Injury Could Force Another Change to WrestleMania 42 Match Plans – As noted, WWE creative is reportedly planning a major focus on the women’s division at WrestleMania 42, with a record number of matches currently being discussed for the April event in Las Vegas. Internal plans reportedly point to six women’s matches as the “magic number,” though not all of those bouts have been officially confirmed yet.
At this time, two championship matches are already set for the show. Stephanie Vaquer will defend the Women’s World Championship against Liv Morgan, who earned the opportunity by winning the Royal Rumble. The title match places Morgan in one of the biggest matches of her career as WWE continues building toward WrestleMania 42.
Another confirmed match will see Jade Cargill defend the WWE Women’s Championship against Rhea Ripley. Ripley secured the title opportunity after winning the Elimination Chamber match, setting up a major championship showdown between the two competitors.
More matches are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as WWE continues its WrestleMania build. One of the most anticipated potential matches involves AJ Lee and Becky Lynch. The two have been involved in a heated rivalry, and it is widely expected that their feud will conclude at WrestleMania 42.
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships could also be defended on the show. Current champions Nia Jax and Lash Legend are expected to put the titles on the line, though their challengers have not yet been confirmed.
Outside of the matches already being discussed for WrestleMania 42, the status of the Women’s United States Championship has become a topic of conversation behind the scenes. Since Chelsea Green became the inaugural champion at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2024, the title has changed hands four times. Despite that activity, the championship has not been defended on a Premium Live Event.
According to Ibou from the Self Made Sessions podcast, WWE had originally planned for Giulia to defend the title in a triple threat match against Tiffany Stratton and Jordynne Grace. However, those plans may need to change after Grace reportedly suffered an ankle injury during a match against Alba Fyre on WWE Main Event last week.
The injury has created uncertainty around the match, and WWE may now pivot to a singles bout between Giulia and Stratton if Grace is unable to compete.
Injury Could Force Another Change to WrestleMania 42 Match Plans
Boxing has always been a sport driven by personalities as much as performances. The fighters who dominate headlines often become the same names that drive conversation across sportsbooks and fan communities alike. As major bouts approach, anticipation builds over how matchups will unfold and how odds shift as public interest grows.
In today’s boxing landscape, several fighters stand out not only for their achievements inside the ring but also for their ability to generate massive attention around upcoming fights. Their bouts spark discussion from analysts, fans, and bettors who closely follow changes in odds and market movement leading up to fight night.
From heavyweight champions to rising contenders in lighter divisions, these athletes are shaping how sportsbooks set their lines and how audiences engage with the sport.
These are the boxing stars currently generating the most buzz around sportsbook odds.
Oleksandr Usyk: The Undisputed King Who Still Moves Betting Markets
Division: Heavyweight
Oleksandr Usyk continues to cement his position at the top of the heavyweight division as one of boxing’s most dominant champions.
Holding the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles, he has established himself as the central figure in the division’s current era. His technical mastery and disciplined approach in the ring make him a difficult puzzle for challengers to solve.
Because of that dominance, Usyk’s fights frequently open with him positioned as a strong favorite in betting markets. Heavyweight championship bouts traditionally draw the largest global attention, and Usyk’s presence amplifies that interest even further.
Speculation surrounding his next opponent following his clash with Daniel Dubois has only increased the buzz around potential matchups. Whether the discussions involve future title defenses or potential superfights, the uncertainty surrounding Usyk’s next step continues to fuel conversation across boxing’s heavyweight landscape.
Naoya Inoue: The Pound-for-Pound Star That Excites Bettors
Division: Super Bantamweight
Naoya Inoue (nicknamed ‘The Monster’ for his knockout power) has become one of the sport’s most consistent attractions thanks to his remarkable achievements across multiple weight divisions.
As the undisputed super bantamweight champion and a four-division titleholder, he represents the type of pound-for-pound talent that keeps boxing fans engaged throughout the year.
One of the key factors behind Inoue’s popularity is his activity level. Multiple appearances in 2025 keep his name constantly in the boxing headlines. He’s almost always in the conversation about upcoming fights, and his success motivates many bettors to follow the latest sportsbook odds for his matchups.
The possibility of an all-Japan showdown with Junto Nakatani has generated significant attention among fans and analysts alike. Inoue’s reputation as a devastating knockout artist also adds intrigue to method-of-victory discussions, making his fights some of the most closely analyzed events on the boxing calendar.
