It’s a busy time for wrestling fans nowadays. Following WrestleMania, the WWE hit a bit of a downturn with some lackluster storytelling. However, with SummerSlam looming, there is a lot to be excited about. With major WWE events also come various discussions going on behind the scenes. In this article we have plenty to talk about, including major returns, the women’s Evolution event, Mae Young Classic and a troubling contract scenario. That’s just the beginning with so much more going on behind the scenes at WWE these days. Even the fate of the SummerSlam event is still unknown. According to the latest rumblings, Vince himself is still unsure for the finish of the Roman and Brock match. Surely Reigns is set to go over, right? Well, not necessarily. We discuss another scenario that might take place in the article. For those that dislike Reigns, get ready to smile a little.
We’ll also take a look at leaks currently going on outside of the WWE. Is a major indie star set to make the jump to NXT any day now? According to reports this same dude signed a three-year deal. Find out who in the article. We’ll also discuss other rumblings including other promotions looking for major network deals and CM Punk once again linked to a wrestling return in the near future.
Enjoy the article folks and like always be sure to share it with a fellow wrestling fan. Without further ado these are 25 backstage leaks currently circulating around the wrestling world. Ring the bell!
25 John Cena & The Undertaker Returning For SuperShow
WWE is set to break the bank once again as they make their way to the MCG in Australia. This SuperShow is now set for October. The WWE added anticipation to the show by revealing the poster.
Among the notable faces to appear includes Ronda Rousey, Triple H, John Cena and The Undertaker.
It was initially expected that both legends Undertaker and John Cena would be returning in time for another SummerSlam battle. However with the show just a mere couple of weeks away they might be saving this for the rare event Down Under.
24 Jason Jordan Returning As Tag Team Specialist
Since WrestleMania, rumors of a Jason Jordan return continue to trend. However it finally appears that the former WWE Tag Team Champion is slated to return. Fans might be happy to find out that he’s likely set to rejoin tag partner Chad Gable on the Monday show.
This would explain Chad’s recent absence as his solo run came to a halt; perhaps he’s being saved for Jordan’s return.
If there’s a way to make fans forget about the terrible Jordan/Angle storyline its putting him back with Gable. With the Raw tag class suffering this can be the spark needed to put the division back on the map.
23 Matt Riddle Signs Three-Year Deal With WWE
"It's not that I don't love the indies, it's just time to move on."
This bombshell of a quote had wrestling fans buzzing. Matt Riddle has been linked to the WWE for the longest time. However, according to Dave Meltzer, he may have signed a deal with the WWE a couple of days ago. Meltzer explains that both Riddle and the WWE want to keep this as low as possible, adding that surprise twist.
According to Dave, the contract is for a three-year term.
Expect a massive boost if this signing did take place. In all likelihood fans can expect Riddle at the next NXT TakeOver event in just a couple of weeks.
22 Aleister Black Injured
NXT can use a new babyface like Matt Riddle and that’s especially true due to the latest devastating news concerning a top tier NXT star. Just days ago it was being speculated that Aleister Black suffered a serious injury and one that required surgery.
The timetable remains unknown however he is expected to miss at least some amount of time.
As for his future, that also remains uncertain. Recently dropping the NXT Title, Black might transition onto the main roster once he returns from the recent setback.
21 Carmella & Alexa Bliss To Drop Titles Before Evolution Event
Following SummerSlam, you can expect the WWE to slowly tease storylines for the all-women’s PPV event. What should not be expected is both current title holders Carmella and Alexa Bliss entering the event as champions.
It is being said the backstage officials are none too pleased with their current work. Putting them in main event matches on such a prestigious event would only hurt the value of the inaugural show. For that reason, both are expected to drop the titles before the event and take part in lesser profile matches.
20 NWO Return In The Works?
Could it be? Is the NWO set to make an unexpected return? Well, it won’t be anything permanent, however there is talk about reintroducing Hulk Hogan alongside his fellow NWO stablemates, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. This would be a wise decision as it wouldn’t directly put the spotlight on Hogan as an individual.
It is unknown when this might happen but there is definitely ongoing talks at this point. Hogan is expected to return back to WWE television at some point in 2018.
19 Women’s Tag Titles At Evolution PPV
Continuing with the Evolution PPV, there is serious talk concerning the possible debut of Women’s Tag Titles. Among the current discussion is starting a tournament before the event. The finals would then take place in October at Evolution.
It can be another historical moment to celebrate.
This is a welcomed idea and one that can add an inter-brand twist with the title holders defending the championships on both shows. Now wouldn’t that be something? For now nothing is for sure but talks are said to be heating up. Do it Vince!
18 Rey Mysterio Likely Returning In The Fall
Ever since his shocking Royal Rumble appearance, fans have been demanding for the return of Rey Mysterio. However, the WWE Universe might have to wait a little longer due to Rey’s prior commitments. He is set to appear at the All In event. Though once that’s done, Rey is expected to return; October seems like the biggest possibility especially with WWE’s 2K video game releasing around that date.
Fans can expect this to be his final sting as he plans to hang up the boots for good following his upcoming run with the company.
17 Paige VanZant Interest Growing
With Ronda Rousey finding success with the WWE, more MMA women are looking to make the move. VanZant is a name of interest and she recently expressed her desire to join the company. Here’s what she told fightful.com in regard to a debut in the future:
“Yeah, definitely. Even before my career’s over, I’d love to make an appearance in WWE. I love the organization and it’s such a different form of athleticism, I think I’d have a great crossover because of my Dancing With The Stars experience, and MMA experience, and athletic background. I’m focused right now on just healing my arm, I can’t really do anything until that’s done.”
