WWE have quietly dropped the top 10 rating system from SmackDown.
Indie league seals national TV deal:
Major League have joined BeIn's Friday Night Fury block of combat sports shows.
Heyman talks major returns:
CM Punk... "I don't think Phil Brooks thinks about WWE at all anymore. I would hope that he doesn't. I would hope that he is of the focused mindset in propelling himself into the ranks of UFC. I don't think it's a matter of positioning or money or spotlight anymore. I think it's a matter of his dream is to become a successful UFC fighter and he doesn't even have a thought regarding WWE, at least I would hope that he doesn't. Because I don't know how it would be considered productive for him to do so." Hulk Hogan... "I'm not a ticket buyer. Nor am I part of the target demographic that is catered to to subscribe to the WWE Network. So whether or not I want Hulk Hogan back in WWE is irrelevant. It's whether the audience and the advertisers and the sponsors and the chairman of the board want Hulk Hogan back in WWE. And when those stars align Hulk Hogan will be back and until then he won't. My opinion on Hulk Hogan coming back to WWE, whether pro or con, is irrelevant and so is everyone else's besides the audience itself, the sponsors themselves and the chairman himself."
Hogan's kids warn Henry:
Nick and Brooke say their dad wouldn't tell them if he was coming back to WWE TV for Mania because they would spill the news on social media, but Brooke said Mark Henry was scared of her dad's 24 inch pythons when asked about his comments regarding Hulk earlier this week. Hulk himself also addressed Mark's remarks... "I just heard He made a comment on TMZ about it and that I should apologize. I totally agree, but not to black wrestlers, to all the wrestlers. Yeah, what I said was way out of line, I'm forever sorry for that, but I never heard Mark Henry say that, he's my boy, man."
Justin Credible tells past talent how to get support from WWE:
"You call the office, Talent Relations. There's actually a network of people, men and women that are a part of the WWE who are in that network, that's your support team. But they'll set you up in a facility. A lot of the time, depending on what you use, what your drug of choice is or if it's alcohol, whatever it is, there is a medical protocol that you go through, detoxification program, whatever you need and they teach you. Man, it's amazing the level of lifeskills or lack of because it's a full-time job being an addict."
Hillbilly grim:
Hillbilly Jim has lost out on his wish to have Hulk Hogan induct him into the HOF. WWE say Jimmy Hart will do the honours.
ECIII and Ricochet have joined the NXT official roster.
Sin Cara:
WWE superstar Sin Cara has been included in a new mural celebrating latino culture in El Paso, Texas.
Flair needs surgery:
Ric Flair will have a serious operation on July 9. He needs his colostomy bag removed, in what his doctors say will be a significant procedure, due to his illness of last year, and the toll it took on his body.
Austin recalls title win:
Steve Austin is marking the twentieth anniversary of his first World title win, but he does not remember it fondly. He told WWE the match sucked, and also criticised Mike Tyson's performance... "I thought the three count was a little too quick. You want to win that title with a slow, deliberate count of the proper cadence. He hit the mat too fast three times. That would be my only knock about what Mike Tyson did. We didn't get the chance to pull out all the stops. I didn't get the best out of Shawn Michaels and he didn't get the best out of me. I walked right back past the blue curtains and there was Vince. I looked at him and I said, 'Man, that match sucked.' He said, 'Don't worry about it, it all starts fresh tomorrow.' And the next day, that's where we started that campaign, the kind of Stone Cold thing with Vince McMahon, the corporate thing, and it all started working, all the pieces started falling into place. You always want to knock a grand slam every time you go out there. We didn't but things happened after that and that's what you do to move forward. You look past the match, put it behind us, I now have a championship, focus on things and move forward. That's what we did."
Hogan / WWE reunion:
Hulk Hogan attended the premiere of Andre The Giant's HBO movie last night, along with Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Big Show Rey Mysterio and perhaps a little awkwardly, after his comments earlier this week, Mark Henry. It was his first time working a WWE event since 2015.
