2018 might be the best year ever for WWE, at least from a personal growth standpoint. Not only did the company host a mammoth show in Saudi Arabia but they also struck gold with a billion dollar Fox deal. As if that wasn’t enough the company continues to expand and globalize with several planned shows overseas in 2018. Perhaps most important of all, the company has also announced the first ever all female PPV, Evolution. This is another reason as to why 2018 might be the greatest yet for the company.

With all this being said, it’s a busy time for the WWE and pro wrestling altogether. In this article we discuss backstage news fans should expect in the near future. This includes dramatic returns, future programs, roster expansion and so much more. On the flip side, we’ll also debunk some other leaks that just won’t take place. This is also features rumored returns, storylines and various other topics that seem unlikely to take place both in and out of the WWE.

From The Undertaker and Rey Mysterio returning to Enzo Amore and Neville likely not, we feature 10 backstage leaks wrestling fans should expect and 10 they shouldn’t. Like always be sure to share the article with a friend. For now, let’s take in these rumors as speculation, however expect a handful of these to take place in and out of the WWE in the very near future! We start the article off with a long awaited return set for the fall. The post-SummerSlam landscape is looking quite good!

20 Should Expect – The Undertaker Returning To TV

via WWE.com

WWE is making the 1000th episode of SmackDown a very big deal. The show is set for October 16th. WWE's already planning for the event. Among the rumored matchups includes AJ versus Samoa Joe, Bryan and Miz and Orton versus Jeff Hardy.

However the biggest story has to be The Undertaker being advertised for the event. Yes, the Deadman is set to take part in the 1000th episode, this is quite fitting given his impact on the show. Various other returns are also expected – The Rock is set to appear however it remains unclear whether he’ll be on the show or in a taped video message. It’ll be a must watch episode, surely.

19 Shouldn’t - Sami Zayn Returning In 2018

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Sami Zayn’s recent injury is a major blow for both the wrestler and the company. Zayn was enjoying the best run of his entire main roster career as a heel. However his run came to an end with a terrible torn rotator cuff. Such an injury usually requires lengthy rehab.

Unfortunately fans shouldn’t expect Zayn to return in 2018. Instead WWE is hopeful that he’ll be able to return in time for WrestleMania 35. This can be quite the return and one most fans will seriously pop for. However the downside, we won’t be seeing Zayn for almost an entire year - a tough blow for a Superstar at the prime of his career.

18 Should Expect – Rey Mysterio Fall Return

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Expect Rey Mysterio back in the WWE – by all accounts his return should take place in just a mere couple of months. According to the recent news Mysterio was taken out of a Northern Wrestling show due to a contractual meeting with the WWE. The company is also promoting Mysterio for the video game which should also ensure his future with the company.

In all likelihood Mysterio is to work his final indie date as a part of the All In show and report to WWE. According to the rumblings Rey plans on ending his career with the company.

17 Shouldn’t - Enzo Amore Returning To Wrestling

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A leak currently circulating links Enzo to his former tag partner Big Cass. According to the recent gossip the two are set to reunite out on the indie scene. However Enzo recently addressed this topic completely squashing it. Here’s what he told TMZ discussing a potential return to wrestling:

“So I'm dropping an album, I'm working on a ton of television content right now—Sitting on a lot of interesting things right now. It's a very interesting time for me. New chapter, a lot of fun, a lot of things to come though. I ain't complaining! Not in a million years (will I return to pro-wrestling). There ain't nobody, who's got enough money to put me back in the ring."

16 Should Expect - Roman Reigns & Braun Strowman Feud

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Who walks out with the Universal Championship following SummerSlam remains unclear. According to the recent gossip Lesnar is set to have a closed door meeting prior to the show. This has led to speculation that the possibility exists of Lesnar retaining the title and possibly becoming a two sport champion.

Nonetheless, no matter what the outcome fans can expect a feud between Reigns and Strowman to resurface. This is a welcomed idea given their successful past together. Whether or not they feud over the Universal Title is unknown. However you can expect the two against one another with several live events following SummerSlam advertising the two against one another.

15 Shouldn’t - The Return Of RVD

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For those hoping to see Rob Van Dam back in a WWE for one final run don’t hold your breath. The former World Champion recently opened up discussing a possible return to the WWE. Although he might be interested Rob claims that WWE simply isn’t. He took to Twitter answering a fan that asked about a possible return, here’s what he had to say in the tweet;

“Been awhile Bull. Last time we talked, my time was worth more to me than to them. That hasn’t changed.”

