Welcome to another edition of the daily WWE Rumor Roundup where we bring you the latest rumors and updates from the world of WWE. In today's edition, we will take a look at some interesting stories, including a former World Champion comparing himself to Roman Reigns, major changes planned for The Tribal Chief and much more.
We will also take a look at what the future holds for some of the top superstars who have been released by WWE recently. There have been rumors that a big name is AEW bound, which we will look into in this article.
So without further ado, let's dive in and check out the biggest stories of the day:
#5 Samoa Joe returning to WWE NXT
Former WWE US Champion Samoa Joe was released by the company soon after WrestleMania 37 this year. The Samoan had been out of in-ring action and was serving as a member of the RAW announce team.
It was speculated that Joe wanted to return to in-ring action but wasn't cleared by WWE, which led to his surprise release. It was also reported recently that WWE is planning to bring Joe back in a non-wrestling role for NXT.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer has said there is a high chance that Samoa Joe will return to WWE NXT as an authority figure:
''I was told today that Samoa Joe was gonna be in a Regal-like role, then all of a sudden Regal’s talking like he’s stepping down, so maybe the Regal-like role is Regal’s role. But if he’s leaving, based on what I was told, Samoa Joe was definitely the favorite to be the new Commissioner. But Joe is in, and he’s in as a non-wrestler, so I think that tells you that he’s not cleared."
The report further stated that regardless of Joe being an on-screen character, he will certainly have important backstage duties.
#4 Former WWE Superstar Braun Strowman heading to AEW?
Former WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman might be heading to AEW once he is able to compete for other promotions in August. Strowman was released by the company a few weeks back and has to serve a 90-day no-compete clause before he can sign with a new company.
Former WWE world champion and current AEW employee Mark Henry spoke to TMZ about Braun Strowman. He revealed that there is interest on both sides in working together:
"[He's] super high on my list. It's not all a Mark Henry decision but there is already interest on both sides so hopefully by the time he's allowed to wrestle, in August- I think the middle of August then we can have a serious conversation about contractual things of that nature, but right now there's interest on both sides,'' said Henry.
Unlike most of the other superstars who were released along with Strowman, he has never competed outside of WWE. It will be interesting to see if The Monster Among Men will be able to make a name for himself outside the umbrella of WWE.
#3 Roman Reigns to turn babyface in WWE
For a long time after The Shield split up in WWE, Roman Reigns was portrayed as a babyface. Unfortunately, The Big Dog never really got over as a good guy since fans felt his push was forced.
All that changed last year when Reigns returned to WWE and turned heel. Adopting the Tribal Chief persona, Reigns has turned his critics into his fans by carrying SmackDown for the past year. Roman Reigns has shined in his current role and while his heel persona is being well-liked, there are plans to turn him babyface down the road once again.
Here is what Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has said in this regard:
“Roman Reigns and Kenny Omega are essentially the same character in the sense that they are heels who are being groomed to be the top babyface star down the line of the promotion," said Meltzer. "AEW is at least trying to book in a way to make the matches exciting and WWE is trying to book Roman Reigns and tell you ‘eh it doesn’t matter, he’s gonna kill the guy.'
Given how hot Roman Reigns currently is, it wouldn't be wise for WWE to try and make The Tribal Chief a 'good guy' again anytime soon.
#2 WWE legend John Cena praises Roman Reigns
Former WWE champion John Cena recently spoke to Chris Van Vliet. The Champ talked about his rumored SummerSlam opponent Roman Reigns and how he feels Reigns has developed his character in the Thunderdome era.
John Cena said the lack of a live audience has allowed Reigns to mold his character. If there was a live crowd they might not have been as invested in what Reigns was saying as they would be busy booing or cheering him:
''They just want to boo him or cheer him or whatever. Without that, especially developing your character and trying to get the message across, like trying to hand someone your business card. I think Roman has absolutely needed this time and in it he has developed his personality and found out who he is. Now when he goes back to live audiences, they aren't confused,'' said Cena
John Cena also hinted at a WWE return during the interview. The 16-time WWE world champion said it had been too long since he wore jorts - his signature in-ring gear.
#1 John Cena Sr. comments on Goldberg's retirement from WWE
John Cena's father spoke to Boston Wrestling MWF’s Dan Mirade and discussed the possibility of Goldberg retiring from WWE. John Cena Sr. said that when Goldberg decides to finally retire, he should be given a better send-off match than what WWE gave Kurt Angle.
Kurt Angle lost to Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35. Angle has expressed his unhappiness with WWE's decision as he wanted to face John Cena instead of Corbin in his last match.
John Cena Sr. said that Goldberg should go from WWE on a bright note as he has earned that during his time with the company:
"They screwed over Kurt Angle, so don’t do this, don’t do this [repeat what happened with Angle]. Give him his shine and glory. The man has paid his dues. He’s earned it, so let’s go and do it the right way. That’s my general consensus.”