Canelo Alvarez: Boxing’s Biggest Name Attracting the Most Bets
Division: Super Middleweight
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez remains the most recognizable figure in boxing, and his presence alone can transform any fight into a major event. As the super middleweight division continues to evolve, attention naturally shifts toward his next appearance and the direction of the 168-pound title landscape.
Even when facing unfamiliar opponents, Canelo’s name draws interest from fans and analysts across the sport. His fights often become focal points of the boxing calendar because they attract global viewership and significant discussion around potential outcomes.
Recent developments following his high-profile bout with Terence Crawford have introduced new storylines into the conversation. With a return expected later in the year, speculation about potential opponents, such as Hamzah Sheeraz, has already begun shaping early conversations about future matchups and how betting markets may react.
David Benavidez: The Hard-Hitting Champion Reshaping Odds
Division: Cruiserweight / Light Heavyweight
David Benavidez has built a reputation as one of boxing’s most aggressive and relentless champions. Holding the WBC light heavyweight title, he continues to push toward even greater challenges while boasting a style that consistently produces dramatic moments inside the ring.
His upcoming fight against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez represents another significant step in that journey. The matchup carries implications for the division and could shape the championship picture in the coming years.
Benavidez’s power-heavy approach has long made him a compelling figure for fans who enjoy action-oriented bouts. As he explores opportunities in higher weight classes, including a potential move to cruiserweight, new possibilities emerge for future championship matchups that could reshape the balance of power across multiple divisions.
Ryan Garcia: The Most Unpredictable Odds in Boxing
Division: Welterweight
Ryan Garcia remains one of boxing’s most polarizing and widely discussed figures. His career has often unfolded under intense public scrutiny, with moments of both triumph and controversy shaping his reputation within the sport. That visibility has made him a constant source of conversation whenever a new fight is announced.
His challenge for the WBC welterweight title against Mario Barrios, which saw him defeat Barrios via unanimous decision, is another chapter to an already fascinating storyline. Garcia’s large fanbase and social media presence frequently amplify interest surrounding his fights well before the opening bell.
Because of the narratives surrounding his career, Garcia’s bouts often generate lively debate about potential outcomes. Fans, analysts, and commentators closely watch how expectations shift during fight week, making his matchups among the most talked-about events whenever he steps into the ring.
When Star Power Steps Into the Ring
In modern boxing, star power and competition often intersect to shape the sport’s biggest moments. Fighters like Oleksandr Usyk, Naoya Inoue, Canelo Alvarez, David Benavidez, and Ryan Garcia command attention not only because of their achievements but also because of the intrigue surrounding every fight they take.
Each athlete represents a different element of boxing’s appeal. Some dominate their divisions with technical excellence, while others captivate audiences through explosive performances or compelling personal narratives. Together, they create the storylines that keep fans engaged throughout the year.
As the boxing calendar continues to evolve, these fighters remain central figures in the sport’s ongoing conversation. Their upcoming bouts will not only influence championship pictures across multiple divisions but will also continue shaping the excitement surrounding the biggest fight nights in boxing.
Next week’s episode of WWE NXT will be a special one, as the brand celebrates Booker T Appreciation Night in the Hall of Famer’s hometown of Houston. The announcement came just before the main event of the March 10 episode, when Vic Joseph addressed the crowd and surprised Booker T with the news. The five‑time WCW Champion appeared genuinely caught off guard by the tribute.
A steel cage rematch for the NXT Women’s North American Championship is also set for the show. Tatum Paxley will defend the title against Izzi Dame, who confronted her at the start of Tuesday’s broadcast and demanded another opportunity. Paxley attempted to leave, but The Culling blocked her path, allowing Dame to attack her former friend. The two later brawled backstage until Robert Stone stepped in and made the match official.
Another championship bout was confirmed when Wren Sinclair defeated Thea Hail to win the latest women’s Speed tournament. Sinclair now moves on to challenge Fallon Henley for the Women’s WWE Speed Championship on March 17.
A new tournament will begin next week to determine the next challengers for Vanity Project’s NXT Tag Team Championships. Former champions Hank & Tank will compete in the opening round against Birthright. Robert Stone also informed Vanity Project that they will be in action in a six‑man tag team match against Los Americanos from RAW.
