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Welcome to the weekly Rumor Look Back, where we look at the rumors from six months ago and see which played out as originally predicted. Let’s jump right into it.
- The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is saying there’s been talk of an AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura Last Man Standing match.
- That was their final match, which happened at Money in the Bank. (1/1)
- Per the Observer, Charlotte’s ruptured implant actually happened before WrestleMania and she elected to hold off on the surgery so she could work all the way through the European tour then get the surgery and be back in time for SummerSlam. She’ll likely be out for a number of weeks once she does get the surgery.
- She was out about six weeks, starting after Money in the Bank. When she returned, it was the start of her big time feud with Becky Lynch. (1/1)
- The Observer is saying there is a belief in the U.K. that Toni Storm has signed a deal with WWE.
- She’s part of the WWE UK brand and won the Mae Young Classic. (1/1)
- According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, apparently something in the deal for WWE to run MCG Stadium in Melbourne, Australia “hit a snag” but it’s unclear what it is or if it can be fixed.
- It must have been fixed because that’s where they held the show.
- Per PW Insider, Dean Ambrose has been “pretty much living full-time in Birmingham, Alabama.” That’s where he is doing rehabilitation for his triceps.
- This sounds pretty accurate given an interview he gave himself. After they had discovered a very serious infection, he decided just to stay down there. (1/1)
- With CM Punk doing a meet and greet during All In weekend for Pro Wrestling Tees, there is, of course, increased speculation that he’ll be involved with the actual All In event on Sept. 1. As of now, that does not appear to be in the plans.
- He was not part of the show itself. (1/1)
- The Observer notes that Neville has moved back to the U.K. and his contract with WWE is being frozen much like Daniel Bryan’s was. The two sides do not appear close to working out their issues.
- Neville, now PAC, is working at Dragon Gate and is completely ripped. Maybe too ripped.
- PW Insider notes there are no plans for future 205 Live house shows.
- There weren’t any. (1/1)
- Vince McMahon wasn’t bothered by fans leaving during and immediately after the main event of Backlash, according to WrestlingNews.Co. The site’s source says McMahon expected Reigns to be unpopular in the New York/New Jersey market and attributed the exits to the show running late.
- Then why put him on last? If the match was anywhere else, it would have been fine. Unless he didn’t care if people left early. And it didn’t hinder anything going forward.
- Nia Jax missed Raw’s house shows this past weekend. She flew to New York to take part in NBC Upfronts, which would make her doubtful for Raw in London tonight.
- This is pretty obvious given the timing of getting a flight from NY to London and get there in time for Raw. (1/1)
- In addition to Keith Lee, Casey Michael (of Squared Circle Sirens) says WWE’s next Performance Center class will likely include Impact and AAA’s Garza Jr, rugby players Daniel Vidot and Luke Menzies and possibly ICW’s Joe Coffey, although the Scottish indie star may skip Orlando and work for the UK brand.
- Vidot is in WWE, but he was introduced as part of the class in October and there was another class in July prior to that. Coffey is in WWE but not listed in that class either. Neither was Garza Jr. Luke Menzies was though. (1/4)
- A source told WrestleVotes Ronda Rousey vs. Nia Jax was likely booked because WWE felt they had no other options, “they can’t ignore Rousey for another PPV, don’t want her in the ladder match, & can’t have her lose a qualifying match”.
- It was a good start to her title path.
- While there’s apparently some truth to the talk of Big Cass being in trouble backstage, it’s believed his program with Daniel Bryan will continue since WWE doesn’t want to rush Miz vs. Bryan and they don’t have anything else lined up.
- It did continue. Then they went ahead and released the Big C. (1/1)
- An Iron Man match is also being discussed as the possible stipulation for AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura’s match at Money in the Bank.
- It was the Last Man Standing. (0/1)
- The entertainment tabloids seem to be in agreement about John Cena and Nikki Bella’s future: Us Weekly says she’s spending nights at his apartment, People says they’re reconciling and E! News says “there’s definitely hope for these two”.
- They’re still broken up. (0/1)
- Some folks at the arena noted that Jeff Hardy appeared to suffer some sort of injury before SmackDown Live this week in a dark match.
- It didn’t stop him from wrestling.
- James McKenna notes that when Emmalina didn’t work out, Vince McMahon insisted Mandy Rose would be perfect for the character. Based on television, it looks like that’s basically the direction they’re going.
- Maybe? Tough to know what the plan with Emmalina was while at the same time, we don’t see enough of Mandy to know what her gimmick is.
- PW Insider notes WWE and Hulk Hogan have continued to have discussions about a return. Said return does not appear to be imminent.
- He returned at Crown Jewel, which I wouldn’t say was imminent. (1/1)
- Per Squared Circle Sirens, WWE has signed Stacey Ervin Jr., a gymnast who is also Simone Biles’ boyfriend.
- Looks like it. I don’t know much about the man. (1/1)
- A story from Buffalo TV station WKBW promoting Ronda Rousey’s wrestling debut in the city for a July episode of Raw has led to speculation Rousey will be wrestling on television soon.
- August 6 against Alicia Fox was her first match. It wasn’t July like implied. (0/1)
- On their Elite Radio show, PW Insider’s Mike Johnson said it’s unlikely WWE would ever rehire Enzo Amore as he was “already on thin ice” before the rape allegations surfaced, but he wouldn’t be surprised if Impact hired Amore.
- No Enzo in Impact. Just the dude vaping on a plane. (0/1)
- According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio, backstage heat isn’t a new thing for Big Cass. Discussing the segment which saw Cass take a beating from Daniel Bryan after rumors he was in trouble for not following the script on the SmackDown before Backlash, Alvarez said, “this is not the first time stupid stuff has happened with Cass.”
- Enough stupid stuff for him to get released.
- There’s speculation Sarah Logan may have been sent home from WWE’s European tour. She was replaced by Mickie James in Rousey’s match in Geneva, and has posted an Instagram story from Florida.
- Sent home due to injury or because of an issue? I don’t remember hearing much about this.
- Both the Observer and Insider agree the Greatest Royal Rumble trophy was not supposed to break when Braun Strowman bowled over Drew McIntyre on Raw.
- Trophies are meant to be broken.
This week: 11/18 - 61%
Overall: 2,460/4,465 - 55.1%
Have a great week, everyone!