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WWE Rumors on Cody Rhodes, Vince McMahon and Roman Reigns; Alexa Bliss Had Surgery
Jun 15, 2022
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 09: Cody Rhodes of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) attends New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena on February 09, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin#SPORT/Getty Images)
Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.
McMahon Reportedly Views Rhodes as a Top WWE Star
WWE chairman Vince McMahon reportedly views Cody Rhodes as a potential face of the company moving forward.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t WrestlingInc's Sai Mohan), it was McMahon who made the call for Rhodes to defeat Seth Rollins at Hell in a Cell despite the fact that Rhodes was dealing with a torn pectoral muscle.
Meltzer noted that a wrestler typically loses before undergoing surgery and taking significant time off to recover, but the fact that Rhodes won speaks to how he is viewed by WWE higher-ups.
Lending further credence to Rhodes' standing is the fact that the WWE and WWE Network Twitter accounts have made a photo of Rhodes performing at Hell in a Cell their header photos for over a week, per Mohan.
Rhodes has not lost a match since returning to WWE in April following a stint as one of the founders of AEW. That includes pay-per-view wins over Rollins at WrestleMania 38, WrestleMania Backlash and Hell in a Cell.
After undergoing surgery to repair his torn pec, WWE announced that Rhodes is expected to miss nine months. While that may be true, most fans seem to believe that Cody will be back in time for the Royal Rumble in January and win it to earn a title match at WrestleMania 39.
WWE has gone to great lengths to present Rhodes as a top star and make him look strong, so there is every reason to believe he is destined to become world champion.
Winning the Rumble and winning the title at WrestleMania would create the biggest possible moments, and based on how he has been handled thus far, those seem to be likely scenarios.
Updates on Reigns' Reported WWE Raw Schedule
Despite having unified the WWE and Universal Championships, Roman Reigns reportedly isn't slated to have much of a presence on Raw throughout the summer.
According to Meltzer (h/t WrestlingInc's Eric Mutter), Reigns is only advertised for one episode of Raw this summer, that being the July 25 show at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
That event is notable for being the go-home episode of Raw prior to SummerSlam in Nashville, Tennessee.
Reigns is technically part of the SmackDown roster, but he has even been absent from the blue brand recently and has not defended the undisputed WWE Universal Championship since beating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38.
That will change this week on SmackDown, as Reigns is set to defend against Riddle, marking Reigns' first televised match of any kind since competing in a six-man tag team bout at WrestleMania Backlash early last month.
Although WWE never stated it as fact, many fans assumed Reigns would be seen more often on both Raw and SmackDown after unifying the titles.
For years, WWE had brand-exclusive world titles, but now that Reigns owns both of them, a world title can only be seen if he is present.
Reigns has taken on a significantly lighter workload since WrestleMania, though, and it seems like he will primarily be confined to SmackDown moving forward.
With Reigns likely slated to defend his title at SummerSlam in July and Clash at the Castle in September, he should at least appear more regularly on SmackDown in the coming weeks and months, even if showing up on Raw is a rarity.
Bliss Underwent Surgery on Nose
Alexa Bliss recently divulged that she underwent surgery on her nose during her hiatus from WWE.
Appearing on T95 The Rock Station (h/t WrestlingInc's Dakota Cohen), Bliss discussed the procedure:
"I had surgery," Bliss said. I had to get my nose all handled because, after six broken noses, it finally collapsed."
Since September, Bliss has had two lengthy absences from WWE programming. The first lasted from September until the start of 2022. Vignettes began airing for Alexa's return to WWE, and she competed in an Elimination Chamber match at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view in February.
After that, Bliss was off TV again for another three months before showing up on Raw in May.
Bliss got married during that second absence, but as she revealed in the interview, she underwent a procedure on her nose as well.
Alexa has enjoyed a great deal of success since returning, with her only loss being in a Fatal 4-Way that also involved Rhea Ripley, Doudrop and Liv Morgan.
