WWE: Stephanie McMahon Undergoes Ankle Surgery, Royal Rumble Surprise Returns Plans, More News

Stephanie McMahon Undergoes Ankle Surgery

Former WWE co-CEO Stephanie McMahon announced on Twitter that she recently underwent ankle surgery and has already started post-surgery rehab.

Busy week! Thank you Dr. Waldrop, @AndrewsSportMed and the Orthopaedic Center Staff for fixing my ankle! And to Kevin Wilk @ChampionSportsM for already getting me started on rehab! (And of course to my amazing caregiver @TripleH ❤️) #RoadtoRecovery pic.twitter.com/s8v3rtqqRs

— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) January 13, 2023

Earlier this week, McMahon had officially resigned from WWE following her father Vince McMahon’s return to the company this past Friday. Prior to her departure, she had opposed Vince’s plans to sell WWE and her working relationship with her father had deteriorated to the point of WWE CEO Nick Khan acting as a buffer between the two in the company.

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WWE’s Current Plans for Surprise Returns for Royal Rumble 2023

WWE reportedly is currently planning for Edge to make his return to the company at their upcoming Royal Rumble 2023 event on January 23rd in San Antonio, Texas, according to PWInsider.

Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that WWE officials currently have Edge penciled in to be one of the surprise entrants for this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble match.

Besides Edge, WWE reportedly also currently have plans for Logan Paul to also be a surprise entrant for this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble match.

In regards to the Women’s Royal Rumble match, WWE officials reportedly are currently planning for both Doudrop and WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix to make their surprise returns for this match.

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WWE News & Notes

Becky Lynch recently announced on Twitter that she will be reprising her role as Cyndi Lauper for NBC’s Young Rock series.

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that Seth Rollins’ recent knee injury is not legit and instead is just meant to be part of his current storyline feud with Austin Theory. Johnson reported that Rollins was never scheduled to work at this past weekend’s house show events as the reason for his absence from those shows.

Xavier Woods reportedly is currently dealing with some minor injuries issues, according to PWInsider. Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that this is the reason why Kofi Kingston has been working in singles matches of late due to Woods has yet to be medically cleared to return to in-ring action. Johnson reported that WWE officials are currently hopeful that Woods will be cleared in time to work at their upcoming Royal Rumble 2023 event.

As noted before, Chelsea Green is currently expected to return to WWE following her departure from Impact Wrestling this past October. Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that Green recently signed an official contract with WWE. It was reported that the reason for why Green has yet to make her on-screen return is due to WWE officials currently do not have any creative plans in place for her.

As noted before, former AEW, Impact Wrestling, and NWA talent Kylie Rae worked at a taping for WWE’s Main Event series this past December. Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that despite Rae’s recent work for the company, WWE has yet to sign her to an official contract and she is currently a free agent.

Ricochet announced on Instagram that he recently got engaged to WWE SmackDown ring announcer Samantha Irvin.

A recently released trailer for an upcoming new series titled Against the Ropes revealed Rey Mysterio among the series’ cast. This upcoming new series will be premiering on January 25th on Netflix.

NXT Level Up commentator Sudu Shah announced on Twitter that he recently left WWE.

WWE Hall of Famers X-Pac and Kane reportedly are currently scheduled to make an appearance at WWE’s RAW 30th Anniversary show on January 23rd in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, according to PWInsider.

As noted before, William Regal made his official return to WWE earlier this month. PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that Regal’s official job title in WWE is as their new Vice President, Global Talent Development. In a follow-up report, Johnson reported that Regal is currently expected to work backstage for all of WWE’s RAW and SmackDown shows going forward. Regal reportedly is currently not expected to also work for WWE’s NXT brand.