WWE has confirmed a draft will determine which superstars become exclusive to Raw or Smackdown, but it's unknown how exactly this will play out. I would be surprised to see the whole roster "randomly" assigned to one show or the other. The 2002 brand extension started with each show's authority figure getting 10 alternating picks before the rest were assigned in a lottery. I expect Shane and Stephanie to try to one-up each other in similar fashion this time around.
NXT's June 8 Takeover event will be subtitled The End, perhaps deliberately vaguely to play off the brand split announcement. I expect it's just the end of Balor vs. Joe, but it's fun to get people talking. It's worth noting NXT has yet to announce a Takeover special during Summerslam weekend as has been expected. I really don't see NXT going away, though.
Total Divas Season 5 is now available on the WWE Network. Hopefully the audience for that show subscribes to the Network so it has a reach beyond traditional wrestling fans.
Sgt. Slaughter discussed his work with G. J. Joe:
- I can only imagine how this situation would be handled now, with WWE's big deal with Mattel.
- Slaughter confirmed for draw, brother.
- Cool stories of being recognized/idolized as G.I. Joe.
Adam Pearce talked about becoming a coach at the WWEPC:
- Pearce ending up in WCW would have been interesting, especially if he became a WWE wrestler later.
- Teaching psychology is HUGE. That's what turns a wrestler into a good worker.
WWE posted what might or might not be a teaser for the Wyatts returning. I expect Harper is going to remain on the shelf for a few months, but the others could make a statement as a group without him. Wyatts vs. The Club or The Bloodline could be fun feuds.
John Cena discussed The Rock's insults. Some of them were really childish (ditto for the ones Rock laid down on Punk), but the Fruity Pebbles stuff was pretty funny.
UK promotion Insane Championship Wrestling will begin airing on Fight Network soon. That's big for both sides! FN is really making waves as far as televising a variety of wrestling content. Great news for them as they continue that endeavor.
Kentucky's new wrestling commissioner discussed efforts to bring WWE to the state for TV or a PPV in April 2017. I really don't see Wrestlemania going there, but TV and PPVs are possible if the state's rules change.
Beverly Dundee, wife of Memphis legend Bill Dundee, has passed away. She was involved in a big angle with Jerry Lawler in the '70s.
Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, and WWE doctor Chris Amann have been deposed as part of the ongoing concussion/CTE lawsuit. So, they could all be giving testimony in their defense.
More wrestling tomorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment