WWE News & Rumor Roundup: Two big names removed from internal roster, Star rejects offer to return, Real reason why Jeff Hardy got released, Goldberg to AEW? (10th December 2021)

Welcome back to another stacked edition of the WWE News & Rumor Roundup, where we list all the biggest stories coming out of Vince McMahon's company.

Jeff Hardy's WWE release has been the most trending topic in wrestling circles, and more details on the shocking WWE exit have now come to light.

Two big stars have officially been removed from WWE's internal roster sheets as their WWE contracts recently ended. We also have a big update on Goldberg's WWE future and whether he can jump ship to AEW.

A top superstar also rejected the company's offer to return and wrestle and, as things stand, she could end up working for another company.

The roundup can't be complete without news regarding Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar's ongoing feud, and we have details regarding the finish of their upcoming Day 1 match.

On that note, here's the latest WWE News & Rumor Roundup:

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#5. Johnny Gargano and Kyle O'Reilly have been removed from WWE's internal roster

Johnny Gargano and Kyle O'Reilly are now officially free agents as the former NXT stars chose not to renew their WWE contracts.

PWInsider reported that the NXT stalwarts had been removed from WWE's internal roster sheet. Additionally, Gargano and O'Reilly don't have non-compete clauses and can immediately wrestle outside the WWE if they wish to.

Here's what PWInsider revealed:

WWE removed Johnny Gargano and Kyle O'Reilly from their roster internally this afternoon as each talents existing deals have expired. As of today they are both free agents and can wrestle anywhere they wish.

Fightful Select recently reported that Gargano chose not to re-sign with WWE despite the company's repeated attempts to extend his run. Gargano was involved in an emotional farewell segment on NXT where he addressed his future and cut a heart-wrenching promo about his time in the black-and-gold brand.

Gargano and O'Reilly were the pillars of NXT for several years, and the belief is that they could both be on their way to AEW.

Regarding Gargano, the former NXT champion had an amicable split from WWE as company officials hope to work with him again in the future.

#4. Kairi Sane rejected WWE's offer to return

Kairi Sane has removed all WWE references from her social media handles as her WWE contract has officially expired. In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that WWE wanted Sane to return and wrestle for the company, but she turned down the proposal.

The former NXT Women's Champion had no intentions of living in the United States again, and she was also not too keen on traveling back-and-forth due to the COVID-19 protocols:

"Kairi Sane's contract has expired. WWE wanted to renew her deal and have her return and wrestle, but she didn't want to live in the U.S., And with COVID, the travel back-and-forth isn't going to work right now," stated Dave Meltzer.

Sane has not wrestled a match since July 2020 as she worked as WWE's Brand Ambassador in Japan during her time away from the ring.

Sane, however, is reportedly interested in wrestling again, and Stardom is one of the companies that want to secure her in-ring services. The 33-year-old superstar and Stardom have not committed to any plans just yet, but that could change soon.

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#3. Backstage News on Jeff Hardy's WWE release

Jeff Hardy was released from the WWE after he experienced an unusually rough night at a recent Live Event.

Dave Meltzer reported in the Newsletter that Jeff Hardy refused WWE's request to go to rehab, and his decision led to officials cutting him from the roster. The Charismatic Enigma was fully aware that he would be fired if he turned down WWE's offer to check into rehab.

WWE was left with no option but to release Jeff Hardy, who was said to have vanished during last week's house show match. Hardy teamed up with Drew McIntyre and King Woods, and the babyfaces emerged victorious in the main event against The Bloodline.

Jeff Hardy, however, disappeared into the crowd after he tagged out to Drew McIntyre, and he did not return even after the win. It was noted that Hardy was seen running around the ring before the bout, posing for photos with fans, which is something wrestlers are supposed to do after the matches.

Jeff Hardy seemed fine during the early stages as he sold without any problems until the hot tag. Hardy left the ring, and it was reported that Drew McIntyre even informed the crowd about his missing partner during the post-match celebrations.

The former WWE champion was sent home from the live event and was later removed from the lineup for the Corpus Christi show.

Jeff Hardy will be a free agent in March 2022 following the completion of his non-compete clause, and it seems like a significant issue could prevent him from signing with AEW.

#2. WWE has planned a big finish for Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar

Roman Reigns will defend the WWE Universal Championship against Brock Lesnar in a few weeks at the Day 1 event. As expected, WWE officials hope to extend the program even further as a big finish has reportedly been chalked up for the highly-anticipated title match.

Dave Meltzer revealed that the upcoming showdown is designed to have a major finish that could open the door for another rematch. WWE wants a massive marquee match for WrestleMania 38, and the final bout in the feud could be saved up for the company's biggest pay-per-view.

"At this point, Reigns vs. Lesnar is scheduled to be a match designed to have a big finish that would leave people wanting a rematch, which at this point would be the WrestleMania main event," said Meltzer

WWE has thankfully done a tremendous job building up Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar's storyline, and their Day 1 match should just be another chapter in a lengthy yet compelling rivalry.

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#1. Update on Goldberg's WWE status and whether AEW will consider signing him

Goldberg last appeared for WWE at Crown Jewel, where he put on a surprisingly solid match against Bobby Lashley. As things stand, the former Universal Champion has one match left on his WWE contract.

Dave Meltzer says that fans should not expect to see Goldberg in AEW as Tony Khan might not match what WWE is paying the veteran superstar.

It was noted that AEW does not have the 'Saudi windfall money,' which essentially funds Goldberg's current WWE deal.

Here's what was reported regarding Goldberg's status:

"The biggest name deal up is Goldberg, who has one match on his deal. His deal is huge money for only a couple of matches a year, and I believe no-cut as well. It's a deal that I can't see making sense for AEW to compete with because they don't have the Saudi windfall money that carries his deal." said Meltzer

It will be interesting to see if Goldberg chooses to extend his contract with WWE. WWE would certainly have massive plans for his final match, but what could they be? Let us know your predictions in the comments section below. We'll catch you in the next edition of the daily WWE News & Rumor Roundup.