Major name backstage at WWE SmackDown

Tonight's WWE SmackDown is set to feature the go-home build for WrestleMania XL. The latest word from backstage is fueling the rumor mill on a major signing.

SmackDown and the 2024 Hall of Fame induction ceremony are set to air tonight from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. A new report from PWInsider notes that former Stardom owner Rossy Ogawa and top international star GIULIA are reportedly backstage for the shows.

GIULIA became a free agent from Stardom when her contract expired at the end of March. The 30-year-old has been rumored to have interest from WWE and AEW, but it was recently reported by Dave Meltzer that she is expected to sign with World Wrestling Entertainment only after she helps Ogawa launch a new promotion.

It remains to be seen if GIULIA is signing with the company to coincide with WrestleMania XL Week. The former NJPW Strong Women's Champion finished up with Stardom at Sunday's show in Yamagata, Japan, wrestling Suzu Suzuki to a 20-minute time limit draw.

NJPW and Stardom parent company Bushiroad fired Ogawa in February, just weeks before his deal expired. They accused the 66-year-old businessman of poaching talent for a new promotion. Meltzer also reported that GIULIA was delaying her WWE debut out of loyalty to Ogawa.

About the author

Marc Middleton is a writer from North Carolina, USA. He is currently in his first year at Sportskeeda as a contributor to the WWE section.

Marc began roaming the online world of wrestling in 1997, and has worked in the IWC since 1998-1999. He spent most of the past 15 years working for the biggest independently owned sports entertainment websites.

Marc enjoys free timing in his free time. He lives with the most beautiful girl in the world, and they plan to never have kids, but they are blessed enough to have the best dog in the world who just had his 15th birthday.

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Edited by Harish Raj S

Major name backstage at WWE SmackDown - Reports