WWE Rumor Roundup: Former Champions returning for Royal Rumble, RAW Superstar to get 'strong push', Braun Strowman's status - 15th December 2019

#2. Braun Strowman comments on his absence

Braun Strowman was originally slated to take on Shinsuke Nakamura at TLC for the Intercontinental Championship, however, the match was nixed as the Monster Among Men reportedly suffered from back spasms, as revealed by Dave Meltzer the Wrestling Observer.

Strowman took to his Instagram handle to confirm that he was indeed out with a back injury.

The former RAW Tag Team Champion wrote, "I’m bored laying around nursing this old back of mine somebody make me laugh!!!!!"

Strowman should be back on TV soon to possibly build towards an IC title program against Nakamura. The Superstar is yet to win a singles title in the WWE and he could finally achieve the accolade in the first half of 2020 if WWE Creative wishes to go down that path.

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#1. Robert Roode's WWE future

Robert Roode's suspension due to a wellness policy violation has been one of the biggest stories in the past week.

Will Roode's first strike negatively affect his WWE career? The good news is that the former NXT Champion may be let off the hook without any major repercussions.

Sportskeeda's Tom Colohue spoke about Roode's WWE career and noted that the violation shouldn't have a big impact on Roode's career.

Roman Reigns was also once infamously suspended for a policy violation but The Big Dog still maintained his top spot on the roster when he made his comeback.

While Roode may never get a Roman Reigns-like push, the former Impact Wrestling Star's WWE career should not have a major decline.

Here's what Tom had to say:

"Bobby Roode could not get involved, he is, of course, suspended due to a violation of the wellness policy. It’s been a while since we’ve had a violation of the wellness policy, the last one I can remember is Roman Reigns himself, so it shouldn’t have too much of an impact on Bobby Roode’s career."

Roode is serving his 30-day suspension period and it will be intriguing to see how WWE uses him once he is ready to return to TV.