WWE News Roundup: Backstage 'frustration' after Bray Wyatt’s release, 10-time champion targets 'narcissistic' Roman Reigns, big update on Adam Cole’s contract (2 August, 2021)

The last few days were quite controversial for WWE. The company released Bray Wyatt, a three-time world champion and one of the best creative minds in modern-day wrestling, and all hell broke loose. We also came across bold claims and shocking updates about some of the biggest superstars in the promotion.

Wrestling fans found little joy with top AEW Superstars teasing a dream match against WWE Superstars on an otherwise dark weekend. Here, we look at the top stories that have ruled WWE headlines over the last few days. So, without further ado, let’s begin.

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#6 Details on backstage reaction after Bray Wyatt’s WWE release

'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt made his last WWE appearance at WrestleMania 37

WWE shocked the wrestling fraternity after they announced Bray Wyatt’s release on social media. Several current and former superstars sent their best wishes to Wyatt. The latest reports claim that there was a "gigantic amount of frustration" backstage after the news was made public.

The promotion cited “budget issues” as the driving force behind their decision. However, several sources have refused to believe the explanation. Many have argued that Bray Wyatt was a "known money-maker" for the company, and thus, the claim as mentioned earlier is seemingly unjustified.

Long-term superstars in the company have also expressed concerns regarding their future. They believe their jobs are no longer safe, regardless of their current position on the roster. Wyatt’s release has undoubtedly brought down the locker room’s morale.

Former WWE Superstar Mickie James also mocked WWE’s decision. She accused the company of giving Bray Wyatt’s gimmick to someone else so that they “can still make all the money.”

"I think what you meant to say was: 'Thank you so much for coming up with such an incredible gimmick (time & time again) one so cool & over, we really didn’t know how to book it right. So we just gave it to someone else so we can still make ALL the money off of it & let you go,'" said Mickie James.

Wyatt has not said anything since his release. However, he did leave a note of affirmation on a social media post that pointed out how he foreshadowed his exit during his last appearance on the Firefly Fun House.

While the promotion drew a lot of criticism following his release, wrestling fans are looking forward to Wyatt's work. Many believe that he will do exceedingly well if he chooses to work in a place where his creative storytelling will get the respect it deserves.

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#5 Big E labels Roman Reigns as the most narcissistic WWE Superstar

Big E feels Roman Reigns is narcissistic

WWE Superstar Big E picked Universal Champion Roman Reigns when he was asked about the vainest superstar in the company during his recent interview. Mr. Money in the Bank insisted that The Tribal Chief was an “obvious” choice.

"I guess Roman, he’s pretty [narcissistic] and that’s pretty obvious from the way he carries himself,” said Big E.

He was also asked about his favorite opponents in WWE. The New Day member stated that The Usos were his favorites in the tag team division. He then named Apollo Crews as his favorite singles competitor, while also adding that the Intercontinental Champion is the only opponent he has faced in the last six months.

#4 Adam Cole’s WWE contract is reportedly close to its end

Adam Cole is current feuding with Kyle O'Reilly on WWE NXT

WWE NXT Superstar Adam Cole’s contract is nearing its end. According to the latest reports, he is only tied to the Black and Gold brand until right after SummerSlam 2021. Thus, Cole could be a free agent by the end of August. The former NXT Champion’s contract originally expired earlier last month. However, he signed a brief extension at the time.

Additional reports indicate apparent backstage confusion regarding Cole’s WWE contract. It appears that some believed his contract would run until December 2021, but that is not the case. He agreed to stay with the company until SummerSlam 2021 and borrowed the additional time to “re-evaluate” things.

Upon the expiry of his contract, Adam Cole is bound to become the hottest free agent in the wrestling business. It is important to note that he shares a long history with superstars in AEW.

Additionally, his real-life partner Dr. Britt Baker is the reigning AEW Women's World Champion and one of the best talents in the promotion. The recent updates on Cole’s contract have already attracted a lot of attention, causing everyone to monitor potential developments closely.

#3 Big E reveals former WWE Champion was “unpleasant”

Big E was not a big fan of The Miz when they first met

Big E recently revealed details about his first meeting with former WWE Champion, The Miz. Mr. Money in the Bank said that The A-Lister was “pretty insufferable” initially. However, Big E now feels that he has mellowed down with age.

The New Day member described the two-time WWE Champion as “unpleasant and obnoxious” while recalling the first time they met.

"You might be surprised; he's mellowed as he's gotten older and definitely got better,” said Big E. But he was pretty insufferable when I first met him, and I've told him this - just very unpleasant to be around and very obnoxious. He would do things almost like an 8-year-old. I promise you, he legit did the 'I'm not touching you' with his finger an inch from my face, and I like being unbothered. He's gotten better, which is why he didn't come to mind, but The Miz was fairly awful when I first met him.”

Although Big E was not the biggest fan of The Miz when they first met in WWE, both superstars share a better relationship today. The latter sustained an injury for the first time in his WWE career at WrestleMania Backlash when he faced Damian Priest in a controversial Lumberjack Match.

Following his ACL tear, The A-Lister was ruled out of action indefinitely. He still regularly appears on RAW in a wheelchair to accompany his best friend and tag team partner, John Morrison.

#2 AEW’s The Young Bucks tease a dream match with the greatest WWE faction of all time

The Young Bucks

AEW Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks recently sent the WWE Universe and the rest of the wrestling fans into a frenzy by teasing a huge dream match. It all started when WWE shared a video of The New Day alongside Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team. Soon after that, Xavier Woods made a cheeky post about the “New Day finally sharing the ring with the Bucks.”

The Young Bucks had a brilliant response to Woods' tweet. They took it a step further and updated their Twitter bio.

"One day we’ll wrestle New Day & everyone will rejoice. Remember this bio,” wrote The Young Bucks in their Twitter bio.

The Young Bucks had posted the same thing long before about former WWE Tag Team, The Revival. Both teams had engaged in a social media showdown which translated nicely in their feud inside the ring in All Elite Wrestling.

Both The Young Bucks and The New Day are incredibly over with wrestling fans all over the world. Fans loved the subtle exchange between the two tag teams and were quick to form speculation around a potential dream match. It is indeed exciting to see top names in the business make such bold yet intriguing claims.

#1 Former WWE Champion proposes Punjabi Prison Match

Drew McIntyre has been brutal on WWE RAW lately

Former WWE Champions Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal are currently involved in an intense feud on RAW. The latter recently said that he would like to face The Scottish Warrior in a Punjabi Prison Match. Mahal revealed how The Great Khali came up with the idea and shared lesser-known details about the creative bamboo structure.

"So Great Khali actually designed the match," said Mahal. "He was supposed to be in the first one, he was actually in the second one ever and then I was in the third one and it’s a very vicious, brutal match. The Punjabi Prison is… hopefully, I don’t have to do it too many times in my career because going into the Punjabi Prison, you know you’re not gonna be the same person when you leave.”

“That match takes everything out of you and Great Khali is the creator of the match and then when I was in the Punjabi Prison, Great Khali surprised everyone and made his return, so yeah, hopefully — you know what? I wouldn’t mind having Drew [McIntyre] in the Punjabi Prison," concluded Mahal.

Drew McIntyre cannot get another shot at the WWE Championship as long as it rests on Bobby Lashley’s shoulders. Mahal cost him the last opportunity at Money in the Bank, and things have been ruthless ever since. McIntyre’s recent attack on Shanky with steel chairs had the entire WWE Universe talking for days, and now his entire attention is fixated on The Modern Day Maharaja.