Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors on Thea Hail vs. Blake Monroe, Anna Jay and More
Holidays or not, the rumor mill in professional wrestling continues to churn out the latest insider reports on hot topics, including the latest on the Thea Hail vs. Blake Monroe match that has captivated fans for the last week.
What is the latest update on the botched finish of that high stakes championship match, as well as the contractual status of Anna Jay in AEW and the commentary situation in WWE entering the new year?
Find out with this collection of rumors from the most trusted pro wrestling reporters.
Latest Update on Thea Hail vs. Blake Monroe Finish
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The drama surrounding the botched finish to the Thea Hail vs. Blake Monroe match on the December 16 episode of NXT continues.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select provided a further update on the topic, noting that, "A number of sources have claimed that Blake Monroe said she was injured after the spot, and specifically was unhappy about how things unfolded. It was also claimed that people who directly work on Blake Monroe's creative weren't happy."
He added, "A decision was quickly made to have Blake Monroe face Hail in a rematch, though Monroe had told some she was injured on the spot in the first Hail match. We aren't sure of the severity."
Regarding the manner in which referee Felix Fernandez handled the situation, Sapp reported, "Matt Bloom, Shawn Michaels, and other refs were said to have told Fernandez he handled things the right way, and claim that there wasn't anything he didn't check on or didn't listen to."
It is clear that the ruined finish has directly, and adversely, affected creative plans in a substantial way. At least for Monroe. In that regard, the frustration is warranted, but one would think finding a solution that works for those involved instead of letting things fester would be to the benefit of the company and the performers.
Instead, reports continue to trickle out about thoughts on referees, injuries, and unhappiness, none of which is beneficial to correcting the problem at hand.
Expect Monroe to get her title back and continue down the road she was on before the upset loss.
Latest on Anna Jay's AEW Contract
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Sapp also reported that Anna Jay's AEW contract is set to expire in the Spring of 2026.
"Those we spoke to originally believed the deal would be up by 2026, but that isn't the case. We have spoken to sources who indicate she's open to exploring her options. She does have connections within WWE and NXT, we're told."
He also noted that the awareness of her current contractual situation became clearer when she was left out of the Blood & Guts match, despite expecting to be involved.
One of the more promising young performers on the roster, Jay's usage has been inconsistent, to say the least, with there being pockets of time where she is utilized in a fairly significant role before being forgotten and left off of TV for weeks or months at a time.
It stands to reason that after going to Japan, working hard to develop her skills, proving that she had, and then being left out of a significant match-up, Jay may want to head elsewhere and test her abilities on a larger stage, where she may be better utilized than her current situation.
Jay would fit well as a member of NXT, where she could continue to develop her skills while also getting the ever important TV reps that will only help her grow as an overall talent.
The Georgia native trained under QT Marshall and Glacier at what is now known as The Nightmare Factory, co-owned by reigning undisputed WWE champion, Cody Rhodes.
WWE Reshuffles Commentary Teams
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Mike Johnson of PWInsider Elite reported that WWE is once again shuffling around commentary teams, noting that Corey Graves and Michael Cole will call Raw in 2026 while Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett take over SmackDown duties.
It also seemed rather odd that Cole was not consistently calling Raw, given that it is the clear A-show in WWE, especially with it airing on Netflix.
Bringing him and Graves, arguably his best broadcast partner, together on Monday nights feels like a no-brainer, while Tessitore and Barrett have developed solid chemistry and make for a fun team in their own right.
As fans have found out in recent years, the commentary team can be the difference between a great moment and an iconic one. Considering the tumultuous and highly criticized year WWE experienced in 2025, hopefully Cole and Graves, and Tessitore and Barrett, will be at the center of some unforgettable matches and moments in 2026.
