WWE Rumor Roundup: Former champion released, major push for returning superstar, Lesnar's return match, Nakamura's current status (20th May 2021)

Welcome to another edition of the daily WWE Rumor Roundup, where we try and bring the biggest rumors and backstage stories from the day. In today's edition, we will take a look at WWE's plans for a recently returned former WWE Champion, the company releasing multiple superstars and referees, and much more.

This article will also take a look at a big rematch that has been postponed to WrestleMania 39 and the reason behind it.

So without further ado, let us dive in and take a look at some of the biggest rumors and stories.

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#5 More superstars released by WWE

Just for the record: My WWE contract will expire on June 15th. That means I'm a free agent on June 16th. I have a lot in my head right now so let's keep it short: Thank you @WWENXT @WWE for 6 year. Bye bye pic.twitter.com/hB09dG8RC3

— Axel The Axeman Tischer (@TheWWEWolfe) May 19, 2021

WWE had released major names like Samoa Joe, Billie Kay and Mickie James soon after WrestleMania 37. The company released about 10 superstars who were not being used. Now, WWE has released some more superstars and employees specifically from the NXT brand.

PWInisider and Fightful Select have confirmed that former main roster superstar and one-time NXT Tag Team Champion Alexander Wolfe has been released. Other names who have also been cut include:

• Vanessa Borne
• Jessamyn Duke
• Kavita Devi
• Skyler Story
• Ezra Judge
• NXT referee Jake Clemons
• NXT referee Drake Wuertz

Wolfe had been part of Eric Young's stable SAnitY on NXT before he went to NXT UK and joined another group called Imperium. The former champion broke his silence after being let go and said that he will be a free agent from June 16th.

"Just for the record: My WWE contract will expire on June 15th. That means I'm a free agent on June 16th. I have a lot in my head right now so let's keep it short: Thank you @WWENXT @WWE for 6 year. Bye bye," said Wolfe.

The reason Wolfe's release has come as a shock to many is because he had been a regular feature on WWE NXT.

#4 Big push planned for former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal

Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal finally returned to Monday Night RAW last week. The Maharaja made quick work of Jeff Hardy and showed his dominance. It has been reported by WrestlingNews.co that Mahal is in for a big push and will likely be feuding with former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre throughout the summer months.

"We're told that Mahal is slated to get a big push, and the idea is to build him up for his eventual feud with Drew McIntyre in the summer months."

Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre are real-life friends and were former stablemates as part of 3MB as well. Mahal returned last week accompanied by two giants - Shanky and Veer.

Drew McIntyre lost his second opportunity at Bobby Lashley's WWE Championship at WrestleMania Backlash and will be looking for new opponents to feud with. And there is no better feud for McIntyre right now than having one with Mahal.

Would you like to see these two former WWE Champions clash with each other?

#3 Becky Lynch vs. Ronda Rousey plans in WWE

Becky Lynch and Ronda Rousey are arguably the biggest names in the WWE Women's division today. However, both women have been absent from the company owing to pregnancies. While there were rumors about plans for the two women to face each other at WrestleMania 38, WrestlingNews.co has reported that the match may be pushed back till WrestleMania 39 instead.

"WrestleMania 38 in Dallas has been discussed but others in the company feel that it would be better to hold that match off until WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles since that is Rousey’s hometown and having L.A. host the show would guarantee more mainstream publicity."

There is no word yet on when either of the two women will return to WWE. Rousey has been absent from WWE since WrestleMania 35, where she lost the RAW Women's Championship to Becky Lynch in the main event of the show.

The first-ever women's main event match at WrestleMania was a "Winner Takes All" triple threat bout between Rousey, Lynch, and Charlotte Flair. Despite the two women having already squared off at WrestleMania, they have not done so in a one-on-one match.

#2 Shinsuke Nakamura on his status in WWE

Former WWE US Champion Shinsuke Nakamura was a guest on Renee Paquette's Oral Sessions recently. The former Royal Rumble winner talked about his current position in the company and his equation with Vince McMahon.

Nakamura revealed that he does not pitch any ideas to McMahon and has only limited conversations with him. He revealed that the Chairman always gives him advice related to promos. Shinsuke Nakamura said that he is waiting for the perfect time and moment.

"I'm still struggling in wrestling," said Nakamura "Coming to US and coming to WWE is challenging. I came to challenge myself. That's why I'm here. I'm waiting to find my timing and my moment. I don't pitch ideas to [Vince] a lot. We talk after the match a little or before the match if he has an idea for my promo. I need to get used to [not talking to Vince]," said Shinsuke Nakamura. (h/t Fightful)

Nakamura is currently involved in a feud with King Corbin on SmackDown. Though many feel that Nakamura deserves to be part of the main-event picture on the Blue brand, it looks as though WWE has chosen to keep him in the mid-card.

#1 Booker T coments on Brock Lesnar's possible WWE return

WWE legend Booker T recently talked about 'The Beast Incarnate' Brock Lesnar on his podcast - Hall of Fame. He talked about a possible return match for Lesnar and opined that Bobby Lashley would be the ideal opponent.

''For Bobby Lashley to be in a match somewhere like that, Champion of Champions match, and then actually winning it in a dominant fashion, MVP cutting a great promo on the world as far as Bobby Lashley being The All Mighty, and then the music (Brock Lesnar's) hits. That right there, I get goosebumps, something like that I can buy into, that's money,'' said Booker T.

Booker T said that former WWE Champion Brock Lesnar returning with Paul Heyman by his side, would be fun to watch. He also talked about when the match could take place. The Hall of Famer said that if the crowd is returning by SummerSlam then this match should take place at The Biggest Party of the Summer.