25th, though his role at the event remained unclear. The appearance had raised eyebrows given Jesse Ventura, who is also scheduled to be at the show, has a well-documented history with Hogan. Their tension dates back to when Hogan reportedly tipped off Vince McMahon about Ventura’s plans to unionize wrestlers.

However, Hogan will not be appearing as planned. Chris Featherstone first reported the cancellation, with Dave Meltzer later confirming the news. According to Featherstone, Hogan’s absence is due to a family-related issue and is unrelated to the reception he received during his Raw on Netflix appearance.

Hogan’s recent appearance on Raw on Netflix went viral after fans heavily booed him during the segment, a moment that garnered significant attention from various media outlets. Hogan was on Raw to promote the show and hype WWE’s partnership with his Real American Beer, one of the company’s new sponsors. Following the appearance, there was speculation that Hogan might not appear on television as frequently moving forward.

Jesse Ventura Confirms Status For Saturday Night’s Main Event

Nikki Bella Is In Talks With WWE About Returning To The Ring

Nikki Bella could be on the verge of making a return to the wrestling ring. TMZ Sports reported on Thursday that the former WWE Superstar is in talks with the company about a potential comeback. According to the report, discussions have recently begun, and Nikki has already started training in anticipation of a possible agreement.

This development is fairly new, as talks between Nikki and WWE reportedly began after her appearance at Raw in Los Angeles a few weeks ago. While there is no confirmed timeline for her return, the possibility of seeing Nikki back in the ring has sparked excitement among fans.

Nikki and her twin sister, Brie Bella, left WWE in 2023, rebranding themselves as the Garcia Twins. When asked about a potential WWE return on the red carpet of the Raw on Netflix premiere, Nikki teased the idea.

“Will we ever see the Bella Twins back? Good question,” she said. “I just may be here looking at my competition soon, so stay tuned.”

Nikki officially stepped away from in-ring competition in 2019, citing health concerns, including a career-threatening neck injury. She announced her retirement shortly thereafter and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame alongside her sister in 2020. Their contributions to WWE, particularly in elevating women’s wrestling and bridging it with mainstream entertainment, remain influential.

Outside the ring, Nikki has built a thriving career. As the star of reality shows like Total Divas and Total Bellas, she helped bring mainstream attention to WWE’s women’s division. 

If a deal is finalized, Nikki’s return would mark a significant moment for WWE fans and a potential new chapter in her legendary career.

Alexa Bliss Is In A Contract Dispute With WWE

A new report has come out detailing why plans for Alexa Bliss’s WWE return have been shelved. Originally, Bliss was slated to make her comeback several weeks ago during Raw in San Jose, with creative involving The Wyatt Six faction reportedly pitched as part of her return. However, all plans for Bliss were abruptly dropped, even though the faction itself was moved to SmackDown—where it has yet to debut.

The decision to halt Bliss’s return was not due to creative issues or her readiness to compete. Despite being prepared to return, Bliss is not currently featured in any creative pitches, including for the upcoming Women’s Royal Rumble match. Complicating matters is her contract status: Bliss remains under an older deal that predates her time off to have her first child.

According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Bliss has been seeking a new contract with improved terms, while WWE has pushed for her to return under the terms of her existing agreement, which had been extended to account for missed time.

The belief within WWE was that Bliss would make a surprise return at the January 13th episode of Raw in San Jose, resuming her role as a regular member of the Raw roster. However, just before the event, representatives for Bliss reportedly contacted WWE to request a new contract with better compensation and perks.

WWE, taking a firm stance, insisted she return under her existing deal, leading to a standoff. When Bliss’s camp held their ground, WWE responded by pulling all creative plans for her return and freezing her storyline involvement indefinitely.

The situation remains unresolved, with both sides at an impasse. Notably, Bliss removed all references to WWE from her social media bios on January 14th, further fueling speculation about the strained relationship between the two parties.

Britt Baker Addresses Rumor That She Cheated On Adam Cole

Adam Cole and Britt Baker ended their relationship this past fall, but Cole has said they they remain friends and share mutual respect for one another.

