WWE Rumor Roundup: WrestleMania 43 Updates, Big SmackDown Changes, Brock Lesnar's Retirement, More

WWE Rumor Roundup: WrestleMania 43 Updates, Big SmackDown Changes, Brock Lesnar's Retirement, More

In our latest WWE rumor roundup, we have big news on WrestleMania 42 and 43, and the latest on Superstars like Brock Lesnar, Joe Hendry, and WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio.

By JoshWilding - Apr 24, 2026 11:04 AM EST
Filed Under: WWE

It's been nearly a week since WrestleMania 42 took place, but we're still getting news out of the Show of Shows. In our latest WWE rumor roundup, you'll find updates on what didn't happen at the event, for starters. 

From there, we look ahead to next year's WrestleMania 43 and share updates on Superstars like Rey Mysterio, Brock Lesnar, and Joe Hendry.

Check them out below, but be warned of potential spoilers for upcoming WWE shows!

  • According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE considered having CM Punk defeat Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42. However, he'd have then dropped the title to Reigns at Backlash.
  • With Pat McAfee opting out of the Cody Rhodes/Randy Orton feud, WWE intentionally teased CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes on RAW as a major match for the future.
  • Fightful has heard that many WWE Superstars were frustrated by the short match times and high number of adverts during WrestleMania 42 Night 1.

  • While there's a "strong belief" in WWE that Brock Lesnar did retire at the PLE on Sunday night, @WrestleVotes has learned that WWE is "hopeful" that he might consider one final match at SummerSlam this year. 

  • Looking ahead to next year's Showcase of the Immortals, the same outlet has learned that the weekend of March 27, 2027, is being "targeted" for WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia. The April 10 weekend is possible, while there's been some talk of the event going back to being one night (ESPN isn't keen on the idea, though).
  • The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp told FOX17 News' Johnny Maffei that WrestleMania 43 nearly ended up in the Tennessee capital. However, "the date didn’t work out," and WWE is now looking at "future years." There's a verbal agreement to make it happen, not least because of a new $2+ billion stadium that's being built for the NFL's Tennessee Titans.

  • There's also talk of a "presentation update" for SmackDown, but not in regard to anything like the logo or theme song. Instead, it sounds like the roster is getting a shakeup, with Rey Mysterio and Jacy Jayne among those eyed for a move to the blue brand. 

  • Joe Hendry makes his permanent move to the main roster on RAW next week, and the idea right now is to push him in "the upper midcard," similar to LA Knight. 

  • John Cena is teasing something big for next month's Backlash PLE...
About The Author:
JoshWilding
Member Since 3/13/2009
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