WWE Rumor Roundup - Two more big firings revealed, Top Superstar's request to say goodbye to Vince McMahon denied, Alexa Bliss-Sasha Banks backstage relationship - 21st November 2020

Alexa Bliss and Sasha Banks.
Alexa Bliss and Sasha Banks.

WWE's focus is entirely on delivering a memorable Survivor Series. While there is a considerable amount of hype for Survivor Series, there is a lot happening apart from the pay-per-view that also needs attention. We take a look at the biggest stories doing the rounds in the latest edition of the WWE Rumor Roundup.

The company has fired two executives, and the rumors suggest that more releases could be on its way. A recently released Superstar was reportedly not allowed to say goodbye to Vince McMahon after the firing.

The stories regarding the backstage heat between Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss have been prevalent for a long time. We have a possible update on the backstage relationship between the two Superstars.

Paul Heyman also provided an update of what to expect from Brock Lesnar when he returns, keeping in his ongoing alliance with Roman Reigns in mind.

We were also given an update on the return of Drew McIntyre's old entrance theme.


#5. Top WWE executives fired from the company, more departures coming soon

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It's been a few months since that fateful day in April when WWE released several Superstars and furloughed many backstage personnel. However, WWE is not done with the departures as the company's top management has also been affected by the recent developments.

PWInsider reported that John Brody, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Sales and Partnerships, has been let go by WWE.

Brody was previously heading the Global Sales and Partnerships division of WWE, which was shifted under Stephanie McMahon's control last month. Brody began to report to McMahon following the move.

The executive was released on either Wednesday or Thursday. Brody worked for the company for six years and was seen as a vital member of WWE's global sales plans.

Several members of Brody's team were furloughed earlier this year in April, and some of them were even let go by WWE.

PWInsider also released another report confirming the release of Brian Nurse, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, who was with WWE since 2018. Brian Nurse reported directly to Vince McMahon, and as noted by PWInsider, Nurse 'was as high as possible within the hierarchy of the company.'

The report also added that more executive terminations are expected to happen this week.

Despite WWE recording record profits, the Superstars and staff members aren't the only ones who suffered from the cost-cutting measures of WWE as it seems the top echelon of the company has also taken a significant hit.

#4. Zelina Vega wasn't allowed to say goodbye to Vince McMahon following the WWE release

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Zelina Vega's WWE release is still a highly-debated topic, and many details are finally trickling over into the public domain.

Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Zelina Vega wasn't allowed to talk to Vince McMahon after being informed about the departure. She was escorted out of the building on SmackDown.

According to one person in the company with knowledge of the situation, she was told about it by Mark Carrano, asked to talk to Vince McMahon, and Carrano told her that he doesn't want to talk to you, and he was escorted out of the building.

While a Fightful Select report couldn't confirm the detail about Zelina Vega being ejected from the arena, it was added that Vega wanted to say goodbye to the WWE Boss. A wrestler close to the situation revealed that Vega wished to speak to Vince McMahon but was denied the opportunity.

Another Superstar from RAW noted that they weren't surprised by the development as it's difficult to get a meeting with Vince McMahon. It's tough enough for employed Superstars, let alone the talent who just get released.

A SmackDown wrestler revealed that they had to wait for many weeks - even after getting called up - to meet with Vince McMahon. The WWE Boss continues to be a man tough to get in touch with even during the pandemic.

The report concluded by stating that several wrestlers offered words of encouragement to Zelina Vega after her WWE exit.

#3. Sasha Banks might have squashed her backstage heat with Alexa Bliss in WWE

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Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss have been two of the biggest female Superstars in WWE over the past five years. Most fans would be familiar with this, but those who still aren't should know that there has been some reported heat between the two Superstars for years.

The story dates back to 2014 when Alexa Bliss broke her nose during a match with Sasha Banks. Several fans highlighted that both Bliss and Banks worked a very stiff style during their match in 2015. The same thing was noticed when they brawled during an angle on WWE SmackDown in 2017.

The reports of there being backstage heat between Banks and Bliss intensified when The Boss revealed in an interview with Peter Rosenberg in 2018 that there are people in WWE she doesn't like. When asked whether she would like to work with Bliss, Banks responded by saying, 'not really.'

Fast forward to November 2020, and it seems like the beef between Alexa Bliss and Sasha Banks has finally been squashed, as highlighted by WrestlingNews.co.

During a recent interview with Sportskeeda's Stephanie Chase for her YouTube Channel, Sasha Banks revealed that she would love to team up with Alexa Bliss in the WWE and even called her fellow Superstar 'cute.'

“I would have to choose Alexa Bliss. She is so cute.”

The rumors of the backstage heat being a thing of the past were indeed true.

#2. Paul Heyman comments on Brock Lesnar's WWE status

Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman

As things stand, Brock Lesnar is a free agent as his WWE contract expired following WrestleMania 36. The Beast Incarnate has expectedly kept a low profile, and in the meantime, his advocate Paul Heyman has formed an exciting alliance with Roman Reigns on SmackDown.

During a recent interview with TalkSPORT, Heyman was asked about Brock Lesnar's WWE status and what would happen if his former client returns during his current angle with Roman Reigns.

Heyman kept it simple by stating that Brock Lesnar does what Lesnar wants to do. Here's what Heyman said:

"The safest thing that I can say for my well-being is that Brock Lesnar does whatever Brock Lesnar wants to do. It has been that way since Brock Lesnar was five years old, and I don't think that's going to change anytime soon. I'm sticking to that soundbite."

There are currently no updates about Brock Lesnar's WWE return, but we should get a clear picture of his plans once WrestleMania season edges closer.

Paul Heyman's partnership with Roman Reigns is easily the best angle in all of WWE, and it would be interesting to see what actually happens when the company decides to get The Beast Incarnate back on TV.

#1. Drew McIntyre wants his old theme song back in WWE for 'special occasions'

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Drew McIntyre's 'Broken Dreams' theme song, which he used during his first WWE run, is an incredibly popular theme. The fanbase has clamored for its return ever since Drew McIntyre made his comeback to WWE.

The company, however, has stuck with McIntyre's new theme song. During a recent appearance on the Battleground podcast, the reigning WWE Champion gave his take on the possibility of using his old theme song again.

Drew McIntyre mentioned that he has visions of coming out to 'Broken Dreams' again for special occasions. The two-time WWE Champion would love for the theme song to return and be available for download on all major platforms. McIntyre said that everything about 'Broken Dreams' matches his career trajectory, and it would be great if he could utilize it again for his entrance.

"Personally, I have visions of it coming back for a special occasion and then hopefully releasing it for download because it is talked about all the time. It was such a popular song. I personally think it's great. If you look up the 'Broken Dreams' lyrics and check the story, it kind of matches my career story, which is interesting. It's just a little slow for me right now. I love the bagpipes and war music. It doesn't quite match the current Drew McIntyre, but I do want to bring it back for special occasions." H/t Fightful

Drew McIntrye recently regained the WWE Championship from Randy Orton, and The Scottish Psychopath is currently scheduled to face Roman Reigns at Survivor Series.

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