5 last-minute rumors you need to know before Raw and SmackDown Live

The Road to WrestleMania 34 has garnered quite some attention and with new episodes of Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Live just around the horizon, the company could be planning something incredible.

Many riveting clashes have been announced for WrestleMania and some of them are still awaiting confirmation. The world of professional wrestling is built around the quintessence of conjectures and speculations.

Therefore, let's analyze what could be awaiting us on Raw and SmackDown Live this week. Here are the 5 last-minute rumors you need to know.

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#1 AJ Styles could be legitimately injured - SmackDown Live

The Phenomenal One could be seriously hurt

Starting off with some disappointing news that has been floating all around the world of professional wrestling. The Phenomenal One could be on the verge of being sidelined with a legitimate injury caused during a live event in MSG.

Styles was supposed to team-up with Shinsuke Nakamura to square off against Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens at the event. However, things went out of hand when Owens and Zayn blindsided both the Superstars with multiple chair shots, and attacked them with some brutal assaults.

.@FightOwensFight and @SamiZayn have taken their frustrations out by blindsiding @AJStylesOrg & @ShinsukeN to kick off #WWEMSG! pic.twitter.com/2a1HHyna7x

— WWE (@WWE) March 17, 2018

The repercussions were unfortunately concerning, as the referee reportedly waved out the 'X' sign, which is done when a Superstar is legitimately injured. This definitely comes as a shocker to all the fans around the world, who have been anticipating Styles vs Nakamura at the Show of Shows.

The Phenomenal One was limping on his way out of the arena, and judging by his body language, things could be serious. Expect this to be cleared on Tuesday night.

#2 Jeff Hardy's cameo could be facing Deletion - Raw

Brother Nero has to wait a little longer

Matt Hardy's lacklustre feud with Bray Wyatt could be on the cusp of culmination. Both the Superstars are going to be involved in an 'Ultimate Deletion' match which has reportedly already been filmed. It has been speculated that the match, which will be aired on Raw this Monday, had a surprisingly well-booked cameo from Jeff Hardy as Brother Nero.

However, the Charismatic Enigma has landed himself in a troublesome situation. He was arrested after he crashed his vehicle into a guardrail and got charged with a DWI, a couple of days after the filming was completed. Right after the unfortunate incident, WWE issued the following statement

"Jeff Hardy is responsible for his own personal actions. We are investigating the matter and awaiting information from local law enforcement officials."

Matt Hardy also sent out a cryptic tweet that showed his despair towards Jeff Hardy's actions. There's no confirmation regarding Jeff's in-ring return as of now, but after what transpired, it is possible that the company has edited out his scenes from the Ultimate Deletion. So, if you are going to tune in this Monday to witness the Great War, do not expect Brother Nero to be a part of it.

#3 There could be a tag-team partner for Braun Strowman - Raw

Will anyone stand with the Monster among Men?

My mind still boggles at the possibility of Braun Strowman squaring off against the Bar at WrestleMania 34 for the Raw Tag-Team Championships. In case you didn't know, the Monster Among Men won a Tag-Team Battle Royal on this past week, ensuring his position as the number one contender for the Tag-Team title.

Strowman is currently scheduled to square off against the Bar, in what is technically a 2-on-1 Handicap Match. WWE has still not advertised the match for WrestleMania, which has ignited speculations of a possible partner for Strowman.

Legions of WWE fans are anticipating what's next for Braun Strowman and if internet rumors are anything to go by, there could be a tag-team partner for the Monster Among Men. Possible names like Elias, Bray Wyatt and the Big Show have surfaced online and judging by the excitement in the air, the fans will surely tune into Raw next week.

#4 Daniel Bryan's role at New Orleans will be revealed- SmackDown Live

The Underdog could be heading to New Orleans for a different role

There are many conflicting opinions surrounding Daniel Bryan's potential in-ring return within the WWE, and with the Underdog being advertised for SmackDown on Tuesday, the fans are anticipating something positive.

However, some rumors have emerged about the role for Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 34 which could disappoint the WWE Universe. The recent vicious altercations between Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens and Shane O'Mac could lead up to a triple threat match at the Show of Shows, with Bryan ending up as the Special Guest Referee.

The possibility of Bryan donning the white and black stripes would be met with a negative reaction, but WWE's strict policies won't succumb to them either way. Bryan has been constantly vocal about wanting to return to the squared circle, and if you're curious to know what's next for him, stay tuned to SmackDown Live.

#5 The Undertaker could return as the American Badass - Raw

Could this be the picture on Raw this Monday?

John Cena's challenge to the Undertaker electrified the entire WWE Universe and if there's anything to takeaway from his energetic promo, it is that the Phenom's not done yet.

However, the Undertaker's return might not be as many would be expecting it to be. The rumor mill is swirling around with reports suggesting that The Undertaker could be returning as the 'American Badass', a gimmick that was enormously famous during the Attitude Era.

John Cena's promo was quite straight-forward in its approach and the Franchise vehemently tried to get under the skin of the Phenom, by using some harsh words. Cena's words definitely suggest that the company could be looking to book the Undertaker in a different gimmick this time around.

Whether this rumor ends up being true or not, the Undertaker vs John Cena will still remain the most anticipated match to ever happen in a squared circle.