5 WWE rumors from this week you need to know (January 29th, 2019)

Everyone loves a good rumor right? Something to talk about over a water cooler.

In WWE, everything moves so fast. Not just the Superstars in the ring, but all the latest news and rumors that reach the public every single day.

The Royal Rumble pay per view is now behind us, which means the road to WrestleMania 35 has officially begun.

It is a road littered with plot-holes, twists and turns, as every Superstar in the WWE hopes to make an impact and get a match at the Showcase of the Immortals.

Here are five rumors from wrestling from this week that you really need to know.

Note: Please remember that every rumor presented here are just that, rumors, just to have fun with. Whilst some may seem more likely than others, please take all of them with a grain of salt.

#5 Swagger's future with Bellator

Swagger dominated under real name Jake Hager at Bellator 214.

When Jack Swagger burst onto the scene in WWE in 2008, the All-American American came with a whirlwind of potential.

Capturing the ECW Title in late 2008, Swagger would have reigns with the United States and World Heavyweight Championships, before leaving in 2017.

In case you missed it, Swagger, competing under real name Jake Hager recently made his MMA debut, winning via submission at Bellator 214.

According to PWInsider Elite Audio, an agreement has been made between WWE and Bellator to allow Hager to use various aspects of his WWE gimmick in his new career.

That includes his 'We The People' chant that he debuted in WWE in 2013, which was seen at Bellator 214.

Interestingly, the WWE congratulated Hager on the win, so they are taking notice of the former Champion.

#4 AEW takedown at the Rumble

A fan at ringside at the Royal Rumble was forced to remove his AEW shirt.

Since being announced a few weeks ago, All Elite Wrestling has continued to pick up momentum, and headlines, with more former WWE Superstars such as Billy Gunn, Neville and Chris Jericho joining the new promotion.

This Sunday though, the company once again got headlines, after fans wearing AEW merchandise at the WWE's Royal Rumble event were reportedly forced to remove anything that represented the company founded by Cody Rhodes and the Young Bucks.

This certainly doesn't make the WWE look great in the eyes of fans, though this does make sense from a business perspective, as there's no reason why WWE would want non-WWE wrestling promotion being featured on their shows.

In a response to the reports, AEW took to Twitter to assure fans that anyone wearing WWE merchandise at their shows would not be punished.

Absolutely not, like @NickJacksonYB said last night “Let it be known that if you wanna wear a WWE shirt at #DoubleOrNothing or any #AEW related event we won’t do this to you.” https://t.co/L7erqOCaqR

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) January 28, 2019

#3 More Superstars to get better contracts

Superstars are reportedly being offered double their salary if they re-sign.

Speaking of AEW, the debut of the new promotion has sparked something of a contract war, with various major companies, including WWE, Impact and New Japan Pro Wrestling hoping to get the very best stars.

Last week, the Wrestling Observer reported that the WWE are desperate to re-sign current stars, reportedly offering to double current salaries if Superstars re-sign on the spot.

This week though, a source from rajah.com is reporting that a similar plan is being offered to legends and non-wrestlers in WWE.

These legends/non-wrestlers will receive a 50% pay increase to stay with the company according to the source.

The WWE obviously have the most money in this new bidding war, and clearly is not afraid to throw the big bucks around to keep their talent, and get new ones.

#2 Styles to re-sign?

Styles has been one of WWE's most popular stars since debuting in January 2016.

Whilst the WWE are hopeful to re-sign as many of their current Superstars as possible, one name they are willing to go the extra mile with is two-time former WWE Champion AJ Styles.

Debuting at the 2016 Royal Rumble under a three-year contract, Styles has had a truly incredible time in WWE, appearing in some of the company's biggest matches in recent years against the top opponents.

With his contract ending in April, negotiations have been slow between the Phenomenal One and WWE, though rajah.com's source is confirming reports that WWE will pull out all the stops to re-sign him including "major concessions on his work schedule."

Whilst it is unclear what this means exactly, expect Styles to work a more relaxed schedule, perhaps more akin to Randy Orton's, if he does re-sign with the company.

#1 Reigns' recovery

Reigns as Universal Champion at Summerslam 2018.

The hiatus of Roman Reigns has truly been one of the most harrowing things in recent WWE times.

Reigns, who had finally defeated Brock Lesnar to capture the Universal Championship, was forced to relinquish the title last October after revealing his leukemia had returned.

Since then, the Big Dog hasn't been seen on WWE TV, though will star alongside The Rock in the upcoming Hobbes and Shaw film, something that the Wrestling Observer is seeing as good news.

Speaking on Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that doctors he spoke to (not Roman's, nor WWE's medical team), said that Reigns' movie role is a sign his leukemia is "not a deadly form", and that "with that form, he would be wrestling soon”.

Whilst no return date can be announced at this time, this news certainly bodes well for the former World Champion.