Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors: Latest on Seth Rollins, Asuka, and More

Could one of the biggest stars in WWE be making a change that helps reflect his new edge?

Seth Rollins and the latest on one key aspect of his presentation headlines this collection of wrestling rumors, which also includes the latest on Giulia and Asuka's returns, as well as a high-stakes, star-studded matchup in All Elite Wrestling.

What's In A Name?

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The days of Seth "Freakin" Rollins appear to be over.

WWE has removed the "Freakin" from The Visionary's profile on its official website, which Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats suggests is an indication he will no longer use the nickname; a welcome change for those who long thought it was a silly addition in the first place.

As Rollins' on-screen persona takes on a more serious tone amid escalating rivalries with CM Punk and Roman Reigns, the time is now to remove that element, even if the over-the-top outfits look set to remain a part of his presentation.

Based on the outcome of Monday's steel cage match against Punk and the intensification of his rivalry with Reigns, Rollins should find himself in a high-profile match at WrestleMania 41.

However, this time it will without the unnecessary ridiculousness of the "Freakin" nickname crowding the graphic and lessening the impact of his name.

Update on Giulia

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Tuesday night at Roadblock at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Giulia lost the NXT Women's Championship to Stephanie Vaquer in a stellar main event.

The loss halted her reign at 63 days and, according to Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Live, we have an idea of why.

Alvarez credited the creative decision to a "minor" visa issue and an undisclosed injury.

The issue with Giulia's visa is an easily fixed one that may take time but should not prevent her from appearing in WWE in the near future. The real question here is the severity of the injury and whether it will keep her out for the long term.

The NXT women's division is as strong and deep as it has arguably ever been, with a number of competitors having a legitimate argument to be its face. The Beautiful Madness is a big part of that renaissance.

Plus, a rematch with Vaquer awaits, with two top titles potentially on the line. It is a star-studded main event and one that NXT will likely look to run back as soon as Giulia is healthy.

When Will Asuka Return?

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Speaking of influential Japanese competitors who helped strengthen and advance women's wrestling in WWE, Asuka is poised for a comeback.

However, there appears to be some question as to when fans can expect to see The Empress of Tomorrow back in the squared circle.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported there were plans in place for her, noting "she had been pitched for creative heading into WrestleMania as far back as January. I've not heard anything since but at the time, she'd been pitched for a tag team program."

Bodyslam.net's Cassidy Haynes reported that, while there was optimism she would be back sooner rather than later, WWE has opted to take the cautious approach, with a return slated for sometime after The Show of Shows on April 19-20.

One would imagine the tag team program referenced by Sapp would be with Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, a relatively high-profile matchup that would have given Asuka her first chance at a 'Mania victory.

Instead, the Japanese star will wait for that opportunity, one that should and will come when she is fully healthy and ready to return.

AEW to Consolidate International, Continental Titles?

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AEW looks to be consolidating two of its championships, Sapp reported:

"AEW sources that Fightful has spoken to claim that the combination has been pitched dating back a number of months. To the point that many in the company had considered them firm creative plans. We’ve not heard specifically who would be carrying that torch, or if the titles would form something collectively or be carried together, or rebranded as a unified titles."

Sapp was careful to note that it was not specified if Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada is the plan for the consolidation program, but they hold the international and continental titles, respectively, so it would make sense that a match of that magnitude would be utilized to bring the globally recognized belts together as one.

Omega and Okada helped popularize New Japan Pro-Wrestling in the second half of the 2010s with a series of matches that rank among the greatest of their era.

A match in AEW has been long anticipated and, as the company recaptures goodwill among fans, it would certainly feel like that contest would be a way to expedite things.