Toni Storm just delivered the performance of a lifetime, as the former Women’s World Champion has been ‘Timeless’ all along. During a face-to-face showdown with Mariah May on AEW Collision: Homecoming, Storm fully embraced her “rookie” persona, appearing wide-eyed and naive. That facade shattered the moment May attacked her with the AEW Women’s World Championship belt. In an instant, the truth was revealed, Storm had been acting all along.
After enduring the brutal beatdown, Storm dropped the innocent act and coldly declared, “I’ve never forgotten anything… I am Timeless Toni Storm again” much to the shock of her former protege turned enemy.
"They say the hardest role you'll ever play is YOURSELF!"
Storm had been absent from AEW television since losing her championship to May at AEW All In. When she returned at Dynamite: Winter is Coming, she portrayed a clueless rookie who was ignorance of her past. Storm had appeared excited to meet people like Tony Schiavone and Thunder Rosa, individuals she has worked with for years as part of AEW.
With the mind games over, Storm and May are set to collide at AEW Grand Slam: Australia, which will serve as a homecoming for the Timeless star. After May won the AEW Women’s World Championship in her native England, Storm hopes to repay the favor next month at AEW’s first-ever event down under.
Kevin Owens got taken out by Shawn Michaels at the January 2025 Saturday Night’s Main Event from San Antonio, Texas.
The Heartbreak Kid moderated the contract signing segment between KO and Cody Rhodes for their upcoming Undisputed WWE Championship ladder match at Royal Rumble. Michaels claimed that his one job was to get both the contenders to sign the contract before introducing both the champion and the challenger.
Owens came out wearing a ‘Cody sucks eggs’ shirt, a play at old Dusty Rhodes insult from Dory Funk Jr. who used to call the American Dream an ‘egg-sucking dog.’ Shawn told both the stars to sit down but they refused. The WWE Hall of Famer then talked about their rivalry before prompting them to sign the contract which Cody did.
Kevin however, opted to cut a promo taking objection to Rhodes saying that he takes ‘the easy way out.’ The former Universal Champion reminded Rhodes of their Bash In Berlin match and told Cody that he ‘quit’ WWE when things got tough. KO said that he’s taking everything from his former friend, to which Michaels responded saying that Owens sounds jealous.
The former NXT Champion then went off on HBK too, telling him that he won’t be a champion that ‘loses his smile.’ Kevin Owens finally signed the contract. A referee came out to take both the original WWE title and the Winged Eagle belt and hung them to a hook above the ring.
Shawn Michaels then tried to shake both their hands but Owens got a cheap shot in on Cody as the WWE Legend was interacting with him. HBK then shoved Owens and Kevin in response kicked Michaels. He set up the veteran for a package piledriver but Rhodes kicked him in the face. Shawn then removed his jacket and delivered a Sweet Chin Music to Kevin to end the segment.
A newly released teaser for WWE 2K25 has sparked excitement among wrestling game enthusiasts, hinting at the return of the much-loved “Chain Wrestling” mechanic.
Originally introduced in earlier installments of the WWE 2K series, this gameplay feature adds a layer of strategic depth by allowing players to engage in seamless grappling transitions, reminiscent of real-life wrestling sequences.
The teaser video, shared on WWE Games’ official social media, is captioned with a chain and wrestling emojis, features Cody Rhodes talking about “the return of Ch…” before getting cut off by Drew McIntyre, who tells him not to give the big secrets away.
This mechanic was praised in past titles for its ability to replicate the technical nuances of professional wrestling. Its absence in more recent releases left fans nostalgic for the feature’s strategic gameplay and immersive feel.
Although the teaser did not confirm further gameplay specifics, the return of Chain Wrestling suggests that WWE 2K25 may prioritize realism and technical authenticity.
Fans have already begun speculating about additional enhancements, including expanded move sets and improvements to animations.
The WWE 2K franchise has worked to rebuild its reputation following a turbulent launch of WWE 2K20. With recent entries receiving praise for their polished mechanics and innovative modes, the development team appears to be doubling down on features that elevate the series’ authenticity.
If Chain Wrestling is officially reintroduced, it could mark a major step forward in delivering a more nuanced and realistic wrestling experience.
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.
