2016 is almost over. With not much left in 2016 to happen, the rumour mill has been buzzing about the potential things that could happen next year. Brock Lesnar, who had a great year this time around, could be set for something big next year as well if we go by the rumours. Similarly, WWE could have big plans for Sasha Banks.
The return of John Cena which happens next week turned out to be a talking point. The Slammy Award scenario and WWE being interested in another TNA superstar were the other major rumours of this week. We are going to take a closer look at all of them in the list.
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#5 Brock Lesnar wants another UFC Fight
Brock Lesnar made his return to UFC this year when he fought Mark Hunt at UFC 200. The fight was a financial success for everyone involved but the USADA saga that followed afterwards took away the spotlight. Lesnar got a one-year suspension but he plans to fight once again.
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Rumours are suggesting that the Beast wants to step inside the Octagon one more time before retiring from the sport.
Lesnar should be expected to juggle his MMA and Wrestling career once again if it happens. Lesnar has a record of 5-3 in MMA right now and with the drawing power that he has, UFC would be more than happy to have him back.
#4 Sasha to turn heel
Sasha Banks and Charlotte finally wrapped up their feud this past week when Charlotte defeated Sasha at Roadblock to regain the Women’s championship. From what happened on Monday Night Raw, Sasha seems to be heading into a feud with Nia Jax and there has been talk about Sasha possibly turning heel.
If the heel turn is indeed happening, WWE would possibly be pulling it off after the Nia Jax feud. Sasha playing heel is something that could shake up the division. It would help her recover from the losses that she had against Charlotte and put her in a strong position to feud with Bayley after WrestleMania.
#3 John Cena vs. AJ Styles being planned for Royal Rumble
John Cena makes his return this week on SmackDown and WWE has been busy promoting this. The fact that he is still a big draw will be underlined by the SmackDown ratings this week and the plan could be a Cena vs. AJ Styles match for Royal Rumble.
Earlier, it was rumoured that Cena would be going right into the WWE championship feud upon his return, but there was some confusion regarding who he would face.
With Dean Ambrose headed to a possible feud with The Miz, Styles makes a lot of sense. The triple threat match on SmackDown could be an ideal situation for the return of Cena and this could set up their Royal Rumble match.
#2 Slammy award scenario
The absence of the Slammy Awards has been puzzling the wrestling community for some time. Rumours are suggesting that the Slammys will not take place this year but there is a talk about it happening sometime in 2017. WWE could be planning to have a Network special for the Slammy Awards next year before WrestleMania.
No confirmation has been rolled out regarding the same and thus, it remains as a speculation. Either way, moving the Slammys is a major move and showcases that WWE is ready to take risks to restructure their programming. At such a pace, 2017 could be a huge year for WWE.
#1 WWE interested in Bobby Lashley
Last week, the rumours about WWE being interested in Eli Drake made rounds. From the looks of it, WWE might be interested in yet another TNA talent.
The name under the limelight this time is Bobby Lashley. Lashley has been a regular in the TNA main event scene for a long time now and with the MMA appeal that he has, it is not surprising that such rumours have popped up.
However, with WWE interested in so many names all around the place and being that they failed to make good use of Lashley last time around, the chances of this move materialising are low.
But if the deal does go through, it would be a bad one for TNA.
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