Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors: Latest on Vince McMahon, Trish Stratus and More

Trish Stratus was originally slated for Monday's Raw but creative plans changed, robbing the Ottawa fans of seeing their fellow countrywoman make a significant return to WWE.

The details surrounding Stratus' return headline a collection of pro wrestling rumors that also includes speculated Vince McMahon involvement in creative, plans for the WrestleMania 39 undercard and the latest on the timetable for Andrade El Idolo's return to All Elite Wrestling television.

Is Vince McMahon Back in WWE Creative?

The challenge from Omos to Brock Lesnar for a match at WrestleMania was terrifying for reasons beyond the overall quality of the match, with Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reporting that there was concern from some within WWE that Vince McMahon had returned to the creative team:

It is important to note that Sapp specifically stated he was not able to confirm the report and clearly said someone within WWE had concerns that this was the case, but that did not stop some from running with the presumption that McMahon was back involved in the creative process.

Sapp followed up later, reporting that the concerns were unfounded and McMahon may have input but, as has been the case since the original move last summer, Triple H has the final say on all creative matters.

Sure, McMahon loves heavyweight clashes. He built an empire on big dudes beating each other up in larger-than-life encounters, but it is not out of the realm of possibility that faced without any better options for Lesnar, using The Beast Incarnate to lend Omos some credibility would be a decision that appealed to The Game in his role as chief content officer.

Naturally, as long as McMahon is in a position of power in WWE, fans and WWE insiders will fear his influence will rear its head in the creative process. It is an understandable concern.

There are enough decisions elsewhere on Raw and SmackDown that suggest McMahon is absolutely not in control creatively to offset a decision that may not be popular with fans but is not necessarily the product of the WWE owner himself.

Original Trish Stratus Creative Plans

Sapp revealed Trish Stratus was backstage at Monday's Raw in Ottawa and was expected to participate in the "Ding Dong, Hello!" interview segment. However, creative changes led to her leaving the venue early and not appearing on camera.

He continued, "A Twitter account (WKRDWrestling) noted that Trish Stratus is still on the way and working a storyline she's wanted to for a long time. After conferring with them directly, Fightful had it verified by several within the company that a proposed program that involved Becky Lynch and possibly other 'high level stars' had been planned as of last week."

Sapp reported the relationship between Stratus and WWE remains good, but there is no word if the above plans are still in place.

Considering the numbers at play, it would make sense for Stratus to become involved in the ongoing storyline pitting Becky Lynch and Lita against Bayley, Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky.

Her presence would further enhance the feud by adding another WWE Hall of Famer to the mix. It would also do wonders for a feud that some believe is beneath The Man at this point.

Of course, another report suggests women's tag team champions Kai and Sky may be busy with something else come WrestleMania on April 1-2.

WrestleMania Undercard Plans

Wrestling Observer Radio's Dave Meltzer reported that Damage CTRL's Sky and Kai are currently scheduled to defend the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship against Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler at WrestleMania.

Meltzer also confirmed that Lesnar vs. Omos and Bray Wyatt vs. Bobby Lashley are the actual plans for The Show of Shows.

Those contests have yet to be officially announced but would join the already advertised Cody Rhodes vs. undisputed WWE universal champion Roman Reigns, Raw women's champion Bianca Belair vs. Asuka and SmackDown women's champion Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley.

Omos will hope to build credibility by way of the match with Lesnar, and Wyatt vs. Lashley is a fresh matchup if nothing else.

The proposed tag title match is interesting in that both teams are heels. Damage CTRL wouid seemingly be the de facto babyfaces if for no other reason than the crowd's unabashed dislike of Rousey at this point.

Could WWE add a team such as Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez to the bout to give fans someone to cheer for while also ensuring their spot on the card? Time will tell but that proposed championship match ranks as one of the most interesting thus far.

Update on Andrade El Idolo

AEW fans have not seen Andrade El Idolo on television since the All Out pay-per-view on September 4, and he is not expected back until spring at the earliest, according to Sapp.

El Idolo has posted several cryptic tweets about his displeasure with his position in the promotion, though:

Some have even given the impression that he may be on his way out of the company.

Still, he is expected to return as he remains contracted to AEW. Last seen as the leader of La Faccion Ingobernable, it will be interesting to see if he slides back into that role since Rush has done fairly well for himself.

With Preston Vance now on board, the potential is there for the group to go on a trios run that may even net them a shot at that division's titles, currently held by The Elite.

El Idolo would likely prefer a higher-profile role, presumably in or around the main event scene. But with a heel champion in MJF, it's difficult to imagine a scenario in which that occurs without a drastic character change.

We have seen the potential in El Idolo to be one of the best wrestlers in the world when he is motivated. Look no further than his run as NXT champion in WWE.

Consistent booking and a spot on the card where he feels valued may be the key. Whether he gets that in AEW based on what we have seen to date remains to be seen.