WWE Rumor Roundup – CM Punk vs Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 43; Sheamus & Samantha Irvin AEW talks; Rey Mysterio’s retirement update & more
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
Check out the latest rumors and news doing the rounds in WWE.
Even though the Crown Jewel 2026 rumor is finding its closure, the latest WWE news and rumors have sparked discussion across the wrestling world. The news in focus involves former WWE stars potentially joining AEW and the possible retirement of a Hall of Famer.
The attention also switches to The Rock’s comments about Tony Khan and speculation about the WrestleMania 43 main event. Here is a WWE rumor roundup for top stories making headlines.
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Sheamus linked with a potential AEW move
Former WWE star Sheamus continues to attract attention following his departure from the company. According to a recent report from Fightful, AEW has not shown significant urgency in bringing him in, although established names including Claudio Castagnoli and Adam Copeland have reportedly expressed support for signing him.
The report also notes that it remains unclear whether Sheamus has held direct talks with AEW. The former world champion left the Stamford-based promotion after a long run that included multiple championship victories and major career milestones.
While his experience could make him a valuable addition to AEW, there is currently no confirmation that he has signed with the promotion or that a deal is imminent. For now, his next wrestling destination remains uncertain.
Samantha Irvin being considered for AEW role
Another top name from the program – former WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin could eventually make her way to AEW, according to the latest report from Fightful. The outlet reported that Irvin is set to become a free agent this month following the expiration of her two-year non-compete clause. AEW has internally discussed bringing her in on several occasions, although a move is not expected immediately.
Irvin left the promotion in October 2024 after establishing herself as one of the promotion’s most recognizable ring announcers. Her energetic introductions and distinctive presentation earned her a strong following among wrestling fans.
While her potential arrival could give AEW another familiar voice, there is no confirmed agreement between the two sides. Her next career move remains a developing story, and fans will have to wait for further updates before expecting her to appear on AEW programming.
The Rock’s praise for Tony Khan continues to generate discussion in WWE
The Rock’s comments praising AEW president Tony Khan continue to be a talking point backstage, according to a report by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Meltzer noted that people within WWE have continued bringing up the video Johnson posted following the death of PAC, in which he described AEW as a phenomenal wrestling company and referred to Khan as a friend.
Johnson’s tribute was intended to offer condolences to PAC’s family, friends, and colleagues across the wrestling industry. He later clarified that humanity mattered more to him than competition between promotions.
The continued discussion has made the comments a notable talking point in wrestling news. However, there is no confirmed indication that the tribute has affected Johnson’s relationship with WWE or his position on the TKO board.
WWE SmackDown & AEW Dynamite set for a head-to-head clash
WWE SmackDown and AEW Dynamite are scheduled to compete directly in the new year following AEW’s two-day event, New Year Smash, announcement. The event will take place on January 1 and 2, when they will clash against Friday Night SmackDown on the first day of 2027.
This year also, AEW will clash with the NXT show, after NXT’s regular Tuesday broadcast was affected by US midterm election coverage. The episode will go head-to-head with AEW’s annual Blood & Guts special, marking the first Wednesday-night clash between the two programs since 2021.
The scheduling change creates an interesting challenge for both promotions. AEW will present its violent team-based match format, while NXT is reportedly preparing a loaded episode to compete for viewers.
Although the clash appears to stem from television scheduling rather than deliberate counterprogramming, it will renew comparisons between the two brands. The November 4 ratings could offer an interesting snapshot of audience interest in both shows.
WrestleMania 43 plans
Speculation surrounding WrestleMania 43 has intensified following reports about two potential headline matches. Early discussions reportedly included CM Punk facing Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns taking on Oba Femi at the 2027 event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, the latest update from Dave Meltzer indicates that only the Reigns-Femi direction remains consistent with the current plans.
According to Meltzer, Rhodes versus Punk is not currently the plan, despite the growing discussion around a potential rematch. He also cautioned that WrestleMania plans can change significantly in the months leading up to the event.
With several months remaining before WrestleMania 43, the creative direction could still evolve as WWE builds its biggest annual show.
Update on Rey Mysterio’s retirement
Former champion Rey Mysterio had been sensational in recent weeks, and he looks in top shape in matches. However, there are rumors about the 51-year-old wrestler calling it a day in 2027. Multiple WWE rumors also hinted at a possible retirement tour for the Hall of Famer.
Dave Meltzer addressed the situation in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter at F4WOnline.com, offering an update on the reported retirement discussions.
“Regarding the rumors of a 2027 retirement tour and such for Rey Mysterio, we were told ‘It’s quite possible,.”
Although there is no confirmation from WWE or the wrestler himself, the news certainly carries weight with the star’s change in the company.
Is Rey Mysterio retiring?
Rey Mysterio has not retired yet, but rumors hint at a possible retirement tour for the Hall of Fame wrestler.
Is Sheamus joining AEW?
While there are rumors around Sheamus switching to AEW after hitting free agency, there is no confirmation from the wrestler or his firm as of October 24.
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