Fanatics has pitched WWE studio programming to Netflix, according to a new report from Front Office Sports.
The news comes as Netflix continues an aggressive push into podcast and video content acquisition. Sources told Front Office Sports journalist Ryan Glasspiegel that Fanatics approached the streaming giant about WWE programming, though it remains unclear whether the pitch involves existing shows, new content, or both.
All three parties—Fanatics, WWE, and Netflix—declined to comment.
WWE\’s Podcast Network
Fanatics and WWE launched a podcast partnership in March 2025, with Fanatics now producing and distributing all WWE digital content. The current lineup includes:
\”What\’s Your Story?\” hosted by Stephanie McMahon
\”Six Feet Under with The Undertaker\” co-hosted with Michelle McCool
\”What Do You Wanna Talk About?\” hosted by Cody Rhodes
\”Impaulsive\” hosted by Logan Paul (nearly 1 billion YouTube views)
\”The Raw Recap Show\” hosted by Megan Morant and Sam Roberts
Sources indicate that Fanatics and WWE plan to expand their content partnership and have recently vetted talent for new programming.
Netflix already has a significant investment in WWE. The streamer began airing Monday Night Raw on January 6, 2025, as part of a 10-year deal worth $5 billion. Fanatics also handles WWE\’s merchandising and collectibles businesses.
The potential addition of WWE studio content would further Netflix\’s strategy of acquiring popular podcasts and video programming. The streamer recently announced a multiyear deal with Barstool Sports worth eight figures annually for exclusive video rights to Pardon My Take, the Ryen Russillo Show, and Spittin\’ Chiclets.
Here’s your WWE Rumor Roundup for Thursday, December 18, 2025, featuring the latest backstage news and speculation from around the wrestling world.
No NXT Call-Ups Despite SNME Showcase
Despite widespread online speculation, WWE has NOT officially called up any NXT talent following Saturday Night’s Main Event. Bryan Alvarez addressed the rumors directly, stating “at this point, nobody has been called up.”
The rumored names included Oba Femi, Sol Ruca, Je’Von Evans, Leon Slater, and Joe Hendry, all of whom impressed at the December 13 event. Oba Femi faced Cody Rhodes in a champion vs. champion match that ended in a no-contest due to Drew McIntyre interference.
NXT Implementing New Backstage Policy After Title Botch
WWE is implementing major policy changes following Thea Hail’s accidental title win over Blake Monroe. Per Fightful Select, talent booked for tapings will now be required to stay until the end of filming, even if their segments are completed early. The botched finish caused creative chaos since WWE had already pre-taped segments with Monroe as champion through the holiday season.
Thea Hail vs. Blake Monroe Rematch Expected at New Year’s Evil
Following the unplanned title change, a rematch between Thea Hail and Blake Monroe is already being discussed internally. Multiple sources expect the bout to take place at NXT New Year’s Evil on January 6, though nothing has been officially confirmed. WWE appears to be leaning into the result for now, with the backstage confrontation segment between the two added on short notice.
Royal Rumble 2026 Start Time Finalized
WWE has officially settled on a 2 PM ET start time for the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. WrestleVotes reported there was “internal back and forth” about when the show should air before landing on the afternoon slot. This translates to a 10 PM local start time in Saudi Arabia—slightly later than recent Saudi PLEs which typically started at 1 PM ET.
Raquel Rodriguez Placed in Concussion Protocol
Raquel Rodriguez has been placed in WWE’s concussion protocol following a scary spot on Monday’s RAW. During her Women’s World Championship match against Stephanie Vaquer, Nikki Bella interfered and threw Rodriguez head-first into the steel steps, leaving a visible “goose egg” on her forehead. Bryan Alvarez noted on Wrestling Observer Live that being placed in protocol doesn’t necessarily mean she has a concussion—it’s a standard precautionary measure for head injuries.
Ric Flair Weighs In On Cena vs. Sting Retirement Outcomes
Ric Flair has offered his take on why Sting won his retirement match while John Cena lost his. The Nature Boy stated that Sting won because there’s “no one at AEW worth putting over.” Whether fans agree with his assessment or not, it’s sparked debate across social media about how wrestling legends should go out.
WWE Officials Impressed by NXT Talent at SNME
WWE reportedly came away very encouraged by the NXT talent showcased at Saturday Night’s Main Event, with multiple performers leaving a strong impression on company officials. While no call-ups have been made yet, the future looks bright for the developmental stars who shared the stage with legends like John Cena. Leon Slater has already earned an NXT Championship match against Oba Femi at New Year’s Evil after winning a Fatal 4-Way this week.
WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry delivered a raw and emotional interview on The Undertaker\’s \”Six Feet Under\” podcast, discussing the racism he faced throughout his career, his supernatural strength, and the family legacy he\’s building.
The World\’s Strongest Man revealed that despite enduring racist comments and \”deplorable people\” during his 25-year WWE run, it was embarrassment that hit him hardest.
\”That was the worst I ever felt in wrestling,\” Henry said. \”I had people say racist things. I had people that was just deplorable people. Everything you could think of. But embarrassing—it was because it was me.\”
Naturally Gifted
Henry also reflected on his God-given abilities, comparing himself to the biblical figure Samson.
\”That\’s what God gave me, the ability to be able to control my strength,\” he explained. \”Sometimes I could really take it far farther than what even my training allowed.\”
Talent Scout
The conversation turned to Henry\’s impressive talent scouting legacy. He\’s credited with recruiting five current WWE stars who weren\’t considering wrestling careers, including Bianca Belair, Braun Strowman, Jade Cargill, Baron Corbin, and Samantha Irvin.
Mark Henry\’s Daughter
Henry also proudly discussed his daughter Joanna inheriting his physical gifts.
\”She\’s just like a recreation of me, but a girl. Copy paste. She\’s strong, man.\”
The two-time Olympian, who recently re-signed with WWE under a Legends deal in March 2025, continues shaping wrestling\’s future while reflecting on his groundbreaking past.
Live from the El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas
Tonight’s TNA Impact delivers the final episode of 2025 before next week’s Year-End Awards special, and it’s stacked with high-stakes action. The TNA vs. NXT war reaches its climax inside a Steel Cage, while 20 competitors battle for a future TNA World Championship opportunity. The show airs at 8/7c on AXS TV, TNA+, and Sportsnet 360 in Canada.
