WWE News & Rumor Roundup: Massive star set to return despite getting arrested, Former IC Champion praises Randy Orton, Roman Reigns' return delayed?
Greetings and welcome to yet another edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's WWE News Roundup. Today, we will cover some exciting topics related to top names like former WWE Champion Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, and Sexyy Red.
The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns was last seen at WrestleMania 40 where he lost the Universal Championship to Cody Rhodes. While it was expected that he would return ahead of SummerSlam, that might not be happening. Apart from that, we will also take a look at a top name's arrest and what former Intercontinental Champion Ryback had to say about Randy Orton.
#1. Ryback lavishes praise on Randy Orton
In a recent episode of Ryback TV, former WWE Intercontinental Champion Ryback praised Randy Orton. The 42-year-old said he has great respect for Orton, also known as The Legend Killer, and mentioned that Orton always treated people well backstage. He also said that Orton and he followed each other:
''He was one of the people that messaged me when I walked out. A lot [of people] did but he was one of the bigger names that did, very kind words on that and I've always had nothing but great respect for him. I think he's one of the all-time greats but he's one of the all-time greats behind the scenes in the sense that his status in the ring does not determine how he treats people backstage," he said.
Ryback further stated that some of the negative stories about The Viper could be exaggerated as he never thought of Orton as bad as 'they made him out to be'. In his experience, Orton was always nice and straightforward.
2.) Roman Reigns to return after SummerSlam?
Former The Bump host Matt Camp stated that he feels Roman Reigns will not return at SummerSlam. Instead, his return will be delayed until the season premiere of SmackDown on USA Network which is set to happen in September 2024. SmackDown has been airing on FOX but will be moving to USA Network this fall:
"I will say, I don't think it's happening. I still think Roman's getting held off until the start of the new contract, when SmackDown goes to the USA Network. RAW is gonna stick to USA [Network] until the end of the year. I still think they're [WWE] gonna wait. That is very much season-premiere stuff.'' said Camp.
With Reigns' absence on SmackDown, Solo Sikoa has assumed the mantle of Head of the Table and has completely revamped The Bloodline. There are rumors that another member might soon be added to the faction in the form of Haku's third son Hikuleo. His two brothers Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa are already part of the faction.
#3. Sexyy Red will return to WWE despite getting arrested
A viral video recently showed rapper Sexyy Red using a metal rod during a fight at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey last weekend. The altercation happened on Saturday, June 8, and TMZ reported it on Tuesday, June 11. Sources say the female rapper was arrested after the incident.
Sexyy Red had been making multiple appearances for the NXT brand in WWE as of late. She was the host of NXT Battleground last weekend. Fightful Select has noted that there were plans for more appearances by Red in the future and that the arrest is not expected to hamper those plans, and she will be returning.