With SummerSlam just days away, the WWE rumor mill is showing no signs of slowing down. This week's biggest reports cover everything from Tom Brady's supposed talks with the company and Becky Lynch's expected return to the latest on Bayley's contract status, Rhea Ripley's recovery, and Nick Aldis' in-ring future.
There are also fresh updates on WWE's controversial use of AI, Charlotte Flair's creative plans (a major SummerSlam spoiler if it's accurate), and even speculation surrounding next year's WrestleMania. As always, remember that these stories remain unconfirmed unless WWE says otherwise.
Find all the latest WWE rumors below, and stay tuned for more on all of these developing stories...
- TMZ Sports reports that WWE has been holding "ongoing conversations" with NFL legend Tom Brady about a potential appearance. It's currently unclear whether the seven-time Super Bowl champion would actually compete in a match. However, his interactions with Logan Paul at several public events in recent months point to something being in the works.
- Bayley suffered a brutal assault at the hands of Lyra Valkyria during Saturday Night's Main Event, leading Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer to speculate that she may have been written off television, potentially for good. While he stressed he wasn't certain, Lyra's recent comments have only added to the speculation. However, Fightful Select reports that Bayley has yet to sign a new WWE contract. Unless additional time is added to her current agreement, it is set to expire before the end of the year.
- A report from WrestleVotes Radio states there was a "strong internal push" within WWE for Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley to avoid rushing back from injury in time for SummerSlam. Instead, the company reportedly wants to ensure she's fully recovered, with hopes she will be cleared to return during the autumn.
- They also report that WWE decided against booking Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill at SummerSlam because one of the two competitors is expected to emerge victorious in the interim championship ladder match.
- The same outlet claims Becky Lynch is expected to make her return to WWE television once SummerSlam is in the rear-view mirror.
- Finally, the site reveals that Nick Aldis' upcoming clash with GUNTHER at SummerSlam is currently planned as a one-off. That said, the report adds that WWE hasn't ruled out the possibility of Aldis making a more permanent in-ring return somewhere down the line.
- According to WRKD Wrestling, WWE has no intention of slowing its use of artificial intelligence despite criticism from sections of the fanbase over AI-generated promotional content. The report says the company is fully aware of the negative reaction online but plans to expand its use of AI both on-screen and behind the scenes.
- In the latest edition of The Daily Update, Dave Meltzer speculated that WWE and ESPN likely concluded that streaming the opening hour of Premium Live Events free on ESPN negatively impacted subscription numbers. Meltzer believes that's the reason neither night of SummerSlam will feature a free opening hour.
- Speaking on the D-Von & The Duke podcast, D-Von Dudley claimed that "I know a lot of people are interested in having Vince McMahon back [in WWE]," adding another voice to the ongoing discussion surrounding the former WWE Chairman's future.