Match Card
Ten-Man Steel Cage Match: Team TNA (Mike Santana, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Steve Maclin, Santino Marella) vs. Team NXT (Stacks, Lexis King, Brooks Jensen, Tyson Dupont, Tyriek Igwe)
20-Man Battle Royal for TNA World Championship #1 Contendership
Angel Warriors (Lei Ying Lee and Xia Brookside) vs. Tessa Blanchard and Mila Moore
Ten-Man Steel Cage Match: Team TNA vs. Team NXT
The rivalry between TNA and NXT reaches its violent conclusion inside the unforgiving confines of a Steel Cage. This match was born from months of NXT talent invading TNA programming, culminating in the chaos at Final Resolution when Lexis King threatened to set the TNA logo ablaze and Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo sucker-punched TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella.
Team TNA features some of the most battle-tested competitors in the locker room. Mike Santana is out for blood after NXT’s interference cost him the TNA World Championship at Turning Point. The Hardys have been targeted repeatedly by the NXT contingent while defending the TNA World Tag Team Titles. Steve Maclin lost his TNA International Championship to Stacks at Final Resolution due to King’s interference. Marella inserted himself into the match after Matt Cardona was unable to compete, making this intensely personal for the Director of Authority.
On the NXT side, Stacks, King, Brooks Jensen, and the team of Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe have been the core aggressors in this invasion angle. With the cage surrounding the ring, there’s nowhere to hide as brand supremacy hangs in the balance.
20-Man Battle Royal — TNA World Championship #1 Contendership
A massive opportunity awaits as 20 competitors battle for a shot at Frankie Kazarian’s TNA World Championship on the first Impact of 2026. The field includes a mix of established veterans and hungry newcomers looking to punch their ticket to a title opportunity.
Confirmed participants include former World Champion Moose, Eric Young, Mance Warner, Rich Swann, Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz, Myron Reed, Jake Something, Cedric Alexander, Ryan Nemeth, Brock Anderson, CW Anderson, Bear Bronson, John Skyler, BDE, Jake Painter, Judas Icarus, Travis Williams, Jesse Funaki, and Home Town Man.
With TNA Genesis just a month away and Kazarian defending against Mike Santana in the main event, the winner of this Battle Royal will have their sights set on championship gold heading into 2026.
Angel Warriors vs. Tessa Blanchard and Mila Moore
The Knockouts division takes center stage as Knockouts World Champion Lei Ying Lee teams with her Angel Warriors partner Xia Brookside to face the formidable duo of Tessa Blanchard and Mila Moore. Victoria Crawford and NXT’s Robert Stone will be in Blanchard and Moore’s corner.
Lee made history at NXT Gold Rush when she defeated Kelani Jordan and Jordynne Grace to become the first Chinese TNA Knockouts World Champion. Since reuniting with Brookside as the Angel Warriors, the duo has proven that teamwork and resilience can overcome even the most intimidating opposition.
Blanchard has been on a warpath since her controversial return to TNA in late 2024, targeting the Knockouts division’s top competitors. Her partnership with Moore adds dangerous unpredictability, and with Robert Stone’s NXT connections adding another layer to the TNA vs. NXT dynamic, tensions are running high heading into this clash.
Segments to Watch
Elijah Concert: After arriving at Final Resolution on horseback and dragging away Mustafa Ali, the enigmatic Elijah brings his guitar to the Impact Zone. His concerts are never just performances — they’re statements. Expect fireworks when someone inevitably takes exception to his message.
Looking Ahead
December 25: TNA 2025 Year-End Awards special episode
December 30: Moose challenges Ethan Page for the NXT North American Championship
January 15, 2026: TNA Impact moves to AMC
January 17, 2026: TNA Genesis featuring Frankie Kazarian vs. Mike Santana for the TNA World Championship and JDC’s retirement match against Eddie Edwards
TNA Impact airs tonight at 8/7c on AXS TV, TNA+, and Sportsnet 360 in Canada from the El Paso County Coliseum.
The 2025 Continental Classic has concluded with Jon Moxley winning his first Continental Classic tournament and capturing the AEW Continental Championship at AEW Worlds End in Chicago. In a dramatic finish on December 27, Moxley wrestled twice in one night—defeating Kyle Fletcher in the semifinals and then Kazuchika Okada in the finals to end The Rainmaker\’s historic 647-day reign as Continental Champion.
Konosuke Takeshita made history by becoming the first wrestler to finish the tournament\’s round-robin phase undefeated with a perfect 4-0-1 record and 13 points, while the Gold League came down to the final matches with all six competitors tied at 6 points entering the decisive night.
AEW Worlds End Finals Results
Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025 Location: Now Arena, Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Continental Classic Semifinals:
Kazuchika Okada def. Konosuke Takeshita – Don Callis Family stablemates faced off in a hard-fought battle, with Okada advancing to the finals
Jon Moxley def. Kyle Fletcher – In a Match of the Year contender, Moxley overcame Fletcher\’s systematic attack on his leg and advanced to face Okada
Continental Classic Championship Final:
Jon Moxley def. Kazuchika Okada to win the 2025 Continental Classic and become the new AEW Continental Champion
The victory marked Moxley\’s first Continental Classic championship after falling to Eddie Kingston in the 2023 finals. Moxley\’s triumph ended Okada\’s historic run with the title and gave the Death Riders leader one of the most memorable nights of his career, wrestling twice and delivering two instant classics back-to-back.
Following the match, Moxley addressed the crowd and said the title doesn\’t belong to him—it belongs to everybody in the Continental Classic who gave everything they had, to the fans who support professional wrestling, and to everyone in AEW who shows up every day. Claudio Castagnoli and the Death Riders celebrated with Moxley in the ring as he was crowned the 2025 Continental Classic Champion.
Final Standings
Blue League
Wrestler
W
L
D
Points
Konosuke Takeshita*
4
0
1
13
Jon Moxley
3
2
0
9
Claudio Castagnoli
2
2
1
7
Orange Cassidy
2
3
0
6
Mascara Dorada
2
3
0
6
Roderick Strong
1
4
0
3
*First wrestler in Continental Classic history to finish league play undefeated
Gold League
Wrestler
W
L
D
Points
Kyle Fletcher
3
2
0
9
Kazuchika Okada (c)
3
2
0
9
PAC
2
2
1
7
Kevin Knight
2
2
1
7
Mike Bailey
2
3
0
6
Jack Perry**
2
3
0
6
**Jack Perry replaced Darby Allin, who was forced to withdraw due to injuries suffered in his Week 1 match against Kevin Knight.
Week 5 Results
AEW Dynamite on 34th Street (December 24, 2025) – Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City:
The winner of the 2025 Continental Classic was crowned AEW Continental Champion at Worlds End. Kazuchika Okada entered as the defending champion, holding the Continental Championship as part of the AEW Unified Championship (which combines the Continental and International titles). His historic reign of 647 days came to an end when Jon Moxley defeated him in the finals.
