We're back with another stacked edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's WWE Rumor Roundup. As expected, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan have occupied the lion's share of the news in pro wrestling circles.
The former WWE champions seem to be on their way to AEW, and we have all the latest updates regarding their futures and WWE's reactions in today's lineup.
Randy Orton's absence from WWE TV has been another widely-discussed topic, and backstage notes regarding The Viper's status have now surfaced online on time.
Vince McMahon's company is also reportedly interested in getting Braun Strowman back, and a former WWE Superstar reacted to the massive rumor. Another released talent also admitted to wanting a release from the company.
We ended the roundup on a high with all the promising details regarding the company's plans for The Rock.
On that note, here is the latest WWE Rumor Roundup:
#5. Backstage news on Randy Orton's absence from WWE TV
Randy Orton last appeared on the RAW episode of July 21st in a losing effort against John Morrison. The Legend Killer has not been seen since losing the MITB qualifying match, but his name has been mentioned every week on RAW courtesy of Matt Riddle.
Fightful Select asked about Randy Orton's status and was told that the former WWE Champion was moved to the 'disabled/inactive' list.
It should be noted that there are no issues between WWE and Randy Orton as the veteran just seemed to have needed some time off.
Randy Orton has been on the inactive list for almost a month, but the hope behind the scenes is to see him back on Monday Night RAW by August 2nd.
The report added that WWE has creative plans in place for Randy Orton and Matt Riddle through SummerSlam. However, an audible had to be called, and plans had to be changed following Randy Orton's decision to take a short break.
As of this writing, we don't know the real reason behind Randy Orton's absence, but the good news is that he will be back soon to continue his storyline with the Original Bro.
#4. Matt Cardona admits to being happy about his WWE release
Matt Cardona, aka Zack Ryder, has enjoyed a solid run since leaving WWE as he has worked for several prominent companies. Cardona spent 15 years with WWE and recently spoke about his release on Oral Sessions with Renée Paquette, which had his fiancé Chelsea Green as the guest host.
Cardona was released during the first round of budget cuts in April 2020, and the former Intercontinental Champion was hoping to be shown the door.
Matt Cardona recalled that his contract was set to expire in August, and he wasn't sure whether he wanted to stay with the WWE. The former WWE Tag Team Champion was aware of the incoming releases and wanted to be on the list of outgoing talent.
Cardona added that he lived in anxiety for a year over his contract status with WWE and was glad that the WWE release saved him from experiencing more stress. While the COVID-19 pandemic wasn't too kind on Ryder, he was happy about ending a lengthy tenure with the WWE.
Here's what Cardona had to say:
"I knew the releases were coming that day and my biggest fear was that they weren't going to release me because my contract was up in August," Cardona said. "I had not re-signed; I didn't know if I wanted to stay and go. So I was like, 'oh my god, I hope they don't not release me, and I just rot until August.' So once I saw people going, I was like, 'oh please. Please fire me!' I already had my Pro Wrestling Tees store set up. Listen, losing your dream job sucks. The paycheck coming in every week and then not coming in sucks. But it was time to go. And ultimately, the decision was made for me because I was living with anxiety for over a year negotiating this new deal. And then when the decision was made for me, it was like 'okay. It's made.'"
The former US Champion recently captured the GCW title in a brutal death match against Nick Gage and was pelted with bottles from a wild crowd. It's safe to say that the former WWE star is thriving as a heel!
#3. WWE officials feel CM Punk has already signed with AEW
It's been nearly seven years since CM Punk left WWE and retired from pro wrestling, and it feels like all the roads are finally leading to a monumental AEW signing.
As reported first by Fightful Select and later backed by various other outlets, CM Punk has been in talks with AEW regarding a possible contract.
In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer provided an update regarding the reaction on WWE's side of things.
A source from WWE told the Wrestling Observer that the general belief within the company is that CM Punk has already signed a deal with AEW.
While AEW is unlikely to confirm CM Punk's acquisition, many developments within WWE indicate that the former star's AEW debut is approaching.
Here's what Meltzer reported in the Newsletter:
With Punk, a WWE source has said that internally the belief is that Punk has signed with AEW. There are a number of things going on behind-the-scenes that would indicate that, but nobody in AEW has confirmed it, and of course, they won't until the decision is made for them to go public with something of that magnitude.
When it comes to Daniel Bryan's status, Meltzer added that AEW has been in conversation with the superstar for months. It was noted that the company with a New Japan deal was most likely to secure Daniel Bryan's signature.
Nick Khan tried to broker a deal between WWE and NJPW, which would have attracted Daniel Bryan's interest. However, as things stand, AEW seems to have a stronger relationship with New Japan, and Daniel Bryan has also reportedly made his decision.
While Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, and AEW will not confirm any deals, the debuts seem inevitable at this point.
#2. WWE has an interest in getting Braun Strowman back; former star reacts to the rumor
As reported by Dave Meltzer in the most recent Newsletter, there is apparent interest within WWE in re-signing Braun Strowman.
Meltzer added that the interest stems from AEW's recent signings of former WWE talents:
"There is interest in bringing Strowman back, especially after recent AEW signings." read the report
The latest update on Braun Strowman's future has naturally been trending all over social media, and former WWE superstar Tucker also reacted to a hilarious tweet about the developing story:
Strowman's WWE release in June earlier this year caught everyone off guard as the former Universal Champion was a top-tier talent in Vince McMahon's company. AEW's recent influx of established names seems to have forced WWE to retrace its steps and possibly get Braun Strowman back on TV.
Despite being a former WWE star, Braun Strowman recently also received new merchandise on the company's online store, hinting towards his alleged return to the company.
With Daniel Bryan and CM Punk heading to AEW, WWE would ideally want to retain the services of a former world champion in Braun Strowman. However, there are currently no updates on there being any contractual negotiations between both sides.
#1. WWE's big plans for The Rock, Roman Reigns match, expected appearances, and more
The WWE Rumor Roundup concludes with a comprehensive update on the Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment. It's easy to deduce that WWE's endgame for Roman Reigns' current run is the eventual money match against The Rock.
Adrian Zarian revealed on the Mat Men Pro Wrestling podcast that The Rock is reportedly set to appear at Survivor Series 2021. It was added that while the USA Network wants Dwayne Johnson to appear on Monday Night RAW, The Great One will also show up on SmackDown.
Zarian noted that fans should expect The Rock to 'go everywhere' as the former WWE Champion will be a focal point of the company's product.
"I can tell you, USA Network tentatively wants him on that Monday. By the way, he's gonna go everywhere. This isn't like a RAW storyline. He's going to be on everything," said Andrew Zarian.
While WWE's exact plans for The Rock's Survivor Series appearance have not been revealed, the long-term goal is to set up the Roman Reigns match.
Zarian stated that Rock vs. Reigns is currently 'soft on paper' for the main event of WrestleMania 38, which will take place on April 3rd, 2022, at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
"By the way, Rock vs Roman, that is what is soft on paper for the main event in Dallas. I mean, Dallas, 100,000 people, you need the freaking Rock," said Andrew Zarian.
How excited are you about The Rock's imminent return and a showdown against Roman Reigns? Let us know your thoughts on the update and all the other stories covered today in the comments section below.