WWE News & Rumor Roundup: Released star disrespected backstage, Brock Lesnar uses influence to make creative changes, Update on Big Cass becoming a free agent (November 20, 2021)

Brock Lesnar and W. Morrissey (Big Cass).
Brock Lesnar and W. Morrissey (Big Cass).

We're back with another edition of the daily WWE News and Rumor Roundup, where we cover the top stories being discussed in the pro wrestling world.

We have backstage details on the last-minute creative changes made ahead of Survivor Series because of Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar.

We also have some news on the status of W. Morrissey, formerly known as Big Cass, and how the former WWE star is a free agent and looking for a 'big-money' contract.

Becky Lynch opened up on her backstage relationship with Charlotte Flair and revealed why they might never be friends as long as they are in the wrestling business together.

There are also several backstage notes regarding a few recently-released talents, and one particular name is already attracting a lot of attention from major companies.

We ended the roundup with Bobby Lashley making a big statement about Vince McMahon's promotion's competitors.

On that note, here's the latest news and rumor roundup:


#5. Top Dolla says he was disrespected backstage in WWE, big interest in signing Isaiah "Swerve" Scott

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Several reports have emerged regarding the backstage heat on Top Dolla before Hit Row's WWE release.

The former WWE star reacted to the rumors with a strongly-worded tweet. A.J. Francis revealed that he 'called the office' after B-Fab's release to tell officials that they were making a big mistake.

Hit Row had their fair share of detractors in NXT, and Dolla stated that he never took the advice of people who didn't believe in the faction.

"Here’s what rubs people the wrong way. -Standing up for your own. When Bri was released and I called the office myself to tell them they made a mistake. -Standing up for yourself. Ppl in the PC told me “Hit Row” wouldn’t work for a year and a half & I never took their advice," Top Dolla tweeted.

Top Dolla claims there were many backstage instances where he felt disrespected and was in no mood to let the circulating reports ruin his reputation in professional wrestling.

"TRUST ME I got plenty stories I can tell about how I was disrespected but just took it on the chin like a professional. Even with the video I released today it was all professionalism. But I’m NOT gonna let these BS “reports” ruin my reputation. I got tea I can spill too," wrote Top Dolla.

On a separate note, Fightful Select reported that many companies, including major promotions, are interested in signing Isaiah "Swerve" Scott. The former NXT North American Champion has always been a highly-rated talent, and it's not surprising that he has many admirers outside WWE.

Swerve, however, will need to wait for 90 days before he begins negotiations to return to the ring.

#4. Details on Brock Lesnar's backstage influence and the last-minute change before WWE Survivor Series

Only a handful of WWE Superstars have the power to use their backstage influence to bring about changes in the script, and Brock Lesnar is undoubtedly one of those talents.

In this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that it's common for The Beast Incarnate and Roman Reigns to request last-minute changes.

Meltzer stated Reigns and Lesnar often ask for booking alterations to improve existing plans. Here's what was revealed in the Newsletter:

"There were changes pitched between 4 and 6 p.m. the day of the show, but that is usually the case with Reigns segments since it's a common thing for Reigns and Lesnar to ask for late changes with Heyman as the common denominator with ideas to enhance what was on paper the day of the show," stated Meltzer.

It was also disclosed that the decision to have Roman Reigns vs. King Woods on the November 12th episode of SmackDown came late in the day.

WWE wanted to focus on the storyline arc featuring Big E ahead of his Survivor Series clash against Roman Reigns, and adding Woods to the mix made the angle more personal.


#3. Former WWE Superstar W. Morrissey (Big Cass) is a free agent

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W. Morrissey, fka Big Cass, has worked tirelessly to fix his reputation in pro wrestling since being released by WWE in 2018.

The former NXT star has had an impressive run in IMPACT Wrestling, and as things stand, he is a free agent after his deal with the company expired recently.

Fightful Select reported that Morrissey is looking to secure a 'big money deal' with IMPACT Wrestling as he feels he has proven himself on all fronts.

He started working in IMPACT Wrestling in April earlier this year, and he is presently negotiating a new contract with company officials. Morrissey has previously spoken about his desire to return to WWE someday, but given the recent releases, he might not be able to find a way back in anytime soon.

Sources at IMPACT Wrestling stated that Morrissey is pushing to re-sign with them and we'll keep you updated regarding the negotiations.

#2. Becky Lynch comments on her broken relationship with Charlotte Flair in WWE

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Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair might never be friends again if the WWE stars are in the wrestling business together.

The RAW Women's Champion sat down with Graham GSM Matthews of Bleacher Report for an interview and revealed that she could only reconcile with Flair if they discussed their problems backstage.

Becky Lynch feels Charlotte Flair will always be jealous of her and added that her relationship with The Queen might be irreparable. Here's what The Man had to say:

"Honestly, I don't know," Lynch said about fixing their friendship. "I think there would be a lot that would need to be talked about and a lot that would need to be discussed. Honestly, I don't think we can be in this business anymore. I feel like once we're in this industry, she's going to be jealous of me, and I'm not going to like the way she does business. I don't know that it can be repaired while we're both still wrestling."

Despite their well-documented backstage issues, Flair and Lynch are not expected to cause further problems when they step into the ring at Survivor Series.


#1. Bobby Lashley says WWE does not have any competition

While many fans would consider AEW a legitimate competitor to WWE, Bobby Lashley recently revealed that Vince McMahon's company doesn't have a serious challenger.

Lashley noted that while it was a great time to be a pro wrestling fan, WWE is at a different level and he also teased some big things possibly being in the works within the promotion.

The former world champion is aware of the current state of wrestling and added that strong opposition would only encourage WWE talents to improve their game.

Here's what The All Mighty had to say during an interview with DAZN:

"I think that it's a good time to be a wrestling fan, and it's a good time for a wrestler with a good time to step up for everyone. Everybody always says competition is good. I don't think really we have any serious competition. But the fans like it, the fans like the fact that there are other things going on that forces us to step up," Lashley said.

Does WWE really not have any serious competition, as Bobby Lashley claims? What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section below, and feel free to share your views on the other top stories from today's roundup.

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