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Welcome to another edition of the daily WWE Rumor Roundup, where we try and bring to you the biggest stories and rumors of the day. There had been a lot of buzz lately after WWE removed all merchandise of Brock Lesnar from their website. This led to major speculation regarding the future of the WWE Superstar and if he has left WWE.
On today's edition, we will take an in-depth look at what happened between Lesnar and WWE and if the Beast Incarnate is done with the company. So without further ado, let us jump right in and take a look at the five biggest rumors and stories from the day:
#5 Brock Lesnar's WWE contract has ended
Multi-time WWE Champion Brock Lesnar is now a free agent. The Beast Incarnate is no longer a WWE Superstar as both parties have failed to come to a common ground for signing a new contract.
There had been a lot of speculation in regards to when Brock Lesnar might return. With Heyman being partnered with Roman Reigns, it was believed that Brock Lesnar might not be coming back anytime soon.
As per PWInsider, Lesnar's contract with WWE is over and the former Universal Champion is done with the company. At least, for now. With the WWE currently having no live crowd, it is likely that WWE doesn't think investing in a high-end contract with Brock Lesnar makes much sense.
"Former WWE and UFC Champion Brock Lesnar is currently a free agent as his most recent deal with World Wrestling Entertainment has expired without the two sides locking in a new contract."
Tom Colohue has stated that WWE will likely bring Brock Lesnar back once the live audience returns to the arena. He also said that Lesnar will probably not go anywhere else as WWE gives him the biggest pay.
#4 Brock Lesnar allegedly refused to perform at WWE SummerSlam
There was a lot of buzz recently with WWE removing Brock Lesnar's merchandise from WWE shop. What was initially believed to be an error was later revealed as a strict action taken intentionally by the company.
Tom Colohue has reported that the reason for WWE removing Lesnar's merchandise was because he refused to compete at the 2020 SummerSlam which took place in the Thunderdome.
''According to one of Colohue's sources, WWE approached Brock Lesnar to perform in the ThunderDome at SummerSlam. The Beast Incarnate supposedly denied working for the WWE in the current situation. By removing Brock Lesnar's merchandise from the website, the company doesn't need to pay Lesnar a cut from the sales it makes. (H/t: Kishan Prasad of SportsKeeda)''
As stated in the previous slide, Brock Lesnar is no longer contracted to WWE. Even so, there is hope that he will eventually re-sign with the company and it is possible that having his merchandise removed from the WWE will act as a catalyst in the Beast Incarnate wanting to return to WWE.
#3 Vince McMahon's instructions to WWE Superstar Randy Orton
Keith Lee shocked the world when he picked up a quick win against WWE legend Randy Orton at Payback. The former NXT Champion made his singles debut at Payback in a match against The Viper and managed to impress the WWE Universe.
As reported earlier, Vince McMahon has major plans for the Limitless One and his win over Randy Orton proves the same. As per Alex McCarthy, Vince McMahon personally told Superstar Randy Orton that he needs to make Keith Lee look like a star in their match.
Here is what talkSPORT and Sportskeeda's Alex McCarthy's source told him:
“Imagine how high Vince has to be on someone to have Randy Orton put them over clean as a whistle. Orton, doing the best work of his career, wants to help create that next generation of stars. He gets it.”
There are plans to reportedly turn Keith Lee heel somewhere down the line. It is obvious that WWE is protected the former EVOLVE Superstar and see big things for him.
#2 Animal reveals how WWE should have booked Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler
While talking on Sportskeeda's Legion of RAW, Road Warrior Animal discussed a major booking blunder WWE did on RAW. He talked about how WWE should have booked Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler in their segment with RAW Women's Champion Asuka.
Animal revealed that WWE should have had them both attack and lay out Asuka on RAW.
"Rick Flair would never walk in on Hawk and mine interview and start interrupting our interview, as great as a World Champion as he was. Why are they having someone like Asuka, who comes up to both the other girls' chins and you have two behemoths that could eat her up. When Asuka comes in and interrupts the promo, they should've jumped her and left her laying. She is the world champion, that's what you do to get a team over. Leave that world champion laying."
Jax and Baszler won the Women's Tag Team Championships from Sasha Banks and Bayley at Payback. While the women hate each other, they still worked together to become Champions.
#1 WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns hits back at a fan
Roman Reigns won the Universal Championship at WWE Payback by defeating The Fiend and Braun Strowman in a triple threat match. As expected, many fans were not happy with the company's decision to make The Big Dog top Champion yet again.
A fan tweeted that WWE is forcing Roman Reigns down people's throats, to which The Big Dog replied that he is the greatest performer of the generation.
"Only reason I’m down your throat, is because you keep your mouth open. I’m the best performer of this generation period and the title is finally in the right hands for it to hold true value."
There have been reports suggesting that WWE is planning to turn Roman Reigns into the biggest heel on SmackDown. Not only has Roman Reigns shown a different attitude ever since returning to Payback, but this tweet clearly shows that The Big Dog is not going to simply sit and take fan criticism anymore.
With Roman Reigns turning heel, it is expected that Bray Wyatt will emerge as the top babyface on the Blue brand in the time to come.
