The tension inside WWE has reached a boiling point as multiple explosive stories have emerged, threatening to overshadow the build to WrestleMania 42. From a major star’s real-life heat with the world champion to a potential Hall of Fame return and a scathing internal critique of a flagship show, the wrestling world is buzzing with unprecedented drama. Sources confirm that the relationship between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes has deteriorated into open hostility, with Reigns taking a personal shot at Rhodes during a recent interview. Speaking to Adam Glenn, Reigns dismissed Rhodes’ claims that the two were kept apart on the set of Street Fighter, suggesting that Rhodes was nervous about his presence. “The rumor is he was requesting that. He was a little nervous that I was showing up. He got there before me and there was only a couple of days of crossover. I think he was a little nervous. You know what it is? The tribal chief comes to town and he gets a little nervous. He doesn’t know what to do,” Reigns said. This public jab has escalated the already strained dynamic between the two megastars, who were originally slated for a third WrestleMania match before creative differences reportedly scrapped the plan. Insiders indicate that the real-life animosity could have produced compelling television, but both sides remain at an impasse, with no signs of reconciliation on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes has not remained silent, using his platform to call out the WWE roster for what he perceives as a lack of professionalism. On the latest edition of his podcast, Rhodes took aim at talent leaving the arena before the show concludes. “Not going to leave at the beginning of the show. The other day I watched they walked right by me. I’m like, where are you going? What if someone gets hurt? I’m almost not mad at you for leaving early. You’re blatantly doing it,” Rhodes said. This unwritten rule, long enforced during the Vince McMahon era, has reportedly been violated by multiple wrestlers, and Rhodes’ comments have sparked heated debate backstage. Some view his remarks as a necessary wake-up call, while others see them as a power play from the champion. The situation is further complicated by Randy Orton’s recent violent outbursts, as the Legend Killer has attacked both Rhodes and Matt Cardona in consecutive weeks. WWE’s official preview for tonight’s SmackDown teases that Orton could target another superstar, with fans speculating that musician Jelly Roll, who is set to wrestle Kit Wilson, may be in the crosshairs. Rhodes is expected to return to the show tonight, potentially setting up a confrontation with his former friend.
In a stunning development, Chris Jericho has filed a trademark for the word “cornerstone,” fueling speculation about his return to WWE. The wrestling legend, who remains under AEW contract, has not been seen on WWE programming in years, but the trademark filing has ignited rumors of a new character. A cornerstone is defined as the most important part of an object, and the term is often used to describe the greats of professional sports and entertainment. Jericho’s history of reinventing himself, from Y2J to The Painmaker, suggests that this could be the foundation of his next gimmick. While no official talks have been confirmed, the timing is notable as WWE approaches WrestleMania, and insiders believe that Jericho’s return could be a major draw. However, his AEW deal is still active, and it remains unclear when or if he will be free to sign with another promotion. The trademark filing has sent shockwaves through the industry, with fans and analysts alike debating whether Jericho will finally return to the company where he became a household name.
Bianca Belair’s long-awaited return to the ring is finally on the horizon, according to multiple sources. The former world champion has been sidelined for nearly a year after suffering one of the most complex hand injuries ever seen in WWE during her match at WrestleMania 41 against Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. The injury required multiple surgeries and kept her from any physical activity. However, Body Slam Plus via Patreon reports that Belair has resumed light in-ring training, marking a significant milestone in her recovery. Sources indicate that WWE is hopeful she can be involved in WrestleMania 42 in some capacity, possibly as a guest host or a surprise appearance. Belair’s last match was a triple threat that ended in disaster, but her return could inject new life into the women’s division. The company is reportedly planning to platform her as one of its top stars, and her presence at the biggest show of the year would be a major boost. Fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on her condition, and this news has been met with widespread relief and excitement.
Gunther’s status for WrestleMania has been a subject of intense concern, but a new report from Fightful Select has alleviated fears that the former world champion might miss the event. Gunther has been absent from television since unmasking Dragon Lee, and his planned match with Rey Mysterio was scrapped due to Mysterio’s rib injury. Initial reports suggested that WWE might leave Gunther off the card entirely, but sources now indicate that he is still expected to have a substantial role. “Having Gunther miss WrestleMania wouldn’t benefit anyone involved,” one source noted. The challenge remains finding a suitable opponent with only three episodes of Raw left before the show. Top stars like LA Knight are dealing with minor injuries, and most of the card is already set. There is speculation that WWE could bring in a legend for a dream match, but time is running out to build a compelling story. Gunther’s recent absence has been puzzling, but this update suggests that creative plans are still in motion.
The Hell in a Cell match type is set to make a triumphant return at WrestleMania 42, with Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre reportedly headlining the brutal encounter. According to Ibu of Self-Made, WWE is looking to use the popular match type for the ongoing war between the two on SmackDown. The feud has escalated into an all-out brawl, and fans have been divided on whether a Hell in a Cell or a Last Man Standing match is more appropriate. However, the decision to use the cell is significant, as it would be the first such match since Bad Blood in 2024. The match is also rumored to be McIntyre’s final appearance in WWE for a short period, as he has acting commitments booked after WrestleMania. This implies that McIntyre will lose the match and be written off television, allowing Fatu to solidify his status as a top heel. The stakes are incredibly high, and the physicality of the cell is expected to deliver a memorable spectacle.
Chelsea Green’s recovery from an ankle injury is progressing faster than expected, according to Fightful Select. The former women’s champion suffered the injury last month but has remained on screen, thanks to her insistence on staying visible. Green was adamant that she wanted to maintain her prominent role on SmackDown, and sources confirm that she is planned to remain a key character. There is internal optimism that she could be cleared before WrestleMania, though it remains uncertain. Green is heavily rumored to be involved in the women’s US title scene, and with Tiffany Stratton versus Julia no longer a title match, WWE may be building toward a triple threat. Her resilience and dedication have earned her praise from colleagues, and her continued presence on television has kept her momentum alive.
WWE is going all out for a historic Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden, scheduled for July 18th. According to Fightful Select, the event will coincide with Fanatics Fest, in which WWE will be heavily involved. The last time WWE held a Saturday Night’s Main Event at MSG was in August 2007, and the company is expected to deliver a stacked card. The previous installments of the revived series have received mixed reviews, but the prestige of the venue suggests that WWE has something special in store. The announcement has generated significant buzz, as MSG is considered the mecca of professional wrestling.
NXT has come under fire from its own talent after a recent broadcast was described as “utterly terrible” by sources within the company. According to the Wrestling Observer Radio, the show was poorly booked and failed to deliver the quality expected from the brand. “You realize that like this NXT show on Tuesday was so ungodly terrible, it was just a horrifically booked show. You had all these fans. It’s better than Collision will ever be. It’s actually a great show. Meanwhile, you actually hear from people in NXT that are like, ‘Yeah, that show was just terrible. It was just terrible,’” the report stated. This internal criticism is a major blow to NXT, especially as it heads into its biggest show of the year, Stand and Deliver, next Saturday. The timing could not be worse, and WWE will need to address these concerns quickly to restore confidence in the brand.
Finally, WCW legend Buff Bagwell has resurfaced on TNA Impact, stating that he wants to get back in the ring. Bagwell, who had his right leg amputated in the summer of 2025 due to complications from a car accident, last wrestled in 2022. His interview with Gia Miller has sparked speculation about a potential comeback, though the physical challenges are immense. Bagwell’s determination has inspired fans, and his appearance on TNA has reignited interest in his career. The wrestling world is watching closely to see if the former WCW star can defy the odds and return to the ring.