WWE Rumors on Damian Priest Cash-In, Giulia Contract Offer; Cora Jade Injury Update

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe and All Elite Wrestling.

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WWE Reportedly Didn't Contemplate Priest Cash-In on Raw

Despite speculation leading up to Monday night's Raw main event between world heavyweight champion Seth Rollins and Jinder Mahal, there were reportedly never plans for Damian Priest to cash in his Money in the Bank contract.

According to Fightful Select (h/t Felix Upton of Ringside News), there was "never consideration" given to Priest cashing in, nor did WWE consider having Mahal beat Rollins for the title.

Last week, WWE somewhat suddenly set up a world title match between Rollins and Mahal for this week's Raw, which got the WWE Universe talking and guessing that something big was in the works.

Thanks to interference from Veer and Sanga, Mahal had some close near-falls that drew loud reactions from the live audience, but Rollins ultimately retained, and Priest did not execute his MITB contract.

Since WWE seems to be setting up Rollins vs. CM Punk for WrestleMania 40 and Priest hasn't had any involvement with undisputed WWE universal champion Roman Reigns, it has left fans to wonder when and where The Judgment Day member will cash in.

Of course, Priest has one full year to cash in the contract, and since he won it on July 1, he has roughly six months still at his disposal.

WWE seems to be playing the long game with Priest and MITB, which is probably a smart move since cash-ins have often been burned quickly in recent years.

It has been a while since a Superstar was allowed to carry the briefcase for several months, so Priest's run as Mr. Money in the Bank has been a breath of fresh air in that regard.

While it is possible WWE has no firm plan for Priest and his cash-in, which could result in him losing and not becoming world champion, there is value in slow-playing the situation and waiting for the perfect opportunity.

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AEW Reportedly Never Made Contract Offer to Giulia

Amid rumors and speculation that she is WWE-bound, Stardom and New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Giulia reportedly hasn't received a contract offer from one of WWE's main competitors.

According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), AEW hadn't made an offer to Giulia "as of a couple weeks ago."

Meltzer added that AEW "didn't go after her," and he was unsure why the promotion did not pursue one of the most highly touted women's wrestlers in the world.

Last month, Meltzer (h/t Joseph Currier of F4WOnline) reported that Giulia was "leaning toward" signing with WWE and would likely join the company at some point in 2024.

Meltzer noted that Giulia's Stardom contract expires in March, and while she may not join WWE immediately upon becoming a free agent, it is expected to happen this year.

The 29-year-old Giulia is widely regarded as one of the top female wrestlers not signed with WWE or AEW, and she would be a huge addition to any roster.

AEW has not been shy about signing some of the biggest names in Japanese wrestling to contracts over the past year, including Jay White, Will Ospreay, Kota Ibushi and Mariah May, among others.

WWE has often been beaten to the punch by AEW on that front, but WWE seems poised to strengthen its women's division significantly with the addition of Giulia.

It can be argued that WWE already has the deepest and most talented women's division in the world with the likes of Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Iyo Sky, Bayley, Asuka, Kairi Sane and others leading the way, and Giulia would give the company another star capable of winning championships and competing in main events.

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Cora Jade Out with Torn ACL

WWE confirmed Tuesday that Cora Jade suffered a significant knee injury at a recent NXT live event.

According to Upton, it was announced during Tuesday night's episode of NXT that Jade tore her ACL and is expected to miss close to a year of action.

Jade was supposed to be part of a battle royal to determine the opponent for NXT women's champion Lyra Valkyria at Vengeance Day, but she was unable to compete.

Cora's longtime friend and rival Roxanne Perez was victorious, setting the stage for a title match at NXT's next premium live event.

After being off television for about five months, Jade made her return at NXT Deadline in December when she attacked Valkyria and held up the NXT women's title.

Jade subsequently won singles matches over Karmen Petrovic and Gigi Dolin, and it seemed as though she was being built up to challenge Valkyria.

All signs pointed toward Jade winning the battle royal and facing Lyra at Vengeance Day, however, the ill-timed injury resulted in NXT head Shawn Michaels having to go in a different direction.

While it is disappointing that Jade was robbed of her opportunity due to injury, Perez is the ideal replacement due to her history with Cora.

WWE has seemingly been teasing a heel turn for Perez in recent weeks as well, and with one of NXT's top female heels in Jade on the shelf, Vengeance Day could be the perfect time to go through with the Roxanne turn.

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