3 AEW rumors we hope aren't true and 2 we hope are: CM Punk's relationship with WWE revealed; four-time world champion eyeing wrestling return in 2022?

Welcome back to another stacked edition of AEW rumors that we hope are true and some we hope aren't. With 2021 drawing to its end, the wrestling world is on the horizon for a drastic change, with several free agents awaiting big call-ups.

In today's edition, we'll take a look at reports suggesting potential wrestling destinations for some of the hottest free agents available today.

Meanwhile, insider information has shed light on CM Punk's relationship with WWE management. With so much to discuss on the table, let's dive into top rumor stories from the past week.

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#5 Hopefully True: WWE management still 'hates' AEW star CM Punk

According to a recent report from Brian Mazique of Forbes, WWE higher-ups still have 'ill' feelings towards AEW star CM Punk. The company hates The Straight Edge Superstar to such an extent that the latter is unlikely to be featured in any future games, including WWE 2K22.

However, on the flip side, other stars who are not working under the WWE umbrella anymore might still appear in these video games.

We hope this rumor is true. It's no secret that the relationship between Punk and WWE ended controversially. Even on the night of his AEW debut, The Second City Saint explicitly stated that he felt mentally and physically sick during the tail end of his WWE career.

Plus, he even lost passion for pro wrestling. Given the animosity between the two parties, one shouldn't expect to see CM Punk in WWE video games.

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#4 Hopefully not true: Former WWE Superstar Johnny Gargano thinking about jumping over to AEW

Johnny Gargano's next potential wrestling destination has become one of the most talked-about topics these days, mainly after he chose not to renew his contract with WWE.

"Just things he’s said both publicly and privately, I mean I know he’s heavily considering going to AEW, put it that way,” said Meltzer. (H/T- WrestleTalk)

According to Dave Meltzer, Gargano is 'heavily considering' joining AEW as soon as possible. There's reportedly been mutual interest between Tony Khan's promotion and the 34-year old star regarding a potential deal. The wrestling journalist even noted that the former NXT Champion could make his AEW debut on the Cleveland show on January 26.

Meanwhile, Gargano has openly expressed his interest in fighting stars like Kenny Omega, to name a few. We hope these rumors don't come to fruition.

The AEW's highly-stacked roster is one primary reason why Gargano shouldn't jump ship over to Tony Khan's company. He could quickly get lost in the shuffle, and to be fair, it wouldn't be wise to see him wrestle on Youtube shows.

#3 Hopefully True: No timetable planned for Kenny Omega's return to AEW

As per the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there's currently 'no timetable' planned for Kenny Omega's return to AEW. Previous reports from Dave Meltzer suggested that The Cleaner might be able to return to AEW programming in February next year, but that no longer seems to be the case with the latest reports surfacing up.

We hope these reports are true because neither Omega nor AEW themselves should rush with the 38-year old star's return. Kenny Omega is presently dealing with serious health issues, such as abdominal hernia and vertigo. On top of that, last we heard that he was required to undergo shoulder surgery sometime soon.

That said, The Cleaner should take as long as he wants to gain his full fitness back, even if it requires him to miss in-ring action for the entire 2022.

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#2 Hopefully not true: AEW is not interested in considering Alberto Del Rio as a potential addition to their roster in future

Former WWE Superstar Alberto Del Rio recently made a blockbuster announcement, stating that he would be returning to pro wrestling next year.

The Mexican star even noted that he's hopeful of potentially working with one of the three major companies in the United States (WWE, AEW, and IMPACT Wrestling).

However, Sean Ross shut down Del Rio's presumption after he revealed via a close source that neither WWE nor IMPACT Wrestling are interested in bringing the 44-year old star back into their fold.

Even AEW talents have never heard of Del Rio's name possibly being brought up as a future signee:

"I've spoken with people from WWE, MLW, Impact who say they either have no interest in bringing Del Rio in or would be shocked if it happens. AEW talent I've spoken to say they've never heard him mentioned as even possibly coming in," Sean Ross Sapp said.

Given Alberto Del Rio's controversial past, whether it's accusations of sexual assault or domestic violence, it is understandable why a few top companies may not be keen to bring him back.

But we hope this rumor is not true since all the charges against the Mexican star have been dismissed. That said, Del Rio deserves another chance to prove his worth. While WWE and IMPACT Wrestling may be hesitant, AEW could offer him a great opportunity.

Though one shouldn't rule out AEW's overloaded roaster, Del Rio is a well-known name in the business. His potential arrival could appeal to the Mexican fanbase to watch the AEW product.

#1 Hopefully not true: Cody Rhodes' lack of interaction approach in AEW locker room

Wade Keller of PWTorch recently shed light on AEW star Cody Rhodes' lack of interactional nature with talents in the locker room. But on the flip side, CM Punk has been more approachable and 'interactive more' than The American Nightmare.

We hope this backstage assumption is not true because Cody has a reputation as Executive Vice President of the company. Moreover, the 36-year old star has a vested interest in elevating youngsters, as we've seen him helping rising talents in The American Factory wrestling school, owned by him and QT Marshall.

Even Feugo Del Sol has come forward to quash these reports. Taking to Twitter earlier today, the 25-year old star noted that Cody and his wife Brandi distributed gifts in the locker room over the Christmas weekend and are very helpful with every member:

Yo @thewadekeller your sources are trash… Cody and Brandi literally had boxes full of gifts in the locker room this week and were inviting guys in to come get them, he helps so many of our guys every week. Get out of here with this BS." tweeted Fuego Del Sol

Even Cody's on-screen rival, QT Marshall, gave a hilarious response to these reports. That said, there doesn't seem to be any credibility to these hearsays.