WWE Rumor Roundup: Plans for Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42; Backlash PLE; Joe Hendry on SmackDown & more (December 28, 2025)

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

Speculation and rumors are among the favorite pastimes of 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 the Crown Jewel 2025, 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 plans for Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42, Backlash PLE, Joe Hendry on SmackDown, and more.

Plans for Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42

In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that Seth Rollins is now expected to be out of action for another three to four months, potentially preventing him from competing in the previously scheduled title match against Roman Reigns.

While a return at WrestleMania was once considered a possibility, the latest timeline from Rollins makes that outcome highly unlikely.

“Rollins this week estimated being out three to four more months. WrestleMania is three-and-a-half months away, The last time I asked about Mania and Rollins it was that the option was still open but it was far from a sure thing.”

Meltzer added that with Rollins sidelined, the main event spotlight has reportedly returned to a familiar rivalry as WWE is now considering a rematch between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns as one of the main attractions for the show.

“Rollins vs. Reigns, at the time for the title, was the planned main event of one of the nights, but obviously that as a title match is out the window and it’s looking like Rhodes vs. Reigns as the big match of the show,”

Backlash 2026, Bad Bunny’s appearance & travel schedule for NXT

Multiple sources have informed Post Wrestling that WWE’s Backlash PLE is set to return to Puerto Rico in 2026.

According to one source with access to WWE’s internal calendar, the event is scheduled for May 9 in San Juan. Notably, Bad Bunny’s participation has not been confirmed, but his tour dates next year suggest he could be available for the show.

Per WrestleVotes, the promotion is reportedly planning a broader travel itinerary for NXT in 2026, aiming to provide its talent with more opportunities to perform in front of diverse crowds and adapt to different venues

Joe Hendry on SmackDown & Danhausen in NXT

According to WrestleVotes Radio, WWE has reportedly discussed giving Joe Hendry a consistent role on SmackDown, now that the program is expanding to three hours. The move appears to be influenced in part by the USA Network, which is said to want Hendry featured on the show

WrestleVotes also reports that people in WWE are split on the idea of signing Danhausen once his AEW contract expires in early 2026. Some insiders believe he could thrive as part of the NXT roster.

Injury rate in 2025

Dave Meltzer, in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, analyzed injury numbers this year in WWE compared to AEW, highlighting a notable disparity that contrasts with years of historical balance between the two promotions.

Meltzer’s data shows that, on average, about 12% of a wrestling roster is usually out due to injury at any given time. Right now, however, WWE and AEW are trending in opposite directions.

• WWE: Injury rate has dropped to 8.6%, placing them well below the historical norm.
• AEW: Injury rate has climbed to 14.4%, a noticeable jump above the average.

Meltzer noted that “Historically, there has been no significant difference between the two companies.” He pointed out that past debates over which wrestling style was ‘healthier’ rarely had much basis. But he adds that if these current trends continue through the year, the data could finally support the idea that WWE’s current methods are better for wrestler longevity.

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