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SmackDown continues to be the best ongoing wrestling show each week with captivating storylines and exciting prospects. The Blue brand has established its dominance ever since 'The Tribal Chief' Roman Reigns took charge as the top attraction.
Apart from that, the feud between Sasha Banks and Bayley, along with Big E's meteoric rise as a singles star has kept the fans hooked to SmackDown.
In today's edition of top SmackDown backstage rumors, we will discuss how Roman Reigns' current attitude is being treated backstage, the future of Bayley, and the big return of John Cena, among other things. So without further ado, let us take a look at the five biggest rumors and stories for SmackDown:
#5 Braun Strowman reveals backstage reaction to SmackDown Superstar Roman Reigns' new attitude
The Big Dog Roman Reigns has become The Tribal Chief of SmackDown ever since becoming the Universal Champion. Former SmackDown Superstar Braun Strowman recently spoke to Sportskeeda's Rick Ucchino and talked about how Roman Reigns new attitude has fared with the locker room so far.
Strowman said that he isn't a fan of the new Roman Reigns and said that most of the other Superstars aren't as well. While Strowman did praise SmackDown Superstar Roman Reigns, saying that he has a lot of respect for the Universal Champion, he doesn't understand why Reigns has a chip on his shoulder now.
"Saying that and that being said, I don't know where this attitude and smug chip on his shoulder that he's got since he's come back. I don't know if it's because he's got this parasite Paul Heyman in his ear, you know filling his head up full with all this c***, and stuff like this, but you know, at the end of the day, I feel like he is carrying the Universal entitlement, just his attitude, his whole new attitude. I'm not really a fan of it, and I don't think too many of the guys are in the locker room."
#4 SmackDown's Paul Heyman gives an update on Brock Lesnar
As reported earlier, Brock Lesnar is no longer under WWE contract. There had been rumors that WWE will look to bring Brock Lesnar back soon and that Lesnar is waiting to get a big offer to re-sign. However, SmackDown's Paul Heyman, who was the on-screen advocate and off-screen friend of Brock Lesnar, has revealed that the former WWE Champion is quite content being a farmer.
The current manager of SmackDown Superstar Roman Reigns stated that Brock Lesnar is a family man and is happy spending quality time with his children. Heyman said that while Lesnar doesn't talk about being a father in public, he is still a great father.
SmackDown's Paul Heyman said:
"Again, it all depends on if there is a worthy challenge and box office appeal for Brock. Brock Lesnar loves being a farmer. He really does, and he enjoys fatherhood tremendously. And it's not something that he discussed much in public, but he really is a magnificent father to his children. And a great family man, and he loves being a farmer. Right now, he is happy being a farmer. If there is something that WWE or the world of Sports Entertainment can offer Brock Lesnar that intrigues Brock Lesnar, that motivates Brock Lesnar, that inspires Brock Lesnar, that Brock Lesnar can look at and say, 'I aspire to rise to that occasion,' and the money is right. The business is solid; I'm sure Brock Lesnar would be willing to do it. At this moment, it hasn't happened because it's not there. "
#3 Update on possible return plans for SmackDown's John Cena and RAW's The Undertaker
John Cena and The Undertaker were both last seen at WrestleMania 36 in their respective cinematic matches. While John Cena was feuding with The Fiend Bray Wyatt on SmackDown, The Undertaker had a rivalry with AJ Styles on RAW.
As per Dave Meltzer of WOR, there is a strong chance that SmackDown star John Cena and The Undertaker will be returning to WWE. However, he adds that the condition for them to return is that there has to be a live audience in the arenas.
“I think if there are no fans then there’s no reason to bring [Cena] back. If there are fans… you know come WrestleMania season they’re gonna talk to John Cena and they’re gonna talk to Undertaker. I mean it’s just how it is no matter what they say now. A lot of times those guys come back.”
While The Undertaker has stated that he is now retired, the chances of John Cena making a return for WrestleMania 37 are very high.
#2 Major plan canceled for SmackDown Superstar Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns has been dominating SmackDown ever since he became the Universal Champion. The Tribal Chief of SmackDown has been feuding with his cousin Jey Uso as of late and will be facing him at HIAC in an I Quit match.
However, as per WrestlingNews.co (H/t: Sportskeeda), the original plans was to have The Fiend face Roman Reigns at Hell in a Cell instead of Jey Uso. It was stated that Jey Uso was not meant to have a long-term storyline with Reigns initially.
According to Wrestlingnews.co, Roman Reigns wasn't supposed to face Jey Uso at Hell In A Cell. The original plan for Reigns was to face The Fiend at the PPV. Recently, the reason why Jey Uso was chosen to face Roman Reigns at Hell in a Cell was revealed.
The Fiend was expected to turn babyface and have a long-running feud with Roman Reigns on SmackDown. However, it is clear that WWE have changed those plans as The Fiend has been drafted to RAW.
#1 Future plans for SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley
There is no denying that Bayley has completely dominated the year and cemented herself as one of the top female Superstars of this generation. Not only has Bayley set the record as the longest-reigning SmackDown Women's Champion, but she has also been ranked #1 female wrestler by PWI.
Bayley and Sasha Banks have been embroiled in a bitter rivalry on SmackDown ever since The Role Model attacked The Boss breaking their long-time friendship.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Bayley revealed that after she is done with Sasha Banks, her next feud will be against Bianca Belair.
"Now starts the hard work. Now is the time to prove everyone wrong. People think this honeymoon stage is going to end. They’re thinking, ‘Bayley has a good run.’ But this isn’t the end, it’s the beginning. I still have a lot left to do, a lot to accomplish, and a lot of girls to beat up. Bianca Belair is on top of that list. There’s plenty of time for me to make more history."
