Buy or Sell Updated Roman Reigns WWE Schedule, Darby Allin AEW Title Run, More Rumors

While the NFL might command the headlines right now as it heads for final cuts and Week 1 of the regular season, the WWE and AEW pro wrestling rumor mill continues to shine just as bright.

Both companies have major events before the end of the month. However, that is just the baseline calendar stuff that tends to move the needle.

What's really interesting this week is buzz about what's next for Roman Reigns, who might win top titles in AEW and even some fresh speculation about the how and why of a certain big-name free agent.

Don't forget about the potential return for one of the biggest names in the business, too.

Here is a look at the hottest rumors on the block and whether fans should buy or sell on each item.

Triple H Keeps Tabs on the Fanbase?

The modern era of Triple H storytelling WWE has flirted with the "golden" descriptor for some time now.

There are many reasons for this, but seemingly careful attention to detail and fan reactions—if not ideas—seem to top the list.

And this might have more proof behind it than fans would think. According to PW Insider (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), Triple H himself keeps tabs on how fans react to things on social media and has even been seen scrolling those feeds backstage during live broadcasts.

It might just be the easiest buy of the week.

Triple H worked his way up through NXT, where the relationship with fans was more intimate. And frankly, he wouldn't be doing his job if he wasn't keeping an eye on fans while he controls the shows.

Verdict: Buying

Roman Reigns to Miss Major Event?

One of the biggest landmarks of the year for WWE occurs on September 13 when SmackDown debuts on USA Network.

But according to Ortman, Reigns has been removed from promotional images, and the Superstars listed as attending the show.

But we're going to have sell on the idea of Reigns missing such a major event. Yes, for storyline reasons, it appears he was recently written-off television after a beatdown at the hands of Solo Sikoa's Bloodline.

Even so, it is hard to imagine WWE doesn't have its top Superstar out there for such a landmark occasion. This could be as simple as a small backstage glimpse or promo, but one has to think the occasion trumps any holding-pattern storyline reasons to delay his return.

Granted, WWE will have guys like Cody Rhodes and other big things planned for the occasion. But just based on the reaction to his return, WWE can see how Reigns stands with fans right now.

Verdict: Selling

Darby Allin World Title Run Incoming?

When AEW first started, a world title run for Darby Allin felt like an inevitability once some of the bigger storyline things were out of the way.

But that idea has faded over the years for a number of reasons, especially while the personnel at the very top of world title programs shuffled around notably.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Ortman), though, the thought of a Allin run with the top strap has been considered "seriously" recently.

While that's pretty vague in terms of timing, it's also an easy buy. AEW is getting some of the originals big runs, and it feels like the right move for the company at this point in time. One could see it happening soon, too, now that Swerve Strickland's current 120-plus day reign has surpassed the length of two of the prior three Superstars with the belt.

Verdict: Buying

Mercedes Moné Almost Returned to WWE?

Since her debut in AEW (and really, even before it), fans have wondered why Mercedes Moné elected to go there rather than return to WWE.

Now, fans might get something of an answer on that topic. As Ortman pointed out, Moné recently wrote in her newsletter that last year's "All In" event at Wembley Stadium in London was the main driver of her decision.

The admittedly disputed attendance number of that event was impressive either way, of course. But this is a sell—it's just good wrestler talk to paint the current company in a good light for many obvious reasons.

What might be more interesting now is hearing Moné's thoughts on the revamped WWE under the guidance of Triple H and seeing whether she, one day, indeed, returns to that side of the business as company-jumping occurrences increase.

Verdict: Selling

Charlotte Flair Return Date?

WWE fans haven't seen Charlotte Flair in the ring since she suffered a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus on a December 8 episode of SmackDown last year.

But according to PWN (h/t Ortman), that absence now has an end date—November.

Just looking at the calendar and presumed time it takes to get back from that type of injury makes this an easy buy.

On the former, WWE has the 2024 edition of Crown Jewel in early November, where a return could certainly happen. And late November features WWE Survivor Series: WarGames, where roughly one year ago, Flair featured in her most prominent match before the injury while tagging with names like Becky Lynch.

While some fans might've expected Flair back sooner, the timeframe feels right before the new year and the ramp to the next 'Mania begins its onboarding process.

Verdict: Buying