WWE's World Heavyweight Championship has been at the center of many great matches over the years, featuring wrestlers like Shawn Michaels and Triple H.

It's a cynical view, no doubt, but a justified one, given the long lens of history. All WWE can do is prove it wrong through its actions, but the first week of 2026 was a mixed bag that certainly leaves the door open for doom and gloom.

A big return is on the cards during tonight's episode of SmackDown, which takes place this afternoon in Berlin, Germany. Fightful Select are reporting that Jaco

In January 2005, heading into that year's WWE Royal Rumble, Triple H and JBL held the company's two top championships. As usual, the winner of the titular battle royal would earn the opportunity to challenge for the title of their choice at the company's biggest show of the year, in this case WWE WrestleMania 21.

Oba Femi appears on his way to WWE's main roster. According to Sapp (h/t Ortman ), Femi won, then vacated his NXT Championship so that he wouldn't need to eat a loss and look weak on his way to the main roster. WrestleVotes reported he's headed to Raw for a big spot on the program.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin had a health scare the night before his final match at WWE WrestleMania 19, with a company office employing calling 911 for him.

Undefeated MMA prospect Regina Tarin, once close to UFC debut, earns WWE tryout after impressive rise in combat sports scene

Bron Breakker entered Monday's episode of WWE Raw red hot, but he left without becoming world champion. Breakker lost to world heavyweight champion CM Punk in the night's main event.

D-Von Dudley addressed comments made by another WWE Hall of Famer who the tag team star accused of racism last year.