Rumor Recap: May 2 - 8, 2025
Kyle Decker, a wrestling enthusiast since the Monday Night Wars era, brings us the latest gossip from the squared circle. Prepare for a wild ride!
The WWE Draft Dilemma:
WrestleVotes Radio predicts the WWE Draft will occur, but the timing is off due to schedule changes. However, no draft has taken place. (0/1)
Staff Shake-ups:
PW Insider reports multiple WWE staff firings, including Christine Lubrano, a senior VP. (0/1)
Trademark Troubles:
F4WOnline: WWE abandoned the 'Edge' trademark, but refiled. AEW's Adam Copeland, formerly known as Cope, might use both names. (0/1)
Injury Updates:
Tama Tonga's injury delayed his return, but Tonga Loa's WWE debut came first. (0/1)
International Adventures:
Wrestling Observer Radio: Liv Morgan heads to Japan for a movie. WWE won't strip her tag title. (1/1)
Backstage Buzz:
Josh Matthews joins AEW in a backstage role, streamlining production. (1/1)
Imminent Debuts:
Jeff Cobb is rumored to debut soon, skipping NXT for the main WWE roster. (2/2)
Talent Departures:
Sean Ross Sapp hints at Triple H's influence on WWE talent cuts. TNA and MLW might pursue Jakara Jackson. (1/1)
The Strowman Saga:
Strowman unlikely to join AEW, per sources. WWE staff cuts spark discussions about company culture. (1/1)
Schedule Shifts:
WWE SmackDown's return to a two-hour format is not set in stone, but a decision is imminent. (0/1)
Dream Match Delayed:
F4WOnline's Dave Meltzer teases a tag team dream match, but Seth Rollins' injury puts it on hold. (0/1)
Contract Expirations:
EJ Nduka's AEW contract ended, and he expressed dissatisfaction. (0/1)
Return of the Rhodes:
Cody Rhodes' return was rumored for Backlash, but he appeared at Saturday Night's Main Event. (0/1)
Financial Decisions:
Braun Strowman's release linked to high salary. WWE's training culture scrutinized. (0/1)
International Signings:
WWE signs AAA wrestlers, including Alberto El Patron, for non-U.S. events, possibly including NXT crossovers. (0/1)
The Righteous Exit:
The Righteous duo left AEW a week ago, reportedly due to a release request. (0/1)
Morgan's Movie Schedule:
Liv Morgan's film shoot won't keep her away for long; she's back by May 17. (1/1)
Social Media Strategies:
WWE prefers social media surprises, like Logan Paul's attack on Jey Uso, but TV surprises could be more impactful. (0/1)
Card Controversies:
WWE's five-match cards for premium events are not unpopular with wrestlers, but fans desire more. (0/1)
International Events:
Joe Hendry and the Hardy Boyz were expected at AAA Triplemania Regia, but only Hendry appeared. (1/2)
The Rhodes Return Redux:
Cody Rhodes' return was anticipated for Backlash, but he showed up at Saturday Night's Main Event. (0/1)
International Talent Scouting:
WWE monitors AEW's Mexico event for CMLL talent, while CMLL faces contract concerns due to WWE's AAA acquisition. (0/1)
Backlash Predictions:
John Cena, Becky Lynch, Jacob Fatu, GUNTHER, and Dominik Mysterio are favorites at Backlash, with Cena and Fatu as top contenders. (4/5)
Slap Fighting:
UFC's Dana White recruits independent wrestlers for Power Slap, raising concerns about concussions and missed bookings. (0/1)
Contractual Commitments:
Seth Rollins has around 4-5 years left on his WWE contract. Juice Robinson returns to AEW after a health hiatus. (1/1)
Unanswered Calls:
Tetsuya Naito hasn't heard from AEW since leaving New Japan. Josh Alexander's TNA contract expired without a renewal offer. (0/1)
International Appearances:
KENTA is set for MLW Summer of Beasts, challenging Riddle for the title. (1/1)
This Week's Accuracy: 13/19 - 68%
Overall Accuracy: 5,941/10,163 - 58.5%
Controversy Corner:
But here's where it gets controversial. Do you think WWE's talent cuts are justified, or is there more to the story? And what about AEW's approach to talent scouting and contracts? Share your thoughts below, and let's spark some lively debate!
