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Welcome to another edition of the daily WWE Rumor Roundup, where we try and bring you the biggest and most interesting stories from World Wrestling Entertainment. In today's edition, we will take a look at some interesting topics involving why Vince McMahon chose to end the push of two top wrestlers.
McMahon is well-known for having a clear vision for his product and doesn't like it when superstars do not adhere to his instructions. He was recently involved in a backstage argument with a SmackDown star over creative differences.
We will also talk about WWE's plans for Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns at WrestleMania and if it will be a champion vs champion match. So without any further ado, let's dive in and check out the biggest rumors of the day:
#5 WWE's plan for Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Radio stated that there are no plans to have a champion vs champion match at WrestleMania. He theorized that Reigns could drop the Universal title to Rollins before defeating Lesnar on the Grandest Stage.
“I was told no. That they just did it because those two guys had the belt at the time. So it made sense to do it at the time. But, at the time, that was not the direction that they were planning on… Lesnar and Reigns are going to have a match. I think we’ll have a lot better idea of what’s gonna happen after the Royal Rumble. But, if Seth wins and then Lesnar’s wrestling Roman, I would presume Roman beats him to win a belt back. Because Lesnar’s not going to be around long-term and Roman will be around every week," said Dave Meltzer.
Brock Lesnar will defend the WWE Championship against Bobby Lashley at the Royal Rumble, while Roman Reigns will face Seth Rollins for the Universal title at the same show.
#4 Reason for Mustafa Ali's argument with Vince McMahon
Mustafa Ali publicly requested his release from WWE a few days ago. It was reported that the reason behind Ali wanting to quit was that the company had no plans for him and did not use him despite him being available. It was later reported by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful that he had a fallout with Vince McMahon over the direction of his character.
"I have a message that is much bigger than my dreams in pro wrestling. Despite my best efforts, I will not be able to deliver this message while working with WWE. Therefore, I am requesting my release," Mustafa Ali tweeted.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter stated that the 205 Live star asked for his release after he was given a character he did not like.
#3 Major change for WWE Monday Night RAW
PWInsider has reported that RAW will air on Syfy instead of USA twice in February. The change came because of the coverage of the Winter Olympics on the USA Network.
The 2022 games will take place in February and RAW will have to take a backseat and move networks for a short period of time. The February 7th and 14th episodes of RAW will not air on USA.
#2 Push nixed for Finn Balor
WrestlingNews.co has reported that Vince McMahon does not see a WWE main-eventer in former Universal champion Finn Balor and he will be relegated to the mid-card. His role will be to help get the youngest superstars over. It is a position similar to the one occupied by Jeff Hardy before his release.
“Yea, Finn was moved into the spot that Jeff Hardy had," claimed WrestlingNews.co's source. "He’s just there now to help get over the younger guys. There was a pitch to make him heel but that was weeks ago and I haven’t heard much about it since then. Vince never saw Finn as more than just a mid card guy."
Finn Balor was taken out by Austin Theory a few weeks ago. Despite having a feud with Roman Reigns over the Universal championship, Balor wasn't able to make himself a top guy in the eyes of Vince McMahon.
#1 Will Cody Rhodes return to WWE?
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has quashed speculation that Cody Rhodes might make an appearance at the WWE Royal Rumble given his free agent status.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer stated that Rhodes will not be coming to Royal Rumble and will likely announce his new contract on Dynamite this week. It is speculated that the second-generation star will add some 'demands' to his new contract which will be used in a storyline.
