WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around King Barrett, Natalya and More

Leave it to WWE rumors to explain the absences of King Barrett and Natalya, two Superstars left out of the spotlight of late.

Barrett hasn't been kicked out of The League of Nations as it might seem after his recent no-shows. A report pointed to him not being 100 percent healthy at the moment.

As for Natalya, she was reportedly set to do battle at the TLC pay-per-view. WWE seemed to have changed its mind due to a lack of moment, exasperating the problem in the process.

Other stories touch on why WWE is rumored to have signed Daria Berenato, whether Noelle Foley is headed for a WWE gig and just what the company was thinking when it had Roman Reigns insult Sheamus' testicles.

Why Barrett Has Been M.I.A.

Barrett didn't show up at TLC or Raw on Monday despite his partners from The League of Nations doing so. Those absences left fans to speculate whether he was being written out of the group.

Credit: WWE.com

It looks instead to be a problem with his health. According to Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t PWMania.com), Barrett has been unable to do anything of a physical nature due to an injury. There is no more word on the severity or nature of the injury. 

That would be the most sensible explanation for just leaving him off TV, though.

Barrett has struggled with a variety of injuries in the past, derailing his momentum several times. Here's hoping that this one is temporary and minor, and that he's back to fighting alongside Rusev, Alberto Del Rio and Sheamus quite soon.

Backstage Word on WWE Signing Berenato

Former MMA fighter and WWE Tough Enough contestant, Berenato is one of several folks from that reality show now a part of the developmental system.

One report suggested that Berenato got a hand in inking her deal. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestle Zone), hiring Berenato was partly a favor to Maria Menounos, but WWE reportedly also wanted to sign an openly gay female.

While having someone to vouch for you is powerful, it's hard to believe that WWE would be swayed by Menounos here. The company is not in the business of hiring people based on favors. It has to be on the lookout for the talents most worth investing in.

Count on there being some degree of nepotism throughout the process, but Berenato's physical ability and MMA background had to be bigger factors than a TV host's influence.

Noelle Foley to Join Her Brother as Part of WWE?

Mick Foley's son, Dewey, joined the WWE writing team recently, as Mick noted on Facebook. There have since been rumblings that his daughter Noelle would also start working for the company.

That doesn't appear to be true. At least not yet.

PWInsider (h/t Wrestling Inc) reported that there are currently no plans to bring Noelle in. Reportedly, she is interested in the job, but WWE isn't making that move as of now.

Noelle has a cult following of sorts on social media. She also hosts Ringside or Riot. Whether that translates into a spot for WWE is hard to say.

The company is quite set at the position, though, with both Tom Phillips and Renee Young.

Rumored Original TLC Pre-Show Plans

Sasha Banks and Natalya clashed a number of times in what looked like might lead to a feud between the two. WWE neglected the narrative but reportedly planned to have them collide at the TLC pay-per-view.

F4WOnline (h/t Wrestling Inc) reported that Natalya vs. Banks was first planned for the TLC pre-show. Apparently, officials thought it best to go with Becky Lynch instead at least partly because Natalya hasn't been on TV much of late.

WWE's logic there is maddening, but it sure sounds like what happened. Natalya hasn't been on TV because WWE hasn't put her on there. The solution then is to keep her out of the spotlight even longer?

The company sabotaged its own story. And it continues to undervalue Natalya, leaving her on the sidelines far too often.

Backstage Notes on 'Tater Tots' Promo

On the Raw before TLC, Reigns incited a brawl between him and Sheamus by insulting his manhood. Specifically, he called his testicles "tater tots." The juvenile line was apparently supposed to be the main focus of the moment.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc) noted that WWE reportedly wanted fans to start chanting "tater tots" at Sheamus.

No wonder Reigns said it so often during the promo. It worked to some degree, as a few fans chanted it, but the result was a garbage finish to a go-home show. 

If Vince McMahon was behind the idea, this is proof positive of how out of touch he's become. There was nothing cool or funny about the insult. The same goes for Reigns then calling out McMahon for having a pair of shriveled prunes on Monday's Raw.

Feeding Reigns lines like that is a sure-fire way to gut his momentum.