Author: Andrew Ravens

WWE Royal Rumble weekend will see several notable names in town, with some attending the big event that kicks off WrestleMania season while others are in Indianapolis for wrestling conventions, signings, and other appearances.

While fans may spot legends and former stars around the city, not all will be involved in the show itself. Some may simply be visiting friends backstage or attending as guests. According to PWInsider.com, several well-known figures are expected to be in Indianapolis this weekend.

WWE Legends Expected for Royal Rumble

PWInsider.com reports that several legends are slated to attend Royal Rumble, including:

• The Undertaker
• Kurt Angle
• Sean Waltman (X-Pac) – While his status has not been officially confirmed, internal discussions within WWE suggest that he may be present.

NXT Trainees and Wrestling Prospects in Attendance

WWE is not only bringing in past stars but also several NXT trainees, including:

• Jacob Henry – The son of WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry. Jacob, who graduated from Vandegrift High School in May 2023, announced he signed with WWE ahead of SummerSlam 2024 in Cleveland. His father, Mark Henry, spent 25 years in WWE, originally signing with the company in 1996.
• Brock Rechsteiner – The son of wrestling legend Scott Steiner. Sources close to the family have stated that Rechsteiner will be in Indianapolis. He currently plays as a wide receiver at Jacksonville State University. His father previously revealed that WWE had extended an NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal to him.

With Royal Rumble weekend known for its surprises, fans will have to wait and see who makes an appearance at the show.

It appears that WWE’s black and gold brand will be present at this year’s Royal Rumble, as several NXT stars have reportedly been brought to Indianapolis for the event.

WWE has a history of having former stars, legends, and NXT talents as surprise entrants in the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches. This year seems to be no exception. According to PWInsider.com, the following names have been brought in for the weekend:

• Lash Legend
• Jaida Parker
• Roxanne Perez
• Stephanie Vaquer

At this time, it remains unclear which—if any—of these stars will officially compete in the Women\’s Royal Rumble match.

Who Are the NXT Stars Brought in for Royal Rumble?

Lash Legend

Lash Legend is a former basketball player who turned into a WWE superstar. She joined WWE in 2021, initially hosting the Lashing Out with Lash Legend talk show on NXT. She later transitioned to in-ring competition and joined The Meta-Four alongside Noam Dar, Oro Mensah, and Jakara Jackson.

Jaida Parker

Jaida Parker signed with WWE in 2023 and quickly gained attention for her charisma and in-ring potential. She is still early in her career but has shown promise as a rising star in NXT.

Roxanne Perez

Roxanne Perez is a two-time NXT Women’s Champion and a former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion alongside Cora Jade. Before signing with WWE, she wrestled as Rok-C in Ring of Honor and became the inaugural ROH Women’s World Champion.

Stephanie Vaquer

Stephanie Vaquer has competed in CMLL (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre) and NJPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling). She signed with WWE last year and has since been involved in NXT\’s main event scene.

With the Royal Rumble known for its surprises, fans will have to wait and see if any of these NXT stars appear in the highly anticipated match.

WWE has officially signed a significant free agent in Jordynne Grace, a move many anticipated. According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, WWE sources have confirmed that Grace has inked a multi-year contract with the company.

The report reveals that WWE expressed their interest and extended an offer a few weeks before Grace completed her commitments with TNA. The promotion, which maintains a working relationship with WWE, was fully aware that Grace intended to leave. Sources within WWE noted that the company finalized the signing almost immediately after her final match in TNA, aiming to secure her before she could enter free agency.

Grace’s final appearance for TNA occurred during the Genesis pay-per-view event on Sunday night in Dallas, Texas, where she faced Tessa Blanchard. In the match, Grace put over Blanchard, marking her exit from the promotion. Although it was previously reported that her TNA deal would run through January 2025, this new development confirms an earlier-than-expected departure.

Grace has made prior appearances for WWE, including an impressive showing in the 2023 Royal Rumble match, which reportedly left a strong impression on WWE officials. Many speculated that she would join WWE once her TNA contract concluded, and this signing has now fulfilled those expectations.

