WWE News Roundup: Why former champion's big push got cancelled, Retirement update on 14-time world champion, RAW star says Shawn Michaels was a pr**k to him

Welcome to another edition of the daily WWE News Roundup, where we try and bring the biggest news and stories regarding the promotion. Today's edition will talk about some interesting topics revolving around top names like Randy Orton, Brie Bella, Shawn Michaels, and many more.

With Royal Rumble just days away, there has been a lot of speculation about who could win the 30-person match. Though there are rumors that many superstars will be returning for the event, most of those names have not yet been announced.

We will also look into why Randy Orton did not like Shawn Michaels when he started in the business and how he believes the Hall of Famer has changed for the better over the years. So without any further ado, let's dive in and take a look at the big news from today:

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#5 Randy Orton felt Shawn Michaels was a pr*ck in WWE

Former world champion Randy Orton compared his journey in the company to that of Shawn Michaels on The Ringer Wrestling Show. He said that Michaels has become one of the most loved people backstage despite being an ass**** early on in his career.

Randy Orton also claimed that he did not like Michaels when he first met the Hall of Famer:

"I was lucky to have some great men in the locker room, kind of see how they went about life and how they were with their kids. I got to see Shawn Michaels, who, on all accounts was a complete a**hole. And when I met him I even thought he was a pr*ck. But, I saw the change and I heard the stories... And I feel like, it's kind of funny, the same thing kind of happened to me. Kind of.''

Orton admitted that this was just part of his journey, and his legacy in the company will be his longevity.

#4 Randy Orton gives an update on when he will retire from WWE

Speaking to The Ringer Wrestling Show, former 14-time world heavyweight champion Randy Orton talked about his future plans.

The Viper was asked when he plans to retire. Orton disclosed that while he loves what he does but will most likely call it quits by the time he reaches the age of 50.

“I’m 41. By the time I’m 50, I think I’m done. But I’m not like, I’ll do auditions every once in a while, but I almost only do them because my wife says ‘oh do them, because what if you don’t? Then you’ll wonder what if you did,'' said Orton.

The former RAW Tag Team Champion also said that he does give auditions here and there but hopes that he doesn't get the part. The reason for that is him not wanting to leave WWE as he doesn't want to stop being a wrestler anytime soon.

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#3 Brie Bella thought that the Royal Rumble returns should have been kept a surprise

Speaking on The Bellas Podcast, Brie Bella said that the return of Summer Rae at the Royal Rumble should have been kept a secret by WWE.

While she understood why they advertised the return of Hall of Famers like Nikki Bella, herself, and Lita, she believed that Rae's appearance could have been "a fun surprise."

“I was thinking maybe just announce Nikki and I and Lita. We’ve done the first one, but there was so many girls. Even Summer Rae, we haven’t seen her since she left, which was a while ago. That would have been a fun surprise. I don’t know, but I’m excited,” Brie said.

Summer Rae will be making her return for the first time since her release from the company in 2017.

#2 Reason why Rene Dupree's push in WWE got nixed

Former WWE Tag Team Champion Rene Dupree spoke on SportsKeeda's UnSKripted and discussed various topics. One of the topics touched upon was the fizzling out of his push early on in his career.

Dupree revealed that he was in line for a major push. However, due to a hernia, his push took a halt, and by the time he was ready to return, the idea of giving him a push was gone.

''Backstage, Vince (McMahon) was looking at me. And the doctor at that time was a team doctor. Vince talked to the doctor and the doctor came and said, 'We've got to get that hernia fixed.' So they sent me to a doctor in Louisville, KY to get the hernia fixed. I thought, two or three weeks and I'll be back on the road. I was out for eight months,'' said Dupree.

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#1 Booker T wants Alexa Bliss to win the Royal Rumble

WWE legend Booker T wants to see Bliss' in-ring return at the Royal Rumble. Not only that, he thinks it would be a good idea if the former RAW Women's champion wins the match and goes on to main-event WrestleMania.

''We (WWE) need her. That's what I'm talking about. I like Alexa Bliss and the character she's doing right now. I know merchandise may be good and what not, but as far as strengthening the women's locker room, we need Alexa Bliss on the roster going on to do what she does,'' said Booker T

Bliss returned to television a few weeks back but is yet to make her in-ring return. She is likely to be part of the Women's Royal Rumble this Saturday.