WWE News & Rumor Roundup: Ex-Champion's body transformation, Canceled plans for major stars like Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins, & more (December 27, 2021) 

We're back with another exciting WWE News and Rumor Roundup.

Thanks to a few top stars' current statuses, the company made significant changes to its latest live tour. Not too long ago, a two-time 24/7 Champion took to Twitter and Instagram to highlight his body transformation.

Keith Lee recently sent a message to a fan who hopes to see him on WWE television again. Today's roundup also features backstage reports regarding Nick Khan and Sonya Deville.

Without further ado, let's take a closer look at these news and rumor stories.

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#5. Top stars including Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins missed their advertised WWE live event appearances

WWE's 2021 Holiday Tour events in New York (Madison Square Garden) and Tampa (Amalie Arena) on December 26 had initially advertised appearances from some top-tier superstars. As per PWInsider, fans in attendance were informed that a few names would not be able to make their scheduled appearances due to the 'effects of COVID-19.'

Here are the talents who missed the MSG event in New York:

• WWE Champion Big E
• RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch
• Bianca Belair
• Bobby Lashley
• Seth Rollins
• Zelina Vega

The stars who missed the Amalie Arena show in Tampa are listed as follows:

• Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura
• Universal Champion Roman Reigns
• Xavier Woods

Big E vs. Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens had been the originally planned main event for the MSG live event. As a result of Rollins and E's absences, the promotion made a last-minute move and featured Edge in a first-time-ever singles clash against Owens. The two fought inside a steel cage, with The Rated-R Superstar emerging victoriously.

Rollins has contracted COVID-19, and it remains to be seen if that affects his status for the WWE Championship match at the Day 1 pay-per-view. Meanwhile, his spouse, Becky Lynch, is set to defend her RAW Women's Championship against Liv Morgan at the said event.

In Roman Reigns' absence at the Tampa show, Drew McIntyre and Sheamus had a street fight as the main event. They also participated in a tag team match earlier in the night.

#4. Former WWE Superstar Mike Kanellis shares a body transformation photo

Mike Bennett (fka Mike Kanellis in WWE) has worked hard to transform his physique over many months.

The two-time 24/7 Champion recently posted a 'then' and 'now' collage via his social networking accounts to highlight how far he has come in terms of fitness. Check out his tweet below:

Bennett posted the same collage on Instagram and included the following caption:

"You are always one decision away from a totally different life. Never forgot that you and you alone are in control of your own life. KEEP FIGHTING! I LOVE THIS S**T!"

The former WWE Superstar, alongside his wife, Maria, got released from the company back in April 2020 due to budget cuts. He had a three-year stint in Vince McMahon's promotion.

Mike Bennett certainly looks to be in significantly better shape now than during his time in WWE. Several months ago, he mentioned via Instagram that the gym has always helped him through the most challenging times of his life. Bennett even disclosed back then that he had been working out since he was 15 years old.

#3. Former WWE NXT Champion Keith Lee sends a message to one of his fans

Throughout Keith Lee's run on WWE's main roster, many fans wished to see him receive a massive main event push at some point. That push never happened, as The Limitless One got released from his contract on November 4, 2021.

Following his departure, there seem to be fans who watch the product hoping that Lee will show up in the world of sports entertainment again. One such fan expressed the same via Twitter recently, and the former NXT Champion had an interesting response to the tweet:

Clearly, Keith Lee isn't too optimistic about returning to WWE anytime soon.

Earlier this month, he tweeted a throwback photo with Roman Reigns from their 15-man Survivor Series elimination tag team match in 2019. The 37-year-old star also shared an old picture with Brock Lesnar from their confrontation during the 2020 Royal Rumble match.

Both of these moments showcased Lee as someone who could one day be a top superstar. While that prediction never came true, it will be interesting to see what is next in store for him in professional wrestling.

#2. How Nick Khan is viewed backstage in WWE

Nick Khan is undoubtedly one of the most discussed behind-the-scenes names in WWE these days. It's no secret that he holds influential backstage power.

As per Mike Johnson of PWInsider, the WWE President & Chief Revenue Officer is well-liked by the company's chairman and CEO, Vince McMahon. However, many also believe that the promotion is no longer the same with Khan in charge.

"Obviously, he's well liked by Vince McMahon. He's also well liked by the staff that he's brought in to work under him. There are many, however, who have told us that the company is no longer the same under Khan and some even joke it's no longer Vince McMahon's kingdom, but Khan's instead. Since a lot of long-standing employees have been cut or lost power, he's the one who has been blamed by those unhappy with the changes," stated Mike Johnson.

Although Nick Khan's rise in WWE hasn't been seen favorably by a vocal section of fans, he is reportedly expected to replace Vince McMahon in the long run.

#1. Backstage reaction to Sonya Deville and Naomi's WWE feud

Naomi and Sonya Deville's on-screen conflict has been building up for several weeks on WWE SmackDown. As per Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, their feud has even received some praise backstage:

"Her program with Naomi has been received well backstage, and both staff and producers we've spoken to have spoken highly of their work."

While both women haven't faced each other in a one-on-one contest this year, they clashed in five singles matches back in 2018.

Two of those bouts aired on television, with Naomi and Deville holding one victory each. However, the latter has lost to the former SmackDown Women's Champion every time in untelevised matches.

In October 2021, Deville and Shayna Baszler had the odds stacked against Naomi in a handicap contest. It technically marked the on-screen official's first match since August 2020.

The positive reaction to their latest feud extends beyond the producers and other staff in WWE. Last month, wrestling legend Dutch Mantell showered praise on Deville's recent character work as well.

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What are your thoughts on any of the topics covered in today's roundup? Sound off in the comments section below.