The wrestling world is abuzz with the latest round of rumors, and it's a doozy! From WWE's mass roster cuts to Danhausen's mysterious partner, there's a lot to unpack. Let's dive in and explore the top stories making waves in the wrestling universe.
WWE's Mass Roster Cuts: A Catch-Up Game?
The recent wave of releases from WWE has left many fans and industry insiders alike scratching their heads. According to Dave Meltzer, one of the key reasons behind these cuts is TKO's attempt to 'catch up' after last year's more restrained approach. In 2025, TKO took over WWE and initially focused on being the 'good guys', holding back on mass roster cuts. This year, they wanted to match the number of wrestlers being called up from NXT, which led to the recent wave of releases.
The decision to cut specific wrestlers was based on WWE Creative's assessment of who they didn't have plans for. The SmackDown side also saw additional cuts due to the show's upcoming loss of its third hour, requiring fewer wrestlers to fill the reduced time slot. Interestingly, some wrestlers agreed to take significant pay cuts to keep their jobs, but they remain on the 'list' of talent with uncertain prospects.
Ireland's Bid for WrestleMania
In a surprising development, a Kilkenny councillor, Maurice Shortall, revealed that Ireland is well-positioned to host WrestleMania. With Croke Park in Dublin as the likely venue, this would be a significant moment for Irish wrestling fans. The country's bid highlights the global appeal of the sport and the potential for major events to boost local economies.
Danhausen's Mystery Partner: The Punk Factor?
All eyes are on Danhausen as he prepares to face his mystery partner at WWE Backlash. MyBookie has listed CM Punk as the favorite to be that partner, which would be a significant development. Punk's involvement would add a layer of intrigue to the match, especially given his history with Danhausen. The question remains: will Punk step into the ring, or is this a clever distraction?
EVIL's Name Change: A Swerve or Not?
F4WOnline's Bryan Alvarez shed light on WWE's decision to give EVIL the new name of 'Naraku' instead of 'Nox Raijin'. Alvarez suggests that this is not a swerve, meaning 'Nox Raijin' will still be given to another wrestler on the roster. This clarification adds an interesting layer to the ongoing name changes in WWE.
NXT's Great American Bash: July's Big Event
Bodyslam.net revealed that NXT's Great American Bash will take place in the last week of July at the WWE Performance Center. This event is a significant part of NXT's calendar, and the venue change adds a unique twist. The performance center setting could bring an intimate feel to the event, creating a memorable experience for fans.
Hiromu Takahashi's Potential WWE Signing
Former NJPW star Hiromu Takahashi has been a topic of speculation. Some within WWE believe that Takahashi will eventually sign with the promotion. This potential signing would be a significant get for WWE, adding a decorated veteran to their roster. The question remains: will Takahashi make the leap from NJPW to WWE?
Persephone's Big Match: A What-If Scenario
Meltzer's mention of Persephone's planned big match at AEW Double or Nothing before her injury sparks curiosity. He speculates that the original plan was for Persephone to face Thekla, the AEW Women's World Champion. This 'what if' scenario highlights the fluid nature of wrestling storylines and the impact of injuries on long-term plans.
As the wrestling world continues to spin its rumors, these stories provide a glimpse into the complex and ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling. From roster cuts to potential signings, the industry is a hotbed of activity, keeping fans engaged and eager for the next big reveal.
