WWE News & Rumor Roundup - Top star "pushing" for AJ Lee match, Vince McMahon said inappropriate things to a legend, Brock Lesnar update

The wrestling world might be dominated by SummerSlam-related matters, but in the grander scheme of things, there is a lot happening in and around the WWE. We kicked off today's roundup with one of the company's most popular names, confirming that she is pushing to get AJ Lee back into the ring.

A veteran name also spoke about some unpleasant interactions with Vince McMahon and how he confronted the former WWE boss about it. Regarding absent personalities, Brock Lesnar is another superstar who has not been seen on TV for around a year. We concluded the lineup of stories with a much-needed update on his status.

---

#1. Bayley wants to face AJ Lee

With CM Punk back in the WWE, fans wish to see AJ Lee compete again after nearly a decade. While Punk has gauged the topic with his wife, there have been no concrete signs about Lee wanting to resume her in-ring career. The superstars, however, will continue trying their luck.

Sportskeeda Wrestling's very own Dr. Chris Featherstone spoke to Bayley ahead of SummerSlam. During the exclusive interview, the reigning Women's Champion revealed that she has pushed for a match with AJ to happen.

"I know that it's something that I have pushed for, so I hope one day we can make that come to life."

Bayley has previously wrestled Lee for the Divas Championship, and the SmackDown star recalled memories of working alongside one of the greatest female stars of the modern era.

While Bayley won't lose hope on a potential AJ Lee, she has her work cut out for her as the WWE Women's Champion.

---

#2. Michael Cole recalls heated interactions with Vince McMahon

It does seem like Vince McMahon has been ousted from the WWE for good owing to a highly publicized lawsuit from former employee Janel Grant.

While McMahon ran a prosperous empire in his prime, his methods have constantly been scrutinized. Many claim that he wasn't always cordial with his employees. It's also known that McMahon was always in the ears of his commentators.

Michael Cole recently spoke to The Ringer and revealed that there were times when McMahon would say inappropriate things while he was on commentary. The veteran stated that following the tapings, he would fearlessly confront Vince McMahon at Gorilla Position.

"I'm not going to lie. There have been times where he has said things to me that were inappropriate. I would go back to Gorilla after the show and get in his face and tell him, 'That was bulls*it.' He respected that I did that."

Michale Cole is one of the greatest commentators in wrestling history, but his journey hasn't been easy. The 55-year-old was not always well-accepted backstage due to his equation with Vince McMahon, as he always followed through with the boss' orders. Cole added:

"Over the next few years., people still didn't accept me because they looked at me as being a puppet for Vince. And I think some of that probably was true. Listen, I'm not a rebel. I'm here to make money and take care of my family and provide myself a good living. And when your boss asks you to do something, you do it." [H/T: The Ringer]

Michael Cole recently signed a new deal with WWE that will keep him as the promotion's voice for the "foreseeable future."

---

#3. The latest on Brock Lesnar's WWE return

The Beast has not wrestled since SummerSlam 2023 despite there being reported plans for his comeback since the WrestleMania season. Brock Lesnar's WWE status continues to puzzle fans.

Dave Meltzer clarified the situation in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter and noted that Brock Lesnar's absence was due to reasons related to the Janel Grant lawsuit. WWE's legal team believes that featuring The Beast Incarnate on TV would not be a good idea.

Lesnar will be back as soon as the internal belief shifts. It was also stressed that the decision to return lay in the legal team's hands, not Brock Lesnar.

"The situation with Brock Lesnar right now is that there were reasons having to do with what was in the Grant lawsuit that WWE legal felt it was not good to have Lesnar on television. When that belief changes, Lesnar will be back and on television. It's not his decision to decide to come back, it is their decision on if they want him back and when."

Brock Lesnar is one of the most dominant pro wrestling ever and amongst the most consistent draws for the WWE in the modern era, but his wrestling future remains uncertain.