Happy New Year to all readers, and welcome to the latest edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s daily news roundup, where we look at some of the latest top WWE news.
The streak of WWE Universal Champion Roman Rance has ended after three years. A major star has confirmed her exit from the company amid rumors of signing with other promotions. Additionally, former star Ricardo Rodriguez has expressed interest in returning to Triple H’s reign after more than eight years away.
Let’s dive straight into the daily news roundup. Be sure to let us know your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below.
#4. 36-year-old star interested in possible WWE return after more than 8 years
Very excited for the next coming weeks. 2023 is starting off with a bang with @ThisIsAXW in the first week of January, followed by @3Legacies and heading off with the debut of Chaotic Kingdom Wrestling in Arkansas.
2022 was filled with several significant returns in the company under Triple H. Former WWE star Ricardo Rodriguez responded to a fan on Twitter, saying he is not currently working with the Stamford-based promotion if he is interested in a possible return. get a chance.
“It’s news to me but I’m certainly interested in that possibility if it presents itself,” Ricciardo tweeted.
Debuting on SmackDown in 2010, Ricardo Rodriguez is best known for his alliance with former World Champion Alberto Del Rio and for being his personal ring announcer.
She also worked with Rob Van Dam on-screen before being released from the company in July 2014. In 2021, Rodríguez served as the Spanish commentator for All Elite Wrestling.
#3. Roman Reigns’ 3 year streak is over
The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns teamed up with Sami Zayn to take on Kevin Owens and a returning John Cena on the latest episode of SmackDown.
The main event of the match took place and ended with Cena and KO hitting a double “5-Knuckle Shuffle” on both The Tribal Chief and The Honorable Us, followed by their finisher and KO pinning Zayn to win the match.
This resulted in the end of Roman Reigns’ three-year losing streak, as it was his first televised loss via either a pinfall or submission. He last lost a match decisively in December 2019 against Baron Corbin. Since returning as a heel and debuting as The Tribal Chief, Reigns had only previously lost three televised DQs.
It will be interesting to see how he reacts to this in the upcoming episode of Friday Night Show and will Sammy Zayn again become a victim and be blamed.
# 2. Shinsuke Nakamura defeated the legendary star on a non-WWE show
Former Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura wrestled in a special one-off match against The Great Muta on a rare non-WWE show last night. The match took place at Pro Wrestling Noah’s The New Year event, and Nakamura picked up the victory over the 59-year-old legendary Japanese star.
After the match, Nakamura thanked Legend, expressed his gratitude to him, and called him his idol, as the two celebrated in the ring. Due to Nakamura being in Japan for this match, there was speculation whether he could also appear at the upcoming NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17.
In the post-match press conference, Nakamura commented on the same, saying that he has not been approached for this and has no plans to participate in the show.
Nakamura said, “No, I don’t plan to [attend NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17]; I haven’t been contacted about it, unfortunately (laughs)”.
Fans were extremely impressed with Nakamura’s match against The Great Muta, and Twitter was abuzz with comments urging Triple H to better utilize the Japanese star on the main roster.
#1. Former champion seemingly confirms exit from company
Sasha Banks has confirmed her exit from the company. The Legit Boss has been out of action since his controversial walkout from WWE Raw in May 2022 with Naomi.
When Triple H took over as head of creative, fans expected the return of Sasha Banks. However, this has been happening for months. Banks’ latest post has now led fans to believe that she is, in fact, done with the company.
It is rumored that The Boss will appear in the upcoming NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 show on January 4, 2023. In addition, she is also rumored to be the mystery partner of Saraya (Fka Page in WWE) in her tag team match against him. Jamie Hayter and Britt Baker on the January 11th episode of AEW Dynamite.