On Monday's episode of Raw, Bliss and Liv Morgan beat Doudrop and Nikki A.S.H. in a Money in the Bank qualifier, meaning Bliss will be in the women's ladder match.
Bliss won Money in the Bank and successfully cashed in once before, and doing so again would put her back atop the WWE women's division.
Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: profanity).
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WWE Rumors: Roman Reigns out of Money in the Bank Show; Scheduled for SummerSlam
Jun 9, 2022
Roman Reigns celebrates after defeating Bill Goldberg during the 2022 WWE Elimination Chamber at the Jeddah Super Dome in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah on February 19, 2022. (Photo by Amer HILABI / AFP) (Photo by AMER HILABI/AFP via Getty Images)
Roman Reigns' return to the ring will have to wait a little longer.
Per Sports Illustrated's Justin Barrasso, the undisputed WWE champion is no longer scheduled to work the Money in the Bank premium live event on July 2.
Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Michael Perry of Ringside News) noted Reigns' first title defense is scheduled to take place at SummerSlam.
WWE's booking around Reigns' hiatus has been baffling. His last televised match was at the WrestleMania Backlash show on May 8 when he pinned Riddle clean in a six-man tag match.
Reigns' last house show match was on May 22 when he defeated Drew McIntyre. He told the crowd after the bout he didn't "know if I'm going to be doing too many more" non-televised events going forward.
Per a May 8 report from Meltzer (h/t Sean Rueter of Cageside Seats), Reigns signed a new contract with WWE "for far less dates" than he previously had.
On Monday's episode of Raw, Riddle appeared on Miz TV to challenge the Tribal Chief to a match for the WWE undisputed universal championship. The King of Bros didn't offer a specific date for the bout.
Riddle's challenge came after McIntyre appeared on last week's Friday Night SmackDown to a match for the title at Clash at the Castle on September 3.
Meltzer noted Reigns could do a television match before SummerSlam on July 30, which would likely be against Riddle.
If that ends up being the case, WWE is essentially telling the audience Riddle has no chance of winning the title.
No one should expect Reigns to drop the championship anytime soon since they just unified the WWE and universal titles at WrestleMania, but why tell the audience one of the challengers has no shot?
According to Meltzer, the plan for Reigns at SummerSlam is a match with Randy Orton. SummerSlam is being held at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 30.
WWE initially planned to run Money in the Bank at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. The event was moved to the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Reigns defeated Brock Lesnar in the main event of Night 2 at WrestleMania 38 to become the undisputed universal champion.
Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: some language NSFW).
WWE Rumors on Cody Rhodes' Injury, Roman Reigns' Schedule; Cena Teases Theory Match
Jun 7, 2022
Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.
WWE Reportedly Surprised About Rhodes Injury Leak
WWE was reportedly surprised that news of Cody Rhodes torn pectoral muscle leaked before Sunday's Hell in a Cell pay-per-view.
According to Fightful Select (h/t Michael Perry of Ringside News), only about 10 people were aware of the nature of Rhodes' injury after it happened, but several reports came out on the day of Hell in a Cell about Rhodes' having suffered a torn pec.
WWE announced during a house show the night before Hell in a Cell that Rhodes had been pulled from a scheduled match against Seth Rollins due to injury, which led to reporters "poking around" for more information, per Sapp.
Despite the significant injury, Rhodes battled through it and beat Rollins in a classic Hell in a Cell match.
Rhodes cut a promo on Monday's Raw about wanting to compete in the Money in the Bank ladder match, but he got attacked by Rollins, who hit him with a sledgehammer.
Sapp noted that it is unlikely Rhodes will pass up on getting his scheduled surgery this week in order to compete at Money in the Bank, meaning the promo about competing in the ladder match was likely just part of the storyline to make Rollins' attack even more heinous.
Leading up to Sunday's match, WWE announced that Rhodes had partially torn his pec during a brawl with Rollins on last week's Raw and then tore his pec completely off the bone while weight training.
