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The WWE's focus is now all about building up towards Survivor Series, with several developments unfolding on the latest episodes of RAW and SmackDown. As always, there is a lot to discuss from the WWE and we'll cover the biggest stories in today's edition of the WWE Rumor Roundup.
A legendary Superstar's WWE contract has expired, while there is speculation that the multiple-time World Champion could make an AEW appearance soon.
Rey Mysterio also commented on Aalyah's storyline with Murphy and how it has affected the relationship between father and daughter.
Details and the reaction of Vince McMahon not wanting a Superstar to become a World Champion have also been revealed.
WWE's possible plans for Roman Reigns' Universal Championship reign have also been disclosed. On top of that, a big Superstar from SmackDown's new music soon that would complement the new character presentation could be in the works.
On that note, here is the latest installment of the WWE Rumor Roundup:
#5 Sting's WWE contract has expired, speculation on possible AEW appearance
WWE has removed Sting's merchandise from WWEShop.com. The move has led to many rumors doing the rounds about the WWE Hall of Famer's status in the company.
Dave Meltzer revealed on the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Radio that Sting's WWE contract might have expired months ago, which explains why his merch was taken off the online store. The same thing happened in Brock Lesnar's case, as the Beast Incarnate's WWE deal expired at WrestleMania 36 and his merch vanished from the WWE Shop.
Sting was on a Legends contract with the WWE. As things stand, he is reportedly open to joining other companies.
AEW is all set to air the Full Gear show this week, and there is speculation regarding Sting possibly appearing on the show. AEW is teasing a "shocking moment," and Sting would be a big signing if the company gets him on board.
Meltzer, however, noted that the smart thing to do would be for AEW to wait for the fans to be back in more massive quantities before trying to get Sting.
"It's up, and I mean, it might have been up for a while because when you pull the merchandise with the Lesnar thing, that means your contract was up probably six months ago. You know, because they have a period after the contract is up where they are allowed to sell your stuff and so, that period just have ended. I don't know the timeframe, but I think it's a several month timeframe.
"So, for whatever reason, and I would not imagine that they would not want Sting, although the deal they may have made for Sting at the time they made the deal may have been a lot more than a normal Legends guy. And if that's the case, maybe they didn't want it. I don't know if Sting, I mean, I don't know the situation of what was offered to Sting, if anything was offered to Sting. If they felt they got all the use out of Sting that they can because he is not going to wrestle again.
"It's interesting too because if he is free and clear, I don't know that you want to put him on AEW, but I would. After all, he can't wrestle, but there is a temptation not to spend; I wouldn't want to spend a lot of money through on him. But there is always that temptation because he was such a big star, and you know again, I wouldn't do it now anyway. But like when the crowds are back as far as bringing him back for a PPV appearance or to be in someone's corner or something, it would get a giant pop. It would get some interest. But not as a regular 52-week-a-year character. That would be insane at this point." H/t Sportskeeda
While Sting is retired, he would still be a significant asset to All Elite Wrestling and can be used in various capacities.
#4 Rey Mysterio comments on Aalyah's WWE storyline with Murphy
WWE took the storyline involving Aalyah and Murphy to a whole different level in this week's episode of SmackDown. Aalyah confessed that she was in love with Murphy and the two kissed to end a big segment.
Rey Mysterio appeared on the recent edition of The Bump before SmackDown, and the WWE Legend spoke about how Aalyah's connection with Murphy has even caused some tension in his home.
Mysterio did his bit to keep the storyline going, as he said that the topic about Aalyah and the family's feud with Seth Rollins and Murphy is often discussed at the Mysterio household.
"Believe it or not, we come back home, and this topic that's going on right now, that doesn't just stay at the Amway Center every week. It comes back home with us, and we discuss this, and we try to figure it out, what the best solution is, and I think the only solution for all this is to finally put an end to it, you know, with Seth first and foremost, and then move on to Murphy and try to understand what his deal his with the family, and most importantly, my daughter [Aalyah]." H/t Wrestlezone
Murphy and Aalyah becoming an on-screen couple would have surely kicked off a heated conversation at the Mysterio residence.
Rey and Dominik should ideally confront Aalyah on the next week's episode of WWE SmackDown, and the segment would surely draw big numbers.