This marked the third annual Continental Classic. Eddie Kingston won the inaugural tournament in 2023, Okada captured the 2024 edition by defeating Will Ospreay in the finals, and Jon Moxley won the 2025 tournament.
Tournament Format and Continental Rules
The Continental Classic uses a round-robin format modeled after NJPW\’s legendary G1 Climax tournament. Twelve wrestlers are divided into two leagues of six, with each competitor facing every other wrestler in their league once.
Scoring:
Win: 3 points
Draw: 1 point
Loss: 0 points
Ties are broken by head-to-head record. After the round-robin phase, the top two finishers in each league advance to the semifinals at Worlds End.
Semifinal Format:
Blue League Winner vs. Gold League Runner-Up
Gold League Winner vs. Blue League Runner-Up
The two semifinal winners then meet in the Championship Final later that same night.
All matches are held under Continental Rules: a strict 20-minute time limit, no one allowed at ringside, and outside interference is strictly prohibited under threat of being banned from AEW.
Key Storylines and Tournament Highlights
Moxley\’s Redemption and Historic Night
Jon Moxley delivered one of the most memorable performances in Continental Classic history, wrestling twice in one night and delivering two instant classics. After starting the tournament 2-2, Moxley finished with three straight victories to secure his semifinal spot with 9 points. In the semifinals, he battled Kyle Fletcher in what many called a Match of the Year contender, overcoming a systematic attack on his leg to advance to the finals. Just hours later, Moxley faced Kazuchika Okada and captured his first Continental Classic championship, ending The Rainmaker\’s 647-day reign. This marked redemption for Moxley, who lost to Eddie Kingston in the 2023 finals.
Takeshita Makes History
IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Konosuke Takeshita became the first wrestler in Continental Classic history to finish league play undefeated, compiling a remarkable 4-0-1 record with 13 points. The Alpha clinched his semifinal spot on Dynamite on 34th Street with a hard-fought victory over Orange Cassidy, then closed out his league schedule on Christmas Collision by defeating Mascara Dorada. Takeshita\’s dominant run included wins over Roderick Strong, Jon Moxley, Orange Cassidy, and Mascara Dorada, with his only blemish being a time-limit draw against Claudio Castagnoli. Despite his historic round-robin performance, Takeshita fell to his Don Callis Family stablemate Kazuchika Okada in the semifinals.
Six-Way Tie Chaos in Gold League
The Gold League entered its final night of competition in unprecedented territory—all six wrestlers tied at 6 points. Jack Perry\’s victory over PAC on Dynamite on 34th Street created the remarkable six-way logjam, setting up a dramatic final night where every match mattered. In the end, Kyle Fletcher and Kazuchika Okada emerged as the two semifinalists, both finishing with 9 points. Fletcher ruthlessly targeted Jack Perry\’s injured ankle to secure his advancement, while Okada outlasted Mike Bailey in the main event. PAC and Kevin Knight fought to a time-limit draw and finished tied for third with 7 points each, while Bailey and Perry were eliminated at 6 points.
Moxley vs. Fletcher: Match of the Year Contender
The semifinal between Jon Moxley and Kyle Fletcher was widely praised as one of the best matches of 2025. Fletcher systematically targeted Moxley\’s leg throughout the contest, at one point removing his boot to expose the injury. The veteran Moxley used his experience and ring awareness to overcome Fletcher\’s brutal gameplan, even as Fletcher desperately sought out a screwdriver (which Okada had removed earlier) in an attempt to secure victory. The match perfectly blended technical wrestling with storytelling, showcasing why both men are considered among the best in the world.
Castagnoli\’s Stunning Elimination
Claudio Castagnoli\’s hopes of advancing to the semifinals came crashing down on Christmas Collision when winless Roderick Strong pulled off a shocking upset. The CMLL World Heavyweight Champion needed only a draw to potentially advance on tiebreakers, but Strong—already eliminated from contention—played spoiler with his first tournament victory. The loss left Castagnoli in third place in the Blue League with 7 points, just two points shy of Jon Moxley\’s semifinal-clinching total. Following the match, the Death Riders attacked Strong until TNT Champion Mark Briscoe and Toni Storm made the save, setting up a Mixed Nuts Mayhem match at Worlds End.
Don Callis Family\’s Dominant Showing
The Don Callis Family successfully positioned three of its members in the semifinals, with Konosuke Takeshita winning the Blue League, Kazuchika Okada finishing second in the Gold League, and Kyle Fletcher winning the Gold League. Takeshita and Okada faced off in one semifinal, with Okada advancing. Fletcher faced Moxley in the other semifinal but came up short. Despite having three representatives in the final four, the Family walked away empty-handed as Moxley captured the championship.
Fletcher\’s Brutal Path
Kyle Fletcher secured his Gold League victory with a vicious performance against Jack Perry on Christmas Collision. Fletcher systematically targeted Perry\’s ankle throughout the match, at one point removing Perry\’s boot and sock to stomp his exposed foot against the steel steps. Perry showed heart by fighting back—even biting Fletcher\’s nipple to escape a suplex attempt—but Fletcher\’s ruthless gameplan proved successful as he scored the decisive victory with less than a minute remaining. The win gave Fletcher 9 points and the head-to-head tiebreaker over Kazuchika Okada, who also finished with 9 points.
Darby Allin\’s Forced Withdrawal
Darby Allin\’s tournament came to an abrupt end after suffering injuries in his Week 1 loss to Kevin Knight. AEW announced that Jack Perry would replace Allin in the Gold League, inheriting his remaining matches. Perry finished with a 2-3 record and 6 points, falling just short of the semifinals despite his Week 5 victory over PAC that created the six-way tie. Meanwhile, Allin\’s feud with Gabe Kidd intensified during the tournament, culminating in Kidd throwing Allin down a flight of stairs on Dynamite on 34th Street. Despite the attack, Allin accepted Kidd\’s challenge for a match at Worlds End, where he defeated Kidd.
Tournament History
The Continental Classic is AEW\’s premier singles tournament, held annually to determine the AEW Continental Champion. The tournament format honors professional wrestling\’s rich tournament history while creating new stars and memorable moments each year.
Previous Winners:
2023: Eddie Kingston (defeated Jon Moxley in the finals)
2024: Kazuchika Okada (defeated Will Ospreay in the finals)
2025: Jon Moxley (defeated Kazuchika Okada in the finals)
The 2025 Continental Classic concluded on December 27, 2025, with Jon Moxley winning the tournament and capturing the AEW Continental Championship.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman is back, and he\’s coming for the AEW World Championship.
