5 Top WWE rumors from this week: Big plans for Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar, Nick Khan to replace Vince McMahon in WWE (December 11th, 2021)

Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly rumor roundup, where we will take a look at the top rumors from the world of WWE.

Jeff Hardy's rough night at a WWE live event and subsequent release from WWE was a major topic of discussion this past week. A new report has revealed the possible reason behind the company letting the star go.

We also have a major spoiler for the upcoming WWE Day 1 pay-per-view, as a big finish is in the plans for the match between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar. The status of Kevin Owens' and Sami Zayn's contracts with the company are also discussed.

Without any further ado, let's take a look at the top rumors from this past week. Be sure to comment down below and share your thoughts.

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#5 Big finish planned for Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar at WWE Day 1

Universal Champion Roman Reigns is all set to once again defend his title against Brock Lesnar at WWE Day 1. The two previously faced each other at Crown Jewel 2021 earlier this year, where The Tribal Chief managed to retain his title with some help from The Usos.

According to Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline, Reigns and Lesnar are set to have a multi-match feud, and their match at Day 1 is just one part of it.

“Regarding Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar as the main event for Day One, this is scheduled to be a multi-match series and this being one of the matches in the series.” (H/T Wrestlingnews.co)

Meltzer further reported that their upcoming match will have a "big finish," which will lead to a rematch, possibly in the main event of WrestleMania 38.

''At this point, Reigns vs. Lesnar is scheduled to be a match designed to have a big finish that would leave people wanting a rematch, which at this point would be the WrestleMania main event.'' said Meltzer.

Lesnar and Reigns have a lot of history together, so it's easy to see why the company would potentially want to have them face off at WrestleMania. Keeping all these reports in mind, it seems highly unlikely that Roman Reigns will be dropping the Universal Championship to Brock Lesnar at WWE Day 1.

#4 Frontrunner to replace Vince McMahon in WWE

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon's replacement or successor in the company, once he steps down, has always been a hot topic of discussion among fans. While the likes of Triple H and Shane McMahon have been the most likely choices, a new report from Dave Meltzer states that company president Nick Khan is currently the frontrunner to replace the boss.

"It's kind of a board of directors thing, but you know, probably (Nick Khan replacing Vince McMahon), yeah," revealed Dave Meltzer. "Unless they went and hired somebody else from the outside, but probably Nick Khan, yes."

Vince McMahon has recently been making several on-screen appearances since WWE Survivor Series 2021. Most of these segments have been alongside Monday Night RAW Superstar Austin Theory, who is seemingly getting a big push.

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#3 Backstage details on Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn's WWE status

Two of the top WWE Superstars whose contract with the company is set to expire soon are Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Both men have been getting a decent push in recent weeks, and they are respectively involved in the WWE and Universal Championship scenes.

Dave Meltzer reported on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE pushing both stars is likely an attempt to make them happy so they sign new contracts. However, even if they decide not to stay with the company, WWE can use them to put over other stars.

''Both being given more TV time of late is likely due to wanting them to be happy with their push and stay," said Meltzer. "But on the flip side, if they don’t sign they can use them as names to put over the top people...."

Kevin Owens is set to compete in a triple threat match for the WWE Championship against Big E and Seth Rollins at WWE Day 1. As for Sami Zayn, he got a title shot against Universal Champion Roman Reigns last week, but he lost the bout after Brock Lesnar attacked him.

#2 WWE's request to Jeff Hardy before his release

Jeff Hardy was released by WWE earlier this week following a "rough night" at a recent live event. Hardy was seemingly not in complete control of himself, and he left his match while it was still happening. Dave Meltzer has revealed that WWE asked Hardy to go to rehab after this incident, and the star refused, though he knew he'd face major repercussions for his actions.

''According to WWE sources, Hardy was asked to go to rehab after the incident at the show, and then refused," said Meltzer. "They said that Hardy was fully aware that if he did refuse, that WWE would have to take action."

Jeff Hardy was part of the Friday Night SmackDown roster, and WWE seemingly had some major plans for him, including a potential feud with Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

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#1 Why WWE has not released Paige

The year 2021 has been filled with several rounds of releases, as WWE let go of a huge chunk of its roster in the name of "budget cuts." With this pattern in mind, Dave Meltzer was recently asked why former Divas Champion Paige has not been released. Though she has been inactive for a long time, Meltzer explained how WWE might feel that Paige still provides them value with her appearances.

"Maybe they feel that there is value in her as far as appearances and things like that," said Meltzer. "That her name is strong enough and stuff that, it's worth it to keep her employed and worth it for the company. Also, because of the injury and the career-ending nature of it, you know there may be some feelings regarding that as well."

Paige last appeared on WWE television last year before WrestleMania 36. She has mostly been focusing on her Twitch channel recently, but she has hinted on multiple occasions about a potential in-ring return. For now, fans will have to wait and see what her future holds.