WWE's latest shake-ups are stirring massive excitement and debate among fans—dive in to uncover the rumors that could redefine the wrestling landscape!
Bleacher Report is here to bring you the freshest updates from the WWE Universe, keeping you in the loop on all the drama.
Hendry Officially Joins WWE: A New Chapter Begins
Joe Hendry, who became a familiar face on NXT while still part of the TNA roster, has reportedly inked an official WWE deal. Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp broke the story on Thursday via his X post (https://x.com/SeanRossSapp/status/1989155540635898207), and Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Dave Meltzer verified it the next day, with a nod to Ringside News' H Jenkins (https://www.ringsidenews.com/joe-hendry-signs-wwe-contract-tna-departure/). Meltzer pointed out that Hendry's TNA agreement ended last week, and word had been circulating for months that he'd make the jump once free.
Hendry kicked off his WWE journey last year on an NXT episode, thanks to the official partnership between TNA and WWE. Since then, he's appeared on multiple NXT events, surprised everyone by entering the 2025 men's Royal Rumble, and even squared off against Randy Orton as a mysterious challenger at WrestleMania 41 this year. Lately, he's teamed up with Thea Hail on NXT, and they've been slated to battle Ethan Page and Chelsea Green for the AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championships at NXT Gold Rush next week.
Initially, folks thought Hendry would handle that while still tied to TNA, but reports confirm he's now fully committed to WWE exclusively. But here's where it gets controversial—some fans argue this move could dilute the unique flair Hendry brought from TNA, while others see it as a bold step toward WWE stardom. What do you think: Is this a smart career shift for him, or should he have stayed independent?
SmackDown Set to Stretch to Three Hours: Balancing Act Ahead
WWE plans to extend its weekly lineup starting in 2026, with SmackDown on USA Network growing from two hours to three. According to WrestleVotes (https://x.com/WrestleVotes/status/1989423426763968625), the change kicks off on January 2, 2026, in Buffalo, New York.
For context, beginners might wonder: SmackDown is one of WWE's main TV shows, showcasing epic wrestling matches and storylines. It stuck to two hours for most of its run, but expanded to three from January through June this year when Raw—the other big show—moved to Netflix. Raw had been three hours for ages, so SmackDown filled the gap. But in July, it shrank back, and that's how it's stayed.
Returning to three hours means more wrestlers get spotlight time, which is great for showcasing talent. On the flip side, it could make episodes feel bloated and harder to follow, especially if pacing drags. WWE faced similar challenges during the long Raw era, where keeping viewers hooked from beginning to end proved tricky. And this is the part most people miss—while extra time could lead to more creative storytelling, it risks overwhelming fans who prefer bite-sized entertainment. Do you believe WWE can pull off a three-hour SmackDown without losing momentum, or is this just asking for trouble?
Nakamura Eyed Tanahashi's Farewell Bout: Rivalries and Logistics Collide
Just last week, news dropped that Hiroshi Tanahashi's retirement match would pit him against Kazuchika Okada, but sources reveal another top Japanese star was eyeing that honor. Meltzer reported (via WrestlePurists on X: https://x.com/WrestlePurists/status/1989356495507423257) that Shinsuke Nakamura expressed interest in facing Tanahashi one last time, with chatter bubbling within WWE circles.
It's unclear if WWE explored options with NJPW before locking in Okada, but Nakamura and Tanahashi crossed paths frequently in NJPW until 2016, when Nakamura joined WWE. Their last matchup was that year. In 2023, WWE let Nakamura take on The Great Muta in one of Muta's final outings—in NOAH, not WWE. Pairing Nakamura against Tanahashi in NJPW would've been messy, given NJPW's alliance with AEW, WWE's big competitor.
Okada, now with AEW after his NJPW days, made for an easier setup. Tanahashi's send-off is just under two months away, clashing with Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026. Here's the controversy sparking heated debates: Was Nakamura snubbed for business reasons, or does Okada simply make more sense? Some argue Nakamura's history with Tanahashi would have been poetic, while others point to Okada's star power. Who would you have chosen for Tanahashi's final match, and why? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let's discuss!
