5 Things from 2025 that WWE hopefully doesn't repeat in 2026

Wrestling is cyclical, and WWE certainly loves to repeat many storylines and feuds over the years. That happened with John Cena's matches and angles during his final year.

Fans witnessed new champions in the main event, like Jey Uso, Stephanie Vaquer, and Tiffany Stratton. Becky Lynch and Jade Cargill turned heel, while Bayley and Charlotte Flair have been fan favorites.

2025 witnessed some interesting moments, but there were several things that need to change next year. WWE must not repeat the next five issues from 2025 in 2026.

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#5. Over-reliance on The Bloodline, especially in WarGames

There's no question that Roman Reigns and The Usos are among the most popular stars in WWE. That's never more evident than in the show-jumping and consistent weekly presence that other stars don't get.

The main issue is that every one of their angles repeats the same beats. Roman orders Jimmy and Jey around, Jey gets conflicted, but they eventually get on the same page.

It messes with Jey as a singles star, yet they still try to push him as Roman's equal. They've been in every WarGames since it came to the main roster.

Using them each time shows a fear of relying on other stars in such a big spot. Imagine how much Carmelo Hayes could have been elevated had he been involved earlier.

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#4. Having both MITB cash-ins within two months of PLE

One thing WWE has done over the last few years is space out its Money in the Bank cash-ins. The women traditionally cashed in within a month of the PLE, with Tiffany Stratton waiting the longest to turn her case into a title.

This year saw both Seth Rollins and Naomi cash in by SummerSlam. Rollins' plan was brilliant, and Naomi's time had come with a great heel turn. It wasn't their fault, but both relinquished titles within two months of winning gold.

Waiting a bit longer for at least one cash-in could have allowed for pivoting or drawing things out a little more. Anticipation for a cash-in keeps fans invested each week, especially the longer it lasts. Not having either option in play limits storytelling.

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#3. Not promoting more NXT stars to the WWE main roster

The NXT's women's division is overflowing with talent so much that names like Thea Hail, Nikkita Lyons, and others faced inconsistent usage in 2025. Stephanie Vaquer, Giulia, and Roxanne Perez moved up shortly after WrestleMania.

Lash Legend and Fraxiom were the only other promotions. Trick Williams, Josh Briggs, Lola Vice, and Lexis King could have been promoted but were kept down. Vice could have won the NXT Women's Title, but they baulked.

Free-agent additions like Penta, Rey Fenix, and Aleister Black likely kept more stars from moving up. Using Evolve stars took the spotlight off the actual NXT performers.

Triple H claims they will only promote people with the right storyline. They've randomly used Je'Von Evans so much, but can't promote others?

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#2. Another repeat Royal Rumble winner

WWE stars like Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, John Cena, Triple H, and Brock Lesnar have won multiple Rumbles. Charlotte Flair became the first woman to win two such matches.

Women have only had the Rumble since 2018, but could have had a different name, like IYO SKY, win. If that wasn't enough, Bianca Belair won the Elimination Chamber for a second time.

There is a strong possibility this will happen again in 2026, as rumors suggest Roman Reigns will challenge for a major title. Belair is also a favorite since Jade Cargill won the WWE Women's Title.

Going with Bron Breakker, Sami Zayn, AJ Styles, Finn Balor, LA Knight, or someone who hasn't won one would be a better call since the top names get shots whenever they want.

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#1. Not changing Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes' return to WWE was a huge shift, and his journey to the top of the mountain was great to follow. Everything after it, however, has been a mixed bag. His matches are entertaining, but his promos are the same every week.

His feuds involve getting blindsided, ignoring the heel's logic, and overcoming the odds. The American Nightmare held the title for a year before dropping it to John Cena, but won it back.

Rhodes hasn't changed much in two years, and it's become repetitive and predictable. If someone else had defeated Cena, it would have given SmackDown a much-needed jolt. Imagine Knight finally winning the title after defeating Cena.