Top SmackDown Rumors: Frustration over last-minute cancellation of push, Confusion over Bianca Belair's WWE status, Possible spoiler for Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar (13th October)

Welcome to another edition of the top SmackDown backstage rumors which could have a major impact on the show. The Blue Brand has established itself at the top of the wrestling food chain and continues to dominate the ratings.

With Crown Jewel set to take place next week, this week's SmackDown will be the go-home show for Crown Jewel. The pay-per-view will see Universal Champion Roman Reigns face Brock Lesnar in the main event. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at what the rumors say about the future of both Lesnar and Reigns.

We will also find out who the finalists will be for the King of the Ring and Queen's Crown tournaments. So, without further ado, let us take a look at some big backstage rumors related to SmackDown:

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#5 Liv Morgan's push got nixed on SmackDown

Last week on SmackDown, Carmella beat Liv Morgan to advance in the Queen's Crown tournament. However, the original plan was to have Liv Morgan be the one victorious, which was crapped last-minute.

Fightful Select reported that Morgan was penciled in to win the match but the plan was changed. This was her second defeat at the hands of Carmella in two weeks. The loss has led to backstage frustration over the booking of the women's division in WWE.

"Carmella ended up winning the match, but we're told that at one point ahead of the match, Liv Morgan was actually penciled in to win the match. We've heard significant frustration from talent and staff alike about the booking of the women's division of late, and the time given in multiple situations.

It is believed that women are not getting sufficient time and the matches have become an afterthought. Liv Morgan, in particular, has been the victim of 50-50 booking in WWE.

#4 Possible spoiler regarding Roman Reigns' future on SmackDown

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter had stated that WWE wants a long-term feud between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns on SmackDown. He added that there was of Lesnar winning the title to keep the feud interesting.

As per WrestlingNews.co, however, Roman Reigns is set to hold the Universal Championship on SmackDown for a long time. This naturally means that he is likely to retain the title at Crown Jewel.

A source close to the creative process told WrestlingNews.co that Reigns is expected to hold the Universal Title for a long time and there are no plans for him to drop it this year.

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#3 Brock Lesnar to leave SmackDown after Crown Jewel?

Brock Lesnar made his return to WWE at SummerSlam after a hiatus of over a year. He has since been involved in a feud with The Tribal Chief on SmackDown, which will culminate at Crown Jewel next week.

WrestlingNews.co has reported that Brock Lesnar might be done with WWE for a while after Crown Jewel. They reported that The Beast Incarnate is not booked for anything after Crown Jewel this year.

It was reported that Lesnar had signed a contract for around 8 matches, which means that even if he leaves WWE this year, he will most probably be back for Royal Rumble.

#2 SmackDown Superstar Ridge Holland seen as a future WWE Champion

NXT Superstar Ridge Holland was drafted to SmackDown during this year's draft. As per Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE sees him as a future World Champion.

"The company does have high hopes for Holland, who some in the company have tabbed as a future WWE champion, as well as Theory, who is young and has a good look.'' said Meltzer

The 33-year-old Superstar was seen as a powerhouse performer on NXT but is being called generic and devoid of any special skills that set him apart on the main roster.

Ridge Holland is a former rugby player and signed with WWE in 2018. Recent NXT call-ups like Karrion Kross and Keith Lee have not fared well on the main roster, but we hope the story is different for Holland.

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#1 Biance Belair is no longer a SmackDown superstar

Former SmackDown Women's Champion Bianca Belair was drafted to RAW this year. However, she was not featured on a recent graphic showcasing the new RAW roster, which will come into effect after Crown Jewel.

This has led to speculation that Belair might remain on Smackdown despite getting drafted. Fightful Select has revealed that The EST of WWE will be joining the RAW brand and her absence on the graphic was a simple error.

Bianca Belair was left off the graphic showcasing the new Raw roster on the show this week but Fightful Select says it was simply an error and there has been no change in her status as of this time.