Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors: Latest on Roman Reigns, Becky Lynch, More
Roman Reigns sparked incredible buzz surrounding WWE at SummerSlam, and interest in what is next for the Original Tribal Chief is likely to be high. And that includes from a merchandising standpoint.
Reigns already has a hot new T-shirt adorned with the letters "OTC" and expectations involving his future merchandise sales are at the forefront of this collection of wrestling rumors.
Joining Reigns as topics of conversation by the most trusted industry insiders are the latest on Becky Lynch's retirement status, whether fans can expect to see the Lucha Bros in WWE shortly, and the latest on the backstage confrontation between MJF and Britt Baker that left one former champion suspended.
Roman Reigns Merchandise Update
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The return of Roman Reigns at SummerSlam resulted in a deafening pop and, according to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, could do monster merchandise numbers in the coming weeks and months.
"As indicated, Roman Reigns is expected to do insane merch numbers for WWE upon his return. We're told he's off to a good start, as the custom belts created featuring him sold out very quickly," he wrote.
Reigns and The Bloodline have been strong merchandise sellers for WWE for four years now, so the idea that the the returning Tribal Chief—now a babyface seeking revenge on Solo Sikoa for his hostile takeover of The Bloodline—would do huge numbers is not surprising.
The "OTC" shirt and Reigns' other items are prominently featured on WWE Shop, capturing fans' attention as much as The Head of the Table did by pointing to each of the letters as if to send a message to Sikoa in the closing moments of SummerSlam.
Reigns is coming off a historic run as undisputed WWE universal champion, in which he held the title for four years and engaged in some of the best storytelling the company has produced.
He built up equity with fans and earned their respect in a way he never did as the over-pushed babyface during his initial singles run and is now poised for a major run against Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa that should span several months.
Is Becky Lynch Retired?
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Becky Lynch made headlines Sunday ahead of her episode of Biography on A&E by posting a photo of herself and her daughter on Instagram with the caption:
"It's been a helluva career. Being the Man for all of you was an honor, being the mom for her is a privilege. Thanks for watching my bio on @AETV."
When asked about Lynch's status and whether she was considered retired, Sapp reported, "Fightful reached out to sources close to the situation and WWE. WWE sources said that if she was retired in an official capacity, they haven't been informed of it as of yet, and didn't believe if she did retire, that it would be via Instagram."
He added: "At the time her contract expired, she was planning on simply taking time off, and WWE and Lynch both believed if and when the time was right that she'd be back in the fold."
Sapp did confirm that The Man is not currently under WWE contract.
It would be difficult to imagine the former women's world champion would opt to use social media to announce such a significant event in her life instead of doing so in front of the fans who were so instrumental in her achieving the level of success that she did.
Still, without a WWE contract and enjoying her time with her family away from the squared circle, Lynch should be encouraged to do what she wants and handle things how she sees fit.
If that includes quietly stepping away from the industry so that she can be a mother, a New York Times bestseller or anything else she sets her mind to, so be it.
Latest on Lucha Bros and WWE
3 of 4The Lucha Bros (Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix) were major acquisitions by All Elite Wrestling at its onset and have delivered several unforgettable matches and moments since its 2019 debut, but the international stars now appear to be on their way out.
Sapp reported that Penta's contract with the company is up first, followed by Fenix's this September:
"Those that we've talked to said that AEW had wanted to re-sign them, but the process kept getting delayed by Penta and Fenix. Over the past few weeks, it became evident to AEW that the duo weren't looking to re-sign, capped off by an ominous Konnan tweet saying "What goes around comes around 2."
Ibou of Wrestling Pursits reported that "some sources speculated they were heading to WWE, some claimed it was a formality." The report also stated that the brothers were slated for an AEW World Trios Championship Match at All In from Wembley Stadium but those plans have changed.
Sapp concluded: "Perhaps the most surprising element is that we've had numerous sources close to the duo that say they've been pretty open in claiming that they've had WWE talks already and that there is a preliminary offer on the table similar to that of what AEW was offering."
The former AEW world tag team and trios champions, Fenix and Penta have done all there is to do as a team in the company, including laying the groundwork for the division via their matches with The Young Bucks early in its infancy.
While losing them would be a blow for any roster, talent is abundant in AEW, and only so much television time to devote to it, which has been an issue facing the team over the last year or so.
How Penta and Fenix will adapt to the WWE style, if that is where they intend to continue their careers, remains to be seen. Their awe-inspiring ring style and marketability will help them significantly until everyone involved can figure the rest out.
Update on Britt Baker-MJF Backstage Confrontation
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Much has been made of the reported backstage confrontation between Britt Baker and MJF that left the former suspended from AEW and off of television, despite an ongoing feud with Mercedes Mone that will culminate at All In on August 26.
Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com provided some the latest, including some updates to previously inaccurate stories:
"The argument was sparked by comments Baker is said to have made that got back to MJF. We are told the initial spark was likely an older issue that flared up again when Baker made the comments. No one was willing to go into specifics on that and a number of people were dismayed the story even leaked, feeling it didn't help anyone that it did."
Johnson also confirmed that reports of MJF "rushing into the women's locker room" were inaccurate and that Will Ospreay did talk to Baker, but that conversation occurred outside the locker room and in the common area.
Johnson added:
"There is a version of the story that claims MJF threw a punch at a wall while arguing with Baker, which would insinuate he did so as a means of intimidating her. We are told that MJF indeed struck a wall but did so out of frustration after the argument was over and he was not with Baker at the time" and that Baker was suspended but not MJF because of her instigating role."
While striking walls in any situation is out of line and should be considered suspension-worthy, it appears things were handled internally and quickly.
That does not make up for the continued leaks of backstage confrontations and disagreements, which continue to define AEW as much as its on-screen product does, though.
For the sake of the company's reputation, hopefully it can clean those leaks up and prevent backstage tiffs from becoming the news rather than the efforts of those competitors in front of the cameras.
Baker is still slated to challenge Moné for the TBS Championship at All In, in what is considered by many to be a dream match.
Speaking of which, MJF will defend his AEW American Championship against Will Ospreay in what figures to be a genuine Match of the Year candidate.
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