WWE Rumor Roundup: Randy Orton segment responsible for major backstage heat on female talent; Former World Champion gives details on his kiss with Stephanie McMahon - 18th March 2021

Stephanie McMahon/Randy Orton
Stephanie McMahon/Randy Orton

Welcome to another edition of the daily WWE Rumor Roundup where we try and bring the biggest rumors and stories from the world of WWE to you. With WrestleMania 37 just a few weeks away, WWE has been gearing up to make the spectacle as memorable as possible.

In today's edition, this article will take a look at why a prominent female talent has considerable backstage heat in WWE, a former World Champion on his "weird" kiss with Stephanie McMahon, the truth about Andrade's release request from WWE and much more.

So without any further ado, let us dive in and take a look at some of the most interesting stories related to WWE today.


#5 Major backstage heat on WWE interviewer Charly Caruso

WWE interviewer Charly Caruso has notably been absent from RAW for the past few weeks. The reason behind this absence on TV is that she has a lot of backstage heat with management. Per Fightful Select, Caruso has been "consistently late" to tape interviews which has led to unhappiness over her work.

It was stated that two interviews in particular involving Randy Orton and Sheamus where Caruso was late caught the ire of the top management.

The report noted that there were specific instances with Sheamus and Randy Orton. When WWE higher-ups were informed about the same, they then decided to take Caruso off TV for the time being.

The report also suggested that RAW's most recent hire as a backstage interviewer (Kevin Patrick) is a direct replacement for Charly Caruso. It was also mentioned that Caruso's contract with WWE is at its tail end and the company might not offer her a renewal.

Charly Caruso had become the face of RAW Talk and was considered one of the most popular backstage interviewers in WWE among fans. She joined the company in 2016 and became one of the most prominent interviewers.

#4 Kurt Angle reveals details about his on-screen kiss with Stephanie McMahon in WWE

Kurt Angle, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon were a part of an on-screen love triangle in WWE back in 2000. While Triple H and Stephanie McMahon had a real-life relationship as well, Kurt Angle was added to the dynamic for storyline purposes.

One of the most controversial promos that took place during that program was the kiss between Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon backstage. Speaking on The Kurt Angle Show, the former WWE Champion talked about how awkward his kiss with Stephanie McMahon was.

''Oh, this was ridiculously weird. I mean, you know, come backstage with Stephanie, and I had to do a pre-tape that was going live. So, we weren't going to tape it; it was going to be a one-take. I think Vince did that on purpose, so we only had to kiss once.''

Angle revealed that Vince McMahon directing the segment made it all-the-more weird. He said that he felt very uncomfortable with Stephanie McMahon's father being present while he had to kiss her and did not want to kiss her in a manner that would seem disrespectful.

#3 Andrade reveals if rumours of him wanting to leave WWE are true

Former US Champion Andrade has been under the spotlight of late as rumors of him asking for his WWE release have been circulating. It was stated that Andrade was "miserable" in WWE and had asked to be let go. It was also stated that El Idolo was not present during last week's RAW tapings.

Andrade took to Twitter and gave an explanation regarding the recent rumors of him wanting to leave WWE. The former NXT Champion admitted that he has asked for his release, implying that he is not happy with the way he has been treated in the company.

The rumors are true and I don’t know what the future holds but I want to make my dreams come true. thank you for giving me so much support these last days

Andrade has not been seen on WWE TV ever since the draft took place late last year. Despite his fiance Charlotte Flair asking to be paired with him on-screen, there have been no plans at all to use Andrade.

#2 Paul Wight on how his relationship with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon changed

Former WWE Superstar Big Show, now known by his real name Paul Wight, spoke about his relationship with Vince McMahon on the Talk is Jericho podcast. Wight revealed how their was a change in Vince McMahon's attitude towards him during the last year.

“I knew the writing had changed for me and Vince in our relationship because for years I was always Show. In the last year it’s been Paul, so that’s a subtle thing in his mind where he’s already shipping me off to Shady Pines [retirement home], you know what I mean? Paul’s just a guy, Paul’s his friend.”

Paul Wight recently joined AEW and has been working as a color commentator on AEW: Dark Elevation. However, he will also be an active in-ring competitor for the company. Paul Wight revealed that the WWE Chairman called to congratulate him on joining AEW.

“There’s no animosity, there’s no heat there at all. He called me, he said, ‘Congratulations, you’re gonna do fantastic over there. You’re really gonna help their company. You have a lot to help here.’ It was a very classy, classy move.”

Despite Wight jumping ship to join AEW, there is reportedly no bad blood between he and Vince McMahon.

#1 Jim Ross says Big E will become WWE Universal Champion

WWE veteran and current AEW announcer Jim Ross had major praise for Big E while speaking on Grilling JR. The WWE Hall of Famer stated that Big E is a hard-working superstar. Ross said he's very happy that he is finally getting a major singles push.

Jim Ross talked about how Big E passed Vince McMahon's eye test, insinuating that Big E has the perfect look to be a WWE Superstar. Ross also said that, in his view, Big E is a bona fide future world champion for WWE.

''I'm happy for him. He is a really good guy, Big E is a really good guy, and I like for really good guys to get their break and then realize they got a break and now run with the son of a b****. He will be the Universal Champion or WWE Champion sooner than later in his career. No doubt in my mind."

There had been rumors that Big E was one of the names in the running to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 37. However, it looks like a run at the top of the card will have to wait for the current Intercontinental Champion.

How did Ric Flair spend $1500 at a pizza place? More details here

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