WWE Rumor Roundup: Josh Alexander chooses AEW over WWE, Netflix clarifies Raw viewership calculations & more (February 17, 2025)

Let’s discuss the latest rumors circulating among WWE fans!

Speculations and rumors are among some of the favorite pastimes for WWE fans worldwide. Fans around the world enjoy discussing and debating various aspects of the pro wrestling world. The road to WrestleMania has kicked off with the Royal Rumble PLE and the next stop on the road is the Elimination Chamber PLE and fans have started speculating about the matches and appearances.

In today’s edition of the rumor roundup, we cover the latest rumors and news circulating among fans on social media, including TNA star Josh Alexander choosing AEW over WWE, Netflix clarifying RAW viewership calculations, Demolition in the Hall of Fame, new co-lead writer of SmackDown, and minimum salary for Main roster stars.

Josh Alexander chooses AEW over WWE

After bidding farewell to TNA Wrestling, Josh Alexander was shuffling through his options as both WWE and AEW have shown interest in the former TNA World Champion. However, it seems like Alexander has chosen AEW over the Stamford-based promotion.

According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, the main concern for Alexander in choosing between the two options was monetary as he wants to provide what’s best for his family. Meltzer also revealed that Alexander might be going to AEW.

“Well, you know, I mean, his TNA contract is up, and obviously, he was going to go to AEW or WWE, and it looks like AEW. But I do know two things. Number one, he has decided where he was going, and number two, it was to whoever the highest bidder was for him. So, the story is that it’s AEW, but I know those were the two key decision points. Providing the best for his family was key.

And, you know, somebody offered a better deal than the other, and that’s the one he took. So whichever side, you know, and there was the rumours, it’s AEW. I can’t confirm AEW, but I can confirm the other two things. You know, people go, ‘Oh, he made the wrong choice’, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. You know, he made the right choice for him. I think he’s in his late 30s…. Yeah, so, it’s different when you’re 25 and you don’t have a family.“

Netflix clarifies Raw viewership calculations

Starting on January 6 Netflix has been the home of Monday Night Raw, the transition has been widely celebrated as it has provided more freedom for WWE creative in multiple aspects and has resulted in a better viewing experience for fans.

Wrestlenomics has issued an updated report on WWE Raw’s viewership on Netflix, based on newly disclosed data from the streaming giant. A Netflix representative shed light on their viewership calculation method, explaining how they account for differences in runtime between live and on-demand (VOD) versions.

This approach combines live and VOD views throughout the week, generating a “Blended Views” metric that informs WWE Raw’s ranking on Netflix’s “Tudum” Top 10 list.

Demolition in the Hall of Fame

Three-time WWF World Tag Team Champions, Demolition (Ax & Smash) have recently signed Legends contracts with the WWE. The new deal has brought the two veterans back into the company after years of absence.

According to a recent report from Fightful Select, the legendary tag team has been discussed for the WWE Hall of Fame internally within the promotion.

New co-lead writer of SmackDown

According to PWInsider, Brian “Road Dogg” James has been named the new co-lead writer of Friday Night SmackDown alongside John Swikata. This news has received widespread criticism from fans who believe James will not be able to uphold the quality of storylines, citing his previous work with the promotion.

James has previously served as SmackDown’s head writer prior to WrestleMania 35 in 2019. However, ‘The Phenomenal One’ AJ Styles has come out in support of James and pointed out that people criticizing James’ past work should consider that someone had heavily scrutinized and altered his ideas at the time.

“Before judging this guy from his past performance as the head writer. Just know that there was a man who picked it apart to the point that it was no longer his ideas anymore. 🤔” Styles wrote on his X handle.

Minimum salary for main roster stars

According to a new report from Fightful Select, WWE’s main roster talents are earning around $350,000 per year. The report also adds that it is the minimum for stars on the main roster and many superstars are making over $1 million.

Fightful reports that WWE CCO Triple H previously stated that the minimum annual salary for Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown talent was $250,000, three years ago. The company covers flight expenses, but wrestlers are responsible for hotel and rental car costs. Additionally, the report also pointed out that each wrestler’s contract can vary significantly from their peers.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.