Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors on MJF, Bayley and More

With two of the biggest shows in professional wrestling rapidly approaching in WWE's SummerSlam and AEW's All In, the rumor mill continues to churn out the latest on top stars and storyline plans for both promotions.

In this collection of insider reports, find out the latest on who pushed for Kenny Omega to defend the AEW World Championship against the reigning TNT champion at Redemption, what Bayley's contractual status is currently, and when we may see a future Hall of Famer back on WWE TV.

MJF Behind AEW Redemption Main Event

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Kenny Omega will defend the AEW World Championship against "The Jet" Kevin Knight at Redemption on Sunday, and the match had a surprising driving force behind it: former champion MJF.

Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp reported:

"He'd long wanted whoever was TNT Champion to challenge Kenny Omega after beating him for the title. We're told that didn't specifically have to be Kevin Knight, but that MJF was in favor of such, as well as Knight joining the Don Callis Family. MJF has denied he pushed for Knight in DCF."

MJF has taken time off from the squared circle and AEW TV since dropping the title to Omega. He is also involved in a feud with Andrade that could culminate in a match between the two at AEW All In: Wembley.

It is refreshing to hear that a young star and proven ratings magnet like MJF is still actively pushing for others to have significant opportunities in AEW. Knight has been stellar since receiving his sizable push earlier this year, and a match with Omega should help elevate him to another level.

As for the People's Scumbag, do not expect him to be out of the title picture for too long. After all, either Omega or Will Ospreay will need an opponent following their clash at All In.

Latest on Bayley's Contractual Status

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There are plenty of questions surrounding Bayley and her future with WWE.

Sapp reported for Fightful Select some insight as to what The Role Model's contractual status looks like.

"The expectation is that Bayley's deal is up by the end of the year unless injury time is added. A specific date isn't confirmed, but WWE sources claimed that as of now, Bayley has not signed a new WWE contract," he wrote.

He added, "It is expected that the company will want to retain her. While that seems like a forgone conclusion, she will be in demand while the company has been cutting salary costs."

Sapp also noted, "An agent that Fightful spoke with says that they believe Bayley should at least hit the negotiation period, and thinks that the demand she will potentially have from AEW and WWE could tip the change in contract terms for many in WWE."

Bayley is poised to be the belle of the ball, and for someone who has consistently been overshadowed and underutilized in relation to her Four Horsewomen of NXT peers, it is about time.

A selfless performer who has had a hand in elevating others and using her Lodestone Wrestling to help cultivate community within and secure the long-term health of women's wrestling, she is an asset for any company she chooses to continue her career with.

That she can have a hand in dictating the contractual structure and integrity for talent moving forward is apropos given how she has consistently looked out for and supported others throughout her career.

Latest on Becky Lynch's Return

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The Greatest Women's Wrestler in WWE history (lots of people are saying it) has been out of action since dropping the Women's Intercontinental Championship to Sol Ruca at Clash in Italy.

According to WrestleVotes Live on Fightful Select, though, The Man will return to WWE TV after SummerSlam.

It could not come at a better or more needed time.

The women's division in WWE has been in shambles of late, with less television time dedicated to the roster and two world title pictures in disarray, thanks to injuries and lackluster booking.

Lynch is one of the biggest stars in professional wrestling, and her return to the mix should do wonders for an area of WWE programming that is, arguably, at its worst in a decade.

Whether she returns as a heel, where she is typically at her best, or a babyface is the real question.