• Released WWE Wrestler Announces She’s Dating Ilja Dragunov
Ilja Dragunov tore his ACL in a match against GUNTHER at a WWE live event last year. After being sidelined for more than twelve months, The Mad Dragon made a huge return on last night’s SmackDown and dethroned Sami Zayn to capture the United States Championship.
Following his title win, recently released WWE wrestler Jin Tala (now known as Leigh Laurel) went public with her relationship with Dragunov.
She shared multiple posts on X showing support for her boyfriend, confirming that they are dating. Reacting to Dragunov’s big win on SmackDown, Laurel tweeted:
“Watched my favorite wrestler become champ tonight ❤️”
“Incredibly proud”
She later called his new merch “drippy” and capped it off with a heartfelt post alongside a photo from a date.
“Honored & upheld your decision to stay radio silent on socials til this day came, and man, it was 100% worth it. Watched you do everything in your power to stay ready while you recovered. Polished prowess, I’m so proud of you “
Honored & upheld your decision to stay radio silent on socials til this day came, and man, it was 100% worth it. Watched you do everything in your power to stay ready while you recovered. Polished prowess, I’m so proud of you 🥹 pic.twitter.com/DWhaSw3W3L
— Lady Leigh (@leighlaurel) October 18, 2025
• Jacob Fatu’s Health Issue That Forced Him Out Of Action Revealed
Jacob Fatu was set to face Drew McIntyre in the main event of last night’s SmackDown to determine the next challenger for Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship.
However, before the match could begin, the broadcast cut backstage as Fatu’s entrance music played, revealing him trapped beneath a fallen construction rig and bleeding from the mouth.
This angle was done to write The Samoan Werewolf off TV as he is currently dealing with a non-wrestling-related injury.
Cory Hays of Bodyslam provided an update on the injury and revealed that the issue Fatu is dealing with is related to his mouth. The former United States Champion is getting work done on his entire mouth and will be getting new teeth. He also mentioned that Fatu’s issue is health-related and not cosmetic.
• WWE Was Planning An Interesting Return At Saturday Night’s Main Event
The next WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event this year is scheduled for November 1st in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Plans for the show are in jeopardy following injuries to World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and Jacob Fatu. The Visionary was expected to defend his title against CM Punk, while Fatu was rumored to face Drew McIntyre for a shot at Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship.
According to the Wrestling Observer, WWE had been discussing the return of Austin Theory at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The former United States Champion was expected to join The Vision and plant seeds for his role in the 2025 Men’s WarGames Match. However, those plans were scrapped after Rollins was injured and kicked out of The Vision on RAW this week.
It was previously reported that The Vision would team up with Theory and Brock Lesnar to take on Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Jey Uso, Jacob Fatu, and LA Knight OR Jey Uso in this year’s Men’s WarGames match.
• John Cena Reacts To Rumors Of Extending His Retirement Tour
There are some rumors going on that John Cena won’t retire in December 2025 and that WWE will extend his retirement tour.
However, that’s not the case. Cena doubled down on his retirement date being December 13, 2025. Here’s what the 17-time World Champion tweeted:
“Despite any speculation or rumors, on July 6, 2024 I announced I would retire from WWE in ring participation. I am far from perfect but strive to be a person whose word has value.
12/13/25 will be my final match. I am beyond grateful for every moment WWE has given me. I am excited for 12/13 & look forward to seeing all of you one last time.”
• WWE Discussing One More Title Win For John Cena
John Cena is one of the biggest names in pro wrestling history. He has captured the World Championship 17 times, the United States Championship 5 times and the Tag Team Title 4 times. The one major title that has eluded him is the Intercontinental Championship.
But, that could change soon. The Wrestling Observer reports that WWE has discussed the possibility of Cena winning the Intercontinental Championship from “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio at Survivor Series: WarGames next month.
There is also a chance that the title plays a role in The Cenation Leader’s final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December.
His final opponent is expected to be GUNTHER, the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time. There have been rumors that WWE may hold a tournament to determine Cena’s final opponent, which could potentially be for the Intercontinental Championship.
John Cena recently defeated AJ Styles at Crown Jewel, and his next appearance is scheduled for RAW in Boston on November 10.
• WWE Was Set To Give Another Championship To The Vision
The Vision was formed after Paul Heyman turned on Roman Reigns and CM Punk in the main event of WrestleMania 41 Night – 1 to side with Seth Rollins.
On the RAW after the Show of Shows this year, Bron Breakker joined the group, with Bronson Reed later aligning himself with them as well.
Since then, the faction has become the top act on RAW. Rollins captured the Money In The Bank contract and the World Heavyweight Championship after forming The Vision.
According to the Wrestling Observer, WWE had plans for Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed to win the World Tag Team Championship as part of an effort to stack more gold within the faction.
The Vision was reportedly set to become an even stronger force before Rollins’ injury changed creative plans. WWE ultimately made the last-minute call to have Heyman and The Brons betray the World Heavyweight Champion instead.
The current World Tag Team Champions are Finn Balor and JD McDonagh of The Judgment Day, who are set to defend their titles against AJ Styles and Dragon Lee next Monday on RAW.
