Here’s what matters today in wrestling 👇
Image Credit: Netflix
We were told that Vince McMahon wasn’t involved in WWE’s creative process after July 2022. Those of us that doubted that claim were vindicated when text messages between McMahon & Nick Khan were released. McMahon did give his approval to Roman Reigns going over Cody Rhodes in the main event, instead of the original plan of Cody winning. Reigns reportedly was the one that convinced McMahon to keep the title on him, and his reign would continue until WrestleMania 40.
I thought keeping the title on Reigns was a bad idea at the time, but it’s hard to argue that it wasn’t the right decision now. Cody Rhodes remained popular with the fans despite the loss, and by the time WrestleMania 40 rolled around it wasn’t even an option to not have him win and make the people happy. We can debate whether Cody’s reign is as satisfying as hoped, but the road to get there was effective. As for Vince still having power after we were told he didn’t…I can’t even pretend to be surprised. I can’t even say I’d be shocked if Vince was still pitching ideas. It is what it is.
👊🏽 WRESTLING HEADLINES
• Chad Gable Reportedly Nearing WWE Return
Image Credit: WWE
Chad Gable was doing some of his best work in WWE prior to going out of action with a shoulder injury in June. His matches with the likes of El Hijo del Vikingo, Penta & Rey Fenix were well received, and even though Ludwig Kaiser has done a fine job under the El Grande Americano hood, it was Gable’s work early on that established the character and made it popular. Gable will be a great addition to whichever WWE show he returns to.
Image Credit: WWE
I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen from Oba Femi in NXT. He looked right at home on Saturday Night’s Main Event against Cody Rhodes. Oba’s solid in the ring, looks like a dangerous man and has connected with the NXT audience. We saw a video package for Femi last night on Raw, and as 411’s Raw live coverage reviewer I’m hoping that means he’s getting called up to that brand.
MORE MUST-READ LINKS FROM 411MANIA
→Hall's WWE RAW Review 12.29.25
→The 2025 Best Of WWE Awards
→Backstage Injury Update for Dominik Mysterio
Thanks for reading! — Steve Cook