Welcome to another edition of the WWE Rumor Roundup where we try and bring the latest rumors from the world of WWE. There are some major changes expected to come to NXT and one of them would likely be Triple H's involvement in the brand going forward.
We will take a look at what the future may hold for The Game and NXT's future. Apart from that, this article will take a look at a big return that is expected backstage. The former champion has been missing for weeks and could be making a comeback soon.
With the return of Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, WWE is also planning a major change in Roman Reigns' rumored match against The Rock at WrestleMania 38. So without further ado, let's dive in and check out the big stories:
#5 Roman Reigns might face former WWE Champion Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38
WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns was allegedly set to face The Rock at WrestleMania 38 next year. However, as per Dave Meltzer of The Observer, plans have changed now and he could be facing his arch-rival Brock Lesnar on the show instead.
Meltzer noted that Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock may not be free at the time of WrestleMania 38 and WWE may prolong the program between Reigns and Lesnar to culminate at the greatest show of them all.
“[Lesnar] being brought back was a reaction to Punk,” Meltzer said. “That’s what it was because it was a last minute call. I’m presuming today that [Lesnar vs. Reigns is for] next year’s WrestleMania. That’s what I’m presuming today because Dwayne Johnson is probably not – you know, that’s up to Dwayne Johnson, I mean next year’s WrestleMania. When he wants to wrestle and when his schedule is cleared, that’s when he’s gonna wrestle.” (h/t WrestlingNews.co)
Brock Lesnar returned to WWE at SummerSlam and confronted The Tribal Chief. While fans had hoped for him to be present at last week's SmackDown, The Beast Incarnate was not. It can be assumed that with just a few dates on his new contract, Lesnar will be saved for big appearances.
#4 More NXT Superstars to be released by WWE
WWE NXT was Triple H's brainchild and The Game has been credited with creating a niche product. However, that is set to change with NXT's upcoming rebranding.
It has been noted that some big changes will be coming to NXT as the focus will move from indie talent to bigger and younger superstars.
As per Dave Meltzer of The Observer, Vince McMahon will have a bigger role to play in NXT along with Triple H. He will be aided by RAW and SmackDown Executive Director Bruce Prichard. He also says that more superstars from NXT could be on the 'chopping block'.
“I’ve heard names on the chopping block and you don’t know until it happens but I’ve definitely heard names. A lot of the guys who have been there for a long time, those are the names that have been talked about,” said Meltzer.
#4 The Miz was not present backstage at WWE RAW
As previously reported, Vince McMahon tore up the script of RAW last-minute and rewrote the entire show. Surprisingly, the two big names in The Miz and Alexa Bliss were not a part of this week's RAW.
While Bliss has stated that she was present backstage at RAW, The Miz was reportedly not present for the RAW taping as per PWInsider (via CSS).
Miz was not backstage at Raw on Monday night, according to Insider. There’s no word on why he missed the show.
Former WWE Champion The Miz is currently involved in a feud with his former best friend John Morrison after he attacked his friend last week on RAW.
#2 Sasha Banks set to return soon to WWE
The Boss Sasha Banks has not been seen in WWE for weeks. She was set to face Bianca Belair for the SmackDown Women's Championship at SummerSlam. However, she was pulled from the show as she wasn't cleared to compete. Her absence resulted in Becky Lynch replacing her at the last minute and capturing the SmackDown Women's title.
PWInsider.com reported that the hope is that Banks will return to the road for the company the weekend of 9/10, which would be the Super Smackdown taping in New York City at Madison Square Garden.
It was also said that while her return isn't confirmed 100%, the expectation is that The Boss will return ahead of the SmackDown SuperShow at MSG. It was also reported that Banks was not present backstage for last week's SmackDown tapings.
#1 Details on brawl between Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax on WWE RAW
Charlotte Flair faced Nia Jax on WWE RAW this week. However, the match did not go as planned as the two men started hitting each other with stiff shots in what looked like a shoot fight.
PWInsider has reported that the two women did go off-script and were involved in a legit brawl during their match due to a miscommunication.
A communication problem led to real punches and slaps being thrown. However, it is said that there was no heat between the two women backstage as their temper had already cooled off by the time the match got over.