Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors: Latest on MJF, Solo Sikoa and More

WWE is interested in MJF.

Obviously.

The AEW world champion is the apple of every major promotion's eye as he continues a run that has seen him become one of the best in-ring performers in the business and most engaging personalities on television.

WWE's interest in him headlines this week's collection of wrestling rumors, which include plans for the Hall of Fame, a report on John Cena's promo on Austin Theory from Monday night, and an update on management's opinion of Solo Sikoa.

WWE Is Interested in Signing MJF (Obviously)

It should come as a surprise to no one paying even remotely close attention that WWE would be interested in signing AEW world champion MJF. For those not paying attention, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported confirmation of the interest:

"One WWE source we spoke to said that 'obviously' WWE has been and would be interested in MJF if and when he was available, but that many in the company aren't even sure when his AEW contract is actually up, and are operating on assumptions, and what he's told to people."

The Salt of the Earth even, according to the report, told someone from WWE that he could not wait to work with the company in 2024.

MJF has played his entire career close to the vest for the last year, being coy with details while remaining one of the most intriguing personalities in the industry. Between the ropes, he has quickly developed into one of the best wrestlers in the business with his Iron Man match against Bryan Danielson from Sunday's Revolution an early favorite for Match of the Year candidacy.

The idea that a performer like MJF, who has patterned himself after classic heels like Ric Flair and Nick Bockwinkel, would catch the eye of Triple H—a legendary heel himself with an appreciation for the history of the business—makes sense. He likely admires the All Elite Wrestling star's commitment to his craft and appreciates his in-ring value.

The question is when MJF will be available and how much it will take to pry him away from a company that made him the world champion, even if there was a bumpy road between him and owner Tony Khan to get there.

How Does Management See Solo Sikoa's Future?

Do not expect Solo Sikoa to lose on WWE television anytime soon.

The enforcer of The Bloodline has not lost since his call-up to the main roster and, according to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, that will not be changing.

Meltzer reported that they are saving Sikoa for Roman Reigns, eventually. Such a booking decision would suggest the faction will break up, something that should be expected, especially once The Tribal Chief drops the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

Sikoa has performed up to his spot on the card, working matches against top-tier opponents and rarely looking out of place. He is raw, athletic and believable, three traits fans demand of future main event stars.

With an in-ring style similar to that of his late uncle, the great Umaga, he has the potential to achieve the success many expected for The Samoan Bulldozer and then some.

That starts with preserving his aura by way of an impressive unbeaten streak, and it may well conclude with him delivering the devastating Samoan Spike to The Head of the Table.

Update on 2023 WWE Hall of Fame

Meltzer stayed busy, reporting that despite no formal announcements as of yet, WWE is expected to hold its annual Hall of Fame ceremony and has asked people about induction.

In 2021, Batista was set to be inducted but politely declined when it became clear that the ceremony would not take place in front of a live audience.

With the event returning to Los Angeles, home of his first World Heavyweight Championship victory over Triple H and being a bona fide Hollywood star, it makes sense for The Animal to take his place among the all-time greats.

There are any number of people who could join him, but one would hope Cyndi Lauper—a significant part of the inaugural WrestleMania's success—would finally get her due as part of the celebrity wing of the Hall.

Latest on John Cena's Promo on Austin Theory

Sapp reported on Fightful Select there was no producer listed for the Austin Theory-John Cena promo on Monday's Raw. As a result, some believe what the veteran said during it was entirely up to him.

If so, that is pretty telling of what the 16-time world champion's thoughts of the United States titleholder are.

Sure, there has to be some level of trust or belief in the performer for Cena to come back to WWE to work with him at WrestleMania. That does not happen if he does not like or believe in the competitor.

Still, to cut the scathing promo that he did Monday, in front of millions of viewers and that live crowd, was an interesting choice when all signs point to this match and opportunity being designed to get him over.

Cena eviscerated Theory on the mic, and Triple H and WWE Creative are now going to do a hell of a job of rebuilding his credibility after months of booking him to go over Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley to set him up for this match.

There is no doubt Cena will show up at SoFi Stadium poised to do for Theory what someone like The Rock did not in their first WrestleMania encounter. Going about that promo the way he did, though, feels like he set himself and the program back significantly.