The WWE rumour mill is spinning at full speed this week, delivering a mix of nostalgic what-ifs, backstage drama, updates rising stars, and major brand shake-ups.
From a scrapped nWo reboot involving some very surprising names to the latest on Ludwig Kaiser and possible backstage heat, there’s no shortage of intrigue coming out of WWE today. NXT, meanwhile, is preparing for a significant reshuffle and it’s clear that big changes and high-stakes matches are on the horizon.
Find our latest WWE rumor roundup below, but be warned that some potentially major spoilers follow from this point on...
- According to former WWE writer Chris Dunn on the Public Enemies Podcast, there was a pitch to reboot the nWo with Sheamus, Cesaro, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Lars Sullivan. The idea was scrappped when a "legendary" member of the group was unable to fly to Orlando to introduce them due to a failed COVID test.
- In a pretty bizarre turn of events, Fightful Select is reporting that the suggestion Ludwig Kaiser was only defending his girlfriend because the man he punched had said he'd call ICE on her was a "planted" story. Regardless, there's no backstage heat on him in WWE and the expectation within the company is that the charges will be dismissed.
- Unsurprisingly, Je'Von Evans is receiving high praise from executives and talent backstage in WWE. Rope Break says he's been spotted spending time with and learning from Roman Reigns and Becky Lynch.
- The site also brings word that Nikita Lyons is a strong candidate for a main roster callup to RAW later this summer. In fact, a major NXT reshuffle is in the works, with current NXT Champion Tony D'Angelo expected to leave the developmental brand behind. The show will need fresh blood, of course, and Nikki Blackheart is expected to be a big part of NXT moving forward. Fightful Select adds that Hiromu Takahashi could also be a focal point of the brand as 2026 continues.
- Finally, they say that Rhea Ripley will retain the WWE Women's Championship when she faces Jade Cargill at Clash in Italy this weekend.
- Following reports that Enzo Amore and Big Cass could be on track for a WWE return, Enzo has stopped taking bookings, reveals Fightful Select. Cass' AEW contract, meanwhile, is likely up in "the next few weeks." Despite the issues both men had in the past, the feeling seems to be that they've matured and are ready for another shot in the company.
- Talking of AEW deals, FTR is nearing the end of their contract with Tony Khan's company. According to BodySlam.net, WWE has shown interest in them "through mutual contacts."