The 2025 WWE Royal Rumble premium live event is scheduled for Saturday, February 1 from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
30 men and 30 women will vie for the chance to etch their name in the history books and earn the right to challenge the champions of their choosing at WrestleMania 41. Last year’s Royal Rumble winners, Cody Rhodes and Bayley, went on to capture gold at WrestleMania 40, so this year’s participants have a fresh reminder of exactly what’s at stake.
Note: This article will be maintained and updated as the remaining participants are announced.
2025 Men’s Royal Rumble Entrants
15 Confirmed participants for the Men’s Rumble:
WWE Superstar
Notes
Shinsuke Nakamura
2018 Royal Rumble Winner
John Cena
2008, 2013 Royal Rumble Winner
CM Punk
2024 Runner-Up
Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins
2019 Royal Rumble Winner
Drew McIntyre
2020 Royal Rumble Winner
Roman Reigns
2015 Royal Rumble Winner
Jey Uso
LA Knight
Rey Mysterio
2006 Royal Rumble Winner
Sami Zayn
Logan Paul
Chad Gable
Bron Breakker
Carmelo Hayes
2025 Women’s Royal Rumble Entrants
2024 Women’s Royal Rumble Winner declares for the 2025 event
The WWE ID program, WWE’s newest talent development initiative, aims to scout and refine the next generation of wrestling superstars by integrating independent wrestlers into the WWE system.
One such prospect, Zayda Steel, recently shared her experiences as part of the program, highlighting the invaluable opportunities it provides to up-and-coming talent. Steel, who has made waves on the independent scene with appearances in GCW, Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), and Major League Wrestling (MLW), opened up about her journey on the podcast Conversations with The Wrestling Classic.
Steel revealed that WWE is actively bridging the gap between independent wrestling and its larger platform by giving ID participants direct access to feedback from wrestling icons. During a chat with the Wrestling Classic, She praised the program for its emphasis on mentorship, stating that her matches are being reviewed by WWE legends like Sean “X-Pac” Waltman and Kenny Dykstra.
“I can say that our matches are being watched,” Steel said. “We found out recently, they’re like, ‘Oh, X-Pac can now watch your match and give you guys critiques.’ I’m like, ‘What the f—.’ So him, Kenny Dykstra, who works closely with Triple H, literally in the offices. We are getting feedback from top, top people. So that’s another plus as well.”
Steel also shared that she has trained at the WWE Performance Center as part of the program and received recognition from several established WWE talents. While she chose not to name anyone specifically, she expressed her surprise and appreciation at being acknowledged by well-known wrestlers.
“A couple of us were at the PC. We got to train there,” she explained. “Funny enough, as I’m there, I’m saying hi to people… There’s a good amount of the girls that were like, ‘Oh my God, I know who you are. I follow you on Instagram,’ or, ‘I’ve seen you on social media.’ So, yes. You’d be surprised who knows who you are.”
Zayda Steel and WWE ID
Before joining the WWE ID program, Steel was a prominent figure on the independent circuit, wrestling over 50 matches in 2024 across various promotions. Her extensive experience and current exposure to WWE legends’ feedback exemplify the potential impact of this initiative in grooming future superstars.
The WWE ID program not only spotlights independent talent but also provides unique opportunities for mentorship and growth under the guidance of industry veterans.
With access to feedback from legends like X-Pac and direct exposure to WWE’s developmental facilities, prospects like Zayda Steel are gaining invaluable experience that could shape their future in professional wrestling.
YouTube star IShowSpeed is set to attend the WWE Royal Rumble on February 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where he will live stream his experience. This appearance follows a personal invitation from WWE executive Triple H during a recent live stream. Triple H offered IShowSpeed the opportunity to stream backstage and throughout the event, to which the content creator enthusiastically responded, “I’m gonna be there.”
IShowSpeed, known for his high-energy content and deep enthusiasm for WWE, has previously made waves in the wrestling world. At WrestleMania 40 in April 2024, he appeared dressed as a PRIME energy drink mascot during Logan Paul’s United States Championship match.
In an unforgettable moment, IShowSpeed attempted to assist Logan Paul against Randy Orton and Kevin Owens, only to be taken out by an RKO from Orton on the announcer’s table. The move left IShowSpeed with a sore neck and headache, but his dramatic participation became a viral sensation.