MJF made his long-awaited return to AEW during Wednesday\’s Holiday Bash episode of Dynamite, taped from Co-op Live in Manchester, England. The former world champion interrupted the contract signing between AEW World Champion Samoa Joe, Hangman Adam Page, and Swerve Strickland, cashing in his Casino Gauntlet contract to transform the Worlds End main event into a four-way match.
Friedman won the guaranteed title shot by winning the Casino Gauntlet Match at All In: Texas earlier this year. AEW President Tony Khan had instituted a rule requiring MJF to announce his intentions at least one week in advance, a condition now satisfied with Worlds End ten days away.
During his promo, MJF addressed Hangman\’s previous accusations of cowardice, stating his decision to enter the match proved otherwise. He reignited his rivalry with Samoa Joe, expressing lingering resentment over losing the AEW World Championship to him two years ago at Worlds End 2023. MJF also took shots at Swerve Strickland, mocking his time in WWE before both men found success in AEW.
This marks MJF\’s first appearance since his loss to Mark Briscoe in a Tables N\’ Tacks match at All Out in September.
The four-way championship match now features Samoa Joe defending against Hangman Adam Page, Swerve Strickland, and MJF. With all four men having history with one another, AEW has set the stage for an unpredictable main event to close out 2025.
AEW Worlds End takes place Saturday, December 27 from the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, streaming live on pay-per-view.
AEW presents a special three-hour Dynamite and Collision Holiday Bash tonight from Manchester, England, featuring critical Continental Classic tournament action with playoff implications and a $1,000,000 winner-takes-all showdown.
The Elite face the Don Callis Family in the evening\’s marquee attraction, with a seven-figure payday on the line in trios competition.
Three-time AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR put their titles on the line against The Bang Bang Gang. Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler captured the gold by defeating Brodido at Full Gear last month.
The Continental Classic tournament enters a pivotal week with three matches carrying major standings implications. Konosuke Takeshita and Claudio Castagnoli currently sit atop the Blue League with seven points each, while Kyle Fletcher, Mike Bailey, and Kazuchika Okada are deadlocked at six points in the Gold League. Tonight\’s results could reshape the playoff picture heading into next week\’s final round before the Worlds End semifinals on December 27 in Chicago.
The annual Dynamite Diamond Battle Royal returns, with the final two competitors advancing to face each other on Christmas Eve. The winner earns an AEW World Championship match at Maximum Carnage on January 14.
Full Card
The Elite vs. Don Callis Family – $1,000,000 Winner Takes All Trios Match
FTR (c) vs. The Bang Bang Gang – AEW World Tag Team Championship
Jon Moxley (3 pts) vs. Roderick Strong (0 pts) – Continental Classic Blue League
Kyle Fletcher (6 pts) vs. PAC (3 pts) – Continental Classic Gold League
Mascara Dorada (3 pts) vs. Orange Cassidy (3 pts) – Continental Classic Blue League
Mercedes Moné, Athena, Marina Shafir & Megan Bayne vs. Babes of Wrath & Timeless Love Bombs
The contract signing between AEW World Champion Samoa Joe, Hangman Adam Page, and Swerve Strickland promises fireworks as all three prepare to collide in a three-way championship match at Worlds End.
How to Watch
AEW Holiday Bash airs tonight at 8 PM ET on TBS and MAX.
Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royale! AEW stars will battle until two remain, then they will fight in a singles match Christmas Eve for the Dynamite Diamond ring.
Braun Strowman has delivered a scathing critique of WWE\’s backstage culture, revealing that a loss of respect among talent was one of the things that bothered him most during his time with the company.
Speaking candidly on Something\’s Burning with Bert Kreischer, the former Universal Champion discussed the changing dynamics in WWE locker rooms and the challenges of being an outsider in a business dominated by wrestling families.
\”What chapped my ass on my way out of the business was how much of the respect was lost,\” Strowman said. \”Roman Reigns and I going out there 45 minutes doing a street fight and coming back and there\’s nobody in the gorilla and they\’re already in their hotels in the next town. They paid to see us. You couldn\’t even stay around to watch our stuff.\”
Strowman contrasted this with the old school mentality that once ruled WWE locker rooms, where missing the main event would result in consequences from respected veterans.
The former Monster Among Men also addressed the challenge of navigating wrestling\’s political landscape as someone who didn\’t come from a wrestling family or work the independent circuit.
\”Coming in, not born into the business, didn\’t come through the indies. I was an outsider. I was hated,\” Strowman revealed. \”Everyone was like, \’This big guy.\’… I\’m sleeping in my car. I\’m traveling around the world. I was North America\’s strongest man in 2011.\”
When it comes to wrestling\’s biggest obstacle, Strowman didn\’t mince words about what holds many talented performers back.
\”The hardest opponent in wrestling is nepotism, but that\’s in any business,\” he stated. \”It\’s like this mafia fraternity, very inner circled thing… navigating those waters.\”
Despite the challenges, Strowman credited WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry with giving him crucial advice for surviving in the business. \”God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen twice as much as you talk,\” Strowman recalled Henry telling him.
Strowman was released from WWE in May 2025. Since his departure, he has been vocal on social media about his feelings toward his former employer, previously accusing the company of prioritizing \”nepotism\” and \”ass-kissers\” over fans.
The former Universal Champion now hosts Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman on USA Network. The fun, appetite-driven travel series airs after SmackDown and follows Strowman as he embraces his \”Monster Among Men\” persona by visiting local eateries across the country and literally ordering one of everything.
Braun Strowman has shared wild stories about his battles with Brock Lesnar, revealed his struggles with panic attacks from sudden fame, and detailed the extreme diet that fueled his strongman career.
Appearing on Something\’s Burning with Bert Kreischer, the former Universal Champion gave fans a rare glimpse into what life is really like as one of the largest athletes in sports entertainment history.
When discussing who the strongest person in wrestling is, Strowman revealed he\’s had physical confrontations with Brock Lesnar—and lived to tell the tale.
\”When people ask wrestlers like who\’s a strong guy? They all go, \’Oh man, Brock.\’ Brock and I got into it a couple times pretty good,\” Strowman said. \”I\’m the only human being to take a right hand from him and not go to sleep.\”
The Stress of Fame
Strowman also opened up about the mental health challenges that came with his rapid rise to fame. Going from a small-town mechanic to appearing on television in front of millions took a serious toll.
