WWE News & Rumor Roundup: Post-Royal Rumble plans for Roman Reigns, Retired legend issues statement following real-life personal incident (22nd November 2024)
Welcome to today's edition of the WWE News & Rumor roundup. The cycle of information in the world of the sports entertainment juggernaut never stops, and today we have some interesting tidbits we have compiled for you to see.
This includes early 2025 plans for The OTC Roman Reigns, a legend issuing a statement of intent after a personal incident was in the spotlight recently, a huge name vying to be the face of RAW on Netflix, a future Hall of Famer teasing a return, and a current Hall of Famer seemingly confirming the end of a pairing for good.
Let's start with a report about the OTC.
#5. A big update on WWE's plans for Roman Reigns in early 2025
Roman Reigns has been present fairly regularly since SummerSlam 2024 and has been a staple of television on SmackDown. With the RAW on Netflix deal starting in just a month-and-a-half, WWE wants to stack the card as much as possible - which is why names like Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes are expected to appear on the debut episode in the Intuit Dome in California.
As per WrestleVotes Radio Exclusively on Backstage Pass, WWE is planning to use Roman Reigns a lot for the early stages of 2025 - especially for RAW on Netflix. This means that he is set to be a regular on RAW even after the Royal Rumble.
That doesn't mean that he is getting drafted to RAW, it simply means that WWE is trying to go in all guns blazing for the early stages of the Netflix deal. It's a move meant to entice first-time viewers.
There is still no definitive knowledge on whether Roman Reigns or Cody Rhodes will stay on SmackDown or go to RAW. Many assume that the gigantic $500-million-a-year price tag that Netflix is paying ensures they'll get the biggest stars. However, that's not necessarily the case.
#4. Nikki Bella issues a statement following her divorce
Retired legend Nikki Garcia (fka Nikki Bella) has undergone a tumultuous time in her personal life following a report that she was the victim of a Domestic Violence incident involving her husband - who was subsequently arrested.
It was reported following the incident that she was getting a divorce from her partner Artem Chigvintsev following the Domestic Violence incident. Now, it seems like the divorce is going through.
Nikki Bella made a statement via a representative:
"Nikki’s number one priority has always been her son and privacy on the matter. She is thankful for all of the love and support she has received during this difficult time."
We wish Nikki Garcia and her son the best following the traumatic events that unfolded in the last few months.
#3. A major name wants to be the face of RAW on Netflix
Every superstar in the WWE locker room wants to be the face of the flagship brand RAW. While SmackDown has taken a lot of the limelight in the last five years, the Netflix deal will ensure that the red brand is firmly back as the #1 wrestling show in the world.
When speaking to Peter Rosenberg of the Cheap Heat podcast, Jey Uso stated that he's ready to embrace the role of being the face of RAW on Netflix and believes he has earned it:
"I'll take it; I'll take it all Uce. Give it to me, I earned it." [From 00:16 to 0:22]
Many fans will agree with the sentiment and want to see Jey Uso on that level. But whether it happens or not is yet to be seen.
#2. Charlotte Flair makes a major tease about her return
Charlotte Flair has been out of action for just a little over a year now. Many have noticed her absence, as well as that of Becky Lynch on RAW. If her social media is anything to go by, the record-breaking former Women's Champion could be back in action soon.
On X/Twitter, she posted a video of an ice getting thawed, revealing her name and image. Fans are awaiting the return of The Queen, who has won every accolade there is on the main roster. Everything except The Queen of the Ring, ironically enough.
With RAW going to Netflix, there's no telling if she's one of the names being demanded by the streaming giant. Either way, she's going to slot right into whatever big story there is.
#1. WWE legend confirms his partnership with Dominik Mysterio is done for good unless one thing happens
Dominik Mysterio has been on fire since September 2022, undoubtedly emerging as one of the most consistent superstars in terms of character growth and development. It's going to be interesting to see whether the star turns babyface anytime in the near future, or whether he reunites with his father Rey Mysterio at some point as a changed man.
The Hall of Famer admitted that it's going to be hard for Dominik Mysterio to turn to the good side again. He believes that it's possible to reconnect, but finds the scenario unlikely:
“That’s something that as a father, they would always to love to have with their kids, to be able to reconnect and end off where you started, on the good side. I don’t know if that’s gonna happen over the years, you know people change, sometimes for good, sometimes for bad. Hopefully one day Dom can see the bright side of being on the Mysterio side and being family overall, but I think that’s gonna be very hard.” (H/T - RSN)
Dominik Mysterio as a babyface is certainly going to be a sight to see if it ever happens. Perhaps he might even take the opposite route of his father who has been a career-long babyface by remaining as a villain till his retirement.