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Welcome to another edition of the top backstage SmackDown Rumors that could have a major impact. Last week's SmackDown was lackluster and the fans are hoping for a much better go-home edition of SmackDown this week ahead of TLC.
With 'The Tribal Chief' Roman Reigns set to defend his Universal Championship against Kevin Owens at the show, we can expect some major fireworks to take place on the Blue brand. Apart from that, we will also see how 'The Boss' Sasha Banks will react to Carmella's gruesome attack from last week.
So without further ado, let us take a look at five big rumors and stories related to SmackDown Superstars:
#5 How SmackDown's Kevin Owens reacted to getting a new gimmick
Nick Dinsmore, also known as Eugene in WWE, recently spoke to Chris Van Vliet. The former WWE Tag Team Champion talked about his time as a trainer in OVW and NXT.
Dinsmore spoke about the time he told Kevin Owens that he would be getting a new gimmick and become the next Mountie. A gimmick made popular by Jacques Rougeau.
"So, Kevin Owens is sitting ringside because he's just watching the class. I sit down next to him. He said the first time he ever wrestled was for Jacques Rougeau. He kind of acted like somebody else really helped train him, but for some reason, the first show was Jacques Rougeau. So, a couple of days go by. I come back and said, 'They got a new character for you. They're going to bring you in as the new Mountie.' He was starting to cry. 'You can't let them do that.' I said, 'No, it's going to be great! It's going to be awesome! You're going to have the red thing. They might even bring Jacques in. It's going to be great!'. He was beginning to panic. Needless to say, it didn't happen." H/T: WrestlingINC
While Kevin Owens never had to become the Mountie, he has managed to become a former Universal Champion and is one of the biggest names on SmackDown today.
#4 Cesaro may finally get a push on SmackDown
Cesaro has been one of the most underutilized Superstars on the SmackDown roster. While the Swiss Cyborg has held the Tag Team Championships 7 times and is also a former US Champion, he has never held a world title, nor has he consistently been a part of the main event picture.
As per WrestleVotes, WWE asked the creative team about the Superstars should be pushed. In response, the names that came up included Cesaro, Chad Gable, Carmella, Peyton Royce, and Angel Garza.
Recently a group of writers were asked to make a list of underutilized talents they felt could shine if given the proper opportunity. Those lists ranged wide, but nearly ALL of them included: Cesaro, Angel Garza, Chad Gable, Carmella & Peyton Royce.
Apart from Carmella, all the other Superstars have primarily had tag team careers in WWE, and it is likely these stars will finally get the spotlight shining on them.
Cesaro has the talent to become a top Superstar on SmackDown, and hopefully, he will finally get a big push in the near future.
#3 Idea for SmackDown's Roman Reigns to get a new title
SmackDown's Roman Reigns clashed with RAW's Drew McIntyre at Survivor Series in an epic battle this year. The match did not have much time for the build, but the two men still gave fans an instant classic.
Roman Reigns has had a splendid run as the Universal Champion and has been a part of some great matches. John Cena Sr. recently spoke to Boston Wrestling MWF’s Dan Mirade and talked about The Tribal Chief of SmackDown.
John Cena Sr. believes that SmackDown's Roman Reigns should win the WWE Championship and become the Undisputed Champion in WWE.
“We’re gonna go big time, big time. So, how about he does get both titles and, as Tribal Chief, makes the decision that there can’t be two Champions, he’s the Chief, he’s the boss, and there will only be one now, and he unveils the new WWE Undisputed Championship.” (H/t: SportsKeeda)
There have been rumors that Reigns and McIntyre may face each other at WrestleMania next year. In such a case, it is possible that the match is for the unification of the World Championships.
#2 Reason why plan for the feud between The Rock and SmackDown's Roman Reigns were nixed
As reported earlier, WWE had been planning to have SmackDown Superstar Roman Reigns face The Rock at WrestleMania 37. However, those plans seem to have been nixed as The Brahma Bull will not be returning for a match against SmackDown's Head of the Table next year.
Paul Davis of WrestlingNews.co revealed that the reason for the plans been canceled is the possibility of no fans or less fans in attendance for the show.
“Vince doesn’t know how many fans will be allowed to attend the show. He definitely wants fans there and we will probably have to implement social distancing but he would rather wait until WrestleMania 38 if Rock wants to do it but we can’t do the show in L.A. (at Staples Center) because of Covid.
It was further stated that Vince McMahon wants 'as many eyes as possible' for this match whenever it takes place. The current plans are for Roman Reigns to either face Daniel Bryan or Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 37 next year.
#1 More details on when The Rock vs. SmackDown's Roman Reigns may happen
As discussed, the likelihood of The Rock returning next year are not very high. However, as per Dave Meltzer of WON, Dwayne Johnson has expressed interest in returning to WWE in 2022 for a match against SmackDown's Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
According to those very close to the situation, Johnson has brought up the possibility of doing a match with Reigns in 2022, but that's a long way away, and he'd be 49 by that time. Obviously, this is all up to him; he wants in this year tomorrow, or next month, and he's in. But on the creative side, they've been told he's a no go.
'The Tribal Chief' Roman Reigns has been impressive in his run as the Universal Champion on SmackDown. The Big Dog finally turned heel upon his return in August at SummerSlam and has done a fabulous job as a menacing heel.
A match and win against The Rock would solidify Reigns as one of the all-time greats in WWE.
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