WWE News & Rumor Roundup - Legendary tag team partner for John Cena? Hall of Famer hospitalized, Released star will return on one condition
Welcome to another edition of the news and rumors roundup from the world of WWE as we are inches away from SummerSlam. John Cena has been trending ever since he announced his retirement tour, and while many would love to face him, one of his greatest rivals teased the possibility of forming a dream alliance.
In some sad news, details have emerged regarding a Hall of Famer who has been hospitalized for the past few days. The roundup of stories concludes with a recently released superstar revealing what it would take for him to return to the WWE.
#1. CM Punk wants to form a tag team with John Cena
As announced by the man himself, 2025 will be John Cena's final year as an active performer, and most top talents would love to share the ring with The Cenation Leader.
CM Punk and John Cena go way back as their rivalry ranks amongst the best in the modern era. Punk was a guest on the Mattel WWE panel at the San Diego Comic-Con, where he unsurprisingly commented on John Cena's immediate future.
While the RAW Superstar was aware that people wanted to see them wrestle again, he believed that tagging with John Cena presented itself as a more exciting proposition.
"Everybody’s asking me, because [John] Cena has announced his retirement, that, obviously, they want to see us fight each other. I think there’s something to me and him tagging. I think that can be pretty interesting," said Punk.
Incidentally enough, the last time CM Punk and John Cena were in the ring together was in a tag team match against The Shield in 2013.
While there is money on the table in another high-profile singles match, one last tag team dance during Cena's retirement tour would not be a bad option for the creative to explore.
#2. Abdullah the Butcher hospitalized
PWInsider reported that Abdullah the Butcher had been hospitalized for nearly a week in Georgia due to an intestinal issue.
The 83-year-old is scheduled to appear at a wrestling fan fest next weekend, but there is no confirmation that he will attend as of this writing. It isn't known if the Hardcore legend will be released from the hospital and be in the condition to travel. Considered one of the most fearsome wrestlers of his era, Abdulla the Butcher was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.
Sportskeeda sends its best wishes to Abdullah the Butcher for his speedy recovery.
#3. Jinder Mahal will entertain the idea of returning to WWE under one condition
Pro wrestling's Maharaja has hit the ground running since becoming a free agent. Jinder Mahal, now known as Raj Dhesi, was released from the WWE in April 2024. This move was unexpected, considering his credentials in the company.
The former WWE Champion appeared on the Busted Open Radio recently and was asked about the possibility of having another WWE run. Mahal would be open to doing business with his former employer but noted that his booking would matter this time around as he wouldn't want to sit at home directionless.
"Yeah, definitely, on my end, yeah. Again, creative, if they've got something, great. But I don't want to go just to sit at home and get a text saying, 'Hey, you're not needed on TV, don't bother flying out.' 'Cause that's the worst feeling." [H/T WrestlingInc]
Jinder Mahal felt he was highly professional during his WWE stint and did everything that was asked of him. While a return can materialize in the future, for now, Raj Dhesi is focused on further expanding his impressive resume.