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As far as on-screen action goes, this was not the most exciting week for fans of sports entertainment. The shows were rather underwhelming, and the viewership numbers reflected this lapse in quality in terms of overall output.
Luckily, there were enough developments through the week, to warrant yet another edition of SKFabe. We have gathered the seven hottest news updates and compiled them here. This is so that, leading into No Mercy, you stay apace with the latest developments from WWE.
Let us know in the comments below if you believe we may have missed out on any updates. Read on, guys!
#1 A new contender for Alexa Bliss' title
This week on RAW, we saw Bayley return to in-ring competition, after suffering an injury to her shoulder. Thankfully, this was in her hometown of San Jose, and she got a positive reaction, as opposed to the sea of boos she's been drowned in recently.
A huge development emerged after her big return to the thick of things, from WWE on social media. The Fatal 4-Way match advertised for No Mercy with Alexa Bliss defending her championship against Nia Jax, Sasha Banks, and Emma is now a Fatal 5-Way match. Bayley will be competing in the match, as well.
Can Bayley defeat the odds and become RAW Women's Champion yet again? Remember that Alexa Bliss does not have to get pinned in this particular match, to lose the championship. Bayley could be the favourite going into the big No Mercy match.
There's probably no woman who needs the championship more than Bayley considering the momentum she's lost, of late!
#2 RVD is in talks with WWE
Rob Van Dam revealed in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, that he was in talks with WWE. However, it did not concern a return but instead had to do with a video game that he would be a part of.
Here is what he had to say:
I don’t have any plans to share, but there is always a possibility of a return. I’ve talked to WWE recently, but it’s about the new video games that are coming out. That was more of a business talk about that, but when the business is right and it’s the right time to go back, that, of course, is then always a possibility.
Sting, Goldberg, and The Ultimate Warrior all began discussions with WWE as part of video game deals only, ultimately leading to a return to/debut with WWE. We see it as a positive sign, and believe that it could lead to yet another run in WWE for RVD!
#3 WWE debut of huge indie star confirmed
Until not very long ago, Adam Cole was probably the biggest star in independent wrestling to have never wrestled for WWE. The former ROH Champion and Bullet Club member is now a part of The Undisputed Era stable on NXT, with Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish.
We have learned that he will be making his NXT debut in next week's show. He will take on TNA veteran Eric Young, in a singles match, following the showdown between the stables, this week on NXT. This is a much-anticipated debut, and we wonder if this will launch Cole into the title picture, very soon.
Here was the official announcement from Cathy Kelley on social media:
Cole is destined to be a big star in WWE and therefore, we expect him to go over in this particular encounter. It would be really silly to have Cole lose in his debut. Such decisions are just reserved for superstars like Sting.
#4 Women's Royal Rumble match planned for 2018
As reported by Sportskeeda in an exclusive piece, WWE has planned a historic match for the Wells Fargo Center at next year's Royal Rumble event. On Sunday, January 28, we will witness the first ever Women's Royal Rumble match, featuring the best female talent in WWE today.
This match is certain to be a huge hit, not merely because it introduces women from both brands in the same ring, at the very same time...but also because this is a match of historic significance.
Of course, much can change from now until then. Let's hope that these plans do fall into place, and we do get a chance to see this first ever match.
#5 The Maharaja overtakes The Nature Boy
Jinder Mahal's rise to the top of WWE has been nothing short of absolutely astounding. From little more than enhancement talent, his reign currently stands at just over 120 days as Champion. With this statistic, Mahal has surpassed the record of the Nature Boy Ric Flair, who held the title for 119 days across two reigns.
Unless he drops the title to Shinsuke Nakamura very soon, Mahal is going to be breaking plenty more records in the days that follow, with regard to WWE Championship reigns.
While some may be in favour of Mahal as champion, the live attendance for SmackDown has dropped drastically with him on top. Flip over to the next page, to see what we mean.
#6 Disappointing turnout for SmackDown Live
RAW had a very disappointing turnout this week, but it was still significantly higher than SmackDown Live. These pictures reveal that the current product is not drawing people out of their homes, to watch the show.
WWE needs to seriously revisit their television show and make it must-watch to draw people out of their homes, as they've hardly had trouble filling out buildings in the past.
We wonder if the entire blame can be placed on Jinder Mahal alone, or if it is the fact that people are not as interested in WWE as they once were.
#7 The Undertaker celebrated retired life, with his lovely wife
It is a rare sight to see The Undertaker break character, but thanks to this photograph posted by his wife, Michelle McCool, we saw him doing ordinary things. Taker and McCool were lunch room/school storeroom monitors for a day at their kid's school. Imagine the sight of The Undertaker playing with the little kids.
We wonder if any of them were scared of the Dead Man.
This is a sign that The Undertaker may have retired from in-ring competition for good. It was rare indeed to see him break character when he was an active part of the WWE roster, so this is an indication that he is done with wrestling for good.
This concludes our weekly roundup of news updates. Hope you enjoyed reading the piece, as much as we enjoyed presenting it for your benefit. Until the next time, stay safe!
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