WWE News Roundup: Former champion released ahead of potential match against Roman Reigns, Surprise return at Royal Rumble? Icon comments on releases - 12th January 2021

Welcome to another edition of the WWE News Roundup, where we try and bring the biggest news stories from the world of Vince McMahon's company. In today's edition, we will take a look at nixed plans for a top superstar ahead of his unexpected release.

This article will also take a look at what iconic superstar John Cena has to say about the recent mass releases that took place in the company. Apart from that, we will take a look at the speculations of major names making their possible returns this year.

With multiple superstars being released by the company this year, the morale has been low in the locker room. Former locker room leader John Cena explained why the company might have adopted this new approach of letting superstars go.

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#5 John Cena comments on WWE's mass releases

Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show, former world champion John Cena discussed the company's new policy of releasing multiple superstars. He remembered that when he was coming up in WWE, the company always had bi-annual cuts. Though he agreed that it is very unfortunate and sad for those who lose their jobs.

"I was brought up in bi-annual cuts and it happened all the time and I just think WWE went through such a long period of not releasing anybody and now they're kind of getting back into that rhythm again, that it is a very abrupt shift to somebody who's not familiar with that and I do. My heart goes out to everybody who has to get that sad news because that's a tough conversation to have," added Cena.

Cena also noted that by hiring so many new recruits to the Performance Center, the company is operating at 'max capacity'. This resulted in many performers not getting a chance to shine, leading to frustration among talent and the company.

#4 Former WWE Superstar Chris Masters to return?

With WWE announcing IMPACT Knockouts champion Mickie James as a Royal Rumble participant, a whole new world of possibilities has opened up. Multiple rumors have suggested that many outside names will likely make an appearance at the Royal Rumble.

One of those names could be current NWA superstar Chris Adonis, who went by the name Chris Masters earlier. Adonis took to Twitter to hint at a possible return to the company at Premium Live Event. Masters worked with the company from 2005-2007 and then returned for a brief run in 2009.

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#3 WWE had plans for Karrion Kross vs Roman Reigns ahead of release

Former NXT Champion Karrion Kross spoke to Chris Van Vliet about his time in Vince McMahon's promotion. The former superstar noted that the company had some big plans for him on the main roster.

He said he had heard that there were plans in place for him to feud with top names like Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre and even Roman Reigns:

“I did have several people tell me that there were conversations at one point of me working with Randy, Bobby, Drew, Bray, and maybe Roman,” Kross said. “But it wasn’t anything concrete. My name was being mentioned with theirs as possible match-ups and stuff like that, which I was absolutely thrilled for. I mean, who wouldn’t be?” said Kross

Karrion Kross' run on the main roster did not go well, and the former IMPACT Wrestling star was soon released by the company as part of budget cuts.

#2 Rob Van Dam talks about his time in WWE

Former WWE Champion Rob Van Dam told René Duprée that he never truly felt comfortable during his time with the company.

Speaking on Dupree's podcast, RVD said that he never got the feeling that he was untouchable.

He said that the company used to 'humble' him a lot and change plans related to him too many times.

''I think, even when I was champion, I never felt untouchable. They humbled me so much by — you know, they give you plans. ‘We’re gonna do this. We’re gonna do this, sike. Sike.’ [It happened so much] to where it humbled me. I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m not fired? Oh, okay. That’s cool,’" said RVD.

The Hall of Famer had a spectacular run in the company and even held the ECW Championship during his tenure. RVD's last appearance for the company was for the 2021 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

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#1 Booker T wants Big Cass to return to WWE

Speaking on his podcast, Hall of Famer Booker T said he would love to see Big Cass back in Vince McMahon's company. Cass is currently working for IMPACT Wrestling under the ring name W.Morrissey.

He was part of the company from 2011 to 2018 when he was released due to behavioral issues.

Booker T believes that Morrissey could be a major asset to the company and would like to see him return in 2022:

"I talked about it, as far as 2022, it's going to be about the big guy, the heavyweights. No flip zone, is pretty much what is going to be in WWE. I would love to see someone like Morrissey make his way back. I was always a fan of Big Cass," said Booker T.

He further added how happy he is for Big Cass to have bounced back and hopefully he will return to the 'big time' soon.