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Welcome to yet another edition of "Wrestling rumours we hope are true and those we hope aren't"!. We're excited to bring this edition to you as it's been a rather exciting and happening week in the world of pro wrestling.
The build to SummerSlam continues and after today, we'll be officially entering SummerSlam week. Why it's taking place unusually early this time, we're not really sure. But either way, there has been a lot of buzz and hype surrounding the show, especially with Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff in the driver's seat.
This week's rumours are quite interesting in nature, from SummerSlam to the future of WWE to injuries and returns to CM Punk and AEW and more. Without getting much further into it, let's take a look at the rumours of the week that we hope are true - and those we hope aren't!
#5. We hope is true: Jinder Mahal on course for a 2020 return
Jinder Mahal hasn't had much luck in 2019 and it was made worse on June 15th when he wrestled Ali at a live event and ruptured his Patella Tendon. He had to undergo knee surgery as a result and gave an update a few weeks ago that he had his surgery performed successfully.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, The Modern Day Maharaja is expected to return to action by early 2020. That's great news to hear as Jinder Mahal will clearly be back on time for WrestleMania season.
Hopefully, it can be a period off that works out in Mahal's favour as he returns with an actual storyline that can further his character. While we do still see him as a lower-card superstar, it doesn't mean he can't get a small push in the midcard.
#5. We hope isn't true: Dolph Ziggler's SummerSlam opponent
You've probably noticed in the last few weeks how Dolph Ziggler has had this constant need to mention Goldberg in each and every promo of his. While there were reports of backstage heat towards Goldberg, that may not necessarily be the case anymore as Ziggler is scheduled to take on Goldberg at the biggest party of the summer, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Dave Meltzer revealed that an internal source in WWE accidentally let it slip that Goldberg was Ziggler's opponent at SummerSlam. Naturally, it's going to be a squash match that ends in a matter of ten seconds or so, but is it really necessary on the card?
Perhaps Goldberg wants a bit of redemption for the Super ShowDown disaster, but it's probably not best for him to have such a quick turnaround.
#4. We hope is true: WWE is planning to add an edge to Becky Lynch's character
It's no secret that Becky Lynch has lost quite a bit of steam since WrestleMania 35, where she was coronated as the new face of WWE's Women's division. While she has been a strong, fighting champion, there's no denying that she hasn't had the same momentum she had around post-SummerSlam last year.
If anything, it was exactly at SummerSlam last year when Becky Lynch's unlikely rise to the top began. However, she doesn't have that same "edge" to her character from last year, which is exactly what WWE wants to bring back, according to WON, WWE is making an effort to add that edge back to Becky Lynch's character and get back to what got her over in the first place.
They're reportedly trying to add a 'Stone Cold'-esque element to her character.
#4. We hope isn't true: Why WWE plans isn't bringing back Evolution
Last year, WWE made history on October 28th when they hosted the first-ever All Women's PPV Evolution. It was clear that the main reason they did so was Ronda Rousey and that has become even more apparent as they have discontinued it this year.
Becky Lynch has been vocal about wanting Evolution back and to headline the show (which she should have last year), but WWE clearly doesn't feel the same way. According to WON, the reason why WWE axed Evolution this year is because they fear that they won't get the same response without Ronda Rousey.
It's no secret that Rousey is a big draw, but it's certainly injustice to the women's division. Moreover, WWE needs to blame themselves for creative failure of the women's storylines. They have the talent for the PPV - just not the right booking.
#3. We hope is true: Paul Heyman's genius idea on RAW
Paul Heyman has been getting a lot of attention since early July after it was announced that he and Eric Bischoff would become Executive Directors of RAW and SmackDown respectively.
Vince McMahon himself admitted in a conference call that the hirings were done to reduce his workload and according to F4WOnline, this past week's WWE RAW was the most "Heyman-influenced" show that we've seen since he's taken over.
However, they even reported that the brilliant Gauntlet match was Heyman's idea. He is reportedly a big fan of gauntlet matches after seeing Kofi Kingston and Seth Rollins' stock rise in them and wanted to make new stars in the match, with the particular focus on making Andrade and Ricochet look great.
