WWE rarely stands still, and the rumour mill has been especially busy in the wake of SummerSlam. From major creative plans and backstage frustrations to potential returns and future title pushes, there's plenty of speculation doing the rounds.
Fresh reports have emerged on everything from Cody Rhodes' future and Brock Lesnar's retirement plans to backstage reactions, creative frustrations, and potential title pushes.
As always, take these reports with a grain of salt until they're confirmed, but here's a look at the latest buzz from around the wrestling world...
- Cody Rhodes' long-rumoured heel turn is reportedly entirely in his hands. Self Made Pro claims WWE will support whatever decision he makes, while also noting CM Punk originally expected to be the heel in a feud with Rhodes. That plan never happened, and Punk isn't expected to turn anytime soon because he's simply too popular as a babyface.
- The Rock hasn't appeared on WWE TV since helping John Cena turn heel at Elimination Chamber 2025, and rumours of backstage tension with TKO refuse to go away. After Raj Giri claimed there was "some heat" between the two sides, Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp said he can't confirm it but acknowledged there are "plenty of signs" pointing to legitimate issues.
- According to Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer, Vince McMahon changed WALTER's name to GUNTHER because he feared fans would start calling him "Wally," which he reportedly didn't think suited a main event foreign heel.
- Self Made Pro claims there's a directive from high up in WWE to make sure Danhausen appears across every major show. They've also heard that Dominik Mysterio is frustrated with his current creative direction and doesn't understand why his AAA presentation isn't being used on WWE television.
- Brock Lesnar's SummerSlam loss may not have been his farewell. WrestleVotes Radio reports the expectation within WWE is that Lesnar will take another lengthy break before returning for another big-money match, potentially at next year's WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia.
- Solo Sikoa's babyface run was only meant to be temporary, according to the outlet, but his popularity has reportedly sparked talk of extending it. One WWE source also described him as one of the funniest people backstage.
- Wrestling Observer Live's Bryan Alvarez says WWE's current plan is for El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser) to win the tournament for a shot at Roman Reigns' World Heavyweight Championship in Mexico City. That said, he stresses the match isn't confirmed or locked in.
- Trick Williams may already be headed for bigger things after dropping the United States Championship. WRKD Wrestling says he's been discussed as an early Money in the Bank favourite. Meanwhile, False Finish reports Lil Yachty is negotiating a new WWE deal after continuing his in-ring training.
- Nick Aldis might not be done wrestling after all. Fightful Select says there's a belief within WWE that the SmackDown General Manager will eventually return to the ring.