#3 Possible storyline direction for Roman Reigns as the WWE Universal Champion
Roman Reigns' Universal title reign isn't expected to end anytime soon. The WWE would need to line up many credible babyfaces to feud with the Tribal Chief going forward.
Dave Meltzer noted in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Daniel Bryan is the best option at this given time. WWE also kicked off the angle on the latest episode of SmackDown as Jey Uso turned heel and viciously attacked the former WWE Champion to end the show.
Jey Uso is now in Roman Reigns' corner, and the Universal Champion should feud with Daniel Bryan for the foreseeable future.
"Bryan is the best bit in the sense he's someone Reigns can have a great match with, has the star tenure and can cut the promos to tell a story to build it. But with such a nothing return, Bryan was brought back seemingly as a midcard face in the crowd on the No. 2 babyface tag team on the brand."
Meltzer also listed down the other Superstars from SmackDown who could feud with Roman Reigns somewhere down the line. Big E and Rey Mysterio are potential storyline options that the WWE could explore.
It was also added that Lars Sullivan is also being groomed for a monster push, and WWE could always have a heel vs. heel program, but that won't happen soon.
"Who else does Reigns have? Owens can work and talk and there's Rey Mysterio, but Bryan if he was correctly pushed right now should be more effective as a title challenger than they are. Lars Sullivan is getting the monster push and you can do a heel vs. heel program at some point, but that shouldn't be for months. The point being is they need to create two or three key babyfaces that are groomed for Reigns, and Bryan is the strongest potentially of all of them for right now, and his return was handled in a way to make him come across the least special. Universal Champion"
Roman Reigns is the undisputed leader of SmackDown, and an angle with Daniel Bryan will help raise his stock as the Champion of the brand.
#2 Vince McMahon wasn't always ready to make Braun Strowman a World Champion in the WWE
Braun Strowman has come a long way since being the Black Sheep of the Wyatt Family. The Monster Among Men has grown to become one of the most popular WWE Superstars in the company, and he has even managed to have a single reign with the Universal title along the way.
However, there was a time when Vince McMahon felt that Braun Strowman was not ready for a World title run. Strowman was at the peak of his powers in 2016 and 2017, and the endgame of the hot run seemed to be a World Championship push.
Vince McMahon had other plans as the WWE Boss felt that Braun Strowman was still not ready.
Braun Strowman was a guest on Lilian Garcia's 'Chasing Glory' podcast, and the RAW Superstar opened up on his reaction to being told by Vince McMahon that he would have to wait for a world title win in the WWE.
Strowman admitted that it was a hard pill to swallow, but he continued to put in the work, and when the moment finally arrived, it was worth going through the process.
"Yeah, it was. You know, it was just a hard pill to swallow. I'm excessive. I don't do anything in moderation. It's all or nothing. It's all about the process, and when you get there, it is so worth it." H/t WrestlingInc
Strowman is currently on RAW, and he is expected to be a significant player on the Red brand moving forward. While he would have to wait in line for another world title reign, Strowman would still be prominently featured in major storylines.
#1 Big E reveals that there are discussions within WWE regarding a new theme song and presentation
Big E's ongoing singles run comes with a lot of hope as the fans expect the former WWE Tag Team Champion to be an established singles babyface star due to the push.
The WWE split the New Day during the WWE Draft, and Big E could also be in for a massive change to get away from his former act.
Big E revealed on the Gorilla Position podcast that there have been talks about coming up with a new theme song or a unique presentation for his singles character. Big E is also glad that he is working with a reciprocating creative team on SmackDown.
"We talked about some ideas like new music for me or a new presentation. We talked about when the right time is to play it. The nice part is I feel like I have a voice with the SmackDown creative team. We are able to go back and forth on some ideas, and they are actually listening. "
Big E also revealed that the idea to push him as a solo star came from Daniel Bryan, and he is genuinely grateful to the 5-time WWE Champion for the creative inputs.
"Also, I have to give credit to Daniel Bryan because the idea for the solo run was from him. Bryan is the reason. He's actually a part of the process, and he's the one who said, hey, this is what we should do with Big E. He's the one behind that, and for that, I am really grateful. But it feels like I do have a voice. I am not saying I get to do anything I want to by any means. I think Raw has a great roster, but I love our roster. I look around, and I see a lot of talent. I think we got better with the draft." H/t WrestlingNews.co
Big E's push should end with a world title opportunity; however, when that could happen is anyone's guess.
