Backstage WWE Rumors on Drew McIntyre, Rhea Ripley and More

Drew McIntyre has been conspicuous by his absence since his WrestleMania 42 loss to Jacob Fatu.

However, a new report suggests The Scottish Warrior may be out of action even longer.

The latest on McIntyre headlines this collection of backstage WWE rumors, which also includes an injury update on Rhea Ripley and a familiar face who may be joining the TNA creative team.

Drew McIntyre Return Timeline

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Ibou of Self Made Pro reported that Drew McIntyre will no longer be back in time for SummerSlam.

The Scottish Warrior has not been seen on WWE television since Night 1 of WrestleMania on April 18, when he lost a Street Fight to Jacob Fatu.

McIntyre has already filmed the upcoming Highlander remake. Monday, Deadline reported the Scot was joining the Russell Crowe-led action film, The Last Druid.

The former WWE champion's budding film career appears poised to keep him busy for the foreseeable future. McIntyre is slated to appear at Fanatics Fest on July 16.

Perhaps that indicates he may still make an appearance on WWE TV in time to set something up for SummerSlam, but for now, his schedule appears somewhat packed.

Rhea Ripley Injury Update

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Rhea Ripley suffered a knee injury during WWE's tour of Italy. WrestleVotes provided an update on her availability during their WrestleVotes Live Q&A show on Fightful Select.

"They're waiting still to figure out how long this will be and if she misses SummerSlam. If she misses SummerSlam, a lot of plans change," Joey Votes reported.

The report noted that one expected match that could change is Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill if Ripley is not cleared to compete.

Any extended time away for The Eradicator would be a major blow for the SmackDown women's division and SummerSlam as a whole, as she is a massive star for WWE. Having her name on the card strengthens it and increases fan interest.

That Ripley just won the title at WrestleMania 42 and has only defended it once on TV, her Clash in Italy victory over Cargill only makes the possibility of her missing significant time that much more disappointing.

Perhaps Ripley will be cleared in time, but how long will WWE wait for that possibility at the expense of building a championship program for its second most important show of the year?

Former SmackDown Writer to Head TNA Creative?

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Tommy Dreamer

TNA Wrestling head of creative Tommy Dreamer announced his departure from the promotion on Wednesday during an appearance on Busted Open Radio.

While Hunter "Delirious" Johnston is expected to take over creative in the interim, per PWInsider.com's Mike Johnson, there is potential for others to join the team.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported: "Fightful immediately heard from industry sources that Road Dogg had been discussed within TNA as a potential replacement for Tommy Dreamer. Road Dogg left WWE earlier this year."

WWE Hall of Famer Road Dogg had been a member of the SmackDown creative team until he left WWE in March.

TNA Wrestling presents one of its biggest pay-per-views of the year, Slammiversary, this Sunday from the Agganis Arena in Boston.