Don’t have the time to read all the pro wrestling digital dirt sheets? Then get caught up with all the latest WWE rumors and news you need to know right now. Including Cody Rhodes talking disrespect from AEW management, an update on Karrion Kross’ contract status, and recently released WWE veterans now being able to test free agency.
Braun Strowman and other released WWE veterans now free agents
In May, WWE cut over a dozen stars, including former champions Braun Strowman, Shayna Bazler, Dakota Kai, Kayden Carter, and Katana Chance. Most of them had 60-day non-compete clauses in their contracts. Well, as of August 1, they will be able to officially test the open market. And take offers from companies like AEW, TNA, MLW, or HOG.
Cody Rhodes on disrespect from AEW management
“If I ever felt (at WWE) that I was a number on a sheet, maybe, but feeling disrespected at something I built with my friends. That we built. Feeling disrespected there, I wouldn’t stand for it,” Cody Rhodes told Bill Simmons this week… It was one of those where it was, f**k it. ‘I did way more here than you think, and you’re going to find out the moment I’m out the door.’ I don’t believe in the cold-hearted back-stabbing type of revenge.
“The greatest revenge on Earth is success. I felt like we were sitting on something wonderful. Something great. A huge, potentially, what I was doing with the ‘American Nightmare.’ As a bad guy, as a good guy, something in between,” he said about his fractured relationship with AEW management. “We’re sitting on some magic. If I’m not going to do it in the house that I literally — with Matt, Nick, and Kenny — built, then buddy, I’m going elsewhere.”
Bianca Belair closing on return to SmackDown
“According to sources, we are told Bianca Belair is closing in on her return,” Wrestle Votes reports. “The former 3-time Women’s Champion is expected to be cleared for action this upcoming week. And could appear as soon as the SmackDown following SummerSlam on 8/9. She won’t be cleared ahead of this weekend, per one source.”
Belair has been sidelined since with a hand injury since her WrestleMania 41 match with Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky.
Karrion Kross offers cryptic comment on WWE future
“I don’t think I should talk about any of it now. But I am hoping that when the time is right, everyone will know what’s going on, including us,” Karrion Kross told the Battleground Podcast this week.
Reports in recent weeks have claimed that the former NXT champion’s contract ends at the end of August. And the company has yet to offer him a new deal. However, there has been recent speculation that he may have secretly re-signed, and new merchandise produced this month is proof of that rumor.
Hulk Hogan reportedly battled Leukemia
The New York Post reports that documents they obtained this week revealed that WWE icon Hulk Hogan had a secret history battling Leukemia. It is unclear if the form of cancer that affects white blood cells played any role in his passing last week.
The outlet also revealed his specific cause of death was “acute myocardial infarction — commonly known as a heart attack — which is when blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, causing tissue damage.”
WWE has rumored plans for a Performance Center in Mexico
WWE’s official takeover of legendary Mexican wrestling promotion AAA will begin on Aug. 1, according to Super Luchas. The outlet also claims that there are rumored plans for the company to create a new Performance Center located in Mexico.
