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In today's rumor roundup, we take a look at the backstage news regarding another WWE Draft, Enzo and Cass' reported return and the former WWE champion who is waiting to return to the ring! We start off with the big news coming in – massive changes to SmackDown Live when it debuts on the FOX network!
SmackDown Live set to undergo massive changes!
SmackDown Live is set to move to the FOX network in October and that's common knowledge right now. Now, Stone Cold Steve Austin has tweeted out a trailer ahead of the move and it's just brilliant!
As seen in the video (tweet) above, SmackDown Live is set to become just SmackDown once again. Adding to this, the show will move from Tuesday to Friday when the move takes place.
What's more interesting is the new logo unveiled at the very end of the video. WWE and FOX have gone in with a retro look with a modern twist for the logo and the fans just love it. October 4th just can't come quick enough!
Tag team almost makes return on Monday Night RAW
The tag-team turmoil match on Monday Night RAW this week was an interesting one. With Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode coming out as winners, it made it even more unexpected.
Now, Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live reports that WWE were considering bringing AOP back for the match. Akam and Rezar have been out of action for some time now and it would have been brilliant to see them return and win the tag team turmoil match.
However, officials decided not to use them and there is no word why they did not go ahead with the plan. In case you didn't know, AOP made a return in July when they faced Ali and Matt Hardy at a WWE Live Event at SmackDown Live in July.
AOP are very likely to return to the WWE TV in the coming weeks with a draft also taking place soon.
WWE not interested in Enzo and Cass returning
Enzo Amore and Big Cass were one of the most talked-about tag teams but their release ended things quickly. The WWE Universe is not really bothered about their exit anymore and has certainly moved on.
However, Dave Meltzer's statement on Wrestling Observer Newsletter sparked talks among the fans about the duo returning. He said:
WWE has been in contact with Enzo and Cass about a surprise return to be top stars on the NXT brand. We don't know if they've accepted, but Cass really hasn't done much on the indie scene and has also made it clear he wants to get back. Enzo, who really knows. He says a lot of things but his rap career isn't exactly going anywhere and he also hasn't done much on the indie scene but hasn't walked away from wrestling either.
Just as the rumors were spreading and the fans were trying to wrap their heads around it, WWE made it clear via Pro Wrestling Sheet that they are not interested in re-signing the tag team.
Sheamus 'in the dark' about return
Sheamus, who was out of action for some time following an undisclosed injury, has revealed that he is waiting for his return to the ring. The former WWE champion last appeared on WWE TV on SmackDown Live after WrestleMania 35.
Talking to Edge & Christian Pod of Awesomeness, he said: “I don't really know what the crack is. I'm still waiting. I'm enjoying my time. It's very hard for me to sit at home all the time, that's where the channel has been a saving grace as well. It's my passion away from the ring and I've enjoyed doing all these workouts.
“Everyone being so generous, the WWE superstars, men and women, being so generous with their time and getting on the channel. I don't know what the story is, as of right now. I'm in the dark about it. I'm just training away, trying to get into the best shape I can.”
The Bar have been broken and if Sheamus is to return any time soon, it certainly won't be with Cesaro.
Mick Foley on Bray Wyatt using the Mandible Claw
Mick Foley was asked by Sporting News for his thoughts on Bray Wyatt using the Mandible Claw and the WWE legend revealed that it was nothing but a homage to himself. The former Hardcode champion said:
“I think that's for everyone to think for themselves. It's all about the follow-up. And I have been very happy with the follow-up as well. I'm really happy to see him using the move and to be shifting gears of that character to make it intriguing and exciting television.”
Foley also spoke a lot about Bray Wyatt's character, The Fiend, and said:
“The willingness to go from one extreme to another like the gooey, zooey of the Firefly Fun House and willing to embrace that nerdiness which then amplifies the evil nature of the Fiend character.”
Foley is set to appear at Tales of a Hardcore Legend stage show as part of Starrcast III on August 31. Meanwhile, Bray Wyatt is expected to be on RAW next week.
Another WWE Draft set to take place soon!
WWE had a Superstar Shake-Up in April and it looks like another one is set to take place soon! According to reports in Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the company is planning on having one before SmackDown Live moves to the FOX network.
Meltzer reports: “Right now there is a concept of another draft type of thing to build permanent Raw and Smackdown rosters. What we were originally told is that they wouldn't be making major changes, but some changes, but this is Vince. Everything is being kept quiet, and USA and FOX will be the first to know when the concept is decided.”
It comes as no surprise as NXT is also set to become a 2-hour long live show and they need a few stars as well. Moreover, reports suggest 205 Live is set to be scrapped and merged with SmackDown, which will also become a 3-hour long show like Monday Night RAW!!
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