Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors on Austin Theory, Swerve Strickland and More

Returns to action can be as important as any victory or championship win in professional wrestling.

They can spark renewed interest or provide one last push to elevate a star, and they can rejuvenate a product that has badly needed it in a wrestler's absence.

Austin Theory, Swerve Strickland, and Jacob Fatu all land somewhere within and are the headliners of this collection of wrestling rumors from the industry's top insiders.

Dive deeper into each of their current situations and find out what's in store for them in this round-up.

Creative Plans for Austin Theory

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Austin Theory has not competed on WWE TV since his taped match against El Grande Americano on July 14, but the former United States champion's name continues to be present in creative meetings, according to a new report.

WrestleVotes noted: "Sources indicate there are still voices within the company pushing to keep Austin Theory involved in creative plans, even after the recent shuffling caused by Seth Rollins' injury.

"The idea of Theory joining The Vision was at least discussed, and he still has internal support moving forward to reappear on TV in a significant manner."

Theory was once considered one of the stars of the future in WWE. Likened to Randy Orton based on his understanding and execution of the fundamentals, he even has a WrestleMania 39 win over John Cena to his name.

The ascension to power of Triple H halted his momentum and saw him partnered with Grayson Waller in the A-Town Down Under tag team before they split and Theory disappeared from television.

Involvement with The Vision would mean a high-profile return to Raw, where the 28-year-old could enjoy a renewed push.

Theory has the skills to succeed. Whether he has a legitimate opportunity and can make the most of it will likely determine his path in the most prominent pro wrestling organization.

Like Bronson Reed, Theory history with Rollins, which makes him a logical addition to the group.

Update on Swerve Strickland's Injury and Return

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Swerve Strickland took time away from AEW in the summer to have surgery on a knee that had been problematic since his WWE days.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select provided an update on the 35-year-old's recovery and return:

"Sources that [I] spoke to said that as of this past weekend, the optimistic hope was that Swerve Strickland could be ready for a 'winter return' to AEW action. This is of course, barring any set backs. We've heard December is a possibility, but nothing is set in stone."

It would be a hugely significant return for AEW, which needs as much main event star power as possible to build momentum entering 2026.

Strickland, along with "Hangman" Adam Page, have been two of the best and most popular stars in the company dating back two years, partly due to the extraordinary rivalry they had along the way.

Strickland is a bona fide main eventer and one of the most popular stars in the company. He has headlined pay-per-views, taken on a mainstream media presence for the company and is a former AEW world champion.

Adding him back to the mix can do nothing but good for the company. And considering he has unsolved issues with The Don Callis Family, there is a storyline waiting for him when he does return.

Again, there is optimism he will return so it is not written in stone, but that feeling would not exist if there was not some evidence of the likelihood that it happens.

Timetable for Jacob Fatu's Return

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Jacob Fatu is dealing with a dental issue that caused him to be written out of last Friday's SmackDown main event against Drew McIntyre.

The situation has also left fans wondering for how long The Samoan Werewolf will be out of action.

Bryan Alvarez reported on Wrestling Observer Live that it will be sooner rather than later, with a return by Survivor Series on November 29 likely.

Fatu has had an up-and-down year, entering 2025 red-hot and winning the United States Championship. His feud with Solo Sikoa, which should have launched both back into the main event stratosphere, sputtered out and resulted in two high-profile, underwhelming contests.

Back in the hunt for the top title in the business, he was slated for the No. 1 contender's match with McIntyre before being yanked and sidelined.

An incredibly talented individual, whose size does not reflect the speed and agility with which he performs, Fatu has the aura and in-ring ability to be a marquee player in WWE.

Hopefully, his return to action sees him get to the level that he should be.