Top SmackDown News & Rumors: Another female star has chosen to leave WWE, Roman Reigns' WrestleMania 41 opponent, Update on former champion

Charlotte Flair/Former WWE Champion Roman Reigns
Charlotte Flair and Roman Reigns! [Images via WWE YouTube & WWE.com]

Welcome to yet another edition of the top SmackDown backstage rumors and news stories that could have a major impact on the blue brand's future. In today's edition, we will take a look at some splendid stories revolving around top superstars. such as former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Charlotte Flair, and The Rock.

The Tribal Chief has been absent from SmackDown ever since his defeat to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40. Rumors suggest that The Big Dog is set to return soon and will likely be involved in the ongoing Bloodline saga.


#1. Roman Reigns to face two opponents at WrestleMania 41?

Last week on SmackDown, Solo Sikoa's new Bloodline was joined by another member, Jacob Fatu. The Samoan Werewolf made an instant impact as he annihilated Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens single-handedly before aligning with The Bloodline. Sikoa has his ideas for The Bloodline, and fans are eagerly waiting for Reigns to return and confront The New Head of The Table.

Xero News has reported that there are backstage rumblings that Roman Reigns could face Cody Rhodes and The Rock in a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania 41. While The Rock has also been absent since April 2024, it is speculated that he is the one pulling the strings behind the new Bloodline. A Triple Threat Match would be interesting given the dynamics between the three men.


#2. Charlotte Flair gives an update after an injury on SmackDown last year

The Queen has been absent from WWE TV for the past 196 days due to an injury. The former Women's Champion suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus during a match against Asuka on the December 8, 2023, episode of the blue brand.

Charlotte Flair recently shared on Instagram that she underwent her first Biodex (isokinetic training) test this Thursday. The Queen mentioned that she needed to have a strength deficit of 40% or less compared to her non-surgical leg. Impressively, Flair reported having only a 20% or less deficit in quad strength, and in some measurements, her surgical leg was even stronger.


#3. Kayla Braxton has decided to leave WWE

SmackDown backstage interviewer Kayla Braxton recently announced her departure from the Stamford-based promotion. Her final appearance on WWE TV will take place on the upcoming episode of Friday Night SmackDown.

The 33-year-old took to her Twitter (X) account on Sunday (June 22) to share the news of her impending departure from WWE. She thanked Triple H and Nick Khan for allowing her to shine.

Braxton has been part of WWE for the last eight years. She was also the host of WWE's The Bump. Her backstage interactions with Paul Heyman are especially memorable.