Recently, however, a rumor began circulating that Baker had cheated on Cole during their relationship. The speculation originated from comments made by former WCW star Konnan on his podcast. Konnan addressed the breakup, claiming, “I was the first one that said her and Cole had broken up. They were on me again. Now you see it’s true. And I’m gonna throw this little one in there—a very credible source said it happened because she was cheating on him.”

In response, Baker took to X to deny the allegations and defend herself against the claims. She wrote:

“I understand we as performers are expected to have thick skin through opinions and lies we read about ourselves, but spreading lies about my personal life is just low, weird, and something I won’t tolerate.

I’ve never cheated on anyone in my life. #TellYourSource”

The situation has sparked debate among fans, with many showing support for Baker as she navigates the controversy. Neither Cole nor Baker has publicly commented further on the matter since Baker’s tweet.

Hurt Syndicate Win AEW Tag Team Titles

The Hurt Syndicate, consisting of Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, have captured gold in AEW. On Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Lashley and Benjamin challenged Private Party for the AEW Tag Team Titles, emerging victorious in a dominant performance.

The match came on the heels of weeks of animosity between the two teams. The Hurt Syndicate interrupted Private Party’s celebration on a recent episode of Dynamite, where MVP proposed a toast, declaring that Lashley and Benjamin would soon be the AEW Tag Team Champions. The clash was largely one-sided, with Lashley and Benjamin overpowering the champions before securing the win and claiming the titles.

The journey of The Hurt Syndicate in AEW began in late 2024. MVP made his debut at Dynamite: Grand Slam in September, followed by Lashley and Benjamin’s arrivals at Dynamite’s 5 Year Anniversary and Fright Night Dynamite in October. Lashley quickly entered a feud with Swerve Strickland, defeating him at Full Gear in November. Meanwhile, Benjamin showcased his skills by competing in the 2024 Continental Classic tournament between November and December.

With this victory, The Hurt Syndicate has established itself as a dominant force in AEW’s tag team division, signaling more challenges and rivalries to come.

Update On WWE’s Plans For Revival Of EVOLVE

Fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on a new WWE show, currently under the working title WWE NXT Evolve. Reports suggest that the project is still in development, with Gabe Sapolsky playing a key role. Sapolsky, who worked with Paul Heyman in ECW, co-founded Ring of Honor (ROH), and later led EVOLVE as its head booker and head of talent relations, is said to be actively involved in this endeavor.

According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, the concept for WWE NXT Evolve remains “in play,” but no concrete plans have been confirmed. The report notes that some independent wrestling talents had been approached about their availability for a potential taping date, though that initial date was later postponed. As of now, there are no internal WWE dates scheduled for anything related to the brand.

The proposed show would likely feature WWE NIL (Next in Line) and developmental talents, providing a platform for the company’s rising stars. However, nothing is official until WWE formally moves forward with the project.

Gabe Sapolsky’s involvement in the project has drawn attention, given his storied history in professional wrestling. Sapolsky began working as a creative consultant for WWE’s NXT brand in January 2016. He was released in January 2022 but returned in September of that year. EVOLVE, the independent promotion Sapolsky founded, was acquired by WWE after shutting down during the pandemic in 2020.

For now, fans will have to wait for more concrete updates as the project continues to develop.

Top Free Agent Expected To Wrestle In WWE Royal Rumble Match

Speculation is building among WWE fans about potential surprise entrants for the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble Match, with Jordynne Grace emerging as a top contender for a surprise debut. Reports suggest Grace, who has impressed WWE officials in the past, may be on her way to the company following her recent departure from TNA Wrestling.

Grace was spotted at the WWE Performance Center this week, according to Mike Johnson of PWInsider. While her presence was brief, sources within WWE creative believe she’ll participate in the upcoming Women’s Royal Rumble match.

Her contract with TNA is set to expire in January 2025. At TNA’s Genesis pay-per-view event, Grace faced Tessa Blanchard in what is speculated to be her final match with the promotion, putting over Blanchard as she prepares to exit. She received a warm celebration backstage after her match. Adding fuel to the rumors, TNA Wrestling recently removed her from its official roster.

Jordynne Grace in WWE & NXT

This isn’t Grace’s first interaction with WWE. She participated in a tryout back in 2018 but ultimately chose to sign with IMPACT Wrestling (formerly TNA), where she solidified her reputation as one of the most dominant women in professional wrestling.

