WWE Rumor Roundup: Veteran superstar requests release, Injured former champion to return on SmackDown, Ronda Rousey's WrestleMania opponent

#4 Brian Kendrick has asked for his WWE release

Former WWE Tag Team Champion Brian Kendrick has asked for his release from the promotion, as per PWInsider. The veteran was part of the company in the 2000s and later returned for the Cruiserweight Classic. After a stellar performance, he became a mainstay on 205 Live, even winning the Cruiserweight Title.

Kendrick has served as a backstage producer for NXT and 205 Live as of late. However, he has been absent from tapings for the past few weeks. Mike Johnson reported that the veteran had asked for his release from the company at least six weeks back.

Kendrick was not just a producer backstage but was also set to make his in-ring return in NXT. It remains to be seen if the company will grant him his release or refuse the reported request like they did with Mustafa Ali.

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#3 Asuka could be returning at Royal Rumble

There have been rumors that WWE has a big surprise in store for the 2022 Royal Rumble event. As per Fightful Select, the word backstage is that Asuka, a former Rubmle winner, will finally make her return at the show.

Asuka has been out of action since July 2021. She was last seen at the MITB show, where she suffered an arm injury. There are currently many spots still open for the Women's Royal Rumble, and it looks like Ronda Rousey and Asuka could be two big surprises.