We're back with another jam-packed edition of the daily WWE Rumor Roundup. There are some massive stories to cover today, and it all begins with one of the most prominent developments in the world of wrestling - Mark Henry's shocking AEW debut.
We have some details regarding the stunning AEW signing and what the WWE Hall of Famer is expected to do in Tony Khan's company.
A WWE Hall of Famer opened up on why he never faced The Undertaker and raised questions about The Deadman possibly having issues with the dream match coming to fruition.
A veteran superstar also revealed how Vince McMahon's prediction of a legendary talent came true. A former WWE star also spoke about his issues with JBL, and we must say the revelations are pretty explosive in nature.
The roundup also features information on how Dominik Mysterio was provided with the option to reject an important match.
On that note, let's take a look at each story in detail in the latest WWE Rumor Roundup:
#5 Details on WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry's AEW signing
WWE Legend Mark Henry made an unforeseen appearance at AEW's Double or Nothing pay-per-view, confirming one of the most surprising signings in recent memory. Henry was always considered a WWE-lifer, but the professional wrestling landscape isn't how it used to be several years ago.
During the post-Double or Nothing press conference, Tony Khan opened up about AEW's latest high-profile acquisition and how it all came about happening.
Tony Khan and Mark Henry are good friends who have known each other for quite a long time. The 50-year-old veteran recently informed Tony Khan that he was available to do business, and their friendship led to a professional agreement.
Mark Henry will be an analyst on AEW's upcoming Rampage show, but the respected wrestler will also be a coach to the younger talent in the company.
Mark Henry has always been viewed as a fantastic talent scout, and his experience will also benefit many wrestlers in AEW.
"Mark Henry and I are friends. Mark told me he was available and to do things that I would be really interested in doing. I thought that would be really interesting because he's not only a good friend but a really respected person in the wrestling business. A great wrestler, a great mind, a great scout, and a great analyst in wrestling. "He gives his opinions on the radio, but he provides great scouting reports, and he really has helped mentor a lot of wrestlers in addition to being a great wrestling mind. I think he could be not only a great on-air personality but a great backstage influence. He's a great friend and person, so it's just great to have Mark in the AEW family, and it was great to announce it on such a special show," said Tony Khan. (H/t Fightful)
Mark Henry has been teasing an in-ring return over the past few months, and he could also wrestle for All Elite Wrestling if everything falls into place.
Chris Jericho did mention his desire to see Henry perform inside the AEW ring, and it would be interesting to see whether the management allows the "World's Strongest Man" to have another match or two.
#4 The Godfather reveals Vince McMahon's WWE prediction about The Rock came true
The Rock's rise, not just in the WWE, but the entire world of showbiz, has been genuinely mercurial, and John Cena is probably the only person to come close to Dwayne Johnson.
The Rock is now one of the most recognizable personalities in the world, but there was a time in The Great One's career when everything looked bleak. The Rock debuted as the overly enthusiastic babyface, Rocky Maivia, and the crowd didn't like what they saw.
Vince McMahon, however, was confident of The Great One's prospects as a top guy. The Godfather recently appeared on Stone Cold Steve Austin's "Broken Skull Sessions" show, where he revealed what Vince McMahon told him and Ron Simmons backstage about The Rock.
Vince McMahon allegedly approached Godfather and Simmons and predicted that The Rock would become one of the 'biggest things wrestling ever saw.' McMahon knew that a heel turn would unlock The Brahma Bull's true potential, and it was a masterstroke of a decision from WWE in 1997.
"He says, 'Do you know who Dwayne Johnson is?'" The Godfather recalled. "I did not know who he was. Ron did. Ron was like, 'Yeah, I know, man.' He said, 'Well, we brought him in as Rocky Maivia.' I think his name was [Rocky Maivia]? He says, 'And the people s*** on him.' He says, 'This time, I'm gonna put him in The Nation. When I get people to hate this kid, when I turn him, he's gonna be one of the biggest things wrestling ever saw.' That's what Vince told us." H/t Danny Hart of Sportskeeda Wrestling
The Rock is quite possibly the biggest star WWE has ever created, and it all came down to WWE Boss' immense faith in The Brahma Bull's abilities as a performer.
