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Welcome to our new weekly feature series, where we will take a look at the top WWE rumors from this past week that you need to know.
The first edition will feature rumors and reports about what could be next for Brock Lesnar. WWE has reportedly started building his next opponent after Roman Reigns and have huge plans for him in 2022.
We will also look at the strange reason for multiple WWE releases this week, and possible reason for the absence of RAW Superstar AJ Styles. Additionally, there's a disappointing new report about Triple H's in-ring future, and the reason why the company has not started the build for Survivor Series 2021 yet.
Without any further ado, let's take a look at the top rumors from this week. Be sure to comment down and let us know your thoughts and reactions on the same.
#5 Possible next opponent for Brock Lesnar in WWE after Roman Reigns
Brock Lesnar is currently facing an on-screen suspension from WWE after attacking Adam Pearce on SmackDown a couple of weeks ago. He has been feuding with Universal Champion Roman Reigns since SummerSlam. Last week on the Blue brand, the company reportedly started building a new opponent for The Beast Incarnate.
Drew McIntyre surprised everyone watching when he defeated Mustafa Ali using Lesnar's signature move, the Kimura Lock. Dave Meltzer later reported that McIntyre was specifically asked to use this move, possibly to build him up for a rematch with Brock Lesnar.
The two previously faced each other in the main event of Night Two of WrestleMania 36 where McIntyre defeated Lesnar to become the WWE Champion.
“There was significance in Drew McIntyre using the Kimura (Brock Lesnar’s submission move) on Mustafa Ali on SmackDown,” said Dave Meltzer.
Meltzer further reported yesterday that WWE will be using Brock Lesnar a lot between January and WrestleMania 38. The Show of Shows is scheduled to take place on April 2 and 3, 2022.
''They are down to Edge, Lesnar and Goldberg, whether it’s a Saudi show or Mania," said Meltzer. "And Edge is being used often enough that he’s not a hotshot that is going to be a difference-maker. Goldberg has been used a lot of late, and Lesnar will be used a lot between January and WrestleMania."
Brock Lesnar last wrestled for WWE at Crown Jewel 2021 last month, where he was unsuccessful in defeating Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship after outside interference from The Usos. It is to be seen when and how will Lesnar return to television following his current suspension.
#4 Nia Jax and 4 other stars reportedly released for not getting vaccinated
The biggest WWE news from this past week is yet another major release spree. Several top names, including Keith Lee, Karrion Kross, Nia Jax, Ember Moon, and many others were let go by the company.
The initial reason for the releases was said to be "budget cuts". However, multiple trusted sources like New York Post, Andrew Zarian, and Fightful have reported that at least five stars including Nia Jax were released for not being vaccinated. The report from Fightful read:
"At least five of the released talent were 'openly unvaccinated,' including some very surprising names. It was stressed to us that this wasn't the exclusive reason, and wasn't the reason across the board for firings. It should be noted, releasing talent for not being vaccinated is completely legal, and would have restricted many of the venues that performers could compete in and travel availabilities."
Jax has issued a statement addressing her WWE release. She revealed that she was on a mental health break and asked for an extension but never got any response. She added that her vaccination status being an issue was never mentioned to her and she didn't have a choice.
#3 Reason behind AJ Styles' absence from WWE television
AJ Styles has been missing from WWE television for the last few weeks. Initially, there were rumors that he was dealing with some injury. However, Dave Meltzer has now reported that The Phenomenal One's absence is due to a non-injury medical issue.
“AJ’s got a non-injury medical issue, is what I was told. I’m sure he’s gonna yell and scream about it at some point, but that is what they said. A non-injury medical issue,” stated Dave Meltzer.
AJ Styles has been competing in the tag team fivision for the last several months alongside his tag team partner Omos. The two won the RAW Tag Team titles at WrestleMania 37 and lost them to RK-Bro at SummerSlam 2021. Fans are hoping to see Styles back in the main event picture soon.
#2 Reported reason for WWE not starting the build for Survivor Series yet
WWE Survivor Series 2021 is merely a couple of weeks away, however, there has been no build to the brand supremacy war on television at all. Considered one of the promotion's top four pay-per-views of the year, it is indeed baffling to see no hype being created for it on the weekly shows of RAW and SmackDown.
According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE wants to let the new rosters settle. This makes sense because the 2021 Draft came into effect just a couple of weeks ago. Meltzer added that the company will likely push Survivor Series in the next few weeks.
"I was told the mentality behind not having promoted it at all is that they felt they pushed Crown Jewel as hard as they could and the most important thing now is to get over new feuds with the new rosters and let the new rosters settle in on television, and then push Survivor Series the final weeks."
Similar to last year, the main event of Survivor Series would likely feature the WWE Champion going one-on-one against the Universal Champion, the titles currently held by Big E and Roman Reigns respectively.
#1 Triple H's in-ring career might be over
Triple H is one of the few Attitude Era stars left who hasn't officially retired. However, according to Dave Meltzer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, The Game might not wrestle again. Even if he somehow comes back for a retirement match, it is unlikely to happen for a long time.
''I wouldn’t expect HHH to ever wrestle again, although it is possible he may do one retirement match if he feels the need to leave on his own terms and doctors will clear him, but that’s not likely to be for a long time and he hasn’t even returned to behind-the-scenes work yet,'' said Meltzer
Triple H last wrestled for the promotion earlier this year on an episode of Monday Night RAW. He faced his former ally and arch-rival Randy Orton in the main event that ended in a disqualification after an eerie interference from Alexa Bliss.
