The WWE Universe is buzzing with exciting developments! But let’s dive into the rumors and uncover the truth behind the headlines.
Joe Hendry’s WWE Contract:
It’s official! Joe Hendry, a familiar face in NXT, has put pen to paper and signed a WWE contract. This news broke on Thursday, with sources confirming that Hendry’s previous TNA contract had expired, making him a free agent. But here’s where it gets interesting: it seems WWE had their eyes on Hendry for months, waiting for the right moment to bring him into the fold. Hendry’s journey with WWE began with a debut on NXT, and he’s since made waves, from surprise Royal Rumble appearances to facing Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41. Now, he’s set to challenge for the AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championships alongside Thea Hail. A new chapter begins for Hendry as an exclusive WWE Superstar.
SmackDown’s Lengthy Return:
Get ready for longer nights of wrestling action! WWE is rumored to be extending SmackDown’s airtime to three hours, starting from January 2026. This expansion is not without precedent, as SmackDown briefly ran for three hours earlier this year after USA Network lost Raw to Netflix. However, the challenge lies in maintaining a captivating show throughout the extended runtime. WWE must find the right balance to keep fans engaged, avoiding the pitfalls of a potentially drawn-out and tedious experience.
Nakamura’s Unfulfilled Wish:
And now, a controversial twist! Last week, the wrestling world learned that Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match would be against Kazuchika Okada. But sources whisper that Shinsuke Nakamura, a fellow Japanese wrestling icon, had his heart set on being Tanahashi’s final opponent. This desire was reportedly a topic of discussion within WWE. However, with Nakamura signed to WWE and Tanahashi’s partner AEW being WWE’s rival, the logistics of such a match would have been complex. Instead, Okada, a former NJPW wrestler now with AEW, was chosen. Was this the right call? Could WWE have made it work with Nakamura? The debate is open, and fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on this intriguing ‘what-if’ scenario.