Grace also made a one-off appearance in the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble Match, earning high praise for her performance and leading to additional appearances in NXT.

Jordynne Grace in the Royal Rumble

WWE has reportedly been monitoring Grace’s career closely, recognizing her exceptional mix of strength, speed, and charisma. Her addition to the roster could lead to exciting matchups against top WWE stars like Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Bianca Belair, potentially creating compelling rivalries and elevating the women’s division further.

As of now, WWE has not confirmed her signing, but the signs point to Grace stepping into WWE’s spotlight sooner rather than later.

Saraya Splits Up With Ronnie Radke

Saraya Bevis, known professionally as AEW’s Saraya, and Ronnie Radke, the lead vocalist of Falling in Reverse, have ended their six-year relationship. According to TMZ Sports, the couple broke up late last year. Speculation about their split began over a month ago when Saraya notably did not post a birthday tribute to Radke on December 15, a gesture often made by public couples.

While the reasons for their breakup remain unclear, both maintain demanding schedules. Saraya is actively involved with AEW and other projects, while Radke’s band is heavily booked with gigs. During their time together, Falling in Reverse released the single “Zombified,” which Saraya adopted as her entrance theme in AEW.

Saraya has not appeared on AEW television since the October 8 episode of Dynamite, where she participated in a four-way AEW Women’s World Title Eliminator Match against Jamie Hayter, Willow Nightingale, and Nyla Rose. At the 11th annual Reality Television Awards in November, Saraya revealed she was taking a short break from AEW.

She later addressed speculation about her absence, and said her time off was requested for personal reasons. Saraya reportedly re-signed with AEW in Fall 2024.

Corey Graves Expected Back on Commentary For Tonight’s WWE NXT

Corey Graves appears to be returning to a regular routine after a tumultuous few weeks in WWE. The commentator sparked attention last week with a tweet expressing frustration over his recent move to NXT. Graves claimed he was told he wasn’t “famous enough” for a spot on Raw or SmackDown, leading to his assignment on NXT.

According to Corey Brennan of Fightful Select, Graves is scheduled to be back on television at tonight’s WWE NXT and is expected to attend afternoon rehearsals at the WWE Performance Center.

WWE NXT Preview for Tonight (1/21)

Brennan noted that there has been no indication from Graves or his inner circle that this situation is part of a storyline.

Last week in a post on X/Twitter, Graves expressed disappointment in his role with WWE.

“Imagine chasing your dream. Then being TOLD (not deciding) that you’re no longer physically able to pursue your dream. Then you dedicate your life to something ‘dream adjacent’ and being pretty f**ing awesome at it. And then, when it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, being told you’re not famous enough for your own job. Just in case you’ve wondered where I’ve been.”

He was reportedly scheduled to be at last week’s WWE NXT broadcast, but did not appear.

Rhea Ripley Match Set For WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

A new match has been added to the lineup for the upcoming WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event special: Rhea Ripley will face Nia Jax in what promises to be an intense showdown. This announcement follows events on this week’s episode of Raw, where Nia Jax ambushed Ripley backstage.

Later in the night, Jax competed in singles action, defeating Raw newcomer Bayley with her finishing move, the An-Nia-Lator. After the match, Ripley confronted Jax, leading to a chaotic ringside brawl between the two.

Ripley officially issued a challenge to Jax for a match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. While the bout is confirmed, it remains unclear whether Ripley will defend her WWE Women’s World Championship in this contest.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. The event is set to air on NBC at 8 PM ET.

Bayley Moved To Raw In WWE Transfer Window

Bayley has officially been moved to Raw as part of the WWE transfer window initiative aimed at shaking up its rosters.

WWE introduced the transfer window concept in late 2024, allowing talent from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT to negotiate moves between brands. While stars such as Drew McIntyre, Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens, and Cody Rhodes have made appearances on other brands, their transfers have yet to be formally announced.