#3 Sting on why The Undertaker match never happened in WWE, speculates on whether The Deadman had issues
The Undertaker vs. Sting will go down as one of the greatest missed opportunities in WWE and wrestling history. Why didn't the company pull the trigger on one of the most requested matches of all time?
Even Sting is a confused man regarding the oft-repeated question! The Icon recently spoke to Paste Magazine and brought up the possibility of Undertaker refusing to work with him.
Sting noted that he honestly didn't know why WWE stayed away from the match. The Hall of Famer questioned whether Mark Calaway himself snubbed the opportunity to have the bout.
The WCW Icon added that he never had any issues with The Undertaker, and he has a lot of respect for the WWE Legend.
"No. No. To this day, I honestly don't know. I don't even know; it could be Taker. Maybe Taker just never really wanted to work with me. Maybe they brought it up, and he kind of snubbed his nose and said he didn't really want to do that. For whatever reason, even though Taker and I have always gotten along great. I don't think he has issues with me; I certainly don't have any issues with him. I just have a great amount of respect for him. But I have no idea why that match never happened," said Sting.
Until Vince McMahon himself comes out and reveals the reason himself, we probably will never know why The Undertaker vs. Sting never got greenlit by the company.
#2 Rey Mysterio reveals that Dominik had the offer to reject a huge WWE match
Rey and Dominik Mysterio are enjoying a highly emotional reign as the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions, and it all ties along well with the development of the 24-year-old superstar.
Dominik Mysterio made his professional wrestling debut at last year's SummerSlam against Seth Rollins, and as expected, it was a nervy night for the Mysterio family.
Rey Mysterio was a guest on Ryan Satin's Out of Character podcast, and the WWE Legend revealed that his son had the option to pass up on a massive SummerSlam debut.
Rey Mysterio personally didn't feel Dominik was ready to debut on the SummerSlam stage against a former WWE champion like Seth Rollins. While WWE officials wanted Rollins vs. Dominik, the star was asked whether he was fully ready to wrestle.
Dominik Mysterio took the challenge like a true champion, and he certainly didn't disappoint when it came down to business.
"I personally didn't think he was ready, so I let him make his choice," Rey Mysterio said. "I said, 'Dom, this is what they [WWE's decision-makers] want to happen. Are you good, or do you wanna say no?' He's like, 'Nah, dad, I'm ready, I'll do it.' So I was like, 'Woah.' You can only imagine the level of nerves and stress I had during that time." H/t Danny Hart of Sportskeeda Wrestling
Dominik Mysterio's career progression has been steady, and he presently finds himself in a perfect spot on the blue brand alongside his iconic father.
#1 Marc Mero opens up about his past issues with JBL in the WWE
JBL is one of those names in the WWE that has always had a questionable reputation. While his humanitarian and non-profit activities are commendable, JBL has also been accused of bullying and backstage hazing over the years,
Former WWE and WCW star Marc Mero sat down for an interview with James' Wrestling Shoot Interviews, where he spoke about his past problems with JBL.
Mero admitted that he never got along with the former WWE Champion and bluntly stated that he was a bully when they worked together. However, Mero's relationship with JBL changed as time passed, and he noted that they are now friends.
Mero and JBL faced each other on countless occasions in WWE during the 90s, and they just couldn't stand each other. Time was indeed the best healer in the scenario as Mero and JBL later buried their differences.
"At the time, one guy I never got along with was Bradshaw. Here's the thing, he was a bully, mean to people, and before I tell you the story, I just want to tell you that he is such a great guy now. What he does for humanity and these kids in other countries, I can't say enough great things about him. I'm honored to call him a friend now. I mean, two guys who couldn't stand each other, we both have compassion for other people, we help a lot of people," said Marc Mero.
Mero noted that the hate between him and JBL was as real as they come, and its effects were felt during matches. According to Mero, JBL legitimately tried to hurt him when they wrestled each other on the road for the WWE.
"To get back to the story where I did hate him, and he hated me, I tell you what when he wrestled each other on the road, and he would give me a powerbomb, it was almost like he was trying to put me through the mat, through the ring, through the wood," added Mero. "He would try to hurt me, and you know, I was always a tough guy, so I was not afraid. When I found out I was going to fight him at Brawl For All, I was really excited." H/t Pratyay Ghosh of Sportskeeda Wrestling
JBL is not the same person he was more than a decade ago, and Marc Mero's story is just one of the many examples that prove the positive transformation.