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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 get right to it.
- It’s looking more and more like Brock Lesnar won’t be losing the Universal title at SummerSlam as originally believed.
- He still has the title and will have gone at least a year with it before he loses it. (1/1)
- WWE wants to keep Finn Balor’s “Demon” gimmick special, so expect him to win pretty much anytime they break it out.
- He’s undefeated with it on the main roster, but we rarely ever see it any more. (1/1)
- Ronda Rousey is training with Brian Kendrick, per the Observer, and while they are planning a 4 Horsewomen of WWE vs. 4 Horsewomen of MMA match, Rousey will likely also work a singles match at WrestleMania, at the very least.
- Rumors right now are regarding a tag match for Rousey, but nothing officially has been announced. Perhaps her contract signing tonight will hint at something.
- The Observer notes Aleister Black may be getting a live music intro for his match against Hideo Itami at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III.
- He did. When I went back to check, I saw that JR called the match, which I completely don’t remember. (1/1)
- There is once again talk that Lucha Underground might be going away soon.
- Season 4 starts filming this week. (0/1)
- The Observer reports that Ric Flair was given an external pacemaker and his heart is beating at normal levels but he’s battling an infection and still on kidney dialysis. He is still in critical condition but doing better than he was before.
- There were a lot of rumors about Flair’s condition and there’s definitely no need to look back at all of them. I included one to capture that this was a big thing going on six months ago. I was really worried that we were going to lose the Nature Boy during all this. Thankfully, six months later, he’s still stylin’ and profilin’.
- Adam Cole is expected to debut at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III tonight.
- He did. Cole attacked Drew McIntyre alongside Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly. (1/1)
- A group of fans are apparently planning protests of Donald Trump in the WWE Hall of Fame throughout the SummerSlam weekend.
- If they did, it didn’t make much noise.
- Bobby Roode is headed to the main roster in the near future, with Dave Meltzer saying WWE officials are “super high” on the former NXT champ and expect him to be among the top five guys on whichever brand he lands on.
- This is correct. Even the top 5 guy part in the since there’s literally a list where he’s in the top 5. (2/2)
- Also up for promotion are Authors of Pain, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Hideo Itami and No Way Jose.
- Only one of those who are currently on the main roster is Hideo, who is working the cruiserweight division. (1/5)
- Some or all of these could be part of the rumored second Superstar Shake-Up, which should happen soon. GMs Kurt Angle and Daniel Bryan were shown at TakeOver: Brooklyn III to set this up.
- There was no second shake up. (0/1)
- Shelton Benjamin is back in the fold and should debut for SmackDown soon.
- Debuted the next night on Aug. 22. It was just the part of a backstage segment where Daniel Bryan introduced him as Chad Gable’s partner. At that time, I didn’t think it’d last long and perhaps turn into a feud sooner than later. Instead they’re a staple of the SD tag division. (1/1)
- The KFC spot with Shawn Michaels from SummerSlam was written for Ric Flair, who obviously couldn’t do it due to his ongoing hospitalization and health issues.
- He eventually showed up as the Colonel.
- Bobby Roode was backstage at Raw, according to PWInsider - and was the only member of the NXT roster there the site knew of. He wasn’t used, obviously, but other places have said plans call for him to debut in a big role on SmackDown, possibly tonight.
- He did debut on SmackDown this night. (2/2)
- Enzo Amore is only being held up by strong crowd reactions, says Meltzer, since “everybody” backstage hates him. If his pop cools, he could be in even bigger trouble.
- This is consistently the word. He was released soon after a rape allegation came out and supposedly he didn’t even tell WWE about the investigation.
- Insider reported another person said to be debuting on SmackDown soon was spotted in Brooklyn on Monday - Shelton Benjamin. Look for him to possibly appear on television tonight as well.
- A bit redundant given the rumor from the prior day. This is still correct. (1/1)
- Betting sites missed 5 of the 13 matches at SummerSlam, and word is that’s because the so-called “smart money” never came in. This could mean WWE has sealed a leak and the late lines won’t necessarily be spoilers going forward.
- I’ve said it before but I like when the finishes don’t leak. I’d prefer not knowing.
- Superstar Shake-Up talk seems to have been overblown, as John Cena switching brands, Bobby Roode’s call up, and Shelton Benjamin’s return appear to be all the shake-up we’re getting for now.
- Yes there was nothing else. (1/1)
- Bobby Roode will still be working in NXT for a short time to finish out his advertised dates. They’ll treat it as a farewell tour.
- Yeah, he finished up a story, putting over Roddy Strong once on the way out (1/1)
- PW Insider notes there was concern within WWE that Drew McIntyre was injured during Adam Cole’s attack at TakeOver: Brooklyn III but he appears to be fine.
- Unfortunately, at the next big TakeOver, Drew tore his bicep and has been out since.
- WWE apparently has plans to air a special on Madusa right around the time the Mae Young Classic finals will air.
- This looks to be correct. They both came out the latter portion of September. (1/1)
- 205 Live will air following the Mae Young Classic finals, per PW Insider.
- It did. (1/1)
- There’s been talk of presenting Bobby Roode as a face on SmackDown, at least for his first feud.
- This is accurate. Personally, I think he’s a stale face. (1/1)
- Not clear if it’s over money or creative, but Low Ki already left Global Force. PWInsider says the company told them it was “amicable”.
- He did end up leaving. (1/1)
This week: 17/23 - 74%
Overall: 1,993/3,651 - 54.6%
Have a great week, everyone!