'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
We welcome you to another edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's daily WWE Rumor Roundup, and today's top story revolves around the status of a SummerSlam match.
There is significant concern backstage regarding a SummerSlam title bout being removed from the match card by the company.
Charlotte Flair recently also missed a WWE event, and the reason behind her absence and several other backstage notes have now been revealed. Details of WWE's failed attempts to purchase another established wrestling company have also come to light.
Will WWE have a counter-reaction to CM Punk's reported AEW debut? We have an update on what fans should expect from the WWE during SummerSlam weekend, which is rumored to have Punk's monumental return to wrestling.
#5 Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair's WWE SummerSlam match is in jeopardy
Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair missed the WWE live events over the weekend, and it was stated that the superstars could not appear at the shows due to 'unforeseen circumstances.'
The exact reason behind the sudden absence of the SmackDown stars wasn't disclosed. BUt PWInsider stated that sources within WWE are legitimately concerned over the match's status.
WWE could remove Belair's scheduled SmackDown Women's title match against Banks from the SummerSlam lineup. Here's what PWInsider's report revealed:
Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair missed a second WWE live event today in Columbia, SC. After missing yesterday in Charlotte, NC, WWE again announced that the two competitors would not appear today due to to "unforeseen circumstances." PWInsider.com has spoken with several sources inside the company who expressed concern their announced match will not take place at Summerslam this weekend, but there is nothing confirmed in that regard.
Belair and Banks were slated to wrestle at the WWE Supershows on Saturday and Sunday, but again the stars failed to show up.
#4 Details of WWE's attempts to buy CMLL revealed
Dave Meltzer revealed in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE tried to purchase the pro-wrestling promotion CMLL several years ago.
There were reportedly talks between both parties when WWE chalked up an ambitious plan to expand NXT. The company kickstarted NXT UK intending to set up brands in all the big wrestling markets worldwide, including Mexico.
Meltzer explained that WWE felt it could have used CMLL to groom talent before getting them ready for the US audience. The deal allegedly fell apart as CMLL wanted to sell arenas too as part of the deal, and WWE did not agree to the clause.
Here's Meltzer's report:
"There were talks a few years back of WWE buying CMLL. WWE wanted to run Mexico with the idea it could get the cream of the cream talent in Mexico and then groom some of them for the U.S. market. The belief was that if they owned CMLL and got all the top talent, that AAA wouldn't be able to keep its talent, and they'd have the best of both. Where the deal fell apart was for CMLL to sell, they wanted selling the arenas as part of the deal, and WWE didn't want to own so many older arenas."
Having been in existence since 1933, Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre Co., Ltd. (CMLL) continues to be one of the top two companies in Mexico alongside AAA.
#3 Updates on Ric Flair's status after WWE release
As reported by WrestlingInc, Ric Flair appeared on Triplemania at no charge and chartered a private jet at his own expense to make the show.
Ric Flair asked for his WWE release and was granted the same this month, and it was revealed that the Nature Boy also has a no non-compete clause. The WWE Hall of Famer is free to appear in any promotion, including AEW, and the entire fanbase will be keeping a close eye on his next move.
As noted, Ric Flair has taken up the role of Andrade's manager, and rumors also suggest that the WWE Legend could be working towards an in-ring return.
#2 Big backstage news on Charlotte Flair missing a recent WWE Live Event
Charlotte Flair was another superstar who did not appear at the WWE Live Event in Charlotte, North Carolina. The former Women's Champion was scheduled to face Rhea Ripley and Nikki at the show on Saturday.
Instead, Charlotte was backstage at Triplemania XXIX, where her father Ric Flair and fiancé Andrade appeared.
The Queen reportedly asked for a day off to be at the AAA show, and Dave Meltzer revealed that she informed WWE officials months in advance about her plans.
AAA commentator Hugo Savinovich also acknowledged Charlotte Flair's presence during Andrade's match against Kenny Omega, and it was later revealed that Flair was indeed backstage.
Here's what Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Radio:
"I had been told sometime back that she was going to Mexico City. Obviously, she could not appear on the show [because] that would be a total violation of the contract, but Ric Flair, who is a free agent, did appear on the show… so I presume that Ashley Flair was backstage as I was told she was going to be since she didn't show up in Charlotte, her own hometown."
Lucha Libre historian Rob Viper added that he'd heard rumors of Charlotte Flair wanting to be a part of Andrade's entrance at Triplemania.
The interesting takeaway is that WWE continued to falsely advertise Flair for the live event despite knowing of her unavailability.
#1 Update on whether WWE will make a 'reactionary' move if CM Punk debuts on AEW
CM Punk is expected to make his first AEW appearance on the second episode of Rampage this Friday in Chicago. But WWE won't do anything to counter the hype, WrestleVotes reported.
Punk's return to professional wrestling could happen a day before WWE's second-biggest event of the year, SummerSlam.
Here's what WrestleVotes tweeted:
"Source states to not expect a "reactionary" move if, more like when, CM Punk shows up on AEW Rampage Friday night, 24 hours prior to WWE's second biggest show of the year. Time will tell."
What are your expectations from AEW Rampage and the expected CM Punk debut? Let us know in the comments section.
