Top 5 WWE Rumors of the Week (20-26, August 2018)

It has been quite a roller coaster of a week for the WWE Universe. SummerSlam did not disappoint and almost all the matches lived up to their hype. The Raw that followed was one of the best shows of the red brand this year, while SmackDown Live was a solid show as well.

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When Braun Strowman made his way down the ramp at SummerSlam during the Universal Championship match, fans were almost certain that he would walk out with the Title. However, that was not to be, as Roman Reigns finally had his moment and beat Brock Lesnar clean, after The Beast Incarnate was distracted with Strowman.

The following day on Raw, once again, Strowman came within inches to get his hands on the gold but was thwarted again by a shocking reunion of the Shield. SmackDown Live had its own share of surprises, as the New Day won the Tag Team Championships for the fifth time.

Many rumours regarding Lesnar's future with WWE, next possible feuds for current Champions and more have been doing the rounds the whole week. So, let us have a look at the top rumours in the world of WWE this week. Watch this space every Friday for our weekly round-up.

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#5 Jason Jordan's status, two more Superstars spotted backstage

Jordan is reportedly working backstage

Jason Jordan has been off television since early this year, as he suffered from a neck injury for which he needed surgery. Apparently, the injury was more serious than previously estimated, as he is yet to return to action.

In the meanwhile, Jordan apparently has been learning the back-end of the business, and reportedly even produced a match recently - one between Peyton Royce and Naomi this past week on SmackDown. It remains to be seen when he will be ready to return to the ring once again.

Speaking of injured Superstars possibly being ready to return, the Big Show and Arya Daivari were reportedly spotted backstage this week and might be ready to return to the ring once again.

The 500-pounder was written off TV following a Steel Cage match against Braun Strowman on Raw.

While Daivari was present to get clearance for an in-ring return, the reason for Show being backstage is not apparent. Perhaps a return soon? Certainly possible.

#4 Why Kurt Angle was written off television

An in-ring return soon?

This past week on Raw, we saw Stephanie McMahon force Kurt Angle to take a vacation, temporarily handing over the reigns to Constable Baron Corbin as the GM of Raw in his absence.

The WWE Universe was taken by surprise at this decision to write Angle off television out of the blue, but it seems like there is a reason behind the decision.

Apparently, the Olympic Gold Medallist was given time off in order to allow him to train for an in-ring return, possibly at the Super Showdown in Australia, later in October.

Last year when he returned to the ring, Angle did seem a bit stiff in the ring and did not seem his usual athletic self (of course, age was also a factor), so this might be a good thing as it gives him plenty of time to train.

#3 Matt Hardy done with wrestling?

We might have seen the last of this team

For the past couple of weeks, Matt Hardy has kept his fans guessing and speculating regarding his in-ring future and possible retirement with some cryptic social media posts and revelation about a serious injury where his lower back and pelvis have started fusing together.

However, there is no formal statement from either Hardy himself or the WWE regarding a possible retirement. According to the Wrestling Observer, however, Hardy is now set to step away from in-ring action and take on more of a backstage role, and is reportedly already trying to learn the backstage part of the business.

In addition, it has been revealed that this will spell the end of his pairing with the Eater of Worlds Bray Wyatt. Regarding his future in the ring, Hardy is set to undergo treatment and rehab for his injuries following which he might take a call to either return to the ring or retire.

#2 Plans for the Shield

They're back!

The Shield reunited this past week on Raw, to a rousing cheer from the audience, and prevented a cash-in by Braun Strowman on Universal Champion Roman Reigns during the closing segment. This has led to speculation regarding what is in store next for the Hounds of Justice.

While there has been word going around about an imminent heel turn for Dean Ambrose down the road, it is now being reported that for now, however, the Shield will continue feuding with the Monster Among Men as long as Reigns is the Champion. It is likely that they will also continue their feud with Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre.

#1 Brock Lesnar no-showed Raw

The Beast might be done with WWE

Brock Lesnar was advertised for the Raw following SummerSlam but, much to the surprise of the audience, he was nowhere to be seen. Apparently, Lesnar was not even backstage during the show, as he flew back from Brooklyn immediately following his loss against Roman Reigns at SummerSlam.

Lesnar was visibly leaner during his SummerSlam match and word going around is that the former UFC Champion is back in the USADA testing pool and is already training hard for his UFC bout against Daniel Cormier. While Lesnar is rumoured to face Cormier in the beginning of next year, his status with WWE is currently in limbo.