Backstage WWE Rumors: Latest on AJ Lee, Kevin Owens, CM Punk, and More
Could fans see the return of AJ Lee at some point soon? WWE is certainly open to it.
The former Divas champion and noted author and producer is at the forefront of this collection of pro wrestling rumors.
Lee headlines a crop of reports from industry insiders that also features the latest on Kevin Owens' contract negotiations, CM Punk's Survivor Series opponent, and what to expect from the return of Saturday Night's Main Event.
WWE Open To AJ Lee Return
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WrestleVotes reported during a Backstage Pass Q&A with Bill Apter podcast that WWE is "totally on board" with bringing back AJ Lee while adding that the former Divas champion has not indicated whether she will be back (h/t Hazel Pagador of Sportskeeda).
The three-time champion was the face of the women's division in WWE during the height of her popularity. While working as Raw's general manager, she was embroiled in storylines with top Superstars such as Daniel Bryan, John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, and her real-life husband, CM Punk.
She left the company upon Punk's departure in 2014.
The 37-year-old narrowly missed out on being one of the foundational pieces of the women's revolution that resulted in renewed interest in the division and greater opportunities for its performers.
Still, Lee is considered one of the most influential performers of her generation. NXT stars such as Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade openly acknowledge her role in their fandom and decision to pursue their dreams of being pro wrestlers.
Her return would bring an opportunity for several cross-generational dream matches. Showdowns with Bayley, Rhea Ripley and the returning Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch would all be on the table, giving fans a chance to see the best of today battle with a star who was responsible for showing WWE brass what women could do in the ring when given time and opportunity.
It would be an instance where a women's wrestling match could realistically headline a premium live event based on interest and star power alone.
Only Lee knows if a return is actually in the cards, but the fact that WWE is receptive to the idea is intriguing.
Kevin Owens Contract Update
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WrestleVotes also reported on the same Backstage Pass Q&A with Bill Apter that Kevin Owens is close to re-signing with WWE.
"I did reach out, talked to a couple of people," WrestleVotes said (h/t Cultaholic). "Didn't get a definite one way or the other, didn't get an absolutely the deal's been signed, but did get a really positive response that it's very close if not completed with a handshake."
While nothing is final until the pen is put to paper, KO's recent heel turn and the elevation of his stature on Friday nights via feuds with Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton would seem to at least suggest management believes he is sticking around.
The 40-year-old is poised for a run at the Undisputed WWE Championship held by Rhodes and should be considered for some premium live event main events against The American Nightmare.
Owens' best work has always been as a heel. If WWE unleashes him to be ruthless and vile, he could become one of the highlights of any show he appears on.
Since arriving at WWE in 2015, KO has been a workhorse who has earned every dollar he is about to make and all the opportunities that come with it.
CM Punk Survivor Series Plans
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Ibou of WrestlePurists reported on the Raw recap show that CM Punk vs. Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship is expected for Survivor Series: WarGames on Nov. 30.
The Best in the World previously expressed his desire to challenge The Ring General for the title following his victory over Drew McIntyre at Bash in Berlin in late August, but the escalation of the rivalry with the Scot derailed those plans.
After defeating McIntyre inside Hell in a Cell at Bad Blood, Punk cut a promo in which he said he was not sure if he had anything left in him and teased walking away.
Expect a return to television shortly after Crown Jewel, with his focus on winning the title that eluded him following his injury earlier this year at the Royal Rumble.
A one-on-one match with Gunther would be interesting if only for the styles they play and how well they mesh with each other.
Still, on the heels of a career-defining match against McIntyre, Punk is red-hot and booking him, win or lose, against Gunther will only help elevate the world champion's star to another level while simultaneously giving Survivor Series another marquee match.
Saturday Night's Main Event Update
4 of 4Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that Saturday Night's Main Event is expected to feature a "pay-per-view quality card."
That's not particularly surprising given it's the company's first foray back onto NBC in prime time, with an opportunity to expand its already huge audience and continue its hot streak.
It only makes sense to put the best, most buzzworthy card out there.
With Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns prominently featured on marketing materials, one has to wonder if it is the potential setting for an epic rematch featuring The American Nightmare and The OTC on the Road to WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.
Regardless, expect major angles and storylines to conclude and others to kick off as WWE uses a significant platform to lead into its biggest show of the year.
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