SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 WWE & AEW RUMORS: SHEAMUS SIGNS, CHARLOTTE AND AJ RETURNS, HIKULEO DEBUT

In today's WWE and AEW news and rumors rundown, Sheamus has signed an extension with WWE. Meanwhile, what is the latest on the status of Charlotte Flair and AJ Styles? Hikuleo is signed to a WWE contract but has yet to debut. What is WWE waiting for? Finally, Saturday Night's Main Event is coming back to prime time for WWE and NBC.

Here are your WWE and AEW rumors for September 17, 2024:

Sheamus Signs Long-Term Deal with WWE

Sheamus Has Inked A Fresh Extension

Veteran WWE Superstar Sheamus has reportedly signed a new, long-term contract with the company, according to Fightful Select. WWE had previously extended his contract due to a shoulder injury that sidelined him from August 2023 to April 2024, but Sheamus has now agreed to a fresh deal. Sheamus, one of WWE's most decorated Superstars, boasts an impressive resume. He’s a three-time WWE Champion, a one-time World Heavyweight Champion, and a five-time Tag Team Champion. Sheamus also holds victories in the King of the Ring, Royal Rumble, and Money in the Bank matches.

Currently, the 46-year-old "Celtic Warrior" is in the middle of a heated feud with Pete Dunne, formerly known as Butch. Butch picked up the win on Monday night, but it is expected that this feud is far from over. Dunne stopped Sheamus from winning the Intercontinental Title, the one belt that has eluded the Celtic Warrior. With his new contract in place, it's likely he'll win the IC Title at some point.

Pat McAfee did confirm on his show that Sheamus has signed a new deal and Sheamus responded with clapping emojis.

Injury Update: AJ Styles and Charlotte Flair's WWE Status

One Is Healthy, One Is Not

Charlotte Flair remains sidelined as she has yet to be medically cleared for an in-ring return, according to Fightful Select. WWE officials reportedly view her injury as severe enough that it will still be some time before she can compete again. As a result, WWE is unlikely to include Flair in any creative plans until she receives clearance from medical professionals.

Meanwhile, AJ Styles is healthy but hasn't been featured on WWE television recently. Fightful reports that Styles has been active, competing against Cody Rhodes in WWE Championship matches during the recent European tour, but he simply isn't being utilized on TV at the moment. It seems that the company is waiting to bring him back in a surprise storyline appearance, opting to find the right idea for him versus simply putting him on television.

WWE Plans Debut for Hikuleo Amidst Bloodline Storyline

Looks Like He's Joining The New Bloodline

WWE is reportedly finalizing its plans to debut former New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Hikuleo on television. According to Dave Meltzer, Hikuleo has been under contract with WWE for some time, but the company is strategically waiting for the right moment to introduce him to fans. Given his background and connections, all indications point to Hikuleo joining the Bloodline storyline. As the brother of Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, and a former member of Bullet Club and Guerrillas of Destiny in New Japan, Hikuleo’s involvement in this storyline seems likely. Meltzer speculates that Hikuleo could be integrated into the Bloodline alongside his brothers, Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu, though this remains unconfirmed.

Some wonder if Hikuleo could show up at the upcoming Bad Blood event, where Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes are set to face Sikoa and Fatu in a tag team match. It would make sense in order to give The Bloodline a bump after Solo lost clean to Cody on SmackDown's season premiere. That said, WWE may hold off until Crown Jewel and Survivor Series, where Roman Reigns is expected to be a part of both shows. The plan might be to have Hikuleo promoted for a WarGames match at Survivor Series or keep him as a surprise partner.

Saturday Night's Main Event Returns

WWE announced that Saturday Night's Main Event will return on December 14, 2024 and old-school fans are ecstatic. Variety's Joe Otterson first reported that the old flagship show was set to return, noting WWE and NBC signed a five-year deal in 2023. That deal promised four prime-time specials annually, although it's not clear if all of them will be the same theme.

Already advertised for the show are Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Bianca Belair, and Liv Morgan.

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