The WrestleMania appearance originated from IShowSpeed’s team pitching the idea to Logan Paul during a PRIME energy photoshoot. Paul coordinated with WWE to finalize the collaboration, which concluded with Paul gifting IShowSpeed a Tesla Cybertruck as a thank-you for his involvement.
While IShowSpeed’s role at the Royal Rumble has not been detailed, his ability to connect with WWE’s younger audience and create shareable, buzz-worthy moments suggests fans can expect another memorable experience.
WWE’s next Saturday Night’s Main Event special is scheduled for January 25, 2025 from San Antonio, Texas at the Frost Bank Center. The event will broadcast live on NBC and simulcast on Peacock.
SNME will serve as a pivotal stop in the lead-ups to the 2025 Royal Rumble. In addition to several of this year’s Royal Rumble participants in action, we’ll see the official Contract Signing for Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The contract signing for the match between Cody Rhodes (c) and Kevin Owens will be overseen by a man who is no stranger to ladder matches – San Antonio’s own ‘Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels.
Saturday Night’s Main Event Preview
The updated match card includes:
World Heavyweight Championship Match: GUNTHER (c) vs. Jey Uso
Intercontinental Championship Match: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Sheamus
Contract Signing: Shawn Michaels will moderate the contract signing between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, setting the stage for their upcoming ladder match at the Royal Rumble.
After this, WWE has Saturday Night’s Main Event specials scheduled for May and July.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest WWE news as as we look ahead to Saturday Night’s Main Event, the 2025 Royal Rumble and the Road to WrestleMania 41.
“Anywhere, anytime, any show—that’s what I said to Shawn Michaels when I debuted in NXT… That would obviously be a huge honor and a privilege. It’s something that’s synonymous with our business.“
Though Hendry would relish the chance to compete in a Royal Rumble match, he admitted that becoming World Champion has given him a new sense of “responsibility.” While Hendry is now focused on doing what’s best for TNA, that may not keep him from WWE’s upcoming event.
“If TNA management tells me that’s the objective, I will move forward. So, that is what I will do—I will do what TNA Wrestling asks me to do.“
Hendry has been announced for WrestleCon during Royal Rumble weekend in Indianapolis, a fact that has many fans convinced that he will make an appearance. On February 2, the TNA star will set sail as part of Chris Jericho’s cruise.
TNA has already seen Rumble representation as Jordynne Grace’s appearance last year was well received by fans. Time will tell whether Hendry follows suit and if so, how far he gets in the pursuit of a WWE World Championship match at WrestleMania.
Cody Rhodes invited Matthew McConaughey to the ring after this week’s episode of SmackDown from Moody Center in Austin, Texas.
The main event of this week’s episode of the Blue Branded Show featured Kevin Owens taking on Jimmy Uso. The former Universal Champion picked up the victory in this match using a Pop-Up Powerbomb.
The Undisputed WWE Champion came out to make the save for Uso when Owens continued attacking him after the bout. The show went off air with the two Royal Rumble opponents brawling with each other.
WWE later shared an off-air video of Cody inviting the hometown star to the ring after KO had retreated. Following the tradition, Rhodes gifted his signed weight belt to a young fan after sharing a moment with McConaughey:
The Hollywood star wasn’t the only big name at the show. Other celebrities such as Shane Gillis, Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias, Tony Hinchcliffe, and WWE legends Michelle McCool & Mark Henry were in attendance as well.
The Undertaker while not seen during the broadcast of the show, was in the arena too. The WWE Hall of Famer greeted Matthew McConaughey backstage and gifted the acting star a legacy WWE belt.
Cody Rhodes will be appearing on tonight’s Saturday Night’s Main Event from San Antonio. He’ll be signing the contract for his upcoming Royal Rumble match with Kevin Owens in a segment hosted by Shawn Michaels.
WWE’s Omos is on his way back to programming, close to two years after his most recent televised singles match. At Pro Wrestling NOAH’s latest event, Omos and Jack Morris retained the GHC Tag Team Championship. After the match, Omos relinquished his title to Daga. Sharing his future plans, Omos revealed that he will be leaving the promotion for the time being to go back to WWE.
“I’m going back to WWE so I’ll give this belt to Daga. Please increase the value of this belt. The champs are now Jack Morris & Daga. I don’t know when but I’ll come back”
Omos and Morris captured the titles at the start of January, making the Nigerian the first contracted WWE main roster talent to win NOAH gold. Throughout his reign, Omos had remained in Japan where he learned plenty about the culture and cuisine.