\”I dealt with a lot of that… from the town mechanic to a couple years later, I\’m on television on WWE in front of four million people every week,\” he explained. \”I had panic attack meltdowns in public before with getting bombarded with people.\”
The 6\’8\” giant explained an unusual reason for having security with him.
\”I don\’t have security to protect me. I have security to protect people from me,\” Strowman admitted.
Strongman Competitions
When the conversation turned to his strongman days, Strowman revealed the absolutely insane diet required to compete at the highest level of strength athletics.
\”When I was competing at World\’s Strongest Man, I would have two alarms every night set to wake up and eat throughout the night,\” he said. \”I was consuming 17,000 to 20,000 calories a day.\”
His pre-workout routine before deadlift sessions was equally extreme.
\”On the way to the gym, I would stop and get five double cheeseburgers from Burger King and a 2-liter of Coke and I would drink the whole 2 liter, eat five double cheeseburgers, and then sit around at the gym for like an hour and then train because I would burn four to 5,000 calories in that workout.\”
His Daily Food Intake
Even today, Strowman\’s diet remains impressive.
\”Right now I\’m eating around six pounds of chicken and probably 12 to 16 cups of rice. I eat a bag of spinach a day. I do a dozen eggs every day,\” he revealed. \”Every two and a half to three hours I\’m eating.\”
His TV Show
Strowman currently hosts Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman on USA Network following his release from WWE in May 2025. The appetite-driven travel series airs after SmackDown and features the \”Monster Among Men\” exploring culinary hotspots across various cities, tackling massive feasts and learning from local chefs.
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.
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.
Jake Paul is paying tribute to the late Hulk Hogan in a big way ahead of his blockbuster boxing match against Anthony Joshua.
The 28-year-old influencer-turned-boxer revealed his custom fight outfit on Instagram Tuesday, showcasing gear made entirely from the skin of a 12-foot alligator he personally hunted and killed. “Turned a 12ft Gator into my fight outfit in homage to the legendary Hulk Hogan — RIP Brother” Paul wrote.
The outfit features Hogan’s iconic red-and-yellow color scheme, complete with shorts, shoes, and a jacket emblazoned with “HULKAMANIA” across the chest.
“Never done before, I’m making my own boxing shorts out of Alligator I killed,” Paul explained in the video. “A couple of months ago, I went gator hunting then after spotting a 12ft gator I killed it, then decided I want to turn this into my fight outfit. We had a team working around the clock to design and craft the perfect outfit for my upcoming fight and this whole fight outfit is in homage to the legend Hulk Hogan.”
Hogan passed away on July 24, 2025 at age 71 following a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. The WWE Hall of Famer was a six-time WWF Champion and helped transform professional wrestling into a global phenomenon during the 1980s.
Paul faces Joshua this Friday, December 19 at Kaseya Center in Miami, streaming live on Netflix. The former two-time undisputed heavyweight champion enters as a massive -1300 favorite against Paul, who holds a 12-1 record.
Thea Hail captured the NXT Women’s North American Championship on tonight’s episode of NXT, defeating Blake Monroe via springboard senton in a match that ended with visible confusion in the ring.
The finish appeared to be a miscommunication, as Monroe’s arm shot up what looked like one second too late. Despite the apparent timing issue, officials pushed forward with the title change announcement.
Botched ending or not – Thea Hail just defeated Blake Monroe and is the new NXT North American Women’s Champion #WWENXTpic.twitter.com/wuwzIapqmD
The victory marks Hail’s first singles championship in NXT after years of coming close but falling short. Hail earned this title opportunity last week when she attacked Monroe during a chaotic open challenge segment, locking in a Kimura submission that forced the champion to tap—though no official match had taken place.
That was in fact an unplanned title change. I can't think of the last time that happened.
Since Chase University disbanded in November 2024, Hail has been on a singles journey to establish herself as a championship-caliber competitor. The 22-year-old returned from a five-month hiatus in April 2025 and has been building momentum toward this moment.
Monroe had held the title since defeating Zaria at Halloween Havoc on October 25, 2025. Hail becomes the fifth NXT Women’s North American Champion in the title’s history.
Penta has officially withdrawn from AAA Guerra de Titanes due to his shoulder injury, ending hopes for a Lucha Brothers reunion this Saturday. Rey Mysterio will take his place teaming with Rey Fenix.
The WWE star announced the news via Instagram, confirming he was not medically cleared to compete despite working with doctors in both Mexico and the United States to recover as quickly as possible.
“Unfortunately, from a medical standpoint, I am not cleared to return to the ring on December 20th,” Penta said. “However, I will be there with all of you in person at the show, because it’s something I simply cannot miss.”
Penta suffered the injury during the November 24 episode of Raw when he landed awkwardly on his shoulder after a hurricanrana off the barricade in his “Last Time Is Now” tournament match against Solo Sikoa.
Rey Mysterio and Rey Fenix will now face Dominik Mysterio and El Grande Americano (Los Gringos Locos 2.0) at Arena Guadalajara, marking the first time Mysterio and Fenix have ever teamed together. The match also creates a father-son confrontation between Rey and Dominik.
Penta issued a warning to Dominik in his announcement: “This time, you got away with it… But I’m not going to let up until I take that Intercontinental Championship from you. I’ll see you soon, Dominik.”
Guerra de Titanes streams live December 20 on WWE’s YouTube channel.
The first trailer for Steven Spielberg’s highly anticipated film Disclosure Day has arrived, and it features a notable pro wrestling connection.
AEW stars Brian Cage and Lance Archer appear in the movie, having been specifically cast for a scene involving professional wrestling. The wrestling sequences were filmed earlier this year at The Paramount Theater in Long Island, though neither wrestler appears in the initial trailer.
Former WWE star Chavo Guerrero served as the film’s stunt coordinator and also appears on screen as a referee. Guerrero has become Hollywood’s go-to consultant for wrestling-related projects and previously spoke about working with the legendary director.
“I just finished working with Steven Spielberg… he was a wrestling fan,” Guerrero revealed. “We were exchanging André the Giant stories and when he used to watch wrestling down at the (Grand) Olympic Auditorium and you know, John Tolos, The Golden Greek used to be one of his favorites.
He was a fan because he got it. He understood the entertainment value of pro wrestling.”
Disclosure Day stars Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, and Colman Domingo. The screenplay comes from David Koepp, who previously collaborated with Spielberg on Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley—known to millions of fans by his iconic personas Mankind, Cactus Jack, and Dude Love—has announced he is parting ways with WWE, citing the company’s relationship with President Donald Trump as the sole reason for his departure.