WWE ban moves:
WWE have sent their talent a list of moves they must not perform at WrestleMania...
All variations of the Pile Driver
All variations of the Power Bomb
The Moonsault, Shooting Star, or 450 Splash or any variation thereof which involves one wrestler, leaping or flipping off the ropes or turnbuckles to contact the head or neck of the opponent with any part of his body
The Stungun of any variation thereof which results in the one fighter's head or neck being dragged, draped or closelined across the ropes
The striking of a wrestler's head with any object, chair, trashcan lid, etc.
No wrestler shall throw, push, shove or force another out of the ring or over the top rope.
Logo retired:
Cody Rhodes has announced the retirement of the Bullet Club's logo. A new one is in the works.
Mickie James:
Mickie James has released a new single.
Lana is the best:
Rusev says Lana is the best in ring story teller in the WWE women's division.
Work at Mania:
WWE are looking for volunteers to staff WrestleMania Axxess events.
Fan incident:
A furious dad beat an indie wrestler at a show this week. A little girl, too young to tell the difference between the heel and face ran to high five a wrestler as he came out. The wrestler held out his hand, but pulled it away at the last second and then spat on her. Dad was not impressed and ran after the bad guy, back jumped him and punched him to the ground, before other fans got between the two and broke it up. The wrestler in question, Devin Danger, took to social media after a video of the incident was released, to apologise... ''I apologized to the girl & her father the night it happened.The gum wasn’t intended to hit her, that was an accident. I am again very sorry.''
HOF'er ill:
Arnold Schwarzenegger required emergency open heart surgery today. The operation was a replacement of a valve he had inserted in 1997, due to a heart defect, which had surpassed it's life span. An open heart surgery team were in the theatre, but only in case of an emergency, which did happen. The surgery lasted several hours. He is now recovering, his first words after waking up... ''I'm back.'' Which of course is a play on his iconic quote from 'Terminator.'
Rey rules himself out:
Rey Mysterio says he can't compete at Mania, due to injury.
Tyler Breeze wrestled his 1000th match on WWE TV this week.
Hornswoggle:
Hornswoggle is giving stand up comedy a go.
Reigns vs Fan:
A fan recorded a video of Roman Reigns doing his grocery shopping and posted it on social media. Roman was not impressed, he called the fan ''Creepy''. The footage has since been removed by the original poster.
Impact:
Impact have joined up with indie group Rise to promote and develop new female talent.
WWE interview:
JBL interviewed Kane on Fox this week, to help promote his mayoral campaign...
Hulk Hogan:
Both WWE and Hulkster say he will not be at Mania this year... "Hulk Hogan is an important part of Andre the Giant's history, however his appearance at tonight's HBO premiere of the documentary and his plans to help others learn from his mistakes does not mean WWE is rehiring him. Hogan is not scheduled to be at any upcoming WWE events." This news comes on the day he attends his first WWE event since 2015 and will sadden Hillbilly Jim, who will have to come up with a different inductor.
Goldberg:
Goldberg has signed on to host a show on the History channel.
New baby:
Congratulations to WWE's it couple. Miz and Maryse have welcomed a baby girl into the world. They have named her Monroe Sky.
NXT debut:
ECIII appeared on WWE TV last night, for the first time since his return to the company.
DIY:
Gargano and Ciampa will finally take months of warring to the ring at the pre Mania NXT special.
Heyman confirms Brock's plan:
Paul Heyman says Brock Lesnar does want to return to UFC... "I don't think it's any secret that Brock is looking to get back into the octagon. He is obviously eyeballing another fight in UFC. There's no secret. He's posing for pictures with Dana White wearing a UFC shirt in the UFC offices in Las Vegas. That's not a negotiating tactic, Brock Lesnar wants to compete inside of the octagon. There's no leveraging that; it's a fact.'' He did though name one more match he would love to see in WWE before he goes... "I have wanted to see Brock Lesnar vs Daniel Bryan even before Lesnar debuted on the main roster when Bryan was known as The American Dragon. I loved his matches even in the early part of his career and found him to be one of the most compelling, riveting performers in the history of this industry."
