Zilla Fatu has indicated a desire to pursue Ricky Saints for a revenge storyline in WWE NXT, signaling a potential new chapter in their rivalry. This development adds tension to WWE’s NXT program as Fatu seeks to confront Saints following past conflicts.
Recent Wrestling Developments in AEW and WWE
On the January 28 episode of AEW Dynamite, the tag team FTR retained their AEW World Tag Team Championships against Jake Doyle and Mark Davis from the Don Callis Family. During the match, Jon Moxley intervened amid a referee distraction and struck Davis with a title belt as retribution for an earlier attack, enabling FTR to secure the victory with their Shatter Machine finisher.
Meanwhile, Kris Statlander held onto the AEW Women’s World Championship in a challenging bout against Thekla. This match was arranged after Thekla pinned Statlander during a six-woman tag team match on January 14. Statlander won decisively using a gut-wrench powerbomb followed by her signature Saturday Night Fever move.
Tommaso Ciampa made his AEW debut on the January 28 Dynamite show after leaving WWE. His silent confrontation with TNT Champion Mark Briscoe, including a cheek kiss and a pointed gesture while his Psycho Killer theme played, sparked intrigue about future championship scenes.
Additionally, Samoa Joe was ruled out of competition due to a training injury of a non-contact nature. AEW commentator Excalibur announced that Joe had not been medically cleared, and no timetable has been provided for his return to action.
Comebacks and Injuries in Wrestling Talent Roster
Former Knockouts World Champion Ash by Elegance has re-signed with TNA Wrestling after receiving medical clearance to return. Ash had vacated the title and announced retirement in September 2025 due to injury, but her recent interview with Denise Salcedo revealed her readiness to compete again.
Dominik Mysterio currently sits out with a shoulder injury, although he remains engaged with the wrestling community. His father, Rey Mysterio, posted a photo tagging several wrestlers including Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, captioning it “Familia,” implying continued support and connection despite Dominik’s absence.
Wrestling Events Headed to the Middle East
Numerous WWE performers are traveling to the Middle East ahead of SmackDown and the Royal Rumble event scheduled for this weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Although some fans expected fewer surprises due to visible travel plans, sources suggest that unanticipated moments may still arise during these shows.
Brock Lesnar, absent from WWE programming since Survivor Series WarGames in November 2025, has been confirmed to participate in the men’s Royal Rumble match in Riyadh. His inclusion was promoted on event posters, generating anticipation around his return to the ring on this prominent international stage.
Implications of Fatu’s WWE Pursuit and Upcoming Rivalries
Zilla Fatu’s apparent targeting of Ricky Saints could bring fresh energy and heightened intensity to WWE NXT storylines, potentially drawing in new viewership. With ongoing developments across AEW and WWE, including high-profile debuts, championship defenses, and injury updates, wrestling fans can anticipate a dynamic period ahead.
The international expansion of WWE events into Saudi Arabia, featuring stars like Brock Lesnar, combined with Fatu’s pursuit of Saints, underscores the evolving nature of sports entertainment, creating anticipation for the next waves of rivalries and championship battles.
