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Alex & Kate's SOUR GRAPS: Raw 1/5 | Punking Out In The Upside Down

(IT'S THE 750th EPISODE OF SOUR GRAPS!)

Well, first of all, not EVERYTHING sucks. Our long national nightmare is over, and Maxxine Dupri is no longer the Intercontinental Champion.

But they've turned Gunther into a grade school bully, and it looks like Stephanie Vacquer might be seriously injured, and Chris Jericho could be on TV again soon.

So like, MOST things suck, and if CM Punk beats Bron Breakker tonight, then the Suck Dimension is going to crash into our world and there's gonna be Demogorgons eating all of our faces by morning.

Sorry, there was a Stranger Things collab on Raw tonight and I'm a little out of sorts.

Everything (mostly) sucks. Let's talk about it.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE HERE: https://youtu.be/CaN8HEcF0rw

Major name discussed for WWE call-up

Another NXT talent could be on their way up to the main roster.

Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp has learned that Blake Monroe has been discussed for a WWE main roster call-up. We're told that the move has been talked about in recent weeks, with some on the Raw brand believing she will end up there.

There was also discussion that immediate plans with Blake Monroe could be changing, including as soon as this week.

As viewers have seen, Trick Williams, Oba Femi, Je'Von Evans and Jordynne Grace have all been promoted or teased of late. There are additional names expected to be called up.

Chris Jericho-WWE-AEW Update

Chris Jericho is a heavy topic in pro wrestling, with rumors of his WWE return running rampant.

To be clear, Fightful has not reported nor confirmed that Chris Jericho will be on Raw tonight, or even that he'll be back in WWE at this point. We can't exactly control what other outlets report, but upon a wave of "Chris Jericho's contract has officially retired" posts from engagement accounts, we wouldn't go so quickly on that.

After All Out 2022, Chris Jericho re-signed with AEW, with the company and was announced as being through 2026. Jericho disappeared from TV in the Spring of 2025. We've heard nothing about if his deal was extended or frozen during that time. However, Jericho is still on the company's roster page. In addition, on Monday a number people in AEW got memos about Mercedes Martinez, Matt Taven and Alex Abrahantes' deals being up. No such memo has went out regarding Chris Jericho.

AEW is usually very particular about their roster page, as indicated by removing the three names who had their deals expire today. We asked AEW reps in an official capacity if Jericho was still with the company, and they did not respond.

We're told that AEW has a great relationship with Chris Jericho, but were also very aware that their audience had grown tired of him, which led to his absence from All Elite Wrestling TV.

When we spoke to WWE sources, they said that Chris Jericho has not been brought up creatively as of yet, and that he was not factored into the plans for tonight's Raw that they had seen. There was the obligatory "It wouldn't be the first time we got worked, too." So far, Chris Jericho has not been seen at the venue of tonight's WWE Raw.

The summary here -- nobody in AEW has been given an indication that Jericho has officially left the company, and sources in WWE have not been told as of yet that Jericho is there, coming in or factored in.

Select Answers: Mercedes Mone, AAA/WWE, FLORIDA

Welcome to Select Answers, a feature that provides some of the answers to questions that were posed to Sean Ross Sapp in the most recent Fightful Weekly Q&A Podcast. The show drops every week on Fightful Select for subscribers.

When aggregating these posts please refer to it as "Fightful Select Answers Q&A" and tag Fightful, noting that it was in the Q&A format to avoid confusion.

***

Hey Sean. When is Mercedes deal up with AEW and do you see her signing another. If Bayleys deal is up this year ... she could join Mercedes in AEW. Mercedes seems to have found her true home in AEW in my opinion. Shes grown so much. Thoughts.

Yes, I think she will remain with All Elite Wrestling. She's making more money than she ever has, the schedule seems really good, and she gets a lot of artistic freedom. Everything I've heard is that she seems really happy there. I don't know when her deal is up outside of that there's at least another year left on the deal at minimum. AEW has her factored into plans moving forward, so no time soon!

I’ve been enjoying WWE’s presentation of AAA Lucha Libre and the overall match quality. Looking ahead to 2026, will WWE focus on signing new talent for AAA, or continue utilizing underused WWE main roster talent?

I wouldn't say "focus," but they're always going to bring in new talent. They're also going to see what talent is a better fit in WWE or the Performance Center. AAA is the thing that they really wanted NXT UK to be, but couldn't quite make happen. There will also be a steady stream of WWE talent continuing to appear on AAA. I would expect the method that has been used of late to continue to be the method.

