WWE Rumor Roundup - Special events deal with Disney, Bayley's contract status, update on Jordynne Grace & more (September 9, 2026)
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
Let’s dive into the latest WWE rumors currently making waves among fans.
Speculation and rumors are among the favorite pastimes of WWE fans worldwide. Fans from all over the world enjoy discussing and debating various aspects of the world of pro wrestling.
In today’s edition of the roundup, we cover the latest rumors and news circulating among fans on social media, including Special events deal with Disney, Bayley’s contract status after her return on Raw, plans for Johnny Gargano after his in-ring return, an update on Jordynne Grace, and more.
Special events deal with Disney
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TKO COO Mark Shapiro in response to a question about the factors behind TKO’s expected revenue growth during the second half of the year, revealed at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference that the Stamford-based promotion is currently in talks with Disney about hosting several special events next year.
Shapiro said WWE is exploring ways to expand its existing partnership with The Walt Disney Company. The partnership with Disney began with the ESPN PLE deal.
“Remember, WWE is a different audience than the UFC, and when it comes to going after families, that’s our audience, and I think advertisers are starting to see that,
Frankly, I’m excited for 2027 because we’re working with The Walt Disney Company on some special events around Disney and WWE and bringing those two audiences together since, of course, what do they have in common? Family.”
Bayley’s contract status
‘The Role Model’ Bayley returned for the first time since July on this past Monday’s Raw to attack Lyra Valkyria and revive their feud. The return came amid major uncertainty around her contract status and speculation about a move to AEW.
Following the return, many theorized that Bayley likely has re-signed with the promotion, hence the return. During the post-RAW episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that Bayley had agreed to a new contract with the promotion.
However, PWInsider’s Mike Johnson has offered a conflicting update, stating that WWE sources have denied Bayley signing a new contract. Per Johnson, there have also been no recent discussions between the two sides regarding a contract renewal.
“There are reports that Bayley signed a new WWE deal with that report attributed to Dave Meltzer. That is incorrect.
Multiple WWE sources have indicated that there were no conversations about Bayley signing a new deal as she still has lots of time left on her contract. Anyone claiming she signed a new deal as a condition of her return would be 100% wrong.”
Additionally, Fightful has reported that AEW may not yet have confirmation regarding Bayley’s future. The outlet added that AEW had been hopeful of having an opportunity to pursue the former World Champion. For now, her contract status remains unknown.
Plans for Johnny Gargano
After planking for much of 2026, Johnny Gargano made his in-ring return during last week’s SmackDown in Cleveland, Ohio. Gargano battled CM Punk for the Undisputed title, and while he failed to get the win, he got outstanding support from his hometown fans.
After his in-ring return, we now have an update on plans for him on the Blue brand. In response to a fan question in the latest Fightful Select Answers Q&A, Sean Ross Sapp reported that Gargano will be featured in a more prominent role moving forward.
Sapp added that a source in the company indicated that, when the storyline began in January, WWE had not mapped out a definitive conclusion, with no clear endpoint in sight at the time.
Update on Jordynne Grace & Worlds Collide against AEW All Out
Jordynne Grace has been absent from WWE programming for a long time and has only wrestled on the Main Event, despite the SmackDown brand actively struggling with a hollow women’s division. Her last televised match on the Blue brand took place in April 2026.
According to a report from Fightful, Jordynne Grace could make her return to WWE television soon, with plans calling for her to take on a role that would be “categorically different” from what she was doing previously.
On the other hand, WWE and AAA are set to deliver Worlds Collide from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The show will go head-to-head with AEW All Out, which takes place at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
According to Self Made Pro, WWE is positioning Worlds Collide against AEW as part of an effort to demonstrate that AAA can draw an audience while airing opposite the No. 2 wrestling promotion, potentially strengthening its case for securing a television deal.
Has Bayley re-signed with WWE?
There are conflicting reports regarding Bayley’s WWE contract status. While Dave Meltzer reported that she had agreed to a new deal, PWInsider’s Mike Johnson later cited WWE sources who denied that Bayley had signed a new contract.
Will Johnny Gargano be featured more on WWE SmackDown?
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, the plan is for Gargano to have a more prominent role going forward following his in-ring return.
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