Top SmackDown Backstage Rumors: Former WWE Champion planning to leave? Alexa Bliss' actual role in The Fiend storyline revealed; Daniel Bryan behind major change (7th August)

Welcome to another edition of the top SmackDown backstage rumors which could have a major impact. In today's edition, we shall discuss the chances of former multi-time WWE Champion leaving WWE.

We will also take a look at the backstage response of Alexa Bliss after being assaulted by The Fiend on SmackDown. With Alex Bliss becoming a fixture in the ongoing feud between Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman, we will discuss if Bliss truly is the Sister Abigail character.

So without further ado, let us take a look at the top rumors for SmackDown:

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#5 Is SmackDown Superstar AJ Styles planning to leave?

There had been a lot of rumors circulating suggesting that SmackDown Superstar AJ Styles is planning to leave WWE and return to IMPACT Wrestling. His friends and former WWE Superstars Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson are currently part of the IMPACT roster and stated that they have been trying to convince Styles to join Impact as well.

There was also a report saying that The Phenomenal One may not be very happy in WWE, which further added fuel to fire to these rumors. However, AJ Styles tried to clear the air on his Twitch stream and talked about his chances of leaving WWE to join IMPACT.

The former WWE Champion and current SmackDown Superstar stated that he isn't sure as of now because he wants to finish his career in WWE but can't rule out the idea of going back to IMPACT.

"I don't know what to think about that; you guys know how I feel about that. Yeah, Gallows and Anderson are trying to get me back [in Impact Wrestling] is what they said. Never say never but I also have said that I would like to finish my career in the WWE. So, we will see."

#4 Real reason behind Alexa Bliss being inserted into Bray Wyatt's feud with Braun Strowman on SmackDown

Last week on SmackDown, Bray Wyatt surprisingly attacked Alexa Bliss in the closing segment of the show. The Fiend made an unexpected appearance and went on to give The Goddess a Mandible Claw.

Alex Bliss was also a part of the Swamp Fight between Universal Champion Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt. She appeared in a dream sequence dressed as the mythical Sister Abigail. However, while many thought that she would turn into Sister Abigail, that is not the case.

Tom Colohue has reported that the reason for Wyatt attacking Bliss was merely to hurt someone SmackDown top Champion Braun Strowman cares about.

"There has been speculation that Alexa Bliss will be Sister Abigail. That is not the case, I'm hearing that way too much. At the moment, the whole concept is that Bliss was attacked by the Fiend because the Fiend is calling out Braun Strowman. He is attacking someone that Braun Strowman cares a lot about because there are not many people that Braun Strowman has been established as caring about. He is not someone who has many friends openly as it were. For me, it has certainly made the feud a lot more interesting because this has been going on since right after WrestleMania. It needed a shot in the arm."

#3 Alexa Bliss' backstage reaction to being part of The Fiend storyline

Fans and critics have praised Alexa Bliss' role in the ongoing saga between Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman. As per Tom Colohue, the former SmackDown Women's Champion Alexa Bliss is very comfortable working in the story which is why her role has been extended.

Alexa Bliss has been pivotal in SmackDown over the past few weeks and has been going under a tumultuous relationship with her tag team partner Nikki Cross as of later. It is clear that WWE wants to split Cross and Bliss so that they can have singles careers.

Here is what Tom Colohue stated:

"Alexa Bliss, to my knowledge, was very happy to be involved in this particular way. She's been there for the filming of the Swamp Fight, and she has been used for this. There has been a discussion to make sure everyone is comfortable playing the parts that they are playing."

Alexa Bliss has fit perfectly into the storyline on SmackDown and we hope to see more of The Goddess in this mysterious program.

#2 Daniel Bryan behind new Superstars getting pushed on SmackDown

Daniel Bryan is one of the most well-respected Superstars in the locker room today. As per multiple reports, Daniel Bryan has a major say in all of his storylines and plans. It was the former WWE Champion who had pitched SmackDown Superstar Drew Gulak to be paired with him.

As per a report from WrestlingNews.co, former WWE Champion Daniel Bryan is also the one responsible for younger and lesser-known Superstars like Gran Metalik getting a push on SmackDown as of late. Here is what they said:

Bryan is said to be the person who pushed for the Gran Metalik vs. Lince Dorado vs. Shorty G vs. Drew Gulak number 1 contenders match that led to this week’s Metalik vs. AJ Styles match for the Intercontinental Championship.

Gran Metalik faced AJ Styles on SmackDown for the IC Championship in very competitive match. It also looks like The Lucha House Party will be feuding with Cesaro and Nakamura for the Smackdown Tag Team Championships next.

#5 Reason for Chad Gable's push on SmackDown

Last week on SmackDown, Shorty G (aka Chad Gable) turned heel by attacking Matt Riddle at the behest of his former nemesis King Corbin. Corbin had talked to Chad Gable in a backstage segment trying to pep him up to take the King's ransom he had put on The Original Bro's head.

As per Tom Colohue, the reason why Vince McMahon wants to push Chad Gable on SmackDown is that he sees the next Kurt Angle in him. Baron Corbin is another factor responsible for the push of Shorty G as the King has been batting for Gable behind the scenes.

"But in a non-kayfabe sense, it is to get Chad Gable into some feud and get him some TV time, and eventually get to that Chad Gable vs Matt Riddle match. Baron Corbin has apparently been pushing for more opportunities for people and this is one of the ways that Vince McMahon believes that they can push new stars. Chad Gable is someone that he wants to push purely because of his in-ring talent. Apparently he sees a lot of Kurt Angle in Chad Gable."