Recent WWE developments have sparked conversations around some notable Superstars’ careers and character arcs. From Aalyah Mysterio’s evolving role, Jake Hager’s candid remarks about WWE’s backstage climate, to Giulia’s pursuit of solidifying her presence in WWE, the wrestling world is abuzz. Additionally, an ECW legend voiced his perspective about the potential heel turn of Jey Uso, underscoring the complex dynamics of WWE storytelling.
Aalyah Mysterio’s WWE Update
Aalyah Mysterio, daughter of the legendary Rey Mysterio, continues to make steady progress in her WWE journey. While she has not yet climbed to the main event spotlight, sources close to the Mysterio family report that WWE is cautiously investing in her development, encouraging her to embrace more character depth and match experience backstage. With her strong lineage and growing fan support, insiders suggest WWE views her as a promising talent for future storylines, although a gradual approach is being taken to her push to avoid rushing her momentum.
Jake Hager’s WWE Backstage Frustrations
Jake Hager recently opened up during an interview on the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, revealing that “WWE doesn’t like me very much.” This blunt admission highlights the challenges faced by some veterans in finding their footing in WWE’s evolving ecosystem. Hager, known for his imposing presence and previous accolades in other promotions, expressed frustration over creative direction and his utilization within the company. According to WWE insiders, Hager feels underappreciated and that his skills haven’t been fully leveraged, which has led to a strained relationship with the creative team and management.
Giulia Still Finding Her Footing in WWE
Giulia, the current WWE NXT Women’s Champion and a rising star, is reportedly still navigating the complexities of WWE’s style and audience expectations. During a recent episode of SmackDown on September 5, 2025, her highly athletic and intense title defense against Michin received a lukewarm crowd response in Chicago. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray, on “Busted Open Radio,” commented on the atmosphere, stating that Giulia is “still working to find her footing in WWE,” emphasizing that despite her undeniable in-ring talent, Giulia’s character and connection with mainstream WWE audiences require further cultivation[Reference].
Despite this, Giulia’s tenure includes moments of strong in-ring performances and high-profile matches, including praise she publicly gave to Bozilla, a standout competitor at the recent AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event. Bozilla’s performance was lauded by WWE’s Giulia herself, indicating Giulia’s awareness and respect for wrestling talent across promotions[1]. This suggests Giulia is building her wrestling persona with a broad view of the industry, which may help her evolve within WWE’s landscape.
ECW Legend Weighs in on Jey Uso’s Character Direction
In the realm of character developments, an ECW legend recently expressed his opposition to the idea of Jey Uso turning heel—a turn that WWE has teased amid the family’s complex storyline dynamics. The legend believes Jey’s strengths lie in his connection with fans as a face and fears that turning him heel could undermine his current momentum. This viewpoint is shared by many fans who see Jey’s authenticity and leadership in the tag team division as vital for WWE’s storytelling balance.
Sources close to WWE creative indicate that while there are ongoing discussions about Jey’s direction, no official decision has been finalized, and WWE is weighing fan reactions carefully before committing to any significant character shifts.
Additional Notes on Recent WWE Programming
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Giulia’s September 5 SmackDown match against Michin showcased her resilience and wrestling skill, with maneuvers like a Northern Lights suplex and her finishing move “Arrivederci” helping her retain the Women’s United States Championship[2][3]. However, the influence of distractions and outside interference, notably by Kiana James, added complexity to her match outcomes and skirmishes.
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The rivalry between Giulia and Michin continues to develop, with Michin notably saving B-Fab from an assault by Giulia and Kiana James on the September 12 episode of SmackDown, suggesting potential evolving alliances and conflicts in the women’s division[4].
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Jake Hager’s comments have reignited discussions about talent management in WWE. Industry insiders caution that while Hager’s frustrations are valid, WWE’s competitive environment requires adaptability and sometimes entails creative challenges that wrestlers must negotiate.
Inside WWE’s Talent Development Strategy
WWE’s approach to talent like Aalyah Mysterio and Giulia reflects a broader strategy of “slow-build” developmental emphasis, especially for younger or international stars adjusting to the WWE style. According to sources from WWE.com and Fightful, the company balances fan expectations with long-term narratives, which can delay immediate pushes but aims to secure sustained success for utilizing wrestlers’ full potential.
Conclusion
The current backstage and on-screen stories around Aalyah Mysterio, Jake Hager, Giulia, and Jey Uso highlight WWE’s dynamic and often challenging environment for performers. As WWE navigates character evolutions and talent management, fans can expect both exhilarating matches and intricate storytelling choices. For insiders like Bully Ray and ECW legends weighing in, these developments remain critical to understanding WWE’s future creative directions.
According to a WWE insider close to talent relations, “WWE is focusing on building sustainable stars who can carry the brand for years, and sometimes that means wrestlers like Giulia and Aalyah are given time to adjust and grow organically. While Jake Hager’s frustrations are heard, everyone’s role is continually evaluated to align with WWE’s vision.”