WWE Rumor Review: Roman Reigns' opponent leaves WWE, Plans for Becky Lynch & Ronda Rousey, Conflicting Damian Priest reports

Welcome to this week's edition of WWE Rumor Review. Here, we take a look at rumors on some of the major stories from a few months ago and analyze how they have fared so far.

This week, we'll check out the original plans for a potential matchup between RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch and the 2022 Women's Royal Rumble winner Ronda Rousey.

We'll also check if the rumors of Roman Reigns' opponent leaving WWE turned out to be true. We'll also revisit the conflicting reports on Damian Priest's brief absence from WWE. So without further ado, let's dive in to check out the five major rumors.

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#5. Conflicting reports on Damian Priest's absence from WWE

Contrary to many NXT call-ups, Damian Priest has had a great run since joining the main roster in early 2021. From teaming up with Bad Bunny at WrestleMania to having an unbeaten run in singles competition for months, to having a lengthy reign with the United States Championship, Priest was impressive.

However, he was taken off TV for close to a month in June when reports emerged that he was absent due to an injury, while others stated it was due to a lack of creative direction.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that Priest had a bad back and was advised to take some time off, while Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that he'd be back on TV once the creative team had something for him.

The Archer of Infamy eventually made his return to WWE on the June 28 episode of RAW and took part in a Battle Royal to determine Randy Orton's replacement in the Money in the Bank Last-Chance Triple Threat Match later in the night. However, he failed to win.

Priest later entered a feud with the then United States Champion Sheamus, which culminated with him winning the title at SummerSlam 2021. He's held the title ever since, marking close to six months as a champion. During this time, Priest has defended the title against Kevin Owens, Jeff Hardy, and more.

#4. Update on Tessa Blanchard's rumored destination

Tessa Blanchard was a part of WWE NXT in 2016, where she competed against the likes of Alexa Bliss, Carmella, and Nia Jax. She also competed in the Mae Young Classic 2017, where she was eliminated in the first round by Kairi Sane.

Blanchard also competed in IMPACT Wrestling, where she was a one-time Knockouts Champion. She also became the first woman to win the IMPACT World Championship in 2020. Following a leave of absence, she was released from the company a few days before her contract with the promotion expired.

After close to a year of absence from wrestling, rumors surfaced that she was close to signing a deal with AEW, while others said she'd be signing with WWE as part of the Diamond Mine faction.

PWInsider shot down the rumors, stating she hasn't had any discussions with AEW, nor had she been offered any contract by the company. Later, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select backed up PWInsider's report and confirmed Blanchard wouldn't be a part of Diamond Mine either.

Eventually, both Sapp and PWInsider's reports turned out to be true as Blanchard signed with WOW (Women of Wrestling) in October 2021.

#3. Sonjay Dutt leaves WWE

WWE made a plethora of releases in the last couple of years, starting with the in-ring talent to backstage personnel, including coaches, trainers, and producers. Sonjay Dutt signed with the promotion as a producer in January 2019 and departed in June 2021.

However, before the news was made official, there was a lot of speculation about his exit. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that Dutt wasn't fired, and it was his own decision to leave WWE. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter later confirmed the report.

Reports of Dutt leaving WWE were confirmed once he joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a producer on June 30, 2021.

Before starting his career as a producer, Dutt had a wrestling career, having won championships in more than 10 promotions. Dutt was a part of IMPACT Wrestling for two stints, where he managed to capture the X-Division Championship. He also won the World X Cup in 2006.

#2. WWE's Original plans for Becky Lynch vs. Ronda Rousey

Becky Lynch and Ronda Rousey have been at the forefront of the Women's Revolution and were part of the first-ever Women's WrestleMania main event in WWE history, where Lynch won both the SmackDown and RAW Women's Championships.

Rousey was absent from the promotion since the loss, and fans were clamoring for a singles match between the two. WrestlingNews.co reported in May last year that WWE had planned for the match to take place at WrestleMania 39:

"WrestleMania 38 in Dallas has been discussed but others in the company feel that it would be better to hold that match off until WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles since that is Rousey’s hometown and having L.A. host the show would guarantee more mainstream publicity."

The Rowdy One eventually made her return after three years, winning the 2022 Women's Royal Rumble. She later decided to face Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 38, confirming the report.

Becky Lynch is currently scheduled to defend her RAW Women's Championship against WWE Hall of Famer Lita at Elimination Chamber 2022, while Ronda Rousey will team up with Naomi to battle Charlotte Flair & Sonya Deville.

#1. Roman Reigns' opponent leaves WWE

Daniel Bryan had an incredible feud with Universal Champion Roman Reigns, which saw them battle in the main event of last year's WrestleMania alongside Royal Rumble winner Edge in a Triple Threat Match.

The Tribal Chief retained his title at The Grandest Stage of Them All, and the two had singles match on the April 30, 2021 edition of SmackDown for the title. The Head of the Table came up with an interesting stipulation stating Bryan mustn't be on SmackDown again should he lose.

Bryan eventually lost the match. Amidst speculation about his future with WWE, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that Bryan's contract expired following the match against Reigns.

The report turned out to be true as he left WWE and signed with AEW, performing under the name Bryan Danielson. He's had some incredible matches in the promotion and has only one defeat in singles matches which came against current AEW World Champion Adam Page.