WWE Rumor Roundup - Goldberg's Elimination Chamber opponent revealed, details of major star's release being denied, Locker room morale at 'decades-long' low (February 4th, 2022)

We're back with another stacked edition of the WWE Rumor Roundup, and today's lineup features five big stories from Vince McMahon's company.

Goldberg is set to make his TV return to build up his Elimination Chamber match, and we've covered all the details of his expected comeback.

Fresh updates on Mustafa Ali's status have also emerged online amidst the superstar's attempts to secure a release. Mustafa Ali isn't the only unhappy talent within the promotion, as several other superstars are presently not pleased with the backstage atmosphere.

Plans for the upcoming Hall of Fame show have also been revealed, and we end the roundup with information about the highly-anticipated event.

---

#5. Plans for Goldberg's WWE return

Fightful Select reports that Goldberg will soon be returning to TV to set up a match against Roman Reigns at the Elimination Chamber show.

Goldberg was originally scheduled to face Reigns two years ago at WrestleMania 36, but the Tribal Chief had to pull out of the show due to health risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roman Reigns had yet to adopt his current persona the last time he was booked to go up against Goldberg, and despite the creative taking a drastic turn, WWE still wishes to feature the match in 2022.

The 'working plan' now is for Goldberg to return imminently and begin his program with the reigning Universal Champion.

Goldberg had mentioned in recent interviews that he has only one match left on his deal. People close to the situation believe that Goldberg's contract will be up after his match against Roman Reigns.

Vince McMahon has always prioritized getting Goldberg back for its Saudi Arabia shows, and this year's no different as the 55-year-old legend will get another crack at winning a world championship.

Goldberg last appeared at the Crown Jewel event, where he put on one of the best matches of his career against Bobby Lashley. Could he take it one step further in the speculated match-up against Reigns?

#4. Original Royal Rumble pitch for Mustafa Ali, why WWE does not want to release him

Mustafa Ali's public request for a WWE release continues to be a hot topic of discussion, and updates on his status have finally been revealed, courtesy of Fightful Select.

The company reportedly does not wish to grant Mustafa Ali his release, and sources noted that the term "value" was brought up regarding the reasoning for keeping the superstar.

The former 205 Live superstar has not appeared on company programming since his alleged argument with Vince McMahon about a creative decision. As of this writing, the writing team has no 'working plans' for Mustafa Ali; however, the situation could potentially change at any time.

Regarding Ali's contract, Fightful reported that the former RETRIBUTION leader still has "well over a year," and no specific date was provided.

Mustafa Ali missed the Royal Rumble show, but there were pitches made for the superstar backstage. An unnamed wrestler even proposed the idea for Ali to eliminate them from the match.

However, as seen in Mustafa Ali's tweet, the superstar had no interest in competing at the Rumble and is just focused on getting out of the WWE.

---

#3. Superstars frustrated with direction of the company

As also reported by Fightful, the locker room morale in the WWE is said to be at an all-time low. After a disappointing Royal Rumble event, several wrestlers are reportedly frustrated over the organization's future.

Sources revealed that almost the entire roster is affected by the low morale as 'consistent main eventers,' and those who aren't regularly on TV are discouraged by the company's direction.

Wrestlers are finding it difficult to get their voice across to management. Their attempts to speak with Vince McMahon often "go ignored, met with haste, or sometimes seemingly spitefully go the other way based on their recommendations."

Superstars have also complained about the lack of storyline continuing in the WWE and how nothing else matters on TV beyond probably four top names.

Many people behind the scenes believe Vince McMahon is setting up the company for an eventual sale, as that would be the only way to explain the recent decisions.

The situation within the promotion doesn't look pretty, and officials would hope for it to get better as we approach WrestleMania.

#2. WWE's plans for the Hall of Fame ceremony

WWE has made a change to its Hall of Fame festivities this year as the event is rumored to happen on Friday night, April 1, from 10:30 to 12 Midnight EST.

PWInsider reports that the Hall of Fame ceremony will occur after the go-home SmackDown episode for WrestleMania 38.

The blue brand's final show before 'Mania will end at 10:00 PM EST, and a one-and-a-half-hour broadcast of the Hall of Fame event is expected to air immediately after the weekly episode.

The HOF show will be available on Peacock and the WWE Network, and based on the time slot, will compete in a head-to-head battle with AEW Rampage. Additionally, the company might not sell separate tickets for the Hall of Fame, and the event could be a bonus for fans who attend SmackDown.

We currently have no updates on the list of inductees, but that should change in the weeks to follow.

---

#1. Veer Mahan's teased return has become a rib in WWE

It's been several weeks since WWE started airing vignettes for Veer Mahan's return, but the former NXT star is yet to show up on TV.

Sean Ross Sapp reported on the latest episode of his Q&A podcast that Veer might not make it back on WWE's programming as his storyline has seemingly become a rib. Even if Veer does 'come to RAW,' he could quickly fade away quickly into obscurity.

"I'm not convinced he will, and when he does, I think he will just go away; it's a rib now at this point," said SRS. [H/T WrestlingNews]

Veer has been backstage at recent shows but has not been used, and it seems like his RAW return could get nixed soon.

Feel free to share your views on any stories that caught your attention from today's WWE Rumor Roundup.