WWE Rumor Roundup – CM Punk's role in creative; WrestleMania 43 backup plans; Paul Heyman’s return & more

WWE rumors are making headlines.

WWE continues to make headlines as Crown Jewel 2026 undergoes a reported venue change ahead of its November 7 premium live event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Speculation has emerged that the event could shift from the originally planned outdoor stadium to an indoor arena, although there is no official confirmation.

Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounding WrestleMania 43 and several backstage developments have added to the latest news cycle. From Paul Heyman’s possible return with a different creative direction to potential NXT office changes involving Bayley and CM Punk, here is a closer look at rumors making headlines.

A backup plan for WrestleMania 43

While the Crown Jewel has the venue locked in, the firm is taking precautions for the mega event. The promotion reportedly has a contingency plan in place to host WrestleMania 43 in the United States if the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Saudi Arabia makes the original arrangement difficult.

According to a PWMania report, the company has developed a domestic backup blueprint, although the details and potential host city are being kept confidential. Interestingly, the report also ruled out The Sphere in Las Vegas as the alternative venue.

This comes amid questions about the firm’s plans for its first WrestleMania outside North America, with the 2027 edition officially announced for Riyadh.

Paul Heyman reportedly has a new creative direction

Paul Heyman could soon return to WWE television with a different creative direction, according to a report from WrestleVotes Radio. The reported plan would allow the veteran manager to branch out into another storyline while maintaining his connection with The Vision, particularly Bron Breakker.

Heyman has been closely associated with The Vision and has played an important role in guiding Breakker’s character. The report suggests that the promotion is considering a storyline that would give Heyman a separate programme without completely distancing him from Breakker.

WWE and AEW set for a head-to-head clash on New Year’s Day

SmackDown and AEW Dynamite events are set to go head-to-head on January 1, 2027, following AEW’s announcement of its New Year’s Smash special. However, reports suggest that WWE has no plans to change its existing schedule to broadcast a live episode against its rival.

The January 1 edition of SmackDown is reportedly scheduled to be taped in advance during a double taping on December 28 at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. The decision was reportedly made to allow the WWE talent and staff to spend New Year’s Day with their families.

Dralistico could be a new addition

There is more connection between the two promotions as the Stamford-based firm could be interested in adding another experienced luchador to its roster, with Dralistico reportedly emerging as a potential signing. According to Fightful Select, the Stamford-based promotion is expected to show interest in the AEW star once his contractual availability becomes clearer.

WWE is expected to show interest if and when Dralistico's availability becomes clearer, @WrestleVotes Radio on @FightfulSelect has learned.

As it stands, it is believed that Dralistico's contract with AEW runs into December.

More details are now available for Select… pic.twitter.com/vBtkkned26

— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) October 29, 2026

The report suggests that Dralistico’s current AEW contract runs through December 2026, potentially making him a free agent later this year. The masked wrestler has experience across several major wrestling promotions and previously held the AAA World Tag Team Championship alongside his real-life brother, Dragon Lee.

Bayley and CM Punk could get more backstage responsibilities in NXT

The firm also could introduce further changes to NXT’s backstage structure in 2027. With Shawn Michaels set to move to the main roster, Bryan Alvarez mentioned that Bayley and CM Punk could become more involved with the developmental brand as part of the company’s wider restructuring plans.

Bayley’s involvement could depend on her future in-ring plans, while Punk may receive more input into the developmental brand’s creative direction. AJ Styles is considered the leading candidate to take over Michaels’ responsibilities in NXT.

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