5 Top WWE rumors from this week: Reason for Roman Reigns' absence, How much Kevin Owens will earn from new contract (December 18th, 2021)

Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly rumor roundup, where we will take a look at the top rumors from the world of WWE.

Jeff Hardy's release from the company last week is still in the news. Rumors started floating that The Charismatic Enigma deliberately tried to get himself fired. Sources close to him have now reacted to these claims and revealed the truth.

After months of speculation on his status with WWE, Kevin Owens has finally signed a new deal with the company. Reports have now emerged about how much he would be earning now. There is also another report revealing certain circumstances under which WWE could release him even after re-signing.

Without any further ado, let's take a look at the top rumors from this past week. Be sure to comment down and let us know your thoughts on the same.

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#5 Real reason behind Roman Reigns' recent absence from WWE SmackDown

Universal Champion Roman Reigns has been one of the biggest reasons behind the recent success of SmackDown. However, The Tribal Chief was absent from last week's episode of the show, which took place in Los Angeles.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported that this was a planned leave for Reigns, which he had asked for months in advance. Meltzer added that his absence was the reason behind WWE adding some top RAW Superstars to the show last week like Becky Lynch and Randy Orton.

"The show is built around a confrontation between Reigns and Lesnar. Reigns was off the12/10 Smackdown in Los Angeles as he had asked for the weekend off for a vacation months ago. To make up for it, WWE added Riddle, Orton, Lynch and Belair to the Los Angeles show (Lynch and Belair were in a dark match, a four-way with Flair and Banks with the idea of the big four women and big three tag teams on the same show),'' said Meltzer.

Roman Reigns returned to the blue brand this week. In the final segment of the show, he fired Paul Heyman and went on to attack him as well. However, Brock Lesnar delivered two F5s to him to end the show on top.

#4 How much Kevin Owens will earn from his new WWE contract

Kevin Owens has signed a new contract with WWE, initially referred to as "an excellent offer". New details have now emerged on the same as Dave Meltzer has reported that KO's deal is three-years-long. As for the earnings, he will be paid somewhere around two to three million dollars per year.

A previous report suggested that All Elite Wrestling was also interested in signing Owens. However, many AEW talents felt that the promotion won't be able to match the offer that Vince McMahon's promotion offered him.

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#3 Kevin Owens could still be released under three circumstances

It has been reported that Kevin Owens' new contract doesn't include a no-cut clause. This means that the former Universal Champion could still be released by the company. According to Dave Meltzer, WWE could release KO if his value drops or they lose interest in him.

''The 2-3 million a year range is so blinding to people, they sign, not realizing it's a 90 day contract that renews every day at WWE's sole discretion. But the non-cut does put the company in control if they perceive the value of the talent to drop, or they lose interest, or company finances take a downward turn (the latter of which isn’t happening but it's a safeguard in the event it does)."

Owens is set to challenge WWE Champion Big E in a fatal four-way match at Day 1, also involving Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley. With him signing a new contract with the company, fans are wondering whether KO could become the new WWE Champion at the pay-per-view.

#2 Update on Triple H's WWE future

14-time world champion Triple H is one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time. However, according to a report by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is unlikely that The Game will wrestle again.

"I doubt Paul Levesque will be wrestling and Undertaker is done, although Undertaker and Austin are on huge money deals (as Ric Flair was) just to keep them part of the promotion 'forever,''' said Dave Meltzer.

Triple H last wrestled on an episode of Monday Night RAW earlier this year where he faced Randy Orton in the main event. After suffering a cardiac issue earlier this year, The Game has also been away from his backstage duties in the company.

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#1 Truth behind rumors of Jeff Hardy trying to get himself fired from WWE

Jeff Hardy's release has caused a lot of controversy due to the way it all happened. Things went to a whole new level when there were claims that Hardy was trying to get himself fired from WWE.

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, sources close to The Charismatic Enigma have denied these rumors, even calling it an 'absurd take'.

"It seems silly to address this at all, but according to those close with him I spoke to -- Jeff Hardy wasn't trying to get fired from WWE. He wasn't "working to get out of his deal." The exact phrase I was given was that it was an 'absurd take,'" wrote Sapp.

It is to be seen what is next for Hardy after his release from the promotion. The most common answer is him joining his brother Matt Hardy in All Elite Wrestling. Only time will tell if and when that happens.