The Big Guy is teasing heading to NJPW, releasing a shirt with "The Big Guy Jin" and Japanese lettering. That's hilarious and I hope he can run with it there.
TNA is interested in Alberto Del Rio, who will be able to entertain offers outside of WWE soon. If he does go work for Combate Americas and/or take regular bookings in Mexico, he could also work TNA when his schedule allows. There's no word of an offer from ROH or LU. He would definitely be a big name to join any roster. Of course, he could end up staying with WWE, but he has other viable options depending on what his goals are. I wouldn't jump to any conclusions about Paige's status based on his, but their relationship is a factor to consider.
Shawn Michaels is expected to relocate his family to Orlando soon in order to become a top coach at the WWEPC. That's a big addition to WWE developmental. I'd love for Undertaker to take a similar role once his in-ring days are done.
Vince McMahon still owns 35.5 million shares of WWE stock, which is more than 45 percent of the company. His recent sale, coupled with another one a few months ago, means he owns less of the company than he did at the beginning of the year. It's still very much his company, but it looks like he's slowly phasing himself out in favor of the next generation.
MMA's Shayna Beszler recently trained at the WWEPC. Beszler also regularly trains with Natalya as she begins her wrestling career. She currently wrestles in SHIMMER, but presumably she's on WWE's radar, too. At 36, it's unknown if they'd make a play for her.
Sasha Banks recently visited the House of Glory wrestling school run by Amazing Red and Brian XL. I wouldn't be surprised to see Red get a shot at the cruiserweight division at some point; he was being considered for the CWC before an injury shelved him.
ROH Supercard of Honor XI will feature talents from CMLL, NJPW, and the UK. That is leading to speculation of Will Ospreay appearing. That's pretty far out to book him! The IWC will probably have moved on to a new flippy guy by then.... and then dropped him in favor of another flippy guy.
Dolph Ziggler spoke about the brand split and more:
- One thing that turns me off of Ziggler is how the WWE Title match is just about having fun instead of being in a really important position on the second-biggest WWE show of the year. He cares more about having a great match than being successful.
- There was definitely competition between Raw and Smackdown when the other brand split started.
- I still don't really care about Ziggler. I'm sure they'll have a great match, but he'll go right back to doing the same thing he's done for years: doing a bunch of bumps and talking about how hard he works as if that's all it takes to be a top guy.
WWE has suspended Eva Marie for 30 days for violating the Wellness Policy. She will miss Summerslam and Backlash. She was already in town for Summerslam activities, and was filming material for "Total Divas." This could definitely end whatever push they had planned for her on the Smackdown brand. They'll have to shuffle the deck with the five remaining members of the division. Adding Bayley and/or Nikki Bella will certainly help, but they're really lacking in the heel department with Eva missing time.
Wrestling author and historian Scott Williams suddenly passed at the age of 49 recently. Williams was an editor for the Wrestling Observer and had worked on a number of wrestling books, including Jim Ross' upcoming autobiography. His loss will really be felt by those of us who follow the business.
WWE has released King Constantine from NXT, after around 18 months with the brand. He had only worked 10 matches, none of which were televised. He had an impressive background in amateur wrestling and was 6'9" (and you can't. teach. that), so it's a real shame he didn't click. However, his departure opens up a spot for someone else to work out and hopefully excel.
WWE has booked a Smackdown-brand live event opposite Raw on August 29. The plan is to have those on Mondays every week so the Smackdown talents have the same number of dates as Raw talents. Otherwise they're on the road for Sunday and then doing nothing until Tuesday.
Oscar from Men on a Mission is in town for Summerslam, as are the families of Ultimate Warrior and Connor Michalek. I expect more names to show up for the big event.
Renee Young gave an update on her ankle injury. She's a trooper.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. It means it's not even close to WM33, and anything can happen between now and then in regard to Taker's status for the show. It also means people read way too much into tiny things. Not everything's The Da Vinci Code or National Treasure.
1. It means it's not even close to WM33, and anything can happen between now and then in regard to Taker's status for the show. It also means people read way too much into tiny things. Not everything's The Da Vinci Code or National Treasure.
2. He's already taking bookings, so I suspect we'll find out soon.
3. All of that, and they need to go ahead and book a venue before it's taken by someone else!
4. I would assume Extreme Rising remains buried. Such is the case for so many upstart promotions, sadly.
5. They still want to make it a thing! There hasn't been anything about it getting off the ground, though.
6. She was at WM32 weekend and still gives interviews about the business.
More wrestling tomorrow.
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