Gallows and Anderson has been released from WWE, according to Fightful Select.
Prior to this release, the duo had been relatively inactive, with Anderson sidelined due to shoulder surgery, while Gallows was relegated to dark matches. Their last notable in-ring appearance came at NXT Battleground, where they unsuccessfully challenged Nathan Frazier and Axiom for the NXT Tag Team Championships.
This marks their second WWE departure, following their previous release in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic budget cuts.
After that release, they had stints in TNA and NJPW before returning to WWE in October 2022, despite being offered significant contract raises by TNA at the time.
During their most recent WWE run, they primarily aligned with AJ Styles on SmackDown and made appearances on NXT, though they failed to capture any championships during this period.
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Giovanni Vinci (Fabian Aichner) has been released from WWE, according to Fightful Select.
The Italian Superstar joined WWE in 2017 and initially found success in NXT, where he became a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion with Marcel Barthel (later known as Ludwig Kaiser).
He later joined the Imperium faction alongside Gunther and Kaiser, moving to the main roster where they dominated until April 2024, when Kaiser turned on Vinci and expelled him from the group..
Since being drafted to SmackDown in 2024, Vinci’s career has faced significant challenges. After returning with new character vignettes in August 2024, he suffered embarrassing losses to Apollo Crews, including a three-second defeat. His television appearances became limited to WWE Speed matches and dark matches, where he continued to lose to various opponents.
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All Elite Wrestling (AEW) will remain a privately held company, as CEO and co-owner Tony Khan has no interest in taking the promotion public.
Speaking with Alex Sherman for CNBC Sport, Khan explained that he envisions AEW as a long-term family business that he hopes to pass down to his future children.
“I want to build,” Khan said. “I’m still a relatively young executive, and someday, I’d like to have a family. Hopefully, they can work in the business. It’s a family business.”
At 42, Khan has positioned AEW as WWE’s biggest competitor in the wrestling industry since its launch in 2019. Keeping AEW private allows the company to maintain creative and financial control without external shareholder influence.
Posted February 7th, 2025 in AEW. Tagged: Tony Khan.
Former WWE Winged Eagle Champion Kevin Owens may have just revealed his future in the company in a unique way—through a Girl Scout cookie fundraiser.
In a tweet posted on Friday, Owens encouraged fans to support his daughter’s Girl Scout troop by purchasing cookies. Owens’ daughter Élodie, a Junior Girl Scout, sells cookies to fund troop activities and community projects while learning communication, money management, and build confidence.
In return, he jokingly promised to continue wrestling for “at least 4 years, 11 months, and 22 days more.” The oddly specific timeframe sounds like Owens is hinting he’s signed a new five-year contract with WWE running through February 2030.
If you guys help support my daughter’s Girl Scout troop by buying some cookies, I promise to keep wrestling for at least 4 years, 11 months and 22 days more.https://t.co/AQu2S8e2Xi@BonJovi
Owens, a former Universal Champion and one of WWE’s most reliable performers, has been with the company since 2014. His current contract was reportedly set to expire in 2024, making a renewal at this time plausible. While WWE has not officially announced an extension, Owens’ tweet strongly suggests that he’ll be staying with the company for the foreseeable future.
If true, this would be a major commitment from both sides, keeping Owens as a key figure in WWE’s plans for the next half-decade. Whether he continues his main-event run or helps elevate the next generation, fans can seemingly count on five more years of “The Prizefighter” in WWE.
Lyra Valkyria had a standout moment at the WWE Royal Rumble, but not for the reason she expected. During the match, the first-ever WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion faced an unexpected wardrobe malfunction, leading to a split-second moment of panic. Thankfully, Liv Morgan was there to lend a helping hand—literally.
Speaking on the Battleground Podcast, Lyra addressed the viral incident with humor and composure.
“Of course, it would be in the Royal Rumble—my biggest show ever. Why not? My top just had to fall off,” she joked. “I’ve never been so happy to be hit in the face.”
