The WWE universe has erupted with excitement following a seismic few weeks in professional wrestling. The Hot Tag Wrestling Podcast, powered by PWMania.com, returned from hiatus just in time to break down the headline-grabbing developments: John Cena finally clinching the Intercontinental Championship, the introduction of this year’s WarGames line-ups, and major moves from AEW that have the wrestling world buzzing[4][2]. Here’s everything you need to know about WWE’s latest power plays and the shifting landscape across both major promotions.
John Cena Completes the Grand Slam: A New Era for the Intercontinental Title
After years of speculation and near-misses, John Cena completed his WWE Grand Slam by capturing the Intercontinental Championship from Dominik Mysterio on Monday Night Raw[2]. This historic victory not only cements Cena’s status as one of WWE’s all-time greats but also reinvigorates a title often considered a workhorse belt.
Cena’s win was met with thunderous applause at Madison Square Garden, WWE’s spiritual home, where the atmosphere underscored the match’s magnitude[3]. For Cena, who has held every other major WWE title multiple times, the Intercontinental gold was the final missing piece.
“After everything I’ve done in this business, holding this championship means more than people realize. It’s about legacy—and making sure the next generation knows what’s possible,” Cena reportedly told close friends backstage, according to a WWE insider.
Cena’s reign is already sparking speculation. With WWE officially announcing “The Last Time is Now” tournament—a nod to Cena’s storied career—fans are left wondering whether this is Cena’s final run or the beginning of another dominant chapter[2][3].
WarGames 2025: Star-Powered Teams and Shocking Returns
The build to this year’s WarGames has been packed with surprises and high-stakes drama. WWE confirmed two blockbuster matches for the event, each featuring a mix of established superstars and rising talent[2]:
Men’s WarGames:
CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, and a mystery partner vs.
The Vision’s Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, and a mystery partner.Women’s WarGames:
Iyo Sky, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, and Charlotte Flair vs.
Asuka, Kairi Sane, Lash Legend, and Nia Jax.
The men’s side is already generating massive intrigue, with speculation swirling about who will fill the final spot on both teams. According to sources close to Cody Rhodes, “There’s a sense backstage that WWE is saving a major surprise for the WarGames reveal. Expect the unexpected.”
On the women’s front, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky look poised to anchor a formidable line-up, while Asuka and Kairi Sane’s reunion has fans remembering their days dominating as the Kabuki Warriors[2]. Backstage chatter suggests that a major return could be imminent for the Women’s WarGames match, with rumors of a former champion stepping back into the spotlight[4].
Dominik Mysterio: Rising Star Faces Career Crossroads
Dominik Mysterio’s loss to John Cena was a watershed moment. The young star, who has spent the past year cementing himself as a top heel and carrying the Intercontinental Championship through high-profile feuds, now faces a critical turning point[2][3].
WWE’s creative team appears keen to leverage Dominik’s heat with the audience for a high-stakes rematch, possibly at Survivor Series in San Diego—his hometown. However, as noted by wrestling analysts, there’s no official confirmation of a Rey vs. Dominik showdown at that event[3]. Instead, the focus may shift to Judgment Day’s response to Cena’s victory and how Dominik rebounds from this setback.
The “Last Time is Now” Tournament: A Showcase for Legends and New Blood
To commemorate Cena’s Intercontinental Championship win and career legacy, WWE has launched “The Last Time is Now” tournament. This bracket-style event will feature legends and new stars alike, with mystery opponents adding to the suspense[2][3].
The tournament is expected to elevate not just Cena but his potential successors—whoever can step up and seize the spotlight in the wake of his eventual departure. WWE insiders suggest the company is intent on making this one of the most memorable tournaments in recent history, with surprise entrants and marquee matchups.
Women’s Division Shake-Up: New Champions and Tag Team Power Shifts
The women’s division has seen its own share of dramatic developments. Chelsea Green shocked fans by defeating Giulia to win the Women’s United States Championship on SmackDown, marking a new phase for the title and Green’s career trajectory[2].
Meanwhile, the Kabuki Warriors—Asuka and Kairi Sane—reclaimed the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship from Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss on Raw. Their victory sets the stage for a renewed tag team division, with several teams now vying for a shot at the gold in the aftermath of WarGames[2].
AEW News: New Championships and Trademark Buzz
While WWE continues to dominate headlines, AEW is making strategic moves of its own. The company announced the creation of the AEW National Championship, to be crowned at the upcoming Full Gear pay-per-view[2]. Additionally, AEW has filed trademarks for several new event names, including AEW Fire, AEW Blitz, AEW Firestorm, and AEW Tidal Wave—signaling expansion and possible new programming on the horizon[2].
Industry insiders point to AEW’s response to WWE’s WarGames build and high-profile returns as part of a broader competitive surge. As one veteran AEW producer noted, “This is the kind of energy that pushes everyone to be better. Our roster is hungry, and we’re ready to make an impact heading into 2026.”
NXT and Cross-Promotion: Saturday Night’s Main Event Set for a Shake-Up
In a notable cross-promotional move, WWE has announced that Saturday Night’s Main Event will feature a series of NXT exhibition matches against main roster talent[2]. This format is expected to accelerate NXT’s role as a proving ground, with top prospects getting the opportunity to shine on a much larger stage.
Among the highlights is the return of Oba Femi to NXT, following a brutal Last Man Standing match between Ricky Saints and Trick Williams. Updates to the NXT Gold Rush lineup suggest the brand is set for a major talent infusion as the year winds down[2].
Looking Ahead: Surprises, Speculation, and the Road to Survivor Series
As WWE and AEW continue to innovate and up the stakes, fans can expect even more surprises before year’s end. With John Cena’s legacy now cemented and the WarGames teams nearly complete, anticipation for Survivor Series and beyond is at a fever pitch.
A WWE producer summed up the mood backstage: “Every time you think you’ve seen it all, something new happens. That’s the magic of wrestling—and right now, the magic is back.”
Stay tuned as the wrestling world continues to evolve. Whether you’re a lifelong WWE loyalist or an AEW convert, one thing is certain: the battle for sports entertainment supremacy has never been hotter.