Omos’ return to WWE will come close to two years after his most recent singles match on TV. That match came at WWE Backlash 2023, where he was defeated by Seth Rollins. His most recent match for WWE was as part of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal during the April 5, 2024, edition of WWE SmackDown.
With Omos’ announcement coming mere days before the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble, fans are speculating as to whether he will be a part of this year’s Men’s Rumble match. Whatever is planned, Omos is ready to bring his giant frame back to WWE and lay waste to opponents.
On the January 24, edition of WWE SmackDown, Damian Priest was moved to the blue brand as part of WWE’s Transfer Window. Speaking after the show, Priest shared what fans can look forward to every week on Friday nights.
“It’s been a big one, man. Four years in WWE, all Monday Night Raw. I feel like this is the right time to move. I accomplished everything that I wanted to accomplish on Monday Night Raw. World Champion, United States Champion, multiple-time tag team champion. Now, it’s time for something new, a new challenge, new rivals. I’m here on Smackdown, ready to take them all on.”
Priest’s arrival on WWE SmackDown saw him defeat Carmelo Hayes in a strong start for the former World Heavyweight Champion. In a backstage segment with Cody Rhodes, Priest told the Undisputed WWE Champion “See you soon, champ,” teasing a potential showdown for the gold.
Damian Priest’s arrival on SmackDown marks a major change to the blue brand, which also welcomed The Miz this week as part of the Transfer Window. During the show, Miz tried to align with A-Town Down Under before it was revealed that Grayson Waller and Austin Theory have been moved to Monday Night Raw.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Damian Priest as the former World Champion seeks to re-establish himself as one of WWE’s top Superstars, noa as part of WWE SmackDown.
Joe Hendry hopes that his TNA title win inspires people to chase their dreams.
The TNA world title is the first major championship Hendry has won in his career. Despite being active in the business for 12 years, Hendry’s breakout year came in 2024 and he has finally started getting the recognition he deserves after more than a decade in the business.
The new TNA Champion reflected on his years of hard work in a new interview with WrestleZone. While discussing his previous losses to Nic Nemeth before he finally defeated the wrestling veteran for the championship, Joe Hendry said that the whole story is very representative of his real life:
“Taking three times is very representative of my real life. If you look at all the things that I’ve done in my life, it’s taken me a long time to do them. When I started amateur wrestling, I think I had probably about six or seven attempts at national titles before I finally won one. I had been to TNA before in the past, and it only lasted a few months. I’ve been other places, something or other didn’t quite work out.”
Hendry got his first shot at the World Championship at the Slammiversary event last July. Coming off the success of his viral theme song, many thought Joe would win the bout but it didn’t end up being the case. After being diverted to a feud with Josh Alexander, Hendry got his second opportunity at the world title at Bound For Glory in October but he lost the match again due to interference from JBL.
After finally succeeding in his quest at the Genesis event on January 19, Joe Hendry explained that he’s never gotten anything in life in his first try. Having to work his way back up to the card and the title match after every defeat, the new champion hopes that his story will help teach the importance of not giving up to people:
“In my life through all the things I’ve done, I never get things the first try. So doing it this way is actually a bit of a snapshot into my life, and I hope it inspires people to realize that when not to be cliche, but when you do get knocked down, you just have to keep going and being relentless and believe in yourself.
If you keep doing the right things you’re supposed to be doing, it’s going to happen, and you’re going to get there. That is who I am. That it happened in this way, that is Joe Hendry.”
Joe Hendry had his first title defence after winning the championship at the first live episode of Impact in eight years this week. You can check out who was his surprise opponent for this bout here.
The 2025 WWE Royal Rumble premium live event got even bigger on this week’s SmackDown with a huge WWE Tag Team Championship match added to the card. On the January 24, edition of SmackDown, the Motor City Machine Guns discussed DIY doing all they can to avoid a title match. It was then revealed that the titles will be on the line on February 1… in a two-out-of-three falls match.
This will mark the first time the WWE Tag Team Championships have been defended at a PLE since WrestleMania 40. At last year’s Showcase of the Immortals, the titles, then known as the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, were defended alongside the RAW Tag Team Championships in a ladder match. This exciting upcoming match will also mark the WWE PLE debut of the Motor City Machine Guns. The team of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin arrived in WWE in October 2024 and have competed on TV and at live events ever since.
