Fans of professional wrestling continue to buzz over rumors involving Roman Reigns’ WWE return rumors, with speculation intensifying ahead of key upcoming events in 2024. WWE’s latest scheduling plans and surprise appearances appear designed to challenge rival AEW, creating a tense atmosphere between the promotions as they build momentum.
Among the most notable developments, WWE is reportedly planning to hold an NXT Heatwave show on Sunday, August 24, in South Carolina—coinciding directly with AEW’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view event in London. This deliberate overlap hints at a strategic bid by WWE to compete for viewers and narrative control on multiple fronts.
WWE’s Counterprogramming Strategy Against AEW
According to information from WrestleVotes Radio, WWE and its parent company TKO are purposely scheduling events on the same dates as AEW pay-per-views. Insiders suggest this is part of a new directive aimed at restricting AEW’s ability to dominate online conversations and fan engagement. The plan reportedly encourages WWE to bolster its presence during AEW’s marquee moments.
This counterprogramming approach is expected to continue into the future, further escalating the rivalry between the two companies. WWE’s intent to disrupt AEW’s momentum online and live event attendance could intensify tensions within the wrestling community.
Details Emerge on Roman Reigns’ Anticipated Return as ‘OTC1’
WrestleVotes Radio has also revealed a leading concept for Roman Reigns’ comeback: adopting the alias “OTC1,” short for “Tribal Chief One.” This moniker suggests Reigns will return to reinforce his persona as the top figure in WWE, continuing the legacy tied to his previous “Tribal Chief” character. Expectations set Reigns’ comeback for the SummerSlam event, signaling a major storyline push.
Potential Surprises and Returns at WWE Evolution Event
On the AEW front, Bryan Alvarez from Wrestling Observer Live has disclosed that numerous female wrestlers have been contacted ahead of the upcoming Evolution event slated for Sunday. Alvarez indicated the possibility of unexpected returns and shocking moments, particularly hinting at a strong chance for Paige’s WWE comeback during the show.
WWE SmackDown and NXT Updates Highlight Talent Movement
Additional wrestling rumors involve WWE SmackDown’s storyline developments, where PW Insider reported that Cody Rhodes will not fulfill the role of the primary babyface in connection with Jelly Roll during a recent episode. Meanwhile, Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio confirmed Shayna Baszler’s active participation at NXT tapings, including her acting as an agent for matches beyond the one featuring Kelani Jordan.
AEW Legends and Contract News Increase Industry Buzz
AEW is also shaking up its roster dynamics, with Kevin Von Erich reportedly signing a “Legends deal” with the company, as revealed by his sons Ross and Marshall Von Erich on The Claw podcast. The pact designates a special role honoring his legacy while contributing to AEW’s profile. Similarly, Dustin Rhodes secured a six-year agreement toward the end of 2024 to serve as a coach, consultant, ambassador, and occasional performer, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Cross-Promotional Casting and Championship Changes Stir Discussions
In other wrestling-related news, sources from Fightful Select have linked NJPW star Hirooki Goto to the role of E. Honda in the forthcoming Street Fighter movie. This casting choice has prompted speculation about its connection to Goto’s unexpected loss of the IWGP World Championship to Zack Sabre Jr., marking a sudden title change influencing NJPW storylines as the movie’s release approaches.
The Broader Impact of Wrestling Rumors and Future Expectations
These swirling rumors reflect the intense rivalries and strategic maneuvers shaping pro wrestling’s landscape in 2024 and beyond. WWE’s concerted efforts to counter AEW’s growing prominence through event scheduling and high-profile returns like Roman Reigns’ “OTC1” identity point to an escalating battle for fan attention and market share.
Meanwhile, AEW’s emphasis on honoring legends and expanding talent roles suggests a multifaceted approach to sustaining viewer interest and talent development. The evolution of both companies will likely continue to create dramatic moments, surprising returns, and complex storylines in the coming months.
“Important reminder: Rumors are just that — rumors. None of this has been confirmed as fact, it’s just circulating around the pro wrestling rumor mill. We track rumor accuracy in a weekly feature called Rumor Look Back you can find here. Remember, take it all with a grain of salt.” —Wrestling Rumor Analyst
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Roman Reigns’ illness?
A. A few days after he came back, WWE released a documentary about one of their top stars. It was the first time it was shared that Reigns has been living with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), which is a type of blood cancer that can be treated but not completely cured, for more than ten years.