The three-time WWE Champion made the announcement on Instagram on Monday. The statement immediately went viral, causing \”Mick Foley Twitter\” to trend as fans scrambled across platforms to verify the news. In his post, Foley revealed he contacted WWE talent relations the previous night to inform them he would no longer be making appearances for the company. He stated that Trump’s comments following the murder of filmmaker Rob Reiner were “the final straw.”
\”I no longer wish to represent a company that coddles a man so seemingly void of compassion as he marches our country towards autocracy,” Foley wrote.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DSVFwQxjZmC
Reiner and his wife Michele were found stabbed to death at their Los Angeles home on December 14. Their son Nick Reiner has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Trump subsequently posted on Truth Social that Reiner died due to “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” drawing sharp criticism from both Democrats and Republicans.
Financial Implications and Contract Status
Foley also announced he will not renew his WWE Legends contract when it expires in June. The deal, which he re-signed in September 2024, covers merchandise rights, video games, and action figures.
The decision has triggered a surge of interest in Foley\’s net worth, as fans discuss the significant financial sacrifice involved in walking away from a Legends deal. By letting the contract expire, Foley is effectively forfeiting the royalties associated with his likeness in WWE video games and merchandise—a primary income stream for many retired legends.
\”I love WWE, will always treasure my time with them, and I am deeply appreciative for all the opportunities they afforded me,” Foley wrote. “But, in the words of Popeye the sailor, ‘I stands all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more.’”
Speculation on Future in AEW
The announcement has also ignited rumors regarding Foley\’s potential future with AEW (All Elite Wrestling). Search traffic for \”Mick Foley AEW\” spiked immediately following his statement, with fans speculating whether the \”Hardcore Legend\” might bring his talents to the rival promotion.
While Foley has not commented on any future bookings, his departure from the WWE ecosystem removes the contractual exclusivity that would have prevented such an appearance.
WWE has maintained close ties to the Trump administration. Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon currently serves as Secretary of Education, and Triple H has made multiple White House visits this year.
John Cena\’s first public appearance following his WWE retirement has been announced.
The 17-time World Champion will appear at Fan Expo New Orleans on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The event marks Cena\’s first scheduled fan appearance since his final match on December 13, 2025, when he lost to Gunther at Saturday Night\’s Main Event, ending his legendary 23-year in-ring career.
Fan Expo is offering multiple ticket tiers for Cena\’s appearance. General admission to \”John Cena Live\” is free on a first-come, first-served basis, while Gold ($69) and Silver ($39) tickets guarantee priority seating.
Backstage with John Cena
For fans seeking a premium experience, the \”Ultimate Backstage John Cena Experience\” is priced at $799.99 and includes reserved front-row seating, a fully loaded autograph with quote and character name, a one-on-one selfie with Cena, and a limited edition lanyard.
Standard photo ops start at $179, while autographs begin at $149.
While Cena has officially hung up his boots, he recently signed a five-year ambassador contract with WWE, transitioning into a mentorship role with the company. The New Orleans appearance signals the beginning of his post-wrestling chapter engaging with fans outside the ring.
Live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
WWE NXT heads to Orlando for the fallout from Saturday Night\’s Main Event, where the developmental brand proved it can hang with the main roster. With momentum on its side following an impressive showing at SNME, tonight\’s episode will set the tone for the weeks ahead as we inch closer to New Year\’s Evil on January 6.
Match Card
Fatal 4-Way No. 1 Contender\’s Match for the NXT Championship: Dion Lennox vs. Joe Hendry vs. Leon Slater vs. Myles Borne
NXT Women\’s North American Championship: Blake Monroe (c) vs. Thea Hail
Hank & Tank (Hank Walker & Tank Ledger) vs. OTM (Bronco Nima & Lucien Price)
Fatal 4-Way No. 1 Contender\’s Match for the NXT Championship
The four Iron Survivor Challenge participants who didn\’t win at Deadline will battle to determine who faces two-time NXT Champion Oba Femi at New Year\’s Evil on January 6. This match was set up after Je\’Von Evans opted to cash in his Iron Survivor victory early on the December 9 episode, only for Ricky Saints to interfere and cost him the match.
Leon Slater brings TNA X Division Championship credibility to the match, having proven himself on the independent scene before arriving in NXT. Joe Hendry has the crowd support behind him, with his entrance music and charisma making him a fan favorite. Myles Borne earned his spot by defeating Trick Williams, showing he can hang with top-tier competition. DarkState\’s Dion Lennox rounds out a stacked field, bringing his faction\’s calculated approach to the ring.
With Oba Femi waiting at New Year\’s Evil, the winner of this match will have just over two weeks to prepare for a shot at the NXT Championship. All four competitors have legitimate paths to victory, making this one of the most unpredictable matches on the card.
NXT Women\’s North American Championship: Blake Monroe (c) vs. Thea Hail
Monroe\’s open challenge last week descended into chaos when the entire women\’s locker room answered the call. Before the match could officially begin, Thea Hail attacked Monroe from behind and locked in a Kimura, forcing Monroe to tap out—but without a referee or bell, no title change occurred.
Monroe complained to General Manager Ava, who promptly booked this official title defense. Hail has come close to championship gold multiple times in NXT and will look to finally break through against Monroe. The Kimura submission that ended last week\’s segment shows Hail has the technical ability to finish the match if she can get Monroe in the same position again.
Monroe will need to be more careful this time around, as Hail has proven she\’s willing to strike first and ask questions later. This represents Hail\’s best opportunity yet to capture championship gold in NXT.
Hank & Tank vs. OTM
The Belly Boys are back. Hank Walker and Tank Ledger just returned from a successful excursion to Pro Wrestling NOAH where they captured the GHC Tag Team Championships. Upon their return last week, OTM (Bronco Nima & Lucien Price) reminded them they hadn\’t forgotten their pre-Japan attack.
The two teams will finally settle the score tonight. Hank & Tank\’s success in Japan shows they\’ve grown as a team, but OTM has been building momentum stateside. This match will determine which team has the upper hand heading into the new year.
Kendal Grey & Wren Sinclair vs. Fatal Influence
After Jacy Jayne ordered her Fatal Influence stablemates Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid to attack Women\’s Iron Survivor winner Kendal Grey and Wren Sinclair last week, the two teams will collide in tag action tonight.
Grey already has a date with Jayne for the NXT Women\’s Championship at New Year\’s Evil, and this match could provide further momentum heading into that bout. If Grey and Sinclair can overcome Fatal Influence, it would send a message to Jayne that Grey is ready for the championship challenge.
