WWE Rumor Roundup: Company's plans for possible bizarre new faction led by 11-time Champion; 6-way Championship match set to be added to WrestleMania 36 - 8th March 2020 

Welcome to another edition of the WWE rumor roundup where we try and bring you the biggest stories from the day. With Elimination Chamber set to take place soon, WWE will be looking to make a major impact on the last stop before WrestleMania 36.

With 'Mania just a few weeks away, the company is trying its best to give the fans a card to remember. While only a handful of matches have been announced currently, there have been a lot of backstage rumblings regarding possible new matches that could be announced very soon.

Apart from that, we will take a look at a possible reason why former US Champion's push got scrapped and why a SmackDown Superstar has been frustrated lately.

So, without any further ado let us jump in:

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#5 Original plans for Matt Hardy to lead a stable in NXT

Iconic 11-time Tag Team Champion Matt Hardy finally bid adieu to WWE after having returned in 2017. Hardy's contract came to an end this month and the veteran chose not to re-sign with the company.

Hardy has teased joining AEW while suggesting that he has been in talks with multiple other companies as well. Interestingly, WWE had apparently given Hardy the option of joining NXT in order to prevent him from leaving.

While speaking to PWInsider, Matt Hardy revealed that WWE had plans for him to lead a faction based on his 'Broken' character. Hardy had shot to fame thanks to his bizarre 'Broken' gimmick during his time in Impact Wrestling but unfortunately, WWE could not make use of this gimmick once he made his return to WWE.

There have been rumors suggesting that Matt Hardy will be joining the Dark Order faction in AEW so it is quite possible that WWE wanted him to create his own new stable in NXT.

#4 2 New Championship matches could be added to WrestleMania 36

With WrestleMania 36 right around the corner, there has been a lot of speculation regarding what new matches could be added to the show. Becky Lynch's challenger for the RAW Women's Championship will be decided this Sunday inside the Elimination Chamber.

However, there is still no word on what matches will take place for the SmackDown Women's Championship and the Women's Tag Team Championship on the show. Alex McCarthy of Talksport has shed some light on what could be in store for these Championships at 'Mania.

McCarthy has stated that WWE are planning a 6-woman match for the SmackDown Women's Championship. His sources have also stated that Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross will most likely take on the Kabuki Warriors for the Women's Tag-Team Championship.

A source tells me the plan for the SD women’s title at WM36 is a six-pack challenge right now.

Bayley v Sasha v Naomi v Lacey Evans v Carmella - that’s five of the six names.

I asked if Alexa Bliss was the other, but I’m told Bliss/Cross will challenge Kabuki Warriors in addition to Divas of Doom in a thee-way tag.Sasha V Bayley was an original plan, but I’m told Sasha’s injury caused them to change course.

— Alex McCarthy (@AlexM_talkSPORT) March 8, 2020

#3 Booker T reveals possible reason for WWE ending Ricochet's push

Former US Champion Ricochet has been in a bit of a slump as of late. The high flyer got 'decimated' by Brock Lesnar at Super ShowDown, losing to the Beast in quick fashion. To rub salt on his wounds, Ricochet lost a match to 24/7 Champion Riddick Moss on RAW this week as well.

While certain reports have suggested that Vince McMahon is done with Ricochet, at least for the time being, Booker T thinks that the young Superstar needs work in 'character development'.

Here is what Booker T stated while talking on his podcast:

I’m gonna tell you right now, in losing…you’re gonna build some character. You’re gonna find yourself. With Ricochet, this may be something that maybe six months down the road, you may see someone totally different. And that’s the one thing I really think that Ricochet needs to work on is his character building.” (H/t: LOP)

Ricochet was one of the fastest rising Superstars in WWE before his unexpected loss at the hands of Riddick Moss on RAW.

#2 WWE dispels WrestleMania cancellation rumors

WrestleMania

Some rumors suggested that WWE may be planning to cancel this year's WrestleMania due to the ongoing coronavirus scare. There have been multiple other shows and events that have been cancelled or postponed lately.

However, WWE dispelled these rumours and made it known that they have no intentions of cancelling the grand spectacle and will be taking strict measures in order to curb any problems. Here is what the official statement of the company stated:

The health and safety of our fans, performers and employees are our top priorities and we are monitoring the situation closely with our partners and government officials in Tampa Bay. We remain committed to hosting WrestleMania at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, April 5, and like other entertainment properties in the U.S., there are currently no plans to cancel or postpone our upcoming events.

WrestleMania is WWE's biggest show of the year and it is certain that the company will leave no stone unturned when it comes to making sure that the show goes on un-hampered.

#1 Renee Young was responsible for CM Punk's return on WWE Backstage

CM Punk sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world when he signed on to become an analyst of WWE's show on FS1 - WWE Backstage. Punk 'returned' to WWE in November last year after staying away from the company since 2014.

While speaking to Lilian Garcia on her podcast, Renee Young - who is the host of WWE Backstage - revealed how she had to 'beg and plead' Punk to be part of the show.

When I like heard his name being thrown around, I was like, should I reach out to him? Should I try to see where he's at? So we have been talking a little bit. Yeah, I was just begging and pleading. I'm like, it'll be good. It'll be fun. I promise it's going to be a great time.

She also stated that she did 'the best' selling job she could possibly do to try to get him onboard following which CM Punk finally agreed.