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We are back with another exciting edition of the WWE News Roundup. Today, we have interesting stories involving some of the biggest names in the business, top superstars discussing the talents who will be the future of the company, as well as lesser-known responsibilities of being in the spotlight.
Here, we look at some of the biggest stories that have dominated headlines over the last 24 hours. So, without further ado, let's begin.
#6 Why Roman Reigns apologized to AEW star after an appearance on WWE RAW
AEW star Ricky Starks once appeared on WWE television as an extra. Back in 2018, he was part of a segment on RAW that featured Roman Reigns. Starks played a US Marshall who was entrusted with the job of arresting Reigns.
He recalled the incident during a recent interview and revealed that Roman Reigns had to hit him hard because his hands were cuffed. He further stated that The Tribal Chief apologized to him backstage right after the segment even though he felt that there was no need for the same. Starks spoke highly of Reigns and said:
"So I went there, showed up, talked to Roman (Reigns). Everything was cool, he had to put these cuffs on, and they were really tight, and he goes, 'hey man, I can't do anything when I got my hands cuffed, so sorry ahead of time.' "And man, I went to grab him (imitates how he grabbed Reigns) like that to come out of the ring, and he woah (imitates how Reigns hit him very hard), and I said, 'oh okay.' Get in the corner, and he starts stomping the s— out of him. But he was a really great guy because afterward, he apologized," said Ricky Starks.
Roman Reigns did not appear on SmackDown last week, but he will return this coming Friday. He is currently involved in a feud with Brock Lesnar on the blue brand and will defend his title against The Beast Incarnate at the Day 1 pay-per-view.
#5 Jeff Hardy breaks silence after his WWE release
WWE legend Jeff Hardy was released earlier this week. He recently made an appearance in a video alongside his brother and AEW star Matt Hardy.
The iconic tag team revealed details about the new Twitch stream, and The Charismatic Enigma also made his first appearance on the same. He teased a big tag team match alongside his brother.
"Jeff Hardy said on Matt’s twitch stream that he would love to do an Ultimate Deletion tag match with Matt Hardy one day," wrote a viewer.
One of the listeners noted that Jeff Hardy was listening to "Release me" during Matt Hardy's Twitch stream.
Backstage details surrounding the former's WWE release suggested that he was sent back from a live event and refused to take upon the promotion's offer to seek help. Matt Hardy later insisted that his brother is, in fact, doing well and that there is no cause for concern.
#4 Mick Foley highlights released WWE star's potential
WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley named recently released superstar AJ Francis, aka Top Dolla, as "money." The former SmackDown star was part of popular NXT stable Hit Row.
Unfortunately, the entire group was released shortly after their main roster debut. Foley noted that Francis has a lot of potential and praised him for his charismatic persona.
"I'll name out AJ Francis. To me, AJ was money," Foley stated. "Big powerful guy, a wealth of charisma, he's got he's an album out. I asked AJ if WWE took issue with some of the lyrics. AJ has got some strong opinions; he's a proud black man; he makes that case known with his lyrics. I think it's a grit album; he has an incredible knack for putting words together, great promo guy."
Mick Foley also drew examples from his life and revealed how Vince McMahon saw his potential during his interview. He feels that those who are currently working with development talents in WWE should also pay close attention to all types of assets that budding stars can bring to the table.
#3 Charlotte Flair hails top superstar as future of WWE Women's Division
Charlotte Flair recently hailed old rival Rhea Ripley as the future of the women's division. The Queen mentioned several superstars who deserve the attention and two named whom she would like to face.
However, she believes that The Nightmare is still the one who will dominate the women's division in the years to come.
"I just had a match with Shotzi – it was awesome," said Charlotte Flair. "Actually," the fan reaction was what made me so excited for it. They're trying to see new talent. I had an opportunity to face Doudrop; that was awesome. I know Zelina, and I will face each other down the road. Liv Morgan. It's just a matter of bringing new people up from NXT and having the audience get to know them. It just takes time. And it takes going back on tour, and live events, to do that. I'm so prI'm of Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair. They have come so far, and they're going to go further. I truly believe Rhea is the future face of the women's division."
Charlotte Flair is currently involved in a feud with Toni Storm on SmackDown. The latter made multiple attempts to finally get a title match out of Flair, and the two might now be headed towards a championship battle at the Day 1 pay-per-view.
On the other hand, Rhea Ripley recently lost the Women's Tag Team Championships. Both her and Nikki A.S.H. are currently feuding with newly-crowned champions Queen Zelina and Carmella, hoping to get a title rematch sooner rather than later.
#2 Big E reveals the lesser-known parts about being the WWE Champion
WWE Champion Big E has opened up about his personal experiences since winning the title. E revealed that he has been busy with work obligations every day since getting his hands on the championship.
Despite the hectic schedule, the New Day member is enjoying his current run and wants to make the most of this incredible opportunity.
"There have been some challenges," said Big E. "I've been very busy, and at this rate, I'm doing media about every other day....When I look at my calendar, we have red dots, and every day I have a red dot which means I've got a work obligation.... I didn't have my first full day off until the day before Thanksgiving. As busy as I've been, and it can be tiring and you have sleepless nights, I'm having so much fun. Doing all of these incredible things… the WWE Championship has been like a passport to me to open up all of these doors and I'm extremely grateful for that."
Big E is scheduled to put his title on the line in a fatal four-way match against Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, and Bobby Lashley at Day 1. He has been a dominant champion so far and will look to extend his reign in the coming year.
#1 Bayley hails current WWE Superstar as her new "best friend"
Bayley recently took to Twitter to hail Austin Theory as his new best friend. The latter has received a big push over the last few weeks, regularly featuring in segments alongside Vince McMahon.
The Role Model is currently out of action due to a long-term injury. Backstage speculation suggests that she is expected to return at WrestleMania, but nothing has been confirmed as of this writing.
Before moving to the sidelines, Bayley was one of the most dominant superstars on Smackdown and is expected to fight for her top spot as soon as she returns on television.