Aside from the performance centre why do so many wrestlers live in Florida?

LOTS of reasons. Weather, for one. That's pretty nice. It also helps avoid weather delays for flights, which being near a bunch of airports also helps. One of the biggest reasons is there's no state income tax, which is very beneficial to independent contractors. However, another reason is simply it's where a lot of these people worked. In the 90s, WCW wrestlers were working at Disney. In the 2000s, TNA wrestlers were working at the IMPACT Zone. In the 2010s, the Performance Center. In 2020, Florida was one of the states that stayed open. Convenience helps!

Injured star backstage at WWE Raw

Tonight's WWE Raw on Netflix has several stars coming out.

Fightful Select has learned that Seth Rollins is backstage at today's WWE Raw show, which is planned to be a big one. We've not heard if he is planned for the show, or is just visiting. He's been backstage at a number of WWE shows since being sidelined.

Seth Rollins is also scheduled to be an integral part in the promotion for WWE Unreal. His fake-injury storyline is a huge part of the upcoming season.

FREE POST: AEW departures

Fightful Select has learned that Matt Taven, Mercedes Martinez and Alex Abrahantes are no longer with AEW.

We are told their contracts expired

WrestleVotes Live Q&A: Get your questions in!!

Wrestlevotes is LIVE at 3 PM ET.! Get your questions in here or the live chat!

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/hwtbW5T5OOI

Another WWE star feared to be injured

The injury bug is going around.

Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp has learned that WWE feared that B-Fab sustained an injury on the WWE Holiday tour. B-Fab wrestled Jade Cargill on the January 1 event in Syracuse, and was not at Smackdown the following night.

B-Fab had replaced Michin on the tour, who was injured earlier in the week. A concussion was the feared injury and why she was pulled from the tour. Whether she actually sustained one or WWE was being cautious isn't clear.

We wish her a speedy recovery.

WWE does big numbers for holiday tours

WWE has had a successful holiday tour.

WWE does far less house shows these days, with the annual holiday tour being an exception. This round was a rarity, with WWE not going to MSG for December 26. However, there were a couple of other shows that specifically performed well.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select has learned that both the Baltimore and Worcester live events were hugely successful, with them ending up being the highest grossing house shows in their respective cities' history.

Baltimore was one of the shows that replaced the traditional Madison Square Garden December 26 show. Worcester took place January 3. Both were headlined by Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre, with the former being a no DQ match and the latter being a cage match.

Select Answers: Women HOF, LA Knight, Austin Thoery

Welcome to Select Answers, a feature that provides some of the answers to questions that were posed to Sean Ross Sapp in the most recent Fightful Weekly Q&A Podcast. The show drops every week on Fightful Select for subscribers.

When aggregating these posts please refer to it as "Fightful Select Answers Q&A" and tag Fightful, noting that it was in the Q&A format to avoid confusion.

***

Do you ever see WWE doing an all women HoF like TNA did?

No, I can't see them ever doing that. They seem to like their formula of one woman, one group, one match, a singles, a tag, etc. I don't think they'll ever go the all women's route.

Any update on LA Knight?

He's taking time off. That's pretty much it. I know he was under the weather during his last appearance. I haven't heard of a real injury or anything like that, but I'll keep asking. I also don't think they quite knew how to book him, which is a condemnation on the company more than anything. He's staying super over, and will continue to be over. I find it hard to believe he won't be a world champion, even briefly

Will be the end of Austin Theory if this does not work out and I know Paul Heyman has been working with him behind the the scenes with him and Logan Paul

No. He just turned 28, and WWE has always saw a lot of potential in him, across multiple regimes. They just have to hope he finds who he really is in an on screen perspective. If that doesn't work, NXT is a very real option. CW Network loves globally exposed and televised wrestlers, and he honestly fits the mold. I've always thought booking Theory like Channing Tatum in Jump Street was the best idea. A lovable ditzy musclehead who has some talent.

WRESTLE KINGDOM SCOOPS THREAD!

Welcome to our NJPW Wrestle Kingdom SCOOPS THREAD!

• There were rumors within New Japan Pro Wrestling that EVIL could be looking at his options outside of NJPW soon. AEW is not one of those options, as Tony Khan had never been a fan of his work.

• Willow Nightingale is in town attending the show.

