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Welcome to the WWE Rumor Roundup, where we try and bring the latest rumors and backstage stories related to WWE. The wrestling world has been abuzz of late with the company's decision to release multiple talented superstars.
In this edition, we will take a look at what the future holds for some of the released superstars and what direction WWE is heading after letting go of so many superstars.
This article will also take a look at the possibility of a big return taking place at WWE SummerSlam this year. So without any further ado, let us dive in and take a look at some major rumors and stories from the world of WWE:
#5 Becky Lynch set to be present at WWE SummerSlam
Former RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch has been absent from WWE for over a year. She had taken a break from WWE due to pregnancy. It was initially rumored that Becky Lynch is likely to return to SummerSlam this year.
However, other reports claim that Lynch will not be returning to WWE anytime before October. PWInisider has now said that The Man is set to be a part of SummerSlam and will be in attendance.
PWInsider.com can confirm that currently, Lynch is slated to be in attendance at the 8/21 Summerslam PPV.
Becky Lynch is one of the top superstars in WWE and her return to RAW would give a major boost to the women's division. Though RAW's women's division needs Becky Lynch more than ever, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful had stated some time back that Lynch might be heading to Smackdown after her return.
"That match (RAW Women's Title triple threat) being made for SummerSlam was a bit of a surprise. A lot of people were expecting Becky to be back, but word is she might be heading to a different brand. So, who knows, but they need her back bad," said Sean Ross Sapp.
Do you think Becky Lynch should return as a RAW or SmackDown superstar? Tell us in the comments section.
#4 Truth about Bray Wyatt's absence from WWE
Former WWE Champion Bray Wyatt was rumored to be battling mental health issues, which were responsible for him being absent from WWE after WrestleMania earlier this year.
Wyatt had not been seen since the RAW after WrestleMania and was set to return in August. However, WWE released The Fiend instead.
Fightful Select has reported that Wyatt was absent because of family engagements and reports claiming he had mental issues were false.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reports that Bray Wyatt had family engagements keeping him away from WWE in both May and June and that the reports of mental health issues were falsely reported. (H/t: Sportskeeda)
The report also said that Wyatt was 100% cleared to wrestle before he was released by WWE.
#3 Ric Flair to make an in-ring return after leaving WWE?
Ric Flair got his release from WWE last week. Booker T stated on his podcast Hall of Fame that Flair has told him that he isn't done with in-ring competition. A new photo of Ric Flair training in the gym has now added to speculation that the WWE Hall of Famer may be looking to step inside the ring one more time.
Here is what Booker T alleged:
''Now my thing is this, I talk to Ric Flair on a regular -- usually on a regular occasion," Booker T continued. "I don't know how often I'm going to see him now, but Ric Flair told me, he said, 'Book, I'm never going to retire.' He said, 'If I could be in that ring right now, that's where I'd be.''
He also stated that Ric Flair could be gearing up for an in-ring return. Flair had his last match in TNA in 2011 and would be returning to in-ring action after a gap of 10 years if the rumors are true.
#2 AEW interested in released WWE superstar Murphy
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter stated that released WWE superstar Murphy has drawn a lot of interest from various companies. Murphy released some interesting 'cinematic' vignettes which have led to speculation that he will be signing with a major company soon after his non-compete clause with WWE ends.
Meltzer noted that AEW and Impact Wrestling have both shown interest in signing the former Cruiserweight Champion. Murphy's vignette is being said to belong to the same universe as Malakai Black's 'universe'. The two men have even hinted at a match with each other soon, leading to more rumors of Murphy being AEW bound.
''The footage also seems to have a lot of fans connecting the dots to Malakai Black's vignette that he released prior to his AEW Dynamite debut, where he attacked and laid out Arn Anderson and Cody Rhodes.'' (H/t: sportskeeda)
#1 Triple H's role in recent WWE NXT releases
Dave Meltzer revealed on Wrestling Observer Radio that Triple H and Shawn Michaels had nothing to do with the recent WWE NXT releases. The call was taken by Vince McMahon, Bruce Prichard and John Laurinaitis.
Multiple NXT superstars including Branson Reed and Bobby Fish were let go by WWE. It was also reported that Vince McMahon wants to rebrand NXT and will focus on younger and bigger talent going forward. The idea is to make new superstars who will one day be the main event of WrestleMania.
Further, he said they felt the wrestlers in NXT were too small and/or too old and they’re looking to change that moving forward, likely to match the original vision of NXT, which was a true developmental promotion.
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