It\'s hard to believe January is about to come to a close. I say that because given all the pro wrestling news the last few weeks, it feels like we\'ve already been through a year. All signs point to Will Hobbs to WWE, The Rascalz from TNA to AEW...and then Trey Miguel back to TNA, and a host of other jumps. And Chris Jericho to...depends on who you believe.
These are exciting times that bring us \"old school\" fans flashbacks to the days of WWE, WCW, and ECW. With TNA Thursday Night iMPACT arriving on AMC, that means we once again have three viable companies on major cable networks.
Whether you enjoy a respective product or not, if you\'re a fan you appreciate the fact there are options for men and women to work. Having those options also brings a level of competitiveness as well. Rising tides lift all ships.
R-Truth Joins WWE\'s \'Unreal\'
This has been a fun start to 2026 for me. I enjoyed my candid talk with R-Truth leading into the premiere of WWE Unreal Season 2 on Netflix. Even if he still has me blocked on X, for what reason I don\'t know. I do remember it was around the time I did Total Divas recaps and may have mentioned his apparent fear of spiders? I\'m not sure, but the veteran certainly has one of the more intriguing stories on the docuseries.
I think the show really shines when it focuses on the human interest stories behind the performers like Chelsea Green. Speaking of the inaugural WWE United States Women\'s Champion, I think she has all the tools to be a main event caliber member of the division. A multi-faceted talent who can do it all, even headline WrestleMania. Yes, I said what I said. Remember Green is the same person who has overcome releases and injuries to be an important fixture on the shows.
TNA Talent Making Waves
In January, I also had a chance to sit down with Mike Santana shortly before TNA\'s debut on AMC. His authenticity shines through as the now World Champion reflected on his journey including a battle with alcohol and substance abuse. Santana doesn\'t shy away from all he has been through, inspiring others. Sometimes we do get that feel-good moment, which these days are needed perhaps more than ever.
Keeping with the TNA media blitz, getting to speak with Jody Threat was also a lot of fun. This was shortly before it was announced she had re-signed with the company. I think the promotion has only scratched the surface of what she is capable of post Spitfire. She brings a fun energy and want to help others while achieving her own aspirations. There was a reason why Trish Stratus wanted to work out with her leading into her entry into the Royal Rumble.
Royal Rumble and MLW\'s Battle Riot
Speaking of the iconic event, that\'s also right around the corner. Although I don\'t feel the hype has really been there, but let\'s be honest, the match over the years really sells itself. I know people who don\'t watch WWE regularly, but will tune in to watch the over-the-top elimination battle royal.
Days before the big show MLW will present its own top show Battle Riot on January 29. I\'m looking forward to the company running Orlando again. Some of my favorite experiences at wrestling shows were put on by MLW. First, in the early days covering pro wrestling as a college student in South Florida when they\'d run the War Memorial Auditorium and then when Court Bauer relaunched MLW during those GILT Nightclub days.
Gearing up for the upcoming string of shows MLW is running, I chatted with Joe and Mark Coffey. The brothers are looking to make the most of their opportunity in the Battle Riot. Earlier this month SEScoops also dropped my interviews with legends Mistico and Blue Panther. The partnership between MLW and CMLL has proven fruitful with the big Lucha Apocalypto 2026 show on February 7 in Chicago already sold out.
Rhonda Shear\'s Legacy
Closing out the month, it was a fun trip down memory lane with Rhonda Shear. If you watched USA Network in the 1990s including WWE, you may remember the USA Up All Night host. She relaunched the brand through streaming with hopes of growing it further.
Thinking about all her interactions with WWE superstars like Shawn Michaels and even appearances including WrestleMania X, it wouldn\'t be out of the question if we ever saw a Hall of Fame induction in the celebrity wing. She teased that Nic Nemeth will be on an upcoming episode of the new iteration of Up All Night. Your turn Silk Stalkings.
Let me know what you think of this new monthly column: @SMFISHMAN on X or @SMFISHMAN1 on Facebook.
