AEW and WWE Rumor Roundup April 16, 2022: Roman Reigns future, name change rule and more!

published

WWE and AEW Rumor Roundup for April 16, 2022, including Roman Reigns title plans, WWE name change rule, new AEW signing, Khan’s Announcement and more!

These are all the latest rumor roundup in pro-wrestling, which are currently afloat. So let’s have a look at all the rumor roundup from WWE and AEW.

1. Roman Reigns’ title plans 

There have been specific reports that WWE wants to have The Rock vs Roman Reigns as the main event of next year’s Wrestlemania 39 from Los Angeles. If it happens, then it would be one of the biggest stars in the world against one of their current biggest stars with a built-in storyline that completely goes parallel with Reigns’ current gimmick.

Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns is the undisputed Universal Champion (WWE)

According to WrestlingNews.co, Roman Reigns still has no plans. To lose the WWE Universal Championship anytime soon. But, if WWE decides to keep the title on him through WrestleMania 39 next year, the idea will be to promote him as the greatest of all time.

The Tribal Chief has already gone past some of the most prominent landmarks being the WWE Universal Champion. He is currently standing at more than 600 days as champion. However, if he stays a champion until next year, he will go past some of the greats.

2. WWE name change rule

There have been many name changes in WWE in the recent past. Someone like 

WALTER → Gunther

Pete Dunne → Butch

Marcel Barthel → Ludwig Kaiser

Raquel González → Raquel Rodriguez

Austin Theory → Theory

One of the main reasons WWE’s historically done this is to have trademark control over a performer’s name on their programming. So, for example, recently, Raul Mendoza, who has been a part of NXT under his real name since 2016, has changed his name to Cruz Del Toro. 

Walter
Walter (Credits: Comic Book)

As per Wrestling Observer Newsletter, The run of WWE name changes results from Vince McMahon recently deciding he doesn’t want newer talent using any part of their real names or names established in the Indies. 

3. Tony Khan’s huge announcement 

A snippet of audio was released by The Super J-Cast on social media with a theory that Tony Khan’s Huge Announcement is actually a tie-up between AEW and NEW Japan Show in Chicago on June 23.

A few days back, it was reported that AEW returns to Pittsburg next Wednesday. There will be a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT from Tony Khan.

According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, Tony Khan’s HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT next week could be related to a broadcast deal for Ring of Honor or a streaming deal for AEW.

4. New AEW Signing 

According to Fightful, the ROH World Champion Jonathan Gresham has signed an AEW contract. However, even if it’s an AEW contract, he will keep wrestling for Ring of Honor.

Ring of Honor: Jonathan Gresham wins title at Final Battle 2021 - Sports  Illustrated
Jonathan Greshman (SI)

Gresham won the ROH World Championship at Final Battle against Lethal, who knocked on the Forbidden Door to visit from AEW. It was an excellent choice as a Grand Slam Champion, winning the World, Pure, TV and Tag Team titles throughout his ROH career. Lethal also had a history with Gresham.

5. New interest in Bloodsport brand 

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported that GCW owner Brett Lauderdale said on his podcast that the “biggest wrestling company in the world” has expressed interest in their Bloodsport brand. However, Dave Meltzer noted that it would be a weird fit for WWE, considering their issues with blood.

WWE Interested In GCW's Bloodsport Brand? - WrestleTalk
Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 8 (WrestleTalk)

But there is speculation that it could be something for Peacock’s library.

More AEW news

Follow our dedicated AEW page for instant AEW news and updates.