“It was completely out of my control, so I just handled it the best way I could,” she said. “You can’t let stuff like that throw you off. At the end of the day, I got to run that ramp as the Women’s Intercontinental Champion—pretty cool moment.”
Morgan’s quick thinking helped defuse the situation, knocking Lyra down just long enough for her to adjust her gear. Despite the hiccup, Lyra remained focused, making the most of her first Rumble appearance as champion.
With WrestleMania season in full swing, Lyra has bigger things to focus on, including a crucial Elimination Chamber qualifying match against Bayley this coming Monday on WWE Raw. But if one thing is clear, it’s that she’s proven she can handle any challenge—wardrobe malfunctions included.
Former WWE Superstar Jeffrey Sciullo, formerly known as Elias, has signed with Ring of Honor (ROH), according to the Wrestling Observer. Now competing under the name Elijah, he has aligned himself with Vincent and Dutch, forming a new faction under the banner of The Righteous.
Elijah recently shared a video on social media, hinting at his new direction. The clip features him, Vincent, and Dutch dressed in white, walking through a field as Elijah strums a guitar. A narrator delivers an ominous monologue, ending with the question:
“Who wants to run with The Righteous Ones?”
The video’s narration suggests a rebirth theme, portraying the trio as men of one mind and one spirit, spreading a message in a world of wicked lies.
The faction has been active in ROH, recently competing in a double bullrope match against Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara at Final Battle. While The Righteous last appeared on AEW television during September’s Casino Gauntlet match, they have remained active on the independent scene.
Since his WWE release in 2023, Elijah has competed for Wrestling REVOLVER, IWC, The Crash in Mexico, and completed a tour with World Series Wrestling in Australia. This past weekend, Elijah, Vincent, and Dutch appeared together on Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea, further solidifying their bond as a unit.
With his official signing to Ring of Honor, Elijah embarks on a new chapter in his career. His association with The Righteous signals a fresh creative direction, and fans will be eager to see how this faction evolves in the ROH landscape.
TNA World Champion Joe Hendry has sparked speculation about a possible TNA Wrestling DLC pack for WWE 2K25. During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hendry suggested that such an addition could be beneficial for both companies and, most importantly, the fans.
“Something that would be wonderful for both companies and most importantly the fans—can you imagine if we had TNA DLC? That would be huge,” Hendry said.
“That’s not just the modern roster like myself. That could be classic AJ Styles. That would be exciting.”
While WWE 2K25 is set to feature five DLC packs, only one has been revealed – the Wyatt Sicks Pack featuring Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan, available to gamers who pre-order.
Historically, WWE Games’ DLC offerings have been met with mixed reactions. The WWE 2K20 DLC, which included alternate universe arenas and reimagined wrestlers, faced criticism from fans. More recently, the Pat McAfee and Friends pack in WWE 2K24 also drew controversy, with some arguing that McAfee’s associates took spots that could have gone to NXT talent.
WWE 2K25 is scheduled for release on March 14, with early access available on March 7 for those who pre-order premium editions.
WWE 2K25’s gameplay trailer gives a first look at many of the new additions, including the Bloodline showcase mode, Intergender gameplay, Bloodline Rules, and Underground matches.
Now that Penta El Zero Miedo has arrived in WWE, the question on every fan’s mind is: Who’s next?
In an interview with Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Penta revealed a stacked list of dream opponents—including some of WWE’s biggest names. While he’s ready to take on anyone, two matches stand out as personal goals: a showdown with John Cena and a rematch with CM Punk.
“I had one match with CM Punk. He won. I need revenge,” Penta declared. “The rematch with him, with Cody [Rhodes] too. But for me, a special dream match is Penta versus John Cena or Penta versus Finn Balor.”
The luchador also named Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu, and Bron Breakker as potential opponents, proving he has his sights set on WWE’s top stars. But beyond individual matchups, Penta has one goal above all else: championship gold.
“No matter who is in the ring, no matter what he won—I want to win everything in WWE,” he said.
