Wildfire: Assessing the rumor-mill (14/07/2017)

Disclaimer: Given the continuous changing nature of major events in the WWE, rumors are just a way to stay updated with the proceedings in WWE. Please note that these are not legitimately underway.

Here's a look into the weekly round-up of all the rumors and the updates taking place in WWE.

Credits: WWE.com

1. July 23, 2017, we will witness the storied Smackdown Live PPV from Philadelphia. As observed on several media sources like Sportskeeda, Wrestling Observer, WWE isn't quite pleased with the ticket sales of the Smackdown-exclusive Battleground PPV. Despite the huge following WWE has in Philly, they're having a hard time selling the tickets for the PPV. Take a look at the match card:

• Jinder Mahal(C) vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship (Punjabi Prison Match)
• John Cena vs. Rusev (Flag Match)
• AJ Styles(C) vs. Kevin Owens (US Championship)
• The Usos (C) vs. The New Day (Smackdown Live Tag Team Championship)
• Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin
• Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch vs. Tamina Snuka vs. Natalya Hart vs. Lana in a Fatal-5-Way Match (#1 Contender for Women's Title)

This can largely be due to the fact that Smackdown Live has been operating on repetitive matches for a long time. Jinder Mahal and Randy Orton have been battling for over 3 months now and there just doesn't seem to be anything more that they can offer. WWE needs to put in extra juice to actually make it worthwhile now. Jinder looks very strong right now, so he'll probably be holding the title at least till Summerslam. 

Similarly, with the Women's division, Smackdown Live is faltering with their 'completely original' idea of having a multi-woman match. Additionally, Naomi desperately needs a legitimate opponent.

Usos and The New Day too have been growing stale now.

The only saving grace lies in the other matches including John Cena (obviously), AJ Styles (again, obviously!) and Shinsuke Nakamura and Baron Corbin.

2. Enzo and Cass are facing a lot of heat by their peers. Enzo was very recently kicked off a tour bus by Roman Reigns, which literally translates into the fact that he has become the locker-room leader on Raw. 

3. Finn Balor is finally going to get some legitimate action from next week on Raw. If reports are to be believed, Finn Balor will restart his feud with Bray Wyatt leading to a highly anticipated match at Summerslam. This, in all probability, is being done to inject fresh life into Balor's career after his return following an injury. Hopefully, we will all get to see The Demon King being unleashed all over The Eater of Worlds.

Credits: mirror.co.uk

4. Kurt Angle's mystery texts continuing for over the past few weeks will finally come to fruition next week on Raw. Corey Graves, acting as the fulcrum of the matter (as during the Enzo-Cass story), has been speculating a lot about this. This might be suspected to be a rekindling of the love triangle story-line including Kurt Angle, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H, possibly setting up a Triple H vs. Kurt Angle match for Summerslam. This could be an exciting prospect watching the two legends go at it once again.

Credits: inquisitr.com

5. Summerslam is 6 weeks away, however, this week on Raw, we will witness the beginning to fresh story-lines for the 'Biggest Party of the Summer'.

A continuous tease has been surrounding the Shield reunion from the past week, as we saw Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins both coming to the aid of each other when mugged by The Miz and his Miztourage. This could possibly lead to a 2-on-2 Tag Match or even a 2-on-3 Handicap Match for Summerslam.

WWE are closer than ever on owning the rights for the 'Broken' gimmick for the Hardy Boyz. It is only a matter of time before Broken Matt Hardy and Brother Nero are back on TV challenging for the Tag Team Titles at Summerslam.

A tease for a Big Cass-Big Show segment is underway, possibly leading to a match at Summerslam, with Enzo behind Show.

The Women's division is going to see a multi-woman match for the Championship with Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Sasha Banks and Bayley going at it.

Summerslam will also witness a multi-man match for the Universal Title involving Brock Lesnar, Samoa Joe, Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman. What will particularly be interesting will be to see how Braun Strowman plays a factor in the Joe vs. Reigns #1 contender's match.

Cena vs. AJ Styles was teased this past week on Smackdown Live, that can well go into Summerslam, given the high profile matches these two have.

There is a high possibility of Shinsuke Nakamura being considered for the Championship feud with Jinder Mahal with Baron Corbin looking over the proceedings to cash in his MITB contract.

Credits: alfa-img.com

Have you came across any interesting rumors? Feel free to share in the comments below!