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Welcome back to another edition of the WWE News and Rumor Roundup. Today's lineup of stories features some of the biggest names from the company, with Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar unsurprisingly in prime focus.
The roundup has all the backstage details regarding the high-profile Universal title program and the identity of Reigns' next championship contender after Lesnar.
Elsewhere, a controversial former superstar has reportedly told his friends that he will return to Vince McMahon's promotion soon.
The 2021 Draft also witnessed a few new faces arrive on RAW and SmackDown, respectively, and WWE seems to have high hopes from two former NXT talents.
We conclude the roundup with The Undertaker providing an update regarding his retirement and in-ring status.
#5. Alberto Del Rio has allegedly told people he is returning to WWE
Alberto Del Rio has endured several ups and downs since his last WWE stint ended almost five years ago in 2016. As reported by Dave Meltzer in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the former superstar has been telling people that he will work again with Vince McMahon's company soon.
Del Rio expects to resolve his legal troubles - specifically regarding the alleged assault by his ex-girlfriend - and pave the way for his WWE comeback.
While the chances of McMahon re-signing Alberto Del Rio are low as per Meltzer, he still sounds quite confident about getting back into the promotion's fold.
"While I don't believe this at all, but Alberto El Patron is telling people that he's going to WWE when his legal situation regarding the alleged assault on an ex-girlfriend in San Antonio is cleared up," said Dave Meltzer.
Alberto Del Rio spoke to Sportskeeda Wrestling's Riju Dasgupta back in June, and you can check out what he had to say about a possible WWE return in the video above.
#4. Drew McIntyre to feud with Roman Reigns on WWE SmackDown
While Roman Reigns prepares for another clash against Brock Lesnar, WWE has already chalked up its plans for the reigning Universal Champion for the remainder of the year.
In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer revealed that Drew McIntyre was brought over to SmackDown due to the shortage of opponents for The Tribal Chief.
McIntyre is slated to go up against Big E at Crown Jewel, and The Scottish Warrior is expected to suffer another loss before he becomes a full-time member of the Blue brand.
It was additionally reported that Drew McIntyre's program with Roman Reigns would begin in December. If you're wondering what happens to the Tribal Chief's ongoing angle with Brock Lesnar, we've got you covered!
#3. WWE's plans for Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar
Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar's upcoming Crown Jewel showdown will not end their renewed storyline as WWE reportedly has long-term plans for the hot angle.
Dave Meltzer noted that unless Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson returns for a WrestleMania 38 match against his Samoan cousin, Reigns vs. Lesnar is the next big option for next year's Show of Shows.
Roman Reigns should ideally retain the Universal title at Crown Jewel with a disputable finish that opens up the doors for a rematch with Brock Lesnar. It was stated that Paul Heyman being a possible double agent in the scenario and his role in the outcome of the narrative will also help extend the program.
Here's an excerpt of Meltzer's report from the Newsletter:
"From what we understand and what makes sense, is this is not a one-and-done program. For one, unless Dwayne Johnson is wrestling Reigns at next year's WrestleMania, this would appear to be the biggest possible Mania match. So the idea here is to build to a return, whether that means Lesnar wins to build to a rematch or some disputed decision takes place," revealed Meltzer.
Based on all backstage updates and speculation, the current direction could see Reigns overcome Lesnar's challenge at WWE Crown Jewel before feuding with McIntyre.
#2. WWE has reportedly identified Ridge Holland as a future world champion
Ridge Holland was one of many WWE NXT stars called up to the main roster as part of the 2021 Draft, and the new SmackDown talent could be staring at a fruitful run in the big leagues.
As revealed in WON, some people within the company "have tabbed" Holland as a future world champion. WWE officials also have high hopes for Austin Theory, who was drafted to Monday Night RAW.
Ridge Holland began wrestling in 2016 following the conclusion of his career as a professional rugby player, and he eventually signed with the WWE in 2018. The English wrestler has endured a few untimely injury setbacks but has shown great promise during his NXT and NXT UK performances.
Vince McMahon's promotion has brought up Ridge Holland and Austin Theory to the main roster, hoping that they flourish into top-tier singles stars in due time. However, will the WWE management's world championship foresight for Holland become a reality?
#1. The Undertaker has no plans of coming out of retirement
The Undertaker might have retired at WWE Survivor Series 2020, but the routine speculation regarding another potential match continues to do the rounds. The Deadman, however, does not wish to lace up his wrestling boots again.
While promoting his new Netflix interactive film during an interview with Entertainment Tonight, The Undertaker reaffirmed his retirement status, stating that his body couldn't deliver in the ring at a high level anymore.
The Phenom said that he did not want to tarnish his iconic character's legacy by putting on unimpressive performances and believed that calling time on his illustrious career was the best decision.
"As of this moment, yeah, my days in the ring are done, and it's not because I don't want to be in the ring. That's where I've spent most of my adult life; my whole life really has been spent in the wrestling or sports entertainment ring. In my mind, I still can see everything, and in my heart, I want to be out there, but it's at the point where my body can't deliver what my mind and my heart see. My body can't deliver that, and I just don't want to cheapen the legacy of that character. I'd hate for people to pay money to see me work and be disappointed," revealed The Undertaker.
The Undertaker will not compete again in WWE, but could his daughter follow in his footsteps and become a professional wrestler? He even had his say on that matter, and you can read all about it right here.
