Top SmackDown Rumors: Heyman to turn on Reigns? 5-time WWE Champion to return, reason for big-name 'missing'(May 9)

Welcome to another edition of the top SmackDown rumors that could have a major impact on the blue brand. There is no denying that SmackDown has become WWE's A-show, receiving praise from fans and critics.

This week's edition of SmackDown was no different and provided some great in-ring action along with interesting storyline developments.

In today's edition, we will take a look at some of the major changes to Roman Reigns, Vince McMahon wanting a 5-time WWE Champion to return, and the possibility of Paul Heyman turning on The Tribal Chief because of Brock Lesnar's return.

So without further ado, let us dive in and take a look at some big rumors and stories related to SmackDown:

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#5 SmackDown's Paul Heyman tipped to turn on Roman

Reigns

One of the most entertaining aspects of the relationship between Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman on SmackDown is the way Heyman is constantly staring at Reigns. Though Heyman is known to add such minute-yet-remarkable additions to his character, former WWE legend Dutch Mantell feels there is more to it than Heyman being quirky.

Speaking to SportsKeeda on Smack Talk, Dutch Mantell said that Heyman constantly looking at Roman Reigns is a sign of him eventually turning on The Tribal Chief to side with Brock Lesnar when he returns.

''Then the camera pulls back and there's Heyman, looking right at Roman... he's just looking at Roman. That's going to lead somewhere. So I think, it may not be true but I think Brock Lesnar will come back and I think Heyman will turn on Reigns and go back with Lesnar," Dutch Mantell said.

Before Paul Heyman took up the role of becoming Reigns' special counsel on SmackDown, he had been associated with Brock Lesnar for most of Lesnar's career in WWE.

Lesnar and Reigns have had a long-running rivalry in WWE, so it will be interesting to see which side Heyman decides to take when The Beast Incarnate finally returns.

#4 SmackDown's Daniel Bryan expected to return

As reported, former WWE Champion Daniel Bryan is done with WWE after being 'banished' from SmackDown. While in storyline he has been banned from SmackDown after losing his match against Roman Reigns, in reality, his contract with WWE has run out.

Reports stated that WWE is trying hard to get Bryan to re-sign with the company but the two parties have not come to any conclusion as of this writing. WrestlingNews.co has now reported that a source told them that Vince McMahon is confident that the 5-time WWE World Champion will return to WWE.

"There is no bad blood, no grudge from either side, and Vince thinks he will be back, but he just needs time to recharge his batteries."

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#3 Kevin Owens to feud with Roman Reigns on SmackDown?

Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns had a memorable feud for the Universal Championship. However, it looks like the program between the two might not be completely over yet. While Reigns is set to face Cesaro at WrestleMania Backlash, there is a chance that he may soon resume his rivalry with Kevin Owens.

Speaking on Talking Smack, the former Universal Champion said that if Reigns doesn't lose the Universal Championship to Cesaro or someone else, he will regain it by defeating The Tribal Chief himself.

''If Roman Reigns doesn’t lose the title to Cesaro, and if he doesn’t lose it to someone else before I get to him again, I’m gonna take the title. Don’t forget about me. Don’t make the mistake to think I’m gone because I am not going anywhere,'' said Owens.

Would you like to see Owens take on Reigns again?

#2 Reason for Aleister Black's absence on SmackDown

For the last few weeks on SmackDown, Aleister Black's interesting vignettes have been airing. However, to the surprise of many fans, Black was left out of the throwback edition of SmackDown this week. Many speculated that WWE has already dropped plans for Black's new character.

However, PWInsder noted that Black was set to appear on SmackDown this week and the reason his promo was nixed was because some segments went longer than planned.

According to PWInsider, WWE initially expected the latest video package involving Black to air last night. However, it was pulled at the last minute due to a few of SmackDown's early segments running long.

Aleister Black has been showing a newer version of his persona of late and fans are intrigued by what WWE has planned for this SmackDown superstar.

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#1 Reason for Roman Reigns new theme music on SmackDown

The Tribal Chief has finally moved on from the iconic music of The Shield and gotten a theme song of his own. Speaking to Complex, Paul Heyman revealed that the main reason for Reigns changing his theme song was to completely move away from The Shield.

"It was the final step away from The Shield. That’s what it was," Heyman stated.

Reigns' special counsel, Paul Heyman, said that he is Reigns' special counsel even behind the scenes and they had discussed a lot about how to evolve Reigns' Tribal Chief character on SmackDown.

''Behind the scenes, I’m Special Counsel to the Tribal Chief. And one of the many things that we were both desirous of, A. Change the mannerisms. B. Change the presentation. C. Change the hairstyle. D. Change the look,'' said Heyman