Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors on Dominik Mysterio, Samoa Joe and More
With WWE currently on the road to WrestleMania 42 and AEW gearing up for Revolution, the pro wrestling rumor mill is working over time, churning out the latest from industry insiders on some of the hottest names in the industry.
An in-ring return for Dominik Mysterio, the latest on Samoa Joe's injury, and a potential new signing for WWE or All Elite Wrestling lead this week's collection of rumors and reports.
Update on Dominik Mysterio's In-Ring Return
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Intercontinental champion Dominik Mysterio has not been able to defend his title since regaining it from John Cena at Survivor Series due to being out of action since December 20.
However, there may be an in-ring return on the horizon for the 28-year-old.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that there is hope within WWE that Mysterio will return to the ring in the near future.
Dirty Dom returned to TV the night after the Royal Rumble, joining on-screen love interest Liv Morgan to celebrate her win in the women's match.
His first bit of physicality came Monday night in the form of a slap from women's world champion Stephanie Vaquer.
One of the most over stars in the company, it is refreshing to at least have Mysterio available as a character, if not a worker.
Given the track that Finn Balor's character appears to be on and a deteriorating relationship with Mysterio, one would have to assume that is the direction WWE will head for WrestleMania 42.
To get there, Mysterio must be cleared and able to compete.
Is WWE Ready to Bring In David Finlay?
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Former IWGP champion David Finlay could be on his way to WWE.
Bodyslam+ reported that the son of Fit Finlay has been discussed within WWE and the company could be preparing for his arrival, according to one source, with the recent increased prominence of his brother, Uriah Connors, on NXT.
With that said, Self Made reported "there is an extremely high chance" the 32-year-old will sign with AEW and return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling as needed.
Regardless of where he ends up signing, it appears Finlay is ready to make the jump to one of the two biggest promotions in the world, a well-earned opportunity for a second-generation wrestler who developed into a top-tier talent in New Japan.
Latest on Samoa Joe
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The January 28 episode of AEW Dynamite saw the commentary team allude to a "non-contact" injury suffered by Samoa Joe.
Sapp of Fightful Select reported an update on the situation: "Samoa Joe has been in concussion protocol. It wasn't known how long he'll end up being out or the severity."
Sapp added that the 46-year-old was factored into the world title picture and that Hook has been moved into the leadership role with The Opps in his absence.
Joe continues to be a high-profile, high-priority competitor for AEW, with his latest championship run returning him to the top of the card for the first time since he defeated MJF to capture the gold a few years ago.
Hopefully, Joe can recover and get back to the run he was enjoying prior to the injury.