16 Nikki Cross To The Main Roster
Once again WWE decided to split a female act from her team. We saw this with Carmella, though we can say it worked out for the best. The NXT act Sanity also got a promotion to SmackDown Live a couple of weeks back. Nikki Cross was left behind, however, despite the fact that she’s more than capable of holding her own at this point.
Well, she might join her fellow Sanity members quite soon.
Cross is now being groomed for the main roster, taking part in the SmackDown Live non-televised event loops. Following SummerSlam, she is expected to debut on the Tuesday show.
15 Other Wrestling Companies Looking For Major Television Deal
WWE getting a major deal with Fox might be a blessing for other wrestling companies as well. According to the latest leaks, several wrestling promotions including Impact, New Japan and ROH are all actively looking for television deals. Perhaps a major network might be inclined to go head-to-head with Fox?
This can be the first time in years that another wrestling company rivals the WWE with a major network deal. We can expect talks to further intensify as WWE’s debut with Fox looms near. If Vince’s company hits good numbers with the network, this might be another strong positive for other promotions seeking a TV deal.
14 Major Push For Cien Almas
Far too often we’ve seen NXT talents get buried to start their main roster runs. This is doesn’t look to be the case with Cien Almas according to the latest leaks. Following his match against AJ Styles the backstage atmosphere is quite high on the former NXT Champion. Because of the match, he is expected to endure a major push.
We’ll get a glimpse of that during his current rivalry with Rusev. The program between the two is set to be a long-term one. However expect Cien to get the better of Rusev and ultimately challenge for the US Championship.
13 CM Punk Turns Down ROH MSG Show
Will this ever end? Probably not. Punk has stated time and time again that he has no desire to return to pro wrestling. However that hasn’t stopped speculation. The newest leak circulating outside of the WWE discusses the possibility of Punk joining an ROH show set to take place at MSG. If ticket sales are a priority Punk can definitely help in that department.
However it is being reported that Punk turned down the offer. Jim Ross recently discussed this as well claiming Punk more than likely wants no part in such an event. We hope this gossip isn’t true and he has a change of heart.
12 Big Cass Returning To The Ring
We haven’t heard from Big Cass since his shocking release just months ago on June 19th. Behavioral issues played a big part in the former tag team wrestler receiving the pink slip.
According to Dave Meltzer he is expected to return following his three month freeze out. He’ll be appearing for Big Time Wrestling on September 21st. He can’t use his WWE name because of trademark issues however it won’t be hard to notice the big fellow under his new alias, Big Cazz. We wonder how he came up with that one...
11 More NXT TakeOver Events In 2019
It is almost impossible to find a dud of a TakeOver event. Some of the more lackluster cards in terms of star power managed to grab our attention for all the right reasons. Fans have been asking for more and it turns out this might be happening as of 2019.
According to the recent rumblings, WWE might announce a TakeOver expansion for the new year. Look for NXT to announce nine TakeOver events set for 2019. That’s quite the upgrade and one hardcore fans can get on-board with.
10 Major Plans For SmackDown’s 1,000 Episode
Mark it down on your calendars: October 16th is set to be the 1,000th episode of SmackDown Live. Although that’s still quite far from now it is being said behind the scenes that the WWE is already planning for the event.
Among the various talking points for the anniversary show is surprising returns.
Of course The Rock’s name continues to trend – heck the show is named after the guy! There is also a high probability of both brands joining forces and an extra hour being added to the special episode.
9 Velveteen Dream To The Main Roster After SummerSlam
Following SummerSlam a big name is expected to join the main roster from NXT. Velveteen Dream is the lead name at the moment. According to leaks NXT has refrained from giving Dream a prominent storyline for a championship due to the fact that he’s on the cusp of leaving the brand.
Getting endorsements from the likes of John Cena, fans can expect a mammoth push for the rising star once he makes his main roster debut.
Ricochet is another name currently circulating behind the scenes to join the main roster come the fall as well.
8 Vince Unhappy With Chris Jericho
Vince might have been cool with Chris Jericho taking on Kenny Omega however the current word is that the boss didn’t have the same sentiment for Y2J prolonging his stay and feuding with another prominent New Japan star, Tetsuya Naito.
Things might have spoiled between the two sides, so much so that Jericho might be considering a pit-stop with Impact. With the company on the rise and Jericho having several close connections, this might take place if he truly is in the doghouse with the WWE.
7 Toni Storm Major Favorite To Win Mae Young Classic
The talented 22 year old is expected to participate in the Mae Young Classic for a second time. She was a noteworthy part of the first tournament losing out in the semi-finals. Toni looks like an absolute star and she is now the odds on favorite to win it all.
Seeing as though she has some heat with NXT Champion Shayna Baszler we can see the scenario of Storm winning the tournament and feuding with Shayna in what would be a lengthy program. We look forward to seeing how this one plays out for the New Zealand sensation.
6 WWE Wants Pair Of Lucha Underground Stars
WWE is always looking to expand their roster. According to the latest backstage leaks WWE officials contacted Lucha Underground trying to get information pertaining to the statuses of some of their marquee performers. Among the names are Fenix and Pentagon Jr.
This is definitely exciting given the talent of these two performers. It is unknown whether the interest is for NXT, 205 Live or any of the other brands. For now this is only speculation but we can expect the talks to intensify once their contracts near an end.