Wrestling fans are in for a whirlwind of excitement as the holiday season brings a flurry of news, events, and surprises across WWE, AEW, and beyond. The latest developments paint a vivid picture of a sport in flux, with beloved veterans holding steady, rising stars breaking through, and companies forging creative new partnerships to engage audiences both in and out of the ring.
Let’s start with the latest on WWE’s much-anticipated Holiday Tour, which is set to electrify arenas across the United States from December 26, 2025, through early January 2026. According to Slam Wrestling, the action kicks off in Baltimore, Maryland, where WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will defend his title against Drew McIntyre in a No Disqualification match—a bout that’s sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. The card also features crowd favorites like Jey Uso facing off against Bron Breakker, and a mixed tag match pitting Rey Mysterio and Rhea Ripley against the duo of Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan.
But that’s just the beginning. The tour rolls on to Tampa, Florida, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with headline clashes such as WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk taking on Bronson Reed and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, The Kabuki Warriors, defending their titles against Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Jade Cargill, the reigning WWE Women’s Champion, is also slated to put her championship on the line against Michin in Pittsburgh. The schedule remains packed through January 4, with steel cage matches, multi-person tag bouts, and appearances from top stars like Stephanie Vaquer, IYO SKY, Raquel Rodriguez, and the enigmatic Wyatt Sicks with Nikki Cross.
Speaking of Raquel Rodriguez, her journey recently took a nerve-wracking turn. Slam Wrestling reported on December 19 that Rodriguez was cleared to compete after an injury scare on Raw that resulted in her undergoing WWE’s concussion protocol. The news brought relief to fans and colleagues alike, eager to see her back in action during the high-stakes holiday shows.
Meanwhile, the world of wrestling is abuzz with rumors and clarifications. On December 20, eWrestlingNews.com set the record straight on several hot topics: there are no current retirement plans for the legendary Rey Mysterio, despite speculation to the contrary. The outlet also debunked persistent claims that WWE has a ban on the phrase “professional wrestling,” noting that no such rule has been enforced in recent years. As for Jey Uso, reports of backstage heat are unfounded—he remains in good standing with the company. Readers were also cautioned to treat sources like Sportskeeda and Wrestling Fever with skepticism, as these platforms have been flagged for click-driven content and, in some cases, fabricated quotes.
Beyond the ring, the business side of wrestling is heating up. AEW and White Castle have announced a unique partnership: starting December 27, the “AEW Bacon Brawl Combo” will be available at White Castle locations nationwide. The meal includes two bacon cheeseburger sliders, a small fry, and a soft drink, and will be offered through January 31, 2026. Adding to the fun, fans can purchase a custom AEW x White Castle luchador mask online beginning January 7, 2026, through Shop AEW and White Castle’s House of Crave. This collaboration marks another creative way wrestling brands are connecting with fans outside the traditional arena setting.
On the personal front, Slam Wrestling highlighted a new rumor making waves on social media: Nikki Bella, former WWE superstar, is reportedly in a relationship with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean. The speculation arose after photos of the pair surfaced online, sparking plenty of chatter among fans and sports commentators alike.
Turning to the weekly ratings, NXT saw a slight dip in viewership for the week ending December 19, 2025, drawing 607,000 overnight viewers and a 0.08 rating in key demographic categories, down from 647,000 viewers and a 0.09 the previous week, according to Slam Wrestling. While the drop is notable, it’s not uncommon during the holiday season, when audiences often shift their viewing habits.
As WWE gears up for WrestleMania 41 and a packed slate of events, it’s worth reflecting on the remarkable evolution of its roster over the past decade. According to MSN, stars like Liv Morgan, Jey Uso, and Cody Rhodes have undergone dramatic transformations since 2015. Liv Morgan, once a peripheral figure on NXT, is now a top women’s star and championship holder. Jey Uso, who spent years as one half of a tag team with little individual distinction, has emerged as a main event fixture and Intercontinental Champion. Cody Rhodes, after leaving WWE due to creative frustrations with his “Stardust” persona, returned in 2022 and now stands as the face of the company.
Other superstars have charted their own unique paths. Becky Lynch, who debuted as the third wheel in a faction with Paige and Charlotte Flair, has become one of the most popular and decorated women in wrestling, even adopting Ric Flair’s iconic “The Man” moniker. The Miz has maintained his Hollywood A-Lister persona, while Finn Bálor’s journey from NXT champion to WWE’s first Universal Champion was marked by both triumph and injury setbacks. Seth Rollins, whose 2015 Money in the Bank cash-in at WrestleMania remains legendary, has continued to reinvent himself, earning the nickname “The Architect.” Even Wade Barrett, once seen as a future main eventer, has found new life as a commentator, proving that there are many ways to stay relevant in the ever-shifting world of wrestling.
Of course, some things remain constant. Legends like Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio have maintained their timeless appeal, showing that classic gimmicks can endure even as the industry changes around them.
Backstage, camaraderie and playful moments occasionally break through the intense competition. On December 19, WWE taped an episode of SmackDown at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, including the December 26 show. According to coverage, Solo Sikoa—usually cast as a villain—broke character to hype the crowd after Jey Uso’s music played, only to be met with superkicks from Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso as CM Punk looked on. The moment, reminiscent of a viral video of a young Sikoa dancing, delighted fans and hinted at the lighter side of wrestling’s larger-than-life personas. With speculation swirling about a possible babyface turn for Sikoa in 2026, fans are eager to see how his character will evolve.
As the year winds down and the road to WrestleMania heats up, wrestling’s mix of athleticism, drama, and spectacle shows no signs of slowing. Whether you’re tuning in for the latest title match, catching up on old favorites, or grabbing a burger in a luchador mask, there’s never been a better time to be a wrestling fan.
