The new year opens with a bittersweet atmosphere backstage as WWE celebrates a record-breaking 2025 while simultaneously navigating a brutal rash of shoulder injuries to top stars. Between the fallout of the NXT Year-End Awards and a major long-term commitment to outside crossover talent, the creative landscape for the “Road to WrestleMania” is shifting rapidly.
The “Iron Bridge” Extends Through 2028 WWE and TNA Wrestling are reportedly “very happy” with their current working relationship, with reports indicating the partnership is expected to continue until at least 2028. While TNA’s recent television deal with AMC sparked backstage speculation about a potential conclusion to the crossover, sources have confirmed the partnership is locked in for the next several years. Management reportedly views the alliance as an essential tool for talent growth, allowing NXT wrestlers to gain seasoning in high-stakes environments. Source: Bodyslam+
Shoulder Injury Epidemic Hits Main Roster A sudden “rash” of shoulder injuries is currently plaguing the WWE locker room, forcing creative to pivot several storylines. Sheamus has officially undergone surgery for a shoulder issue and is expected to be sidelined for a long time. On the women’s side, Michin was pulled from the recent holiday tour after suffering a shoulder injury during a match with Jade Cargill. Additionally, Dominik Mysterio is currently out of action with a shoulder injury sustained from taking a DDT improperly, though he is expected to return sooner than others. Source: Wrestling Observer Radio
NXT Year-End Awards and Roster Shifts The NXT locker room saw several surprises during the 2025 Year-End Awards. Je’Von Evans was named Male Superstar of the Year, a win that has sparked backstage speculation as Evans remains highly over with the audience despite a string of creative losses in big matches. Sol Ruka was named Female Superstar of the Year, while the pairing of Soul & Zaria took home Tag Team of the Year honors. In a major roster update, reports indicate that Trick Williams is expected to be leaving the brand imminently. Source: Wrestling Observer Radio
Jericho Hits Free Agency; WWE Eyes Corino The wrestling landscape shifted significantly today as Chris Jericho officially became a free agent on January 1, 2026. While his next move remains unconfirmed, his status has immediately triggered rumors of a high-profile return to the WWE fold. Simultaneously, WWE has reportedly made inquiries into Colby Corino, whose NWA contract has expired. While Corino is in negotiations with his former employer, WWE is confirmed to be monitoring his free agency closely. Source: Bryan Alvarez / Fightful Select / Bodyslam
NXT Creative: Building Momentum for New Year’s Evil The final NXT broadcast of 2025 focused on solidifying top heels and stripping back gimmicks for upcoming matches.
- The Power Narrative: Ethan Page asserted total dominance with a clean win over TNA’s Moose, signaling that Page remains the “standard-bearer” for the brand heading into the new year.
- Heat Management: Creative booked Ricky Saints to steal a win over Je’Von Evans (the fan-voted Superstar of the Year) using a ref bump and a low blow. This finish was specifically designed to keep Evans as a sympathetic underdog while generating massive “heat” for Saints.
- The “Straight Match” Reset: For the Tatum Paxley vs. Izzy Dame rivalry, creative is moving away from the “supernatural” elements. Their match at New Year’s Evil is being billed as a “straight wrestling match,” pointedly removing the dolls and chainsaws from previous weeks to settle the feud on purely athletic terms.
Source: Wrestling Observer Radio
Backstage Vibe: Vaquer and Dupri Locker room morale remains high following a successful 2025. Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer publicly labeled the past year the “best of her life,” noting that her championship win was the realization of a lifelong goal. Elsewhere, Maxxine Dupri (Sydney Zmrzel) earned significant praise from peers for her professionalism during her wedding to Anthony Luke; reports surfaced of her taking time out of her bridal portraits to sign autographs and interact with a fan, a gesture that was highly regarded backstage. Source: f4wonline.com / Photography By Avery
SmackDown Creative: Priest vs. Black Creative has locked in a major “Ambulance Match” for the upcoming SmackDown, featuring Damian Priest vs. Malakai Black. This is expected to be a primary focus for the brand as the blue show sets its trajectory for the early months of 2026. Source: Wrestling Observer Radio