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Welcome to the October 10th edition of WWE News and Rumor Roundup. AJ Lee recently highlighted why she hasn't returned to in-ring action yet.
As per a new report, Roman Reigns' merchandise sales have broken a huge record. Not too long ago, a current WWE star's comeback match was made official.
Today's roundup also features potential plans regarding Gable Steveson and how Becky Lynch warned a Hall of Famer via Twitter.
With that in mind, let's take a closer look at these recent stories:
#5 Why won't former WWE Superstar AJ Lee return to the ring?
AJ Lee (real name - AJ Mendez) last wrestled in 2015. Due to a neck injury and the fulfillment of her goals, she stepped away from life in the squared circle to pursue other interests.
The three-time WWE Divas Champion recently became an executive producer for WOW - Women of Wrestling. During an interview with Izzy on the WOW Superheroes YouTube channel, AJ mentioned that she could technically wrestle again. However, she wants the next generation of female wrestlers to have their spotlight.
"Physically, mentally, emotionally, I'm healed from everything I've gone through in wrestling. I could technically do it, but I'm so enjoying letting the next generation have their spotlight," AJ Lee said. "I got to do everything I wanted to do. So, it really would have to be, is that challenge there? I don't think the girls need me there. I think that they are going to take over the world all by themselves."
In addition to her executive producer role, the former WWE Superstar will also do color commentary for Women of Wrestling down the line.
During her time away from the industry, AJ Lee has pursued writing projects while also making a name for herself as an advocate for mental health awareness and animal welfare.
Would you like to see her return to in-ring action at some point? Let us know in the comments section below.
#4 Roman Reigns is on John Cena's level for WWE merchandise sales
As per Paul Davis of WrestlingNews.co, Roman Reigns' run as a top villain has made WWE management 'very happy.'
He also noted that Reigns is the company's top merchandise seller and has even surpassed all popular heel superstars in that regard. The Universal Champion is reportedly on the same level as John Cena when it comes to merch sales.
Cena, one of WWE's most marketable babyfaces of all time, has sold a lot of merch throughout his career, so it's impressive how Reigns seems to have similarly matched those numbers as a loathed heel.
#3 Sonya Deville to wrestle again after a long hiatus
Sonya Deville last wrestled Mandy Rose in a No Disqualification Loser Leaves WWE match at SummerSlam 2020. Since losing to Rose, she has portrayed the role of an on-screen authority figure alongside Adam Pearce.
The wait for her in-ring return is now over, as Deville will face Naomi on the October 15th episode of SmackDown. Interestingly, this will be the latter's first televised bout since the 2021 Women's Money in the Bank ladder match.
The two women have developed issues with each other over the last few weeks, as the on-screen official has repeatedly refused to book Naomi in a match.
Who do you think should emerge victoriously from their upcoming clash?
#2 Gable Steveson to debut at a major WWE event?
Gable Steveson is part of the RAW brand following this year's WWE Draft. As per Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, plans for the Olympic gold medalist revolve around a potential WrestleMania debut.
After the college wrestling season ends in March, WWE officials reportedly want him to regularly feature on RAW in the buildup to a high-profile match at WrestleMania 38. Meltzer has previously mentioned that there have already been discussions about a clash between the 21-year-old star and Brock Lesnar.
As part of the first-ever NIL deal in WWE history, Gable Steveson will train for pro wrestling while defending his NCAA title for the University of Minnesota.
#1 Becky Lynch warns Lita regarding a dream showdown
It's no secret that many current WWE Superstars could wrestle in top-tier dream matches against Lita. The latter asked her Twitter followers about their opinions on this topic not too long ago:
Becky Lynch noticed the Hall of Famer's tweet and replied - in character - with a warning:
Lita last wrestled for WWE in 2018. The four-time women's champion stated last year that she was open to the idea of a future in-ring return.
Interestingly, she has never faced Lynch in a one-on-one match before. Would you like to see their clash happen at some point down the road?