• As one would expect, NJPW was thrilled with the ticket sales. Even before they opened up more seats, they anticipated selling it out quickly. This led to a number of people in the company telling us that they considered moving back to one specialized night a big success.

• There are a number of other contracts that are coming up soon, as usual -- however, it's not the case across the board for NJPW. Several talent worked on handshake agreements for months after Wrestle Kingdom last year. NJPW is expected to work on a bunch of those in the coming weeks, and usually approach talent the week of Wrestle Kingdom.

• There's a lot of excitement within NJPW for the debut of Aaron Wolf. There was a lot of positivity from the company about the buzz around his announcement and debut.

• We're told that NJPW is hopeful they can retain David Finlay, Clark Connors and Drilla Moloney, after we reported they're all exploring U.S. options. Finlay specifically was interested in spending more time in the States. Company sources indicated that NJPW isn't opposed to doing dual deals with each of them.

• Finlay still has a number of dates planned with NJPW after Wrestle Kingdom.

• We've not heard of any WWE names planned for the show as of yet, despite speculation. If we hear of any, we'll let you know.

• There's at least one more name that hasn't been around NJPW in a while that is planned to make an on-screen appearance for the show.

• It was reiterated to us this week that Shinsuke Nakamura appearing or facing Hiroshi Tanahashi was only considered a "pipe dream," as NJPW was of the belief he re-signed with WWE quite a while back. Kazuchika Okada was solidified as the opponent, and Kenny Omega was brought up as well.

• We're told Kenny Omega will be traveling back to Japan in the coming months, but it's unknown if it is related to New Japan Pro Wrestling at all.

• There was an AEW logo over Andrade's video at the Wrestle Kingdom press conference. He is eligible to be signed there now.

• Fightful has a Wrestle Kingdom post show right after the event featuring SP3 and Lyric Carter!

  Author's Note on Yota Tsuji story!

Regarding Yota Tsuji and the reaction to our report -- NJPW is not exempt from being reported on, and this piece of news has not been a secret within New Japan pro wrestling. This was first put on our radar when we reported on the internal AEW plans for him to face Swerve Strickland at Forbidden Door 2024, and than again when we reported on the lack of NJPW United States dates.

New Japan, like any wrestling company, works personal feelings into storylines. I've personally covered and interviewed Tetsuya Naito, Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, Gabe Kidd, Kazuchika Okada doing this. I'm not sure why anyone would assume that wouldn't be first thing we would suspect. Like any other wrestling company, NJPW promos and interviews are also reported on -- they're not exempt! Tsuji had made it pretty clear to many people he wasn't keen on the AEW relationship as it existed.

That being said, this isn't an Evil-Toru Yano situation where AEW is opposed to using him, or he likely would not have been on Forbidden Door at all.

We also saw people say that the story "hurt kayfabe" -- that's particularly baffling, since it goes right along with the sentiment that has existed for both Will Ospreay and Gabe Kidd's matches with Kenny Omega. If anything, it reinforces kayfabe, because it appears to be Tsuji's real feelings.

Oh, also, this story didn't come from Rocky Romero or anyone tied to AEW, and we've broken hundreds of NJPW stories in our ten years. If our subscribers have any other questions, I'll be as transparent as possible. The reaction to this story was particularly weird.

Enjoy Wrestle Kingdom!

SRS Q&A 1/3: Rumble plans, All In 2026, Much more!

Sean Ross Sapp answers your questions for almost 40 minutes

• Royal Rumble

• WWE creative process

• Will Ospreay All In

• NJPW/AEW

• Trish Stratus

• John Cena HOF

• Will wrestlers retire at Mania?

• Britt Baker future

• ESPN Unlimited/Cable

• William Regal

• AAA/WWE

• WORKED stories

• Wrestllemania plans

• WWE/Saudi

• NXT methods

And much more!

Select Answers: Free agents, Best moves, creative teams

Welcome to Select Answers, a feature that provides some of the answers to questions that were posed to Sean Ross Sapp in the most recent Fightful Weekly Q&A Podcast. The show drops every week on Fightful Select for subscribers.

When aggregating these posts please refer to it as "Fightful Select Answers Q&A" and tag Fightful, noting that it was in the Q&A format to avoid confusion.

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What move by a certain wrestler or wrestlers do you really appreciate how well it is perfectly executed everytime you see it preformed? For example Okada everytime he does a drop kick.

