Backstage WWE Rumors: Latest on Punk vs. Rollins, Cody Rhodes, and Bronson Reed

WWE is still red-hot and preparing for a potentially industry-altering move to Netflix on January 6 with the streaming debut of its flagship show, Raw.

And that inaugural broadcast may well feature one of the biggest matches in the show's 30-year history.

What might that match be and what else are industry insiders reporting during a packed stretch for pro wrestling's number one company?

Find out with this collection of rumors, which also features the latest on Cody Rhodes and Bronson Reed.

When Will Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk Take Place

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EVERETT, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 2: Seth Rollins and CM Punk speak during Monday Night RAW at Angel of the Winds Arena on December 2, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Photo by WWE/Getty Images)

CM Punk and Seth Rollins have one of the most intensely personal rivalries in professional wrestling, with many eyeing WrestleMania 41 as the endgame for their program.

However, a new report suggests that match may unfold much sooner than April.

Dr. Chris Featherstone of Sportskeeda Wrestling reported that Punk vs. Rollins is currently scheduled for the January 6 Netflix debut episode of WWE Raw.

If the plan is for Punk and Rollins to do something else at WrestleMania 41—and it may well be based on the former's recent tease of a Cody Rhodes interaction—booking the long-awaited matchup for the first episode of Raw on Netflix is the right choice.

That show is already shaping up to be one of the most star-studded and noteworthy in recent memory. Adding a WrestleMania-level main event will only make it that much more must-see, something WWE is banking on so it can deliver a big number right out of the gate.

What that means for both guys and their plans for Las Vegas come April 19-20 will remains unclear. Does Punk challenge Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship? Does Rollins move on to Roman Reigns?

That there are questions and uncertainty make for a more intriguing show, which is always better for a more engaging and fun experience.

Cody Rhodes to Carry Winged Eagle WWE Title?

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 6: Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, looks on during SmackDown at Target Center on December 6, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by WWE/Getty Images)

Saturday Night's Main Event is expected to go retro when it returns to NBC this weekend, live from the Nassau Memorial Veteran's Coliseum in Long Island, New York.

And reigning undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes may have a throwback piece of hardware with him when it does.

WWE chief content officer Triple H posted the above video of him revealing something bright and shiny that Rhodes will be allowed to wear on the show for "one night only."

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select wrote: "Rhodes has repeatedly made it clear that he wants to see the Winged Eagle Title return, dating back to his WWE return in 2022. In September 2024, Rhodes stated that he was actively working on trying to bring the title back."

He added: "Fightful Select has learned that a number of talent have mentioned bringing back classic titles, with Cody being among the most vocal."

If ever there was a time for Rhodes to break the classic title out, it would be for Saturday's show, which is expected to take on a more vintage, stripped-down broadcast, complete with Hall of Famer Jesse "The Body" Ventura on commentary.

Rhodes defends his title against Kevin Owens in the main event of the broadcast.

What delicious irony it would be for KO to find a way to defeat his former friend and take that title, knowing how much it has meant for The American Nightmare to be able to carry it to the squared circle.

Whether that happens or not remains to be seen on Saturday on NBC at 8 p.m. EST.

Bronson Reed Injury Update

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GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 18: Bronson Reed enters the arena during Monday Night RAW at Van Andel Arena on November 18, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Photo by WWE/Getty Images)

Dave Meltzer and Brian Alvarez noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that "Big" Bronson Reed is not expected back in WWE in time for WrestleMania 41 and will be out for "a long time."

Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com reported that the Australian was already in Birmingham, Alabama for surgery to the ankles injury at Survivor Series inside War Games and that there is no timetable for his return.

Reed himself posted from a hospital bed, appearing to be relatively fresh out of surgery (tweet features NSFW language).

Regardless of when the big man is expected back, the injury came at the worst possible time in that it stunted his growth as a performer and his push as a legitimate main event competitor on Raw.

He was on the run of his main roster career, feuding with Braun Strowman, then Seth Rollins, and headlining his first WWE premium live event. He was where he wanted to be, in a role he had earned, and now he must wait to heal and return to the squared circle.

Reed has proved at numerous points in his WWE run to be a resilient performer, so if anyone can get back to the mountaintop again, it will be the master of the Tsunami.