Backstage news on the WWE status of Bobby Lashley and stars removed from ongoing tournaments - Reports

The WWE King and Queen of the Ring tournaments have already witnessed multiple changes, and Dave Meltzer has now provided some context regarding Bobby Lashley, Zelina Vega, and Asuka's injuries. Originally scheduled to face Tama Tonga, Bobby Lashley was pulled from the KOTR and replaced by Angelo Dawkins, who eventually lost the match.

Zelina Vega, too, was removed from the Queen of the Ring bracket. In her absence, Maxxine Dupri faced and lost to Shayna Baszler in an opening-round match. Fans were shocked when Lashley and Vega were removed at the last minute. However, people backstage were seemingly prepared for the changes.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Bobby Lashley's injury was "known well in advance," similar to Zelina Vega's case.

"Lashley's injury that kept him out of King of the Ring was known well in advance. [Zelina] Vega's was known well in advance because those involved with the Baszler match knew she was getting a new opponent early last week, if not earlier," wrote Dave Meltzer.

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Update on Asuka's WWE hiatus

The Empress of Tomorrow was another big name who was unfortunately replaced in the Queen of the Ring tournament. Asuka was replaced by her Damage CTRL stablemate, Dakota Kai.

As we noted earlier, Asuka announced on YouTube that she'd be taking a break from the WWE to recuperate from a nagging knee injury. Dave Meltzer highlighted that Asuka is dealing with the same knee issue that occurred on a SmackDown episode nearly two months ago.

Asuka continued to compete, and her injury reportedly worsened during the European Tour. The legendary superstar competed at Backlash France and lost the Women's Tag Team Championship.

"It worsened on the European tour, and she felt she needed to stay to drop the tag titles at Backlash and then take time off," reported Meltzer.

The 42-year-old realized the importance of dropping the Women's Tag Team Title and ensured she did that before taking a much-needed hiatus from the ring.

While there is no timeframe for her return, some time off should help get the former women's champion to her best version in WWE.