WWE News & Rumor Roundup: Major superstar not returning amid AEW links? The Baron Corbin mystery, Huge Charlotte Flair update

With another SmackDown episode in the books, WWE's focus remains on Crown Jewel and other top storylines carrying the shows forward. However, the latest edition of the blue brand revealed a hint regarding the potential exit of a top superstar.

Elsewhere, we also have an update on Baron Corbin's absence from TV and the reasoning behind it. The News & Rumor Roundup concludes with exclusive details about the WrestleMania plans for Charlotte Flair.

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#1. Kevin Owens drops huge statement on his future amid WWE contract rumors

The storyline involving Kevin Owens is clearly moving in an extremely volatile direction. KO has already assaulted Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton and the strained relationships are taking a toll on the former Universal Champion.

While he wasn't in the ring on SmackDown, Owens' video message aired on this week's show in which he sounded uncertain about returning.

Here's what he revealed:

"I've got to be honest with everybody, with everything that's happening right now, between the disrespect shown to me by WWE, and Randy breaking my trust like that, I really don't know if, or when, I can come back."

Owens' comments come when his long-term future in the company is one of the biggest stories in wrestling. Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that there are reports about Kevin Owens' contract extension.

While the possibility of him going to AEW in January was discussed online weeks ago, Meltzer stated Owens could have also quietly re-signed with WWE, dating back to August.

For now, WWE is using the rumors around Owens to push their on-screen narrative as reality and kayfabe seamlessly blend.

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#2. The latest on Baron Corbin's status

Right from the early NXT days, Baron Corbin has been with the WWE since 2012 and has undergone countless changes.

However, the former United States Champion hasn't been seen on his designated brand of late. Fightful provided some clarity on Corbin's whereabouts and noted that the superstar was not injured.

Baron was paired with Apollo Crews not too long ago and it was reported that Corbin initially wasn't too high on the alliance. While he eventually grew to like it, WWE's creative team was said to be "not too keen" now on booking Corbin and Crews.

The duo have wrestled dark matches but as far as Baron Corbin's future goes, it might lie in the hands of the creative decision-makers, including Triple H.

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#3. Charlotte Flair set for a top WrestleMania spot

Charlotte Flair has been out of action after suffering a serious knee injury but she is expected to be ready in time for WrestleMania 41. Though she has not wrestled since December 2023, her fans on social media continuously get updates about an inspiring recovery.

As revealed on WrestleVotes Radio on Backstage Pass, it was noted that The Queen "would be in the fold" and will be featured in any top women's WrestleMania match that will be presented.

The prolific former women's champion has not spent much time under the new regime and a return on the road to WrestleMania could be the career reset she might have needed.

As far as opponents are concerned, while nothing has been disclosed right now, WWE should ideally have Ric Flair's daughter take on someone high up the card. It would be fascinating to see who gets the rub against The Queen at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.