WWE News & Rumor Roundup - Reason why Roman Reigns left out from major reveals, new signings, 8-time champion issues an apology
We are back with another exciting edition of WWE News & Rumor Roundup. Today's list looks at backstage stories explaining new signings and bold decisions involving Roman Reigns as we inch closer to Bad Blood 2024. Additionally, we came across announcements for Monday Night RAW involving CM Punk.
Here, we look at the biggest news and rumors that have dominated WWE headlines over the last 24 hours. So, without further ado, let's begin.
#1 Potential twist predicted for WWE SmackDown next week
A confrontation on the SmackDown season premiere set up an interesting tag team match for the blue show next week. This will see Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton take on Naomi and Bayley in a tag team match. A win for The Role Model or Naomi would give them a title shot against Jax at Bad Blood.
However, a loss could cause either of the two superstars to leave SmackDown permanently. Wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell believes the creative team could use this opportunity to book a massive twist in this bout next week. He suggested a potential double pinfall and said:
"What if they had a double pin, both of them on top of Nia or Tiffany and they get one-two-three? So who gets the win? Then put it up to fan votes and just throw it out there. Involve the fans in this and have one winner and you see where the support is."
#2 Reason why WWE didn't advertise Roman Reigns for recent shows
Roman Reigns was the biggest name advertised for the SmackDown season premiere on the USA Network during the build-up to the show. However, the promotion removed him from the card, which raised speculations about The Original Tribal Chief's extended absence from the blue brand.
Roman Reigns made a surprise return and saved Cody Rhodes from The Bloodline. As per backstage reports, there were major plans in place for the returning star, but he was purposely not listed for recent shows to help pull off bigger surprises.
Reigns will be in action at Bad Blood, where he will shockingly team up with Cody Rhodes to take on The Bloodline's Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu in a tag team match.
#3 Rumored new signings on WWE NXT roster
WWE is all set to welcome a popular tag team on the Shawn Michaels-run show, NXT. The tandem in question is The Motor City Machine Guns, reportedly expected to join the Stamford-based promotion. The legendary tag team has won titles across multiple promotions, including NJPW, ROH, TNA Wrestling, and more.
Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin formed their tag team in 2006 and have since experienced global success. They became free agents in March following their last run in TNA and are now expected to join WWE after their negotiations with AEW reportedly fell through.
#4 Kevin Owens issues an apology after SmackDown
Randy Orton's delayed arrival on SmackDown forced Kevin Owens to find a tag team partner in debuting star Ricky for his match against A-Town Down Under. As soon as KO was informed that The Viper had arrived in the arena, he attacked Ricky with a Stunner to replace him with Orton.
The babyfaces went on to pick up a win against Austin Theory and Grayson Waller, after which Randy Orton apologized to Ricky. Following the show, the eight-time WWE champion took to social media to issue an apology to the independent wrestler to celebrate his latest win on the blue brand.
#5 Adam Pearce makes a huge announcement involving CM Punk
CM Punk defeated Drew McIntyre at Bash in Berlin and hoped to go after the World Heavyweight Championship. However, The Scottish Warrior attacked Punk brutally on the following episode of RAW, forcing The Best in the World to seek medical attention after leaving the ring on a stretcher.
RAW general manager Adam Pearce has announced that CM Punk will return on WWE RAW next week to address his massive Hell in a Cell Match against McIntyre at Bad Blood. This is widely regarded as the third and final bout between the two stars to end their bitter rivalry on the red brand.
Additionally, Pearce also confirmed two big matches for RAW next week. Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio are set to lock horns, and Rhea Ripley, Jey Uso, and the rest of the Judgment Day will likely make their presence known during the bout. Meanwhile, Bronson Reed is set to take on Braun Strowman in a singles match on WWE RAW.