Top SmackDown Backstage Rumors: Former WWE Champion not to get pushed anymore, Big plans for Brock Lesnar's old rival, Change in WrestleMania plan for Roman Reigns?

 

Welcome to another edition of the top SmackDown backstage rumors, where we look at the biggest rumors around the blue brand. There is no doubt that SmackDown is being projected as the top show in WWE, thanks to the ongoing story between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns. Apart from that, big names like Goldberg and Ronda Rousey have also returned to the show and will be staying.

In today's edition, we will take a look at some interesting advancements that may take place and changes that could happen for Roman Reigns' match against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania.

We will also see what the future holds for top superstars like Drew McIntyre and Big E, who have been sidelined of late.

So without any further ado, let's dive in and check out some of the biggest rumors revolving around SmackDown:

#5 First in our SmackDown backstage rumors: Big E not to get a big push on SmackDown

Officially back on #SmackDown, @WWEBigE joins @TrueKofi in photobombing #LosLotharios, only to find themselves in a blue brand matchup against @AngelGarzaWwe & @humberto_wwe. pic.twitter.com/zjadN3zxea

— WWE (@WWE) February 6, 2022

Former WWE Champion Big E has officially been moved to the SmackDown roster. Though he was an early favorite to win this year's Royal Rumble match, it looks like his 15-minutes of fame is over.

As per Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE has taken the call to halt Big E's singles push. The man who never got his WWE title rematch will again be part of the tag team division.

"Big E being moved to SmackDown permanently and put back with the New Day as a tag team looks to have ended his push as a singles champion level guy. The plan on SmackDown was to put him in with the New Day and he wasn't brought over specifically to be an opponent for Reigns,'' stated Meltzer

Big E had a tremendous singles run away from The New Day, winning the Intercontinental title, Money in the Bank, and then the WWE Championship. However, much like his partner Kofi Kingston, it looks like he will remain in the tag team division.

#4 Big plans for Drew McIntyre on SmackDown

Back to kickin’ ass on Friday Nights! See you this evening, OKC! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/jO0sPcMXYC

— Drew McIntyre (@DMcIntyreWWE) February 4, 2022

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter also reported that Brock Lesnar's old rival Drew McIntyre is still in line for a big push. It was reported that McIntyre was originally supposed to have a great battle with Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, Lesnar tossed the Scottish Warrior out with relative ease.

Roman Reigns has his plate full with Goldberg at Elimination Chamber and Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. However, McIntyre will likely get his feud with The Tribal Chief after WrestleMania:

“Drew McIntyre was credited as Roman's challenger, but then his injury changed plans. The WWE, however, has not canceled his plans, in fact we have learned that in the coming months the two Superstars will surely have a feud."

#3 Reason why SmackDown superstar Mustafa Ali is not being released

i am requesting my release from wwe pic.twitter.com/Q1QP8SA5zV

— Mustafa Ali / Adeel Alam (@AliWWE) January 16, 2022

Mustafa Ali had publicly asked for his release from WWE. Despite the company allowing superstars to get released easily, they have made an exception for Ali and are not granting him release. The superstar allegedly still has over a year left on his contract.

Fightful Select have reported that the reason being given to keep Ali is that they see ''value'' in him. Ali has not been used by the company for months despite being healthy and ready to compete.

#2 Vince McMahon to add a big stipulation for Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania?

Get #WrestleMania ready! #RoyalRumble winner @BrockLesnar has chosen #UniversalChampion @WWERomanReigns as his @WrestleMania opponent, should The Head of the Table remain champion. @HeymanHustlehttps://t.co/CsQNb13137

— WWE (@WWE) February 1, 2022

Brock Lesnar is set to face SmackDown's Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, at WrestleMania 38. However, there is talk backstage of making it a title vs. title match. As per Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman have been pushing for the match to be title vs. title.

It also states that Vince McMahon is leaning towards the idea which could lead to Brock Lesnar regaining the WWE Championship at Elimination Chamber.

"At this point, the feeling on creative is that Vince will make the call to go with title vs. title, hence putting Lesnar in the chamber. There were those internally including Heyman and Lesnar pushing for it," reported Dave Meltzer.

Lesnar recently lost the WWE title to Bobby Lashley at Royal Rumble due to an interference from Roman Reigns.

#1 Reason why Ronda Rousey chose to face the SmackDown Women's Champion at WrestleMania

🚨 IT’S OFFICIAL! 🚨 @RondaRousey will face @MsCharlotteWWE at #WrestleMania!@SonyaDevilleWWE #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/kpYwGo8JiI

— WWE (@WWE) February 5, 2022

Ronda Rousey chose Charlotte Flair as her opponent for WrestleMania 38 on the blue brand this week. Dave Meltzer revealed that the reason behind Rousey's decision is that the company wants her to face Becky Lynch at next year's WrestleMania.

It also noted that the company wants next year's WrestleMania in Los Angeles to be the 'biggest WrestleMania ever.' For that, they want the two marquee matches to be Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch and Roman Reigns vs. The Rock.