Liv Morgan, the accomplished WWE Champion, surprised competitors on the January 1st, 2026 episode of Hell’s Kitchen, creating a unique crossover moment for fans of both wrestling and culinary competition. Appearing alongside WWE superstars Big E and Braun Strowman, Morgan brought her championship presence to Fox’s popular show during its high-stakes black jacket day edition.
WWE Superstars Join Hell’s Kitchen Black Jacket Showdown
As the chefs prepared for a pivotal round in the competition, they were greeted by a trio of wrestling stars. Big E initiated the surprise by sharing reflections on his career as a WWE Champion, offering inspiration to the aspiring chefs. Liv Morgan then made her entrance, candidly discussing her mindset and approach to being a champion, further energizing the room and setting a tone for competitive excellence. The segment took an unexpected turn when Braun Strowman made a dramatic appearance by bursting through a dry wall, injecting an element of theatrics into the kitchen.
Spotlight on Liv Morgan’s Championship Status
Gordon Ramsay and Fox formally introduced Liv Morgan as a champion, and promotional materials depicted her with the WWE Women’s World Championship belt, confirming that the footage was filmed while she still held the title. The context is significant, as Morgan lost the championship nearly a year prior, on January 6th, 2025, and has not secured a singles title since then, underscoring the timing and relevance of her champion status on the show.
Updates on Braun Strowman and the WWE Connections
The broadcast also marked the return of Braun Strowman to television. Strowman parted ways with WWE in July 2025 following the end of his contract and has since transitioned to a new venture, hosting the culinary series Everything on the Menu. His vibrant entrance on Hell’s Kitchen highlighted his ongoing connection to entertainment despite shifting industries. For WWE fans, the inclusion of Morgan, Big E, and Strowman on a mainstream show like Hell’s Kitchen underscores the broad appeal of wrestling superstars and their ability to cross over into other media platforms.
Looking Forward: What This Crossover Means
The appearance of Liv Morgan as a WWE Champion guest star on Hell’s Kitchen brought a layer of excitement and bridging between culinary and sports entertainment worlds. For Morgan, the episode highlighted her enduring influence within WWE, even after her championship reign ended. For fans, the collaboration between WWE and Fox’s culinary competition offered a fresh perspective and deepened the connection between these entertainment spheres, setting the stage for potential future crossovers involving high-profile athletes and mainstream television.
