Clash in Paris takes place in France this weekend, and September's Wrestlepalooza is already shaping up to be a huge show for WWE, as it will see the company's PLEs move from Peacock to ESPN.
However, former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon's recent 80th birthday celebrations have been dominating headlines this past week. In our latest WWE rumour roundup, we have a full breakdown of the backstage reaction to the event, along with an update on his physical health.
Another match is also expected to be added to the Clash in Paris card, and WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella has confirmed rumours that WWE's issues with AEW are holding up her twin sister Brie's return.
You can read through these latest WWE rumours below...
- As noted, Vince McMahon recently celebrated his 80th birthday, with The Undertaker, John Cena, JBL, Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, The Miz, Maryse, Titus O'Neil, and Bruce Prichard among the attendees. Now, Fightful Select has shed new light on the event.
- The party was reportedly meant to be very private, with guests advised to only use the professional photographer on hand rather than taking their own photos. However, Jerry Lawler let the cat out of the bag by sharing a photo he was later asked to delete.
- One WWE talent who was at the party told the site, "a lot of people here still feel like they owe Vince something, even though he made his money back on them tenfold." Another said there was a "moral conflict" in their decision to attend.
- Many Superstars who were invited decided not to go, and WWE had no "official" involvement (interestingly, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Nick Khan weren't there).
- As for McMahon's appearance, one attendee said he "looked 80" and seemed "more frail" and "walked slower" than when they'd last seen him. They've also heard that there's "no talk" of Vince returning to WWE and "no desire to bring him back."
- Talking of Vince, PW Insider has learned that he's due in court on October 16 for his reckless driving charge from last month.
- The site is also reporting that WWE has quietly released Ice Williams and Jordan Oasis from its WWE ID program.
- According to Dave Meltzer, "There’s at least a solid chance that they’re going to add Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre to [Clash in Paris] on Sunday. It’s not 100% but it was something that’s been talked about."
- Nikki Bella has addressed rumours about her sister Brie's absence from WWE. "I keep pushing it. All the women want her back and they keep asking me every week has that decision changed. I don’t think legacies should be determined on spouses, but I also understand business," she said, referring to Brie's marriage to AEW star Bryan Danielson.
- She added, "I do think [WWE is] becoming more and more open to it. I understand it takes time and we just have to figure things out. There’s so much business to figure out, and Brie and I both completely understand that."