He likely won’t return to the ring however most fans can agree he is more than worthy of a Hall of Fame induction down the road.

14 Should Expect - Dean Ambrose Turning Heel

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Dean Ambrose finally returned rocking a new look. His new style has heel written all over it, fans are speculating that he changed his look specifically for an upcoming heel turn. This might make sense given Ambrose turning on Rollins has been a projected scenario for quite some time – this speculation took place before his recent injury.

It remains to be seen when this might take place. The compnay might opt to pull the trigger immediately at SummerSlam. However they can also take the longer route by milking their friendship and later providing us with the shocking turn. In any event, Dean finally turning is to be expected.

13 Shouldn’t - Daniel Bryan Parting Ways

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Who would have thought that a WWE video game can have such an impact! We discussed Mysterio returning to the company in order to promote the 2K video game. It also seems to be a huge factor in Bryan staying with the WWE as well. Daniel is now being promoted as one of the major faces of the video game – meaning his departure in September just wouldn’t make any sense with the game being released later in the fall.

According to Dave Meltzer, due to the recent news Daniel isn’t going anywhere and a new deal might have been signed. YES! YES! YES!

12 Should Expect – Roster Expansion

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Not only is the WWE planning to expand via “global localization” but the current rumor also suggests that the company is looking to expand their roster even further. This might be motivated by the Ring of Honor show set to take place at Madison Square Garden. According to the recent news McMahon wants as little star power as possible on the show. The speculation suggests Vince is set to make offers to Kenny Omega, Cody and Young Bucks among some of the prominent names.

If this is to take place it is believed that ROH will make a serious run at getting CM Punk for the event. With new legal fees to pay for – perhaps he can use the massive pay.

11 Shouldn’t - Asuka Parting Ways

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Since her WrestleMania defeat things haven’t gone the smoothest for The Empress. It was reported most recently that she walked out of the company – this seemed to be a credible rumor given her current role. Not only has she suffered defeats to Carmella but she really hasn’t been utilized all that much.

Dave Meltzer recently reported that things are fine between Asuka and the WWE. He also stated that she didn’t walk out either. Despite the fact that she’s falling down the pecking order it still appears to be a good situation between the sides backstage. She isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. However like Nakamura perhaps a heel turn is in the future plans.

10 Should Expect - Four Horsewomen Matchup

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The WWE planted a seed for this potential matchup during last year’s Mae Young Classic. These days fans are a step closer to seeing this marquee match playing out as all four UFC Horsewomen are now a part of the WWE family. Of course Ronda continues to crush it on Raw while Baszler isn’t doing too shabby either as the face of NXT’s Women’s Division. Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke have now been added to NXT roster and it is said that both are progressing incredibly well.

Recent leaks discuss the WWE still having major interest in this potential matchup. This is only speculation however it can be an ideal situation to see these eight women potentially main event a Survivor Series event down the road.

9 Shouldn’t – Chris Jericho Returning To The WWE

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Chris Jericho rejoining the WWE doesn’t seem to be as likely these days. Rumblings from behind the scenes discuss McMahon being none too pleased with Jericho’s extended New Japan stay feuding with Naito.

This might lead to a longer hiatus. Current leaks suggest Jericho might join Impact. Chris recently added fuel to the fire claiming 2019 is going to be a heck of a year, here’s what he had to say in discussion about the future via his Twitter account:

“2019 is gonna be an interesting year…. #FreeAgentJericho”

Perhaps teasing the fans, Jericho also responded to a fan saying “not necessarily” when a fan stated that he would never join another North American wrestling company aside from WWE.

8 Should Expect - More Renee Young On Commentary

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WWE hasn’t had the easiest time finding a commentator alongside Michael Cole and Corey Graves. Booker T is often ridiculed for his bizarre comments, Coachman really hasn’t done much better providing bland insight. For that reason Renee Young’s recent WWE gig got a lot of praise. She also discussed wanting to do more commentary in the future;

“All I could think of afterwards - and not even afterwards, during - you know sometimes when you’re in the moment of something happening and you don’t get to absorb it all? I mean I guess during a three-hour show you do get a moment to absorb it, but all I could keep thinking was, ‘man, do I want to keep doing this.”

