Rumor Roundup (Jan. 17, 2022): Mustafa Ali situation, WWE policy, Lita AEW talks, 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:

• Fightful Select notes there was a heated argument between Vince McMahon and Mustafa Ali over a pitch for his character and that may be why he hasn’t been used, which could be why he’s asked to be released.
• As far as whether he’ll be released or not, Ringside News claims WWE’s policy is to let go of anyone who wants let go unless WWE expressly wants to keep them.
• According to PW Insider, Lita’s appearance on SmackDown this past week was a last minute decision. She was booked Thursday for the show the next night.
• Speaking of Lita, Fightful says she engaged in talks with AEW in 2021 for a possible program with Britt Baker that would have included a match at All Out but they couldn’t come to an agreement.
• Fightful also says there is still a chance Kairi Sane re-signs with WWE in February when her contract is up but many believe she won’t and an appearance in AEW wouldn’t be a surprise.

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.