Oh, I have several. Cedric Alexander's Michinoku Driver is among them. He does it with such a snap that nobody else has ever done quite the same. Raven's DDT was just different enough to where I thought it was one that rivaled Jake Roberts' . Arn Anderson's Spinebuster is still good enough to be a finisher in my mind. The Rock had a very good one as well.

A little bit out of left field, but Droz had a really good sitout powerbomb. Baron Corbin's Deep Six is finisher-worthy. Christopher Daniels' Blue Thunder Bomb. Davey Boy Smith did a running powerslam so well that it didn't look good enough to be a finisher, if that makes sense.

My catch wrestling coach and tag team partner J Grooms did the best fisherman's suplex I've ever seen, and would get people with it in shoot wrestling matches. He would hook the head, leg and lock his fingers before doing the suplex, and bridge the pin with it, as opposed to locking the fingers after completing the suplex.

Could you tell us what former wrestlers are part of the creative team for WWE, AEW and TNA?

In AEW, RJ City, Sonjay Dutt, QT Marshall all contribute, and then you have all the coaches that help out here and there as well. In WWE, Drake Maverick aka Rockstar Spud is on the writing team, along with Road Dogg, Triple H. Eric Watts is also on the creative team -- you might remember him from WWE Tough Enough. In TNA, Tommy Dreamer, Delirious and others are on the team.

Are Gabe Kidd, Steve Maclin, and the Rascalz absolute locks to sign with AEW

No. I think Steve Maclin will stay with TNA. They really like him there. The Rascalz are definitely a TBD. At least one of them seemed like they were ready to move on, but I don't think that's for sure happening. If I were AEW, I'd bring in all four of the Rascalz and Killer Kelly for the tag team division. I do think Gabe Kidd end up in AEW. I just don't really know when.

Alex's SOUR GRAPS: SmackDown Review & WatchAlong 1/2 | Commercialization

It's the return of the 3rd Hour SmackDown Watchalong!

And that's literally the only reason to celebrate the return of 3 Hour SmackDowns.

Commercials every 5 minutes, more talking than wrestling, and more silly storylines. At least we get to watch an Ambulance Match together.

Everything sucks. Let's talk about it. (And watch it. Along.)

WATCH ON YOUTUBE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMxkZsYonuk

NXT name at Smackdown tonight

An NXT star is at Smackdown tonight.

On January 2, PWInsider reported that NXT talent Jordynne Grace was in Buffalo, the site of tonight's WWE Smackdown. Fightful Select has confirmed she's in town, but haven't learned in what capacity.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select was told when Smackdown was announced for three hours that a lot of NXT talent would be featured on the program to compensate for the additional time.

Fightful Select reported last year that Jordynne Grace was already on a main roster-level contract with WWE.

UPDATE: WWE sources tell Fightful that Jordynne Grace's appearance is effectively her main roster call-up

Another NJPW Wrestle Kingdom note

Wrestle Kingdom is approaching.

This week, Fightful Select reported that a number of legends and figures from NJPW history would be appearing at a retirement ceremony for Hiroshi Tanahashi. Shortly after that, NJPW revealed that Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay would both be participating.

Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp is told it won't end there. NJPW sources are being tight lipped, but we've heard that at least one other big name from New Japan's history is also planned to appear.

We'll work on getting more details.

Updates on Chad Gable, El Grande Americano, More

Chad Gable is nearing a return, but El Grande Americano never left.

Gable is getting closer to a return to the ring, with Wrestlevotes Radio on Fightful Select learning that he's planned to be in Saudi Arabia for Royal Rumble week.

Despite this, they've also heard that there is no immediate plan to move Ludwig Kaiser away from the El Grande Americano gimmick. In addition, there aren't immediate plans to move Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne from the Rayo and Bravo Americano gimmicks.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful has heard that there have already been discussions about how to integrate Chad Gable and possibly the Creeds into the angle.

When aggregating this story, please credit Wrestlevotes Radio on Fightful Select, with a tag or link

Liv Morgan- WrestleMania update

Liv Morgan is back in the fold in WWE.

Morgan has returned to WWE, and Wrestlevotes Radio on Fightful Select has heard of new details around her immediate future.

There's an internal push to showcase Liv Morgan as a centerpiece of the WWE women's division at this year's WrestleMania. Several inside sources that Wrestlevotes has talk to want her featured prominently, perhaps in a singles capacity.

