WWE rumor roundup: Priest’s heel turn tied to Rhea Ripley absence; WrestleMania 43 dates reported; legal update on Keanu Carver
On October 6, 2026, Khel Now compiled a WWE rumor roundup reporting Damian Priest’s recent heel turn amid Rhea Ripley’s injury absence, internal WrestleMania 43 dates, a possible U.S. return for Elimination Chamber and legal and roster developments involving Kevin Robertson (Keanu Carver).
Sources cited in the roundup say Priest’s character shift and his decision to turn on R-Truth were influenced by Ripley’s extended layoff after she revealed a torn meniscus in her right knee. WrestleVotes reported WWE initially intended to keep the Terror Twins together but altered creative plans because of Ripley’s absence; Ripley’s last televised appearance came after Clash in Italy in June, when she disclosed the injury.
The report notes Priest turned on his tag partner R-Truth last month following a tag match against The War Raiders for the AAA Tag Team Championship that the pair lost, and that Priest has adopted a new ring name, “El Malo.”
Brandon Thurston and John Pollock of Wrestlenomics say WWE has WrestleMania 43 internally scheduled for April 10 and 11, 2027, and that those involved in planning the Saudi Arabia events expect the company to announce the WrestleMania dates by the time Crown Jewel takes place. On the prospect of Elimination Chamber returning to the United States, WrestleVotes commented: "I have heard a rumor that, yes, it will be in the domestic United States. That’s the best I got right now."
The roundup also covered legal matters involving Kevin Robertson, better known to fans as Keanu Carver. A fellow NXT talent filed an order of protection in a Florida court earlier this month that bars Robertson from contacting or approaching the petitioner; although the complainant’s identity was intended to remain confidential, social media identified her as Arianna Grace, also known as Bianca Carelli.
Under the protective order Robertson is prohibited from coming within 500 feet of Carelli. At the time of writing, Robertson has not faced any criminal charges, and PWInsider reports he has been removed from WWE’s internal roster and is no longer with the company; the same outlet also reports Jimmy Hart is set to be brought in for promotional duties surrounding Money in the Bank.
The 2026 Money in the Bank event is listed for October 10, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The protective order currently remains in effect until October 20, when another court hearing is scheduled; WWE’s internal plan calls for WrestleMania 43 to take place on April 10 and 11, 2027, with an official announcement expected by the time Crown Jewel occurs.