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We're back for another edition of the daily WWE Rumor Roundup and today's lineup strictly features top-tier names. The rumor mills have worked overtime in the last 24 hours, and we have some massive stories to dissect.
The most talked-about story of the lot is in regards to WWE's reported plan to get back a recently released superstar.
We also have several updates on The Rock's return. While The Great One could soon be back for a non-wrestling appearance, Dwayne Johnson could also be in line for a high-profile match.
The roundup can't be complete without Brock Lesnar, and there are tons of details on the Beast Incarnate's status. A former WWE star also revealed how Brock Lesnar saved his life during their match. We end the roundup with WWE's potential SummerSlam plans for Edge.
#5. Samoa Joe could be headed back to WWE, possible roles in NXT
Samoa Joe's WWE release on April 15th earlier this year shocked almost every wrestling fan. Joe was considered a valuable asset for the WWE, and it seems like the company could be paving the way for his return.
Sean Ross Sapp reported on Fightful Select that there were rumblings backstage about Samoa Joe's NXT return. While no specific figurehead was mentioned, there were discussions amongst NXT talent and staff members on Friday.
Samoa Joe is one of the few released stars who people in WWE have been pushing to be brought back.
The report stated that more than half a dozen NXT talents and another wrestler from outside the company have heard about WWE's interest in having Joe return for a wrestling role. Samoa Joe was also spotted at the WWE Performance Center this week; however, the purpose of his visit wasn't revealed in the report. It should be noted there is no confirmation of a deal being signed between WWE and Samoa Joe.
At this point, the wrestlers and personnel backstage are speculating about Joe's return, and some believe that it will happen. SRS stated that WWE is open to having Samoa Joe in a variety of roles at NXT.
Samoa Joe's status is still relatively uncertain, with more details on the released star possibly re-signing with NXT expected to emerge soon.
#4. WWE is hoping for The Rock to make a Survivor Series appearance
The Rock's last televised WWE appearance happened on the 20th Anniversary episode of SmackDown in October 2019. The Great One was involved in a feel-good segment with Becky Lynch. Despite there being countless rumors of his return, The Rock has stayed away from WWE TV for almost two years.
The Rock will eventually be back for a few appearances, and WWE is already working towards a potential Survivor Series comeback.
Andrew Zarian of The Mat Men was the first to report about Survivor Series possibly being slated to take place in Brooklyn.
Dave Meltzer issued a follow-up report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and added that WWE expects The Rock to appear at the pay-per-view.
The Rock's rumored Survivor Series cameo isn't locked in now, but the belief is that the 10-time World Champion will be free to show up at the event:
"Andrew Zarian reported that Survivor Series will be in Brooklyn this year with them treating it like it would be a major show. The hope is for Dwayne Johnson to make an appearance at that show but that isn't locked in, but the hope it for around that time," wrote Meltzer.
Are you wondering what WWE could have in store for The Rock at Survivor Series? We've got the answer to that as well...
#3. WWE's reported opponent for The Rock's return match
WWE realizes the importance of The Rock's next match, and the promotion could plant the seeds for it if the legendary star returns at Survivor Series.
Dave Meltzer noted that The Rock appearing at the big-four show would lend credence to a massive WrestleMania program with Roman Reigns.
During a recent Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer added that WWE is building towards The Rock vs. Roman Reigns, and the company is also running out of time to book the mega match.
The Rock himself is reportedly keen to wrestle Roman Reigns, but he continues to get older, making the scenario tougher to execute. Meltzer stated that Rock should ideally end up facing Roman Reigns in his comeback bout within the next two WrestleManias, and the best bet would be at next year's Show of Shows:
"Obviously The Rock & Roman Reigns is something that they're building towards, and it would be — every year gets tougher and tougher because Dwayne gets a year older and, you know, but I think he really wants to do a match against Roman Reigns. I think for sure it'll be in next two WrestleManias, and if he can pull it off, the next WrestleMania," said Dave Meltzer. H/t WrestleTalk
The Rock vs. Roman Reigns looks like the logical endgame to the grand Samoan storyline that has been unfolding on WWE SmackDown over the past few months.
#2. Former WWE star reveals how Brock Lesnar saved his life
Former WWE superstar Zach Gowen was a guest on the Rewind Recap Relive podcast, where he opened up about his feud with Brock Lesnar.
Gowen was the first and only one-legged competitor in the WWE. He faced a few massive names during his yearlong stint with the company. Gowen's storyline with Brock Lesnar is particularly remembered for the Beast Incarnate's sheer ruthlessness. Lesnar even tossed the amputee wrestler down the stairs as part of the WWE TV angle.
Zach Gowen faced Brock Lesnar in a singles match on the SmackDown episode of August 19, 2003. Gowen got absolutely brutalized that evening.
Gowen revealed that he legitimately got knocked out from a powerbomb during the match, and the situation could have gone awry had it not been for Lesnar's presence of mind.
The original plan was for Lesnar to deliver three powerbombs, but the former WWE champion quickly realized something was not right with Gowen.
Lesnar felt Gowen's body go limp so he didn't execute the third powerbomb, releasing him instead:
"He was supposed to give me three powerbombs, like a triple powerbomb where you hold on, and then after two, he felt I got knocked out. Like he felt my body go limp for a second. I hit the back of my head on the mat. I was knocked out on the powerbomb. It was supposed to be three, but he felt that I was in danger, so he just let me go. He might've saved my life if we're being 100% honest at that point," said Gowen. (H/T SeScoops)
Brock Lesnar was still new to the wrestling business back in 2003. While he might have been green early on, the Beast Incarnate thankfully always possessed sound in-ring awareness.
Talking about Brock Lesnar and the ring...
#1. Backstage news on WWE SummerSlam statuses of Brock Lesnar and Edge
WWE SummerSlam 2021 is set to take place in Las Vegas in August, and the company is expected to pull out all the stops for the show.
However, as per Mat Men's Adrian Zarian, Brock Lesnar is not scheduled to be on the Summerslam card. Dave Meltzer additionally reported that the rumored Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley match is also off the books:
"There have been rumors about Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar, but as of one week ago, that was not happening, even though Lashley has wanted that match. Lesnar's name was definitely talked about for the show by some, but it was said that it doesn't look like it will work out," said Dave Meltzer.
Meltzer also provided an update on Edge's return, with all roads leading to the Rated-R Superstar wrestling at WWE SummerSlam. Jon Alba stated that Edge could be back as a babyface:
"Since Edge is billed to return on the Houston Smackdown, and there is talk about bringing back big names, him wrestling at SummerSlam seems to add up," Meltzer noted.
As for Roman Reigns, there is growing speculation about another match against John Cena. The Cenation Leader also recently addressed the SummerSlam rumors in a very interesting way.
WWE sees SummerSlam as a WrestleMania-level show this year, and fans shouldn't be surprised to see a few part-timers in action.
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