'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
It's time for another WWE Rumor Roundup edition. It has been a hectic day as the rumors mills have indeed been working overtime.
News of a former AEW star reportedly set to join WWE should be official soon. A huge title change is also expected on SmackDown, and WWE has already laid the groundwork for it.
The biggest story of the week, however, has been about Zelina Vega's reported return to WWE. We have all the latest details on the recently released superstar's rumored comeback.
WWE is also in need of fresh faces on RAW, and reports suggest that one big SmackDown star could be on his way back to the Red brand. Another highly-rated WWE talent could be in line for a big push. A WWE Legend also revealed how he feared losing Roman Reigns' respect backstage over a recent incident.
Let's take a look at all the stories in detail in the WWE Rumor Roundup:
#5. Former AEW star Bea Priestley heading to WWE
Bea Priestley has been a top international women's wrestling star for a while now, and she briefly even had a stint with AEW.
Priestley was released from AEW due to COVID -19 travel restrictions, which prevented her from traveling from her home in Japan to the United States for the tapings.
Dave Meltzer reports that the talented 25-year-old wrestler could join the WWE NXT UK brand. In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, he noted:
Although because of WWE rules, nobody can say anything until the company announces it, but Bea Priestley is almost surely headed to NXT U.K
Priestley worked for the Stardom promotion since 2017 and had her farewell segment in April. She chose not to re-sign with Stardom and NJPW, and while the possibility of an AEW return was also pitched, the latest updates put to rest all rumors.
It's interesting to note that Priestley initially turned down a WWE contract in favor of AEW in 2019. WWE has attempted to sign the highly-rated talent for a couple of years, and the company finally landed its target.
#4. WWE preparing for a big title change on SmackDown
SmackDown has been WWE's A-show for many months, and Roman Reigns' incredible run as a heel champion has helped the cause.
Jimmy Uso's recent WWE return is expected to strengthen the Samoan storyline on the Blue brand. While Jimmy and Reigns might be at loggerheads at the moment, the older Uce is expected to eventually join the Universal Champion just like Jey.
WWE Sources told WrestlingNews.co that the company has already planned the next few months for Roman Reigns and his faction. The current idea is for The Usos to soon win the SmackDown Tag Team Championship from a babyface team.
Here's what the report stated:
WrestlingNews.co was told that the next several months are mapped out for Reigns and his faction and the plan is for Jimmy and Jey to win the SmackDown Tag Team titles from a babyface team in the coming months.
Reigning SmackDown Tag Team titleholders Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode are currently feuding with Rey and Dominik Mysterio. A sound prediction in this scenario would be for the Mysterios to win the titles only to drop it to The Usos.
The bottom line is that The Bloodline is set to rule SmackDown for the foreseeable future, with all three members having gold around their waists. Are you looking forward to a Samoan summer?
#3. Big backstage updates on Zelina Vega's reported WWE return
As reported by Fightful Select a couple of days ago, Zelina Vega (Thea Trinidad) was seen at the WWE Performance Center (PC) on May 13th, and it wasn't just a casual visit. The report stated that Zelina Vega was at the WWE PC to film a promo.
In an update, Fightful was told by sources within WWE that the company filmed Zelina Vega walking into the Performance Center with The Rock's daughter Simone Johnson.
No additional details were provided about the purpose behind filming or whether it was supplemental footage for something bigger. There is also no clarity on WWE's plans for Vega and Simone. However, it seems WWE has been working on getting Zelina Vega back for a while.
Zelina Vega was released from WWE in November 2020 after she voiced her disapproval against the company's policies for talent using third-party platforms.
Vega was contacted by AEW following the conclusion of her WWE non-compete clause. The former WWE star informed AEW that she was already on a short-term deal but didn't specify the company or project. The door was left open to doing future business, but the situation now favors WWE as Vega could soon be re-hired.
#2. Ric Flair feared losing Roman Reigns respect in WWE
Ric Flair is one of the most respected names in the WWE, and yet even he dreaded losing Roman Reigns' respect due to an incident that happened not too long ago.
While speaking to Conrad Thompson, Ric Flair opened up about the trademark incident with WWE wherein he tried to gain the rights to 'The Man.'
Becky Lynch also used the 'The Man' moniker, but the 16-time World Champion attempted to trademark the term in 2019. Both parties resolved the trademark issue in 2020 when WWE obtained the legal privilege to utilize 'The Man.'
Ric Flair reportedly heard backstage rumors that Roman Reigns' opinion about him had changed, and the WWE Hall of Famer approached the Tribal Chief to clear the air.
Thankfully for Flair, the chat with Reigns released all of his concerns. The Nature Boy was glad that he wasn't alienating himself from the current crop of talent, and he also highlighted that his daughter Charlotte Flair was also in a prominent position in the company.
"I was concerned that I had lost the respect of Roman Reigns," Flair said. "Because when that whole 'Man' thing went upside down, and all that and I had to file the trademark, whatever transpired, it means nothing now. I think people, I heard that he… and I walked right up to him. I said, 'Can I have a minute of your time?' and I said, 'Hey, it means a lot to me.' I mean, you want the kids [current WWE Superstars] to look forward to you coming, not, 'Oh man, here he comes again.' Especially when you have a daughter who is at the most elite position she could be in." H/t Danny Hart of Sportskeeda Wrestling
Ric Flair has not been seen on WWE TV since the company scrapped the controversial Lacey Evans storyline. He also spoke at length about the storyline and backstage reactions to the angle during a separate interview, which you can check out here.
#1. WWE wants fresh faces on RAW
WWE is slowly settling down following a hectic WrestleMania 37, and this has historically been the time of year when company officials freshen up the product.
WrestleVotes reports that there has been backstage talk about the RAW roster needing fresh faces. Two ideas have floated around behind the scenes, and one of them is Damien Priest getting a solid push.
Another reported plan is for Aleister Black moving to RAW. WWE feels that the top half of RAW looks weak following Randy Orton and AJ Styles' shift to the tag team division.
Here's the WrestleVotes report:
There has been backstage chatter recently that the RAW roster needs some fresh faces. Two ideas I've heard talked about are Damien Priest getting a big opportunity & Aleister Black being moving over. Orton & AJ having tag team roles have left the top a bit weak.
Expect WWE to shake things up in the coming weeks. But the decision to have Aleister Black switch brands is an odd one on paper. WWE drafted the former NXT Champion to SmackDown in October 2020. The Dutch superstar is getting ready for his TV return as he has featured in a few pre-taped backstage vignettes on SmackDown to introduce his new character.
Damien Priest got the mainstream rub during his WrestleMania 37 angle with Bad Bunny. WWE officials seem impressed with the former NXT North American Champion's prospects as a potential top guy.
More WWE Superstars could get their opportunity to shine on TV, but who deserves it the most? Let us know your picks in the comments section. We'll see you at the next roundup.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
