Buy or Sell John Cena WWE Opponent Rumors, AEW’s Interest in Kevin Owens, More
Buy or Sell John Cena WWE Opponent Rumors, AEW’s Interest in Kevin Owens, More 0 of 6
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The pro wrestling rumor mill has used the past handful of days—hours, even—to reinforce the idea that there is no slow period when it comes to WWE and AEW buzz.
One would think the nice September gap in major events might cause things to slow down. But the standard-fare free-agency buzz, injury updates and contract rumblings just keep coming down the pipeline.
Adding to the traditional stuff are the surprises like possible plans for John Cena’s retirement tour in 2025 and a major possible change for one of WWE’s flagship programs.
To help fans keep up with the pace of the rumor mill, here is a look at the biggest buzzing items and whether each one is worth a buy or a sell.
Charlotte Flair Update1 of 6
Fans anticipating the return of Charlotte Flair anytime soon might want to ease off on expectations.
According to Fightful Select (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), Flair still hasn’t been medically cleared to return to the ring. As such, WWE isn’t working on creative plans for her right now.
In modern times, fans have been right to doubt buzz like this because, frankly, this might be exactly the sort of thing a company leaks in an attempt to hide a surprise return.
And yet, it feels like a buy. Flair initially suffered a torn ACL and other knee setbacks during a match in December of 2023 on an episode of SmackDown. Fans have also been conditioned, through wrestling and otherwise, to expect roughly nine months to even a year for recovery time for that type of injury.
Meaning, we’re just not that close yet, even if all is well on the recovery front, which we aren’t privy to right now. Early 2025 would make more sense on the build to a WrestleMania.
Verdict: Buy
Matt Riddle Free Agency Buzz?2 of 6
Is Matt Riddle the next big AEW signing?
While wrestling fans might pine for the idea in some capacity, it might be wise to set expectations accordingly.
According to Fightful Select (h/t Ortman), AEW’s Tony Khan “has not had any interest” in the idea, a stance that isn’t new for him.
This one feels like a sell, though. Khan and AEW have a reputation for signing anyone and everyone for a good reason after years of special announcements, reveals, and big signings to keep things interesting.
Yes, Riddle has his baggage, which is why he’s still in the news talking about why he might or might not be accepted back into WWE someday. But AEW eventually adding him would make waves in the sport and create some interesting matchups on an already-stacked roster.
Verdict: Sell
Major WWE Contracts Buzz3 of 6
Another week, more buzz about WWE approaching top stars about new contracts.
According to PW Insider (h/t Ortman), WWE has been in contact with Nia Jax, Liv Morgan, and Rhea Ripley about new contracts.
Easy buy.
While the report doesn’t elaborate on the when and how of those Superstars eventually becoming free agents, it does say that it remains “aggressive” in trying to sign stars to new deals.
No wonder—after years of major names like Drew McIntyre running right up to the deadline of free agency before getting new deals, the sooner, the better. That is, at least from the company’s perspective.
Plus, extending contracts means avoiding free agency drama, which also might mean avoiding any possible bidding wars with AEW for talent, too.
Verdict: Buy
Big SmackDown Change Coming?4 of 6
SmackDown going back to USA Network is one of the biggest talking points in pro wrestling right now.
WWE managed to turn that up a notch, too, with WrestleVotes Radio (h/t Ortman) reporting that the show will switch to a three-hour format in January of next year. The idea, it seems, is to line up the blue brand with a three-hour format right as its red counterpart, Raw, switches over to Netflix.
But this one has to be a sell…right?
Fans fully understand that WWE has flirted with an oversaturation problem as it is before moving Raw back to a two-hour format. That seemed to be progress in the right direction, only for this reversal of a rumor.
One would almost think that if one of the shows had to be three hours, it might be the one on a streaming service. Unless there’s another abrupt announcement like the reduction to Raw’s runtime, it feels like a sell.
Verdict: Sell
One of John Cena’s Upcoming Opponents Revealed?5 of 6
The John Cena retirement tour is coming in 2025 and one would think said tour will run the gamut of hits, including Randy Orton, CM Punk and…Logan Paul?
So says WrestleVotes Radio (h/t Ortman), who reports that WWE likes the idea of Cena going against Paul at some point in 2025.
As silly as it sort of sounds, this one registers as a buy. Such a matchup falls in line with WWE’s old-school mentality of getting as many eyeballs on the product as possible. Both guys have huge drawing power outside of wrestling, so it would make sense.
Keep in mind that this doesn’t have to be a big PLE match, either. WWE could prosper from the matchup, even if it’s on an early episode of Raw on Netflix or during the reported switch to three hours for SmackDown.
Verdict: Buy
Kevin Owens Pursued by Both Companies?6 of 6
Kevin Owens is on of the hottest names who keeps coming up when the topic is big-name free agents.
While there’s no official word on when Owens’ contract with WWE might be up, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reports that WWE has approached him about a new deal—and that AEW will likely make a push if he becomes available, too.
No-brainer, really.
Owens is one of the modern greats courtesy of a body of work that started well before his WWE days. He is, believe it or not, still just 40 years old and can do anything from helping young Superstars to working at the very top of a promotion.
AEW would love to somehow land Owens, of course—but he feels like one of those super-obvious WWE re-signings before long.
Verdict: Buying
