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Consider this week the calm before the storm actually hits. Let us explain why. Next week will be filled with news from RAW 25. And the week after, with lots and lots of WWE Royal Rumble news.
For what it was worth, there was much that transpired this week. Rest assured, that despite the 'calm', it was a week packed with news updates. Fear not, for we have chronicled all of it for our weekly SKFabe feature again.
What is SKFabe? It is essential reading for you to stay up to date, about the latest in the world of wrestling, behind and indeed beyond the squared circle.
So, in case you missed any of these updates, strap yourself in and take off with us, dearest readers.
#1 Matt Hardy addressed 'Woken' critics
Remember how over 'Broken' Matt Hardy was? Ever since he's been 'Woken', he just seems like a shadow of his former self, doesn't he? Well, a lot of people told him so on the internet. This is what Matt Hardy said to all his detractors, during an interview with IGN recently:
There’s such a huge percentage of the WWE Universe and the WWE fan-base who aren’t familiar with the story of the Woken/Broken character so we have to educate them and get them up to speed and help them understand what’s going on. And that’s something the die-hard fans are frustrated with.
Hardy reiterated that he has to reinvent the wheel, to get where he wants to eventually go:
But things are going to get where they need to be and this is a process now that’s playing out over TV. The biggest thing I’d say to people is just sit back and enjoy this truly, truly fun and jubilant ride.
Matt Hardy also said that fans can enjoy a Final Deletion style match between him and Bray Wyatt someday.
That, my friends, is quite WONDERFUL!
#2 Big injury to popular SmackDown Live superstar
The injury bug seems to bite WWE just around WrestleMania season, doesn't it? Paige's future is uncertain. So is Samoa Joe's. Kevin Owens too was pulled from a few Live Events owing to an unfortunate injury.
It seems like Samir Singh sustained an injury this week on SmackDown Live. The Singh Brother rolled his ankle during a run-in on Bobby Roode. This clip gives you a clearer idea of what transpired:
We certainly do hope that he's not seriously injured. We wish Samir Singh all the best, for a really speedy recovery.
#3 Paige ruled out of the first ever Women's Royal Rumble
Paige can't seem to catch a break, can she? We all feared the worst when reports emerged that her career might be over for good. It seems that our fears have come true at long last. Paige has been ruled out of the first ever Women's Royal Rumble match, this month.
How heartbreaking is it that one of the pioneers of the division will miss this historic match? We feel her pain!
#4 Top independent star has arrived in WWE
Ricochet is in WWE now. The Cruiserweight Division will never be the same again.
Do not be deterred by what Vader has to say. Or Jim Cornette. Ricochet is a man who can do unbelievable things in the ring. He is perhaps the most popular independent star, at this moment.
This is what WWE said about the signing:
Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 188 pounds, Mann (Ricochet's real name) brings an astonishing assortment of aerial moves to the ring. He first earned notoriety in Japan for an eye-popping double-moonsault, and his 630° senton remains one of the most potent weapons in his arsenal. Mann, who credits Guerrero, Rey Mysterio and The Rock as three of his in-ring influences, was inspired to pursue sports-entertainment after watching The Great One and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin do battle at WrestleMania XV.
So, Ricochet is in the Performance Center, and whether he goes to NXT or 205 Live, neither division will be the same going forward.
#5 Cowboy James Storm wants to come to WWE
Remember James Storm, Bobby Roode's partner from Beer Money Inc.? Storm departed from Impact Wrestling recently, and has since made it clear that he wants to come to WWE. Don't believe us? Here's what the TNA Original revealed to Sports Illustrated:
My ultimate goal is to go to WWE. The WWE has such a grip on the world, it's pretty amazing, and I believe I still have a lot to give. I'm in the best shape I've ever been. When I left Impact, I told people this isn't my last stop, it's just time for me to get on a new horse.
With rumours rife that EC3 may be a part of the Royal Rumble, could James Storm follow suit? Only time will tell.
#6 Carmella revealed why she broke up with Big Cass
Once upon a time, Carmella and Big Cass were inseparable. The couple separated not long ago, and Carmella revealed why on Total Divas. It had to do with them having arguments when they stayed in the same house. Big Cass' knee injury was a further source of negativity.
Ultimately, it was the fact that Big Cass did not want to marry Carmella. This caused a real rift between the two talented superstars.
#7 Goldberg reacted to becoming a WWE Hall of Fame Inductee
The news broke right before RAW this week that Goldberg will be the headliner for the Hall of Fame this year. The WCW megastar, who created many ripples in WWE as well, reacted via his social media account. Here's what the Icon had to say:
Congratulations to Goldberg. Some people may be divided about his induction, but it's hard to claim that he didn't deserve to be in the Hall of Fame. And with that, we come to the end of our list, this week.
Thank you for reading, ladies and gentlemen. Do leave a comment if you liked this article.
We'll see you all again, next week.
