WWE News & Rumor Roundup - Former star's talks about a big return, Keith Lee's new look, Alexa Bliss' status, Company reveals separation agreement (26th November 2021)

Welcome back to the latest edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's daily WWE News and Rumor Roundup. We begin the lineup with a big story of a former star's talks with Triple H regarding an unexpected return.

Speaking of former WWE talent, Keith Lee showed off his new look amidst rumors of his next move in wrestling.

Alexa Bliss also commented on her WWE status as fans continue to raise concerns about her absence. We also have all the backstage details regarding the nixed Survivor Series plans for Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.

The company also released the separation agreement regarding the recent departure of a top executive.

As always, there is a lot to look forward to in today's WWE News and Rumor Roundup!

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#5. Former WWE star Maven had talks with Triple H about a return

Maven appeared on "That '90s Wrestling Podcast" and revealed details of his recent conversation with Triple H.

The former hardcore champion was quite close to re-signing with WWE as he spoke to The Game and Matt Bloom about possibly doing some announcing work for the company.

Maven recalled meeting with the NXT officials in Orlando before the COVID-19 pandemic, and unfortunately for him, the country-wide lockdown proved to be the end of any plans of a potential comeback.

"Before the world was shut down before the pandemic, I actually travelled to Orlando and met with Hunter [Triple H] and with Albert [Matt Bloom] who is running the developmental down there now. And I was talking to them about maybe doing some announcing stuff. And I did that, and I went there, on March 11th of 2020. And if you remember, in America that's the day America shutdown [due to the pandemic]," revealed Maven.

He said that his love for professional wrestling would always be intact, and he didn't rule out the possibility of working with WWE in the future. The 45-year-old is also getting ready to wrestle again and vowed never to leave the professional wrestling business.

"So, you know I never want to turn my back or say no or it'll never happen. Because I don't know. I still and will always have wrestling in my blood. I still have wrestling dreams every week. I still have a dream where I'm either putting my boots on or I'm in the ring or I'm getting ready to wrestle somebody, and my love for the business is never gonna leave," said Maven. (h/t WrestlingNews)

Maven was released from WWE in 2005, and he has wrestled sporadically in the years following his exit. The three-time Hardcore Champion's last documented match happened in 2016, and it would be interesting to see if he laces up his wrestling boots again or even manages to secure a backstage role in Vince McMahon's promotion.

#4. Former WWE star Keith Lee shows off his new look

Keith Lee is patiently waiting for his WWE non-compete clause to end, and he's also making sure that he stays connected with fans on social media.

The Limitless One took to Twitter to share an image of his new look while also sending out his Thanksgiving wishes. The former NXT Champion revealed that he started getting white hair at 16.

Keith Lee proudly donned a stunning look with a lot of white in his hair and beard, as you can view below:

"Here's a fun fact about me. I started getting white hair at 16 years of age! Personally, I like it. I wish it was all white. Unfortunately, many don't understand science, and *only* associate it with age haha. Happy Thanksgiving humans. Be thankful for the things you have," Keith Lee said in a tweet.

Lee will be one of the hottest free agents on the market once his non-compete clause expires in 2022. But where do you see him going? Will he reappear in wrestling with his new look? We'll have to wait to find out.

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#3. Update on Alexa Bliss' WWE status

Alexa Bliss has not been seen since she was written off WWE TV at Extreme Rules in September. The former RAW Women's Champion recently responded to a fan's question regarding her return, and Bliss noted that she requires more time to heal.

Her response indicates that she will be out of action for a more extended period.

PWInsider had previously reported that Bliss was slated to undergo sinus surgery; however, there were no details about her expected return. A Royal Rumble comeback seems like the best booking decision at this point, as WWE will need a few surprises lined up for the pay-per-view in 2022.

With Bray Wyatt no longer a part of the company, reports suggest that Alexa Bliss could revert to her old gimmick once she resumes her run on WWE programming.

#2. WWE reveals separation agreement with former CFO Kristina Salen

WWE revealed details of its separation agreement with former CFO Kristina Salen in a recent corporate disclosure.

Salen worked as WWE's Chief Financial Officer until her departure in November and will be paid her base salary for the next 12 months. In addition to that, she will also receive her health insurance and also $413k for forfeited stock units.

Salen is also eligible to gain an estimated performance bonus of $431k for the units. Here's an excerpt of WWE's disclosure regarding the separation agreement with Kristina Salen:

"Under the terms of the Separation Agreement, Ms. Salen will receive a continuation of base salary and health insurance coverage for a period of twelve months. She will be paid cash in the amount of $413,000 for certain forfeited restricted stock units and will be eligible for a payment in respect of her incentive bonus for 2021 to be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors and currently estimated at $431,200, in each case payable on or before March 31, 2022. All payments are subject to applicable employment or tax withholding and deductions. The Separation Agreement contains other standard provisions, including maintaining Ms. Salen's intellectual property, confidentiality, and non-solicitation obligations," disclosed WWE.

Salen left WWE mere hours after the company's most recent Q3 earnings call. Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics reported that she wasn't well-liked within WWE as she might have been responsible for many people wanting to quit the finance department.

Following Salen's surprise exit, Frank A. Riddick III has taken over as the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer.

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#1. Original plans for The Rock at Survivor Series

Survivor Series 2021 was built around the 25th anniversary of The Rock's WWE debut, and fans were left thoroughly disappointed with Dwayne Johnson's no-show at the event.

Dave Meltzer has now revealed that the original plan was for The Rock to be at the pay-per-view. WWE officials reportedly talked about booking The Brahma Bull for Survivor Series until it fell through due to his prior commitments.

The filming of Young Rock's second season proved to be a problem, and WWE was forced to cancel the expected appearance.

Dave Meltzer reported the following:

''The original idea was that Dwayne Johnson would appear at the show. But like everything in the Dwayne Johnson world, there are projects with timetables, and an idea to appear months ago had fallen through due to the filming of the second season of 'Young Rock,''' said Meltzer.

The Rock did not show up at Survivor Series, but the company still hopes for The Great One to return for the long-awaited dream match against Roman Reigns.

Are you expecting to see the Samoan showdown at WrestleMania 38? Let us know your predictions and expectations from the storyline in the comments section below.

We'll see you again in the next edition of the WWE News & Rumor Roundup.