With Cero Miedo as his battle cry, Penta is ready to take on the best WWE has to offer. Now, it’s just a matter of who steps up first.
Penta El Zero Miedo’s signature catchphrase, “Cero Miedo” (Zero Fear), has become one of the most recognizable phrases in professional wrestling. But according to Penta, its origins are rooted not in wrestling, but in Mexican music.
In his recent interview with Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Penta shared that the phrase comes from corridos, a popular Mexican music genre known for its storytelling. Specifically, he credits the band Los Buitres De Culiacan Sinaloa, whose songs frequently use the phrase “Cero miedo, mi compa”—which translates to “No fear, my friend.”
“The truth is, I love the Corridos,” Penta explained. “In my first interview in Triple A in Mexico, I needed to do a promo, and I was like, how do I finish it? Cero Miedo! Just like that. It was my reaction. And after that, everyone started saying it to me.”
Since then, Cero Miedo has become more than just a wrestling taunt—it’s a mindset. Fans around the world throw up Penta’s signature hand gesture and chant it in unison, while others have told him that the phrase has helped them overcome personal struggles.
“To be honest, Cero Miedo isn’t just a lucha thing anymore—it’s a lifestyle,” Penta said. “People have told me, ‘Penta, thanks for Cero Miedo. I conquered cancer.’ That’s when I realized the responsibility on my shoulders.”
With Penta now in WWE, Cero Miedo is poised to reach an even wider audience. And as the luchador himself puts it,
“I need to improve every day—my body, my mind, my soul—because I know I inspire a lot of people.”
The WWE Raw Netflix premiere on January 6, 2025, was a historic night for the company, marking the beginning of its partnership with the streaming giant. However, one of the biggest talking points from the event was the unexpected reaction Hulk Hogan received from the Los Angeles crowd. When the WWE Hall of Famer made his appearance, he was met with a chorus of boos, a stark contrast to the hero’s welcome he typically received in decades past.
Wrestling legend Kurt Angle weighed in on the incident during an interview with legendary wrestling journalist Bill Apter for WrestleBinge. Angle, a former Olympic gold medalist and WWE Champion, acknowledged Hogan’s legacy while addressing the crowd’s reaction.
Kurt Angle’s Perspective
Angle didn’t seem surprised by the reaction but made it clear that Hogan’s status in the industry remains undisputed. He stated:
“Let the fans do what they want to do. I mean, Hulk Hogan is a legend. You can’t take that away from him. He’s probably the most popular pro wrestler of all time. He’s an incredible human being, but sometimes politics gets in the way. That’s what happened.”
Angle’s comments suggest that Hogan’s reception may have been influenced by factors outside of wrestling, possibly referring to past controversies that continue to affect the way fans perceive him.
Wrestlers React to Hogan Getting Booed
Kurt Angle isn’t the only one who has spoken about the incident. Several prominent wrestlers have shared their thoughts on why the Los Angeles crowd reacted the way they did.
Seth Rollins’ Response
Seth Rollins didn’t hold back when discussing the reaction to Hogan’s appearance. He expressed satisfaction with the crowd’s response, stating that people ultimately get the reaction they deserve when facing a live audience. While he acknowledged Hogan’s contributions to wrestling, Rollins emphasized that past actions have consequences and that Hogan has yet to fully take responsibility for some of the controversies surrounding him.
Hulk Hogan’s shitty beer may not unite people, but at least he’s managed to unite Seth Rollins and CM Punk on something ? pic.twitter.com/vYrNiwCHD5
Kevin Nash, a long-time friend of Hogan, was surprised by the intensity of the boos. He noted that Hogan’s approach to the event may not have resonated with the Los Angeles audience. Nash also pointed out that Hogan’s physical condition made the appearance more challenging, as he has been dealing with severe back pain in recent years.
