WWE News & Rumor Roundup: 54-year-old star set to leave imminently, Ex-star on AJ Styles' retirement tease, John Cena gets message from Kevin Owens

Welcome back to another exciting edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's WWE News and Rumor Roundup. In today's article, we will look at topics about John Cena and AJ Styles, among others.

Also, a major name is set to go off TV programming in the near future, if a recent report is to be believed. Let's check it all out without any further ado:

#1. WWE star set to leave imminently

SmackDown commentators Wade Barrett and Joe Tessitore were not present on the blue brand this past Friday, with Michael Cole and Corey Graves replacing them. Shortly after the show, it was reported that Barrett was pulled off WWE TV.

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The former Intercontinental Champion then cleared the air by revealing that he will be away from the commentary desk for a couple of weeks, as he requested some personal time off, which was granted to him.

It seems like Wade Barrett's partner, Joe Tessitore, will also not be seen on SmackDown. Fightful Select has reported that Joe will also be off television for some time to call the action for the start of the Football season.

#2. Kevin Owens sends a message to John Cena

John Cena made his final SmackDown appearance this past Friday, where he faced Sami Zayn in a singles match for the United States Champion. However, the bout ended in a DQ after Brock Lesnar interfered with the proceedings and attacked both men.

Kevin Owens, who is currently on the sidelines with a neck injury, sent a message to the Cenation Leader after he bid farewell to SmackDown.

Cena has just seven appearances left in his Farewell Tour. He will compete in his last match in December at Saturday Night's Main Event.

#3. Karrion Kross reacts to retirement tease from AJ Styles

AJ Styles recently hinted that he's close to hanging up his boots, which caused a major uproar in the wrestling world. The Phenomenal One received a message from old rival Karrion Kross after teasing retirement. The former WWE Superstar urged Styles not to retire.

"Uncle Allen, I will turn that hourglass upside down… don’t you dare leave us," Kross wrote.

AJ Styles has previously stated that he won't be wrestling long, with speculations being that he could hang up his boots after finishing his current contract with WWE.

About the author

Vivek is a part of the combat sports division at Sportskeeda Wrestling. An engineering graduate, he joined the division three years ago because of his passion for pro wrestling. A fan since childhood, Vivek recalls the first show he watched was WrestleMania 21 where John Cena won the WWE Championship.

Despite being a part of the WWE team, Vivek's favorite wrestlers are Adam 'Hangman' Page and Darby Allin from AEW. Hangman's storyline with Kenny Omega and the Elite was one of the reasons he started watching AEW and he feels the star's rise to the top resonates with many. Darby's unparalleled passion for the business makes him his second favorite.

He strictly adheres to Sportskeeda's ethical standards and conducts thorough research before writing on any topic. Apart from working for Sportskeeda, Vivek is also a finance student. He loves to follow the stock and crypto world, studying the market in his free time.

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Edited by Vivek Sharma