Morgan is cleared for action and has wrestled on the WWE holiday tour. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful has heard WWE was waiting for the right time for her in-ring return on TV.

When aggregating this story, please credit Wrestlevotes Radio on Fightful Select, with a tag or link

Select Answers: Taz, video games, CM Punk/AEW

Welcome to Select Answers, a feature that provides some of the answers to questions that were posed to Sean Ross Sapp in the most recent Fightful Weekly Q&A Podcast. The show drops every week on Fightful Select for subscribers.

When aggregating these posts please refer to it as "Fightful Select Answers Q&A" and tag Fightful, noting that it was in the Q&A format to avoid confusion.

***

I'm curious. Aside from the wrestling games you grew up with, any other video games you enjoyed back in the day? Bonus points if there are any you enjoy these days. Merry Christmas, btw!

Growing up in the 90s, I honestly pretty quickly realized how shitty wrestling games were in the mid 90s. Being a little kid and playing anything on console kind of sucked when there was a WrestleFest machine at our local pizza place. I loved Saturday Night Slam masters, though. The first wrestling game that I loved as an actual simulation-style game was WCW vs. The World. That one gave me hope and made me realize there was something special that could happen.

I preferred WCW/nWo Revenge over No Mercy.

But outside of wrestling games, I've always been a big side scroller beat em up fan. Turtles in Time was my favorite game until Shredder's Revenge came out. Sunset Riders is an iconic game, and the Scott Pilgrim beat em up is great.

In the PS era, Thrasher: Skate and Destroy because of the ragdoll physics, and Driver because of the open world element. I was hyping up Driver because of all the ads in magazines before it came out.

For the next era -- Need For Speed Underground, the GTA series, True Crime: Streets of LA. The open world games hit especially hard for me here. Timesplitters is an all time favorite and one of the only shooters I was good at.

These days, I play sports games. MLB the Show and Madden primarily

If CM Punk signed with AEW when it first launched, do you think things would’ve played out differently? Thinking of an alternate series of events where TK signs him instead of Jericho.

Yes. I think he would have probably been more patient with the process, seeing the beginnings they came from. I think that he believed there were different ways of doing things, and as a company grows they'll certainly learn different ways. It just was no longer a good fit, and it's unfortunate it went the way that it did, but both sides and many parties were responsible for it. I think eventually they'll patch things up

Thank you for a great year of wrestling news and information. What is up with taz? Is he still with aew?

Yes! He's still with AEW, and still under contract. Taz needed a total shoulder replacement, and got surgery back in October. He's still going to be out a bit, but seems to be doing well in his recovery.

Royal Rumble, LA Knight, Jacob Fatu updates!

The Royal Rumble is upon us.

Wrestlevotes Radio on Fightful Select has learned a number of names that are scheduled to be in Saudi Arabia for Royal Rumble week.

Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, LA Knight, Chad Gable, Tiffany Stratton, Jacob Fatu, Dominik Mysterio are all scheduled to be in Saudi Arabia for the Royal Rumble. A number of talent have been off television with injury.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful has heard that Jacob Fatu is in good shape ahead of his return.

We can't speak to whether or not they'll individually be in Rumble matches or on the show, but they're scheduled to be around for it.

When aggregating this story, please credit Wrestlevotes Radio on Fightful Select, with a tag or link

Wrestlevotes Radio 1/2: Royal Rumble, Liv Morgan, TKO/WWE Lawsuit

Wrestlevotes Radio is back for January 2

• Michin injury

• 2026 predictions

• Royal Rumble discussion

• Liv Morgan discussion towards WrestleMania

• El Grande Americano/Chad Gable news

• Lucha Bros discussion

• WWE Raw back to 3 hours

• TKO/WWE lawsuit

When aggregating this podcast, we ask that you wait until the individual stories are out, and credit Wrestlevotes Radio on Fightful Select, with a tag or link

Details on Yota Tsuji's AEW comments

Yota Tsuji is speaking his truth about AEW.

Recently, Tsuji did an interview with NJPW where he spoke ill of the NJPW-AEW relationship, stating that he didn’t believe the relationship benefited New Japan. It was originally noted it was possibly kayfabe considering he’s facing Konosuke Takeshita at Wrestle Kingdom, and an AEW vs. NJPW element has played into the last number of years. 

