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On this week's edition of WWE News Roundup, we will be taking another deep approach as always, and not only will we be taking a look at some of the most talked about stories in WWE this week, but we will also look at some of the biggest news that are making rounds in the wrestling community.
From Ric Flair issuing a statement after being hospitalized to the introduction of WWE's new title, the 24/7 Championship, there's plenty to talk about this week, and you will find everything you need to know right here in order to stay up to date with the latest stories in WWE.
If you missed out on last week's edition of WWE News Roundup, you can check it out here. Be sure to be on the lookout for next week's edition on Thursday, 30th May. So let's begin - here are the news round-up of the hottest stories in WWE this week that you need to know:
#6 Another match is confirmed for WWE Super ShowDown
After successfully defeating Elias at Money in the Bank, former Universal Champion Roman Reigns arrived on Monday Night Raw once again this week as part of the new 'Wild Card Rule', where he addressed the WWE Universe, only to be interrupted by the self-proclaimed "Best in the World," Shane McMahon.
The feud between Shane and Reigns originally ignited when Reigns was drafted to SmackDown Live during the Superstar Shake-Up after Vince McMahon announced Elias as the biggest acquisition in SmackDown history, when in reality, it was actually the Big Dog. Reigns attacked The Drifter and proceeded by delivering a 'Superman Punch' to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
Shane was not happy with someone putting their hands on his dad, and with WWE set to return to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia next month, WWE has reportedly confirmed that Roman Reigns and Shane McMahon will face each other at WWE Super ShowDown.
#5 Raw's viewership increases for the third week in a row
This week's episode of WWE's flagship show, Monday Night Raw, opened up with The Beast in the Bank Brock Lesnar and his advocate Paul Heyman. The two were celebrating Lesnar's big win at the Money in the Bank PPV where the latter won the Money in the Bank contract. They were soon interrupted by the current Universal Champion Seth Rollins and WWE Champion Kofi Kingston who demanded Lesnar to cash-in his contract on them that very night.
The fall-out episode also saw the return of WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, who introduced a new championship. Last week's pre-taped episode of Raw reportedly increased by over 100,000 viewers compared to the preceding week and this week's Raw viewership reportedly increased by 7% from last week's go-home episode, making it the third viewership increase in a row for the red brand for three weeks straight.
The following is the hourly breakdown for the 20th May edition of Raw, as per reports.
Hour one: 2.681 million
Hour two: 2.583 million
Hour three: 2.299 million
#4 Dolph Ziggler returns and attacks Kofi Kingston; reveals why he did it
The former World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler made a surprise return on SmackDown Live this week by attacking Kofi Kingston after the latter successfully defended his WWE Championship against Sami Zayn. After Kingston pinned Zayn following the 'Trouble in Paradise,' Paul Heyman appeared with Lesnar's Money in the Bank briefcase, making it seem like The Beast was going to show up and cash in on Kingston.
Instead, the Show-off made his return by attacking the WWE Champion and proceeded by viciously attacking him with a steel chair. Ziggler later returned to the arena and explained to the WWE Universe why he did what he did.
The former Intercontinental Champion reportedly stated that he saw Kofi Kingston prove himself night in and night out, becoming a crowd favorite at Elimination Chamber and an overnight sensation at WrestleMania 35. After each statement, Ziggler exclaimed that it should've been him, bringing himself to tears at the sheer frustration that he felt being unable to connect with the audience the way Kingston had.
#3 The Undertaker spotted with current AEW wrestler
As previously reported, WWE legend The Undertaker was recently spotted with All Elite Wrestling's Dustin Rhodes, AKA Goldust. The two wrestlers attended a charity race in Savannah, Georgia. The event was titled the Nine Line Apparels Run, which was for the Wounded 5K/10K, and it was held at the Grayson Stadium in Savannah, Georgia. The earnings from the race were used to build a village for homeless veterans in Savannah.
Both Undertaker and Dustin Rhodes have competed in WWE since the 90s, but recently, Rhodes signed with AEW and is scheduled to face his brother Cody at the AEW's first PPV event, Double or Nothing. Undertaker, on the other hand, is still an active competitor and will go one-on-one with WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg for the first time ever at WWE Super ShowDown.
Here is a picture below of the two at the event:
#2 Mick Foley introduces the 24/7 Championship
During the Money in the Bank PPV, WWE announced that Mick Foley would return to Raw this week and introduce WWE's new championship. Fans were excited and they couldn't wait to see what the new title would be and what it would look like. Foley made his way to the ring carrying the title and delivered a promo before finally unveiling it to a silent crowd.
As per reports, the title was revealed as the 24/7 Championship. It had a unique design but it is reminiscent of the inactive WWE Hardcore Championship. The rules were also the same as the Hardcore Championship. The rules are as follows:
It can be challenged for by competitors on any WWE brand -- WWE RAW, SmackDown Live, 205 Live, NXT and NXT UK. As long as a referee is present the title can change hands anywhere at any time.
#1 Ric Flair issues statement after leaving the hospital
Two time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair was rushed to the hospital last week after experiencing a medical emergency. According to recent reports, The 16-time World Champion was seen heading out of the hospital yesterday, and he took to Twitter to issue a statement later on about the matter.
Ric Flair is considered by many WWE fans, critics and wrestlers to be one of, if not, the greatest wrestler of all time. Flair is a record-tying 16-time World Champion and was a member of two of the biggest factions in pro-wrestling history, The Four Horsemen and Evolution.
According to a recent report, "The Nature Boy" has had a couple of heart issues in recent months and has undergone several procedures. The 70-year-old was taken to the hospital for another one last week, but the doctors had to postpone it because of some complications. However, they went ahead with the operation on Monday, and he is now discharged – just 48 hours after the surgery.
The 2x Hall of Famer was accompanied by his wife Wendy Barlow and took to Twitter to send a message to his fans. He tweeted:
The Naitch Is Home!!! Thank You To All The Incredible Staff And Doctors At Gwinnett Medical Center Once Again! I Am So Thankful For All My Family, Friends, And Fans For All The Love. At This Time In My Life, I Never Take It For Granted. I Will Be Back Up And WOOOOOing In No Time!
