Backstage WWE Rumors on Cody Rhodes, Powerhouse Hobbs, and More
WrestleMania season is upon us, meaning there are plenty of rumors surrounding potential main events for the biggest show of the year.
One such report includes former undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes and what The Showcase of the Immortals may, or may not, have in store for him.
Dive deeper into that report and more, including a potential significant free-agent signing for WWE, with this collection of insider rumors.
Undisputed WWE Championship Plans
1 of 3
Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that Drew McIntyre defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu in a Triple Threat match is "kind of" a possibility for WrestleMania 42, but that it could also happen before then.
While there is no doubt the match would be fantastic based on the talent involved, it is a contest that does not feel like a WrestleMania 42 main event as it currently is.
It lacks a certain spark, and if the original plan was for Rhodes to defend against Roman Reigns, it certainly does not carry the marquee value that The American Nightmare vs. The Tribal Chief III would have had.
Still, this is a great opportunity for WWE to permanently elevate Fatu to the top of the card and let him work headlining matches with two of today's elite in Rhodes and McIntyre. Strictly from a star-making perspective, it is a great idea.
Could Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky Main-Event WrestleMania?
2 of 3
Ibou of Self Made Pro reported WWE has had discussions about Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky headlining one of the two nights of WrestleMania 42.
"The only matchup that would main-event WrestleMania this year would be that matchup, Rhea Ripley vs. Iyo Sky. So, Iyo vs. Rhea would be a match that could main-event one of the two nights, and that has been mentioned in meetings," he said.
Given the rich history between them, both as opponents and recently as teammates, and the fact that Ripley has never beaten Sky one-on-one, there is plenty to justify a main event match between the two.
They proved what they could do in that spot at Evolution in July, when they tore the house down in one of the best main events of the year. A winner in that match was never determined due to Naomi interfering and cashing in her Money in the Bank briefcase.
Despite being tag team champions now, there is a clear path to WrestleMania that begins with friendly competition and Ripley's desire to prove she can defeat her tag team partner on the grandest stage in professional wrestling.
Powerhouse Hobbs Believed To Be WWE Bound
3 of 3
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that, as of midnight Thursday, Powerhouse Hobbs has finished up with AEW.
"Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp has learned that Hobbs' AEW contract is set to expire at midnight," he said. "As things stand, we're told that contract negotiations have been ongoing between the two sides, and AEW made him a substantial offer to remain with All Elite Wrestling. Hobbs finished up tonight at the AEW Collision tapings after Dynamite."
Hobbs debuted in AEW in July 2020 and looked like the next big thing, an athlete who could throw down with fellow heavyweights or hang with the smaller, higher-paced competitors on the roster.
However, injury and inconsistent booking prevented him from realizing his fullest potential, despite headlining matchups with Adam Page, Sting and Samoa Joe.
He enjoyed reigns as TNT and World Trios champion during his run with the promotion.
As for where he is going, Sapp reported, "WWE sources that Fightful Select spoke to claim that he is expected to join the company. He is contractually eligible to do so as of this week. WWE has maintained interest in him for quite some time, and they believe he is headed there, barring some huge unforeseen change."
Hobbs still has a bright future ahead of him at 34 years of age, and he has plenty of time to develop into a main event attraction with WWE.
.jpg?w=600 "Raw Results and Grades 🔠")
