The Pro Wrestling Rumor Mill is Buzzing Again!
It's January 22, 2026, and the world of professional wrestling is abuzz with speculation! As fans, we love dissecting every whisper and hint about our favorite athletes and promotions. In this daily rundown, we dive into the latest whispers circulating the wrestling rumor mill. Remember, these are just rumors, and while exciting, they haven't been confirmed as concrete facts. Think of them as delicious gossip that might or might not turn out to be true!
Here's what's got everyone talking today:
Chris Jericho's Busy Schedule: Don't hold your breath for a surprise appearance from Chris Jericho at SmackDown or Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal this weekend. Sources indicate that Jericho's band, Fozzy, has a gig on Friday night in Anaheim, California, as part of the National Association of Music Merchants convention. They're planning to stay for the entire weekend, making any wrestling appearances unlikely.
A Mysterious New WWE Name? WWE has filed to trademark the name "Royce Keys." This has naturally sparked speculation that it could be the new WWE moniker for Powerhouse Hobbs. However, it's crucial to note that no official reports are confirming this connection at this moment. But here's where it gets interesting... Could this be a strategic move by WWE to bring in new talent under a fresh identity? Or is it a completely unrelated venture?
Will Ospreay's Speedy Return: Exciting news for fans of Will Ospreay! He was spotted backstage at AEW's show in Orlando last night. According to Fightful Select, Ospreay was there to begin the initial stages of medical checks for his return. Many believed he'd be sidelined for a full year after his surgery, so it's fantastic to hear he might be ahead of schedule! And this is the part most people miss... his proactive approach to his recovery could set a new standard for athletes in the industry.
Bully Ray's Impactful Presence in TNA: Beyond his guest commentary during the main event of Impact's AMC premiere last week, Bully Ray also lent his expertise backstage. Fightful Select reports he helped produce segments featuring AJ Styles, Frankie Kazarian, and Mike Santana. Furthermore, he delivered a well-received speech to the locker room before the show, showcasing his leadership and experience. TNA is reportedly discussing continuing Bully Ray's involvement, though there are no current plans for him to step back into the ring. Is this a sign of TNA building a stronger behind-the-scenes team, or a missed opportunity to see him compete again?
AMC Executives Thrilled with TNA's Debut: The premiere of TNA Impact on AMC last Thursday was a resounding success in the eyes of network executives. Dave LaGreca of Busted Open shared that AMC execs were "over the moon with TNA." While one network source acknowledged that cable ratings alone might not tell the whole story, they emphasized that when combined with other data, the show's performance becomes a compelling "equation." Both AMC and TNA are viewing this partnership as a "marathon," suggesting a long-term commitment.
Hiromu Takahashi Potentially Leaving New Japan: There's a strong rumor, per the Voices of Wrestling Flagship Plus podcast, that Hiromu Takahashi might be on his way out of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). This would add him to a growing list of notable names potentially departing NJPW. We've already heard reports of Evil heading to WWE, David Finlay and Gabe Kidd reportedly drawing WWE interest, and Sanada's open-ended hiatus being confirmed. Is this a sign of a significant shift in the global wrestling landscape, or just a natural cycle of talent movement?
What are your thoughts on these rumors? Do you think Powerhouse Hobbs will indeed be called Royce Keys? Are you excited about Will Ospreay's potential early return? Share your opinions in the comments below – let's get the conversation going!
Remember, these are just whispers for now, so take them with a grain of salt and enjoy the speculation!