This match is just the latest high-stakes contest set for the Royal Rumble, which will include two Rumble matches and a ladder match between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the Royal Rumble including breaking news and live results.
Former WWE star Commander Azeez aka Dabba-Kato has detailed his experience of traveling to Saudi Arabia with the company for their first PPV event.
WWE’s 10-year partnership with the Saudi General Sports Authority started with the Greatest Royal Rumble event in 2018. Azeez who had been signed by the company to a developmental contract in 2016, made his TV debut at this event.
The wrestling giant reflected on his experience working the show in a new interview with MuscleManMalcolm. He revealed that he was told to sign a waiver before he could get on the plane to reach the country:
“To travel there, you need to sign a waiver. There is a waiver. The waiver says that you are aware to what country you’re going to.
There are some legal consequences for stuff that is different in the States. I don’t remember all of the points, but I remember one point was ‘Beheading,'”
Commander Azeez who was the 37th entrant in the match lasted about 5 minutes before being eliminated by the eventual winner Braun Strowman. He would continue his work in developmental after this appearance, later making his Raw Underground debut under the ring name Dabba-Kato.
Staying on the topic of his Saudi trip, the 36-year-old was asked if beheading was something that could happen if he did something wrong. The wrestling star replied positively saying it made the whole trip extreme even before he got there:
“Yes. I had to sign it in the office, that I’m aware of this. I signed it. Even before we got there, it was already extreme.”
After the end of Raw Underground, Dabba-Kato was repackaged as Commander Azeez in 2021, and paired with Apollo Crews. He continued making sporadic appearances for the company after the end of this run before being released in September, 2023.
The Rhodes family has been an established force in wrestling for decades, with Dusty, Dustin, and Cody forging their own legacies in the ring. Now, fans could soon be seeing more Rhodes’ in action via the nephews of the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion.
Before SmackDown, Cody was spotted backstage with Wyatt and Wayne Rhodes, who both have joined the family business of pro wrestling. The trio also showed off a one-of-a-kind image of Cody, autographed by all three men.
Wyatt and Wayne made their AEW debuts last August during a dark match ahead of Collision, where they defeated Aaron Solo and Jon Cruz That show proved to be extra special for the Rhodes family, as on that night, Dustin became a ROH World Tag Team Champion alongside Sammy Guevara.
The Rhodes family is currently at its arguable peak of success, with both Cody and Dustin holding gold in their respective promotions. It remains to be seen where Wayne and Wyatt one day appear at a WWE event as Superstars rather than as guests, but the future looks bright for the famed wrestling family.
Nia Jax says Tiffany Stratton cashing in the Money In The Bank contract on her was a beautiful moment and she was a little proud of the young star.
Tiffany won the Women’s Money In The Bank match at the namesake event in July last year. The former NXT star then formed an alliance with Jax, helping her win the WWE Women’s Championship from Bayley at SummerSlam 2024.
Stratton’s MITB win made this dynamic very interesting with WWE teasing a potential cash-in on multiple occasions. They finally pulled the trigger on it at the January 3 episode of SmackDown earlier this month.
The former Women’s Champion talked about the 25-year-old ‘stabbing her in the back’ during a recent interview with Stay Busy with Armon Sadler. Nia Jax proclaimed that it was something she had never experienced before and told Tiffany to keep an eye out for her:
“There is part of me that is a little proud of her because I taught her well, I can’t lie. The betrayal still eats at me. She definitely shouldn’t be sitting comfortably,”
The wait for Tiffany’s cash-in was unusually long with WWE teasing it on multiple occasions only to back out. Nia Jax discussed how the large number of teases had made fans kind of numb to yet another tease and it was fun to shock the people who always think that they know everything:
“I thought it was beautiful. I’m torn. It was a beautiful moment to watch my Tiffy become champion. Being at the other end of it, did it hurt a little bit? Yes, but watching the reaction of the crowd when she hit me on the back, when I was watching back and reactions, I couldn’t even hear myself in that moment.
It was beautiful. It was beautiful that everybody was like, ‘Oh, it’s not going to happen.’ She played it perfectly. I have to give her, her flowers on that one.”
