WWE Rumor Roundup: Archives on ESPN+; talks of Raja Jackson incident; Jim Ross' return & more (August 25, 2025)

Let’s discuss the latest rumors making the rounds among fans on social media!

Speculations and rumors are among some of the favorite pastimes for WWE fans worldwide. Fans from all over the world enjoy discussing and debating various aspects of the world of pro wrestling. In the aftermath of WrestleMania 41, the rumor mill continues to run in full force.

In today’s edition of the roundup, we cover the latest rumors and news circulating among fans on social media, including WWE archives on ESPN+, talks of the Raja Jackson incident from Saturday, Jim Ross’ return, and more.

Archives on ESPN+

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the WWE archive is expected to be available on the ESPN+ service by the end of the year, or so the internal rumors suggest.

WWE’s streaming future took a major turn. According to a report, Clash in Paris on August 31, 2025, was the final premium live event (PLE) to stream on Peacock. ESPN took over the rights starting in September. The shift occurred earlier than expected, with WWE, Peacock, and ESPN all agreeing to speed up the transition.

Originally, ESPN’s rights deal for WWE’s PLEs was set to begin in 2026. However, insiders revealed that the company has decided to move up the takeover date by several months to coincide with the launch of its highly anticipated direct-to-consumer streaming app on September 20. The first event under the new deal will be Wrestlepalooza from Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Talks of the Raja Jackson incident

PW Insider reports that there has been internal discussion within WWE regarding the Raja Jackson incident at KNOKX Pro Wrestling, given the promotion’s affiliation through the WWE ID program. There may be an attempt to distance themselves from the academy moving forward.

Raja Jackson, son of former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, was seen violently attacking a pro wrestler Stuart Smith, also known as Syko Stu, at an independent show in California on Saturday. The disturbing scene was captured live on the streaming platform Kick.

After the incident, Syko Stu was taken to a local hospital. His brother, Andrew Smith, shared on Facebook that Stu is stable but remains in critical care.

“Thank you everyone for your prayers, concerns, and kind words for my brother Stu. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. He’s currently stable but in critical care. At this time we’re focused on his recovery and appreciate all the support. Also we currently do not have a Gofundme set up, any links posted are not affiliated with us.”

One of the fellow wrestlers who intervened, pulling Jackson away from Stu was Douglas Malo who told USA Today that Stu had sustained broken bones in his face and lost “a lot of teeth.”

The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the Knokx Pro event on Saturday night after the incident and filed a police report. The LAPD confirmed to TMZ and the New York Times that an investigation is underway.

Jim Ross’ return

According to Dr. Chris Featherstone that legendary announcer Jim Ross may want to end his career in WWE rather than AEW. Ross is still under contract with Tony Khan’s promotion, but his deal is set to expire at the end of August. If no new terms are agreed, he would be free to work anywhere.

It’s worth noting that Ross himself discussed the possibility of staying with AEW on his ‘Grilling JR’ podcast, expressing gratitude to Khan for his support during health struggles. However, Featherstone claims there are whispers behind the scenes that a WWE return could be in the works.

Ross made an appearance during the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025, which concluded on August 24 at The O2 Arena in London, England. 

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