More Backstage Details On Alexa Bliss' WWE Return At Royal Rumble

-- WWE superstar Alexa Bliss made a surprise return at Saturday's Royal Rumble after previous reports indicated that she wasn't expected back after a contract dispute. However, that situation was obviously ironed out as Bliss was inserted into the Rumble, reportedly by replacing Shotzi.

-- PWInsiderelite.com reports that Bliss was snuck into the arena around 3 PM ET with the contract situation resolved just days prior or perhaps even as late as Friday. She flew into Indianapolis the day of the show and none of the other women involved in the Rumble match had any idea she was back as WWE initially did their best to hide her before word began spreading backstage.

-- The report notes that the contract dispute between Bliss and WWE was over not because she was a free agent, but rather her representatives were looking to re-negotiate her current agreement. Bliss is still tied to a five-year contract that she signed but that WWE has extended multiple times due to injury/absence and the company expected her return under those agreed upon terms.

-- However, after creative was finalized regarding her return at Raw last month in San Jose, her reps pushed for a new contract that would have included additional perks, including a bus for the road whereas WWE wanted her to honor her existing contract initially and were open to negotiating a new deal when the time came. When the two sides couldn't agree on that, WWE informed Bliss not to come to San Jose, which effectively inactivated her but kept her locked to WWE.

-- With Bliss' return at Royal Rumble and her placement on Raw moving forward, it is unclear how the situation was resolved and/or if Bliss ultimately got what she was asking for. However, WWE fully expected her back as they had new merchandise already designed and ready to sell a month ago when she was planned for the San Jose Raw.