WWE NXT (March 17) – Confirmed Lineup
Booker T Appreciation Night
Triple Threat Match for the NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne (c) vs. Sol Ruca vs. Zaria
Steel Cage Match for the NXT Women’s North American Championship: Tatum Paxley (c) vs. Izzi Dame
NXT Tag Team Title #1 Contender’s Tournament – First Round: Hank & Tank vs. Birthright
Women’s WWE Speed Championship: Fallon Henley (c) vs. Wren Sinclair
Six‑Man Tag Team Match: Vanity Project vs. Los Americanos
A recent WWE NXT segment featuring Ricky Saints has been quietly removed from the company’s social media platforms. The segment originally aired on the March 3 episode and was initially shared across WWE’s official accounts. Fans later noticed the clip had been taken down without any explanation.
According to Fightful Select, the removal was directly tied to the reaction the segment received online. The moment, promoted as “The Ricky Saints Absolute Experience,” featured Saints performing a parody musical number aimed at mocking NXT Champion Joe Hendry ahead of their match at NXT Vengeance Day. Saints performed a song titled “I Believe in Ricky,” mirroring Hendry’s signature musical performances.
The idea was meant to build heat between the two, but the response was overwhelmingly negative. Viewers criticized the performance heavily, with many comparing it unfavorably to The Rock’s classic “Rock Concert” segments. The comparisons led to accusations that the bit felt more like a knockoff than a tribute. As backlash grew, WWE removed the clip from its platforms.
Fightful Select also reported that the segment was not Saints’ idea. Sources within NXT indicated that Saints had been trying to move his character away from comparisons to The Rock before the segment was produced. Despite the criticism, WWE kept the closing portion of the segment — where Joe Hendry attacked Saints with a guitar — available online.
The Ricky Saints NXT segment removed from WWE’s social platforms didn’t derail the storyline. The feud continued at NXT Vengeance Day, where Hendry successfully defended the NXT Championship, leaving Saints empty‑handed after the title match. While the segment may have struck the wrong chord online, the rivalry ultimately reached its conclusion inside the ring.
Ratings for the March 6 episode of WWE SmackDown saw a noticeable drop in audience engagement compared to the previous week’s broadcast on the USA Network. According to figures from Programming Insider, the WWE SmackDown ratings for March 6 averaged 1.19 million viewers, marking a 14% decline from the 1.379 million who tuned in on February 27. The decrease continues a pattern of weekly fluctuations for the blue brand as it moves deeper into the spring season.
The downward trend extended to the key adults 18–49 demographic. The March 6 broadcast delivered a 0.27 rating, down from the 0.34 recorded the week prior. Despite the dip, SmackDown remained highly competitive, finishing second overall on cable for the night and trailing only NBA coverage on ESPN. The timing of this decline is notable, as WWE typically sees rising interest during the build to WrestleMania.
Most Viewed WWE SmackDown (3/6) Videos on YouTube
FULL MATCH: Cody Rhodes reclaims the Undisputed WWE Title from Drew McIntyre (1.5 million)
Randy Orton hits Trick Williams with the RKO en route to WrestleMania (608K views)
Rhea Ripley to Jade Cargill: “I’m taking your title by force” (449K views)
Damian Priest & R-Truth become The MFTs’ No. 1 Contenders | Tag Team Turmoil (359K views)
Oba Femi destroys Johnny Gargano in an impromptu showdown (298K views)
AEW Collision, airing March 7 on TNT, experienced a minor uptick in total viewership. The episode drew 370,000 viewers, slightly above the 365,000 from its February 28 airing. However, Collision mirrored SmackDown’s trend in the core demographic, posting a 0.05 rating in adults 18–49, down from the previous week’s 0.06.
Most Viewed AEW Collision (3/7) Videos on YouTube
Tommaso Ciampa BETRAYS Mark Briscoe with vicious ATTACK! (55K views)
AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla sends a vicious message to Kris Statlander (52K views)
Timeless Love Bombs vs Megan Bayne & Lena Kross (36K views)
Claudio Castagnoli vs Konosuke Takeshita (34K views)
Swerve Strickland vs Gravity (29K views)
The WWE SmackDown ratings for March 6 represent the more significant shift of the two shows, highlighting the volatility both companies are navigating as the wrestling calendar approaches a busy stretch of premium live events. With major storylines unfolding across both promotions, upcoming episodes will reveal whether these numbers stabilize or continue to shift.
