As the anticipation builds ahead of SummerSlam 2025, insider reports indicate a significant backstage effort to reintegrate a prominent former rival of CM Punk into WWE programming. This multi-time champion and WrestleMania main-eventer has attracted renewed interest as he approaches potential medical clearance after an extended absence exceeding 100 days. The resurfacing rumors about this wrestler reflect WWE’s strategic moves leading into one of their biggest annual events.
Alberto Del Rio’s Continuing Impact and WWE Contract Speculation
Alberto Del Rio, now known as Alberto El Patron, remains a substantial figure in professional wrestling despite being largely absent from WWE since 2016. Fans unfamiliar with his recent career may be surprised to learn he continues to dominate wrestling in his homeland, Mexico. Prior to WrestleMania 41, he held the AAA Mega Championship, the top title in AAA Lucha Libre, until he was dethroned by El Hijo del Vikingo following WWE’s acquisition of AAA.
Despite earlier assumptions that WWE showed little interest in bringing Del Rio back, reports from Wrestling Observer Radio reveal a contrasting picture. Dave Meltzer noted that there is a serious push internally for his WWE return, emphasizing Del Rio’s professionalism and popularity.
“There’s many different people with many different ideas on Alberto with everything from he’s gone [from AAA], which I don’t expect watching the way they put that thing, to he’s going to the main roster, which I don’t expect, but there are absolutely people pushing for that…There are people very, very impressed with Alberto as far as the way he handles himself as a star and he’s super, super over. He’s the biggest star in the company,”
Meltzer explained. —Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
Alberto’s growing heel persona in AAA has connected well with audiences, suggesting a natural evolution that could provide fresh storylines should he rejoin WWE.
Bianca Belair Expected to Return Shortly After SummerSlam
Bianca Belair, a leading SmackDown competitor, has been sidelined for 103 days as of early August and will miss competing in SummerSlam 2025. Although she has made appearances in non-wrestling roles, such as serving as special guest referee during the Naomi versus Jade Cargill match at the Evolution event, her in-ring return remains imminent. Sources from WrestleVotes Radio shared that Belair is likely to be medically cleared to compete in the week following the two-night premium live event.
This timing presents interesting possibilities for her storyline placement, particularly as former allies Naomi and Jade Cargill now perform on separate WWE brands. Belair’s return could lead to renewed rivalries or alliances, impacting ongoing narratives across SmackDown and beyond.
Challenges and Progress in SummerSlam 2025 Stage Construction
WWE has planned an elaborate and ambitious stage design for SummerSlam 2025, aiming to enhance the spectacle of the live event. While grand stages have been well-received, harkening back to the visually diverse pay-per-view shows of the 2000s, recent weather-related interruptions briefly halted stage assembly on July 31 due to safety precautions.
Fightful Select reported that despite this setback, there appears to be no delay in the overall schedule, as WWE likely initiated construction early to accommodate such incidents. The dedicated efforts behind this production underscore WWE’s commitment to delivering an impressive setting for SummerSlam’s return, generating high expectations for fans worldwide.
Status of Pat McAfee’s Commentary Role and Prospects for Return
Pat McAfee has been absent from WWE’s RAW commentary team for a period, attributing his hiatus primarily to burnout. During this time, longtime commentator Corey Graves resumed full-time duties, leading to speculation about McAfee’s future involvement. According to sources speaking to Fightful Select, plans remain in place to reinstate McAfee’s presence, potentially by spring, as he remains valued within certain WWE circles.
The specifics of how McAfee’s return might affect Corey Graves have yet to be disclosed, but possibilities include McAfee making occasional guest appearances to accommodate his existing commitments. Outside WWE, McAfee manages a successful ESPN College Football podcast and runs a business, indicating his commentary role is driven more by passion than financial necessity.
Implications for WWE Moving Forward
The developing backstage push for Alberto Del Rio’s return, combined with Bianca Belair’s anticipated comeback, signals WWE’s intention to refresh its roster with proven stars as SummerSlam 2025 approaches. These moves could shape major storylines and fan engagement during the crucial second half of the year. Meanwhile, the ambitious stage setup and commentary team dynamics highlight WWE’s ongoing efforts to enhance both the spectacle and presentation of their flagship events.
With SummerSlam just days away, these unfolding narratives and behind-the-scenes decisions promise to influence both in-ring action and broadcast quality, reinforcing WWE’s position as a leader in the sports entertainment world.
