BS Meter on WWE Backlash Rumors, Roman Reigns' Schedule, Aleister Black to AEW and More

Backlash is an interesting word in the pro wrestling space right now. 

It's the name of the biggest WWE PLE this month, sure. There is plenty of buzz about that occasion on the rumor mill. 

But there's also plenty of Backlash after a very public wave of WWE roster cuts. There's backlash around an apparent schedule change for a top wrestling Superstar. And one could say there's even backlash to how free agency has unfolded for a big name so far. 

Right now, Roman Reigns, LA Knight, and Aleister Black are some of the biggest names on the rumor mill, a status that won't stop no matter what happens at the aptly-named event. 

To help fans keep up with the pace of the mill, let's put some of the biggest rumors on the BS Meter, with 10 being the highest form of unbelievable buzz fans can safely dismiss.

Kairi Sane return?

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The Rumor

Kairi Sane was one of the biggest stunners of WWE's recent cuts. But according to PW Insider's Bryan Alvarez (h/t Geno Mrosko of Cageside Seats), there are those within the company who believe she could be back as soon as the Backlash PLE. 

Reaction

Most of the cuts seemed to center on Supertars who weren't in current plans. That makes the Sane contract thing even stranger, given she was mid-story with Asuka and Iyo Sky.

BS Meter: 5

Even if Sane doesn't return specifically at Backlash, it feels like a matter of time before she's back. She almost must be one of those Superstars WWE doesn't want to let slip to other promotions. And fans undoubtedly want to see the remainder of the Asuka-Sky angle, too. 

LA Knight scrapped plans

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The Rumor

Speaking of Superstars with canned angles lately, here comes LA Knight. According to Bodyslam.net (h/t Mrosko), Knight is in a creative limbo after WWE pivoted him out of a planned program with Gunther.

Reaction

It sure feels like Knight isn't getting over the proverbial hump anytime soon. Gunther, too, for that matter. Gunther is off to fight with Cody Rhodes for the time being, at least, giving him a main-event level thing to do after seemingly being forgotten. 

BS Meter: 1

When it comes to being forgotten, though, things don't seem good for Knight. This vibes as true enough. Perhaps he'll get after a mid-card title for now until the main-event scene clears up a bit, if at all. 

Aleister Black status

The Rumor

Here's an odd one: SEScoops' Mike Reichlin reported that after his WWE release, Aleister Black was in talks with AEW about a return. But since, AEW denied that, according to Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp. Alvarez (h/t Sean Rueter of Cageside Seats) reported the same about surprise within AEW about the report.  

Reaction

Talk about a weird rumor tug-of-war. Who knows which camp the leaks are coming from, but this is the ultimate never-say-never business. It's fair to think that both Black and AEW have at least put out feelers to one another about a possible reunion. 

BS Meter: 1

Everything feels like it is on the table for Black. His AEW run was very obviously not great and felt off. It was really shocking to see WWE let him go, though. One would think that AEW would throw details about possible free agents for many reasons, most of all to just keep the business side out of the spotlight. 

Latest on WWE cuts

The Rumor

For now, at least, the roster cuts within WWE are over, according to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Tom Araya of Rajah). Meltzer had previously reported that the TKO business side wanted to be "good guys" by not making more cuts one year ago. 

Reaction

The "good guys" thing feels like speculation and highly unlikely, for what it's worth. As Araya went on to point out, WWE cut 15 wrestlers in early May last year. This time of year is common for that, unfortunately, and it being anything other than business decisions feels unlikely. 

BS Meter: 1

It's very obvious WWE cut talents without major creative plans coming up. That, and cleared some roster space for NXT call-ups. With rumblings that SmackDown is getting reduced to two hours again, that reduced airtime and the fewer house shows probably played a factor in the unfortunate happenings, too.

Roman Reigns schedule and TKO drama update

The Rumor

Baseless rumors and speculation ran wild about Roman Reigns in recent weeks due to schedule changes. But according to WrestleVotes on Fightful Select, there's "no concern internally" about Reigns' status with WWE. 

Reaction

Sudden changes to Reigns' schedule created a wildstorm of internet drama that had little traction. Reigns officially has a tweaked schedule of advertised television appearances in May and June, as illustrated by Wrestle Ops. 

BS Meter: 5

Reigns made the proclamation that he was back to being a full-timer right after his WrestleMania triumph. But lots of things, including outdated advertising, changed plans, and other factors play a role in appearances. By all accounts, everything is fine with Reigns and WWE and fans don't have any reason to think he's not still a "full-timer" right now.