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Welcome to another edition of the daily WWE Rumor Roundup where we try and bring you the biggest rumors, news and stories from the day.
With COVID-19 panic engulfing the world, WWE is trying its best to give the fans great shows every week. In today's edition, we will talk about Elias revealing why he believes that people are upset with him, AEW's interest in current SmackDown Superstar and why he may join them, as well as major changes made to plans for Triple H.
So without further ado, let us dive into the world of news and rumors:
#5 Elias has backstage heat?
The Drifter has truly become a drifter ever since he returned to SmackDown. The popular Superstar has always received a great reaction from the fans but it looks like WWE does not have any major plans for the former 4-time 24/7 Champion.
While speaking on the Busted Open podcast, Elias revealed that he might have upset people backstage because of how hard he pushes for his ideas. The former NXT Superstar also said that he has 'begged' to be further along than he currently is.
And you know what, it’s great. I’m on television every week and people feel alive. But I tell you what, man, I feel like I’m capable of even more. I am looking for that on all aspects, to the point where people might be getting upset with me [because] I’m pushing so hard.” [H/T Wrestlingnews.co]
Elias is currently invovled in a lackluster feud with King Corbin, and it looks like the two men are being built for a possible match at WrestleMania 36. While Elias is showcased on SmackDown almost every week, he has not had many in-ring appearances on the show this year.
Do you think Elias deserves more opportunities? Let us know in the comments.
#4 Daniel Bryan gets special backstage powers
Daniel Bryan is not only one of the toughest in-ring competitors but also one of the most well-respected veterans on the roster. It is this trait that has allowed him to get special backstage privileges from the company, something that other Superstars don't get.
As per a report from Sportskeeda's own Tom Colohue, Daniel Bryan has the power to choose who he wants a program with and he is given plenty of freedom to book his own storylines.
The former WWE Champion is reportedly involved in planning his own storylines and likes working with his friends.
Daniel Bryan is really involved in the planning of this feud and in fact in the planning for a lot of his feuds recently. You find it popular and often when someone wins the championship they'll get asked, who do you want to work with, whereas with Daniel Bryan there is no Championship involved, he's still going out and saying, I want to work with this person, I want to work with this person and Drew Gulak looked amazing throughout this whole match."
Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak had a spectacular match at Elimination Chamber and were seen as part of a new alliance on last week's Friday Night SmackDown.
#3 AEW interested in Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy?
AEW commentator and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently shed some light on the possibility of the Hardy Brothers joining AEW. While speaking on his podcast - Grilling JR - the legend praised both Matt and Jeff Hardy and said that the two brothers would be an asset to any company they work for.
With speculation of Matt Hardy joining AEW soon, JR speculated that his younger brother Jeff Hardy may follow suit after his contract is over. Here is what Jim Ross had to say about wanting to have Jeff Hardy in AEW:
When Jeff Hardy is clean and sober and healthy, he can help any company in a big big way. Then Matt [Hardy], of course, now a free agent. You know there’s a lot of talk about where he’s going. I know where I’d like to see him go, you know obviously I’m selfish.
The Hall of Famer also stated that the company could get Jeff Hardy someday if Matt signs with them now.
You know if you get Matt? Then maybe someday you get Jeff?
#2 Plans changed for Triple H on SmackDown
Last week SmackDown aired a historic episode which emanated from the Performance Center with no audience in attendance. The show certainly had a different vibe to it but WWE managed to make it interesting despite the absence of fans.
One of the most interesting and unique aspects of the show was having Triple H join commentary along with Michael Cole. As per a report from Fightful, these were not the original plans for The Game and were changed last-minute because of the positive reaction from the crowd.
We're told originally there wasn't supposed to be so much Triple H involvement on-screen on Friday's episode of Smackdown. Originally there were to be more guests featured, but Triple H's chemistry and social media reaction led to an on-the-fly call to have him stick around throughout the entire show.
Triple H ragged Michael Cole throughout the show in a hilarious manner and made a lot of 'shoot' jokes - even joking about his rumored 'demotion' in WWE.
Would you like to see Triple H on commentary on RAW as well? Tell us in the comments!
#1 Bobby Lashley talks about the status of his story with Rusev
Bobby Lashley was seen destroying Zack Ryder in a match last week. While there is nothing surprising in seeing The Almighty defeat Ryder, the absence of Lana by his side and no mention of Rusev led fans to speculate if WWE has dropped the storyline altogether.
There have been reports suggesting that WWE is waiting for Rusev to re-sign in order to further that angle, while certain other reports say that Lashley is being repackaged for a match against Brock Lesnar.
While speaking on WWE's The Bump, the former ECW Champion talked about the status of his storyline with Rusev:
I got put in a role with Lana for some time now. I don't know what's going to go on with Rusev and I. I don't know if that's done, if it's finished or if it's not.
He also stated that something big is in store for him in the near future:
Man, there are many things that I want to do, so many people I want to be in the ring with, that in the next few weeks, you'll start to see a little bit of the old Bobby. You might see something big at WrestleMania, like a big matchup.
