WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around AJ Styles, Sasha Banks and More

AJ Styles isn't going anywhere, or at least that's what the latest batch of WWE rumors tells us.

After The Phenomenal One lost his second straight pay-per-view match to Roman Reigns, some fans started throwing around the word "buried." There is a worry among many that he will slide down from his current lofty spot atop the card to someplace obscure. One report, though, pointed to WWE keeping him a high priority.

It's not as clear whether fans should worry about Sasha Banks.

Her extended absence from WWE TV could well be the result of poor booking. But new information has emerged suggesting that she is instead nursing a head injury.

Elsewhere on the grapevine, there is talk of Cody Rhodes' relationship with WWE before his exit from the company and what might be in store for Kalisto.

The Boss Injured?

The Boss hasn't been around much since WrestleMania. The prevailing thought was that WWE was biding its time with her until she rose to title contention ahead of SummerSlam.

There may be another reason she has been out of sight.

F4WOnline.com's Dave Meltzer wrote, "WWE female wrestling star Sasha Banks missed house shows this past week in Utica, New York, and Reading, Pennsylvania, due to an undisclosed head injury which happened on the May 15 show in Charlottesville, Virginia."

He added that other reports have labeled it a concussion, which would mean she could return "any day or [in] a few weeks."

Ian Gavan/Getty Images

WWE has not confirmed this injury. Neither has Banks herself.

If she is hurt, it will be easy to allow her time to rest, as she was only wrestling on house shows of late. And hopefully, it's not serious. A torn ligament is one thing, but WWE fans are hyper-aware of the gravity of concussions after watching Daniel Bryan walk away from the ring at age 35.

Potential Plans for Kalisto 

Kalisto experienced the wrong end of a steamrolling at Extreme Rules. Rusev clobbered him and ripped the United States Championship from his grasp at the pay-per-view.

The King of Flight, though, could be getting some assistance in his fight against Rusev. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted (h/t Wrestle Zone) that WWE may be looking for a female star to pair with Kalisto to set up a future mixed tag match against Lana and Rusev.

WWE didn't address that feud on Monday's Raw.

And John Cena is set to return next week, someone many expect to face off against Rusev once more. If that happens, this rumored idea of Kalisto getting a new ally to even the odds against Lana and The Bulgarian Brute is sure to remain one that doesn't get executed.

Kalisto is, however, scheduled to face Rusev in a rematch for the U.S. title on Thursday's SmackDown. That bout should offer some hints about what WWE has in mind for both men.

Backstage Word on Rhodes' Exit

Rhodes made headlines with a revealing statement following his release from WWE (warning: NSFW language):

The second-generation star commented on WWE Creative not listening to his ideas and not being allowed to shed the Stardust character. He was nonetheless gracious in his exit, although he and WWE may have been at odds as the two sides parted.

Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Wrestling Inc, F4WOnline) that the split is "not amicable" and that WWE is "kind of putting the screws to him." The company is reportedly trying to make it difficult for Rhodes to work for another wrestling promotion.

As much as WWE might be upset with how vocal Rhodes was in his farewell statement, it's odd to hear about him reportedly getting this kind of treatment after so many years of service.

WWE has to expect that when it pushes wrestlers to the bottom of the pile and doesn't given them true opportunities to climb up, there will be frustration. 

We have seen more of that lately with Ryback openly discussing his contract issues and Wade Barrett deciding not to re-sign earlier this year, as first reported by Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet.

What's Next for Styles?

Don't assume the worst for Styles' booking post-Extreme Rules. It seems as if WWE has something else in the works for him other than chasing Reigns' title.

According to Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Wrestling Inc, F4WOnline), WWE has big plans for Styles even though he lost to Reigns at Extreme Rules.

Fans saw a hint of that on Monday's Raw. Styles broke away from Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, his allies quickly morphing into enemies. That has the makings of a great storyline, one that will likely get ample spotlight.

That's reassuring. WWE would be wise to keep showcasing Styles. He has been WWE's best performer all year.