Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors on Asuka, New Day and More

The pro wrestling rumor mill has been working overtime of late, churning out reports about recently released Superstars, potentially retiring competitors, and additional celebrities ready to make their mark on the industry.

Those three topics are at the forefront of this collection of insider reports, including the latest on Asuka's apparent time off from WWE and the general consensus on The New Day's next stop.

Asuka Update

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When Asuka lost to Iyo Sky and waved goodbye to the fans last Saturday at Backlash, it appeared as though she was taking her final bow amid speculation about her status as a WWE Superstar.

When she embraced Sky and seemingly passed the torch to her two nights later on Raw, that speculation appeared to be spot-on.

However, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported Asuka is taking time off, that it was planned for a while, and that it has nothing to do with recent cuts.

That has to be a relief for fans of The Empress of Tomorrow, particularly in the wake of her show-stealing matchup with Sky.

Amid all of the speculation that she could be hanging up her boots, Asuka proved she is still one of the best in-ring performers in the WWE women's division and someone around whom the company can still build high-profile storylines.

Whenever she is ready to come back, the women's division—brimming with talent—will be waiting to welcome her back with open arms.

Latest on The New Day and AEW

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There is a groundswell of support for Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods joining All Elite Wrestling when they are contractually able to.

Sapp reported for Fightful Select:

"Within AEW, it is unanimous among the more than one dozen sources we spoke to, wanting Kofi and Austin Creed in the company. Under most circumstances, there will be at least one person we hear from that will dissent for whatever reason. However, in the first couple of weeks since their departure, everyone we spoke to was on board."

Sapp added: "In addition, we're told a number of big names in AEW were making an internal push for the two to end up there."

One of the most beloved tag teams in WWE history, it is not surprising that the fans' love for Kingston and Woods extends into the locker room, where their peers share the same appreciation for the talent and are eager to have them come on board.

Sapp concluded his report by noting there is universal respect for Woods and Kingston and that both are expected to land in AEW.

That would be a monster addition to the company's tag team division and present a number of dream matches, none more obvious than The New Day vs. The Young Bucks.

It would also allow young teams to work with a duo that has seen nearly everything, competed in the biggest matches, and performed on the biggest stages the industry has to offer.

Not only are Kingston and Woods great on-screen additions, but they are also a wonderful locker room arrival. They can boost morale, impart their knowledge on the rest of the roster and help elevate AEW.

WWE, Stephen A. Smith Report

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Stephen A. Smith

Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that there has been considerable talk in WWE about utilizing ESPN's Stephen A. Smith and, more importantly, that those opposed to Pat McAfee are favorable toward the possibility of the First Take personality appearing for the company.

In an industry where outspoken personalities with microphones thrive, it makes sense that Smith would be the perfect fit.

With that said, WWE may be best served to spread things out and not utilize him so soon after WrestleMania 42, an event that exceeded expectations even as much of the discussion focused on the heavy use of celebrities to cover for perceived creative shortcomings.

Holding off, telling the stories that the company has recently introduced, and winning back fan support would be the right move, rather than welcoming criticism from fans over further celebrity involvement.