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Welcome to today's edition of WWE News & Rumor Roundup. It's been a busy end to the year in the sports entertainment juggernaut despite many of the superstars being home for the holidays.
Regardless, the wheel never stops spinning and neither do the news and rumors. This week, we have reports about a major name missing the RAW on Netflix debut on January 6, a controversial backstage change that could inevitably lead to WWE getting fan backlash, a popular star recovering from an illness, an unfortunate update for UK fans, and Braun Strowman revealing some surprising news about his health.
Let's jump right into it:
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#5. A big name is set to miss the RAW on Netflix debut
WWE is quite literally stacking up the RAW on Netflix card to be WrestleMania-caliber when you look at the matches advertised and the names that are set to appear - whether it's John Cena who is confirmed, or The Rock who is rumored.
However, one legend who won't be there at the historic event is the Apex Predator Randy Orton, who has been out of action since being taken out by Kevin Owens on SmackDown.
Sportskeeda Wrestling's Dr. Chris Featherstone confirmed that the 20-time Champion is currently not scheduled to appear on the RAW on Netflix debut special:
"I've had a bunch of people inquire about the status of Randy Orton regarding January 6. I've been informed that he is currently not scheduled to be a part of the debut episode of#WWERaw on Netflix," wrote Chris Featherstone on X/Twitter.
Orton has been enjoying Christmas with his family at home, and he even gifted his stepson Robbie a car just a few months after his 20th birthday.
#4. WWE planning a possibly controversial change to Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank in the next two years
WWE is hitting record highs with each passing premium live event, and the TKO merger means that there's a hyperfocus on recouping the billions spent to acquire the sports entertainment juggernaut. That includes heavy monetization, and it might be done at the expense of fans.
On WrestleVotes Radio on Backstage Pass, JoeyVotes and TC reported that there are currently plans to have a two-night Royal Rumble, possibly starting from 2026, while Money in the Bank potentially becomes two nights starting from 2027.
This is a move that's likely going to be met with a lot of backlash as fans were accepting of WrestleMania being two nights considering how it's the pinnacle of the wrestling industry. SummerSlam going to two nights was met with a little less of a warm reception, but the Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank going to two nights is likely going to receive some major backlash - especially when considering the inflated rates of tickets to major WWE events in the last couple of years.
We wouldn't be surprised to see this decision completely backfire if it does. While there might be some wiggle room to have a two-night Rumble, a two-night MITB is going to be the straw that breaks the camel's back. It goes into the simple philosophy of just because they can, doesn't mean they should.
WWE's increasing profits are not a reflection of the financial well-being of their fanbase, who may turn against the company for attempting to squeeze out as much money as they can in revenue.
#3. WWE Superstar Karmen Petrovic is going through a difficult illness
Karmen Petrovic is one of the more popular stars on NXT as she is a figure in the highly acclaimed women's division that is stacked with superstars like Roxanne Perez, Stephanie Vaquer, Giulia, Cora Jade, Sol Ruca, and more. However, Petrovic was notably absent on NXT TV recently.
In a post on her X/Twitter page, Karmen Petrovic revealed why she has been absent from NXT television - especially when she's currently in a storyline with Ashante "Thee" Adonis.
Petrovic revealed the extent of the fever she has been suffering from:
"I recently took a little internet hiatus due to not feeling myself at all. I ended up coming down with a really rough flu where I had a fever of 120 & was struggling to get back to my normal self for the past week. I feel like I let a lot of people down by not being able to show up or have the energy I usually carry. but, I learned the hard way that if you don't give yourself and your body some time to rest.. your body will force that rest upon you, and it's usually at the most inconvenient time. I wanted to come on here & express my gratitude for the absolute constant support I've received from everyone, it never goes unnoticed."
We wish Karmen Petrovic a healthy recovery and the best for her return to NXT television.
#2. Fans in the UK could miss a major episode of SmackDown
WWE's broadcast deals in North America might be set in stone for the next few years, but in the UK, there seems to be a bit of a crisis over a broadcasting partner for Friday Night SmackDown. TNT Sports is the current channel that airs SmackDown and the deal expires on January 31.
PWInsider reported that there is currently no news about the live airing of the January 3, episode of SmackDown. While the placeholder broadcast deal begins on January 10, it means that fans in the United Kingdom could miss out on the very first SmackDown of 2025.
This is a huge blow to fans in the United Kingdom, who will have to seek out alternate means if they want to watch the live broadcast. Usually, the first show of the year is filled with big moments and bangers. With WWE wanting to keep the momentum rolling in as the Netflix deal kicks off three days later, it might be a big miss for hardcore fans.
#1. Braun Strowman shared unfortunate news about the state of his (left) leg
Braun Strowman is one name who will most certainly not be on RAW on Netflix as he was officially assigned to SmackDown. Not that it could stop him anyway as the Transfer Window Rule still applies to any superstar, meaning he could randomly appear on an episode of RAW.
After going 1-1 with Carmelo Hayes, he is looking to kick off 2025 with a bang. But he's not going to be 100%. Braun Strowman revealed in an Instagram workout post that his leg is 15% paralyzed:
"Christmas #Quads been working hard on these puppies. Very happy considering my left leg is 15% paralyzed!!!! #Gainz #ChristmasWorkout #workout #training #legs #bodybuilding."
It certainly raises questions about the longevity he's going to be able to have in the ring. He had an extended period of time away before returning in 2024 and even after his win over Bronson Reed on RAW, he had to take a hiatus again.
We wish him well and hope that his leg recovers to 100%.
