WWE Rumors and News roundup: Top superstars react to William Regal’s release, backstage update on 2 superstars battling injury, shots fired at AJ Styles (6th January, 2022)

We are back with the daily edition of WWE Rumor and News Roundup. The last 24 hours revolved around recent releases which included some of the biggest names in NXT. Additionally, today's roundup discusses updates on two superstars who recently sustained injuries.

We also came across strong opinions from both current and former superstars that have fetched divided responses from the WWE Universe.

Here, we look at some of the biggest stories that have dominated headlines over the last few hours. So, without further ado, let's begin.

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#1 Top WWE Superstars react to William Regal's release

WWE recently released a long list of prominent names from NXT, including the brand's General Manager, William Regal. The news took everyone by surprise, and the biggest names from the pro-wrestling world took to social media in support of the beloved icon. Top superstars from the main roster reflected on their time with Regal and lauded him for his wrestling genius.

Kevin Owens shared a heart-warming message saying that he wouldn't be where he is if not for William Regal. He expressed his gratitude for all of Regal's advice and admitted that he wanted to follow in the latter's footsteps. RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch also expressed her gratitude towards Regal for giving her a chance when she was nothing.

Sasha Banks and Bayley also shared emotional messages for Regal. They both expressed their gratitude and stated that they wouldn't be where they are if it wasn't for Regal.

Edge also hailed William Regal for his work with other superstars and revealed how he helped the Rated-R Superstar during his tough times.

"William Regal is a man I hold the utmost respect for. A dear friend who always, without fail, makes me smile, and what better gift? He also made me a better, tougher performer and pulled me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to new heights. He's a real man(s) man," said Edge.

Johnny Gargano hailed his former General Manager for giving opportunities to "indie guys" and changing their careers on television. He said that although Regal would never take credit for his work, he deserves a lot of accolades for molding a generation of wrestlers on NXT.

#2 WWE Superstar Sasha Banks shares an update on her injury

Sasha Banks sustained an injury during her match against WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair at a recent live event. One of the spots in the match saw her hit the mat with unexpected force after an over-the-knee backbreaker. The Boss was in evident discomfort and Charlotte quickly ended the match after using Natural Selection to seal her victory.

The match official used the “X-sign” to summon immediate medical assistance for Sasha Banks who was then taken backstage for further inspection. The video showcasing the event garnered a lot of attention on social media as fans were worried about the popular superstar. Recent backstage reports claim that she sprained her leg which made it extremely difficult for her to carry on with the match.

Sasha Banks also took to Twitter to share an update after the incident. She insisted that she is “good” before thanking the fans for their support. Sasha Banks is currently one of the biggest babyfaces in the SmackDown Women’s Division and the strongest contender to challenge Charlotte for the championship. Could we see the two former rivals engage in another title feud moving forward?

#3 Grayson Waller criticizes WWE Superstar AJ Styles

Rising WWE Superstar Grayson Waller took a shot at AJ Styles ahead of their upcoming match on NXT. During his recent appearance on The Bump, Waller claimed The Phenomenal One is not performing at his best. He remains confident of his victory over the former world champion. Here's what he had to say about AJ Styles:

"I'm not giving away my game plan here. Are you kidding me? I'm not that silly. AJ Styles right now - he's not performing like he has in the past. This is a mental game.(...) this isn't a physical game. Next week he is gonna punch me in the face, he's gonna kick me in the head, he's gonna do all these things but at the end of the day, Grayson Waller is gonna win that match. And I'm not gonna tell you how I'm gonna do it but trust me it's gonna happen like everything else I say. It happens," said Grayson Waller.

AJ Styles and Waller began feuding after The Phenomenal One challenged Waller to an impromptu match. The two superstars are scheduled to lock horns next week in what will be Styles' first in-ring battle in NXT.

Earlier this week, AJ Styles faced his former tag team partner Omos on RAW. He ultimately lost, and the match marked the end of their alliance. Fans are now hopeful of seeing Styles being booked strongly as a singles superstar.

#4 WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Carmella reportedly working through an injury

WWE RAW Superstar Carmella is reportedly working through several nagging injuries. The Women’s Tag Team Champion has appeared regularly on the red brand and at live events over the last few weeks. However, she hasn’t actively competed inside the squared circle. As per the reports from PWInsider, she has sustained injuries in recently but hasn’t stopped working entirely.

This is why Carmella wasn't tagged in when she and Queen Zelina defended their Women’s Tag Team Championships against Rhea Ripley and Nikki A.S.H.. The Queen of the Ring took complete responsibility for the title defense and pinned Nikki to retain the tag team gold on RAW.

Backstage sources have relayed information that the superstar is determined to work through the injury and does not wish to take time off. The nature of her injuries remain unknown at the time of writing. We wish for Carmella's speedy recovery and hope that she doesn't strain herself and avoids further complications.

#5 Ric Flair criticizes Charlotte Flair's loss against WWE RAW Superstar

Ric Flair did not hold back while criticizing WWE for Charlotte Flair's loss against Nikki A.S.H. last year on RAW. He discussed the topic on his podcast and questioned the reason behind Nikki pinning Charlotte for the title. The Nature Boy feels the booking didn't accomplish anything for any of the superstars involved. Here's what he had to say:

"That night, Ashley (Charlotte) had just won the title and Nikki, after that world-class match (between Charlotte and Rhea Ripley), cross-bodied her, 1-2-3, I couldn't figure out what in God's green Earth they could possibly thinking."

"Aside from making Nikki – who's lovely, this is not personal – what did that do for the belt? Charlotte and Rhea tore the joint down. Rhea can work her a*s off. Then they have Nikki dive off the top rope, you've taken a great match and given it a cartoon finish. For what? Tell me one thing they accomplished with that? I still can't get over that."

Nikki A.S.H. won the Women's Money in the Bank contract and cashed in on Charlotte Flair to win the RAW Women's Championship. After losing the title, Nikki formed an alliance with Rhea Ripley and went on to win the Women's Tag Team Championship. The duo lost their titles to Queen Zelina and Carmella, following which the writers have teased a potential split by booking Nikki as the "weak link."