Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors on Wrestlepalooza, Hurt Syndicate and More

WWE invades Indianapolis for the inaugural Wrestlepalooza this Saturday and one insider report has the latest on why the company loaded up the card with such heavy star power and what its relation to WrestleMania could be moving forward.

That topic headlines a collection of rumors that also includes what is next for El Grande Americano, an update on The Hurt Syndicate and potential new members, and the latest on Mercedes Mone and a long-reported group for the Belt Collector.

Update on WWE's Heavy Push for Wrestlepalooza

Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select provided an update on WWE's heavy push for the new Wrestlepalooza premium live event. He wrote, "sources in WWE tell Fightful Select that it is being looked at as something that can also help fill the gaps in future years if WrestleMania takes place outside of North America."

With Saudi Arabia successfully acquiring WrestleMania in 2027, there is a likelihood that other international host cities will have realistic chances at securing the rights to the show.

If so, it is probably in the company's best interest to make it up to their fans in the United States with a show that features considerable star power and has enough pull to bring ESPN's SportsCenter to the site of the extravaganza, as it will be Saturday in Indianapolis for the inaugural Wrestlepalooza event.

If nothing else, the advent of the spectacular gives WWE yet another major PLE to build around and sell to cities hoping to bring the excitement, fans, and revenue that comes along with the company's events to them.

What's Next for El Grande Americano?

Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images

Bodyslam.net reported that WWE is planning a match between El Hijo del Vikingo and El Grande Americano, which is the reason for the latter's interference in the AAA Mega Championship Match between Vikingo and Dominik Mysterio.

While the report did not specify exactly when or where the match will take place, one would have to assume it will be at one of the upcoming AAA events, as it is a potential main event or strong undercard addition for any of the co-branded shows.

Americano, with Ludwig Kaiser under the mask, has been every bit as effective as he was when Chad Gable originated the character, and the seeming clash of styles between him and Vikingo would make for an interesting match, if nothing else.

Whether the babyface would need backup, and who it would be, with the doppelganger Americanos running around, would also bear watching.

Regardless, it is a match WWE can build an AAA card around or, if need be, introduce Vikingo to the main roster fans and let him awe them with his unmatched aerial abilities, potentially joining AJ Styles and Dragon Lee for a trios match against the heel and his cronies.

New Members of Hurt Syndicate?

All Elite Wrestling

Thus far in its existence in AEW, The Hurt Syndicate has comprised Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and MVP.

According to Sapp, that could be changing, with discussions surrounding the addition of new, younger members to the faction.

He added that while Cedric Alexander has always been speculated upon, his name had not come up.

There is a wealth of young talent in AEW who could benefit from being added to the group, with someone like Lee Moriarty immediately standing out as a fit.

Regardless of who it is, the addition of new blood to the group will help keep it from getting stale but also provide both a platform for young stars to have their stature elevated as well as leadership and teachers who can help guide them to unprecedented success.

That is a winning recipe, especially in a company that can always use fresh, young faces in key positions.

Is Mercedes Mone Getting a New Group?

All Elite Wrestling

It seems as though for the better part of the last year, there have been rumblings about Mercedes Mone aligning herself with The Renegade Twins and forming a new faction.

Sapp once again reported an update on the pairing, writing, "Mercedes has often pushed to be involved with the Renegades on TV. To the point where a number of times, Fightful were told it was close to happening."

He added that the twin sisters even had gear similar to that of Mone's made months ago.

Robyn Renegade returned to AEW TV on Wednesday, squaring off with Riho. She lost the match, but afterward, held Riho for an attack by Mone, the latest tease that a union could be coming, sooner or later.