Top SmackDown Rumors: Impact of Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar on Day 1, Major superstar could leave, Drew McIntyre's 'incident' with Jeff Hardy (13th December)

#2 Released SmackDown star Jeff Hardy going to AEW?

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has stated that it is unlikely that Tony Khan will sign former WWE SmackDown star Jeff Hardy soon. Despite their interest in Hardy's talent and the possibility of a Hardy Boyz reunion, the company will be apprehensive, given the fact that he has refused to go to rehab.

Dave Meltzer is now reporting that AEW President Tony Khan could be hesitant to offer a deal to Hardy due to the latter refusing rehab for his addiction problems.

Jeff Hardy re-signed with WWE in 2020 and his current deal was expected to run until September 2022. While Jeff Hardy could eventually join AEW, it is unlikely that it will happen anytime soon.

---

#1 WWE want to make Roman Reigns the new Brock Lesnar

SmackDown's Universal Champion has been projected as unstoppable ever since he became the champion. Andrew Zarian of Met Men said that in WWE's eyes, he is the new Brock Lesnar. This is why he has been protected so much and won his match against WWE Champion Big E at Survivor Series.

''The whole story is that he is a monster. He is the Brock Lesnar now. He is undefeated. He has been the champion for over 400 days. This guy is not going to lose and he is going to continue winning until someone dethrones him. Maybe the guy who dethrones him is Drew McIntyre,'' said Zarian.

Reigns is set to take on The Beast Incarnate in a few weeks. Given that WWE plans to have them face each other again at WrestleMania, The Tribal Chief could retain the title at Day 1.