The landscape of WWE continues to shift as news emerges about Liv Morgan‘s WWE future, raising questions about her role in upcoming storylines, while other stars experience free agency, title changes, and unexpected incidents. On January 3, 2026, Sportskeeda Wrestling’s latest updates shed light on some of the most talked-about developments for superstars such as Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and others.
EC3 Sets Out as a Free Agent in 2026
Ethan Carter III, widely recognized as EC3, once rose to prominence in TNA Wrestling, accumulating multiple championships and fans. His return to WWE some years ago proved brief, leading him to carve a path on the independent circuit, with the NWA being his most notable stop in recent times. In early 2026, EC3 announced his departure from NWA, declaring his intention to pursue opportunities throughout the wrestling circuit as a free agent. Having contributed to numerous promotions, EC3’s experience will likely keep wrestling audiences guessing about where he might appear next in the ongoing saga of professional wrestling.
A Stunning Title Change Ushers in the New Year on SmackDown
WWE kicked off 2026 with major surprises during the first three-hour Friday Night SmackDown episode of the year. Fans witnessed an influx of NXT talent appearing on the main roster show, along with a high-stakes rematch that saw a new champion crowned. The Beautiful Madness seized the Women’s United States Championship from Chelsea Green, marking her second reign with the coveted title. This twist followed an intense rivalry that carried forward from the prior year, solidifying The Beautiful Madness as a key figure in the blue brand’s women’s division and intensifying competition among WWE women’s superstars such as Giulia and Green on SmackDown.
Uncertainty Lingers Over Liv Morgan’s WWE Future
After returning from a lengthy shoulder injury absence, Liv Morgan’s standing within WWE remains cloudy. Despite her status as a former Women’s World Champion and a vital force in WWE women’s wrestling, reports indicate that management has not prioritized her in a significant storyline since her comeback. Inside sources suggest that company officials have considered a potential feud between Liv Morgan and rising star Stephanie Vaquer. However, indications are that WWE currently sees more value in positioning La Primera, Stephanie Vaquer, as the leading champion, and they perceive matchups involving Vaquer with top contenders Rhea Ripley or Becky Lynch as more appealing for audiences.
Further details from undisclosed reports reveal that WWE prefers organic storytelling for any prospective rivalry between Liv Morgan and the reigning champion, rather than rushing into a major feud without proper buildup on television. While there have been discussions about giving Liv Morgan a notable push toward WrestleMania 42 with the possibility of a singles match, there is no evidence at this time suggesting she will secure a singles championship in 2026. As a multi-time Women’s Tag Team Champion who has proven her resilience, Liv Morgan’s WWE future hangs in the balance, with fans watching eagerly to see how her story within the company unfolds.
Liv Morgan Returns to WWE RAW Action
Liv Morgan’s journey over the past year has included challenges and comebacks. Her 2025 in-ring campaign was abruptly halted by a shoulder injury during a match against Kairi Sane on Monday Night RAW in June. After months away from the ring, Liv Morgan made her return, reuniting with Dominik Mysterio and preparing for the next chapter of her WWE career. WWE has officially announced that Liv Morgan will again compete in an in-ring match for the first time since her injury. Scheduled for January 5th, 2026, she is set to face Lyra Valkyria in a singles competition on WWE RAW in New York. This match represents a chance for Liv Morgan to reassert herself in front of both the crowd and company decision-makers.
Raquel Rodriguez Experiences an Unfortunate Mishap on RAW
Raquel Rodriguez of The Judgment Day has been making strides in WWE, focusing on main-event matches and elevating her presence. Recently, she participated in a high-profile Triple Threat for the Women’s World Championship against Nikki Bella and Stephanie Vaquer. During the intense contest, Rodriguez encountered an unexpected wardrobe malfunction that prompted the production team to cut certain footage for broadcast. Her bodysuit shifted mid-match, unintentionally exposing her undergarments to the crowd, but despite the incident, Rodriguez managed to compose herself and finished the match. Online discussions followed, but observers noted that the situation could have been much more severe, and Raquel, a multi-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, handled the awkward situation with professionalism. Such unpredictable moments remind fans and superstars alike that live TV can present unique challenges, regardless of competitor or gender.
With ongoing shakeups like shifting championship titles, the rise of new contenders, and speculation about Liv Morgan’s WWE future, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of both opportunity and unpredictability for the stars of WWE. Major events such as WrestleMania 42 and the ongoing evolution of the women’s division stand to be shaped by how current storylines and rivalries play out in coming months, making the journey of superstars like Liv Morgan an important focal point for both management and fans.
— ecIII (@therealec3) January 1, 2026