WWE Transfer: The Wyatt Sicks Moved to SmackDown

Bayley is set to wrestle Nia Jax, a fellow former WWE Women’s Champion, on tonight’s episode of Raw. This match follows Bayley’s loss to SmackDown Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton on last week’s episode of SmackDown. Bayley had earned that title shot by winning a fatal four-way match against Jax, Naomi, and Bianca Belair. Adding intrigue to tonight’s match, it was Jax who originally defeated Bayley for the Women’s Title at SummerSlam after earning her championship opportunity by winning the Queen of the Ring tournament.

Bayley’s move to Raw promises to inject fresh rivalries into the red brand while continuing her ongoing pursuit of championship gold.

Britt Baker Report Is Said To Be ‘Blown Way Out Of Proportion’

Recent reports regarding Britt Baker’s status with AEW have stirred speculation, but the situation may not be as dire as it seems.

According to Wade Keller of PWTorch, Baker’s position within AEW is uncertain. Baker is reportedly unpopular in the women’s locker room and is said to be hard to deal with. 

Rrumors that her lack of TV time is related to her breakup with Adam Cole have been debunked. Keller asserted that AEW CEO Tony Khan has grown frustrated with Baker, resulting in her current absence, though he noted she would likely be brought back if circumstances change.

In response to these claims, Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer provided a different perspective. Alvarez reported that the rumors about Baker being finished with AEW are “blown way out of proportion.”

britt baker cobra kai 1
Britt Baker appeared in the Netflix series Cobra Kai

While it’s true that Baker is not being used and there are no imminent plans for her return, Alvarez emphasized that there is no indication she is done with the company.

Baker was last seen on AEW programming on the November 11th episode of Dynamite, where she defeated Penelope Ford in a singles match.

For now, her future with the promotion remains uncertain, but the conflicting reports suggest the situation may not be as dramatic as initially reported.

10 Matches We Need to See If Britt Baker Jumps to WWE

New Orleans Is Currently The Frontrunner To Host Next Year’s WWE WrestleMania

According to PWInsider.com, New Orleans has emerged as the frontrunner to host WrestleMania next year, with discussions about the city gaining traction within WWE over the past month. This is the first time the possibility has been spoken of locally in Louisiana. Additionally, it was noted that Indianapolis is still being considered as a potential host city for WrestleMania 43.

WWE has previously held two WrestleMania events in New Orleans at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome: WrestleMania 30 in 2014 and WrestleMania 34 in 2018. Both events featured historic moments that are still talked about today.

At WrestleMania 30, Brock Lesnar delivered one of the most shocking moments in WWE history by ending The Undertaker’s iconic 21-0 WrestleMania streak, leaving the crowd in stunned silence. In the night’s main event, Daniel Bryan defeated Batista and Randy Orton in a triple-threat match to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion, culminating in an emotional celebration with fans.

At WrestleMania 34, Ronda Rousey made her in-ring debut, teaming with Kurt Angle to defeat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon in a highly praised mixed tag team match. In the night’s main event, Brock Lesnar retained the Universal Championship in a brutal clash against Roman Reigns, surprising fans who had anticipated a title change.

With New Orleans potentially hosting another WrestleMania, fans could be in for another unforgettable event filled with moments to rival its storied predecessors.

Jacob Fatu Match Announced For WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

A new match has been added to the lineup for WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event special, as Jacob Fatu is set to face Braun Strowman in singles competition.

The announcement follows a confrontation on this week’s episode of SmackDown, where Braun returned to back up LA Knight during an altercation with Fatu and Tama Tonga. This will mark the first-ever singles meeting between Fatu and Strowman, making it the most high-profile singles match of Jacob Fatu’s WWE career to date.

WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. The event will air live on NBC at 8 PM ET.

Updated Card:

  • WWE World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER vs. Jey Uso
  • WWE Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker vs. Sheamus
  • Jacob Fatu vs. Braun Strowman

The WWE on Peacock schedule previously revealed that there are Saturday’s Night Main Event specials planned for May 24th and July 12th. The latter of which is slated to go head-to-head with AEW All In: Texas at Globe Life Field. WWE will also present the Royal Rumble PLE on February 1st.

Charlotte Flair Return Teaser Airs On WWE SmackDown

The anticipation for Charlotte Flair’s WWE return continues to grow, with recent teasers and appearances sparking speculation. During this week’s SmackDown, a promo highlighted Flair’s star power with visuals of private jets and yachts, emphasizing her dominant presence in WWE.

