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Welcome to another edition of the daily WWE Rumor Roundup where we try and bring you the biggest rumours and stories from the day. With the Royal Rumble done and dusted, things are heating up for WrestleMania this year.
Two major names are likely to miss the Grandest Stage of Them All this year, whereas a former 2-time WWE Champion will be making his return before WrestleMania. We will also talk about a released Superstar signing with AEW and more!
So let us look at the biggest stories from the day. But before that, you can gear up by listening to the Olympic Gold medalist's take on NXT competing with RAW and SmackDown!
#6 The Undertaker and Ronda Rousey to miss WrestleMania
WrestleMania 36 is right around the corner and speculation is high as to which Superstars will be returning around the time for WWE's biggest show. As per the Wrestling Observer Newsletter via Wrestling Inc, two big names that will not be part of this year's Wrestlemania are The Undertaker and Ronda Rousey.
It is being stated that The Phenom is not booked for a match at WrestleMania this year, although he may be negotiating an appearance at the event. They also state that although WWE wanted to have Charlotte Flair vs Ronda Rousey to take place last year, the plan was scrapped, and Rousey is not expected to wrestle at WrestleMania 36.
"The company sees Flair as its second biggest female star and highest paid, with Lynch, if you don’t include Ronda Rousey on the list. WWE has also wanted to make Flair vs. Rousey in a WrestleMania singles match, which was the plan for 2019 until Lynch got over so big when Nia Jax broke her nose.
"Still, if Lynch vs Baszler is the key women’s match on the show, then it would have made sense for Baszler to win the Rumble, particularly since a large percentage of the viewership doesn’t watch NXT and isn’t familiar with her, yet she’s in the top women’s match on the show unless Rousey is coming back, which according to what we are told, Rousey will not be wrestling this year at Mania."
#5 Luke Harper heading to AEW
AEW has proven to become a solid competitor for WWE over time, especially with top-notch wrestlers deciding to join the company. Another former WWE Superstar who is rumoured to be joining AEW soon is Luke Harper.
The former IC Champion was released by WWE in December last year and is currently on the shelf due to a three-month no-compete clause which ends on March 8. As per WON, Harper is likely to sign with AEW and make his debut on the March 18 edition of Dynamite.
The Observer noted that Lee, who is scheduled to appear at WrestleCon during WrestleMania 36 Weekend in early April, will be able to legally start with any other promotion before March 18, but the idea is that it's best to debut him in Rochester as he's guaranteed to receive a major reaction there.
(H/T: WrestlingInc)
Harper was part of the origninal Wyatt Family in WWE but failed to make a major mark for himself as a singles Superstar. The former Tag Team Champion will look to establish himself as a top-card Superstar on AEW.
Do you think Brodie Lee would be a good adition to the AEW roster? Tell us in the comments
#4 AJ Styles to return soon
The Phenomenal One - AJ Styles suffered an unfortunate injury at the Royal Rumble after he was at the receiving end of a spear from Edge during the 30-man Royal Rumble match.
While initial rumours had suggested that Styles will likely miss this year's WrestleMania, WON have reported that the former two-time WWE Champion will likely be out for roughly four to six weeks only. This would come as great news for all the fans of AJ Styles, as the former US Champion will not be missing this year's WrestleMania show.
Here is what Styles had to say about his injury and the possibility of missing the grandest stage of them all this year:
"I'm not missing WrestleMania. I'll scratch and claw my way there."
AJ Styles is one of the most revered wrestlers in WWE today and it would have been a major upset to have him miss the biggest show of the company this year. While AJ Styles' performance was far from phenomenal this Royal Rumble, we certainly hope that the veteran returns with reinvigorated energy and steals the show at WrestleMania.
Who would you like to see AJ Styles face at the Royal Rumble? Let us know in the comments section!
#3 Andrade speaks out after Suspension
Current US Champion Andrade suffered a major setback as the Mexican sensation was handed a 30-day suspension from WWE for violating the wellness policy. El Idolo has finally broken his silence and took to social media to post a motivational message.
"Never quit because things got tough, remember where you come from and where you are going."
Andrade had recently won the US Championship from Rey Mysterio and was able to successfully defend it against the master of 619 on the RAW before Royal Rumble. With his former rival Humberto Carrillo also making a return on that very episode of RAW, it was granted that the two Superstars will feud over the title in the coming weeks.
However, as per WON, RAW Executive Director Paul Heyman has decided not to strip Andrade of the Championship as he believed Carrillo is not yet ready for the US Championship. So, unfortunately, it looks like there will be no US Champion on RAW for the coming four weeks.
Do you think it would have been a good idea to vacate the US Championship while Andrade serves his 30-day suspension? Let us know in the comments section below!
#2 Paige speaks about a possible return
Former NXT Women's Champion spoke to SportsKeeda's Gary Cassidy and discussed how she would like to return on WWE. Paige was last seen on WWE as the manager of the Kabuki Warriors before the two turned on Paige.
Paige has since been part of the WWE Backstage show on FS1. Paige stated that she would like to come in a GM role or something more on the acting side of things.
"I'm not doing as much stuff with WWE. I'm just doing this WWE Backstage analyst stuff on FOX, which is really frickin' cool. Hopefully I get to do more stuff, like maybe GM again or whatever - but, if not, I'd really love to start pursuing the acting side of things."
(H/T: Sportskeeda)
#1 Hulk Hogan to return at the next Saudi Arabia show
Former WWE Champion Hulk Hogan will reportedly be returning to WWE for the upcoming WWE Super ShowDown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 27th as per PWInsider.
"WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, who will be inducted into the company's Hall of Fame for the second time over Wrestlemania 36 weekend, is slated to be part of the Thursday 2/27 WWE Super Showdown in Saudi Arabia, PWInsider.com has confirmed. There is no word yet on Hogan's role for the show.”
