There have been some big developments in WWE in recent weeks, with Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes now official for next month's SummerSlam PLE. Unsurprisingly, the Second City Saint is now dominating the news cycle.
Sheamus has also announced his departure from the company, and we have updates on all that and more in our latest WWE Rumor Roundup.
Amother the other updates included here is the latest on SummerSlam's sluggish ticket sales, long-term plans for SmackDown, and news on absent WWE Superstars like Ilja Dragunov and Tamina.
Check out these latest WWE rumors below, and stay tuned for updates as we have them.
- WrestleVotes has learned that a senior WWE figure strongly advocated for Sheamus when discussing his worth to TKO, highlighting not only his in-ring contributions but also the value he brings outside the company’s programming. However, money ultimately came into play, and it sounds like Sheamus became frustrated with WWE creative around WrestleMania 41 when plans for a feud with Bron Breakker and a pursuit of the Intercontinental Championship fell apart.
- After that, Sheamus, The New Day, and several other longtime talents allegedly felt their standing within the company had declined during the Netflix era, citing reduced opportunities and limited communication with Triple H and WWE management. Sheamus was willing to remain with the company (making the most of what he was getting paid at the time), which is why he pushed for a program with Rusev.
- Online discussion has intensified regarding rumours that Sami Zayn was the big star who agreed to a 50% salary reduction to remain with WWE. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has since addressed the speculation, with Dave Meltzer noting that, while Zayn’s name had been mentioned to him in internal conversations related to WWE’s cost-cutting measures, the information was never presented as fully confirmed.
- Meltzer has also learned that WWE's direction for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam has long been set, with CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes reportedly the planned main event from the outset.
- WrestleVotes adds to that by noting that NBCUniversal has been pushing for Punk to become a central figure on SmackDown for more than a year. There is reportedly confidence among key stakeholders that Punk can help revitalise the brand, and one WWE creative source indicated his reign as champion is expected to last considerably longer than Sami Zayn’s recent run with the title.
- Self Made Pro claims talents such as Finn Bálor, Ricky Saints, and Gunther were moved to the blue brand because Punk either enjoys working with them or personally advocated for their inclusion.
- WrestleVotes has also learned that SummerSlam’s sluggish ticket sales have generated significant discussion behind the scenes, with some claiming the issue has been viewed internally as a concern for several weeks.
- They also haven't heard of any creative plans involving Ilja Dragunov. As a result, they do not believe a showdown with Gunther is currently being considered, despite ongoing fan interest in seeing the match happen.
- Fightful notes that while Tamina technically remains listed as an active member of WWE’s roster, she is seldom present at events, and there is a growing belief that she may never return to WWE television.