Top SmackDown News & Rumors: One more veteran female star done with the company, Former WWE Champion to join AEW, Charlotte Flair compared to Brock Lesnar

Welcome to yet another edition of the top SmackDown backstage rumors and news stories that may have a major impact on the blue brand's future. In today's edition, we will take a look at some intriguing topics revolving around top superstars such as former WWE Champion Brock Lesnar, Charlotte Flair, and Bobby Lashley.

The All Mighty has been sidelined with an injury and has not been seen on SmackDown for the past few months. However, it is now being reported that he may be leaving WWE after his contract expires following SummerSlam 2024. He isn't the only veteran name who is seemingly done with the company.

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#1 SmackDown star Bobby Lashley may be set to join AEW after WWE exit

Fightful Select has reported that Bobby Lashley's deal with WWE is up next month, and he will likely not re-sign with the company.

PWN reported that the SmackDown Superstar has been removed from the internal roster. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Radio has also said the promotion believes Lashley is gone. He and MVP may try to restart their faction, The Hurt Business, in AEW.

"He is on his way out. Bobby Lashley and MVP both. I know that there is talk of them trying to get into AEW. It's one of those things where technically nobody can talk to them because I don’t believe either’s contract has expired but their contracts are going to expire. As things stand right now, WWE are under the assumption they are gone and they are going to try to revamp The Hurt Business (...) Whatever it is they want to get Shelton Benjamin and revamp the group in AEW," Meltzer said.

Last year, Bobby Lashley started a faction with The Street Profits called The Pride. They engaged in a lackluster feud with Karrion Kross and his stable, The Final Testament, before the 2024 Draft. Lashley is a former WWE Champion, and his imminent departure from the company has surprised many.

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#2 Legend draws comparison between Charlotte Flair and Brock Lesnar

The Queen Charlotte Flair was last seen in action in a match against Asuka on SmackDown last December. She suffered multiple injuries during the match and has been on the sidelines, recuperating.

On Busted Open, Ric Flair said his daughter, Charlotte, has the talent and ability that legends like Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle possess.

"His [Lesnar] athletic ability is almost unparalleled. He's like Kurt Angle. I mean, there's some guys that can do anything and those are two of them. There's one woman that can do everything and her name would be Charlotte Flair,'' Ric said.

The former Women's Champion has kept fans updated about her recovery journey. Charlotte's father, Ric Flair, also mentioned that she will aim to completely recuperate from her injuries before her comeback.

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#3 Veteran superstar Tamina reportedly done with the company

Veteran star Tamina is done with the company, per PWN. The former Tag Team Champion has seemingly been removed from the company's internal roster and will likely not be re-signed when her contract expires. The Samoan star was drafted to SmackDown in 2023 but wasn't featured in any prominent storylines or matches.

The 46-year-old has been with the company since 2010 when she made her debut alongside The Usos. Surprisingly, Tamina was not used in the ongoing Bloodline saga, despite her real-life association with many of the group's members. Earlier this year, Becky Lynch also parted ways with the company after her deal's conclusion.