'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the story?
The internet was abuzz with speculation this week after Paige posted a video showing 'Cowboy' James Storm backstage at RAW.
While Cageside Seats reported that he was just visiting friends and nothing more, things have escalated even further as it has emerged that Storm was also backstage at SmackDown - not unusual due to the obvious former Impact colleagues on the blue brand - and, more surprisingly, has been staying at the WWE hotel in New Orleans.
In case you didn't know...
James Storm is a name you'd always associate with Impact Wrestling - a staple of the promotion from his first run there, including teaming with Bobby Roode as Beer Money, until his sudden recent departure.
James Storm also had a cup of coffee, or a pint of beer, in NXT but it didn't go much further than that before the Cowboy returned to Impact Wrestling.
The heart of the matter
Well, given that James Storm is huge name in professional wrestling, despite never having a huge run in WWE, it wasn't a surprise to see him backstage given the plethora of former Impact Wrestling talent on both shows - with Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode and AJ Styles all now plying their trade in WWE.
It has now emerged that Storm was staying at the WWE hotel in New Orleans this week, though, as per Wrestling Inc.
They note there is no word yet on whether Storm might be headed back to WWE, but that he's said to be in really good shape right now. Storm is booked pretty constantly through April on the independents.
What's next?
Storm recently noted on Twitter that he is booked for the entirety of April and still taking indie dates for May, June and July - but we all know how quickly things can change in wrestling.
The Cowboy's upcoming appearances also include a match in the UK for a promotion closely tied with WWE in ICW. Storm teams up with Ravie-Davie, The Fresh Prince Of Drumoyne Square, to face Bram and Iestyn Rees.
Author's take
Personally, I'm split on this one. I'd love to see Storm back in WWE - but I also live in Glasgow, so I hope WWE don't snap up the Cowboy too quickly so I can see him in action for Insane Championship Wrestling!
Send us news tips at [email protected]
Do you love to play crosswords, Wordle or other exciting games? We'd like to connect with you. Fill the form here!