Rob Van Dam’s Analysis
Rob Van Dam took a different approach, questioning why the reaction became such a major talking point. He suggested that the situation gained traction because it seemed unplanned and went against WWE’s expectations. Van Dam also noted that Hogan has experienced multiple cycles of popularity and controversy throughout his career, indicating that this is just another phase in his storied legacy.
Final Thoughts
Hulk Hogan’s appearance at the WWE Raw Netflix premiere was meant to be a celebratory moment, but the reaction from the crowd highlighted the complicated relationship he has with today’s wrestling audience.
While legends like Kurt Angle continue to respect his legacy, the strong reaction from fans and the varied responses from fellow wrestlers indicate that Hogan remains a polarizing figure in the industry.
WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has shared an update on his condition after sustaining multiple injuries in his brutal ladder match against Kevin Owens at Royal Rumble 2025.
Rhodes emerged victorious on February 1, securing both the WWE Championship and the Winged Eagle belt. However, WWE later confirmed that The American Nightmare suffered several injuries during the high-risk contest.
With speculation surrounding his health ahead of WrestleMania 41, Rhodes reassured fans via Instagram that he spent two days recovering in bed but is now feeling well and prepared to appear on SmackDown in Memphis on February 7.
“2 days in bed essentially, but feeling good and ready for Memphis! Also, since I got through it in one piece, I got to keep the best promise…” Rhodes wrote, sharing photos of himself with his wife Brandi and their daughter Liberty, who was dressed as Spider-Woman.
As WrestleMania 41 approaches, Rhodes is set to defend his championship against either Royal Rumble winner Jey Uso or the victor of the upcoming Elimination Chamber match, depending on Uso’s decision.
TBS has pulled the plug on its Wipeout revival, co-hosted by John Cena, as part of a broader programming shift, according to Deadline. The announcement came from TNT & TBS president Jason Sarlanis during a keynote presentation at the Realscreen Summit in Miami, Florida While Sarlanis confirmed that “a few more episodes” will still air, the show will not return for another season.
High Costs and Programming Changes Led to Cancellation
During his remarks, Sarlanis acknowledged that shows like Wipeout and The Cube—another recently canceled TBS game show—are costly to produce. Instead, the network is focusing on sports-adjacent programming and potential spinoffs of Impractical Jokers, which has been a staple for TBS.
“These shows are expensive,” Sarlanis admitted. “Wipeout is inherently comedic and a joy to watch. But we have to be realistic in terms of the entire environment. We have to recalibrate.”
The End of a Short-Lived Revival
The Wipeout reboot, based on the original ABC series, premiered on TBS in 2021 and ran for two seasons. The show will conclude with more than 30 episodes, though it’s unclear how long it will remain available for streaming on Max.
Despite the cancellation, Cena remains active within the Warner Bros. Discovery family. His hit DC series Peacemaker is set to return for its second season on Max in August 2025.
TBS has not announced a specific date for the final Wipeout episodes, and Cena has yet to publicly comment on the show’s cancellation.
Posted February 6th, 2025 in News. Tagged: John Cena.
Bayley had a custom Lucha mask made by former WWE star Lince Dorado for WWE’s trip to Mexico.
She sought Rey Mysterio’s approval before wearing it, ensuring it was a respectful gesture
Rey Mysterio reassured her that the fans would love it, encouraging her to go for it
Bayley made a memorable impression during WWE’s trip to Mexico City by embracing the country’s rich wrestling heritage—complete with a custom Lucha mask. But before stepping out in front of the crowd, she sought approval from none other than Rey Mysterio himself.
Speaking with Adrian Hernandez during Unlikely at Royal Rumble 2025 weekend, Bayley shared the story behind her special moment. Wanting to show respect to the Lucha tradition, she reached out to former WWE star Lince Dorado, who designed a mask that matched her ring gear.
However, despite the thoughtful gesture, she wasn’t sure how the fans would react.
“I was like, ‘Is it weird and disrespectful if I wear a mask?’” she recalled.
Dorado reassured her—“Hell no, I got you!”—but Bayley wanted the final word from a true legend.
