The latest edition of the WWE News and Rumor Roundup is stacked as always, and we have some exciting stories covered today.
A former WWE star announced that he would embark on a retirement tour that would include not just matches but also seminars and stand-up comedy routines.
Ric Flair recently revealed details of Vince McMahon issuing a hefty fine on a six-time world champion.
A top talent from All Elite Wrestling teased the possibility of jumping ship to WWE once his contract expires. A rising star from RAW also spoke about his desire to retire John Cena during a recent interview.
It's been a while since fans saw The Bella Twins in the ring, but WWE might have already found replacements for the Hall of Famers.
On that note, let's go right into the news and rumor roundup:
#5. Former WWE star Eugene announces retirement tour
Eugene took to Twitter to announce that he would begin his retirement tour in 2022.
Eugene, real name Nicholas Dinsmore, is 45 years old and wrestled in his last match in October earlier this year. The former WWE Tag Team Champion issued the following statement regarding his retirement:
"Eugene has begun his retirement tour! Last Call! One last time," Eugene revealed. "There are select dates available so book Eugene ASAP for pro wrestling matches, seminars/match psychology, and also stand-up Comedy. Contact today by email: EugeneNickDinsmore@Gmail.com"'
Eugene has begun his retirement tour! Last Call! One last time! There are select dates available so book Eugene ASAP for pro wrestling matches, seminars/match psychology, and also stand-up Comedy.
— Eugene Nick Dinsmore (@UGeneDinsmore) December 10, 2021
Contact today by email: EugeneNickDinsmore@Gmail.com pic.twitter.com/Sb2MWvzRTT
Despite having a controversial on-screen character of a mentally disabled person, Eugene got over big with WWE fans during his run with the company in the mid-2000s.
He had programs with Triple H and Kurt Angle, to name a few, when he was an active WWE talent. The wrestler was released in 2007, following which he competed on the independent circuit for several years.
Eugene was briefly re-hired as an NXT coach in 2013, a stint that lasted a year until he left the promotion again. He is a popular name in wrestling circles, and we'll keep you updated on the dates of his retirement tour as and when the details emerge.
#4. Details of Vince McMahon slapping a $25,000 fine on Chris Jericho in WWE
Chris Jericho had some bloody wars during his legendary WWE run, and the current AEW star once even got in trouble with Vince McMahon over a controversial spot.
Y2J feuded with Ric Flair on a few occasions in WWE, and during one of their angles, he busted open The Nature Boy with a weapon. During this week's Wooooo Nation Uncensored podcast, Flair revealed that Jericho was fined $25,000 for the incident.
The 16-time world champion received 25 stitches as he didn't get his hands up in time to block the shot. Here's Ric Flair recalling his conversation with the WWE Chairman:
"You remember when Jericho picked up the TV monitor and hit me in the head with it? I've never put my hands up in my life, except for when it was Brody with a chair because I would just break my hands, but at least it wouldn't break my head. So I didn't put my hands up, and Jericho hit me with the chair, and I got 25 stitches. So, Vince fined Jericho $25 grand and said, 'I should fine you for letting him do it.' I said, 'Letting him do what?' He (Vince) said, 'Why didn't you bring your hands up?' I said, 'I don't know. But you should have asked me 25 years ago (laughs)."
Regarding Chris Jericho, the former AEW World Champion was recently hospitalized, and he released an important update on his health, which you can read right here.
#3. Austin Theory wants to retire WWE legend John Cena
Austin Theory has quickly risen to be one of the top prospects on RAW as he has enjoyed the rare honor of being in segments with Vince McMahon.
The former NXT star spoke to Alternative Sport and admitted that he would love to be the one to retire John Cena. Theory was asked whether he would prefer teaming up with Cena at WrestleMania or having a singles match with The Cenation Leader.
While he liked the sound of capturing the tag titles with John Cena, ending the veteran superstar's career sounded like a more attractive option for the 24-year-old superstar.
"Gosh, that's a tough one, man; they both sound amazing," said Theory. "But I think, I think for Austin Theory. Yeah, you'd have to really not "see" Cena anymore because I'd have to retire him. I'd have to do it, man."
Cena's last televised match happened at SummerSlam in 2021, where he lost to Roman Reigns in a high-profile Universal title match.
The former WWE Champion is expected to return to the company in the future, but could Austin Theory fulfill his desire to end one of the most decorated careers in WWE history?
#2. AEW's MJF teases moving to WWE
Can you identify this #AEW star? pic.twitter.com/EBRqPTQLlO
— Sportskeeda Wrestling (@SKWrestling_) December 10, 2021
Several WWE stars have recently left the company to join All Elite Wrestling, but the trend could be reversed in the near future.
MJF is one of AEW's biggest names at the moment, but he could be in the middle of a massive bidding war in 2024 when his current deal expires. The incredibly talented wrestler appeared on Throwing Down w/ Renee and Miesha, and he teased the possibility of doing business with Vince McMahon's promotion.
He mentioned The Miz, Drew McIntyre, and Roman Reigns and said he could potentially face the WWE stars if Tony Khan doesn't convince him to stay in AEW.
MJF, just like many other prominent stars, is a businessman, and he would entertain offers from WWE once his current contract ends in a few years.
"It's funny. A lot of people bring up matchups like me and The Miz, like me and Drew McIntyre, like me and Roman Reigns. Can that potentially happen if Tony Khan doesn't shell out the right type of cash? Maybe, and that's why, by the year 2024, as I've stated before, it's going to be the greatest bidding war in the history of our sport," revealed MJF. H/t WrestlingNews.co
Do you see MJF in the global juggernaut in 2024?
#1. WWE might have found the next Bella Twins
These are the athletes joining @GableSteveson in the inaugural class of #WWENIL!
— WWE Recruit (@WWERecruit) December 8, 2021
First up: @CavinderHaley, a basketball player from Fresno State! pic.twitter.com/l0hNmuUIz5
WWE announced 15 signings as part of the new NIL program, and the company may have found the next Bella Twins amongst the recruits. Haley and Hanna Cavinder were included in the inaugural class, but the 20-year-old sisters have been on the radar for quite some time now.
As reported by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE had been scouting the Cavinder twins before they were added to the NIL program. The Bella Twins' success was a significant factor in the scouts keeping a close eye on the rise of Haley and Hanna Cavinder.
The Cavinder twins already have endorsement deals and a massive following on various social media channels like TikTok and Instagram, making them ideal signings for the company. Here's an excerpt from the Newsletter:
"Both were being looked at as recruits by WWE prior to the NIL program with the idea of the success of the Bella Twins. They are currently juniors at the school. Both are 5-foot-6, and you can see that looks are part of it, but they are real top tier athletes," wrote Meltzer.
Haley's twin sister, @CavinderHanna, who also hoops for Fresno State, is joining her in the #WWENIL program! pic.twitter.com/pEldYA8wj8
— WWE Recruit (@WWERecruit) December 8, 2021
The basketball players from Fresno State University have an appealing look and come across as the complete package for professional wrestling.
However, will the apparent potential translate to mainstream success in WWE in the future? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.