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Welcome to today's edition of the WWE Rumor Roundup, where we take a look at the top stories of the day. Some reports suggest that Vince McMahon has picked the next two RAW Superstars he wants to push, and there is a rumor killer on the future of Jeff Hardy as well.
Before we get to those two big WWE stories, let us take a look at the headline-makers of the day.
John Cena issue ends WWE Superstar's push
Alex Riley was involved in a backstage incident with John Cena, and that was reportedly the reason why his push in WWE ended. Arn Anderson has now confirmed on his ARN Podcast that the rumors are true.
The AEW producer and coach reviewed the WWE Night of Champions pay-per-view from 2010 on his recent podcast and spoke about Alex Riley. He said:
“I think Alex had a good look. I think his work was ok. He’s seemed to gel well when they put him with The Miz. But there’s a famous story that he was offered some help from John Cena and he seemed less than enthused or interested which would have immediately made it’s way back to the locker room and to the office. I’m sure it was around that time that his water got cut off.” [H/T WrestlingNews.co]
Alex Riley hinted at the John Cena issues earlier this year when he spoke to Chris Van Vliet. The former WWE Superstar claims that he apologized to the Cenation leader, but it only lead to them arguing even more.
"I think it came down to, in the end, two men just not liking each other. As sad as that is, it had an impact on my career because he is who he is. I just happened to be in a situation where, right from the start, it was just… he didn't like me.” [H/T Fightful]
“I would hear [he didn't like me] from other wrestlers, from time to time. It certainly didn't seem that way when we would interact. It's wrestling. it's something where, you do the best you can to learn in a way that is productive and will get you better. I tried to do that the best I could. It just didn't work out."
Alex Riley claims the 16-time World Champion was "pretty offended" by the incident but did not reveal what exactly happened. However, Riley has made it clear that he does not hold any grudges against John Cena.
WWE's Roman Reigns takes shot at Jon Moxley
Roman Reigns has taken a stunning shot at Jon Moxley, FKA Dean Ambrose, for leaving WWE. The WWE Universal champion was on a Zoom call arranged by The Mania Club when he spoke about the AEW star.
Reigns claims that Moxley's departure has all but ended the chances of The Sheild making another appearance. He said:
"Well I guess Ambrose or Moxley really sc**ewed that up, didn't he? He messed around and just left us. I don't think The Shield will ever be recreated or brought back. That's not just a situation because Mox went to AEW. It's just, we were so good. Honestly, I think we did the reunion thing a little too much the last... three years ago or whatever it was. I don't even know if it's worth revisiting that unless we disappear for like half a decade, and then out of nowhere you hear the music."
Roman Reigns added that it would not be worth doing another reunion unless they disappeared for five years and then made a shock appearance.
The Rock eyes WWE return
The Rock has hinted that he has set his eyes on a WWE return. The People's Champ was talking on his YouTube channel when he spoke about the possible match against Roman Reigns.
He has made it clear that he would be happy to face the current WWE Universal Champion at WrestleMania next year. He said:
"Feels like the one that would make sense, right, would be Roman. In terms of box-office draw… I know how that conversation goes. 'Listen, here's what we're thinking. Roman beats you now at this WrestleMania. But, listen, before you guys say anything. Then on the next one… that's when… But you know what, the truth is, I would be honored not only to share the ring with Roman and to go back to the WWE. But of course, I would be honored to have him raise his hand in that one." (h/t WrestlingNews.co)
Roman Reigns vs The Rock has been rumored for next year's WrestleMania. With the People's Champ also hinting at it, the WWE Universe will be more excited at the possibility.
Two WWE Superstars Vince McMahon wants to push
Vince McMahon has his own list of Superstars he wants to push. Regardless of how the WWE Universe reacts to them, the WWE Chairman believes in himself and the stars he has on his list when it comes to the end.
On to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Vince McMahon wants to push Peyton Royce and Bianca Belair. Meltzer claims that the two stars are high on his list and thus are set to get the big push soon.
Peyton Royce and Billie Kay were broken up by WWE because of the singles push they had in mind for the former. The IIconics have been together ever since they joined WWE, but that ended a few weeks back when they lost to Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan.
Bianca Belair was a top star in NXT but never managed to get her hands on the Women's title in the Black and Gold Brand. She was moved to Monday Night RAW right after WrestleMania but has not managed to make an impact yet. She has been on and off WWE TV for some time, but the push could be right around the corner. With a recent vignette airing for Belair on RAW, we could see that push begin very soon.
Big update on Jeff Hardy's WWE future
Jeff Hardy's WWE future has been the talk of the town for some time now and so many reports last year suggested that he could be on his way out. Similarly, recent reports indicate that he has a long term contract with the company and is set to stay for another five years.
PWInsider's Mike Johnson has some backstage news on Hardy's contract and reports that the Intercontinental champion has around two-to-three years left on his current deal. He reported:
PWInsider.com is told that while there have been rumblings that Hardy signed a five year deal making the rounds, that is actually incorrect. We have been told by multiple sources that the new contract, including that was added to Hardy's previous contract due to injury-related inactivity, is closer to two-to-three years total in length.
Jeff Hardy is set to out his title on the line against AJ Styles and Sami Zayn in a Ladder Match at Clash of Champions. More updates on the storyline are expected on WWE SmackDown this Friday.