Flair has been absent from WWE since December 2023 after suffering a severe knee injury in a match against Asuka on SmackDown. The injury, which involved a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus, required surgery in January 2024. Since then, Flair has kept fans updated on her recovery journey through social media, sharing training videos and photos.

Flair attended Tuesday’s WWE NXT and posted a picture alongside NXT Tag Team Champions Jakara Jackson and Lash Legend, captioning it, “Some girls want to be a princess when they grow up, I wanted to be in a bad b**ch girl gang.” The post has fueled speculation that Flair could lead a faction upon her return. A source at the WWE Performance Center who saw Flair training in the ring tell SEScoops she looked great and is ready to wrestle, pending the right scenario to get her back on television.

While WWE has not officially confirmed a return date, her recent activity, combined with the 2025 Royal Rumble just weeks away, suggests Flair’s comeback may coincide with the high-stakes event.

What Fans Can Expect from Charlotte Flair’s WWE Return

WWE Crowns New #1 Contenders On SmackDown

WWE crowned new #1 contenders for the Tag Team Titles on this week’s SmackDown. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin of the Motor City Machine Guns defeated Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo of Legado Del Fantasma. With this victory, they have secured a future opportunity at the WWE Tag Team Championships, currently held by Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa of #DIY.

The Motor City Machine Guns overcame the challenge despite interference attempts by Pretty Deadly’s Kit Wilson and Elton Prince.

After achieving individual success in NXT, Gargano and Ciampa transitioned to WWE’s main roster. In 2023, WWE teased a potential reunion of #DIY on Monday Night Raw. When they officially reunited, fans welcomed them back enthusiastically, eager to see the duo reclaim tag team glory.

The Motor City Machine Guns previously held the WWE Tag Team Titles before losing them to #DIY on the December 6th episode of SmackDown. A rematch on the January 3rd episode of SmackDown ended in a no-contest, leaving fans eager for a decisive conclusion.

The journey of #DIY is one of persistence, chemistry, and emotional storytelling. Their rise from NXT to WWE Tag Team Champions has been a compelling narrative, filled with memorable moments and fan support.

It remains unclear when Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin will receive their rematch for the WWE Tag Team Championships.

Braun Strowman Returns On WWE SmackDown

Braun Strowman has made his return to WWE television, appearing on Friday’s episode of SmackDown to make a dramatic save.

The segment began with Jacob Fatu delivering an in-ring promo, following Solo Sikoa’s decision not to address his recent loss to Roman Reigns during the Raw on Netflix premiere. As tensions escalated, LA Knight stormed the ring to confront the heels but was quickly overwhelmed by the numbers advantage. Just when the situation seemed dire, Strowman made his return to even the odds and rescue Knight.

WWE incorporated Strowman’s real-life struggles into the storyline, explaining that he had been recovering from a brutal attack by The Bloodline. Strowman had been sidelined at the start of 2025 due to a severe illness.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Strowman revealed that he had been battling a serious health issue, which forced him into recovery at a hotel. The illness took a toll on his health, causing him to lose over 30 pounds in just one week. Before his return, Strowman had not wrestled since late December during a SmackDown live event.

Former WWE Star Returned At Live Event

Lince Dorado has officially returned to WWE, a move that had been speculated earlier this week after he stepped down as the Lucha Premier Champion.

On Friday night, Dorado made his return during an NXT house show in Citrus Springs. As of this writing, the terms of his contract remain undisclosed, and there is no confirmed date for his return to televised programming.

Lince Dorado began his wrestling career in 2007, competing in various independent promotions. He gained significant recognition in Chikara, where he emerged as a promising talent. Dorado’s mainstream breakthrough came in 2016 when he participated in WWE’s Cruiserweight Classic Tournament. Following the tournament, he signed with WWE and joined the 205 Live roster, quickly becoming a fan favorite as part of the team Lucha House Party alongside Gran Metalik and Kalisto.

After his WWE release in 2021, Dorado returned to the independent wrestling scene. He wrestled internationally, appearing in promotions such as MLW (Major League Wrestling) and others, continuing to build his reputation as a dynamic performer.