Dakota Kai, one of WWE\’s most resilient and dynamic performers, is once again on the injured list following a tag team match on the January 20th episode of Raw. Teaming with IYO SKY against Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler, Kai reportedly suffered an injury during the bout.

According to PWInsider.com, Kai was \”hurt\” during the match, with one source speculating that the issue may have stemmed from a rough bump taken on a missile dropkick. It was later confirmed to be a concussion. Kai has been pulled from WWE programming and was notably absent from this week’s Raw.

As of now, it’s unclear whether this injury will prevent Dakota Kai from participating in the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble, which is set to take place this weekend. Kai’s potential absence would be a significant blow to both her and her faction, Damage CTRL, as the group has been a prominent force in WWE’s women’s division.

Kai’s latest setback is part of an unfortunate pattern in her career, as she has dealt with multiple significant injuries over the years:

1. Right ACL Tear – December 2018
   • Kai tore her ACL in her right knee during an NXT live event in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This injury sidelined her for over nine months, costing her a spot in the inaugural Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament.
2. Shoulder Injury – Late 2020
   • During her NXT run, Kai suffered a shoulder injury that briefly removed her from active competition. While not severe, it slowed her momentum during her growing partnership with Raquel González.
3. Left ACL Tear – May 2023
   • In a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match on SmackDown, Kai suffered a torn ACL in her left knee after a botched top-rope move. The injury required surgery and kept her out for 9–12 months, sidelining her for the remainder of 2023.

The trailer for Dave Bautista’s upcoming Hollywood project, In The Lost Lands, has officially been released. The film is written by Paul W.S. Anderson and Constantin Werner, based on the short story of the same name by renowned author George R. R. Martin.

The plot centers on a queen who, desperate to fulfill her desire for love, makes a bold move by enlisting the feared sorceress Gray Alys (Milla Jovovich). Gray Alys is tasked with venturing into the ghostly wilderness of the Lost Lands to acquire a magical power. Alongside her guide, the drifter Boyce (Dave Bautista), the two must navigate the perilous landscape and outwit both men and demons.

The cast also features Arly Jover, Amara Okereke, Fraser James, and others in supporting roles. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the movie is set to hit theaters nationwide on March 7, 2025.

To get a glimpse of this epic fantasy adventure, you can watch the trailer here:

Bautista’s breakout moment came when he was cast as Drax the Destroyer in Marvel Studios\’ Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). His portrayal of the literal-minded but lovable alien warrior won audiences over and showcased his comedic timing. Drax became a fan favorite, and Bautista reprised the role in subsequent Marvel films.

Bautista continued to land major roles, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s top action stars:

• Dune (2021): Played Glossu Rabban, a brutal enforcer in Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptation of the sci-fi classic. He will reprise this role in Dune: Part Two (2024).
• Army of the Dead (2021): Starred as Scott Ward in Zack Snyder’s zombie heist film on Netflix.
• Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022): Showcased his comedic and dramatic chops as Duke Cody in Rian Johnson’s murder-mystery ensemble.

Asuka appears to be edging closer to her return to in-ring action after an extended hiatus due to a knee injury.

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, creative plans involving Asuka have been discussed, including a potential tag team match, though that idea was reportedly scrapped. As of now, her official return date remains unclear.

The former champion underwent knee surgery last year following an injury that, despite speculation, did not immediately sideline her. Asuka continued competing, including at Backlash France in April, where she and her partner lost the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles to Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. After announcing she would be taking a break to address the injury, Asuka underwent surgery and has since been focused on rehab. 

She has documented her recovery journey through vlogs on her YouTube channel, offering fans an inside look at her progress. Fightful added there have been no reports of Asuka training at the WWE Performance Center or any confirmation of her status for the Royal Rumble.

For now, fans can only wait and watch for updates as Asuka continues her road to recovery.

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.

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. 

What Fans Can Expect from Charlotte Flair’s WWE Return

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• Former WWE Announcer Jonathan Coachman to Corey Graves: ‘It Happens, Playing Nice Might Help’

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.