WWE News & Rumor Roundup - Veteran requests release, Shawn Michaels' favorite could leave, Legend says he'll never return, Triple H's health (24th November 2021)

#4. Backstage news on Johnny Gargano's WWE contract and the possibility of leaving

There have been multiple reports regarding Johnny Gargano's WWE status over the past few days. Fightful Select's latest update states that the former NXT Champion has signed a one-week extension that would enable him to wrestle at WarGames.

Gargano's WWE contract was previously slated to expire on December 3rd, but he will now be eligible to work until December 10th following the updated terms.

While WWE is trying to get Gargano to sign a new long-term deal, there have been no indications from the superstar's end regarding extending his stay within the company. WrestlingNews.co noted that Johnny Gargano has an excellent reputation backstage and is reportedly a favorite of Shawn Michaels.

Dave Meltzer recently also revealed that WWE made a 'very strong offer' to Gargano as the company wants him to be on its payroll for a long time. However, Gargano has not signed a new lengthy deal as of this writing, and he would undoubtedly attract a lot of interest once he potentially becomes a free agent soon.

Fightful added that people within WWE spoke highly of Gargano's willingness to sign a temporary deal at a time when he could have several suitors "angling for his services."

Gargano has been with the WWE since 2015, and if he does decide to leave, then AEW seems like the perfect destination for the 34-year-old.

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#3. Ric Flair claims he will never go back to WWE

Ric Flair has been all over the news ever since he kicked off his Wooooo Nation Uncensored podcast. The Hall of Famer has now revealed why he would never work for the WWE on the latest episode.

The Nature Boy blamed Nick Khan for his removal from WWE TV and said he would not return to WWE until the current president remained with the company.

While Flair has no issues with Vince McMahon, he couldn't see himself doing business with WWE again due to multiple problems cropping up during his last run:

"You're not going to bring me back, not that they want me by any means, but I couldn't ever work for Nick Khan in my entire life. Vince McMahon, I can work for, but Nick Khan, who [was the] guy who orchestrated taking me off the show. I've got my facts together. He orchestrated taking my 'Wooo' off. Never in a million years. The big difference is Tony Khan respects me. He has, as did Vince. Nick Khan has not. I talk to Vince now. I have no problem with Vince. He just knows I won't come back," revealed Ric Flair.

Ric Flair also denied having any talks with Tony Khan regarding an AEW signing but admitted that he would be open to working for WWE's rivals.

Flair had once promised Vince McMahon that he would not work for a competitor unless WWE did something 'stupid' to him. The 16-time world champion has kept track of All Elite Wrestling's progress and wouldn't mind gracing its ring with his iconic presence.

"No," Flair said. "There were no discussions at all. I told Vince McMahon that my word is pretty much my bond [and] unless they did something really stupid to me, I would never go to work for the competition. Now they've done some really stupid stuff, so that door is open, but I have not talked to Tony [Khan]. I have not heard a word from him. I watch all the shows. I appreciate the athletes and the people that are involved in it, but I'm not actively in discussion with anybody. Yes, I would go to work for Tony Khan. I will never go back to WWE." H/t WrestlingNews.co

Ric Flair is clearly unhappy about his most recent WWE stint, but will he stay true to his word about never returning? Only time will tell.