WWE & AEW Rumours: WWE Making Changes To SmackDown Creative Team, Another Former Champion Signs New Deal

WWE programming has been criticised throughout 2025, particularly SmackDown, and the company looks set to take measures to improve the Friday night show. A former WWE Champion has also reportedly re-signed with the company, while another former champion looks set to embark upon a guest coaching stint at the WWE Performance Center.

The date of John Cena's penultimate match has also been revealed, while WWE are said to be high on Lyra Valkyria.

Pro wrestling rumours for Thursday, October 9, 2025:

Date Of John Cena's Penultimate Match Revealed

John Cena only has a handful of appearances left until he retires from WWE on the December 13 edition of Saturday Night's Main Event in Washington, DC. Cena will have his final match on the show, with reports revealing who his opponent will be earlier this week.

Cena is scheduled to face AJ Styles this weekend at Crown Jewel and the 17-time world champion has already been advertised for Survivor Series on November 29.

Not only will Cena be at the show, but Dave Meltzer has reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that the 48-year-old will be wrestling at Survivor Series in what will be Cena's penultimate match. The pay-per-view is scheduled to emanate from Petco Park, the home of the San Diego Padres.

WWE Making Changes To SmackDown Creative Team

According to BodySlam, WWE held meetings in recent days about how to improve the current creative within the company. As a result of those meetings, WWE will be making changes to the creative team with the aim of improving their current product.

These changes will see Road Dogg remain as head of creative for SmackDown, but additions will be made to the Friday night show's creative team.

BodySlam further noted that WWE "knows that they need to do better creatively and are looking to put together more enticing storylines heading into 2026."

Road Dogg was previously involved with creative on SmackDown between 2016 and 2019, eventually being promoted to lead writer on the blue brand. Brian James was appointed co-lead writer of SmackDown again earlier this year alongside John Switaka.

Kofi Kingston Re-Signs With WWE

It emerged this week that Xavier Woods had recently re-signed with WWE after contract talks came down to the wire, and the former Consequences Creed won't have to operate as a singles talent anytime soon.

Fightful Select has reported that Woods' New Day tag team partner Kofi Kingston re-signed with WWE earlier this year. The belief is Kingston signed a five-year deal, which will keep the former WWE Champion under contract into 2030.

Kofi Kingston has been a part of WWE since 2006. He will be 48 if he sees out his current WWE contract.

WWE High On Lyra Valkyria

In news that will surprise few, WWE are high on Lyra Valkyria.

The 28-year-old has been pushed on WWE TV in recent years, having reigns with the NXT Women's Title, WWE Women's Tag Team Championships, and WWE Women's Intercontinental Title which notably included a long-running feud with Becky Lynch.

BodySlam has reported that Lyra Valkyria is expected to be on the receiving end of big plans from WWE heading into 2026 and she is internally considered a "big piece" of the women's division for the future.

TNA IMPACT To Be On A New Platform In 2026

TNA have been in talks over a new home for IMPACT for several months and TNA President Carlos Silva has confirmed the promotion will be on a new platform in 2026.

Silva told Jonathan Coachman on Off The Ropes about the status of negotiations over a new TV deal:

"It's the same place we were last week. I sort of made some statements on a couple of platforms that we are literally, every single day - in fact, I had a call on Monday, and we're working with lawyers to get the deal together so, I feel good about it, it's moving forward, and we're gonna get a deal done and we're gonna be on a new platform in 2026.

"Like everything, can't really talk about it yet till the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed but I feel really good about it. I'm super excited about the partnership and where it’s gonna take TNA so, I would just say stay tuned. Give me a little bit of time but, it’s October 8th today, and 2026 isn’t far off so I think something’s gonna be in the books very soon."

H/T Fightful