Top SmackDown News & Rumors: Another name has quit WWE despite attempts to prevent departure, Roman Reigns return, Bobby Lashley's message
Welcome to yet another edition of the top SmackDown backstage rumors and news stories that could have a major impact on the blue brand's future. In today's edition, we will take a look at some splendid stories revolving around top superstars such as former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Asuka, and Solo Sikoa.
The Enforcer declared war against Roman Reigns on SmackDown when he announced himself as the new Tribal Chief and viciously attacked Paul Heyman after The Wiseman refused to acknowledge him. This has led to an increase in the anticipation for the return of Roman Reigns.
#1. Plans for Roman Reigns' return to SmackDown
Roman Reigns has been on a hiatus since losing his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania XL. Despite being a heel during his last match, his popularity has surged in his absence as fans can be heard chanting ''We Want Roman!'' each week on SmackDown.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter stated that Sikoa's attack on Heyman was the advent of a split between The Bloodline and will lead to Roman Reigns' return. Sikoa has completely revamped the heel faction by adding Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu. There is a belief that Reigns' return would lead to the original Bloodline reuniting.
#2. Bobby Lashley's cryptic message
Bobby Lashley has not been seen on SmackDown since May 2024 due to an injury. Xero News reported that the creative team is thinking of a match between Jacob Fatu and Bobby Lashley upon his return. The former WWE Champion recently took to Instagram and posted a cryptic message.
"Not all hustle is loud. Sometimes hustle is just you grinding alone," Bobby Lashley shared.
While Lashley has been away, his stablemates, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, have been having an issue with the Solo Sikoa-led Bloodline. The heel faction will be facing the team of Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and Randy Orton at the Money in the Bank 2024 Premium Live Event. So, it remains to be seen how Bobby will get factored into the feud once he returns from his injury.
#3. WWE tried to re-sign Kayla Braxton but she decided to leave
It has been reported and made official by Kayla Braxton that she is done with WWE. Her contract ended on June 28, 2024, and she chose not to re-sign.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter stated that the company did try to re-sign her and prevent her from leaving but it was her call to depart from the company she had been working for the past eight years. Other names like Ricochet and Becky Lynch also left the company instead of re-signing their contracts.
Braxton had been serving as the backstage host and interviewer on the blue brand. She had been heavily featured and even Cody Rhodes paid a heartfelt tribute to her before she left the company. Despite rumors that she would join AEW, Kayla has made it clear that she is moving away from pro wrestling.