HHH talks his plans for 205 Live:
"I think 205 continues to be a work in progress. I'm excited about that opportunity for all of the athletes there because, for a lot of them, there was no road in front of them. There was no big path, and it was doing what they were doing but this opened up doors for them. Hopefully it will continue to grow, much like NXT has, much like the United Kingdom show will and all of that. I think there is tremendous opportunity and in some way we are just kind of nicking the surface of where we will be." He says 205 and the UK expansion are long term projects, and he has 5 and 10 year plans for both. He assures fans that WWE are not going to get bored and drop the divisions after a few months of less than positive reviews.
WrestleMania SPOILER!!!:
Rey Mysterio is reportedly scheduled to team with Braun Strowman at Mania, if he can convince WWE medics he is over his muscle tear injury.
Greatest ever:
Stephanie McMahon says Andre The Giant was WWE's greatest star. Triple H named Rock, Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold before settling on Undertaker as his standard bearer of the company.
WWE TV:
WWE have signed their first TV deal in Croatia.
Steph defends Jinder reign:
"I think his Championship run was incredibly interesting and successful to our global audience and not just to India. If he became a bit of a hero in India as a result, well that is awesome too... Jinder of course is playing the antagonist here in the States. I think he was received as a homecoming hero when he performed live in India and whenever there is a local star there is significance to the audience there. Our audience is so much bigger, it is global, so we have to entertain everyone."
AJ injury:
Backstage talk from WWE suggests AJ Styles has damaged his MCL.
New film:
A film on pioneer women is coming out soon, here is a tease...
WWE seek legal help:
WWE are seeking injunctions against anyone selling fake WWE merch in NOLA over Mania weekend.
Corey to return:
Corey Graves brother says Daniel Bryan's ring return has inspired him to push the WWE announcer to try to salvage his own ring career.
Nia supports WWE using bullying for angle:
Nia Jax says WWE using her real battle with bullies as fuel for her Mania feud, is... "I think it's amazing. I think it's something that people know but they don't want to talk about it, they always want to keep it hidden. I feel like we're tackling it head-on and it should be tackled. Young women and young girls, and boys, should actually be hearing this and seeing the conflict that we go through and seeing somebody stand up for themselves and not have to allow somebody to bully them, because of the way they look, what their shape is, or the color of their skin is. You should always stand up for yourself. So I think it's amazing. I'm very honored to be a part of it."
Dolph Ziggler and Breezango are official for the Andre match, Lana likewise for the ladies match, Rusev has joined the US, making it a 4 way, Uso's vs New Day vs Bludgeon Bro's for the blue Tag and most notably KO & Sami vs Shane and the ring returning Daniel Bryan were confirmed for next months Mania on SD last night.
Charlotte:
Charlotte had dental surgery this week. She wanted to get a nagging problem sorted before Mania, so she could be 100% at the show. She had to sacrifice her MMC semi final, but should be good to go for the final next week.
Cena in the movies:
John Cena has landed another movie role. This time in an animated adaptation of Doctor Doolitle. He is part of a stellar cast which also includes Robert Downey, Emma Thompson, Frances De La Tour and the brilliant Tom Holland.
Justin Credible reveals who started his addiction to drugs:
"I remember the first pill I ever took. I wrestled The Brooklyn Brawler at a high school show and I was traveling with Scott Hall. And I hurt my shoulder real bad and we had a long tour ahead of us and he popped a pill in my beer and told me, 'drink it.' And I drank it and I felt good and I liked that feeling. It made me feel good." He also admitted that he took cocaine in the locker before he wrestled as part of his regular pre match routine, sometimes as his music was playing for his entrance.
