Tyrese Haliburton Eyes NXT; WWE Rumors on Money in the Bank 2025 and Raquel Rodriguez

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.

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Shawn Michaels Invites Tyrese Haliburton to NXT

Indiana Pacers All-Star guard and 2024 Olympic gold medalist Tyrese Haliburton expressed his desire Tuesday to show up for next week's episode of NXT.

Haliburton, who is a hardcore fan of WWE, posted about Tuesday's NXT on X and appealed to WWE Hall of Famer and NXT head Shawn Michaels for an invite:

The Heartbreak Kid responded shortly thereafter, noting that he would "love" to have Haliburton in Orlando for next week's show:

It isn't yet clear if a Haliburton appearance on the episode has been finalized, but if it is, it won't be his first time on WWE programming.

Back in June during an episode of SmackDown at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Haliburton provided backup to then-United States champion Logan Paul.

Haliburton was treated like a heel by the MSG crowd after he and the Pacers eliminated the New York Knicks in the second round of the NBA playoffs.

Following a match, Haliburton and Paul surrounded LA Knight, but Knicks guard Jalen Brunson made the save while wielding a steel chair, prompting Knight and Haliburton to retreat.

Haliburton has made his love for WWE abundantly clear, and the fact that he seems to watch NXT is even further proof that he is a hardcore fan.

With Michaels in charge, NXT has been on the upswing in a big way over the past couple of years, and incorporating a star athlete like Haliburton could go a long way toward getting even more eyes on the product.

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Milwaukee to Bid for Money in the Bank 2025

The city of Milwaukee is preparing a bid to host the WWE Money in the Bank premium live event in 2025.

According to Logan Hanson of Milwaukee Business Journal (h/t Subhojeet Mukherjee of Ringside News), Sports Milwaukee Director Marissa Werner said the event will be held at the Milwaukee Bucks' Fiserv Forum if the bid is successful.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson is reportedly a wrestling fan who has expressed interest in bringing major WWE events to the city in the past, and the hope is that potentially landing Money in the Bank could lead to even bigger shows taking place in Milwaukee in the future.

Hanson specifically mentioned SummerSlam and Royal Rumble as two events Milwaukee would like to land at some point.

While Money in the Bank is not considered one of WWE's "Big Four" premium live events, it is arguably the most significant show outside of the "Big Four."

Money in the Bank often shapes WWE's future since the winners of the men's and women's Money in the Bank ladder matches earn guaranteed world title matches at a time and place of their choosing.

It has been seven years since Milwaukee last hosted a WWE PLE, that being Fastlane back in 2017.

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WWE Reportedly Planning for Raquel Rodriguez's Return

Raquel Rodriguez has been out of action since February, but WWE is reportedly making plans for her eventual return.

According to PWInsider Elite (h/t Mukherjee), creative pitches have been made for Rodriguez's return and WWE is actively working on plans for her.

Raquel has had two extended absences from WWE programming this year due to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, which is a skin condition that can lead to itchy, swollen skin and hives.

Rodriguez disappeared from WWE programming in early December of 2023, but she returned in February to win a battle royal and qualify for an Elimination Chamber match at the Elimination Chamber premium live event in Perth, Australia.

Raquel fell short in the match, which was won by Becky Lynch, but she beat Chelsea Green in a singles bout on Raw two nights later.

Rodriguez has not appeared on WWE programming since then, but the latest report suggests she is finally nearing a return.

The 6-foot Rodriguez is one of the strongest and most imposing women in WWE, and she has a strong track record of success.

In addition to being a former NXT women's champion, Raquel has held the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships on three occasions and the NXT Women's Tag Team Championships twice.

When Raquel returns to the fold in WWE, it may not take long for her to find herself in title contention once again.

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