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We're back with another installment of Sportskeeda Wrestling's WWE News and Rumor Roundup. A 22-year wrestling veteran has made his ''retirement'' announcement, but there's a twist in the story. Top WWE Superstar has claimed himself to be the unofficial leader of the Judgment Day.
Meanwhile, we have learned an update on Charlotte Flair and AJ Styles' return. Trish Stratus has addressed whether she would leave WWE for a blockbuster match. Last but not least, a backstage update has shed light on Big E's in-ring future.
Continue reading as we dive into the top news and rumors of the day:
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#6. James Ellsworth announces when he will retire
James Ellsworth may not have reached a certain level of stardom, but he became a regular fixture on TV during his time in WWE in the mid-2010s. He was part of a high-profile program between Jon Moxley (FKA Dean Ambrose) and AJ Styles. He also managed Carmella.
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After leaving the Stamford-based promotion in 2018, Ellsworth returned to the independent circuit, where it all started for him in 2002.
On his 40th birthday, James Ellsworth took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to announce that he will "officially" retire from pro wrestling when he turns 80.
"40 today, brother. I’m officially announcing that I will retire from the wrestling business when I’m 80. Here’s to 40 more years of making towns. Now Cash app me $40 to $JamesEllsworth1984 for my birthday, Mizarks," Ellsworth wrote.
#5. Who is the leader of The Judgment Day?
The Judgment Day hasn't had a leader since Adam Copeland (formerly Edge) was kicked out of the group.
Since then, the stable has thrived under the premise that there would be no leaders. But over time, Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley have called the shots during their time in the faction.
Lately, Finn Balor has shown similar tendencies, and this hasn't sat well with some of his stablemates.
Earlier this week, the Irishman made a cameo appearance during the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat match and declared himself as the leader of The Judgment Day.
"That would be me. The leader of The Judgment Day, Finn Balor!" he said.
Meanwhile, Balor is set to battle Gunther and Damian Priest in a Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Title at Saturday Night's Main Event.
#4. Will AJ Styles return to WWE TV anytime soon?
AJ Styles hasn't been seen on TV since the October 4, 2024, edition of SmackDown.
The Phenomenal One faced a massive career setback, as he suffered a Lisfranc injury during a singles match against Carmelo Hayes. The untimely injury put him on the shelf for the foreseeable future.
Sportskeeda's own Dr. Chris Featherstone recently revealed that AJ Styles would remain off TV for the remainder of 2024.
#3. Update on Charlotte Flair's return
Charlotte Flair is another WWE Superstar facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an injury.
The Queen suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus during a match against Asuka on the December 8, 2023, edition of SmackDown. Flair underwent surgery and has been preparing for her return ever since.
According to the latest reports, Charlotte Flair will return to TV in time for the 2025 Royal Rumble.
#2. Trish Stratus reveals if she will leave WWE for a blockbuster match against an AEW star
Despite achieving everything there is to offer, Trish Stratus remains loyal to WWE. In an interview with The Takedown on SI, the seven-time Women's Champion recalled her interaction with current AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Moné (fka Sasha Banks) during the 2018 Women's Royal Rumble Match.
"I really think people never thought I’d ever come back for another match. After the Royal Rumble, it was enough. It was a sizzle reel, so to speak, of Trish Stratus and Stratusfaction, which is not easy to pull off, but like, ‘All right. You still got it,’ whatever!' But to think of it, can she come back after how many years to do a match, like, 17 years after my retirement? Whatever the crazy number is, which is wild, yeah, but then [Mone] left,” she said.
Stratus said she was a WWE lifer and wouldn't jump ship to AEW to face Moné.
"I really am a WWE girl all the way; I really am. You never know. Who knows? There’s still so much more life to be had," Trish added.
It will be interesting to see if Trish and The CEO collide inside the squared circle in the future.
#1. WWE's stance on Big E's in-ring future revealed
Big E's in-ring future has been up in the air since he suffered a horrific neck injury on the March 11, 2022, edition of SmackDown.
The 38-year-old star recently returned to RAW during The New Day's 10th anniversary celebration to fix issues between Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. However, the duo turned heel on Big E for ghosting them and kicked him out of the group.
According to recent reports, there's no word on whether Big E has re-signed with the Stamford-based promotion. Big E, Kofi, and Woods signed a five-year contract extension in 2019.
Despite being out of action for over two years, WWE hasn't added any injury time to Big E's deal, as the company believes that he won't be medically cleared to return to in-ring action.
However, the Stamford-based promotion continues to pay the former world champion for his non-wrestling roles.
