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Welcome to another edition of the WWE News & Rumor Roundup where we try and bring the biggest news and rumors from the world of WWE to you. With Extreme Rules just a few days away, the buzz is high for the upcoming PPV.
In today's edition, we will discuss what is in store for the match between Finn Balor and the Universal Champion Roman Reigns as WWE adds an interesting new stipulation to the match. We will also take a look at a big experiment that WWE has done involving Roman Reigns. There will be some big changes in the company if they get the desired results.
So without further ado, let us dive in to take a look at some of the most interesting stories related to WWE:
#5 Experiment involving Roman Reigns could have a big impact on WWE
Roman Reigns made his return to WWE RAW this week. The Universal Champion had not just one, but two matches on the red brand. He came out victorious in both. First, The Bloodline beat The New Day and then he went on to beat Big E and Bobby Lashley in a triple threat match.
As per WrestleVotes, Reigns' return to RAW could have some major implications in the future. If WWE manages to increase the rating for RAW with The Tribal Chief's return, then despite the brand split bigger names will continue to show up on both brands.
Some chatter I heard over the weekend included how important tonight’s RAW number is. Draft plans aside, w/ their biggest full time star in Roman Reigns being advertised to work tonight’s RAW, a bigger # than normal would open the box to showcasing main superstars on both brands.
WWE has been trying their best lately to boost ratings for RAW and SmackDown. Given that Roman Reigns is their biggest name today, if he helps RAW improve the ratings then it is likely that the Tribal Chief will expand his empire to both brands of WWE.
#4 Keith Lee gets a new name and look in WWE
Former WWE NXT Champion Keith Lee is set to be named Keith 'Bearcat' Lee going forward. Ahead of this week's RAW, Lee made an appearance for a match in his new look and new monicker.
Recent pictures of Keith Lee sporting his old look with a beard have gone viral. Lee made his appearance during the dark match on RAW in the same look. It is being rumored that the makeover could be a sign of an upcoming heel turn.
Lee has been absent for the majority of 2021, and despite being cleared to compete isn't being used on WWE RAW. It was reported that the reason behind Lee's absence was that WWE was trying out new things with him to see what sticks.
#3 Stipulation added to Finn Balor vs Roman Reigns at WWE Extreme Rules
The Demon Finn Balor is set to take on Roman Reigns for the Universal title at WWE Extreme Rules this Sunday. Interestingly, it looks like WWE have quietly added a big stipulation to the match.
While it was not referenced on SmackDown last week, this week on RAW a graphic indicated that Balor and Reigns will clash in an extreme rules match. Later on, WWE made it official and announced it on Twitter.
Reigns has run through every opponent who has tried to end his reign as the Universal Champion. Will Balor have the same fate or will The Demon King become a 2-time Universal Champion?
#2 Reason for Sasha Banks' absence in WWE
Sasha Banks has not been seen on WWE Smackdown since her SummerSlam match with Bianca Belair was scrapped. WrestlingInc has reported that Banks is cleared to compete and the reason for her absence is that the WWE creative is still coming up with something for her to do.
Sasha Banks was originally set to face Bianca Belair for the Women's title at SummerSlam. The match was nixed as Banks was not cleared to compete. Instead, Becky Lynch made her return and defeated The EST of WWE in 26 seconds to become the new champion.
The report also stated that The Boss was present backstage during SmackDown tapings and that it was a creative call not to use her or have her return right now. WWE are likely to wait for Extreme Rules before they have The Boss return.
#1 WWE superstar Cesaro calls Seth Rollins 'Mr. WrestleMania'
WWE Superstars Cesaro and Seth Rollins had a rivalry to remember this year. Despite being on-screen rivals, the two men are great friends backstage. The Swiss Cyborg even called Rollins 'Mr. Wrestlemania' during his recent interview with Ryan Satin.
“It felt right, to be in the ring with Seth, you know, who I shared the road with, who is I think I said it in the 24 as well, I think he is Mr. WrestleMania," said Cesaro. "All the stuff he's achieved at WrestleMania that's second to none. I think nobody can claim that."
Cesaro further praised Rollins saying that it is amazing how he puts a great match every time he steps inside the ring, especially at WrestleManias and SummerSlams.
