WWE Rumor Roundup: Multi-time World Champion to leave company?; Backstage details on Randy Orton slapping Superstar; Heyman's future as Brock Lesnar's manager - 20 June 2020

Welcome to another edition of the daily WWE Rumor Roundup where we bring to you the biggest stories and updates from the day. On today's edition, we will talk about what the future holds for Jeff Hardy, Brock Lesnar's return and what impact it can have on Paul Heyman's future with the company among other things.

We will also take a look at how Roman Reigns was against the idea of getting a big win, but WWE made him go ahead with the plans even though he did not want to.

So without further ado, let us jump into the biggest rumors and stories for you:

---

#5 Possible sign that Jeff Hardy is leaving WWE

Jeff Hardy recently made his return and has been involved in a highly controversial angle with Sheamus. WWE have used Hardy's real-life addiction problems and past with DUIs in a storyline which many believe to be distasteful.

However, it was believed that a program with Sheamus could help build up Jeff Hardy for a main event push in the future. Surprisingly, however, Hardy was defeated by the Celtic Warrior in their match at Backlash.

Tom Colohue has speculated that Jeff Hardy may not be re-signing with the company which could be why he is being booked in such a manner.

That suggests to me, something that I believe for a little while, and that is Jeff Hardy is on his way out, and he is going to go out on his back.

He further talked about the chances of Jeff Hardy joining his brother on AEW:

Jeff Hardy is in the latter days of his WWE career. I am confident he won't be signing another contract there, and I suspect he would be joining his brother relatively soon. As such, we may probably see Jeff Hardy get a little bit buried, and I think he would be fine with that as it is quite traditional in wrestling.

#4 Reason why WWE Superstar Randy Orton slapped The Undertaker

Randy Orton faced The Undertaker at WWE WrestleMania 21. While there was no chance that the young Orton would walk out with a victory, just the opportunity to face The Deadman would have been massive for him.

During the build for the match, Randy Orton slapped The Undertaker making a major impact. A young up and comer being allowed to slap a legendary WWE Superstar like The Undertaker on live TV was something unheard of.

While talking to ESPN, Randy Orton gave out the details of what happened behind-the-scenes before he went on to take the bold step.

They had me slap him, if I remember correctly. And that was going to get his attention. I was the "Legend Killer." I had a good 2004. It was like, "Tonight you're going to start your angle with Taker going into WrestleMania. Just haul off and slap him. And make sure you slap him real good." And I'm thinking, "Holy c**p, the receipt on this is gonna be something for the ages.

#3 Paul Heyman's future as former WWE Champion Brock Lesnar's manager

Paul Heyman was sacked as the RAW Executive Director by WWE. This essentially means that he will no longer be in-charge of the creative decisions on RAW. This also led to speculation of what his future with the company may be.

As per Dave Meltzer of WON, Heyman is still under talent contract. He also talks about how Brock Lesnar's return will make it clearer as to what Heyman's position in WWE will be. There is a strong chance that Heyman will continue to serve as the on-screen 'advocate' to Brock Lesnar.

As far as the future of Heyman within the company, he is still under a talent contract. Before being promoted to head Raw, he was at every Raw show producing certain talent and pitching Vince McMahon on the key storylines involving pushing of certain characters, most notably Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey. Exactly how that fits in with the future won’t be known until Lesnar returns.

Brock Lesnar has always relied on Heyman on-screen and off-screen so it is likely that their pairing will continue.

Lesnar has always heavily relied on Heyman when it comes to both business and in-ring stories of his matches.

#2 Reason for Bianca Belair's absence from WWE RAW

The EST of NXT Bianca Belair had made her WWE RAW debut some time back in backstage skits with The Street Profits. Bianca Belair was involved in The Street Profits' feud with Zelina Vega's faction ahead of WrestleMania 36 and was even part of The WrestleMania 36 show.

However, ever since The Street Profits started their comedic program with The Viking Raiders, she has not been seen by their corner.

Dave Meltzer of WON, has revealed that the reason behind Belair's absence is that WWE did not feel that she fits into the comedy route The Street Profits have taken of late.

She was introduced. Then somebody decided on wacky skits she didn’t fit in. So they didn’t put her on TV because she wasn’t in any program. Now it’s a new cycle and we’ll see

It is unlikely that Belair will be paired with The Street Profits again. However, a singles run on RAW for the Superstar could be huge. Only time will tell, what WWE decides to do with her.

#1 Roman Reigns wanted to lose to The Undertaker at WWE WrestleMania 33

The Undertaker has had one of the most iconic streaks in WWE. His undefeated streak at WrestleMania lasted for 21 wins before it was crushed by WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30.

However, the loss against Brock Lesnar isn't the only blemish in the otherwise spotless WWE WrestleMania record of The Undertaker. At WrestleMania 33, Roman Reigns managed to beat The Undertaker as well, in what many thought would be The Undertaker's last match in WWE.

While speaking to ESPN, Roman Reigns revealed that it wasn't his decision to defeat the Undertaker at WrestleMania, and he was, in fact, opposed to the idea of The Undertaker losing to him. The Big Dog wanted to take the pin in order to show his respect to 'Taker.

I remember the conversation with Vince. I saw Taker like a week prior, and he almost gave it away, but he did good in covering it up. He could tell I didn't know yet. When Vince explained it to me, I was just in awe. It's something that everybody who gets into the business wants, to get into the ring with The Undertaker.

He further talks about how he felt on hearing this.

And I remember the first thing I thought was that I wanted to put him over. I wanted to lose. Immediately, that was my instinct. Out of respect. I knew he was in pain, but I didn't know he was going in [for hip surgery] soon after that or else I would have crafted that story a little differently. So I knew it was on me to try to help carry it. The movement of the match. Orbit around him. But I thought it would have been a better story if I was on my back at the end. Obviously, it didn't go that way.