No permanent plan exists to make Young a part of the announce team. However the company is very impressed which is likely to lead to more opportunity in the future.

7 Shouldn’t – Neville Joining NXT’s UK Division

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During a recent press conference Triple H was asked about Neville’s future and potentially joining NXT. His answer wasn’t the most optimistic as the former Cruiserweight Champion’s status remains up in the air. Here’s what Triple H had to say about the matter:

"To be honest, I'm not 100% positive. I would need to go back and look into that. You are 100% right, [Neville] is one of the most talented guys in the world. I love the time that he spent with us in NXT, he did a great job of building up the Cruiserweight division on 205 [Live]. Time will see where that ends up."

6 Should Expect - Paul Heyman Sticking Around

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Despite Lesnar’s future hiatus it doesn’t seem like Paul Heyman is going anywhere. WWE seems to be invested in the Heyman character leading to speculation that he is set to stick around following Brock’s SummerSlam match.

Among the rumored scenarios includes serving as an advocated for another WWE Superstar. The top names include Ronda Rousey, Bobby Lashley and Braun Strowman. Roman Reigns is also a heavy favorite to get flanked by Heyman, this would provide quite the moment and one that can finally transition Roman into a heel. Of course, this is only speculation however you should expect Heyman to be involved in the fall months.

5 Shouldn’t – Alexa Bliss & Carmella Hanging On To Titles For Evolution Event

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Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer made some realistic points when discussing the future of the current Women's Champions. He added some fuel to the fire, here’s what he had to say projecting the championship picture:

“If they’re going to do a women’s only PPV, and your champions are Carmella and Alexa Bliss, that’s tough—Because if you end with those two, there is going to be a struggle. They may have to change those titles, because Carmella and Alexa Bliss matches have not been good.”

Although his assessment might be a little too harsh there is validity to it. Both champions haven’t exceeded expectations and lots of better options exist for the inaugural female PPV. It might be possible for one champion to hang on to the championship but fans should expect both heels to enter the show with the titles.

4 Should Expect - Matt Riddle To NXT

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Matt Riddle to the WWE has been advertised for quite some time. Getting removed from a PWG event speculation grew as many linked Riddle to signing a WWE deal. Riddle also discussed being done with the indie scene.

Dave Meltzer confirmed the rumor just days later. According to the Wrestling Observer Riddle signed a three-year deal with the WWE and he’s set to join NXT. Meltzer also claims we can see Riddle as early as the upcoming TakeOver Brooklyn event. His participation remains unknown with some speculation linking the former MMA star in a surprise appearance or as a third wheel in the NXT Championship main event match.

3 Shouldn’t - Brock Lesnar Leaving For Good

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Brock’s WWE future remains up in the air. As mentioned earlier he is set to take part in a closed door meeting just prior to SummerSlam. Brock dropping the title isn’t entirely secure, as mentioned WWE might keep the title on Lesnar in order to make him a multi-sport champion.

However if he does drop the title Brock isn’t going anywhere permanently. Following his UFC run he’ll return to the company. The WWE is even planting seeds for a potential Lesnar/Kurt Angle storyline. This seems to be a “bye for now” type of scenario – Lesnar leaving for good should not be expected.

2 Should Expect - Cris Cyborg Joining WWE

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It definitely doesn’t hurt when one of the most respected Hall Of Famer's shoots your name out to the big boss man. Mick Foley recently hinted that he shared his thoughts on UFC fighter Cris Cyborg joining the WWE in a meeting with Vince McMahon. He added to that sentiment during an interview with TMZ;

"Keep your eye on this Cyborg-Nunes fight. She's gonna be larger than life, and I think she'd make a great WWE Superstar down the line."

Given the success of Ronda Rousey mixed in with such a high endorsement, Cyborg joining the WWE should be expected. Of course, she is also more than willing to make the move herself.

1 Shouldn’t - SummerSlam Back In Brooklyn

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WWE made Brooklyn a popular location in the last couple of years. SummerSlam once again took place at the venue. This has caused some uneasiness with WWE and their relationship with Madison Square Garden. For that reason it isn’t all that shocking to see WWE changing things up for next year’s SummerSlam. Don’t expect another return to Brooklyn.

According to Brad Shepard the WWE is set on changing things up next year. Among the current lead candidate’s to host the event is the Scotiabank Arena in Tornto. Given WWE’s history with that crowd it’ll make for an entertaining audience that’s for sure!