Welcome to the latest edition of the daily WWE Rumor Roundup, where we aim to bring you the most prominent updates from the world of sports entertainment. In today's edition, we will examine exciting stories revolving around multi-time champions like Brock Lesnar, Cody Rhodes, and Drew McIntyre.
Cody Rhodes defeated Brock Lesnar in a 'fluke' fashion at Backlash by converting Lesnar's Kimura lock into a pin. The Beast Incarnate returned to RAW this week and cost Rhodes a chance to become the World Heavyweight Champion. We will take a look at why the company allowed blood in their match at Backlash.
#3. Drew McIntyre is frustrated with WWE
Since the WrestleMania 39 season, Drew McIntyre has been a hot topic in the world of professional wrestling due to rumors about his contract status and his future. According to a recent report from Fightful Select, it appears that McIntyre may be experiencing frustration with the company at the moment.
“There was said to have been frustration and several situations of not being on the same page with WWE. McIntyre, who is usually told about Draft plans ahead of time, was one of several left out of the loop until he was announced as a Raw talent on television. There have been several perceived miscommunications between Drew and the company over the past couple of years.”
According to the report, Drew McIntyre has been cautious about embracing significant creative alterations unless they are logical. There have been rumors that he was pitched to become a heel when he returned to television, but he was hesitant. Despite his apparent dissatisfaction, it is important to note that McIntyre has apparently been dealing with injuries and discomfort for the past few months, but he persevered to help elevate Gunther and Sheamus at WrestleMania 39.
#2. Backstage shock when Roderick Strong left the company and joined AEW
The April 26 episode of Dynamite left the wrestling community stunned as Roderick Strong unexpectedly appeared to assist Adam Cole, Orange Cassidy, and Bandido during their attack by the Jericho Appreciation Society.
Strong's appearance was so unexpected as he was still featured on WWE's roster page when he showed up on Dynamite. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported that there was shock backstage when they saw him on AEW.
''Almost nobody in WWE knew Strong’s contract was up, even though it was long ago, and were shocked when he was on the show. He was also kept hidden backstage so the word wouldn’t get out ahead of time''
According to PWInsider, Roderick Strong's WWE contract had already expired in November 2022. However, since he was a member of the NXT brand and allowed his contract to lapse, it was not widely reported by major news outlets.
#1. Backstage details on blood being used in Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar
The American Nightmare and The Beast Incarnate squared off in a brutal match at Backlash. The match saw Lesnar cut himself open and bleed profusely during the match. Since switching to PG-13, the company has not been keen on superstars bleeding in a match. However, as per Dave Meltzer, Lesnar's cut at Backlash was pre-planned:
"The blood with Brock Lesnar vs. Cody Rhodes was attempted and not an accident. Lesnar is allowed to do that although blading, which is far safer then smashing your forehead hard into steel to get blood, is not allowed in WWE."
Despite many thinking that the former Universal Champion had bladed, he had gotten cut after his forehead was slammed into an open ring post. Blood in a WWE match is a rare sight, however, it only added to the intensity between Rhodes and Lesnar at Backlash.