WWE News & Rumor Roundup: Major AEW star to jump ship, Details of Bobby Lashley's relationship with Triple H, Big name signs new deal
The pro wrestling business is the hottest it's ever been as WWE heads towards another international PLE. As always, this edition of the news and rumor roundup is brimming with some of the biggest stories being discussed in the industry.
Reports suggest that one of AEW's most promising talents could be on his way to World Wrestling Entertainment after his current contract expires. Talking about contracts, the Stamford-based company recently agreed to a new deal with a top champion from SmackDown.
We concluded today's lineup with Bobby Lashley's honest take on his relationship with Triple H.
#3. Ricky Starks is expected to join WWE
From being considered a future main event player in AEW, Ricky Starks' run in Tony Khan's company hasn't panned out as planned. On top of that, Starks has not been on TV for a while.
Recently, Dave Meltzer reported in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the word within the wrestling world is that Starks will be WWE-bound after his AEW contract ends.
The 34-year-old star apparently rejected a pitch for Bil Bill to turn on him, which would have made him a babyface. Since the angle was nixed, Starks has not been used by AEW, and the general belief is that he will eventually become a WWE Superstar.
"Ricky Starks is very much within wrestling expected to go to WWE when his AEW deal is up." [H/T: WON]
With Ricky Starks' close ties with Cody Rhodes, a move to AEW's rivals is a no-brainer at this point.
#2. LA Knight signs a new deal
The Megastar will be in WWE for years! Before this week's SmackDown Fightful Select reported that LA Knight and WWE had agreed upon a new deal that would see him gain a "much-deserved" pay increase.
The promotion and superstar were reportedly in talks in 2023 but were apart on the money. The negotiations continued, and LA Knight was finally able to successfully restructure and extend his contract, which was initially set to end in early 2025.
Knight recently became the new United States Champion and, on his first night on SmackDown with the title, came out with an updated entrance theme song. Add a new contract into the mix, and it's evident that LA Knight is having the time of his life.
#1. "I haven't really had too much of a connection:" Bobby Lashley on Triple H
Bobby Lashley is all but confirmed to begin a new chapter away from the WWE. The All Mighty appeared on The Laboratory Podcast and addressed his current status, which has been a prominent talking point in wrestling.
Bobby Lashley looked back at his second run with the promotion and how Vince McMahon "understood" him. Lashley enjoyed his time as the World Champion and felt he had proved to Vince McMahon that he could carry the load as the top star.
The WWE is currently under Triple H's creative control, and Bobby Lashley admitted he didn't have much of a relationship with The Game as they haven't worked together on many occasions.
"I haven't really had too much of a connection with Hunter. Hunter has his guys. I've tried to, but we haven't really worked enough together to get to know each other," he said. [H/T: WrestlingNews.co]
Check out the video below:
Bobby Lashley is a bonafide main eventer, who, despite being in his 40s, is arguably in the best shape of his life and looking to make a triumphant return to the ring.