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Welcome to another edition of the daily WWE Rumor Roundup where we discuss the latest rumors and ongoing updates in the world of WWE.
On today's edition we will talk about the backstage heat between Brock Lesnar and top NXT Star and what affect it could have on the future of the former Champion in NXT. We will also take a look at what plans WWE had for a big match at SummerSlam and the chances of it going ahead as planned.
Apollo Crews finally won a major Championship on RAW but his future success may still be dicey. Let us jump into the biggest rumors and updates from today in order to find out more.
Here are the 5 biggest stories from the world of WWE today:
#5 Reason Matt Riddle is going to SmackDown
Former NXT Tag-Team Champion Matt Riddle is all set to get his main roster call-up, and if reports are to be believed the Original Bro will be moving to SmackDown.
This move to the blue brand surprised many fans as it was expected that Paul Heyman would be interested in Riddle and hence he would likely be called up to Monday Night RAW. So what could be the reason for him not going to RAW?
The answer could be that Brock Lesnar genuinely disliked Riddle and WWE does not want any issue happening backstage between the two. Here is what Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer:
That's a weird one. There's a couple of things. Number 1, Lesnar does dislike him and there's that political situation there. So, that's the only thing I can think of, maybe other than Prichard maybe wanting him. He got AJ and he got Matt Riddle. I mean that's like a pretty good 1-2 punch. We'll see how it works.
#4 Original plans for AJ Styles before being sent to SmackDown
AJ Styles was recently drafted on SmackDown from RAW. The move is rather apt as The Phenomenal One has always stated that the blue brand is his true home and it's the house 'AJ Styles has built.'
However, as per reports from The Observer, having AJ Styles back on SmackDown was a recent decision and the original plans for the former WWE Champion was to put over upcoming babyface on RAW.
He stated that Styles was supposed to put over a string of babyfaces on the Red brand, but the plans were dropped when it was decided to trade him to SmackDown. The names mentioned by Meltzer included Cedric Alexander, Ricochet, and Humberto Carrillo.
AJ Styles made a spectacular return to SmackDown as he won his match in order to advance in the ongoing tournament for the Intercontinental Championship. AJ Styles will be a great addition to SmackDown as the show could use a top heel like him on the show to help feud with babyfaces such as Jeff Hardy, Chad Gable and others.
#3 Vince McMahon had given up on Apollo Crews
Apollo Crews finally managed to win a Championship in WWE as he defeated Andrade to become the new US Champion on RAW this week. Fans and critics have hailed WWE's decision to make Crews the Champion as it was believed that he was deserving of this opportunity.
Before signing with WWE, Crews was a major star on the independent circuit and it was believed that he will become a big name in WWE as well. However, that did not happen as Vince McMahon allegedly gave up on the Superstar.
Here is what Dave Meltzer reported:
Yes, everyone thought he was going to be a big star until he started and then they thought he couldn't do it because Vince gave up on him.
While Apollo Crews has been booked strongly over the past few weeks, Meltzer noted that there is a high chance his push might get scrapped soon:
I have no faith…we'll see where it goes. Andrade may beat him next week. (HT: WrestlingNews.co)
#2 Becky Lynch return plans
The Man Becky Lynch had to surrender her RAW Women's Championship to Asuka a few weeks back as she would be taking a sabbatical from WWE due to her pregnancy.
Becky Lynch recently talked to Charlotte Gibson of espnW for promoting the company's partnership with Special Olympics. Becky Lynch talked about multiple topics including the possibility of her returning to the ring after she gives birth. Here is what The Man stated:
"Bringing it closer to home, I'll talk about the mothers in my own line of work: WWE Superstars Asuka, Mickie James and Lacey Evans. They've all proven that you can do both."
Becky Lynch further added that unlike men, women have to make many sacrifices in order to further their careers.
"That's something that I've always preached and wanted women to have that equality. And of course, to be on the level with the male performers and be on the same level in terms of pay, in terms of treatment. But also, this kind of goes hand in hand where a guy can go and have a kid and doesn't have to miss a beat in his career. Unfortunately, we do.
#1 Original plans for SummerSlam match
There have been reports suggesting that WWE was planning to have SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley vs The Boss Sasha Banks at this year's SummerSlam as one of the big matches.
One of the reasons for choosing SummerSlam for the blow-off match between the two friends was because the event was taking place in Boston, which is Banks's hometown.
However, with the ongoing COVID-19 issues, it is likely that WWE will have to relocate the venue for SummerSlam as well which is why the plans for a SummerSlam match between the two SmackDown Superstars may be dropped for now.
Here is what WrestleTalk have reported:
WrestleTalk has learned that WWE wants to extend the feud, and sees more potential in drawing it out as opposed to rushing it.
They further added:
Whether this means WWE changes their plans remains to be seen, and our sources have said that while the match isn’t completely off the table right now, the company is considering other options for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at the show.
