WWE News & Rumor Roundup: RAW star seemingly fired, Reason why Randy Orton can turn heel soon on SmackDown
We are back with another exciting edition of WWE News & Rumor Roundup. Today's list looks into potential plans for the biggest names on RAW and SmackDown. Meanwhile, a 30-year-old superstar was reportedly fired by the company amid controversy.
Here, we look at the biggest news and rumors that have dominated the WWE headlines over the last 24 hours. So, without further ado, let's begin:
#5. WWE veteran reveals why Randy Orton will soon turn heel on WWE SmackDown
Randy Orton recently challenged Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship but failed to dethrone the Imperium leader at Bash in Berlin. On the other hand, Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens at the recent PLE. There were speculations over KO's potential heel turn, but it never happened.
Meanwhile, WWE veteran Jim Cornette has claimed that The Viper was not done chasing the world title and would soon turn heel on SmackDown to kickstart a championship feud with Cody Rhodes.
"I wasn't sold on the idea [that] it was gonna happen; I was like, 'This is what they're trying to do,' but this is a red herring because right now, Kevin Owens turning on Cody Rhodes would diminish when Randy Orton turns on Cody Rhodes, which I'm sure is going to happen and is where all the big money is," he said. [1:00-1:20]
Orton was eyeing Cody Rhodes' title when he and KO were helping the American Nightmare against the Bloodline. Considering Solo Sikoa's declaration that he will go after the Undisputed WWE Championship again, The Apex Predator and The Prizefighter would likely get involved to fend off the heel faction, paving the way for an eventual betrayal from The Viper.
#4. RAW star Odyssey Jones reportedly fired amid domestic violence allegations
Odyssey Jones was removed from WWE's internal roster hours before this week's Monday Night RAW. He was also not spotted backstage during the episode, and reports soon surfaced claiming that Jones had left the Stamford-based promotion.
The creative team reportedly pulled Jones off TV after domestic violence allegations against him surfaced. He was involved in a massive angle with The New Day on the red brand, but the storyline is now expected to change.
#3. WWE legend hails Triple H for an exciting angle in CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre
A bracelet gifted by a fan to CM Punk has become one of the central plots of the bitter rivalry between The Second City Saint and Drew McIntyre. The two superstars locked horns at Bash in Berlin, and The Best in The World regained his bracelet from The Scottish Psychopath and emerged victorious.
However, The Scottish Warrior attacked Punk on the RAW after the PLE and broke the bracelet during the intense segment. The former World Heavyweight Champion later shoved the beads of the bracelet in Punk's mouth. Meanwhile, WWE legend Bully Ray has praised Triple H for booking this angle in the storied rivalry. The veteran praised The Game for crafting a compelling plot from a fan-made gift.
"One of the things that I love about the bracelet being created by a fan is that you have now put it out there that any fan could possibly start a major angle, a major story, a major dispute, and a major conflict within the WWE. It's genius stuff. Who's going to be the next fan to create something for a wrestler that's going to create some kind of controversy,'' he said. [H/T: WrestlingInc]
#2. CM Punk and Cody Rhodes top impressive WWE list
The Stamford-based company delivered a massive show at Bash in Berlin this past weekend, as top names from RAW and SmackDown stepped inside the squared circle in front of a sold-out crowd with over 13,000 fans in attendance. The latest report revealed that CM Punk and Cody Rhodes topped the list of superstars with the most merchandise sales at the recent Premium Live Event.
The report further revealed that The American Nightmare edged past The Straight Edge Superstar for most merchandise sold by a WWE Superstar at the show. Both Cody and Punk picked up massive victories in their respective matches at Bash in Berlin. Interestingly, they are both set to be haunted by old rivals on SmackDown and RAW, respectively.
Punk was hospitalized on RAW earlier this week following a brutal attack by Drew McIntyre. On the other hand, Cody Rhodes is expected to cross paths with Solo Sikoa on Friday Night SmackDown as the self-proclaimed Tribal Chief is determined to get another shot at the Undisputed WWE Title.
#1. Rhea Ripley brutally taunts Dominik Mysterio after humiliation on RAW
The Terror Twins picked up a decisive win over The Judgment Day's Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio in a Mixed Tag Team Match at Bash in Berlin. Later on RAW, Main Event Jey Uso joined forces with The Archer of Infamy to beat World Tag Team Champions Finn Balor and JD McDonagh in a non-title match.
Following the win at Bash in Berlin, Rhea Ripley taunted her ex, Dominik Mysterio, with a social media post, saying that she was enjoying chicken tenders while donning a Jey Uso shirt. Fans loved the dig from Mami and are excited to see what's next for their bitter rivalry, especially with the Women's World Championship potentially being on the line.
Additionally, the win over Finn Balor and JD McDonagh on this week's RAW could see Priest and Jey Uso challenge The Judgment Day members for the World Tag Team Championship in the coming weeks. It will be interesting to see how the story unfolds on the flagship show.