That’s where Rey Mysterio came in. Backstage before the event, she asked him directly: Would the fans appreciate this? His response was immediate: “Hell no, they’re going to love it. Do it! Do it!”
Taking Mysterio’s advice, Bayley stepped out in her Lucha-inspired look, and the reaction was undeniable. “I felt extremely awkward,” she admitted. “But I could feel the excitement from the fans—like, holy crap, she did this for us!”
The night became even more special when she got to celebrate the moment with Mysterio himself.
“Being able to take that picture with Rey…we may have had a little tequila,” she laughed. “It was very special.”
For Bayley, it wasn’t just about wearing a mask—it was about honoring the culture, the fans, and the moment. And with Mysterio’s blessing and the crowd’s energy behind her, it’s a night she won’t forget.
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus made a high-impact return at the 2025 Royal Rumble, proving that even after 25 years, she remains a dominant force. Ahead of her comeback, Stratus trained with TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Champion Jody Threat to prepare for the match.
The former WWE Women’s Champion shared a behind-the-scenes video on Twitter, showing her training with Threat at Santino Marella’s Battle Arts Academy in Mississauga. In the clip, Stratus emphasized her commitment to giving fans her absolute best.
“I’m not gonna give 60%, 100% or I’m not gonna do it. Check out @JodyThreat helping me get Rumble ready!!”
Stratus entered the Women’s Royal Rumble match at No. 25, sharing the ring with stars like Jordynne Grace and Candice LeRae. While she was eventually eliminated, her return thrilled fans who hadn’t seen her compete in months.
With Elimination Chamber 2025 set for March 1 in Toronto, speculation is growing about another appearance from Stratus. Given her deep connection to the city and her milestone WWE anniversary, a return at the event would be fitting.
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus made a shocking return at the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, entering the Women’s Royal Rumble match as the 25th entrant—fittingly marking her 25-year anniversary with WWE. Her appearance reignited speculation about her future in the company, and recent reports suggest that Stratus may not be done with in-ring competition just yet.
Trish Stratus Teases More WWE Appearances
Stratus, who had been absent from WWE since her steel cage match against Becky Lynch at Payback 2023, had an impressive showing in the Rumble match. She faced off with names like Jordynne Grace and Candice LeRae before ultimately being eliminated. After the match, Stratus pointed the finger at Nia Jax for her elimination—potentially hinting at an ongoing storyline.
Backstage Insight
During Fightful’s The Hump, wrestling insider Sean Ross Sapp was asked about Stratus’ future in WWE. He revealed that she is expected to remain involved in some capacity and that she frequently pitches ideas for potential storylines.
With WWE releasing 25-year anniversary merchandise in her honor and an upcoming Toronto event at the end of February, Sapp expressed confidence that she would be featured in some way.
“I had heard that Trish would be involved in some capacity for a while moving forward and that she often pitches things. Now, Trish has the 25-year merch and has a Toronto show coming up at the end of the month, so I would be shocked if she wasn’t.”
Possible Appearance at Elimination Chamber 2025
With Elimination Chamber 2025 set to take place in Toronto on March 1st, speculation is growing that Stratus could make an appearance at the event. Given her deep connection to the city and her long history with WWE, a return in some form—whether as a competitor or in a special role—seems likely.
Stratus’ recent Royal Rumble appearance and her post-match comments suggest she still has unfinished business in WWE. Whether she pursues a rivalry with Nia Jax or gets involved in another storyline, fans may not have seen the last of the legendary superstar just yet.
Logan Paul was determined to win the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match, but his hopes were dashed when Jey Uso emerged victorious. Now, Paul is expressing his frustration – specifically targeting John Cena, whom he accuses of betraying him during the match and costing him the win.
Logan Paul’s Reaction to His Elimination
In his latest vlog, Paul opened up about his disappointment with how the Rumble played out. Cena eliminated him before the final showdown with Jey Uso, a move that Paul took personally. Having admired Cena for years, he felt hurt by the elimination, especially after spending time together filming What Drives You?, where they shared a car ride for three hours.
