WWE News & Rumor Roundup: Former world champion confirms he will never wrestle again, Top RAW star is already pursuing a new career (15th November, 2024)
Welcome to today’s edition of the WWE News & Rumor roundup. We take a look at the latest happenings in the world of the biggest wrestling company there is and there are some interesting tidbits that have come out.
This includes a former World Champion confirming he’ll never return to the ring, a RAW star pursuing a career outside WWE, a rumor killer on a major retirement, a pre-Royal Rumble extravaganza, and a backstage update on plans for a new title.
Let’s jump right into it:
#5. A former world champion confirmed he will never wrestle again after being asked about a match against John Cena
John Cena is set to compete in his final WrestleMania in Las Vegas and there is a lot of speculation over who he could face. Some want him to face either of the World Champions, specifically Gunther, while others want him to face an old foe like CM Punk or Randy Orton. Some have even pitched the idea of former World Champion Kurt Angle.
In an interview with The Takedown, Kurt Angle confirmed that he will never step into the ring again to wrestle, even against John Cena, the man who inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame:
“A lot of people ask me if I’d wrestle Cena for his retirement match. No, no—I mean, listen, my body needs replacements. I’ve had five neck surgeries, back surgery last year, and I need shoulder replacements. I’m in no condition to be getting in the ring and wrestling.” (H/T – Ringside News)
It’s probably for the best that he never steps in the ring again. After being away for five years, it doesn’t seem like a wise decision to get back considering his circumstances.
#4. Liv Morgan confirms pursuit of a career outside of WWE
Liv Morgan is firing on all cylinders right now. She’s been the Women’s World Champion for most of 2024 and has arguably been the number one woman in the company and easily in the top three in all of women’s wrestling.
In an interview with Uncrowned, Liv Morgan confirmed that she is looking to be involved in more non-WWE projects and auditions regularly for roles.
“I think these crossover opportunities are amazing. […] it brings new viewers to each of these products that are involved. I audition regularly. I would love to be involved in more film, television, media. I just want to see what I can do in that space, and for WWE to be involved in that and to be supportive of that and to be helping me, guide me through all that is really amazing and cool too. But I just want to see what I can do,” she said. [H/T: Yahoo! Sports]
It doesn’t come as a surprise that the company is also fine with Liv Morgan taking acting projects. Historically, there’s something to be gained for them as well and for the Women’s World Champion, it always opens up another door once she’s done with wrestling.
#3. Rumor killer on Becky Lynch’s retirement
Speaking of Liv Morgan, the woman she beat to become Women’s World Champion hasn’t been around since losing the title and the subsequent rematch on RAW.
A user on X tweeted that Sam Roberts claimed Becky Lynch would never step into a ring again. The wrestling analyst responded to clarify that he never made that statement.
It seems to be a case of where Becky Lynch has made a verbal agreement and they’re just waiting for the right time to bring her back. Considering her position in the company’s hierarchy, it isn’t surprising that she doesn’t want to go elsewhere.
#2. WWE set to host a huge 2-day event just one week before the 2025 Royal Rumble
The Royal Rumble 2025 will take place on February 1. It’s the first time that the event will be held in February and the sports entertainment juggernaut seems to be meticulously planning their Premium Live Event schedule.
But it isn’t just PLEs that are being planned.
On WrestleVotes Radio exclusively on Backstage Pass, JoeyVotes stated that the second edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event is set to be held on January 25. The night before is Friday, so the expectation is that both events will be held from the same venue.
This will make it a two-night special just one week before Royal Rumble in Indianapolis. The first edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event takes place in a month in Nassau Colisseum in Long Island, NY. It will be the first of five such editions.
#1. Backstage update on whether WWE is going to create a Women’s Intercontinental Championship
Nick Aldis introduced the new Women’s United States Championship and fans rejoiced as it seemed high time to add a mid-card title to the women’s division. It was introduced on SmackDown and some wondered if there are plans to introduce a Women’s Intercontinental Title on RAW.
In a report from Fightful Select, it was revealed that there are currently no talks about introducing a Women’s Intercontinental Championship. This could mean that like the Tag Team Titles, the Women’s US Title will be a dual-branded Championship.
It’s going to be interesting to see how the Women’s US Title will be handled. NXT introduced a Women’s North American Championship and the inaugural titleholder Kelani Jordan did a great job making it feel important.
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