Lucha Underground is expected to tape Season 4 starting in November. Alberto El Patron seems unlikely to return given his recent comments, but LU isn't really a full-time schedule.
In conjunction with the crowning of a Smackdown Women's Champion and Smackdown Tag Team Champions, WWE has changed the name of the titles held by Charlotte and New Day to the Raw Women's Championship and Raw Tag Team Championship, respectively. That's probably the right move, as goofy as those names are. I liked the previous brand split using WWE Tag Team Champions and World Tag Team Champions. The way things are now, the Smackdown Tag Team Champions could be drafted to Raw next year and take those titles with them. That wouldn't be a problem if it was the World Tag Team Championship, but it's odd with this naming scheme. I don't expect that draft move to happen, but it's a possibility.
The first Raw of 2017 will be on January 2 in Tampa, Florida. It will be interesting to see how things are shaping up for Rumble/WM33 season by then.
Randy Orton being pulled from Backlash had been planned for more than a week. It's believed Orton is having concussion-related issues after the dangerous ending to Summerslam. Since that match, he's had trouble consistently passing medical testing. In hindsight, I have to ask if the ending to Brock vs. Orton was worth it. Orton's one of the top names on Smackdown. Having him unable to compete really hurts a brand that's already hurting with the departure of Del Rio and John Cena taking time off for filming.
- I definitely think prescribed testosterone replacement should be OK under the Wellness Policy, since a doctor OK'd it. I'm a little surprised it took him so far into his deal for him to be suspended. Did he just start taking it recently?
- I hope Almas does rebound and live up to his potential in WWE. However, if he wants out, it would be better to bow out now instead of "pulling a Sin Cara" and screwing up big on the main roster.
- Almas should definitely learn English if he wants to be more than a U.S./IC/CW level player.
TNA's Billy Corgan and Dava Lagana were only visiting at EVOLVE 69. They had TNA-related business in New York City and stopped by. I don't know if TNA would be able to do anything with EVOLVE given EVOLVE's relationship with WWE, but they're able to sign anyone in the company if the talent agrees to it.
C.M. Punk made $500,000 for his bout in UFC, while his opponent Mickey Gall got $30,000, $15,000 of which was for the win. L.O.L.UFC. Punk also probably made money from the buyrate, too. Punk basically pulled the same move he was criticizing guys like Rock and Taker for in WWE, since he likely won't appear for UFC again.
WWE and Playmates have released WWE-themed car toys. Those are pretty funny. I'm surprised to see WWE and Nitro in the same sentence.
Vince McMahon was injured working out recently and needed surgery. I expect him to go right back to the gym as soon as he's cleared to be able to.
Kevin Nash did a Guest Booker DVD, re-booking 1996 WWF as if he and Hall had never left. He's often really entertaining in situations like this.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Now we can get American Alpha vs. the Usos, while Slater still got to win and get a job. They "made" a new team in Slater and Rhyno at Backlash. American Alpha is already made by their big wins earlier in the tournament.
1. Now we can get American Alpha vs. the Usos, while Slater still got to win and get a job. They "made" a new team in Slater and Rhyno at Backlash. American Alpha is already made by their big wins earlier in the tournament.
2. Ummm... no? That's sexual assault.
3. Jeff Hardy is OBSOLETE. I don't see Brother Nero being dead, either. We'll see what happens going forward, but Nero's still under contract for another few months. I'd be very, very surprised if he missed BFG.
4. I wouldn't think so. The time to do that (if there ever really was one) has passed. Cena's on the tail end of his career. They should focus on other characters turning face and heel and use him as more or less as a legend like Taker or HBK.
5. Given Rey's age and injury history, I don't see it happening. He also had two Wellness violations. As far as I know, those would still count under a new deal. I wouldn't be surprised if he had one last big match/run and a HoF nod someday (like Sting), but not anytime soon.
More wrestling tomorrow.
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