“I feel betrayed by John Cena, if I’m being honest,” Paul said. “I’ve looked up to him my whole life, and then he just tossed me out of the ring like I’m trash. I did his show, bro. We drove around in a car for three hours together, and he throws me over the rope?”
Paul’s Post-Match Antics
Following his elimination, Paul made headlines by taking a hat from a young John Cena fan at ringside. This unexpected move led many to speculate whether Paul is setting the stage for a future feud with the 16-time world champion.
With Cena’s rumored retirement tour on the horizon, fans are eager to see if this incident will lead to a marquee matchup between the two. A bout with Cena could be a defining moment for Paul, further solidifying his status in WWE.
The Maverick is just one of countless wrestlers who have expressed their desire to be one of John Cena’s final opponents this year, but there’s a good chance this marquee showdown will take place.
WWE has officially assigned Alexa Bliss to SmackDown. Initially expected to land on RAW, internal discussions led WWE to shift plans, with PWInsider reporting that creative pitches for her on SmackDown gained significant traction.
Possible Connection to The Wyatt Sicks
The Wyatt Sicks (Photo: WWE)
One of the biggest questions surrounding Bliss’ return is whether she will align with The Wyatt Sicks. WWE initially intended to pair her with the faction, but contract negotiations delayed her comeback, putting those plans on hold. Now that she’s back, there is renewed speculation that WWE may revisit the storyline.
Secretive Royal Rumble Return
Bliss’ return at the Royal Rumble was highly secretive, with WWE finalizing her contract just hours before the event. Even wrestlers in the match were unaware of her involvement until she arrived at the arena in Indianapolis. Despite the secrecy, WWE had been preparing for months, as her merchandise was already in production weeks before the Rumble.
With Bliss now confirmed for SmackDown, she shares the same brand as The Wyatt Sicks, opening up intriguing possibilities for future storylines.
Celebrity appearances have long been a staple in professional wrestling, but WWE SmackDown star LA Knight believes the trend is overdone. Speaking on the Battleground Podcast, Knight expressed concerns that some celebrities entering the ring lack the athleticism needed for professional wrestling.
LA Knight on Celebrities in Wrestling: “You Have to Be Choosy”
Knight acknowledged that while some crossover stars have excelled, others have struggled.
“It really depends,” he said. “You got to be a little choosy with who’s going to come in and get that physical involvement, just because not everybody’s got an athletic bone in their body. If you go around to any wrestling school, you’ll see a lot of that. Not everybody can do this.”
LA Knight and Logan Paul (Photo: WWE)
Knight gave credit to Logan Paul, calling him “a hell of an athlete,” and recognized Bad Bunny for his dedication. However, he also warned that too many celebrity matches send the wrong message about the difficulty of professional wrestling.
“My one qualm with having too many celebrities do this is that it gives people the idea that anybody can do this,” he explained. “Not anybody can do this—very few people can do this and do it well.”
Snooki in WWE? Knight Says Some Celebrities “Don’t Belong”
While Knight admitted that some celebrities can adapt, he pointed out that others simply don’t belong in a wrestling ring. He referenced reality star Snooki, who participated in a WWE match at WrestleMania XXVII, as an example of cross-promotion that didn’t translate well.
“No offense to my sweet Snooki out there—never met her in my life—but that’s another example,” Knight said. “I understand the idea, I understand the reasoning, but some people just don’t belong in a ring.”
Celebrity Involvement in WWE Continues to Thrive
Despite Knight’s concerns, WWE continues to integrate celebrities into its programming. The recent appearance of online streamer IShowSpeed at the Royal Rumble generated massive engagement when he was speared by Bron Breakker. The clip quickly became WWE’s most-viewed Royal Rumble social media post, amassing over 300 million views within 24 hours.
While Knight advocates for a more selective approach, the success of high-profile celebrity appearances suggests WWE has no plans to scale back on star power anytime soon.