Mandy regrets TE:
Mandy Rose says she now regrets playing a bitch during her time on Tough Enough, especially for targeting legit nice girl Sara Lee... "It was rough because honestly, I remember, it's one thing when you are living together, but I felt really bad that I even said some of the stuff I did on national television, but she is a really sweet person, and I got along with her fine when the cameras were off, but that fakeness, because it's like, I can be so mean to you on camera, but she never said anything to me or addressed the issue," Rose said. "She is very quiet, she didn't want any of that, but inside it just didn't feel right. I thought that I wasn't this type of person, but I was so wrapped up in it and thought that it is what it is. I went with it, but I felt really bad, even towards the end of the show. I don't see her as much, but we talk here and there, but she never confronted me about it, which I was surprised, because if I was her, behind those cameras I would have." She also said she got a tough time backstage for being added to the Total Diva's cast straight from TE.
Trish transformation:
Trish Stratus posted this picture to show her body transformation in the past year. She also defended current pregnant WWE women Maria and Maryse from trolling, proudly announcing that she was one of 7 women in this years first ever female Royal Rumble that is also a mother.
Matt Hardy has entered himself into the Andre battle Royal. Construction of the set began today.
Heyman leaving too?:
Paul Heyman has signed on to co-star and produce a new TV series, unrelated to wrestling. He may choose to depart WWE after Mania, but close friends say this project will not be the reason he does so. The Wrap say Brock Lesnar will leave WWE after Mania to return to real fighting in UFC.
Dean dropped:
WWE have pulled Dean Ambrose from appearing during WrestleMania week events.
El Generico:
Sami Zayn has followed Kevin Owens in reverting to his old indie name to sell his WWE firing on social media.
SD teaser:
Will Daniel Bryan make it to SmackDown LIVE?
Roode & Orton join forces to take on Mahal and Singh
The New Day return to battle The Bludgeon Brothers
Shinsuke Nakamura clashes with Shelton Benjamin
Charlotte Flair faces Natalya in a rematch from last Tuesday
WWE UK:
WWE NXT will be involved in the Download music festival again this year.
Alum nominated:
Tiffany has been nominated for a stunt person award for her work in a recent film.
Russo rips HOF'er:
Vince Russo says Goldberg was hard to deal with... "I think for a couple of reasons. I think there was part of Bill that really started believing his own hype. And, you know, this isn't MMA, and at the end of the day, the stories are written. You know, who wins and who loses, the writer determines that. Who gets a championship belt, it's written that way. So, none of it is real. It's not real. And I think Bill had the tendency to really believe his own hype. And I basically say that because I'll never forget, one time I wanted him to a job for Scott Steiner of all people. And I'll never forget, Bill looked me in the eye, and basically said to me, he goes, 'Vince, if this were real, Scott Steiner would not beat me.' And I looked Bill back in the eye and I said, 'Well, you know what Bill, maybe you need to tell Scott Steiner that and see what he says.' I think he could because Scott Steiner was a legitimate wrestler. Goldberg had a great collegiate football career, great athlete, I would never take any of that away from him. But when it comes to wrestling, Scott Steiner was all-league in college. So, I think Bill kinda let the lines get a little blurred, and he really started buying into the hype of the Goldberg character. And that made it difficult for me from creative to deal with at times."
WWE auction:
WWE have launched a fund raiser for a charity they support, prizes can be won via auction, and include... Ultimate WrestleMania 35 Experience...
One Suite for 10 People at WrestleMania 35
10 Tickets to WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony
10 Tickets to WrestleMania Axxess
Sneak peek of WrestleMania set before gates open
Picture on ramp before WrestleMania
WWE Big 4 VIP Package
Two tickets to SummerSlam 2018, Survivor Series 2018, Royal Rumble 2019 and WrestleMania 35
Lunch with a WWE Superstar before Royal Rumble
Meet Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H, a backstage tour at SummerSlam and two tickets to the show
A photo shoot with one of these WWE Superstars
Nia Jax
Asuka
Carmella
Riott Squad
Absolution
An opportunity to escort one of these WWE Superstars to the ring
Bobby Roode
The New Day
Bayley
Shane was really ill:
Shane McMahon took ill whilst on holiday with his family in the Caribbean. He was in emergency care for several days before he was deemed well enough to be flown to New York to continue his treatment. He is still in hospital. WWE released a kayfabe statement yesterday blaming KO and Sami for the illness to further his current angle with them.
