WWE is heading into another busy month with July on the horizon. There are several major shows planned, along with the weekly editions of WWE Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. As always, there are rumors swirling around these shows, the stars who perform, and more on backstage developments. Here are three big rumors and stories heading into the next week of WWE action.
WWE Night of Champions expectations as conflict in Middle East rages
Ever since WWE started working with Saudi Arabia, pundits have wondered how US relationships with that country would shape the partnership. The political climate in that part of the world saw major news when Israel launched attacks on Iran, followed shortly by the United States doing the same on Saturday, June 21. Fightful Select reported that even as the situation develops, the plans for WWE Night of Champions on June 28 are still moving forward.
According to Fightful Select, “one source working on the event called it ‘full steam ahead’ as of Sunday (June 22) afternoon locally. That one source – speaking on a matter of opinion – didn’t believe it would be postponed or canceled.” Events are expected to begin this week.
Damian Priest working injured
Damian Priest was working while injured for much of his feud against Drew McIntyre. Even still, Fightful Select reports that Priest is expected to be factored heavily into SummerSlam which is set to go down on Saturday, August 2 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Priest is a New York City native and frequently shows up in the city for the Puerto Rican Day Parade and other major events. Performing in NJ should elicit a huge reaction for Priest.
Damian Priest last competed on the June 13 episode of WWE SmackDown, losing to Cody Rhodes in the King of the Ring 2025 First Round Fatal Four Way, won by Cody Rhodes. That was the first match he appeared in June, with his last match before that being the Steel Cage match against Drew McIntyre at the May 24 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Gail Kim backstage at WWE NXT leading to speculation about her future
Gail Kim is a prominent name in wrestling, especially women’s wrestling. Her name came back up as Fightful Select reported that she was backstage at WWE NXT. According to Fightful, this was not the first time she was backstage for a show, but she is not officially a WWE employee.
Kim was recently fired from TNA Wrestling and became a popular recommendation for both WWE and AEW. She has the ability to be an on-air talent but would be especially valuable as a voice backstage for women’s wrestling. According to Fightful, WWE has been interested in bringing her into the company since she was initially let go from TNA Wrestling. As of this time, no news has come out that she’s officially signed to WWE.