Paul Heyman won't return at WWE SummerSlam for one major reason, veteran says (Exclusive)

Solo Sikoa and Cody Rhodes' title match at SummerSlam is expected to feature multiple twists, including the returns of some absent names. Dutch Mantell recently explained why he didn't think Paul Heyman would be at the upcoming WWE PLE.

The Wiseman has not been on TV since the new Bloodline subjected him to one of the most brutal beatdowns of his career.

Ahead of SummerSlam, Paul Heyman has already teased potentially returning, but he might not be alone, as Roman Reigns is also rumored to be making his comeback.

However, Dutch Mantell claimed during the latest episode of Sportskeeda's Smack Talk that he would rather delay Paul Heyman's return and save it for a future SmackDown episode and not have it at SummerSlam.

"People know he is going to show up, so I would save that for TV, that's what I would do because it's going to end up in the same spot. I don't think missing a week right now would even affect the pacing of it. But I don't think Heyman shows up. I think Heyman will show up later, of course." [33:35 - 34:10]

Dutch Mantell laid out the storyline dynamics and how Paul Heyman had stayed loyal to Roman Reigns.

Dutch didn't foresee a situation in which Roman Reigns would have to return to save Heyman from another attack, and he was curious to see how WWE's creative team would handle the booking in the weeks to follow.

"He never betrayed Roman; he was a true soldier to Roman, and Roman is not going to forget that. But if he showed up, I don't think they are going to beat him up again, and Roman saves him, we would be way ahead of the program there. Well, again, that's why we watch this show, to see what they will do." [From 34:11 onwards]

Whether Heyman shows up or not at SummerSlam, the build-up in recent weeks blatantly hints at a massive surprise during the undisputed world championship Bloodline Rules match between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa.