WWE News & Rumor Roundup - Cody Rhodes injured, Huge SummerSlam match discussed for Roman Reigns, Former superstar returning after 10 years
There is hardly ever a dull day in pro wrestling, and today's WWE News & Rumor Roundup, as always, reflects the sentiment. Cody Rhodes has been a formidable champion since Roman Reigns, but he recently revealed he was hurt following an unforeseen attack.
Talking about champions, Reigns has not been seen on TV since WrestleMania 40, but that could all change soon. We ended the lineup of stories today with a former WWE Superstar announcing their in-ring return after nearly a decade.
#1. Cody Rhodes confirms injury after SmackDown
Thus far, The American Nightmare has been a quintessential babyface champion who came out victorious in a feud with AJ Styles.
On this week's SmackDown, Cody Rhodes was subjected to an attack from Bloodline's newest addition, Jacob Fatu, and the beatdown didn't end well for the former AEW star. Rhodes competed at a live event and grabbed the microphone after beating Shinsuke Nakamura to reveal he had suffered a rib injury due to Fatu.
The former MLW star delivered a splash on Rhodes to the outside and shattered two of his ribs. Of course, Cody Rhodes is seemingly selling a storyline injury, which certainly won't keep him away from the ring, which was evident from his booking at the house show after SmackDown.
Rhodes's announcement that he is hurt only adds to the aura of Jacob Fatu, who has become a massive threat following a long-awaited WWE debut.
#2. Roman Reigns could be back soon on WWE TV
With The Bloodline undergoing changes many would not have expected, all eyes are on Roman Reigns and his next move.
'The bootleg Boodline,' led by Solo Sikoa, has been running roughshod on SmackDown and continues to grow in numbers with each passing week, with Jacob Fatu joining the group on the latest episode.
Xero News reports that Roman Reigns is expected to return in the next few weeks. While he isn't scheduled for WWE's high-profile MSG show, it was noted that there is enough time to build Reigns' SummerSlam match.
Regarding his opponent, Xero stated that a first-time-ever showdown with Solo Sikoa had been discussed backstage.
The developments on SmackDown clearly hint at Roman returning as a babyface to reclaim his position as the Tribal Chief, which is seemingly currently held by Sikoa.
#3. Gabbi Tuft's return match announced
After weeks of teasers, former WWE star Gabbi Tuft has announced her in-ring return after a 10-year absence from the ring.
WWE fans would remember Tuft as Tyler Reks, who worked for the company between 2008 and 2012 and, in 2021, publicly came out as a transgender. Gabbi Tuft has last stepped inside the squared circle in October 2014, but in recent times, she has been training for a return. Gabbi has been spotted at Natalya's dungeon and was also open to a match against Rhea Ripley.
Her first bout, however, will be for West Coast Wrestling at their upcoming event, Killin' Them Softly. The match will be taped and aired at a later date, and as of this writing, Gabbi Tuft's opponent is yet to be revealed:
The 45-year-old is ready for a new chapter in her career, and it would be interesting to see a major company like WWE or AEW look to sign her.