2026 is here, which means we're just weeks away from this month's Royal Rumble PLE. That will lay the groundwork for WrestleMania, ahead of what's shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable editions of the Show of Shows in recent memory.
In our latest WWE rumor roundup, we have updates on that, along with news on Chris Jericho and The Rock's respective futures. There's also more on future NXT callups, plans for Women's World Champion Stephanie Vaquer, the latest on Nikki Bella's dating life, and more.
Check out these latest WWE rumors below, and stay tuned for updates on all these stories and more.
- According to the Wrestling Observer, Adam Pearce teasing Chris Jericho's return on RAW was meant to increase interest in the show. PW Insider has since chimed in to say that Y2J was "never slated for the show" and wasn't backstage.
- Fightful Select has also reined in expectations, pointing out that it's still not clear whether Jericho is under contract with AEW.
- The site has also addressed reports about AJ Lee's WWE status, indicating that claims she would be working a full-time schedule were blown out of proportion. It sounds like a match with Becky Lynch at WrestleMania is on the table, though.
- Britt Baker is still under contract with AEW, but Tony Khan has no creative plans for the former AEW Women's Champion. With that in mind, it's looking increasingly likely that she won't return to the company. Could a WWE debut be imminent?
- There's reportedly no heat on Jade Cargill, despite repeated injuries during matches she's been involved with on the WWE Live tour.
- Stephanie Vaquer's injury is legitimate, according to PW Insider. However, she isn't expected to miss much time and won't be vacating the Women's World Championship.
- TMZ, meanwhile, is reporting that WWE Hall of Famer is indeed dating Philadelphia Eagles star cornerback Cooper DeJean.
- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is not scheduled to compete at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas after skipping last year's show. However, Andrew Baydala notes that there is a "big offer" for him to compete at WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia for what would "most likely be his last matchmost likely be his last match."
- More NXT callups could be on the way. Fightful has learned that Blake Monroe could be coming to the main roster soon, with talks also ongoing about Jacy Jayne. Bodyslam+ has heard that Lola Vice could be heading to SmackDown.
- Self Made Pro reveals that Roman Reigns should also be back on the blue brand soon, with Jacob Fatu potentially returning as soon as this week's episode in Berlin.
- According to PW Insider Elite, Triple H has final say over all storylines, with Bruce Prichard and Ed Koskey also giving their input while handing the day-to-day running of WWE creative. Ryan Ward, WWE's Vice President of Creative Writing, helps lay out plans for both shows, with Alexandra Williams and Jonathan Baeckstrom serving as co-leads on RAW and Brian "Road Dogg" James and John Switaka in the same role on SmackDown.