CM Punk is making it clear – WWE’s post-show press conferences are as real as they get. Since his return in November 2023, Punk has been a regular presence at these media events, and he’s shutting down any speculation that they’re scripted. During a recent appearance on ESPN’s Good Guy / Bad Guy podcast with Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, Punk discussed his Royal Rumble loss and the authenticity of WWE’s post-show pressers.
After being one of the final four in the 2025 Royal Rumble match, his WrestleMania dreams took a hit when Logan Paul eliminated him. However, Punk remains focused on securing a marquee spot at WrestleMania 41. Punk knows a thing or two about post-PPV press conferences. When asked whether WWE’s press conferences are scripted, he dismissed the idea entirely.
“Well, I think in the press conferences, you’re just sitting out there in real-time fielding and asking and answering questions.
So yeah, it’s a shoot because there’s nobody telling you what to say. There’s no writer, you don’t got a script. Somebody asks and you answer.”
For Punk, these media scrums provide an unfiltered look at WWE’s biggest stars. Unlike the scripted nature of WWE television, press conferences allow wrestlers to speak freely without a writer feeding them lines.
WrestleMania 41 Plans: A Major Shakeup?
Meanwhile, WWE’s WrestleMania 41 main event picture is evolving. Reports suggest that CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins are being considered for a high-stakes triple-threat match. This potential shakeup comes amid concerns over Reigns’ health following his unexpected Royal Rumble exit.
On the February 3 episode of WWE RAW, Michael Cole provided an update, stating that Reigns is “out of action for the foreseeable future,” though he did not disclose specifics about the injury.
Reigns’ elimination at the Royal Rumble left fans puzzled, especially after backstage footage surfaced showing him looking disoriented. WWE has not commented further, fueling speculation about his condition and possible changes to WrestleMania plans.
With uncertainty surrounding Reigns and Punk’s determination to secure his spot, WWE’s road to WrestleMania is shaping up to be unpredictable.
During Royal Rumble weekend, WWE’s Natalya made headlines by issuing a bold challenge to TNA Knockouts World Champion Masha Slamovich, setting the stage for a potential inter-promotional clash. Speaking with Contralona at the WWE 2K2 event, she declared,
“Masha, I’m coming for your championship,” signaling her interest in stepping into the TNA ring.
This challenge comes as WWE’s NXT and TNA Wrestling continue their growing partnership, which has already seen crossover appearances by top talent. Natalya spoke highly of this collaboration, calling it “amazing” and emphasizing how it provides wrestlers from both promotions with new career-defining opportunities.
“The fact that they’re collaborating and working together is amazing because you look at so many talented men and women that are going to get the chance to work in WWE and have that platform,” she said.
She also acknowledged TNA’s resurgence, noting its consistently sold-out events and strong roster.
“I saw Tommy Dreamer the other day, and I was like, ‘I’m watching, I’m looking at TNA; all their shows are sold out, the crowds look amazing, and they have a stacked roster like Masha Slamovich.’”
With increasing crossover between the two brands, Natalya’s challenge could be the latest sign of bigger inter-promotional matches to come. Whether this leads to an official showdown between her and Slamovich remains to be seen, but fans of both WWE and TNA will be watching closely to see how this rivalry unfolds.
Professional wrestling continues to evolve in unprecedented ways, from WWE’s groundbreaking partnership with TNA to the remarkable growth of women’s wrestling. During an interview with Adrian Hernandez for Unlikely this past weekend before the 2025 Royal Rumble, Bayley said:
“Dude, not even two years ago…we’re in this relationship with TNA that we have all these talented women in NXT people coming all around the world to be a part of this because it just keeps getting bigger and bigger.”
Reflecting on the women’s division, Bayley highlighted how far it’s come since the early days of the Royal Rumble.
“The crazy thing about Royal Rumble this year is that we have a good problem where we have too much women…compared to the first year we needed to bring in some Legends, we needed to bring in NXT talent, and now we’re in a place where we have too many talented women.”
