WWE Rumor Roundup - Plans for Brock Lesnar changed, Major superstar to follow Daniel Bryan and CM Punk into AEW, Is Bianca Belair getting buried? (22nd August 2021)

#2. Backstage reaction in WWE to CM Punk's return to wrestling for AEW

The worst kept secret in recent memory finally got out in the open this past Friday as CM Punk returned to pro wrestling and experienced one of the most incredible crowd reactions ever.

PWInsider Mike Johnson reported that people within WWE expected Punk to debut on AEW's Rampage.

There were, however, varied reactions backstage in the company as some reportedly underplayed the response that his debut generated. There is also a belief behind the scenes that WWE could have mended fences with CM Punk and convinced him to return to the promotion. Here's what PWInsider reported:

"For those asking the reaction within WWE to this, obviously they knew it was coming. We have heard from some who were dismissive of the debut (although they hadn't seen the electric scene of his return) and some who felt WWE had completely missed out by not having that moment for themselves to help repair the bridge with Punk," Mike Johnson revealed.

Do not miss @CMPunk’s return to the ring and #AEW debut against @DarbyAllin (w/ @Sting) when #AEW is LIVE on Pay Per View for #AEWAllOut - Sunday, September 5, 2021 from the @NOW_Arena in Chicago.Available on all major providers, @BleacherReport, and @FiteTV (Internationally) pic.twitter.com/PaieFgOkix

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 21, 2021

Punk will step foot in the ring with Darby Allin at All Out on September 5th, and his first match in over seven years could potentially help AEW exceed their previous numbers.

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#1. Original plans for Becky Lynch's WWE return

Several outlets have confirmed that Becky Lynch's return was a last-minute decision due to Sasha Banks' unavailability.

Dave Meltzer said on the Observer Radio that Lynch was brought back only because WWE needed a big-name replacement for Banks.

He stated that company officials were informed eight days ago about Sasha Banks being off the SummerSlam show. WWE continued to falsely advertise Banks for the title showdown right up until the pre-match introductions.

"Obviously, that was not the planned idea. It happened because Sasha Banks wasn't going to be ready, and they felt they needed something and to quell the audience," revealed Meltzer.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider added that the Irish superstar was originally slated to make her planned comeback in October.

I’m back. pic.twitter.com/dlKraRFC2p

— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) August 22, 2021

The new SmackDown Women's Champion will become a full-time member of the Blue brand moving forward, and there is noticeable hype surrounding her regular presence on WWE TV and how she'd fare in her fifth women's title reign.