Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors: Latest on Triple H, Sting and More
The Triple H era in WWE certainly has been different than that of his predecessor, with more attention paid to long-term storytelling and homage paid to the audience that invests its time, energy and money into the company.
How The Game pays attention to what his audience wants is at the forefront of this week's collection of rumors.
Joining the WWE chief content officer in making headlines are a trio of All Elite Wrestling stars, just days before All In takes place at Wembley Stadium in London for the second year in a row.
What is the latest on Darby Allin, Kenny Omega and Sting? Find out with this collection of insider reports.
Triple H Pays Attention to the Fans
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Unlike his predecessor, Triple H pays attention to fans on social media.
Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com wrote: "I've been told there are many times where he is scrolling through Twitter from the gorilla position at the broadcasts and paying very close attention to what the audience is doing and reacting to as the shows are going on the air."
In most instances, it would not be shocking that the Chief Content Officer of a major entertainment brand pays attention to the feedback of the audience but given how WWE was previously run, it is still somewhat surprising.
It is an indicator that, while he may still have his plans in place creatively, he is willing to gather reactions and opinions from fans across social media in an attempt to find out instantly what works and what does not.
It's a smart business move that allows Triple H to have his finger on the pulse and, for the most part, it works. There has been a steadily red-hot fanbase for WWE, which is on as hot a streak as we have seen since the height of the Attitude Era, with sold-out buildings and record revenue.
The more The Game shows a distinct willingness to listen to the fans and give them what they want, even if it means taking time to get to it through long-term booking, the more willing they will be to stick with his programming and invest emotionally in the company.
Which, by proxy, means more revenue for everyone involved as fans eagerly await the outcome they want from their favorite Superstars and stories.
Look no further than the overwhelmingly positive reaction to WrestleMania 40 in April.
Sting Heading to London for All In?
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Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that Sting may be on his way to London to be part of AEW All In.
He wrote: "Sting told numerous people close to him that he was slated to make the trip to London for AEW All In. However, it was not elaborated on as to whether or not Sting was just visiting, or if he'll appear in some on-screen capacity for AEW."
It is not all that surprising that AEW would want to have Sting in town for All In. It is the company's biggest PPV of the year and even if there is no intent to utilize him on the broadcast itself, having that veteran leadership in the locker room can create a calming environment for stars who will compete in some of their biggest matches to date.
If the company does intend to have him appear, it also makes sense.
Sting, 65, was forever linked with Darby Allin throughout his AEW run.
Allin will challenge Jack Perry for the TNT Championship in a Coffin match at Wembley Stadium. Given the likelihood that The Scapegoat could be flanked by The Young Bucks, having The Icon appear as backup for the babyface would make for a nice nod to their friendship while evening things up.
Regardless of whether he appears on camera, Sting being in London for All In only heightens the significance of the event for both the wrestlers and management.
Kenny Omega Return Update
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Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter provided an update on Kenny Omega and his recovery from diverticulitis:
"Regarding Kenny Omega, he still has some pain but he is training with moderate intensity. I don't expect him back any time soon for wrestling as he's still got weakness in the abdominal area from the surgery and can't start taking bumps yet. There is no estimate on a return. As noted, Kota Ibushi, who has also had his physical issues, is looking at returning when Omega returns."
The last note about Ibushi would seem to indicate a return for The Golden Lovers when Omega is ready.
It is a move that would make creative sense since Omega would be looking to avenge the assault by The Young Bucks from this past May and what better way to achieve it than by turning to his best friend and former tag team partner?
That there is no estimated time on Omega's return suggests there is still an uphill climb for the former AEW world champion, though.
The next big step will be getting back into the ring when allowed and bumping. From there, he can build up strength and get back into ring shape.
As one of the biggest stars in the company, there is no doubt AEW will be keen to have him back as soon as possible.
Darby Allin's AEW World Championship Future
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Meltzer also reported in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that there is a serious push for Darby Allin to win the AEW World Championship at some point in the future.
Allin instantly became one of the most over competitors on the roster in AEW's infancy. The face paint and aura, coupled with his willingness to take risks that no other competitor would dream of, made him one of the legitimate breakout stars of the promotion.
He has built his connection with the audience over the first five years of AEW's existence and is as consistently over as anyone on the roster. Booking him to win the world title is the next logical step given all he has already accomplished.
Without that goal, the question becomes what is next for Allin, who has already won every meaningful piece of gold in the promotion and partnered with Sting for his last run in professional wrestling.
That there is no timing on such a title run is not particularly surprising given Swerve Strickland is preparing to defend the belt against Bryan Danielson at All In and "Hangman" Adam Page is the most logical next challenger if he retains.
Still, Allin is a legitimate contender and someone who has earned his way into that conversation.
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