Nia Jax who is a SmackDown star has been making appearances on Raw in recent times as part of the Transfer Window. While her move has not been confirmed officially, it seems likely that Jax will become part of the Raw roster after the end of her title reign.
WWE’s longtime headquarters Titan Towers has been sold with the new owners intending to convert it into an apartment complex.
According to CT Insider, the six-story building located at 1241 E. Main St. on Stamford’s east side has been acquired by real estate firm MB Financial Group for $3.75 million.
The firm which has previous experience in redeveloping big buildings into residential properties, intends to do the same with the old WWE HQ:
“Our intention is definitely to do this within the existing building,” said Michael Massimino, CEO and Managing Partner of MB Finance “Right now, we’re in our conceptual phase, as far as laying out density and common-area amenities.”
Once the plan for the redevelopment has been approved by local zoning officials, the new owners of the Titan Towers are expecting the whole process to be complete by the first half of 2027, with more than 80 residential units available for people.
The decision to sell Titan Towers came after WWE announced intentions to move its headquarters to downtown Stamford back in 2019. The move that was delayed due to the pandemic finally began in 2023 and the building at 1241 E. Main was then put up for sale in mid-2024.
The wrestling giant also recently completed the sale for its old production studio located at 120 Hamilton Avenue, Stamford. The studio was acquired by V20 Group for approximately $7.5 million
Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey was one of the celebrities in attendance for the January 24th episode of WWE SmackDown from Moody Center in Austin, Texas.
The acting star was shown sitting in the front row right behind the announcer’s desk during the broadcast. Former Universal Champion Kevin Owens also acknowledged The Golden Globe award winner during the episode.
Owens targeted McConaughey while cutting a promo standing at the announcer’s table. KO told the Texas native that he’s going to beat Cody Rhodes the same way Ohio State Buckeyes beat Texas Longhorns in a recent Football match.
McConaughey also got to meet The Undertaker backstage during the night and the Dead Man gifted him a Texas-WWE Legacy Championship
From one Texas Longhorns fan to another! @undertaker just gifted @McConaughey the perfect WWE Legacy Title ?
Along with Matthew McConaughey, names such as Shane Gillis, Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias, and Tony Hinchcliffe were in attendance for the event as well.
Kevin Owens is set to challenge Cody Rhodes in a ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the upcoming Royal Rumble PPV on February 1.
WWE has announced that Shawn Michaels will be holding a contract signing segment between the two for the title match at this weekend’s Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 25.
Apart from this segment, the show also featured a couple of big announcements including confirmation of the return date for former Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair. You can check out more about it here.
A couple of former world champions in The Miz and Damian Priest have been moved to the SmackDown brand as part of the transfer window.
Both these trades were confirmed during the January 24 episode of the Blue Branded show. The A-Lister was first informed of his move while meeting General Manager Nick Aldis in a backstage segment.
The Miz orchestrated to get the Wyatt Family moved to SmackDown before to try and get away from the group so he was not happy with this latest change.
The Miz tried to form an alliance with Greyson Waller and Austin Theory after this move to save himself from the Wyatts. Nick Aldis however, revealed another trade and informed the A Town Down Under that they were being moved to the Raw brand instead.
Apart from this, WWE also confirmed the return date for former Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair during the show. You can check out more about it here.
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.
El video package del retorno de Charlotte Flair, anunciando su participación en el Royal Rumble la semana que viene. No se han guardado la sorpresa, pero el mensaje es potentísimo. #SmackDownpic.twitter.com/XDsk1GZFxc
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.
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.
Scott Steiner is known for his big personality and unfiltered opinions, as Big Poppa Pump is never afraid to speak his mind. This week, Steiner sparked speculation by hinting at a potential appearance this weekend at the the 2025 Royal Rumble premium live event.
WWE announcer Pat McAfee expressed his excitement about the Rumble on X. He’s heading (home) to Indianapolis and believes the atmosphere will be electric and that the event will be unforgettable. With just over a week to go, he emphasized that Indianapolis is the perfect host city and that the world will soon see why.
This post caught the attention of Steiner, who suggested that the Royal Rumble would only achieve true epic status if he were to make an appearance.
only way Royal Rumble reaches true EPICness is with Big Poppa Pump in the building. https://t.co/MTxOe6LUqN
Despite being one of wrestling’s most notorious names, Steiner has done relatively little in the Royal Rumble match. Steiner has just two Rumble matches to his name which fell exactly one decade apart (1994, 2004.) Steiner’s sole elimination took place in the 1994 match and saw the future Freakzilla throw out Samu.
