Here’s your WWE Rumor Roundup for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, featuring the latest backstage news and speculation from around the wrestling world.
WWE “Blindsided” by Cena Tap-Out Backlash
WWE was “blindsided” by the overwhelmingly negative fan reaction to Cena tapping out to GUNTHER at Saturday Night’s Main Event, despite the decision coming from the very top. Multiple people within the company disagreed with the finish, but Triple H made the call. Meltzer reported there was “no discussion” backstage about anticipating the reaction. RVD also weighed in on the match, sharing his disappointment that the bout wasn’t longer.
NXT Title Change Was a Botch
Thea Hail’s NXT Women’s North American Championship win over Blake Monroe was unplanned. Monroe reportedly had the wind knocked out of her and couldn’t get her shoulder up in time. The botch sparked a backstage scramble, forcing rapid creative adjustments for upcoming tapings.
LA Knight Written Off – Likely a Work
WWE announced Knight is out “indefinitely” with a cracked sternum after The Vision destroyed him. Per reports, this is almost certainly a work to give him a holiday break after 65 matches in 2025—more than any other WWE Superstar. Royal Rumble surprise return seems likely.
Bron Breakker Favored to Win Royal Rumble
Breakker is considered the “whiteboard favorite” to win the 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. Even with his January 5 World Heavyweight Championship match against CM Punk, he’s still reportedly penciled in as the winner. Randy Orton is also rumored for a Royal Rumble return.
WrestleMania 42 Main Events Taking Shape
Current plans for WrestleMania 42 are Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns III for the Undisputed WWE Championship and CM Punk vs. Bron Breakker for the World Heavyweight Championship. This marks a shift from the original plan of Reigns vs. Seth Rollins. Rhodes and Reigns signaled renewed rivalry after their WarGames loss at Survivor Series.
Brock Lesnar vs. GUNTHER Being Planned for WrestleMania
According to Self Made Pro, WWE is now planning Lesnar vs. GUNTHER for WrestleMania 42. It was originally going to be GUNTHER vs. Bron Breakker, but now that Breakker is set for a title match, Lesnar gets The Ring General instead. GUNTHER has now retired both Bill Goldberg and John Cena.
WWE High on NXT Talent After SNME
WWE reportedly came away very encouraged by NXT talent showcased at Saturday Night’s Main Event, with officials clearly seeing long-term upside in Oba Femi, Sol Ruca, Leon Slater, Je’Von Evans, and Joe Hendry. Leon Slater has already earned an NXT Championship match against Oba Femi at New Year’s Evil.
Maxxine Dupri Vignettes Getting Praise Backstage
The recent video packages focusing on Intercontinental Champion Maxxine Dupri and Nattie Neidhart have been earning positive reactions backstage. Multiple talents have spoken favorably about the presentation.
Seth Rollins Targeting February Return
Rollins is hoping for a February return to start training for WrestleMania season, though wife Becky Lynch apparently questioned the feasibility of that timeline. His trainer confirmed he’s out of his sling and rehab is going well.