WWE builds interesting Buzz in the new year. From Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair speculation to adjustments in the Hall of Fame Ceremony, there’s plenty to keep wrestling fans talking. Dive into WWE News and Rumors for January 17, where we uncover potential WrestleMania 41 match-ups, backstage drama, and exciting updates about WWE’s plans for future events.
WWE News and Rumors for January 17
Here are the top WWE News and Rumors for January 17.
Corey Graves and Wade Barrett: A SmackDown Commentary Drama
Corey Graves has been genuinely unhappy over the past couple of weeks, according to Dave Meltzer from Wrestling Observer Radio. What is the reason? Wade Barrett landed the important SmackDown color commentator role over Graves. Sources close to the situation believe the tension is real, with many in WWE backing Meltzer’s claim that this is more than just a storyline. It looked like Corey Graves has some serious issues with WWE now.
Tiffany Stratton vs Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 41
During a recent Backstage Pass Q&A, WrestleVotes hinted at a possible Tiffany Stratton vs Charlotte Flair match at WrestleMania 41. Fans are already speculating how this potential clash could shape the future of WWE’s women’s division.
Malakai Black’s AEW Frustrations and Potential Retirement
Malakai Black has been facing internal struggles. PWTorch reports that Black has been vocal about feeling “burned out” over the past year or two. He even hinted at the possibility of retiring. However, the current situation remains unclear. Was this an attempt to leverage his release from AEW, or is Black genuinely considering stepping away? Additionally, his relationships with AEW colleagues have been tense, with some criticizing his reluctance to do jobs and his frequent injury claims.
WWE Expands International Presence in 2025
WWE is set to expand its reach in Europe in 2025. Nick Khan recently revealed that WWE will hold premium live events in both France and Germany. This is an exciting development for European fans who have been waiting for WWE’s return to these countries.
WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony: Changes in the Works?
WWE wasn’t happy with last year’s Hall of Fame Ceremony, according to WrestleVotes. Many attendees left after Paul Heyman’s speech, leading to concerns about audience engagement. While WWE hasn’t revealed specific changes yet, they are actively exploring new ways to present the event this year. Batistan is a big spoiler for this year’s class as per WWE News and Rumors for January 17.
WWE WrestleMania Press Event: Super Bowl Weekend
WrestleMania excitement is already building. WWE is planning a press event during Super Bowl weekend, sources told WrestleVotes. This is in line with last year’s event, where The Rock notably slapped Cody Rhodes in a dramatic moment. Fans are eagerly anticipating what WWE has in store for this year’s press event.
AEW’s Grand Slam Australia and Scheduling Concerns
AEW’s Grand Slam Australia show, advertised to air on TNT during NBA’s All-Star Saturday Night on February 15, has caused some concern. There were questions about potential scheduling conflicts, but AEW has now updated its graphic, removing any specific airtime. Fans are wondering if this will lead to any last-minute changes.
MJF’s Controversial Promo and Backstage Fallout
MJF’s promo on Dynamite, where he made controversial remarks about Jeff Jarrett’s history of killing pro wrestling companies, has raised some eyebrows. Meltzer reports that several people in AEW were bothered by the line, further adding to the backstage tension. Whether this becomes a storyline or a real-life issue remains to be seen.
AEW Talent Frustrations and the WWE Alternative
In AEW, some talent is growing increasingly frustrated with their current positions. Lucha Libre Online reports that several wrestlers, who once saw WWE as an unlikely option, are now considering a move. The change in WWE’s creative direction under Triple H, alongside the success of Penta’s debut on Raw, has made WWE a more appealing alternative for these AEW stars. Expect more talent searches as free agency looms in 2025.
Premium Live Event in Mexico: Likely for 2026
WrestleVotes reports a “very high possibility” of WWE hosting a premium live event in Mexico in 2026. This move could further expand WWE’s global reach, exciting fans in Latin America.
Tonga Loa’s Return: WrestleMania Timeline
WWE is reportedly aiming to bring Tonga Loa back to TV in time for WrestleMania. Fans are eager to see how his return will impact storylines leading up to the event.
Jan 13 Raw Timing and Backstage Reactions
The January 13 episode of Raw was shortened to two-and-a-half hours for logistical reasons. According to Fightful and PW Insider, this allowed dark matches after the Netflix stream and gave traveling fans time to catch flights. While some backstage were upset about trimmed segments caused by Penta running long, no one blamed him personally.
WWE Raw on Netflix: Adjusted Runtime Plans
Fightful Select revealed WWE has a set idea for Raw’s runtime on Netflix. However, neither the premiere nor this week’s episode matched the planned length. WWE seems to be fine-tuning the format to better align with its vision for streaming audiences.
It was all from WWE News and Rumors for January 17. Which news is more exciting for you?
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