In speaking with NJPW sources, they do not believe Yota Tsuji was in character when speaking about his feelings on the AEW-NJPW relationship. They said he's been pretty vocal about it in recent years. When Fightful reported that a number of talent weren’t keen on working the US-based shows, we were told that Tsuji was among the, although he’d worked them in the past. 

That being said, this is a common scenario -- especially with NJPW vs. AEW sentiments in the past.

Ironically enough, at one point, Tsuji was considered for an AEW World Title match for AEW Forbidden Door 2024 against Swerve Strickland. However, Will Ospreay volunteered to face and to lose to Swerve, which ended up happening.

Another NWA mainstay now a free agent

An NWA mainstay is now a free agent.

Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp has confirmed that Colby Corino is now a free agent, as his NWA contract has expired. Corino has been out of action for a number of months after he required emergency spinal surgery. A GoFundMe was set up to aid in his recovery.

Corino has also competed on WWE a number of times, and was close to signing with the company several years ago.

The 29-year old Corino is a former NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion. He is the son of Steve Corino, who works for WWE, and the two had one of the top independent matches of 2021 against one another. Corino is also known for his Deadlock Pro Wrestling run.

EC3 also recently announced his NWA contract is up.

Select Answers: Vince's plan for WCW, Dakota Kai, Top 3 TNA FAILS?

Welcome to Select Answers, a feature that provides some of the answers to questions that were posed to Sean Ross Sapp in the most recent Fightful Weekly Q&A Podcast. The show drops every week on Fightful Select for subscribers.

When aggregating these posts please refer to it as "Fightful Select Answers Q&A" and tag Fightful, noting that it was in the Q&A format to avoid confusion.

***

What was Vince original plan for wcw brand when he purchased it I remember hearing that he wanted to have it on mondays and raw another day was any of that true?

Originally, the hope was to continue it as its own brand, with its own show on it's own channels. However, an appropriate television deal couldn't be found. There was also an idea for WWF to be on Smackdown, and WCW on Mondays. That didn't end up happening, and instead, WWE just absorbed the roster and decided to do their own brand split. Today, if WWE just relaunched a show called "WCW," they'd probably get a deal without a problem. That just wasn't the position back then, thoug.
If you could do a top TNA fails, and I know there's probably more what would be your top three?

I know this specific question was in response to the recent Mike Santana stuff, but nothing in the last couple of years hits the top 3 for me.

Bringing Vince Russo back when Spike TV very specifically asked for him not to be brought back is up there. There's a big misconception that Russo cost them the TV deal, and that's just not true. That was Dixie Carter's mismanagement, but it's up there.

My second choice would be changing the IWGP Tag Team Titles without getting NJPW approval, and then when NJPW chose to forgive them for it, they absolutely jobbed out Okada. In the years that followed, NJPW got really hot again, and TNA got to one of their lowest points, and couldn't retain talent. TNA could have really benefited from that relationship.

My third is an "if it's true." There were always rumors that Spike TV/Paramount wanted ten percent of TNA to continue their TV deal and that Dixie Carter wasn't on board with it. Considering the direction TNA went, ten percent would have been a steal to keep it on TV. If that would have happened, TNA could have been a Paramount + property since its launch.

If that one doesn't count, it's Monty Brown not winning the TNA Title.

Any chance aew signs Dakota Kai?

There's definitely a chance, and I think it happens down the line. However, on our Discord back in August, I said that I believed she'd go to Japan first, which seems to be what she's doing. I think that once she really establishes something new over there, it's more likely she ends up in AEW.

SRS Q&A questions

Hey guys! SRS here. Get in those questions!!

Details on yet another injury

Unfortunately, another wrestling injury has been confirmed.

Another shoulder injury.

This past weekend at AEW Worlds End, AEW got creative with Luchasaurus’ use on the show. On the December 31 episode of AEW Dynamite, he appeared with a giant wrap on his shoulder.  He then got attacked by Toa Liona and sent backstage during the match.

We’re told that Luchasaurus’ injury is legitimate, and he’s expected to miss time in the ring as a result. We haven’t heard the specifics of the injury, if surgery will be required.

Jack Perry is expected to remain on TV in a singles capacity.

We’ll work to find out more info. We wish Luchasaurus a speedy recovery.

NYE DEBUNKATHON! Saraya, Mercedes, Hayan/Maya World, Wrestle Kingdom

News on

• Missa Kate

• Mercedes

• El Clon

• Hyan and Maya World

• AEW

• Dynamite

• Wrestle Kingdom

• Saraya

• Missa Kate retired from pro wrestling recently. Sources had indicated that she'd started MMA training.

