Top AEW News and Rumors: Bobby Lashley may not return alone, WWE unlikely to bring back 6 ft 2 in megastar, and more
Welcome to another edition of AEW News and Rumors, where we compile all the biggest stories that have been making the rounds in pro wrestling. Bobby Lashley might not return alone as he could be accompanied by a former AEW star, who hasn't been seen in WWE for three years.
Meanwhile, there have been some rumblings about the Stamford-based promotion not being interested in bringing back a 6 ft 2 in star. Last but not least, the 'Next Brock Lesnar' has referenced Paul Heyman following his AEW departure. Continue reading as we dive into the top three stories of the week:
#3. Bobby Lashley to reunite with former AEW and WWE Superstar?
Bobby Lashley has been out of action since May 2024, citing an undisclosed injury, which ruled him out of the King of the Ring tournament. Speaking on the Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T entertained the thought of Lashley reuniting with a returning CJ Perry (aka Lana), who recently left All Elite Wrestling:
"That might be something to reignite Bobby [Lashley] right back into the fold of things that's going on with WWE, Hurt Business doesn't seem to be working out the way I'm sure they would have liked it for it to work out but Lana coming back man, that would be a huge, huge get."
Lashley and Lana were part of an on-screen romance during the infamous storyline with Miro (fka Rusev) back in 2019-2020. Though their chemistry didn't get over with the WWE Universe, the feud helped WWE garner massive eyeballs on the product.
Lashley was aligned with The Street Profits and B-Fab before an untimely injury put him on the sidelines. Could he return with a new character and a manager? Fans will have to wait to find out.
#2. WWE may not bring back Keith Lee
Keith Lee was shockingly let go by WWE in late 2021. The tail end of his run was marred by a failed character change and severe health issues, which one way or another played a big role in his departure.
The former NXT Champion has since been signed with All Elite Wrestling. But his hard luck continues as Lee has once again taken a hiatus to recover from an undisclosed injury, which required double surgeries.
According to Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE is unlikely to re-sign Keith Lee when his AEW contract runs out. However, the same cannot be said for Malakai Black as he could be brought back into the fold:
"Both WWE and AEW contracts… You don’t have to, but they allow you to freeze. AEW has not frozen people as much, but they have the right to do it. With Miro I don’t see why you would do it. What’s the point? With Malakai, he probably has some time, with Keith Lee… Does it really matter? You gotta remember WWE did get rid of all those guys, I don’t know that they would take Keith Lee back, I don’t know that they won’t. Malakai I would strongly presume they would, I could easily see him going back." -WOR
#1. 'The Next Brock Lesnar' on Paul Heyman's prediction about him
Many call Parker Boudreaux 'The Next Brock Lesnar' due to his mannerisms and sheer power in the ring. Paul Heyman had higher hopes for Boudreaux and acknowledged him as The Next Big Thing in the business. Though his AEW and WWE run didn't pan out as many would have anticipated, the 26-year-old wrestler vows to prove that The Wiseman was right about him.
A few days ago, Parker Boudreaux took to his official Instagram handle to share a piece of advice he received from WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, while also referencing Paul Heyman:
"@realmickfoley told me to keep grinding and give me some time and @paulheyman ‘s famous prediction might just still be a spoiler after all… 🔥🔥 #THEBFD," Parker wrote.
Boudreaux was quietly let go by All Elite Wrestling in April earlier this year. Will he return to his old stomping grounds and fulfill his prophecy? Only time will tell.