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Welcome to the September 1st edition of the WWE Rumor Roundup, where we take a look at the top stories of the day. SummerSlam is behind us, and the focus now shifts to the Extreme Rules 2021 later this month.
WWE is building up matches for the pay-per-view, and we saw a few hints of the possible card. We have some interesting backstage news on a WrestleMania 38 match in today's roundup, updates on Nia Jax vs. Charlotte Flair, and more.
Before we get to all that, let's get past the headline makers of the day.
#5 Backstage heat for Riddle after comments on WWE Universal Champion
Riddle loves to give his honest opinion on things and has always been vocal. He gave an interview with Bleacher Report last month and took a shot at WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
Dave Meltzer now reports there is backstage heat for Riddle following his comments. The WON journalist noted on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio:
"In real life his mouth gets him in trouble a lot, including this last week. It's not like it's gonna hurt his push because Vince likes him and everything, but he ruffled some feathers again with his comments on Roman Reigns." (h/t Wrestletalk)
What did Riddle say about WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns?
Riddle claimed he was not impressed with Roman Reigns and could take him out in a real fight. The WWE RAW Tag Team champion went on to take more shots at Reigns and added he could not move a needle.
"When he's saying 'Acknowledge me' or 'I move the needle', no, you don't. You're related to The Rock. Shut up. Like, I'm not impressed, I can beat you up in a real fight. So, shut your mouth. You're not moving needles. I'm the real stallion, RK-Bro is moving the merch, we're moving the needle, and that's it. I don't want to say too much, I'm not trying to get in trouble. Hey, hats off to him. He's amazing at what he does. I do like what he does, but at the same time, it's like, get off your high horse. You're in that spot for a reason," said Riddle.
Roman Reigns completed a full year as the WWE Universal Champion this week and celebrated it on Twitter. Could we see a celebration on SmackDown this Friday?
#4 Brock Lesnar is back in WWE – but for how long?
Brock Lesnar returned at the end of SummerSlam to leave the WWE Universe stunned. The Beast Incarnate did not waste time and set his sights on Roman Reigns, the WWE Universal Champion.
Dave Meltzer has an update on the contract situation and reports the former WWE Champion is back for 8-12 matches. He added that the dates could exclude Brock Lesnar's TV appearances leading up to his match at pay-per-views.
"He's back for a number of dates. I've heard 8 to 12 is the number of dates he's back for 8 and 12 between from now until the end of the contract. I think that's matches. I don't think that includes TV dates. I'm sure he's doing 1-2 TV's before each match. Certainly the go-home shows before every match I'm sure he's on."
The report goes in line with what Fightful Select also revealed last week. Brock Lesnar reportedly has signed a one and a half year deal, and the new contract expires in the first half of 2023.
#3 Alexa Bliss claims she did not "miss" WWE RAW
Alexa Bliss was not on WWE RAW this week, and we now have an update on her. The former Women's Champion was taken out of the show by Vince McMahon, as per WrestlingNews.
The report claims Mr. McMahon tore up plans for Alexa Bliss appearing on Monday Night RAW and several other plans. The WWE Chairman was reportedly "the loudest and angriest they had ever seen" this week.
As seen above, Alexa Bliss tweeted an update from her side and added that she was backstage.
"Haha I didn't "miss" RAW. I was very much there."
She was expected to get into a feud with Charlotte Flair this week as Bliss targeted the RAW Women's champion after SummerSlam. However, Nia Jax was the one picked to face Charlotte on the latest edition of the red brand, and that match has been the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons.
We have some interesting updates on the two Superstars and what happened backstage following the 'match' on Monday Night RAW.
#2 Backstage news on Charlotte Flair vs Nia Jax on WWE RAW
Nia Jax was the chosen one to face Charlotte Flair on WWE RAW this week in a non-title match. The two started well but went off script, and there were some legitimate punches and slaps exchanged.
PWInsider got some backstage news on the match and confirmed the two had gone off script, as noticed by the WWE Universe around the world. They reported:
"PWInsider.com is told by several sources that it was exactly what it appeared to be - a match that went awry and led to some legitimate moments where real slaps and punches were lobbed after there was some sort of breakdown in communication. Briefly, there was a legitimate confrontation inside the ring."
However, the two did get back on track, and tensions quickly cooled down in the ring. The finish was done as planned, and there is a possibility of a rematch taking place at WWE Extreme Rules later this month.
PWInsider also claimed the two had no issues backstage and did not suffer any injuries on Monday.
#1 WWE WrestleMania 38 match might not happen?
WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns was touted to face The Rock next summer at WrestleMania 38. However, we have some bad news as Wrestlingnews claims the match could be switched to 2023 when WrestleMania 39 takes place in Los Angeles.
On the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns could be headlining WrestleMania 38.
“[Lesnar] being brought back was a reaction to Punk,” Meltzer said. “That’s what it was because it was a last minute call. I’m presuming today that [Lesnar vs. Reigns is for] next year’s WrestleMania. That’s what I’m presuming today because Dwayne Johnson is probably not – you know, that’s up to Dwayne Johnson, I mean next year’s WrestleMania. When he wants to wrestle and when his schedule is cleared, that’s when he’s gonna wrestle.” (h/t WrestlingNews.co)
However, he has not ruled out the possibility of the two going head-to-head at the pay-per-view in Saudi Arabia later this year. Goldberg vs. Bobby Lashley is also rumored to be one of the matches WWE plans to hold in the Middle East this October.
