Rumor Roundup (Aug. 7, 2021): WWE releases, NXT changes, Adam Cole, Randy Orton, more!

Speculating on the rumors surrounding pro wrestling is a favored pastime of many fans, perhaps second only to actually watching the matches. In this daily column, we take a look at the latest rumors being churned out by the pro wrestling rumor mill.

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.

Rumors for the Day:

• PW Insider says there has been a lot of talk in WWE of making major changes to NXT, including “a new logo, new lighting, a focus on younger talents, and a different format to the TV shows.” That could be part of the thinking behind the recent NXT talent releases.
• They also say there are no more releases planned at this time.
• According to Fightful Select, Adam Cole was to attend SmackDown this week for a “high level meeting” with Vince McMahon. He is apparently in high demand at WWE right now.
• AJ Styles & Omos vs. Riddle & Randy Orton was likely planned for SummerSlam but Orton is still out and his reason for being gone has been kept secret, per the Observer.
• Bodyslam.net says former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Tony Nese was backstage for AEW Dynamite last week, as was former Impact Wrestling champion Kiera Hogan.

If you have heard of any interesting rumors that you’d like to add, feel free to post them in the comments section below. Just remember they are rumors and not confirmed as fact, so please take them as such. And check our weekly Rumor Look Back here to keep track of how often rumors turn out to be correct.