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It's time for another edition of the daily WWE Rumor Roundup. Despite being a relatively slow news day, we came across five rumors that feature in today's lineup.
The company made a historic signing that has managed to get a lot of mainstream coverage.
WWE also removed a tag team from TV and it's being reported that the team was taken off with the intention of being repackaged.
A current RAW Superstar teased joining AEW in an incredible social media post. It was also reported that there may be a few Superstars backstage who have lost faith in the WWE.
We also know why WWE changed the name of a top RAW Superstar.
Here is the latest edition of Sportskeeda's WWE Rumor Roundup. Before we move on to the next part, gear up by listening to our exclusive interview, where Paige joins Becky Lynch in fighting off the critics!
#5. Chris Jericho drops a big teaser of EC3 possibly joining AEW
In what may not surprise many fans considering the way EC3 has been used thus far in the WWE, Chris Jericho posted a photo with the WWE Superstar and teased a potential AEW signing in his caption.
Jericho caught up with EC3 and he put up a photo of their meeting on Instagram with the following caption: "Big things coming in the future for this talented brother," while also tagging All Elite Wrestling.
EC3 last wrestled a match in the WWE on September 30th 2019 at a main event taping. Carter last appeared on RAW on September 23rd and he has reportedly been sidelined due to a concussion.
It has also been reported that Vince McMahon seems to have given up on the former Impact Wrestling star and the WWE boss shot down the idea of getting the proposed team of EC3 and Drake Maverick to TV.
We still don't know much about EC3's WWE status at this moment and he could very well be brought back to RAW, the brand he is assigned to, once he is cleared to make his return.
While it could also be a work, Jericho's IG post does hint at EC3 probably jumping ship to WWE's rivals in the future.
#4. WWE signs first African American female referee
As confirmed by WWE, Aja Smith became the first African American female referee to sign with the company.
WWE released a video in which Smith met with WWE's Senior Director of Talent Development, Canyon Ceman, who informed her about the signing.
Before signing with WWE, Smith worked as an active wrestler for many promotions in the United States, Mexico and Japan under the in-ring name Aja Perera.
Here's what an emotional Smith had to say about the monumental development in her career: "That is the greatest moment of my life. Having this platform as a female, as a female of color, is really an honor and I'm so thankful to be given this moment."
Smith wrote the following on Twitter:
Your love and support over the years has gotten me to this moment. This is bigger than me. To follow a dream. TO MAKE HISTORY. And I’m just getting started.😎We can do it all and I’m honored to be lighting the way. Let’s change the world! #BlackGirlMagic
WWE confirmed that Smith will officiate matches in WWE NXT, which has grown in importance since it has moved to a live TV slot on the USA Network.
#3. The reason behind the absence of The IIconics
The last time we saw The IIconics was on an episode of RAW on November 18th last year when the tag team lost to Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch.
As revealed by Dave Meltzer on Twitter, Peyton Royce and Billie Kay have been pulled from TV as the company may have plans of repacking the team.
Meltzer didn't reveal any more details regarding the return dates or the nature of the new characters they may debut.
It's worth noting that Royce and Kay have not even been used on the Live Event circuit.
Top female Superstars from the Blue Brand were in the main event of the most recent episode of SmackDown in which Carmella rose to the occasion and became the #1 contender for Bayley's title.
A fan took to Twitter and said that she missed seeing the IIconics on TV. Peyton Royce responded to the fan and said that they miss competing too.
The former Women's Tag Team Champions have been with the WWE since 2015 and a new gimmick was long overdue.
We're still not sure what to expect from the repackaged duo, but we do know that the women's roster needs more depth and getting the Australians back is the need of the hour.
#2. The reason why Buddy Murphy underwent a name change
As highlighted on the WWE website, Buddy Murphy will be referred to as Murphy going forward. The change isn't surprising as the WWE has a history of axing the first name of many Superstars.
Pro Wrestling Sheet revealed the reason behind the name change in a recent report.
WWE officials felt that Buddy didn't sound like the name of a guy who would be a disciple and they removed it to make his character fit better with Seth Rollins' heel faction.
"Sources tell us the change was made because the name Buddy didn’t sound like the name of a disciple, so the decision was made to drop it in order for the wrestler to fit with Seth Rollins’ new group."
Murphy has been on the receiving end of a steady push since being drafted to RAW. The former Cruiserweight Champion is in the good books of Paul Heyman and that has led to more TV time and a spot in the biggest faction on RAW.
Under the tutelage of Seth Rollins, Murphy is expected to get featured in storylines higher up the card, which should ideally get him over as a top-tier talent.
Heyman is building new faces on RAW and Murphy is part of the long-term project that the Executive Director has in store for the brand.
#1. Superstars losing faith in the WWE management
It's impossible to keep every Superstar happy in the WWE as the company just can't push everyone. Many Superstars never really get a fair opportunity due to a plethora of reasons and they end up wanting to leave for better options elsewhere.
While talking about Rusev's contract situation on the recent edition of the Dropkick DiSKussions podcast, Sportskeeda's Tom Colohue revealed that there are Superstars in the WWE who lost faith in the management.
The obvious names include The Revival, Mike Kanellis and Brodie Lee, formerly known as Luke Harper - who left WWE and is expected to make his AEW debut soon.
Here's what Tom had to say:
There is a bit of a loss, people in that locker room have had with the WWE. You look at what's happening with The Revival. You look at Mike Kanellis. Luke Harper, or Brodie Lee I should say, I want to use his current name. These are people who did lose faith in the management and when you lose faith in the management, it is only right that you be given the chance to leave.
If I go into my day job tomorrow, and I have no faith in the management there, it is perfectly within my right to leave. People should not be tied down to this level where they are held against their will.
