Top SmackDown Backstage Rumors: Truth about Alexa Bliss' relationship status; Top name to leave WWE and join AEW? Otis' MITB cash-in; Goldberg's future (21st August)

Welcome to this week's edition of the top backstage rumors related to WWE SmackDown. The blue brand is all set to create history this week as WWE will debut the ThunderDome concept on SmackDown.

ThunderDome is a unique concept where fans will be able to attend the show virtually. This week's SmackDown will also be the first show in months to not emanate from the Performance Center.

We will take a look at some interesting rumors including Goldberg's future, Otis' MITB cash-in and much more. So without further ado, let us jump right in the biggest backstage SmackDown rumors that can have a major impact in the near future:

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#5 Truth about SmackDown Superstar Alexa Bliss' dating rumors

Former SmackDown Women's Champion Alexa Bliss was a guest on The Bellas Podcast and spoke about the rumors surrounding her relationship status. She also revealed that it was these very rumors that actually led to her finally dating singer Ryan Cabrera.

"It's funny how we met. We met because of a rumor that we were dating. When TMZ put that out, we were friends then. You know how WWE fans are? They are very passionate and into our personal lives. He was liking some of my tweets, and a fan saw that and started a whole Instagram that we were dating and tagged everyone in the company."

While Alexa Bliss has a healthy relationship in her personal life, she has been teasing a romantic angle with Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman of late as well. Tom Colohue reported how involved Alex Bliss is in this storyline.

''While she hasn't been writing particular lines and everything in that regard, her love for Horror films has definitely played itself out in an interesting way that has helped it develop. You can tell by the quality of her acting that she is invested in this."

#4 Renee Young to leave SmackDown and join AEW?

As reported earlier, former RAW announcer and SmackDown presenter Renee Young has given her notice to leave WWE. It is believed that the reason behind her decision was her reduced role in the company along with her displeasure for not being contacted by WWE when she tested positive for COVID-19.

Renee Young was the face of shows like Talking Smack and WWE Backstage. She also worked as a backstage interviewer/presenter on SmackDown up until a few weeks ago.

Dave Meltzer of WON talked about her future after leaving WWE and the possibility of her joining husband Jon Moxley in AEW or even ESPN or FOX:

FOX is also high on her, and she may do some things for them here and there. From an AEW standpoint, even though Jonathan Good (Jon Moxley), her husband, is AEW champion, we were told AEW was unaware she was leaving WWE until after the news broke. This is not to say that is or isn’t an option and what her legal limitations and time frames would be.

#3 When will SmackDown Superstar Otis cash-in his MITB contract?

Otis surprised everyone when he won the first-ever corporate MITB match earlier this year. Although there hasn't been much of a change in his booking since he became Mr. Money In The Bank. Otis has not received a main-event push and continues to be part of the SmackDown Tag Team division along with Tucker.

There had been some rumors that WWE will have him cash the MITB on the Tag Team Champions instead of the Universal Champion. Tom Colohue recently talked about the plans for Otis and stated that WWE is confused as well.

He further stated that the Otis cashing in his MITB briefcase angle had been written at least three times to his knowledge. Colohue went on to say that WWE officials aren't sure how they want it to pan out. So, it looks like Otis will hold on to the MITB briefcase for a while.

While Otis has been entertaining for a lot of SmackDown fans, some have started finding him a bit annoying and do not see a future World Champion in him.

#2 Details on SmackDown Superstar Goldberg's future with WWE

Goldberg returned to SmackDown earlier this year and faced The Fiend for the Universal Championship at Super Showdown. Goldberg won the match and was all set to defend the Universal title against SmackDown Superstar Roman Reigns before the Big Dog pulled out of the match due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

Braun Strowman went on to defeat Goldberg at WrestleMania 36 and that was the last time we saw Goldberg. However, as per WON and Goldberg himself, the former WCW World Champion is still contracted to WWE and has a few matches left on his contract.

Goldberg noted that he’s got a few years left on his WWE contract, which is a two match per year deal ending in 2022 or 2023. The longer deal was partially based on appearing at least once a year in Saudi Arabia. He was on the Pop Culture show when asked about his contract situation.

There is still a chance that WWE would like to have the highly advertised Roman Reigns vs Goldberg match once Reigns returns to SmackDown.

#1 Update on return of SmackDown Superstar Lars Sullivan

Lars looks ready to return to the ring. From Lars' Instagram story pic.twitter.com/T0i97lrvCi

— Daily Wrestling News (@DailyWWENews) August 18, 2020

Lars Sullivan is a name most have forgotten by now, although he was pushed as the next big monster heel last year before getting injured and being shelved.

Lars Sullivan had made a major impact in NXT before joining the main roster. After debuting on RAW, he was sent to SmackDown as part of the Superstar Shakeup. Lars Sullivan has been absent since June of last year. However, recent videos of him training show that he is in good physical shape and possibly ready to return.

Triple H was asked to comment on the chances of Sullivan making his return. The Game said that he has not seen these videos and can't comment on Sullivan's recovery.

"I have not seen those [Lars Sullivan's workout videos]. I, to be honest, don't have an update on that."

Lars Sullivan could be a big addition to SmackDown's mid-card and possible feuds with the likes of Matt Riddle and Drew Gulak could help him become a dominant Superstar.