What’s Next for Bayley After the 2025 Royal Rumble
Despite an impressive showing that saw her enter at number 12 and last nearly 47 minutes, Bayley’s quest for Royal Rumble glory was ultimately cut short by Nikki Bella. Throughout her time in the match, she engaged in memorable exchanges with several top competitors, including former rival Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and perhaps most notably, her former Damage CTRL ally Iyo Sky.
The tension didn’t end with the elimination, as Bayley and Bella found themselves in a heated post-match confrontation that called back to their previous clash at WrestleMania 37. Given the intensity of their exchange and their storied history, fans may soon see these two competitors reignite their rivalry in the weeks to come.
WWE has concluded its inaugural transfer window, marking a significant shift in how superstars move between its flagship shows. The window, which opened in December 2024, closed during Royal Rumble weekend on February 2, 2025.
Damian Priest adds power to SmackDown’s main event scene
Zelina Vega strengthens the women’s division
Grayson Waller and Austin Theory transferred to WWE RAW near the end of the first WWE Transfer Window
The new transfer system, modeled after professional sports leagues, allowed WWE superstars to negotiate moves freely between RAW, SmackDown, and NXT. This marks the first time WWE has implemented a formal transfer period, replacing the traditional draft system.
The transfers take effect immediately, with superstars debuting on their new brands in the coming weeks as WWE begins its road to Elimination Chamber and then WrestleMania 41.
Paul Heyman has addressed Seth Rollins’ aggressive attack on Roman Reigns during the Royal Rumble, following a chaotic sequence involving Rollins, Reigns, and CM Punk.
Entering at No. 25, Rollins found both Reigns and Punk already in the ring. As the battle intensified, Punk seized an opportunity, eliminating both Rollins and Reigns while they fought near the ropes. However, Punk’s celebration was cut short when Logan Paul blindsided him, tossing him out as well.
The chaos continued outside the ring as Rollins viciously stomped Reigns on the floor before turning his attention to Punk. After a brief brawl, Rollins went a step further, delivering another devastating Stomp to Reigns—this time on the steel steps.
Image: WWE
Heyman Reacts to Rollins’ Outburst
After Pat McAfee shared footage of the post-elimination brawl, Heyman weighed in on social media, suggesting Rollins’ anger issues were reaching new heights.
“One could read this post as @PatMcAfeeShow calling @WWERollins an A-HOLE.
Considering Mr. Rollins’ actions last night at @WWE #RoyalRumble, I would suggest Mr. Rollins’ lack of anger management has been provoked enough!”
While chaos unfolded between Rollins, Reigns, and Punk, Jey Uso capitalized on the moment, delivering a shocking victory in the Royal Rumble match. He last eliminated John Cena, securing his spot in the main event of WrestleMania 41.
Since making his WWE debut, Penta has made an immediate impact with standout performances, including an explosive Royal Rumble showing where he lasted over 40 minutes before being eliminated by Finn Balor.
While he fell short of securing a WrestleMania main event spot (there’s always Elimination Chamber), the luchador has already identified his next challenge: Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker.
Penta eying the gold on Bron Breakker’s shoulder
Speaking with Between Two Beards for Love Wrestling ahead of the Royal Rumble, Penta praised Breakker, calling him “one of the best wrestlers in the world” and expressing excitement for a potential match.
“I like to face this kind of wrestler because it makes Penta more aggressive, more violent,” he said, adding that such a bout would be unlike anything WWE fans have seen from him so far.
Penta Rejects Rey Mysterio Comparisons
As one of WWE’s most high-profile masked luchadores, Penta has naturally drawn comparisons to Rey Mysterio. However, he made it clear that while he respects the Hall of Famer, he has no interest in being the next Mysterio—he wants to be the first Penta. In fact, he’s more than willing to go through Mysterio himself to make his mark in WWE.
With a fearless attitude and a “Cero Miedo” mindset, Penta is proving that he’s ready to carve out his own legacy in WWE, one hard-hitting match at a time.
