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Welcome back to another exciting edition of WWE Rumor Roundup.
Today's compilation includes huge updates on Cody Rhodes' potential return to Vince McMahon's promotion and the big surprises planned for WrestleMania 38. Additionally, there could be a bizarre addition to the big match at Elimination Chamber.
Here, we look at some of the biggest rumors that have dominated WWE headlines over the last 24 hours. So, without further ado, let's begin.
#5 Backstage plans for Cody Rhodes' big WWE return
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Cody Rhodes and his wife Brandi Rhodes have left All Elite Wrestling. As soon as the news was made public, several fans started speculating about Cody's return to WWE.
The latest reports suggest that Vince McMahon wants The American Nightmare back in his promotion and plans to give him a huge push. He is seemingly going to be a great deal as McMahon loves the idea of signing his rival promotion's co-founder and EVP.
Wade Keller of PWTorch said their deal is in the works.
"Cody and WWE haven't confirmed it but Cody is going to WWE and he's going to get a big push. Vince McMahon is going to treat this as a big deal. Everybody I talked to thinks Vince loves the idea of acquiring a co-founder and EVP and, you know, main event wrestler," said Keller.
Many were curious about Brandi Rhodes' future since the couple's AEW exit. Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated has stated that she won't be accompanying her husband in his return to his former company. Although she is still determined to win gold in wrestling, it is uncertain if her future will be in WWE.
"Per multiple sources, Brandi Rhodes is not expected to join her husband in WWE. This is not to imply her wrestling career is over, as Rhodes just revealed to SI that she is determined to win championship gold in wrestling. Obviously, that won't happen any time soon in AEW, but she could still wrestle elsewhere. And after working as AEW's chief brand officer, the talented Rhodes will continue to find success wherever she goes," reported Justin Barrasso.
Multiple sources have stated that Cody Rhodes is expected to make his way back to WWE after six years. There are several huge feuds that await him in the company, including Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
If the aforementioned deal goes through, he would be the first AEW star to join WWE, which would be a huge deal considering he was the brains behind creating the global juggernaut's biggest rival in the pro-wrestling business.
#4 When will Cody Rhodes appear on WWE television?
As per the reports, WWE has already set tentative dates for Cody Rhodes' big return.
According to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, the company might start filming segments for his return at the Performance Center this weekend. Unless there's a big match for Cody at WrestleMania, he is expected to appear on the first episode of RAW after The Show of Shows.
"As for what happens next with Cody, it's important to remember that this is the pro wrestling business. Were this part of a major swerve—a modern-day Brian Pillman duping WCW to sign with WWE—and Rhodes remains with AEW, it would be a massive story. But that is extremely unlikely. Every indication is that his next destination is WWE, potentially even as soon as filming segments at the Performance Center this weekend. And while Rhodes would add value to this year's WrestleMania, he would also be a major reveal on the Raw immediately following' Mania," Barrasso reported.
Cody Rhodes reportedly left AEW due to financial disputes. If he is to re-sign a deal with WWE, then it would undoubtedly take a lot, both in terms of money and on-screen booking, to bring back the former champion.
#3 Stone Cold Steve Austin to potentially face legend at WrestleMania 38
As per the latest rumors, Stone Cold Steve Austin is set to return for a big match at WrestleMania 38. Several outlets have claimed that he will likely face Kevin Owens at The Show of Shows.
However, recent discussions have also hinted towards Austin facing Hall of Famer Goldberg. Andrew Zarian discussed the topic at length on We're Live Pal and said:
"Now is the time. For Austin vs. Goldberg, let us suffer through this, okay? I'm okay with this. I'm fine. I don't even want the match to be good. I don't want it to be anything. I have zero expectations. If Dave gives it a DUD, I'm still happy because it finally happened. I don't think it would be a negative, I think just the sheer excitement, you know, from people would be enough. Now the big story is how can Austin bump? Does he want to? Who's going to protect him?"
"I mean, if he's brawling then great, I think he'll do a great job. Him and Goldberg could do a quick five to seven-minute thing and you got it out of the way and now you have that footage forever."
It is worth noting that the two legends have never locked horns in a singles match before. For now, Goldberg is focusing on his upcoming Universal Championship match against Roman Reigns at the upcoming Elimination Chamber premium live event scheduled to take place this Saturday.
#2 WWE planning another huge return for WrestleMania
Vince McMahon's promotion is reportedly planning to bring back another big name for WrestleMania this year.
Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that the company wants to add another surprise involving someone who is as big as Stone Cold Steve Austin. While there's been no confirmation regarding the potential names, another surprise could very well be in store for the mega event.
Meltzer speculated that the company could bring back Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, or The Undertaker since they are planning to book a huge return for someone who is of "Steve Austin's stature."
He added that The Rock is busy during WrestleMania this year, and John Cena has other commitments scheduled for the same time.
#1 Bizarre stipulation to be added to tag team match at WWE Elimination Chamber
The latest reports suggest that the upcoming tag team match at Elimination Chamber featuring Ronda Rousey will see a bizarre stipulation being added to the bout. Rousey is set to team up with Naomi to take on SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair and Sonya Deville at the upcoming premium live event.
As per the latest update on PWInsider, The Baddest Woman on the Planet might have to compete in the match with one hand tied behind her back. The report claims the following about the stipulation being added to her match at Elimination Chamber:
"Ronda Rousey will wrestle with one arm behind her back at the WWE Elimination Chamber this Saturday 2/19, PWInsider.com has confirmed. Rousey and Naomi will be wrestling Charlotte Flair and Sonya Deville at the event in Saudi Arabia. The stipulation will be revealed as part of this Friday's Smackdown episode, which was taped last week in New Orleans. Friday's Smackdown episode will feature an in-ring contract signing between the two teams."
Royal Rumble 2022 winner Ronda Rousey picked Charlotte Flair as her WrestleMania opponent. She intends to dethrone the women's champion of the blue brand.
On the other hand, Naomi has been involved in a long-term feud with Sonya Deville on SmackDown. Thus, the upcoming tag team match is expected to mark the end of one big rivalry and the beginning of another.