Since Cody couldn't tear his pec more than he already did, it came down to pain management and whether he felt he could get through the match.
After Hell in a Cell went off the air, Rhodes cut a passionate promo and told the fans in Rosemont, Illinois, that it was 100 percent his call to wrestle the match and deliver the main event that was advertised.
If the usual timeline to return from a torn pec applies to Rhodes, he should be back by December, which would give him ample time to prepare for the Royal Rumble match.
Given his courageous effort at Hell in a Cell and how much the fans are behind him as a top babyface, Cody has to be considered a heavy favorite to win the Rumble and challenge for a world title at WrestleMania 39.
Update on Reigns' In-Ring Schedule
There is reportedly some uncertainty when it comes to Roman Reigns' next defense of the undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Perry), Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre is locked in for Clash at the Castle in Cardiff, Wales, in September, but The Tribal Chief will be in action before then.
Meltzer noted that Reigns will "definitely" wrestle at SummerSlam in late July, although his status for Money in the Bank is up in the air.
Reigns was reportedly supposed to face Riddle at Money in the Bank before WWE reversed course. Meltzer added that while WWE may go back to that, Reigns. vs. Lashley is also a possibility with how WWE is building Lashley up as a top babyface.
If Monday night's episode of Raw is any indication, all signs point toward Reigns vs. Riddle happening eventually, whether it is at Money in the Bank or SummerSlam.
Riddle called out Reigns by name and said he intended to take the world title from him after his role in injuring Randy Orton a few weeks ago.
Reigns was not part of the Hell in a Cell card, and while he wrestled at WrestleMania Backlash, it was a six-man tag team match, and his titles weren't on the line.
The Head of the Table hasn't had a championship defense since beating Brock Lesnar to unify the WWE and Universal Championships at WrestleMania 38 in April, but WWE does seem to be laying the groundwork for his next defense.
Cena Teases Theory Match Ahead of WWE Return
John Cena is continuing to drop hints regarding a potential match against United States champion Theory.
On Monday, Cena posted a photo on his Instagram account of Kevin Owens' boot stepping on the U.S. title.
That photo was from several years ago when Cena and Owens feuded over the United States Championship, and it may be a sign that the veteran intends to pursue the title once again.
On Monday's episode of Raw, WWE announced that Cena is making his return to WWE programming on the June 27 edition of Raw, which is the final Raw before Money in the Bank.
Theory has been calling Cena out and essentially begging for a match with him for months, and Cena has even responded from time to time.
During a recent appearance on WWE's TikTok account, Cena was asked to name the WWE Superstar most in need of an attitude adjustment, and he mentioned Theory.
WWE is clearly heavily invested in the 24-year-old Theory, and some have even compared him to a young Cena.
Theory has been working closely with WWE chairman Vince McMahon for months, and at WrestleMania 38, he wrestled Pat McAfee and took a Stunner from "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
He subsequently beat Finn Balor for the U.S. title and has been on a roll ever since, including defeating Mustafa Ali at Hell in a Cell.
If WWE wants to get Theory to the next level, a feud with Cena is perhaps the ideal way to make it happen, and it seems as though Cena is interested in the idea.
Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: profanity).
WWE, AEW Rumors on Roman Reigns vs. Riddle and MJF's Promo; Jeff Hardy Injury Update
Jun 3, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Roman Reigns attends the 2022 Fox Upfront on May 16, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Mendez/WireImage)
Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe and All Elite Wrestling.
Reigns vs. Riddle at MITB Possibly Off
WWE is reportedly going back on its original plan to have Roman Reigns defend the undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Riddle at Money in the Bank next month.
According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t WrestlingInc's Matthew Wilkinson), WWE had planned out Reigns' next three title defenses to be against Riddle at MITB, Randy Orton at SummerSlam and Drew McIntyre at Clash at the Castle.
Meltzer noted that while Reigns vs. Riddle isn't necessarily off entirely, it "probably" won't happen at Money in the Bank, if at all.
