WWE Rumor Roundup: AJ Styles' appearance in TNA; start time for SNME; Powerhouse Hobbs leaving AEW & more (January 16, 2026)

Let’s dive into the latest WWE rumors circulating 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 AJ Styles’ appearance in TNA, start time for SNME, Powerhouse Hobbs leaving AEW, and more.

AJ Styles’ appearance in TNA & The IInspiration’s exit

According to BodySlam, several figures within WWE think AJ Styles might compete in a TNA match before retiring later this year. Styles recently made an appearance on last night’s TNA Impact’s debut on AMC, which emanated from the Curtis Culver Center in Garland, Texas.

Per Fightful Select, TNA anticipates a “major roster shake-up” to revitalize the product now that Impact is airing on AMC.

The outlet also notes that The IInspiration (Jessie McKay & Cassie Lee) are departing TNA following their loss of the Knockouts Tag Team titles against The Elegance Brand (M By Elegance & H By Elegance) during the aforementioned Impact’s AMC premiere last night.

Start time for SNME

WrestleVotes Radio via Fightful reveals that WWE officials internally debated moving the upcoming January 24 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event up by an hour. The discussions reportedly arose due to a clash with a major UFC broadcast.

The outlet noted that the potential shift was connected to UFC’s debut on Paramount Plus, with UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett, set to start at 9 PM ET the same evening. UFC is reportedly testing earlier start times for its PPVs on the new platform.

The proposed adjustment was seen as a strategic move to protect viewership for both brands, which operate under the same corporate umbrella. A representative from TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE and UFC, told Sean Ross Sapp that these scheduling talks were part of a greater effort at “corporate synergy.”

TKO has a history of coordinating schedules to minimize overlap between its two main combat sports properties. Ultimately, the Stamford-based promotion decided to stick with its original plan. Saturday Night’s Main Event from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, will air live on NBC and Peacock at its previously advertised time.

Powerhouse Hobbs leaving AEW & Raw’s format

Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio mentioned that WWE, for months, has been very confident that Powerhouse Hobbs was planning to leave AEW and sign with them. Hobbs’ contract with AEW expired at midnight on January 15, and he is expected to join WWE.

Meltzer also added that AEW President Tony Khan was unaware that Hobbs wanted to leave. However, he mentions that Hobbs is on good terms with AEW, and Khan will gladly welcome him back if things didn’t work out in WWE.

Meltzer suggests this could be an ideal moment for Hobbs to join the promotion, noting that the company excels with big, muscular talent and is once again actively recruiting bodybuilders. WrestleVotes also reports that a name change has been discussed for Hobbs in WWE.

WrestleVotes Radio also reports that WWE has subtly adjusted Raw’s Netflix format, reducing the number of commercial breaks during the show. This new setup started with the January 12 episode.

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