Morning Daily News Update: August 21, 2026 – Batista Cast As Kratos In Amazon’s God Of War Series

Good morning, everyone!

It’s Friday; the weekend is almost here! But first, it’s time for the Morning Daily News Update!

Let’s see what’s new on the blog from yesterday:

Alex Podgorski has posted a new 5-Star Match Review for Ryohei Oiwa vs. Yuya Uemura at the NJPW G1 Climax 2026 Final
Kat reviewed last night’s episode of WWE Main Event
Scott Herrin has reviewed last night’s episode of TNA Impact

Batista secures major role in Amazon’s ‘God of War’ series

Former WWE star Dave Bautista has secured a major television role after being confirmed as Kratos in Amazon’s upcoming God of War series. Bautista replaces Ryan Hurst, who reportedly suffered a torn bicep during filming earlier this year. The Prime Video adaptation is currently filming in Vancouver and has already received a two-season order, with both seasons being shot back-to-back.

The series will adapt the two most recent God of War games, focusing on Kratos and his son Atreus as they journey to spread Faye’s ashes while encountering gods from Norse mythology. Bautista’s casting adds to his successful post-WWE acting career, which has included roles in Guardians of the Galaxy, Dune: Part Two and The Wrecking Crew, with Road House 2 and Highlander among his upcoming projects.

Sami Zayn reportedly dealing with legitimate injury

Sami Zayn’s hand injury is reportedly legitimate and not part of a WWE storyline. Zayn revealed during the August 7 episode of SmackDown that he suffered a broken bone in his hand, and PWInsider subsequently confirmed the injury is genuine. Zayn has not wrestled since SummerSlam on August 2, when he competed against Gunther, Finn Bálor and Kevin Owens in a four-way match to determine the No. 1 contender to the WWE Championship. His previous televised match came at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 18, while he lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to CM Punk on the July 6 episode of Raw.

Ilja Dragunov Set To Leave WWE

Ilja Dragunov is reportedly set to leave WWE after his contract expires. According to PWInsider, the former United States Champion was removed from WWE’s internal roster earlier this week. Dragunov joined WWE through NXT UK in 2019 and famously ended Gunther’s record 870-day NXT UK Championship reign at TakeOver 36. He later moved to NXT in the United States, where he held the NXT Championship for more than 200 days before joining the main roster in 2024. A torn ACL subsequently kept him sidelined for a year, but Dragunov returned and captured the United States Championship from Sami Zayn, holding the title for 63 days before his reported WWE departure.

WWE SmackDown Lineup Confirmed For August 21, 2026

Check out the lineup for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown.