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WWE is gearing up for the two final pay-per-views before the Showcase of the Immortals in New Orleans. Even though most of the buzz surrounding the wrestling community is focused predominantly on the WrestleMania match card, several other interesting reports have found their way into the rumour mill this week.
So, without any further ado, here are the five biggest stories surrounding WWE from the week gone by.
#5 Jeff Hardy could return anytime soon
Jeff Hardy suffered an unfortunate shoulder injury during a Six-Pack Challenge on the September 17, 2017, episode of Monday Night Raw. He has been on the sidelines ever since and while the fans were disappointed for the Attitude Era legend, recent reports have suggested that he could return anytime soon.
According to the PWInsider, The Charismatic Enigma was in Birmingham, Alabama, on Tuesday to be medically evaluated before any official clearance by the WWE.
There has been no confirmation regarding his in-ring return but judging from the recent speculation surrounding the superstar, it seems likely that he could step into the squared circle soon.
Bray Wyatt vs "Woken" Matt Hardy is scheduled to take place at the Elimination Chamber PPV and WWE could well pull the trigger by having the younger Hardy return as Brother Nero.
#4 Triple H behind Jeff Jarrett's Hall of Fame Induction
WWE stunned the world when they stated that Jeff Jarrett would be part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2018. The announcement definitely came as a surprise, considering the alleged circumstances surrounding his departure from the company in 1999.
Double J was also one of the brains behind TNA and, Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated reports that it was the Cerebral Assassin who vouched for Jarrett's induction.
Triple H genuinely has an eye towards the future and mending fences with Jarrett could be hinting towards a possible alignment, one that could also help move the former Intercontinental Champion into a backstage role with WWE which could benefit all parties involved.
#3 Will The Undertaker use his finisher at WrestleMania 34?
Despite rumours of a match with John Cena, there has been no official confirmation regarding The Undertaker officially returning to the squared circle. However, even if he does lace up his boots one more time, The Deadman may not be able to use the Tombstone Piledriver in New Orleans.
According to a recent report from John Pollock of Post Wrestling, the Louisiana Boxing and Wrestling Commission has strictly banned blood and the Piledriver move from all professional wrestling shows.
However, The Undertaker did use the Tombstone during his WrestleMania 30 encounter with Brock Lensar, which took place at the same venue. So, the wrestling world probably just has to wait and watch.
#2 Major plans for Braun Strowman at WrestleMania 34?
Braun Strowman is the hottest commodity on Monday Night Raw today, and he will head into the Elimination Chamber match with a lot of momentum. However, since WWE will be sticking to the main event of Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar, there is no way that Strowman will walk out of the T-Mobile Arena as the no 1 contender for the Universal Championship.
Dave Meltzer, of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, reports that WWE is likely to feature Strowman in a major match at WrestleMania against the Miz. He also stated that the company would plant the seeds of this potential feud at the Elimination Chamber PPV.
Braun Strowman vs the Miz for the Intercontinental Championship could be compelling if booked correctly. Earlier, several reports suggested that The Miz would face Finn Balor at WrestleMania, and since the Irishman doesn't have a credible opponent lined up for the big event in New Orleans, a triple threat match isn't out of the question.
#1 Seth Rollins could feud with Roman Reigns after WrestleMania 34
Seth Rollins delivered a historic performance on this week's Raw, cementing his position as a top star in the WWE. The Architect defeated both Roman Reigns and John Cena clean on the same night, regaining some of the momentum that he lost after his knee injury in 2015.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported that WWE could book a feud between Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns after WrestleMania 34. The veteran journalist indicated that a heel turn might be on the cards for the former Ring of Honor standout.
If those plans don't go through, Rollins could reportedly be traded to SmackDown Live for a top Superstar who would then feud with Reigns. However, in its current state, the SmackDown roster doesn't have many credible heels who could hold their own in a Universal Championship program with the Big Dog.
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