Backstage WWE Rumors: Latest on AEW, CM Punk and More

What would a stroll through the wrestling rumor mill be without a mention of CM Punk?

This week, The Second City Saint's status for WWE Backstage on Fox Sports 1 was at the forefront of rumors, but it was hardly the only noteworthy topic discussed.

What did industry insiders have to say about Punk, the returning Drew McIntyre, social media-savvy Randy Orton and All Elite Wrestling executive vice president Kenny Omega?

Find out with this gathering of reports.

CM Punk-WWE Backstage Update

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported Fox has "moved on" from the idea of former WWE champion CM Punk joining the company's new WWE Backstage show.

Momentum for Punk to join the sports-entertainment studio show had picked up in recent weeks and was said to be a "done deal" at one point.

If true, the unraveling of the deal ranks as a massive disappointment for fans who looked forward to seeing the self-proclaimed Best in the World back in the wrestling industry in one form or the other.

Still one of the most popular stars, with an enduring legacy that rears its head in the form of "CM Punk" chants whenever fans are dissatisfied by the current WWE product, he would have added considerable legitimacy and a must-see element to the show.

If there is a positive to take from this report, Punk remains free for a return to the squared circle by not appearing on the show.

Considering the wealth of talent on the roster and the feeling the Superstar has unfinished business in WWE, one can only hope Vince McMahon, Triple H and Co. have one last negotiation in them to acquire the rights to a Punk in-ring return sooner than later.

Drew McIntyre to Receive Renewed Push?

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reported Drew McIntyre was put over by Ricochet Monday night because WWE has plans to push The Scottish Psychopath significantly in the near future.

The Scot's pushes over the last two years have been inconsistent, to say the least. He has been portrayed as a legitimate contender to the Universal Championship, and then little more than muscle for Shane McMahon in his rivalry with Roman Reigns.

McIntyre has gone from one of the hottest stars on the roster to a nondescript heavy.

A renewed push is a welcome development, if for no other reason than his immense talent. At some point, WWE Creative is either going to have to firmly entrench him in the main event scene or move on from the idea he is ever going to be a credible and believable attraction at that level.

If it is the second option, it will have to take a long, hard look at itself and wonder how it possibly messed up someone with the look and ability to be the next badass heel like McIntyre.

Randy Orton's Contract Status

Randy Orton fueled the WWE rumor mill this week with an Instagram post picturing him beside the word "elite." He tagged other Superstars, including SmackDown tag team champions The Revival, Luke Harper and NXT competitor Riddick Moss, suggesting it was only a matter of time.

Sapp of Fightful reported The Viper's contract is set to expire in the summer of 2020, but a wealth of time missed due to injury over the course of the 10-year deal may mean WWE opts to extend it.

Orton is no stranger to stirring things up so this may be a post meant to catch a few eyes or send a pre-emptive message to Vince McMahon and management. It may also be a veteran competitor, one of the most recognizable in the industry, expressing his frustration with the current product and his desire to move on to bigger, better, more dynamite things elsewhere.

If that is the case, WWE management should re-evaluate what it is doing because Orton is a Superstar the level of which the company cannot afford to allow to pop up on TNT Wednesday nights.

Kenny Omega-AAA Mega Championship Report

Meltzer also reported (h/t Cageside Seats) Kenny Omega's AAA Mega Championship victory over Rey Fenix this past weekend is expected to be part of AEW storylines at some point in the near future.

The match between Omega and Fenix earned rave reviews—including from the legendary Konan—and was the buzz of social media Saturday night.

It makes sense that Omega's high-profile title win would become part of AEW television, particularly since he beat one of the Lucha Bros to procure the gold. The question is whether this leads to a significant singles push and a rematch of any kind for Fenix. There is little doubt they would deliver but how, where and when the match would fit creatively with what the AEW bookers are doing would be the questions in need of answering.

The relationship between AEW and Omega has already been mutually beneficial, if only for the rights to the Lucha Bros. That team has been a major part of AEW since day one and will continue being that way, particularly given Pentagon and Fenix's place in the finals of the tag team title tournament.