What is the story about?
Speculating on the rumors surrounding pro wrestling is a favored pastime of many fans, perhaps second only to actually watching the matches. In this daily column, we take a look at the latest rumors being churned out by the pro wrestling rumor mill.
Important reminder: Rumors are just that — rumors. None of this has been confirmed as fact, it’s just circulating around the pro wrestling rumor mill. We track rumor accuracy in a weekly feature called Rumor Look Back you can find here. Remember, take
it all with a grain of salt.
Rumors for the Day:
- BodySlam.net claims Cody Rhodes was told by “members of creative” to go “shoot from the hip” regarding Pat McAfee and TKO. The promo wasn’t listed on the rundown of the show because it wasn’t scheduled to take place until they saw the social media reaction.
- What’s more, Rhodes and creative team members are legitimately upset about TKO getting involved in storylines close to WrestleMania multiple years in a row now.
- Meanwhile, Fightful Select says Pat McAfee’s return was done to boost interest in the show but also for “corporate synergy” with ESPN. There were “several” who weren’t in favor of the direction behind McAfee’s promo and the internal reaction to it was mixed.
- Sticking with Fightful, they say Chris Jericho has indeed signed a new deal with AEW. He was allowed to talk to WWE but AEW offered more money and “a more favorable deal.”
- On the Off the Top podcast, Rikishi and Joey TMD claimed Jacob Fatu had 11 teeth removed when he missed time for dental issues recently. That’s why he was out for so long.
- Thekla got a big raise from AEW after having professional representation negotiate on her behalf, says Fightful Select. There was a belief WWE would have had real interest but AEW never let it get to that point.
- EK Prosper, formerly known as Eli Knight, has a lot of support internally at WWE, says Bodyslam, and they believe he could be a key piece of NXT’s future.