• When we asked about the path for Mercedes Mone, we were told very specifically there was always a plan in mind for who she would lose the TBS Championship to.

• El Clon is coming to Collision in January. He's been battling injuries since his reveal happened.

• It was clarified to us that tonight would not be a "throwaway" Dynamite just because it's New Year's Eve.

• Yesterday we revealed a number of wrestlers would be around for Hiroshi Tanahashi's retirement ceremony. Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay were both confirmed.

• Hyan and Maya World's official AEW contracts came together in the last couple of weeks before AEW Worlds End. The duo had been very highly regarded in the months prior as well. One source in AEW was surprised that TNA hadn't already made them offers

• AEW staff we spoke to were touting the success of the Orange Cassidy/Toni Storm clip that drew over 100 million views across multiple platforms.

• We're told most talent outside of Japan are getting into town around January 2 for Wrestle Kingdom.

• There was nothing major to read in to Saraya using her WWE theme during her appearance at Insane Wrestling Revolution. We're told she didn't want to use her AEW theme because it was her ex boyfriend's song. We can only assume this is also why she didn't come out to Alberto Del Rio singing "Hungry Like The Wolf" at karaoke.

• There are a couple of new themes being worked on for WWE talent.

• We're told the WWE Baltimore holiday event was the top grossing WWE house show in Baltimore history.

• Early indications we got from sources was that PPV buys and buzz for AEW Worlds End were in line with AEW's other PPV shows this year.

• Fightful will have a New Japan Pro Wrestling Wrestle Kingdom post show featuring SP3 and Lyric Carter.

• SRS and Denise reunited for their 2026 predictions video!

Tony Hinchcliffe

The Tony Hinchliffe and WWE relationship looks like it will be continuing.

Hinchcliffe, controversial host of Kill Tony, and well known comedian, hosted the Roast of WrestleMania earlier this year. He was also slated to host WWE Summerslam Late Night, but the event ended up getting canceled. However, sources in WWE claim that the relationship between the two sides is fine. This was brought back up to Fightful in recent weeks after HInchcliffe made numerous appearances tied to WWE of late.

WWE sources told Fightful that they expect to work with Hinchcliffe again, although the specifics of what that might be for is unknown. It was intimated to us that it’s quite likely that it will be a similar late night program.

Debunkathon

• Sean Ross Sapp or Fightful did not report any WWE releases. It was a "prank post" according to the person who made it. We'd prefer to be left out of those.

• Hulk Hogan was never offered a role in "The Wrestler."

• We didn't report anything about Chris Jericho being in a WWE-Stranger Things crossover.

• Eva Marie is not scheduled for a retirement run.

• Sarah Stock has not worked for AEW since April, and did not make her work on Christmas. Nobody in AEW worked on Christmas.

• John Cena never said there were hidden easter eggs in his WrestleMania 29 match with The Rock, it was his Firefly Funhouse match with Bray Wyatt.

• One Shitter Wrestling at it again -- no, Nattie isn't planning a retirement run.

WOW

For those into WOW, they sent us the following previews of their upcoming shows

Episode 413 - “Lights Up” 

Airing January 3, 2026

Las Vegas is buzzing as the Las Vegas Fremont Street Experience continues hosting WOW - Women Of Wrestling. The battle lines are drawn as former Champions fight to reclaim their legacy and bold new contenders step up to prove they belong. Brazil’s dynamic black belt star Gabriella Cruz teams up with the electric dance sensation Lil J-Boogie to take on the seasoned claws of Animal Instinct: Goldie Collins and Katarina Jinx. 

Episode 414 - “The Freight Train Arrives” 

Airing January 10, 2026

WOW – Women Of Wrestling ignites Las Vegas with multiple Superhero debuts and double Championship action! The Alliance backs up their bold words from last week as the Gambino family powerhouse faction steps into the purple ring against the energetic trios team of The Mighty Mights: Sugar, Spice, and the Bully Buster, Keta Rush. The Dojo Defenders, Kara Kai and Tara Strike, get the most coveted opportunity: a WOW World Tag Team Championship Match against five-time Champions Miami’s Sweet Heat: Lovely Laurie and Luscious Lindsey Carlson, accompanied by The Fabulous Lana Star. The Freight Train arrives as a high-energy newcomer, Destiny Diesel, debuts and joins forces with veteran Kalaki The Island Girl and Spring Breaker Sandy Shore to challenge the dominant WOW World Trios Champions Coach Campanelli, Kandi Krush, and Gloria Glitter of Top Tier. 

