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Welcome to the latest edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's WWE News and Rumor Roundup. Today's stories include some huge reports on the near future.
A huge return is expected imminently, while Roman Reigns' WrestleMania 41 opponent has seemingly been confirmed after lots of speculation. We also have a departure from the company to report on. So, without further ado, let's get into today's roundup.
However, we begin with sad news.
Former WWE writer buries Judgment Day HERE
#1. Rey Misterio Sr. passes away at 66
The wrestling world has been saddened by the passing of Miguel Ángel López Díaz, more widely known as Rey Misterio Sr. He was 66 years old. The news was broken by his son El Hijo de Rey Misterio yesterday.
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The legendary Mexican wrestler was the uncle of Rey Mysterio, whose entire family is mourning this tragic loss. Dominik Mysterio posted a tribute to Rey Misterio Sr. on his official Instagram handle.
We at Sportskeeda Wrestling send our condolences to El Hijo de Rey Misterio, Rey Mysterio, and their entire families.
#2. Charlotte Flair's return is imminent
It's been over a year since Charlotte Flair tore her ACL, which means her return is close as it is. However, the latest report from PWInsider suggests that it is closer than ever. The Queen is seemingly on the cusp of returning to the ring, having spent the past couple of weeks training at the WWE Performance Center.
Flair will likely return to the SmackDown brand since that's where her husband Andrade is. It remains to be seen what she does upon her comeback, with a WWE Women's Championship match against Nia Jax a distinct possibility.
#3. Senior writer Jim Smallman resigns from WWE
A senior member of one of WWE's most important backstage teams has announced that he is leaving the company after over six years.
Jim Smallman, who was a senior writer and producer in NXT, resigned from his position to be closer to his family in the UK. He revealed this in an Instagram post, where he thanked many of his colleagues, including Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and William Regal.
Smallman made it clear that he hopes to return to WWE down the line. He is seemingly well-liked, as evidenced by the responses to his post. Many current superstars have wished him the best of luck.
#4. Roman Reigns' likely WrestleMania 41 opponent is... CM Punk
For a while, it seemed like CM Punk was destined to face Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 41, even with their RAW match being confirmed. However, it now seems like the tables have turned. According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, The Second City Saint has been discussed for a match against Roman Reigns at The Show of Shows.
It seems like this is the match for both stars, with Reigns and Punk already crossing paths at Survivor Series: WarGames. Paul Heyman might be in the middle of this potential feud. However, the report mentioned that plans for this match could change if The Rock informs WWE of his involvement at WrestleMania 41.
As of now, though, Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk is expected to take place this coming April in Las Vegas.
