5 WWE rumors that could have a major impact in 2022: 6-time world champion returning, WrestleMania main event, Vince McMahon's unexpected replacement?

2021 is about to come to an end and it has had its share of ups and downs when it comes to WWE. Just like the entire world, the industry of professional wrestling also suffered massively due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, things improved in the second half of this year.

A new energy was thrust into the product and shows as the company returned to live tours. After over a year of empty arena and ThunderDome setup, it was great to have the fans back and feel their excitement. A lot happened in the last 12 months in WWE and while the world was not running at its full capacity, the rumor mill was.

With just a few days to go for 2022, Vince McMahon's promotion would be looking to start things fresh and make the upcoming year memorable. Various reports have suggested that some major plans are already in the works.

Let's take a look at five top rumors that could end up having a major impact in 2022. Be sure to comment down and let us know your thoughts and opinions on the same.

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#5 Potential spoiler on the main event of WWE WrestleMania 38

WWE's biggest show of next year, WrestleMania 38 is scheduled to take place across two nights on April 2 and 3, 2022. With less than 100 days to go, reports are already flowing in about the potential main event.

To no surprise, Universal Champion Roman Reigns looks likely to add yet another WrestleMania main event to his already-stacked resume. He is set to defend his title against Brock Lesnar at the Day 1 pay-per-view.

According to Dave Meltzer of WON, this bout would have a big finish, ultimately leading to a WrestleMania 38 rematch between the two.

''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

Reigns and Lesnar have previously faced each other twice in the main event of The Grandest Stage of Them All. The first one came at WrestleMania 31 and the second at WrestleMania 34.

However, things are completely different this time around with Roman Reigns being the heel and Brock Lesnar the face. Fans are invested in their current storyline and are excited to see the final blowoff.

#4 WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin to play a meaningful role at WrestleMania 38

Speaking of WrestleMania, WWE is reportedly interested in bringing back six-time world champion Stone Cold Steve Austin for the show next year. As reported by WrestleVotes, Austin would not be returning in a wrestling role but could play a meaningful part.

"Talked to a few different source this weekend & heard the same thing, WWE is very interested in having Steve Austin as a part of WrestleMania this year in Dallas. Not in a wrestling role, but a meaningful part of the event outside of just appearing. Up to creative at this point," wrote WrestleVotes.

WrestleMania 38 is set to take place in Dallas, Texas, the hometown of Stone Cold Steve Austin. Fans have already started speculating what The Texas Rattlesnake could do if he appears at the show.

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#3 WWE has significant plans for AJ Styles and Omos in early 2022

The team of AJ Styles and Omos recently split up on the red brand. The former RAW Tag Team Champions had a successful run together but them going there separate might just be the right thing. According to WrestleVotes, WWE has significant plans for Styles and Omos in early 2022.

"If it felt like they sped up the Omos & AJ Styles spilt, it’s because they did. Source says both superstars have significant plans in early 2022, and wanted any type of blow off program done prior to the major Rumble & Mania events," wrote WrestleVotes.

Fans have long been wanting to see The Phenomenal One back in the main event picture. With Royal Rumble 2022 around the corner, could WWE push him to the top of the mountain in a big way?

#2 Goldberg to have his final match in WWE next year?

Goldberg continues to return to WWE every few months for a match. In 2021, he had three matches - one against Drew McIntyre, and two against Bobby Lashley. His last match took place at Crown Jewel where he impressed the fans in a dominating victory over Lashley.

However, during a recent interview, Goldberg stated that he has just one more match left in his WWE contract.

"I still feel as though I can wrestle, I still feel as though I can entertain. After this match I have one more match on my contract, and that’s it. We’ll see what happens, you never know," Goldberg said.

Even at the age of 55, he is a huge draw for the company. If he just has one match left in his contract, WWE would want it to be a huge one.

Could we finally see him have that canceled match against Roman Reigns? Also, are there any chances we might see Goldberg in AEW?

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#1 Nick Khan expected to replace Vince McMahon in WWE

Another year has passed and Vince McMahon continues to hold onto his position as the WWE Chairman. He has faced a lot of criticism in 2021 from fans and critics for his booking, but more importantly for multiple major release sprees.

During a recent Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that Nick Khan is the front runner to replace Vince McMahon.

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

For years, fans have been waiting to see Triple H take over WWE from McMahon. There has also been a lot of speculation about the company getting sold. Could we finally see the leadership of WWE change hands in 2022?