HOF:
The Real Double J will induct the person he sang for into the WWE HOF. Road Dogg Jesse James will do the honours for Jeff Jarrett during Mania weekend.
Rock re-shoot:
The Rock is back filming for a movie that is due to come out this summer after poor fan reaction to early screenings.
Moolah fightback:
9 women of wrestling past have worked together to defend the late HOF'er from allegations which were launched into mainstream media attention after WWE named the new women's battle royal after her. The 9, Leilani Kai, Tex Green, Lisa Darnell, Brittany Brown, Diamond Lil, Winona Littleheart, Peggy Lee, Joyce Grable and Moolah's daughter say she is innocent of the accusations...
New trophy:
WWE have confirmed a new trophy for the women's battle royal, replacing the Moolah tribute one.
Heat on Rousey:
Ronda Rousey is getting heat online for a terse interview she did with ESPN today. She apparently gave the host a hard time and answered in single words, if at all.
John Cena:
John Cena has landed a role in the movie 'Duke Nukem'.
Injury:
Charlotte Flair is injured and is out of the semi final match of Mixed Match tonight. She has also been pulled from the road this weekend.
Owen to HOF:
Owen Hart and Dan The Beast Severn will enter the Tragos / Thesz HOF in July.
Rey Mysterio was at the NJPW show last night. He had withdrawn from the booking due to injury, but went anyway.
Raw tease:
John Cena takes on The Big Red Machine
What's "Woken" Matt Hardy's next move?
Braun Strowman needs a WrestleMania partner Braun Strowman needs a WrestleMania partner
Are Stephanie McMahon & Triple H ready for Ronda Rousey & Kurt Angle?
Will Roman Reigns be 100 percent for WrestleMania?
Nia Jax's pursuit of Alexa Bliss continues
Does Finn Bálor owe Seth Rollins a rematch?
Jeff Hardy is backstage.
HOF'er worries for Bryan:
Edge says he is happy for Daniel Bryan to be cleared, but worries for his future health... "Seriously though, it's a weird thing. Like, I don't know what to make of it, to be perfectly honest, I'm happy for him, I just hope, I hope, he's okay. That's my biggest concern."
Greatest Royal Rumble:
Some matches have been confirmed for next months special...
Triple H vs John Cena
The Miz vs Seth Rollins vs Finn Balor vs Samoa Joe (IC) Ladder match
BAR vs Hardyz (Red Tag)
Brock's last gig:
Brock Lesnar's last non PPV date for WWE is this Friday, after this his only date left in his current deal is WrestleMania.
Kane:
Kane says his iconic gimmick was meant to be a one off, but Vince fell in love with the character... "WWE was looking for an opponent for The Undertaker. They needed someone for an upcoming pay per view. I was supposed to be just one and done. Vince McMahon loved the idea so much and really got invested in it."
WWE vs Hogan:
Mark Henry says he is not yet ready to accept Hulk Hogan back in WWE, and is not the only member of the roster that is less than enthused by his planned appearance at a WWE event on Thursday. "On the 29th is the opening (Of Andre's film) in Los Angeles and Hogan is in it. It's kind of a deal where you have to accept it. He's a public figure. It doesn't mean that everything he's done is forgiven, you just gotta pick the good from the bad, see how you can help the situation. I sit on the chair of the delegation and they're not ready. I've had many talks, I mean with dozens of guys. The consensus is there's a lot of work to be done to heal that wound and fix that wall. It's gonna have to be more community service and outside work. Support for programs, even create a program that deals with diversity in the workplace. He went on to say he would be shocked to see the Hulkster at Mania, which may spoil the HOF hopes of fellow inductee Hillbilly Jim, who wants his friend to enshrine him. The delegation Mark refers to is a group of African-American wrestlers who meet to discuss matters relating to wrestling and their ethnic group in an unofficial union.
