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WWE Rumors: Hulk Hogan Return, Finn Balor's Big Push, SmackDown Run Time

Originally posted on Wrestling on SI | By Dariel Figueroa | Last updated Dec 5, 2024 4:49 PM ET

As always The Takedown On SI is not implying that all of the following are facts, but rather speculating on the latest gossip and rumors in the world of professional wrestling.

The Demon Prince, Finn Balor, has apparently established himself as a WWE locker room leader over the past year. In return, Balor may see a significant single's push in 2025 that kicks off when he challenges reigning WWE Heavyweight Champion, Gunther, at Saturday Night's Main Event . Dominik Mysterio stated in the past that Balor's guidance is a big reason for his rapid ascension up the WWE ranks.

As we approach the 10-year anniversary of Finn Balor in WWE, sources tell us he’s solidified himself as a true locker room leader over the past year or so. In addition, we are told to expect a sustained singles push for Finn as we head into 2025.
— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) December 5, 2024

"The plan is still to extend SmackDown to three hours this coming January," WrestleVotes stated this week. It remains to be seen if that extra hour will be added during the WWE Raw on Netflix kickoff week, or later in the month. WWE has yet to announce or confirm a third-hour extension of SmackDown.

WrestleVotes also reported that WWE is planning to have legends like Wendy Richter, Hulk Hogan, Jimmy Hart, and "Cowboy" Bob Orton appear at SNME. The four legends performed at the first SNME on May 10, 1985.

Your early predictions?!

World Heavyweight Title Match
Women’s World Title Match
Undisputed WWE Title Match

Don’t miss Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14 at 1 am on @WWE’s YouTube channel! pic.twitter.com/WLbmxJacn4
— WWE UK (@WWEUK) December 5, 2024

In an interview on The Hot Tag with Brady Broski, Ricochet made a bold claim by saying "I’m just saying, if there wasn’t Ricochet, there would not be AEW." Ricochet referred to his time on the indies and how he helped shape contemporary wrestling styles.

Taz is doing well rehabbing his new knee replacement. No timetable yet on when he'll return to the AEW broadcast booth. Get well soon, champ.

I know a lot of u asked & have sent me good wishes in my rehabilitation of my knee… Just a quick update. It’s going really well! I’ve been training really hard at PT & my knee is healing/getting strong rapidly!
— taz (@OfficialTAZ) December 5, 2024

If you want to share any pro wrestling rumors with The Takedown, send them to Dariel Figueroa (@figgyflow) on X.

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This article first appeared on Wrestling on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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