Christopher Daniels Wrestled His Last Match

Christopher Daniels is effectively retired from in-ring competition. At Thursday’s AEW Collision tapings for Saturday’s show, Daniels faced Hangman Page in a Texas Death Match, which is expected to serve as his final bout.

According to Fightful Select, Daniels had been looking for an opportunity to officially retire for quite some time.

Daniels made his mark on the independent wrestling scene, thriving in promotions like Ring of Honor (ROH) and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG). In ROH, he was a key figure in the company’s early days, delivering classic matches and rivalries with wrestling greats such as Samoa Joe, Bryan Danielson, and AJ Styles. Over his tenure, Daniels captured the ROH World Championship and became a multi-time ROH World Tag Team Champion.

During his time in TNA/Impact Wrestling, Daniels helped elevate the X-Division through iconic matches, including the renowned triple threat with AJ Styles and Samoa Joe. He won multiple TNA X-Division Championships and TNA World Tag Team Championships, with his tag team partnership with Frankie Kazarian (as part of Bad Influence) becoming a major highlight.

In 2019, Daniels joined AEW as part of SCU (SoCal Uncensored) alongside Kazarian and Scorpio Sky. Daniels and Kazarian went on to become the first-ever AEW World Tag Team Champions. Beyond his in-ring contributions, Daniels has also played a key role behind the scenes in AEW, working as a talent relations representative and producer.

John Cena To Host ‘What Drives You’ Series On Roku Channel

John Cena has partnered with Roku Originals for a new series titled What Drives You. The show features Cena hitting the road with celebrity guests and their favorite vehicles, engaging in conversations on a variety of topics.

The trailer reveals several notable guests, including Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, singer Jelly Roll, and WWE stars Logan Paul and The Miz. The premiere episode spotlights Logan Paul, with the synopsis describing: “In Puerto Rico, John meets Logan Paul. They go for a drive in Logan’s Ford Bronco, talk about career highs and lows, and end up at Logan’s gym, where his brother, Jake Paul, is training for a fight.”

The Miz appears in the fourth episode, as detailed in the synopsis: “In Los Angeles, John visits his former WWE rival, The Miz. They hit the road in The Miz’s Tesla Model X Plaid and talk about how The Miz went from cast member on The Real World to WWE superstar.”

What Drives You is produced by ITV America’s Leftfield Pictures. Executive producer credits go to David George, Shawn Witt, Sean Moran, Jay Bienstock, Cena, and Dan Baime, while Sean Boyle oversees the series for Roku Originals.

Cena is currently on a retirement tour with WWE, working through December with up to 36 appearances, including competing in the Royal Rumble in two weeks.

Outside the ring, Cena has had a successful acting career with starring roles in Blockers and The Suicide Squad. He has also appeared in the Fast & Furious franchise, the comedy thriller Argylle, the Barbie movie, and had a guest-starring role in FX’s The Bear.

Toni Storm Earns AEW Women’s World Title Shot, Megan Bayne Arrives

Toni Storm is set to challenge for the AEW Women’s World Championship, currently held by Mariah May, in a highly anticipated matchup. Storm earned her #1 contender spot on this week’s episode of Dynamite, held at Broadbent Arena in Louisville, KY, by winning the Casino Gauntlet Match. The bout featured a strong lineup, including rising star Megan Bayne, but Storm emerged victorious to secure her place at the top.

This storyline adds an intriguing layer, as Storm has reverted to a past gimmick as part of a narrative where she is portrayed as having dementia, with no memory of her prior accomplishments. The history between Storm and May adds further drama, as Storm previously lost the AEW Women’s World Championship to May at All In: London before taking a hiatus.

With her victory, Storm now has the opportunity to reclaim the title at Grand Slam Australia. The event will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Queensland, marking a significant milestone in AEW’s international expansion.

Samoa Joe Returns On AEW Dynamite

Samoa Joe made his return to AEW television during Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite. After HOOK faced Christian Cage in a hard-fought match, Cage, alongside Nick Wayne, attacked HOOK. Joe, accompanied by Katsuyori Shibata, ran out to make the save, ending the segment with a show of force.