Shane in hospital:
WWE say Shane McMahon has been admitted to hospital with complications from his incident with Owens and Zayn.
Vader:
Vader has made it through his open heart surgery today, but, his surgeons say the damage to his heart was much worse than they anticipated and his road to recovery will be long and hard.
Stephanie McMahon has been awarded by a cancer charity for her fundraising work in aid of paediatric cancer.
Injury:
Apollo blew his knee out during a live this weekend. He continued his match, despite the ref throwing up the 'X' but was in clear discomfort.
John Cena:
John Cena hosted the Nickelodeon awards last night. Rock won two trophies and the Bella's and Victoria were in attendance.
Edge recalls moment that changed his life:
"Let's talk about that real briefly because I've had people doubt whether that happened. It happened, well, I'm going to tell you for my end as a kid coming out of college, who owed $40,000.00, which was more than money than I ever made in a year, and no way in the future besides my only goal to pay it, $40,000 at that time is a chunk of change and it's still a chunk of change for a lot of people. And I remember thinking to myself, 'okay, now I'm signed. Right, the first thing I've got to do is pay off this debt.' And Jim Ross paid it off. It was a signing bonus and I've never, ever forgotten that because it got me out of a hole. Now I was starting at zero, and, man, it put me in such a different place."
HOF:
Goldberg will be inducted by Paul Heyman.
Alum rules himself out:
Kevin Sullivan has responded to a campaign to get him into the WWE HOF... "No, because I didn't work there. I don't think that's ever gonna happen, and I don't blame them. They have their own company, and their own stars. Hey, I'm gonna be honest with you, probably my time has passed and WWE will never even think of that."
Paige Van Zant is the latest UFC star preparing to switch to WWE. John Cena supports stars coming from MMA to WWE but says he does not understand why WWE talent would want to go the other way.
WWE star in air incident:
Karl Anderson says his last flight was involved in an incident after something went wrong. He did not elaborate on what had happened.
HOF shock:
DDP says he was surprised by the news of Double J's induction... "Oh, man! I was happy about that. I was pleasantly surprised that that happened because there was a little thing that went down years ago and I don't know any of the details, but I know it came with a little bit of heat. I don't know. I heard there was a little bit of heat on that side. I don't know what it was about. I was so glad to see him go it, man. I text him all the time. Not all the time, but we text because he's on the program and he's good with it. And I mean, that guy has some stories." He also says he holds out hope Bam Bam Bigelow will be announced for the class. There is only time for one more induction announcement, unless he is in the Legacy wing, and that will probably be on Monday.
Gangrel reveals hidden message in his WWE theme:
"If you have the right skills and technology to play it backwards, the guy who did the music, Jim Johnston was a big Beatles fan, so it says 'I buried Paul, walk with me.'"
Alum talks school shootings:
Brodus Clay says American schools need armed guards and a wall building around all education facilities with only one way in or out. He believes that is the only way school shootings can be controlled.
HHH watching:
Triple H says he will personally monitor Daniel Bryan's health for any signs of a return of his concussion syndrome.
Hillbilly Jim dedicates induction:
"This business doesn't owe me anything because I've already had a Hall of Fame life. I've already had my glory, so this induction is in my name, but I'm accepting it for my family, my friends and the fans. Nobody makes it by themselves, and this whole thing wouldn't have happened for me without help from a lot of different people."
Rich Swann's wife, Su Yung, officially debuted with Impact last night.
NXT:
Triple H has revealed why NXT are expanding their championships and teases more will follow... ''I think it's part of a long-term strategic plan for the brand. You see with the UK title, the North American Championship, I think as we branch out and become bigger, with opportunities in different places. It allows for multiple events to take place with championships represented where I feel like, in locations across North America, Mexico, Canada, the North American Championship can be defended and be a main event-style match with the right players. The NXT Championship could be going internationally at that same period of time. It really depends, but it's part of a long-term strategic plan.''
