Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors: Latest on Alexa Bliss, CM Punk, and More

Alex Bliss has a mile-long resume as one of WWE's most decorated women's wrestlers ever but has not set foot inside the squared circle in two years.

Despite indications that she may be gearing up to return to the company, a new report suggests the company has paused on that possibility.

The latest on Bliss headlines this collection of pro wrestling insider rumors, which also includes updates on CM Punk's comments about Hulk Hogan on Raw, a potential high-profile title defense for Women's United States champion Chelsea Green, and what the current relationship status between Ricky Starks and AEW.

Alexa Bliss has not appeared on WWE television since losing a women's title match against Bianca Belair at the 2023 Royal Rumble and, according to a new report from Mike Johnson at PWInsider.com Elite (subscription required), that will not change any time soon (h/t Cageside Seats).

Johnson reported that all creative plans for Bliss's return have been put on hold, including those to have her work with The Wyatt Sicks or to return to the 2025 Royal Rumble.

Bliss was notably associated with Bray Wyatt's The Fiend in a storyline that never reached a satisfying conclusion and ultimately limped to an end when the masked monster disappeared from WWE television in 2021.

She would remain a part of the women's division in the two years that followed and in the two years since she last competed in the squared circle, Bliss gave birth to a daughter.

A former five-time women's champion, three-time women's tag team champion, WWE 24/7 champion, and Money in the Bank winner, she is one of the most decorated women's wrestlers of the last decade, so her star power alone would lend itself to a women's division that is as brimming with talent as ever.

The report adds that Bliss is ready to return, but there is clearly a hangup, with one source telling Johnson that it could be contract-related.

Regardless of what that hangup is, Bliss has plenty to offer WWE and its fans if and when she reappears on television.

CM Punk raised some eyebrows Monday night on Raw when, mid-Royal Rumble hype promo, he mentioned Hulk Hogan, saying he would "throw his dusty ass over the top rope" and "kill Hulkamania once and for all."

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that, despite its unscripted nature, "there was no heat for it and people laughed about it backstage."

Hogan made mainstream media coverage for his appearance on the January 6 episode of Raw on Netflix, where fans in Los Angeles mercilessly booed him during a not-so-subtle promo for his Real American beer.

Hogan was featured prominently on the commercials for the January 25 Saturday Night's Main Event from San Antonio but a lack of confirmation on WWE television suggests he will not be appearing live on the show.

Punk will next compete on February 1 at the Royal Rumble, where he will be one of the two or three stars most likely to win the 30-man match and cash his ticket to the main event of WrestleMania 41.

If he does, it will mark his first WrestleMania main event appearance.

On Backstage Pass Q&A with Bill Apter, WrestleVotes reported that, while not "concrete," there are creative rumblings Chelsea Green may defend her Women's United States Championship at the Royal Rumble.

Green is in the midst of a rivalry with Michin, who she defeated to become the inaugural champion at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 4.

A match between the two of them would add an undercard match to a show that is already slated to feature Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens in a Ladder Match, as well as the men's and women's versions of the event's namesake match.

It would also allow Green and Michin to stand out when they otherwise would be included in the 30-women's Rumble match, with little to no chance of actually winning it.

Green has been one of the bright spots for WWE over the last year, excelling even when her creative may not have been the most ideal. Her championship win was greeted with universal praise and a high-profile spot on a premium live event would only serve to continue a well-earned push.

Ricky Starks has been noticeably absent across AEW television since last year, when he and Big Bill lost to Top Flight on the March 30 episode of Collision.

Ibou of Wrestle Purists, Self Made PW, and Fightful's Raw post-show reported on WrestlePurists that Starks requested his release from AEW months ago. The request was denied by Tony Khan.

Sapp reiterated previous reports for Fightful Select that Starks has not denied creative plans and as of now, his contract is set to expire this spring. Until then, he is blocked from appearing for Game Changer Wrestling but is free to appear for other indie promotions.

Starks is a 34-year-old performer in the prime of his career. He has repeatedly proven his value in high-profile matches against the likes of Darby Allin, Sting, MJF, and Chris Jericho, and was in the midst of a rivalry with CM Punk as part of the newly launched Collision show when the Straight Edge Superstar was dismissed from the company.

Starks added a phenomenal Match of the Year candidate against Bryan Danielson before being paired with Big Bill in a tag team that struck championship gold but probably should not have existed, given the strides he was making as a top-tier singles competitor.

The New Orleans native did make headlines in January 2023 when he was caught backstage at WWE's Royal Rumble on security footage, supporting his friend Cody Rhodes in his comeback from a torn pectoral muscle.

Regardless of where Starks continues his career, which will most likely be away from AEW once he is free and clear from his current contract, he will make waves as one of the most dynamic young talents on the roster; a performer with the charisma and mic skills to go along with his undeniable in-ring ability.