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The recent spree of releases has affected WWE NXT the most, and the latest backstage notes from the black-and-gold brand don't sound all that good. Today's lineup has covered details of backstage politics and how they have impacted Triple H's standing in the company.
Elsewhere, it has also been revealed that Vince McMahon was not a fan of a top superstar, which resulted in the talent's surprising exit from the company.
We also have the latest updates on Becky Lynch's in-ring return and the ongoing preparations for the highly-anticipated event.
#5. Updates on Adam Cole's WWE status and the possibility of going to AEW
Adam Cole's short-term WWE contract will expire during SummerSlam weekend, and the company is reportedly making massive efforts to re-sign the former NXT Champion.
Dave Meltzer confirmed previous reports of Vince McMahon's meeting with Adam Cole and noted that it went well. However, as things stand, Cole is yet to decide on his long-term future and has not signed a new contract.
In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Meltzer reported that discussions between WWE and Adam Cole were ongoing, and the promotion was eager to retain his services.
However, there is also a perception that with Adam Cole's contract coming to an end, he could go to AEW at the same time as CM Punk and Daniel Bryan.
While Tony Khan has denied offering Cole a contract, Meltzer stated that AEW and WWE were the only viable destinations for the Panama City Playboy.
"Adam Cole met with Vince McMahon on 8/6 in Tampa before the show. The meeting was said to have gone well and the writing team was told to come up with scenarios for him. As of the latest word, he hadn't decided on what he was going to do. From a WWE standpoint, there are discussions ongoing and they really want to keep him. There is also the perception issue because with a contract expiring, Cole could leave and start on AEW television in a few weeks and the idea of Punk, Danielson and Cole all starting at the same time could give AEW a huge boost," reported Meltzer.
WWE is trying to get Cole to sign a fresh deal, but there is also apparent concern over the possibility of him joining Tony Khan's company.
#4. Backstage politics reportedly affecting Triple H's standing in WWE
WWE NXT's failure to beat AEW in the Wednesday Night wars has reportedly brought about a significant change in the company. As reported by Dave Meltzer in the Newsletter, some people within WWE are trying to undermine Triple H.
The NXT boss has allegedly been blamed backstage for NXT falling short in the TV ratings battle. There is a power struggle behind the scenes as people fear losing their jobs once Triple H comes to power on the main roster.
Here's what Meltzer revealed:
"It's largely based on what was said to be a new company directive for the product and a behind-the-scenes power struggle involving those who fear for their positions if and when Levesque takes over and thus want to undermine him, and those who support Levesque," said Meltzer.
Triple H's powers have been curtailed in recent times, and the releases of NXT talent make it even more evident.
#3. Triple H and Shawn Michaels were unaware of WWE NXT releases
NXT suffered the most due to recent budget cuts as several promising wrestlers were released from their contracts.
Meltzer added that Triple H and Shawn Michaels weren't informed about who would get cut ahead of time. The names were reportedly picked by Vince McMahon, Bruce Prichard and John Laurinaitis, and neither HBK nor Triple H had any say in the matter.
Michaels and HHH came to know about the releases after Laurinaitis began making phone calls to the released stars.
"Those in NXT said that not only did Paul Levesque, who runs NXT, nor Shawn Michaels have a say in the cuts, but they weren't even aware of them until after Laurinaitis started calling the talent," Meltzer stated.
Backstage issues revolving around Triple H could have far-reaching consequences as they are already hurting many recent WWE main roster call-ups.
#2. The reason why Vince McMahon greenlit Bronson Reed's WWE release
Bronson Reed's name was not expected to pop up on the list of outgoing WWE NXT talent. He had recently held the NXT North American title and was also prominently pushed by Triple H and co.
Dave Meltzer has revealed that Vince McMahon 'decided against' Bronson Reed after watching the superstar's tryout matches. Reed's performance did not impress Vince McMahon, who felt that keeping a superstar with no main roster potential was futile.
It was added that the releases of Tyler Rust, Bobby Fish and Mercedes Martinez were also because of Vince McMahon's perception that they would not be significant names on the main roster.
"Those internally said that when Reed got his tryout matches in recent weeks, that McMahon decided against him, and felt that if he's not going to be on the main roster, what is the point of keeping him," revealed Meltzer.
Bronson Reed had good momentum during his final NXT days, and if you haven't seen it already, he has dropped teasers regarding his next move on social media.
#1. Big news on Becky Lynch's WWE return and in-ring training
As WWE approaches it's most important event of the year, rumors of Becky Lynch's current status continue to grow in numbers.
Fightful Select's latest report states that Becky Lynch is ready and the assumption is that she will be back this summer. The former RAW Women's Champion has been training and was also spotted doing in-ring drills with Seth Rollins at the Black and Brave Academy.
A source close to the situation revealed that it was only a matter of time before 'The Man' showed up on WWE programming.
While Fightful didn't provide an exact date, a recent PWInsider report revealed that Becky Lynch is slated to be in Las Vegas for SummerSlam.
However, it should be noted that the Irish star has been backstage at multiple shows of late and has not been used. WWE officials are secretive about Becky Lynch's return, which is an unsurprising development as she is one of the biggest draws across the company.
Are you hyped for Becky Lynch's WWE return? What are your thoughts on Triple H's situation in the company? Share them in the comments section!
