As the wrestling world gears up for major events like Crown Jewel and Survivor Series, several backstage developments have been making waves in WWE. Here’s a roundup of the most significant and verified rumors circulating this October.
Roman Reigns Health Concerns
Roman Reigns recently opened up about his physical state ahead of Crown Jewel, stating, “I feel like crap,” attributing his fatigue to the grueling schedule of filming Street Fighter and traveling between the U.S. and Australia. Despite not being at 100%, Reigns is set to face Bronson Reed in an Australian Street Fight at Crown Jewel. Looking ahead, Reigns is reportedly slated for a WarGames match at Survivor Series, though details on his opponents remain unconfirmed. A potential match against Seth Rollins is being discussed but may not occur until WrestleMania 42.
Santos Escobar Re-signs with WWE
After a period of uncertainty, Santos Escobar has reportedly re-signed with WWE. Negotiations had stalled due to creative differences, leading to speculation about his future. However, WWE management addressed his concerns and offered a significantly improved deal, ensuring his continued presence on the roster.
Cross-Promotional Collaborations
The October 7 special episode of NXT, titled NXT vs. TNA Showdown, featured a unique crossover event between WWE’s NXT and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). The show included inter-promotional matches, with The Hardys defending the NXT Tag Team Titles against Dark State. The event ended in a 2-2 tie, leaving ongoing tensions between the promotions. Looking ahead, TNA’s Knockouts division is set to compete in a battle royal on October 14, with the winner challenging Jacy Jayne for the NXT Women’s Championship at Halloween Havoc on October 25.
Lyra Valkyria’s Prominent Role in NXT
WWE reportedly has “big plans” for Lyra Valkyria as it heads into 2026. Valkyria, a former NXT Women’s Champion and current Women’s Intercontinental Champion, is expected to play a significant role in the future of the women’s division. She is currently involved in a storyline with Bayley, Raquel Rodriguez, and Roxanne Perez, indicating her central position in upcoming storylines.