Livescore
The new year has started in the best possible way for WWE with the highly publicized debut of Monday Night RAW on Netflix. However, Triple H and the massive support structure within the company are only getting warmed up, as we’re heading towards the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41.
Reports suggest there have been discussions about the returns of two veterans, among other surprises. Regarding comebacks, a WWE Hall of Famer shut the door on having any more roles in wrestling with his latest statement. The roundup also features updates on Alexa Bliss and Goldberg.
So, without further ado, let’s get into the day’s top stories:
#4. Kurt Angle is not interested in returning for any type of role in pro wrestling
The last time fans saw Kurt Angle as a regular on-screen TV character was during his days as WWE RAW’s General Manager, a run that culminated in his retirement match at WrestleMania 35. The legendary wrestler is a six-time WWE World Champion, a one-time Intercontinental Champion, a one-time US Champion, a one-time Hardcore Champion, a one-time European Champion, and a one-time tag team champion.
The Olympic gold medalist hasn’t laced up his wrestling boots since 2019. However, he has made sporadic appearances for the WWE on special shows.
Kurt Angle spoke to Dutch Mantell on the latest edition of Story Time with Dutch Mantell. The former world champion was asked whether he was still open to non-wrestling roles in WWE or another wrestling promotion.
The 11-time WWE champion surprisingly completely denied the possibility of it happening anytime soon and admitted he was at peace with his wrestling career.
Angle explained:
“No, you know what, Dutch? I’m at a point in my life where I’m okay. I don’t need to do that anymore. I don’t need to prove who I was or add anything to my legacy. I had a pretty damn good career and I’m proud of it.” [From 1:04:13 onwards]
Kurt Angle might arguably be among the greatest to have graced the squared circle, but the 56-year-old has finally reached a phase in his life where he doesn’t need the wrestling spotlight shined upon him anymore.
#3. Alexa Bliss is expected to return sooner rather than later
She hasn’t wrestled in over 700 days, but Alexa Bliss will certainly still bring a lot of value to the WWE Women’s Division once she returns.
Little Miss Bliss has not shown up in a ring since Royal Rumble 2023, but fans of her work may not have to wait much longer.
As revealed on WrestleVotes Radio on Backstage Pass, Alexa Bliss should be back soon, and it’s much earlier than most people have imagined.
JoeyVotes and TC revealed that new merchandise revolving around Bliss will also be unveiled in time for her return to TV.
There wasn’t any word on the creative plans for the former WWE Women’s Champion, but there are multiple storylines she can slot right into, including the Wyatt Sicks angle. With the Royal Rumble on the horizon, a surprise entry in the Women’s Royal Rumble Match could also be a way to reintroduce her to the WWE Universe.
#2. Goldberg vs. Gunther could still happen
Nothing much has happened since WWE planted the seeds for a clash between Gunther and Goldberg at Bad Blood 2024.
The former WCW Champion is reportedly set to return on an episode of RAW at the end of the month, and many speculate he may set up his retirement match.
Dave Meltzer provided an update in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and stated that the company booked the confrontation between Goldberg and Gunther with plans to have a match.
While the groundwork has already been laid, Meltzer felt the match won’t be for the title and as of this writing, isn’t penciled in for WrestleMania 41.
“The angle was shot with Gunther and that was the planned match. I would presume it wouldn’t be for the title. ‘Mania makes sense for it but it has never been told to us that it would be at ‘Mania,” Meltzer revealed.
Goldberg has announced that he will have his retirement match in 2025, and we may get a hint about the same when he is in the ring, potentially with a microphone in his hand, later this month.
#1. WWE could get two WWE Hall of Famers back at the Royal Rumble
Fans look forward to the Royal Rumble specifically to see faces they haven’t seen in a wrestling setting in ages. While the Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble Matches could feature multiple surprises, the Stamford-based company might also be planning a few other legendary appearances.
PWInsider reported that Ric Flair and Hacksaw Jim Duggan’s names have been talked about for the Royal Rumble. The common thread here is that both Duggan and Flair are former Rumble winners, with Hacksaw winning the inaugural edition decades ago.
Flair and Duggan are the only legends currently being discussed, and it comes on the heels of The Nature Boy making some interesting comments about his wrestling status.
Royal Rumble 2025 is scheduled for February 1 and could be one of the most stacked editions ever in terms of star power.
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