Joe had been absent from AEW programming since July 2023, when he was written off television following a brutal street fight against Chris Jericho on Dynamite. In that match, Jericho, aided by Big Bill and Bryan Keith, used a forklift to drive Joe through a wall, resulting in the bout being stopped. HOOK was notably absent, having been sidelined after a fireball attack from Jericho the week prior. Katsuyori Shibata was also missing from the event. Following the match, Joe was stretchered out and loaded into an ambulance to signify his temporary departure from AEW.

Joe’s hiatus was due to his commitment to filming the second season of Peacock’s hit series Twisted Metal, where he portrays Sweet Tooth, a fan-favorite character from the classic PlayStation franchise. The show, starring Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Tahj Vaughans, Chelle Ramos, and Michael Carollo, became Peacock’s most-binged original in its first week. It ranked among the platform’s top three original series of all time. In December 2023, Peacock announced the renewal of Twisted Metal for a second season.

Kenny Omega Wins AEW Return Match, Attacked By Don Callis Family

Kenny Omega made his highly anticipated return to AEW in-ring action on the January 15th episode of Dynamite, following a battle with diverticulitis and subsequent surgery. Omega defeated Brian Cage in the opening match with the One-Winged Angel, despite interference from The Don Callis Family.

The match incorporated storytelling around Omega’s health struggles, with Cage targeting his abdomen to highlight his past issues. After the match, the Don Callis Family jumped Omega, only for Will Ospreay to run down to make the save.

Omega helped Ospreay take out the heels before turning around and locking eyes with both guys, talking trash to each other. AEW International Champ Konosuke Takeshita came out to take out Omega. The numbers got the best of Omega and Ospreay. 

This marked Omega’s first AEW match since December 2023, when he defeated Ethan Page on Collision. While recovering from his health setbacks, Omega briefly re-entered the ring on January 5th at Wrestle Dynasty, defeating Gabe Kidd after executing a Kamigoye and the One-Winged Angel.

Omega’s return to AEW programming came earlier at Worlds End, where he presented the Continental Championship to Kazuchika Okada, the winner of the Continental Classic. The moment teased a potential future clash between Omega and Okada, possibly at All In: Texas.

Saturday Night’s Main Event: Two Title Matches Signed (1/25)

WWE has announced two championship matches for the next Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 25 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas:

  • WWE World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER vs. Jey Uso
  • Intercontinental champion Bron Breakker vs. Sheamus

Both matches were set up on Monday’s WWE Raw. Sheamus battled Ludwig Kaiser in a hard-hitting contest, with the Celtic Warrior picking up the W. IC champion Bron Breakker was sitting ringside for the match, and the two brutes had a brief scuffle before they were separated by WWE officials.

Later in the show, GUNTHER delivered an in-ring promo, expressing frustration over the lack of focus on the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, which he referred to as the top prize on Raw. He challenged anyone to step up and prove their worth. Jey Uso answered the call, interrupting GUNTHER and issuing a challenge for the title.

During the confrontation, GUNTHER accepted the challenge, stating he would expose Jey Uso as nothing more than “a really good tag team wrestler.” Uso countered, vowing to prove him wrong at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Lyra Valkyria Becomes The Inaugural WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion

Lyra Valkyria has made history by becoming the inaugural WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion. In the tournament finals held during the second episode of WWE Raw on Netflix, Valkyria defeated Dakota Kai at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. Following her victory, WWE Raw GM Adam Pearce presented her with the championship.

The Women’s Intercontinental Title was unveiled prior to the November 25, 2024, episode of Raw as part of WWE’s continued efforts to expand its women’s division, following the introduction of the Women’s United States Title. The tournament to crown the first champion began on December 2, 2024, and featured top competitors from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT.

The full tournament lineup included Shayna Baszler, Katana Chance, Zoey Stark, Raquel Rodriguez, Kayden Carter, Lyra Valkyria, Zelina Vega, Ivy Nile, Alba Fyre, Kairi Sane, and Natalya. In the semifinals on the December 30 episode of Raw, Valkyria defeated IYO SKY, while Dakota Kai triumphed over Zoey Stark to secure her spot in the finals.

Congratulations to Lyra Valkyria on this historic victory.