Hogan back on WWE duty:
Hulk Hogan will work his first WWE gig since his racial abuse storm of 2015 next week. He is scheduled to attend a joint hosted premiere of Andre The Giant's movie, which he is a part of, held by HBO and WWE in LA.
WWE race allegation:
New Day have been accused of perpetuating a racial stereotype with their pancakes. Some say by handing out the food they are acting in a servile role harking back to the slavery which was forced upon people of colour in the past. Xavier Woods says it was a joke they came up with, and that the office had nothing to do with them using them as part of their gimmick.
AJ tryout:
AJ Styles will work an 8 man tag this weekend to try out his injury recovery.
Alum returning at Mania:
Lilian Garcia will ring announce the women's battle royal at WrestleMania.
HOF:
Molly Holly will induct Ivory into the HOF.
UK return:
Impact say they will be back in the UK later this year. They did not hold any events over here in 2017.
WWE want Brock:
Triple H says WWE are trying to re-sign Brock Lesnar... "To be honest I really don't have anything to share in this conversation and we'll see where it goes. Brock is Brock, he's an interesting guy to be with, makes it challenging which is always wonderful and we're working on it. We'll see where that goes as time goes on."
X-Pac on HOF:
X-Pac says he is too embarrassed to talk to Mark Henry about his HOF induction... "There were so many people that were congratulating Mark on Twitter and I didn't... I purposely avoided it so people didn't bring up me dressing up in blackface like Mark. Not that I'm afraid. I just didn't want to insert that into the Hall of Fame conversation. He was fine with it, but I'm not fine with it now. That's all. And there was nothing bad meant by it, but the things I know now, I'm a little embarrassed by it."
WWE UK:
WWE are moving forward with the UK expansion. They are negotiating improved contracts for the big 5 UK stars and are bringing UK veterans to the PC to show them how they want the talent trained and the show to be run. They have also signed their first talent specifically for the show, Zack Gibson.
WCW old boy Crowbar is launching a new wrestling promotion which will hark back to older days. He says wrestling has lost the family friendly feeling it used to have in the 80s, and his Rescue Mania group will strive to get back to those old school values.
Reyturn:
Rey Mysterio is looking like returning to WWE. He is currently in Alabama having his recent injury evaluated by their medics. He has also pulled out of a booking with NJPW.
King in Rumble:
Jerry Lawler has teased taking part in the Greatest Royal Rumble after he and JR were confirmed to be making the trip to Saudi for the special.
UK promotion closes:
5 Star has ceased to be. The company that once offered CM Punk a million dollars to return to wrestling and has contracted stars including Rey Mysterio and Jack Swagger stopped after the closure of their events partners. They say fans who want refunds for the many big shows they had planned over the summer need to talk to the venue they bought them from to see if they are willing to reimburse them.
This removes one hurdle from Rey Mysterio's WWE return, he was booked for the shows around the UK this year, but is a sad blow to the UK market.
Wyatt re-brand:
Bray Wyatt will be re-branded when he returns to WWE TV. The office feel his character has been stale for some time and needed freshening up.
Alum's life on the line:
Vader's recent heart surgery was not successful. He will now undergo open heart surgery on Monday, but has been warned that it will be a life threatening operation.
Rubber match in WWE?:
Floyd Mayweather beat Connor McGregor in a boxing match, he is now planning to apply for an MMA license for a rematch on the Irishman's turf. John Cena says match 3 could be in WWE... "Floyd has been in a WWE ring before and he did quite well and I've said Connor would do quite well, so it seems like a decent combination, right?"
No more KO:
Kevin Owens has changed his social media profiles back to his real name to sell his WWE firing this week.
Hogan return talks official:
WWE are talking to Hulk Hogan about his potential return to WWE. This will please Hillbilly Jim who wants him to do the induction honours for him at the HOF. Speculation is, with Bryan returning to the ring and Shane taking time away he will be installed as the new GM of the blue brand after WrestleMania. WWE have confirmed they are talking to Hulk, but are still keeping him at arms length, perhaps wanting to judge the media opinion of him coming back before making the final decision... "We have had discussions with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan) about how he can help others learn from his mistakes, however, he is not under any contract with WWE."