They succeeded in doing so and it was a stroke of brilliance from RAW's Executive Director.
#3. We hope isn't true: CM Punk and AEW's relationship
CM Punk has been flooded with messages and rumors about his allegedly "inevitable" arrival to All Elite Wrestling. However, he has shut those down, revealing that he's only really gotten texts or so.
Either way, the reality is that CM Punk simply has no desire to wrestle anymore and as of now, that's where things stand, according to Dave Meltzer. He said on the Wrestling Observer Radio:
They want him, they’ve contacted him and he isn’t interested. They made another pitch for this pay-per-view and I’m sure they’ll try to make another pitch for [the TNT show] and he says no. That’s where it stands.
It's a real shame as a fan because we've always been wanting Punk to return to the ring. We definitely don't blame him for not wanting to step in the ring again, but admittedly, there's a bit of disappointment.
#2. We hope is true: The "quiet" death of the Wild Card rule
WWE's Wild Card rule was met with so much criticism from fans that even Seth Rollins admitted to not liking it. It's clear that the idea seemingly saw the death of the brand split, but from what it seems like, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
According to Sportskeeda's own Tom Colohue, WWE is planning to quietly wrap up the Wild Card rule as October approaches. Colohue stated that WWE has told superstars that by the time the FOX deal kicks in, WWE will make an effort to distinguish the two brands separately.
His source said:
"They're quietly wrapping up the wild card rule. No big announcement or anything."
"There's a lot of people who want it to end. Companies, sponsors, management and talent. You don't get another Lynch and Rousey moment without that Survivor Series format."
This is incredible news as the Wild Card rule has been detrimental to the product. We genuinely hope it ends soon.
#2. We hope isn't true: The Undertaker signs a new long-term contract
For over five years now, fans have basically been clamouring and begging The Undertaker to retire and ride off into the sunset - preserving his legacy and everything he stands for. Unfortunately, his 2017 retirement has seemingly gone to absolute waste and he's returned multiple times since then.
Despite saying he wants to be more selective of the dates he works, it seems as though The Phenom wants to get into the ring more, as he has reportedly signed a new long-term contract, according to WON.
While there might be a post-retirement legends deal attached to it, the reality is that The Deadman isn't going to retire anytime soon. We really hope that this isn't true because he should not be wrestling more than he needs to. It gets painful to watch him sometimes and we might be getting more of that.
#1. We hope is true: Huge plans for Roman Reigns after SummerSlam
Roman Reigns has been the topic of discussion after he was attacked on SmackDown Live. It was quite an unusual attack, with parts of the set being pushed on to him. Though he escaped unscratched, it certainly got people to talk and speculate as to who the attacker could be.
While a screenshot seemed to imply that it was Buddy Murphy, the plans for Reigns are actually far more interesting. While he is scheduled to face Samoa Joe at SummerSlam, the attacker itself is most likely going to be revealed as Daniel Bryan.
There are advertisements that have suggested that Roman Reigns will be facing Daniel Bryan post-SummerSlam, hinting at the fact that we will, in fact, be getting a Reigns vs Daniel Bryan feud post-SummerSlam.
We absolutely love this idea because we think it's the perfect utilization of both superstars.
#1. We hope isn't true: Bobby Lashley added to the 'inactive' list
Bobby Lashley hasn't had that much momentum this year, despite the fact that he won the Intercontinental Championship twice in the first three months.
However, after WrestleMania, he's mainly been busy with a brutal feud against Braun Strowman and Lio Rush reportedly being done with WWE certainly hasn't helped his case either.
However, it looks as though we're not going to see Lashley for a while now, as WWE has reportedly put him on the 'inactive' list. According to Sean Ross Sapp from Fightful, WWE has internally listed Bobby Lashley's return date as November 2nd.
Since he went around late July, it means that we're not going to see Bobby Lashley in the ring until later this year. While his hiatus is well-deserved, WWE has lost a top star for a few months. He's really useful for upper midcard feuds and his absence will be felt.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
