Below are some top WWE news stories of the day, involving RAW and the Royal Rumble.
• RAW wrestler Ilja Dragunov appears to be nearing his return to WWE television after being sidelined since September due to a torn ACL suffered at a live event. The injury initially projected a 6 to 9 month recovery period.
According to Fightful Select, Dragunov has already begun training at the WWE Performance Center in preparation for his in-ring comeback.
Notably, this wasn’t part of injury rehab but rather traditional training, signaling his readiness to return to action way before the projected timeline.
Dragunov was reportedly not wearing any support gear for his injury, further indicating significant progress in his recovery.
With Royal Rumble right around the corner, it could be the perfect time & place for the return of the former NXT Champion.
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• Speculation is building about which TNA talent might represent the promotion at WWE Royal Rumble 2025, following previous appearances by Mickie James and Jordynne Grace in similar roles.
Last week, WWE and TNA announced a groundbreaking multi-year partnership to create unique crossover opportunities between their programming. The collaboration has already seen multiple NXT stars appear at TNA Genesis this past Sunday.
According to PWInsider, WWE creative has already pitched the idea of including a top TNA star in the Men’s Royal Rumble match. While the name remains unconfirmed, new TNA World Champion Joe Hendry, who has experience working NXT events, is seen as a strong candidate for the spot.
Thus far, John Cena, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, LA Knight, Jey Uso, Drew McIntyre, Seth Rollins, and Rey Mysterio have been confirmed for the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match.
WWE’s annual spectacle is set for Saturday, February 1st at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.
