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Welcome to the latest edition of the daily WWE Rumor Roundup, where we try and bring you the latest rumors and stories from the day.
In today's edition, we will take a look at some interesting backstage details from the past WrestleMania where Vince McMahon wanted a returning Superstar to be 'buried', a major idea changed by Vince McMahon and much more.
So without any further ado, let us dive into the biggest stories from the day that will keep you up to date with the latest buzz in the world of WWE:
#5 Brock Lesnar was in a backstage altercation with Vince McMahon
Not only is Brock Lesnar one of the best in-ring talents in WWE, but he is also considered a smart businessman outside the ring as well. While speaking on his podcast, Arn Anderson talked about the time when Brock Lesnar entered into a 'shouting match' with former WWE Champion and WWE's Chairman - Vince McMahon.
In 2015, Brock Lesnar walked out of RAW in Nashville, Tennessee on February 23 after an argument with Vince McMahon. However, Lesnar signed a three-year deal just a week prior to WrestleMania 31.
Here is what former backstage producer Arn Anderson revealed about Brock Lesnar:
He was smart enough to know that not only did WWE want him, in the worst way, so did the UFC. He was just sitting in a position to go, ‘Okay, we’re all aware of what’s going on here. I know you want me. You know you want me. It’s up to you guys to decide who’s gonna get me. Who’s going to make me the sweetest deal?” (H/t: SportsKeeda)
Brock Lesnar will be defending his WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre at this year's WrestleMania. It will be interesting to see if The Beast Incarnate retains his WWE Championship or if McIntyre finally becomes World Champion.
#4 Vince McMahon wanted Sting 'buried'
Sting made his WrestleMania debut for WWE at WrestleMania 31. However, as per Arn Anderson, Vince McMahon wanted to 'bury' Sting and had given instructions to the commentary team to do so during his match with Triple H.
All it did was give the announcers – and I know this was fed to them – they just buried Sting. ‘Minnow in a big pond.’ Just total condescending. ‘Guy’s out of his element.’ ‘This is WrestleMania now.’ ‘You’re just a small minnow in a huge lake.’”
Sting was an icon in WCW and the last 'big-time' WCW Superstar to have finally joined WWE. Even though Sting is a six-time WCW World Champion, McMahon wanted to show the world that he wasn't at the level of WWE Superstars, as per Arn Anderson.
“They [WCW] led for all those weeks but, in the end, here’s your last remaining guy and he was your biggest star, and we [WWE] just crushed him before your very eyes at the biggest event of the year.” (H/T: SportsKeeda)
Sting is a Hall of Famer and is currently retired from in-ring action.
#3 Shows after WrestleMania 36 in trouble
The whole world is reeling under the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and so is the sports entertainment industry, including WWE. While many major promotions have canceled all their shows, WWE has continued to give the fans weekly action albeit with no live audience present.
WWE will be hosting WrestleMania 36 on the 4th and 5th of April without any live audience present. There were plans of taping shows for RAW and SmackDown going forward in case there is a complete lockdown.
WWE's Performance Center has become the new home for all WWE programming, but as per latest orders from the Mayor of Orange County (where the PC is) has given a 'stay at home' order.
Mayor Buddy Dyer said Orange County is about to implement a #coronavirus stay-at-home order. He had been collaborating with the mayors of @StPeteFL and @CityofTampa in the hopes of issuing uniform orders at the same time to provide continuity along I-4. @TB_Times
It will be important to see how WWE will deal with this situation and whether they will continue airing RAW and SmackDown after WrestleMania 36.
#2 Drew McIntyre on why Goldberg vs Roman Reigns should not main-event at WrestleMania 36
WrestleMania 36 is just days away and for the first time, The Showcase of the Immortals will be a two-day event. As per reports, each day will have eight matches. There have also been rumblings suggesting that Becky Lynch vs Shayna Baszler for the RAW Women's Championship is almost locked for the first day's main event.
While there has been no official statement, the general belief is that Roman Reigns vs Goldberg for the Universal Championship will be the main event for the second day. Drew McIntyre, who will be facing Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship revealed why he feels Goldberg and Reigns should not be the main event:
Edge and Randy, myself and Brock, we’re probably going to put in a little bit more time, so that’s another reason why. I don’t know that by the way, that’s just how I feel.
He further revealed which two matches he feels should be the main events instead:
He has a great story to tell, but I just think he’s going to run Goldberg over pretty quick and the story behind Edge and Randy, the nine years, the fact that in this particular setting they’re going to thrive in it, I’d put it last – on night one! Brock and I are obviously night two [laughs].
#1 Sami Zayn talks about a possible turn by his teammates
The Underdog from the Underground Sami Zayn finally won his first Championship on WWE's main roster when he captured the Intercontinental Championship after defeating Braun Strowman in a 3-on-1 handicap match.
Sami Zayn pinned The Monster Among Men Braun Strowman at Elimination Chamber even though his stablemates Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura did most of the heavy lifting during the match. While speaking on WWE's The Bump, Zayn was asked about the possibility of Cesaro or Nakamura challenging him for his newly-won Championship.
Here is what he said:
I think it’s a very American way of thinking. The idea of doing something collective is so foreign to Americans especially, but why? It has to be about one person? Yes, I’m the Intercontinental Champion, but we’re a collective. We do things together and it just so happens that I’m the one holding the Championship now.” (H/T: SportsKeeda)
Even though Sami Zayn has finally become a Champion, it will be interesting to see how long his reign as the IC Champion will be.