Last week, WWE announced that it was moving Money in the Bank from the Raiders' Allegiant Stadium to a much smaller Las Vegas venue in the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Accompanying the announcement was a new poster that no longer included top stars such as Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Ronda Rousey, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair.
Reigns also hasn't been announced for Sunday's Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, meaning it will be the second consecutive premium live event at which Reigns hasn't defended his titles since beating Lesnar at WrestleMania 38 to unify the WWE and Universal Championships.
Currently, Riddle is feuding with Reigns' Bloodline stablemates in The Usos, who recently beat him and Orton to unify the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
With Orton now out because of injury, Riddle is teaming with Shinsuke Nakamura. On Monday's Raw, Riddle and Nakamura beat The Usos by disqualification to earn a future title shot, although it wasn't announced when the match will take place.
Reported Reaction to MJF's Promo from AEW Wrestlers
MJF's fiery promo on Wednesday's episode of Dynamite reportedly received some strong reactions from fellow AEW wrestlers.
According to Fightful Select (h/t WrestlingInc's Sai Mohan), many of the AEW wrestlers who were asked about the promo either felt MJF's reported frustrations with AEW have either always been a work or transformed into one.
Fightful previously reported that MJF had taken issue with his contract and the fact that many of the former WWE talents AEW has signed in recent months are apparently making more than him.
MJF incorporated that into his promo on Wednesday when he criticized AEW President Tony Khan for treating former WWE stars better than him.
At the end of the promo, MJF used profanity and had his microphone cut off, which led to some speculation that it was legitimate, although most believe it was all planned to come off that way.
Since the promo, during which MJF asked to be fired, AEW has removed him from the roster page and removed his merchandise from its website.
The promo came on the heels of Double or Nothing weekend when MJF no-showed at a meet and greet, forcing AEW to give fans refunds or offer them an opportunity to meet a different wrestler.
Fightful also reported that a plane ticket had been purchased for MJF to leave Las Vegas before Double or Nothing, but he ultimately showed up and lost to Wardlow in a virtual squash match.
Some of the wrestlers who spoke to Fightful were reportedly upset over the idea of MJF missing the meet and greet being a work since wrestlers were led to believe it was legitimate and some had to stay late to cover for him.
Fightful initially reported that MJF no-showing was not a work, but the lines have since been blurred because of Wednesday's promo.
Although it is almost certain that much of what has happened since the meet and greet is a work, many of those who Fightful spoke to believe MJF has real frustrations as well.
Some said he has been "more frustrated" this spring than in the past, and that he isn't someone who is "always working" angles behind the scenes.
MJF has said that his AEW contract expires on Jan. 1, 2024, and the promo on Dynamite undoubtedly added intrigue regarding whether he will re-sign with the company or jump ship to WWE.
Jeff Hardy Suffered Potential Concussion at Double or Nothing
AEW star Matt Hardy divulged this week that his brother, Jeff Hardy, got injured during their match at Double or Nothing on Sunday.
Speaking on the Extreme Life of Matt Hardy (h/t Subhojeet Mukherjee of Ringside News), Matt said Jeff was "almost knocked out" very early in their match against The Young Bucks and "got hurt pretty bad."
Matt added that Jeff was "running on fumes" for most of the bout.
Many fans on social media seemed to notice that the 44-year-old didn't look like himself during the match, as he struggled to gain his footing on the top rope on a couple of occasions and missed his mark a few times.
Despite that, Jeff managed to make it through the match and even hit a Swanton Bomb outside the ring and onto the steel steps.
Jeff officially made his AEW debut in March following his WWE release and immediately aligned himself with Matt.
Double or Nothing marked their first AEW pay-per-view match as a team, and it came against their former Ring of Honor rivals in The Young Bucks,
Jeff had been scheduled to compete in a 10-man tag team match on Wednesday's Dynamite, but he was replaced by Darby Allin, presumably because of the injury.
Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: profanity).
