WWE News and Rumor Roundup - Former champion officially confirms his in-ring career is over, Bloodline breaking up, Get well soon Braun Strowman
We are back with another stacked edition of the WWE News and Rumor Roundup. A former Champion has called it quits on his in-ring career. After losing his Ula Fala to Roman Reigns, what's next for Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline?
Braun Strowman has shared an unfortunate update on his health. With RAW on Netflix now, is Brock Lesnar's comeback in the cards? Continue reading as we dive into the top stories of the day.
#1 Ric Flair confirms he will never wrestle again; Bronson Reed sends a warning
Ric Flair's love for pro wrestling hasn't faded with age, which is why he couldn't stay true to his retirement after facing Shawn Michaels in his last WWE match at WrestleMania 24.
Flair may still be in great shape, but he has made it clear he will never lace up his boots again. Interestingly, the 75-year-old WWE Hall of Famer teased coming out of retirement days ago, claiming he still had one more match left in him. Of course, his statement didn't sit well with the majority of the fans and even Bronson Reed.
The Australian star recently responded to fans wanting him to hit The Nature Boy with a Tsunami. Reed took things further when he commented on Flair refusing to wrestle another match, asking his boss and WWE CCO, Triple H, to come "get his boy."
Check out his tweet below.
#2 What's next for the Bloodline?
Roman Reigns beat Solo Sikoa in a Tribal Combat match and finally regained his Ula Fala on RAW's Netflix debut earlier this week. With the Original Tribal Chief set to move on to bigger things, fans have been wondering what WWE has in store for Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline.
According to WrestleVotes via Backstage Pass, fans can expect to see friction between Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa.
"Roman's next move appears to be RAW on January 27th from Atlanta. They teased that last night with the WWE2K involvement. And as far as The Bloodline, I'd imagine there's some tension going forward on TV. I don't necessarily expect a breakup right away, but Solo took another loss last night, so I'd imagine there's some tension with Jacob Fatu and the rest of the crew."
Sportskeeda Wrestling's own Bill Apter added that The Rock could get himself involved and try to get The Bloodline members back on the same page.
"I think The Rock is going to be involved in a way where he's trying to make peace between the two Bloodlines at this point. I don't think that [he] will succeed, and I don't think that Roman and Solo have seen the last match against each other yet," Apter said.
As for Roman Reigns, he will seemingly appear on the January 27 episode of RAW for an "acknowledgment" ceremony.
#3 Braun Strowman breaks silence on his WWE absence
Braun Strowman was set to join forces with Sami Zayn and Jimmy Uso against The Bloodline in a six-man tag team match on the first episode of SmackDown in 2025. However, Jey Uso ended up replacing him.
We now know why The Monster of All Monsters missed SmackDown last week. Earlier today, Braun Strowman took to his social media and announced that he recently caught a "very bad flu," which forced him to miss SmackDown and RAW's Netflix premiere.
The former Universal Champion said he would also miss the Friday night show this week.
"I have lost 36lbs in this week. Had test taken and all they could determine is that it was a very bad flu thankfully. I hate I have had to miss last week's SmackDown the premiere of RAW on Netflix and I will miss tv again this week. This is yet another speed bump in the road. I will be back bigger stronger and badder than ever!!! There hasn’t been anything this life has thrown at me that I haven’t been able to able to OVERCOME and this sure as hell isn’t gonna stop me in having one of my best years to date!!!!!" he wrote.
There's no word on when Strowman will return to TV, but fans will be hoping to see him back in time for Royal Rumble 2025.
#4 Will Brock Lesnar return to WWE RAW on Netflix?
Brock Lesnar was featured in the cold open for RAW's Netflix debut. However, his cameo reportedly won't lead to his WWE TV return anytime soon.
Sportskeeda's own Dr. Chris Featherstone reiterated that the creative had no plans to bring back The Beast Incarnate.
"The cold open was just to commemorate the history. Nothing to read into. Last I heard, no discussions to bring him back," reported Dr. Chris Featherstone.
Lesnar hasn't been brought back since he was seemingly alluded to in Janel Grant's lawsuit against Vince McMahon.
#5 Bayley could be leaving SmackDown
Bayley was spotted talking to Adam Pearce backstage on RAW's Netflix debut this week. It looks like The Role Model might be leaving SmackDown for RAW via the ongoing transfer window.
The veteran recently attended an ice hockey game to support the San Jose Sharks. During the game, Bayley announced that she would be making an appearance on the January 13, 2025, edition of RAW, which will take place in her hometown of San Jose, California.
"Yes, January 13th, this coming Monday. SAP Center, tickets on sale at Ticketmaster. I'll be making an appearance on Monday Night RAW. I don't know if I'll be on the show. But we got a few matches at the end of the show that I'll definitely be a part of," said Bayley.
The former WWE Women's Champion also teased competing in a match on Monday. Fans must tune in to find out who she feuds with ahead of the 2025 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event.
