BS Meter on Latest Roman Reigns Rumors, Brock Lesnar's Next WWE Match, More
The post-SummerSlam fallout has created chaos on the rumor mill.
That's not entirely out of character for the pro wrestling dirtsheets this time of year. But big surprise returns, some shocking results and at least one notable wrestler mad with his or her creative direction has created some head-turning stuff.
Headlining these items, too, are big names like Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar, with some of the most compelling stuff actually dealing with the smaller names. Call them show-stealing rumors, really.
To help fans catch up with the rumor mill, let's put the biggest rumors on the BS Meter, with 10 being the highest form of unbelievable buzz fans can safely dismiss.
Trick Williams' future update
1 of 7
The Rumor
Onlookers seemed shocked when Trick Williams lost the United States title at SummerSlam. But according to WRKD Wrestling (h/t Geno Mrosko of Cageside Seats), fans might want to view the loss as a win, considering it sounds like it could be a launching pad up the card in the company.
Reaction
We'll see if that holds true or not, as taking a loss to a guy like Baron Corbin (respectfully) doesn't seem like it could possibly elevate a 32-year-old rising star. The roster is stacked, but there had to be a better way to inevitably pull the title off Williams, right?
BS Meter: 5
Let's go halfway on this one. Corbin getting the title could really help build up someone else who needs the help. He's a veteran who knows how to work a crowd and sell his opposition. And indeed, if this is a small bump on the road to a big spot at Money in the Bank, Williams could indeed be on a climb, even if it doesn't feel like it right now.
Stephanie Vaquer update
2 of 7
The Rumor
Stephanie Vaquer earned a big reaction during her surprise return on Raw. According to PW Insider (h/t Mrosko), she's been medically cleared from injury for a while, but WWE creative wanted to wait until the time was right.
Reaction
Hard to say just how long Vaquer has been cleared, but going slow on the way to a big program makes sense. Better that than rush her back and not give the character or storyline a good build just to get on SummerSlam.
BS Meter: 1
Good stuff from WWE, if true. The roster is so stacked that even a two-night event like SummerSlam doesn't need to fit everyone on the card. This is a luxury WWE and its wrestlers have. Now, Vaquer can get a proper build in a major program that gets all the time it needs.
Dominik Mysterio buzz seems true
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The Rumor
On social media, there has been some speculation going viral that Dominik Mysterio doesn't look thrilled right now. According to Self Made Pro (h/t Mrosko), he's indeed frustrated with his creative.
Reaction
WWE Mysterio and AAA Mysterio seem different enough right now that this complaint makes sense. And the poor guy hit SummerSlam and only got to be involved in a program with Danhausen, where he lost a "Human Monies on a Pole match" in less than seven minutes.
Ouch.
BS Meter: 1
Any major main-event steam Mysterio had is gone. Dusted like a Thanos snap. He once appeared like one of the next big things in the company, only to fade out of any interesting stories. There's still plenty of time (he's only 29!) but frustration from his end would make sense.
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Roman Reigns' next opponent?
4 of 7
The Rumor
Roman Reigns is headed to Mexico for the September 14 edition of Raw and there is a tournament to decide who faces him there. According to Wrestling Observer Live's Bryan Alvarez (h/t Cain A. Knight of Cageside Seats), El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser) will be the choice. But Alvarez followed up by reporting (h/t Knight) that WWE says this won't be the plan.
Reaction
Honestly, it's hard for WWE to go wrong here. Everyone knows Reigns isn't losing and this is sort of a "for fun" occasion. Best to give the spotlight to a wrestler who deserves it and let them cook a classic match, no matter who it ends up being.
BS Meter: 1
Americano would make sense, though he does have an AAA match around that time, too. Reigns' recent spat with LA Knight could funnily mean Knight shows up in a Luchador mask for the match, too. Again, WWE can't really go wrong here.
Royal Rumble change of plans?
5 of 7
The Rumor
Is there another two-night PLE on the way? According to WrestleVotes (h/t Knight), there's talk inside WWE about making Royal Rumble a two-night event.
Reaction
Let the rumor tell it, the 2027 event in Phoenix could be the last one-night Rumble in a long time. And really, it's not all that shocking. This switch to a strong format that events like WrestleMania follow would mean the women and men's rumble matches could each main event their own nights.
BS Meter: 1
Easiest buy of the week. No doubt WWE sees the benefit in many ways of two-night events. And what we've yet to mention is that the on-screen and in-stadium product is better for it, too. Better pacing, things get the breathing room they need and fans don't get exhausted watching or attending those shows that ran five or six hours to cram everything into one night.
Rhea Ripley injury update latest
6 of 7
The Rumor
Rhea Ripley remains sidelined and her title might go as fans expect right now. According to Alvarez (h/t Knight), it sounds like Ripley will vacate her title on the chance she's "gonna be gone a long, long time."
Reaction
Sounds terrible, no doubt. It was a little confusing that Ripley hadn't already vacated the title already, really. But perhaps this was a let's see how it goes thing before the knee surgery.
BS Meter: 1
An unfortunate situation, but these things happen in sports. Chelsea Green won the Interim WWE Women's Title at SummerSlam, so odds are the "interim" title comes off that, right? She stole the show at the major event while besting Charlotte Flair, Jade Cargill, Lash Legend, and Tiffany Stratton, so it makes sense. Plus, it sets up Rhea-return-feud material, too.
Brock Lesnar's return?
7 of 7
The Rumor
Brock Lesnar says he's done. The rumor mill? We'll see. According to WrestleVotes Radio (h/t Knight), some in WWE still think he could make an appearance at WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia, especially with some of the cash that could be getting thrown around to make it happen.
Reaction
No kidding. On one hand, Brock is Brock and when he says something, he tends to mean it, right? But on the other, this is pro wrestling. The track record of the latter has much more weight and history behind it. The adage never say never applies. Plus, these are unprecedented times for the sport given the money involved in these overseas shows and how they have lured out other "retired" names in the past.
BS Meter: 1
Of course some in WWE believe this. It is, after all, pro wrestling. And Lesnar might be 49 years old now, but it's pretty clear he can still go just fine in the ring and help elevate others. Maybe WrestleMania gives everyone that speculated encounter with Gunther. Or perhaps he puts over Bron Breakker next. Or…he headlines the Hall of Fame Class of 2027. But a match feels far more likely.
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