Mania in trouble:
Triple H has confirmed Mania is in doubt for AJ Styles. He says AJ is working incredibly hard to get over his injury in time but they are working on a plan B and even a plan C just in case.
Mania title change leaked:
WWE are advertising Roman Reigns vs Samoa Joe in a Universal title feud for the post Mania European tour.
UK buy special:
Sky have bought the rights to air the Greatest Royal Rumble in the UK. They will show the footage via their Box Office pay to view channel.
Randy Orton vs Jinder Mahal vs Bobby Roode for the US is now official. Mustafa Ali has booked his spot in the Mania Cruiser title match, Sasha Banks, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan Naomi, Becky Lynch and Natalya have taken the first spots in the women's battle royal while Baron Corbin, Tye Dillinger and last years winner Mojo Rawley have joined the Andre match.
Emotional return:
Daniel Bryan made an emotional return speech last night...
He also got physical with KO and Sami Zayn, but the numbers overpowered him and he was taken away on a stretcher.
Top stars fired:
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn were fired on SmackDown last night, for assaulting Shane McMahon the week before. To sell the release WWE have moved their profiles to the Alumni roster.
Online feud:
Corey Graves has attacked Tazz seemingly out of the blue. He called him insecure. Tazz did not know what the insult was for, the only speculation I have found as a cause is Tazz talking about WWE comms on Chris Jericho's podcast, but he praised Corey during that chat, so,only Graves knows, but he is known to struggle taking criticism. He often finds himself in online spats with fans and talent who offer negative opinions on his performance, so maybe, in reality, it is he who has a problem with security and he is projecting?
WWE Network:
The Greatest Royal Rumble will air live on the Network on April 27 at 7PM local time, which is 4PM in the UK and lunch time in the states (Varying depending on where about in the States you reside).
Ric Flair:
Ric Flair has launched a range of suits.
New HOF'er grieves murder victim:
Mark Henry says a 17 year old boy killed by an explosion in Austin, Texas was a friend of his family.
WWE aired Ultimate Deletion last night. Matt Hardy's family debuted, Jeff returned and Bray was deleted after losing the match at the Hardy's compound.
Injured stars at Raw:
Samoa Joe and Big Cass were backstage at Raw last night to update WWE on their injury statuses.
WrestleMania:
Alexa Bliss vs Nia Jax for the red Women's is now official. The Revival have taken the first spots in the Andre battle royal.
Hall Of Fame:
Here is Mark Henry's official induction package...
SmackDown tease:
Is Jinder Mahal winning the United States Title a foregone conclusion?
How will the SmackDown Women's Division change after the arrival of Asuka?
Will The Bludgeon Brothers' punishment continue?
Will AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura have to watch each other's back ahead of WrestleMania?
Heat on Cole:
Michael Cole apologised to fans before WWE aired the Ultimate Deletion last night, and called the footage they were about to watch ''Obnoxious''. Matt Hardy has threatened to delete him next for his blasphemy.
Rocky Johnson:
Rocky Johnson has had a hip replacement. His son, The Rock, has bought him a new car to help him get around.
Champ to work hurt:
AJ Styles says he will be at Mania despite having a leg injury.
Daniel Bryan back in the ring:
Daniel Bryan has been medically cleared by WWE's senior medic Dr Joseph Maroon, but he had to work for it. He has, on his own dime, sought out medical opinions from doctors right across the States and inundated WWE with across the board positive appraisals. This finally convinced WWE to ask their own doctor to take another look. He echoed the findings of other medics, and told WWE he saw no reason to continue to medically ban the former World champ from competing and WWE abated. He has waited 3 years for this and will discuss what it means to him, what it means for his current role as SD GM and his chances to get on the Mania card at the opening of tonight's team blue show.
