We have a jam-packed WWE rumor roundup for you today, starting with a big update on CM Punk's WWE future and ending with some insights into what's next for The New Day.
We also have news on Stephanie Vaquer, Fatal Influence, and Asuka, along with what's really going on with those Teddy Long return rumours. As if that wasn't enough, you'll also find backstage updates on the John Cena Classic and WWE's upcoming house show tour.
Keep reading for a full breakdown of the biggest WWE rumors currently doing the rounds...
- Following reports that CM Punk has been pulled from WWE's upcoming European Summer Tour, Dave Meltzer is reporting that the reason the Second City Saint is absent from those shows and upcoming episodes of RAW is down to "nothing more" than a "schedule change."
- Following her loss to IYO SKY at Backlash and an emotional farewell on RAW, Asuka is said to be "semi-retiring." Meltzer added, "She is going back to Japan for now to take care of family-related business. Nothing else is clear as far as [whether] she should come back or if she does, will her role be different."
- WWE is bringing back house shows this summer, and according to Bryan Alvarez, the plan is for tickets to be far more affordable than televised shows like RAW and SmackDown.
- Over the past couple of days, rumours have swirled about Teddy Long returning to SmackDown as its General Manager (replacing Nick Aldis, who is reportedly gearing up to step back into the ring). However, Long himself has now responded, saying, "WWE has not contacted me. Call me for anything. I know it ain’t gonna happen. That ain’t gonna happen. They ain’t calling me. I guarantee you."
- Fightful Select has learned that crowd reactions to Fatal Influence have led to WWE changing its plans for Jacy Jayne. It sounds like the idea is to feature her more prominently on SmackDown after a strong performance from her and her stablemates since their main roster debut a few weeks back.
- PWInsider Elite reveals that Stephanie Vaquer could return from injury much sooner than expected. There's even chatter about her being back in action as soon as this coming Monday's episode of RAW.
- What's the latest on the John Cena Classic? @WrestleVotes has heard that WWE doesn't have a date or venue planned, but something in December—between Survivor Series and the Royal Rumble—seems likely. That's the month Cena was retired by Gunther, and Netflix showed "immediate interest" in hosting the mysterious event, even though "very little about the concept" is finalised.
- The insider account has also learned that there's a "heavy push" to bring The New Day into AEW for at least one match, but likely more. Regardless of where they wrestle, expect them to likely go by Kofi (Kofi Kingston) and Austin Creed (Xavier Woods).