Fatal Influence will look to weaken Grey before her title opportunity, potentially softening her up for Jayne\’s championship defense. This tag match serves as a preview of what\’s to come at New Year\’s Evil.
Segments to Watch
Saturday Night\’s Main Event Fallout: NXT\’s impressive showing at SNME will likely be addressed, as several stars stepped up on the big stage. The question becomes what\’s next for those who made an impact.
New Year\’s Evil Build: With the January 6 event just weeks away, expect continued build toward championship matches and major storylines heading into 2026.
Looking Ahead
New Year\’s Evil on January 6 will feature the NXT Championship match between Oba Femi and the winner of tonight\’s Fatal 4-Way
Kendal Grey challenges Jacy Jayne for the NXT Women\’s Championship at New Year\’s Evil
The fallout from tonight\’s matches will shape the championship picture heading into the new year
WWE NXT airs Tuesday at 8/7c on The CW from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
AEW Dark returns tonight for a special one-night-only “Stocking Stuffer” edition streaming on YouTube, featuring three matches highlighted by Jon Moxley’s Death Riders faction in trios action.
Marina Shafir vs Isla Dawn
Orange/Roddy/Dorada vs Mark Andrews, Kid Lykos 1 & 2
DeathRiders vs Grizzled Young Veterans & Nathan Cruz
Death Riders vs. Nathan Cruz & Grizzled Young Veterans
The Death Riders—likely featuring Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, and PAC—face a formidable international squad in Nathan Cruz and the Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake). The GYV have been tearing it up on the UK scene and bring legitimate tag team chemistry, while Cruz adds veteran savvy to their corner. Still, this feels like a showcase for Moxley’s crew as they continue to assert dominance across AEW programming.
Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong & Mascara Dorada vs. Mark Andrews, Kid Lykos 1 & Kid Lykos 2
An eclectic babyface trio unites as Orange Cassidy teams with Roderick Strong and the high-flying Mascara Dorada. They face a scrappy UK contingent featuring Mark Andrews and the chaotic Lykos Gym duo. Expect a fast-paced spotfest with plenty of dives and near-falls—the kind of match Dark does best.
Marina Shafir vs. Isla Dawn
The Problem brings her submission-heavy style against Isla Dawn, the mystical Scottish competitor. Two contrasting styles should make for an intriguing clash, with Shafir’s MMA background meeting Dawn’s unorthodox approach.
AEW Dark Stocking Stuffer streams Tuesday at 7ppm ET on YouTube. We\’ll have the embed on the home page of SEScoops.
Randy Orton shared an emotional tribute to John Cena on Monday night, days after Cena’s retirement match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington D.C.
The Viper reflected on their two-decade journey together in professional wrestling, revealing they’ve faced each other at least 100 times throughout their careers. Orton was unable to attend Cena’s emotional sendoff in person, as he was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia promoting Riyadh Season and the upcoming Royal Rumble.
“I broke into the wrestling business and grew up for past 2 decades alongside @johncena,” Orton wrote. “I would have enjoyed being there in DC for #wwe #snme and witness his emotional send off into retirement. But I know if ANYONE understands my absence, it’s John.”
Orton revealed the two exchanged text messages on the morning of Cena’s retirement, calling it an honor to speak with him on such a significant day. He expressed excitement about following Cena’s Hollywood career, stating “Skys the limit with this guy.”
The 14-time World Champion praised Cena as “one of the most OVER wrestlers ever” and thanked him for being good to his family over the years and improving the locker room environment. “Thanks for being so good to my family over the years and thanks for making the lockeroom a better place. Take care John, and I’ll see ya around,” Orton concluded.
The Kabuki Warriors will put their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships on the line against Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY on the January 5 episode of Raw, marking the one-year anniversary of the show’s Netflix debut.
The title match continues the intense feud between the two teams following Asuka and Kairi Sane’s betrayal of their former ally IYO SKY. The rivalry escalated on Monday’s Raw when Asuka ambushed Ripley through the crowd, blinding her with green mist. Sane then attacked SKY before attempting to deliver her Insane Elbow to Ripley. In a pivotal moment, SKY covered Ripley and took the devastating move herself, protecting her tag team partner.
This will be a rematch from Crown Jewel in October, where Ripley and SKY defeated the Kabuki Warriors in Ripley’s home country of Australia.
WWE Raw Preview – January 5, 2026:
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: The Kabuki Warriors (c) vs. Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY
World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Bron Breakker
WWE has confirmed that LA Knight suffered multiple injuries, most notably a cracked sternum, following a vicious attack by The Vision on the December 8 episode of Monday Night Raw. The assault began after Knight lost to Logan Paul due to interference from a masked attacker.
Following the match, Paul, Bronson Reed, and Bron Breakker continued their assault on “The Megastar” backstage. The attack culminated in the parking lot, where Reed put Knight through a table before delivering his devastating Tsunami splash onto Knight, who was lying on the hood of a car.
Knight was stretchered out and transported to a local hospital. WWE has announced that the 43-year-old former United States Champion will be out of action indefinitely as he recovers from the injuries sustained during the attack.
The brutal beatdown serves as the latest show of dominance from The Vision faction, which has been terrorizing Monday Night Raw in recent weeks.
Knight re-signed with WWE in 2024 and has years remaining on his contract, ensuring fans will see “The Megastar” back in action when he’s medically cleared to compete.
Drew McIntyre has been granted another opportunity at the WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes, with the added advantage of choosing the match stipulation himself.
In a video released by WWE, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis visited McIntyre’s home over the weekend to negotiate terms for his return to SmackDown. McIntyre has been suspended but continued attacking Rhodes both on SmackDown and at Saturday Night’s Main Event despite the suspension.
Aldis initially wanted McIntyre to apologize to referee Dan Engler following his previous assault on the official. McIntyre rejected those terms, stating he wanted “what is fair” instead.
McIntyre then demanded another WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes with the ability to choose the stipulation. Aldis agreed to the terms and confirmed he would bring McIntyre back to SmackDown.
However, the meeting took a dramatic turn when Cody Rhodes arrived at McIntyre’s home. The two superstars immediately got into a brawl at the front of Drew’s residence, adding another explosive chapter to their ongoing rivalry.
The stipulation McIntyre will choose for the championship match remains unknown, creating significant speculation among fans about what type of contest will give the Scottish Warrior his best chance at capturing the WWE Championship.
AJ Styles is trending in the wake of John Cena’s retirement at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and WWE wasted no time teasing what could be The Phenomenal One’s final major program.