Episode 415 - “Opportunity Knocks” 

Airing January 17, 2025 

Ashley Blaze is more ready than ever to take on Scout Parker in singles action, but there’s something noticeably different about her evolving opponent Scout Parker. And in the Main Event, the WOW World Championship is up for grabs as the Mexican sensation Tormenta proudly defends her championship title against former WOW Champion Penelope Pink. Will The Fabulous Lana Star finally be able to place the Championship Title back on her mantle, or will Tormenta’s reign continue to storm on? 

WWE wrestler injured

Unfortunate news for one WWE wrestler.

Mia Yim aka Michin posted on Instagram that her WWE holiday tour was ending sooner than expected. Fightful Select confirmed that Michin sustained a shoulder injury in the last week, and has been pulled from the remainder of the Holiday Tour dates. Michin had been working with Jade Cargill on the tour, and will now be replaced in upcoming matches.

We're unsure of the severity of the injuries.

Fightful and Sean Ross Sapp wish Mia Yim a speedy recovery, and while are not medical professionals, recommend amputation or lobotomy for her to appropriately heal.

Select Answers: WWE Studios, Anna Jay, SANTA

Welcome to Select Answers, a feature that provides some of the answers to questions that were posed to Sean Ross Sapp in the most recent Fightful Weekly Q&A Podcast. The show drops every week on Fightful Select for subscribers.

When aggregating these posts please refer to it as "Fightful Select Answers Q&A" and tag Fightful, noting that it was in the Q&A format to avoid confusion.

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Is WWE ever gonna make a non-documentary movie again?

There aren't plans for that. They have pretty much been out of that business for years. Occasionally they'll do a reality show, food show or the like. I don't think WWE will do a real, theatrical release movie like The Marine, The Condemned, See No Evil or The Call for a long time. With their Netflix deal, there's certainly the possibility that something gets produced that utilizes IP or talent. They had credits for "Rumble" too, but weren't too involved in that. For years, those were very expensive ventures and did not yield great results for the most part.

There were some exceptions -- The Call did exceptionally well and made a lot of money. It had David Otunga in a really small role, but was a solid movie. See No Evil did pretty well with Kane as a lead. By far the most successful was Oculus, which made about nine times its production budget back. There were absolutely no wrestlers featured in it, but a reference to Triple H was made.

It’s safe to say that Anna Jay’s had her deal extended for six months like Danhausen even though his deal was supposed to be up in July

No. That didn't happen. I can tell you what happened. Following word getting around internally that she wanted to be in Blood and Guts, it was noted that her contract was up "pretty soon." The people that I spoke to thought that the contract would be up at the end of 2025, but that was clarified to me to not be the case. Her deal is up in the Spring of 2026, and always was going to be. The Danhausen situation is weird and dumb, but it isn't the same.

Happy holidays Fightful Crew! Any favourite memories of wrestling angles where someone dressed as Santa Claus?

Well, my favorite wrestling Santa moment ever is him getting hit by a car by Alberto Del RIo. I thought everyone played their roles perfectly, outside of WWE doing that RIGHT AFTER his babyface turn. The dude who played Santa took an absolutely gnarly bump off the car, and Del Rio's reaction was hilarious. Ricardo Rodriguez did a great job there, too.

Xanta Klaus sucked, but I loved Balls Mahoney, so I wish he would have got his foot in the door some other way. Stone Cold being disguised as Santa for Tribute to the Troops was a pretty solid one too.

Update on WWE content and Peacock

It's the end of an era in WWE.

Elements of the WWE and Peacock deal are now done, and the video library no longer has an official home. On December 31, content started being removed from Peacock.

Fightful reported quite a while back that no new deal for the library content had been reached, and that WWE was exploring their options. It is believed that the content will slowly be rolled out on Youtube platforms, of which WWE is suspected to have a favorable deal with Google to post videos on as they're a top performing channel.

WWE noted recently they're working on a non-exclusive host, but sources tell Fightful Select that Youtube does remain a big piece of their plan. There are no plans that we've heard of to simply mass release all their content, unless they reach a deal with a different platform to host their library.

NXT PLE shows and WWE Saturday Night's Main Event remain on Peacock.