Daniel Bryan and Renee Young teased doing their own version of Talking Smack next week. I doubt management appreciates them pushing a canceled show and taking shots at the Tout venture. I'd like to see them push 205 Live instead. There are a lot of talented people there who could use the promotion!
Bayley now has her own gummy bears from FYE. They're doing a good job offering unique WWE merchandise.
- Sami Zayn and Nikki Bella did appearances at FYE stores in San Diego to tie in with their big Comic-Con.
Tye Dillinger vs. Aiden English is set for Kickoff before Battleground. Tye and the former Wyatt Family members better hope they end up on Fashion Files so they'll get some screen time on Smackdown. Maybe Harper will get into the mix after Battleground. I'd like to see Tye and Rowan vs. The Ascension on Main Event to break up all the 205 Live matches, but WWE wants to keep that show for the people at Monday tapings (when Smackdown names are doing their own live events).
Fortune covered Stephanie McMahon's presentation on dropping the Diva branding. WWE definitely appreciates mainstream press putting it over as a forward-looking company that listens to its fan base.
Brock Lesnar is advertised for a September 30 live event in Manitoba. That's pretty close to home for him, so it's a natural use for the champ.
- Brock has also been added to a Smackdown live event on
August 12. He gets added to the most random dates. I hope he's worth the
expense.
Demolition's Ax will be retiring in his hometown soon. I hope WWE honors that team in the Hall of Fame, video games, etc. at some point once the big CTE lawsuit is out of the picture.
Mark Henry is officially transitioning into a backstage role in WWE, although exactly what job is unknown. He brings a lot of experience to the table to help the current batch of talent.
Charlotte promoted an upcoming live event, which will be preceded in the market by an AJ Styles signing. This is the night before Battleground, so they might use it to prepare for that event in some ways.
Shane McMahon was involved in an emergency helicopter landing Wednesday. No one was harmed, thank goodness. I'm mainly wondering who's going to reference this at Battleground. Owens? Rusev? Carmella?
Paige is being investigated for battery for her role in the recent airport incident. Police have found probable cause for her to be charged and have sent the case to the Florida state attorney's offense. Police continue to investigate Alberto El Patron in the same incident. Should Paige be charged, she'll be indefinitely suspended by WWE until/unless she's cleared of wrongdoing. If she's convicted, WWE will immediately release her. That would be a very sad ending for her WWE tenure. I hope it wouldn't mean GFW would scoop her up in spite of those charges and the situation with their current world champion. That would be a TERRIBLE PR move.
Smackdown drew 2.55 million viewers Tuesday night, a nice boost from previous weeks. Jinder's reign seems to be doing well enough as far as TV goes, although Battleground ticket sales aren't exactly great right now.
Brock Lesnar has re-entered the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency testing protocol so his suspension from MMA can expire in time for the end of his WWE deal. This would open him up to return to UFC after WM34, or use that opportunity as leverage for another amazing deal from WWE. It's telling just how big of a deal he is that it's actually a possibility for him to get back in UFC after failing a drug test on such a big stage. Brock is living the LIFE.
War Machine is booked for ROH's July 29 live event, facing Jonathan Gresham & Jay White. So, Hanson & Rowe aren't gone from the company just yet. To the best of my knowledge, they're still free agents and can sign with ROH, NJPW, or NXT if they so choose to make one of those places their more regular home. GFW is theoretically an option, but there hasn't been any talk of them heading there.
- Also announced for that show, Chuckie T. & Beretta will face Coast 2 Coast.
GFW has announced a web show to follow Impact, presumably in the vein of Talking Smack. That's really clever considering WWE canceled a similar show that had a nice following. Maybe they can get some positive buzz for themselves amid all the Alberto and Hardys drama.
Chad Gable gave a lengthy homage to Jason Jordan as the pair split. I hope both men do well as singles stars.
Mike Kanellis vs. Sami Zayn is official for Battleground. We'll see how things go for those two going forward.
Kurt Angle's DVD's opening video has been released. Hopefully his son Jason will have that level of a career, too!
The former John Morrison, Drago, Taya Valkyrie, Dave Crist, and Jake Crist will work GFW's Northeastern live events. I would think it's possible those latter four names would also work the TV tapings later in the month. John Morrison/Johnny Mundo and Taya wouldn't be able to due to their LU contracts, which is a shame, because Johnny would really have a chance to shine in GFW. Either way, it's good to see fresh talent in the mix. GFW has done a great job replenishing the roster under the new regime.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. She wrestled Emma on Main Event last week. It's worth checking out if you miss those two. With Sasha and Bayley around as faces, Mickie is a little out of the mix for the time being. Hopefully we'll see more from her on TV before too much longer.
1. She wrestled Emma on Main Event last week. It's worth checking out if you miss those two. With Sasha and Bayley around as faces, Mickie is a little out of the mix for the time being. Hopefully we'll see more from her on TV before too much longer.
2. While they're within their rights to test her for drugs or otherwise discipline her, I think it would come across as callous to punish someone who was just in a domestic violence situation. That said, should she be convicted of the charges being considered against her, WWE will almost definitely release her. I absolutely hope she and Alberto get whatever help they need to live healthy lives, but WWE would likely come under fire if she's convicted of battery and they don't act.
3. As was said, they're saving it for Balor being in a big enough situation to warrant "needing" to unleash the Demon. I don't think he'd have to go to those depths to beat Elias Samson.
4. I haven't heard of any heat. Reportedly a producer approved the reference, which wasn't overt or explicit.
5. She needs to get in a good place in her life first, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
More wrestling tomorrow.
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