Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors on AJ Lee, the Usos, and More
Could one of the most popular and influential women's stars in WWE history be on her way back for her first match in a decade?
It is the question dominating the headlines and insider reports.
Find out the latest on AJ Lee's potential return to WWE as soon as Friday's episode of SmackDown, as well as updates on Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre and the WWE draft, with this collection of pro wrestling rumors.
Latest on AJ Lee's Expected WWE Return
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If there was any doubt AJ Lee would be returning to WWE to partner husband CM Punk against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, F4WOnline.com's Bryan Alvarez confirmed ended it in a report on Tuesday.
Lee has not wrestled a match for WWE, or appeared on company programming, since March 30, 2015.
She retired from the squared circle the following week and embarked on a career away from professional wrestling, where she became a writer, advocate, actress, and producer, often pairing with friend and actress Aimee Garcia.
Still, despite the success she enjoyed beyond the pro wrestling bubble, fans have longed for one last in-ring appearance from the future Hall of Famer.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported: "We were told this isn't necessarily a one-off, and that WWE hopes that they can do more with her, but even if that's it, they're happy to have her involved again."
Regardless of whether she returns for one match or several, having Lee back will be more than enough to whet the appetite of fans who have missed the revolutionary women's performer over the last 10 years.
Undisputed WWE Championship Match Planned for Wrestlepalooza
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Joining that high-profile mixed tag match on the Wrestlepalooza card will be the Undisputed WWE Championship match pitting Cody Rhodes against Drew McIntyre, Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com reported (h/t Cageside Seats).
The Scot's brutal attack on Rhodes, which left him lying on the August 8 episode of SmackDown, is the emphasis for the matchup. The American Nightmare has been off of television recently to attend the birth of his second child.
If the goal is to have Rhodes and McIntyre write the latest chapter of their rivalry at Wrestlepalooza on September 20, the champion should be back on television as soon as Friday's SmackDown in Chicago.
Regardless of the timing of his comeback and the escalation of his rivalry with McIntyre, the eventual showdown between the two will likely be excellent as both are superb big-match performers.
WWE Draft Update
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Bodyslam.net's Patreon account, Bodyslam+, reported any plans for a WWE draft originally slated for this time have been shelved.
Instead, talent swaps will be undertaken such as the recent moves of Sami Zayn to SmackDown and LA Knight to Raw.
While there is typically great excitement for the draft and the shakeup of the Raw and SmackDown rosters, the last two have left fans underwhelmed. In both instances, too much talent stayed put, with only a few Superstars swapping places, rendering the whole exercise a waste of time.
If Triple H and Co. are not sold on conducting a draft, or do not believe there is enough roster movement to make it worthwhile, why go there just to say they did?
WWE Execs Pushing for a Return to China
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Sapp reported "numerous people of influence within WWE have pushed for WWE to hold a major event in China in the coming years. Specifically, we've heard Hong Kong mentioned as a location, with a PLE event discussed internally within WWE as a possibility."
He noted that, while China was a popular, traditional stop from 2016 to 2019, the company has not been back since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
It is not surprising that there would be a push to return to the country, especially as WWE takes on a greater international presence. The company has promoted high-profile PLEs in England, Scotland and France, and has brought its television product to other European countries such as Germany and Ireland.
Add to that their semi-annual trips to Saudi Arabia and their recent purchase of Mexico's AAA promotion, and you have a pro wrestling empire that is continuously expanding its influence.