The WWE Royal Rumble 2025 is shaping up to be another exciting edition of the fan favorite event, with more and more names declaring themselves for the two 30-Superstar contests. It remains to be seen whether Scott Steiner enters the ring or merely makes an appearance, but there’s plenty of fans who’d love to see Steiner in Indianapolis.
Dominik Mysterio, the son of WWE legend Rey Mysterio, has made a bold claim, declaring himself the “greatest Mysterio of all time.” In an interview with The Babyfaces Podcast, Dominik shared his thoughts on surpassing his father’s legacy and his journey in WWE. The rising star also reflected on key moments in his father’s career, his own achievements, and the family dynamic that continues to fuel one of WWE’s most engaging storylines.
Dominik confidently stated, “I’m the greatest Mysterio of all time… I’m four years in, and I’m already better than my old man in every way, shape, and form.”
Despite being just four years into his wrestling career, Dominik believes he has outshined Rey Mysterio, who is celebrated as a pioneer of the cruiserweight division and a global icon in the sport. Dominik’s audacious remarks are part of his ongoing persona as the arrogant antagonist who constantly challenges his father’s storied legacy.
The younger Mysterio also spoke about Rey’s 2006 Royal Rumble victory.
“One of my favorite Rumbles is when my deadbeat unfortunately won,” Dominik said, noting that he had hoped Randy Orton would secure the win instead. Dominik went on to liken Rey to a “deadbeat,” a term he has repeatedly used in his heel promos.
Looking ahead, Dominik aims to further establish his own name and legacy, especially as he gears up for next weekend’s Royal Rumble premium live event. His steady rise in WWE, coupled with his ongoing rivalry with his father, has created a compelling narrative that continues to captivate fans.
Dominik Mysterio’s self-proclaimed title as the greatest Mysterio adds another layer to this family feud, keeping audiences invested in the evolving storyline that blends personal drama with professional ambition.
Analyzing Dominik’s Claim
While Dominik’s confidence is undeniable, Rey Mysterio Jr.’s accolades far exceed his son’s. Rey’s Hall of Fame career spans decades, featuring multiple championship wins, iconic matches, and a reputation as one of the greatest high-flyers in wrestling history. This comparison, however, is inherently flawed given their differing stages in their careers.
Despite this, the Mysterios have achieved history together as the first father-son duo to win WWE Tag Team Championship gold. However, their relationship has since fractured, culminating in one of WWE’s most captivating storylines. To evaluate Dominik’s claim of being the “greatest Mysterio,” let’s take a closer look at their encounters in the ring.
Tag Team History
Rey Mysterio and his son Dominik during happier times
Before their rivalry, Rey and Dominik shared a historic moment by becoming the first father-son duo to win WWE Tag Team Championships. The pair captured the SmackDown Tag Team titles at WrestleMania Backlash in 2021 and held them for 63 days before losing to The Usos.
Rivalry Origins
The father-son feud began at Clash at the Castle on September 3, 2022, when Dominik shockingly turned on Rey following their match. This betrayal not only marked Dominik’s alignment with The Judgment Day but also set the stage for an intense family rivalry.
Singles Matches
Dominik Mysterio slaps his father Rey Mysterio
WrestleMania 39 (April 1, 2023) Rey Mysterio defeated Dominik in their first major singles confrontation. The match was a spectacle featuring interference from The Judgment Day and Latino World Order, with Bad Bunny playing a key role in the outcome.
RAW (July 1, 2024) Rey once again triumphed over Dominik during an episode of RAW, proving his dominance in their ongoing feud.
WWE Live Holiday Tour (December 28, 2024) Their latest encounter saw Rey emerge victorious during the WWE Live Holiday Tour, further solidifying his superiority in singles competition.
Conclusion
Dominik Mysterio’s claim of being the “greatest Mysterio of all time” is ambitious, but it underscores his determination to step out of his father’s shadow and build his own legacy. While Rey’s achievements place him in a league of his own, Dominik’s ongoing growth and dedication to their feud keep this storyline engaging for fans. Only time will tell if Dominik can truly live up to his lofty proclamation.