On the December 15 episode of Monday Night Raw, Gunther made his first appearance since forcing Cena to tap out in Washington D.C. The Ring General cut a promo bragging about ending Cena’s legendary career, which drew the ire of several WWE Superstars backstage, including R-Truth, Akira Tozawa, and Otis.
General Manager Adam Pearce then confronted Gunther, telling him he only insulted Cena because he knows the 17-time world champion won’t be coming back—making him “a big idiot.” Pearce ejected Gunther from the building and sent him home.
But the real moment came in the parking lot. As Gunther made his way to his car, he came face-to-face with AJ Styles. The two locked eyes in a tense staredown before Gunther got in his vehicle. Before driving off, The Ring General mockingly hit Styles with John Cena’s signature “You Can’t See Me” hand gesture—a clear message that he’s coming for The Phenomenal One next.
This confrontation strongly indicates that Styles vs. Gunther is very much on WWE’s radar as a potential marquee matchup for Styles’ retirement tour in 2026.
Gunther’s Growing List of Retired Legends
The Ring General is cementing himself as the definitive legend killer of this era. Gunther has now: • Ended Bill Goldberg’s career • Ended John Cena’s career (via submission at SNME)
Could AJ Styles be next on that list? And with Brock Lesnar rumored to retire at SummerSlam 2026 in his hometown, Gunther could add even more Hall of Fame scalps to his resume.
AJ Styles Confirms 2026 Retirement
Styles has confirmed he will retire in 2026. Speaking to Tokyo Sports and later doubling down on the Crown Jewel Kickoff Show in October, The Phenomenal One was candid about his decision:
“I’m getting old, folks. Listen, if I could find the fountain of youth and take a couple of sips, I’d wrestle for the rest of my life. But you know, I am getting older, and the fear of embarrassing myself is getting closer… There comes a time in a man’s life when he has to take care of business, but when business is done, it’s time to take care of his family. I need to spend time with my family. In 2026, I will retire.”
At 48 years old, Styles is still performing at an elite level as one-half of the World Tag Team Champions alongside Dragon Lee. The duo picked up a win at SNME against Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater—but the clock is ticking on one of wrestling’s most decorated careers.
John Cena Calls AJ Styles The GOAT
During his pre-SNME media rounds, Cena spoke to Chris Van Vliet on Insight and didn’t mince words when asked about Styles, calling him the “best to ever do it.”
“Shawn’s gonna be pissed, and God did Shawn ever take care of me,” Cena said. “There’s not a lot he [Styles] can’t do, and he makes difficult look easy. But that is not God-given talent. That is practice. When you see difficult become seamless, it’s because it’s been done 10,000 times, and the amount of sht he can do seamlessly. Man, he’s the best to ever do it.”
Coming from a 17-time world champion wrapping up one of the greatest careers in wrestling history, that endorsement carries tremendous weight.
AJ Styles’ WrestleMania Legacy (4-5 Record)
With WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas on the horizon, Styles has indicated he’ll likely appear—possibly for his final Mania match. His WrestleMania history reads like a who’s who of WWE legends:
• WrestleMania 32 (2016): Chris Jericho – LOSS • WrestleMania 33 (2017): Shane McMahon – WIN • WrestleMania 34 (2018): Shinsuke Nakamura – WIN (retained WWE Championship) • WrestleMania 35 (2019): Randy Orton – WIN • WrestleMania 36 (2020): The Undertaker – LOSS (Boneyard Match) • WrestleMania 37 (2021): New Day (w/ Omos) – WIN (won Raw Tag Team Championship) • WrestleMania 38 (2022): Edge – LOSS • WrestleMania 40 (2024): LA Knight – LOSS • WrestleMania 41 (2025): Logan Paul – LOSS
One final addition to that legendary list awaits in 2026.
Appreciate Him While You Can
Unlike Cena’s year-long farewell tour, Styles has indicated he doesn’t want that type of sendoff. Speaking to Cena, he admitted he’s “already overstaying my physical welcome.”
That means fans won’t get the extended goodbye tour—making every remaining appearance from The Phenomenal One all the more valuable. According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE is reportedly planning some kind of retirement tour for Styles in 2026, though the specifics remain unknown.
From TNA to New Japan to WWE, AJ Styles has done it all. Two-time WWE Champion. Three-time United States Champion. Intercontinental Champion. Tag Team Champion. First-ever TNA Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion. Two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
The Phenomenal One’s time is running out. Appreciate every moment while you still can.
WWE taped this week’s episode of SmackDown on Monday night in Hershey, PA.
The show’s major angle saw Aleister Black and Zelina Vega attack Damian Priest during a promo segment following the Terror Twins’ victory last week. Black later laid out Priest in a backstage attack, signaling an escalating feud.
SmackDown December 26th Results:
Damian Priest opened with a promo before being attacked by Aleister Black and Zelina Vega
Nia Jax and Lash Legend backstage segment
Aleister Black attacked Priest again backstage
Nia Jax and Lash Legend defeated The Kabuki Warriors – Post-match, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair cleared the ring
Giulia backstage promo
Giulia defeated Alba Fyre
Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes defeated DIY
JC Mateo and Tonga Loa vs Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis – No contest
The post-match clearing by Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair suggests a potential tag team or championship program developing in the women’s division. Giulia continues her momentum with another victory, while the makeshift team of Dragunov and Hayes scored an upset over the established DIY tandem.
Wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell has spoken out in support of Saraya following her recent groping incident in Chicago, revealing that he has experienced similar inappropriate behavior from fans throughout his career.
Speaking on his Story Time with Dutch Mantell podcast, the industry legend disclosed his own experiences with fan misconduct.
\”I myself have been groped… grabbed down here,\” Mantell said. \”It\’s embarrassing.\”
\”If the fan smacked her butt, that\’s basically assault,\” Mantell stated. \”The security needed to throw him out… until they understand that, they will continue to do that. I\’m on her side on this.\”
The wrestling veteran pointed to a disparity between entertainment industries, noting that Hollywood provides significantly better protection for talent than wrestling does.
\”The security with the Hollywood people are a lot tighter than what wrestling has,\” he observed.
Warning to Fans Who Cross The Line
Mantell issued a direct message to fans who cross the line.
\”Don\’t touch the talent guys. You\’re there to get the autograph or to talk to them, not to touch them,\” he said. \”Hone yourself to a certain decorum and don\’t touch the talent unless specifically invited.\”
Saraya revealed the Chicago incident on her Rulebreakers podcast, noting it was the second time in 2025 that a fan has touched her inappropriately. She is currently a free agent after departing AEW earlier this year.
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