WWE Rumor Roundup: Backstage news on a SmackDown Superstar possibly getting fired, Big title plans for Braun Strowman - 6th December 2019

#8. Backstage news on Samoa Joe's status

Samoa Joe has been a breath of fresh air on RAW in his new role as a commentator. The former United States Champion has done a solid job but everyone's asking the same question - how long is he going to be in the commentary team?

As revealed by Dave Meltzer, the new role is not a permanent one and Joe is expected to return to in-ring action once his hand injury fully recovers.

The company sees Joe as a valuable talent who can't be wasted in a commentator's position.

"When asked about if Joe would be permanent in the role because he has been so strong in it, the reaction was that they consider him too valuable as a talent right now and he’s only there until his hand injury heals."

While we would love to see Joe elevate the commentary on the Red Brand with his genius, we would like it more when he returns to his destructive best as an active competitor on TV.

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#9. A section of the NXT roster is against getting called up to RAW or SmackDown

Tommaso Ciampa made a big claim recently on Lillian Garcia's Chasing Glory podcast by saying that he would prefer retiring than to be called up to RAW or SmackDown.

The former NXT Champion has even informed the company about his intentions to be in NXT.

Dave Meltzer stated in the WON that many other NXT talents also don't wish to go up to the main roster.

There are a few reasons behind the new trend.

Top NXT Superstars are allowed to skip house shows and just work PPV and TV dates. In comparison, main roster Superstars work more than 200 dates a year and that usually leads to inevitable burnout. NXT Superstars prefer the lighter schedule but that's not the only reason.

It was also noted that many talents don't consider making money to be their primary goal in WWE. Top-tier NXT Superstars make one-fourth to one-sixth of what the lower card talents of RAW and SmackDown earn. Of course, names like Balor get a fatter paycheck, which is similar to the top main roster guys.

However, the biggest reason probably behind a few NXT talents wanting to stay in the black and gold brand was due to NXT's rise as a legitimate third brand.

NXT is not just a developmental system anymore and wrestlers feel it's a big deal now to work for the brand spearheaded by Triple H.