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Welcome back to another edition of our daily WWE News & Roundup, and today's lineup comes in the aftermath of a pleasantly brilliant Crown Jewel pay-per-view.
Becky Lynch broke character and released an excellent post following the well-received Saudi Arabia show. Elsewhere, a forgotten free agent offered to help Brock Lesnar after The Beast Incarnate's loss to Roman Reigns. We've also briefly touched upon significant storyline developments from SmackDown after Crown Jewel.
This week, Vince McMahon's list of banned words reportedly made a fresh addition as commentators were explicitly told not to say a particular word.
Backstage details regarding WWE's interesting plans for Hit Row have also come to light, and it seems like an unlikely superstar could be in line for a singles push.
We also have a comprehensive backstage report on the reactions to AEW's recent head-to-head battle with SmackDown. The roundup ends with a significant health update on "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan.
It's a stacked WWE News & Rumor Roundup as always, and here's what we have for you today:
#6 Becky Lynch breaks character in Instagram post after WWE Crown Jewel
Becky Lynch had a night to remember at Crown Jewel, but the entire event meant a lot more to The Man than just a title defense. The Irish superstar took to Instagram immediately after Crown Jewel to post a heartfelt message.
Becky Lynch explained that she was keeping her character aside for a moment and first thanked her Crown Jewel opponents Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair. Lynch then appreciated the vocal Saudi Arabia crowd for being supportive throughout the Triple Threat match.
Becky also had gratitude for the women who wrestled at previous Saudi Arabia pay-per-views. Last but certainly not the least, Lynch credited WWE producer T.J. Wilson, aka Tyson Kidd, for being the driving force in improving how women competed in the company.
Here's what Becky Lynch posted:
"Tonight was about so much more than a title. I'll set aside my usual trash talk tonight . Thank you to the women I shared the ring with tonight. You push me to do better. Thank you to the fans watching at home. Thank you to the incredible fans in Riyadh tonight who cheered so ferociously throughout our whole match and making this first trip to Saudi Arabia so memorable and inspiring so much hope for the future of women around the world. Thank you to the women who have laid the path for us to do what we do. Congratulations to the first Queen of the ring winner @theatrinidad And thank you to @tjwilson711 for being one of greatest minds the wrestling business has and collaborating with us to make magic. I'll go back to hating everyone tomorrow and wanting to slap heads. But tonight I want to say thank you #Andstill," wrote Becky Lynch.
As seen on SmackDown, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair traded their respective women's Titles, and Lynch will now return to Monday Night RAW with the Championship she relinquished more than a year ago.
#5 WWE Free agent offers to help Brock Lesnar after Crown Jewel
Brock Lesnar was predictably cheated out of a win at Crown Jewel, and The Beast Incarnate received support from an unlikely superstar after the event.
Former RETRIBUTION member Shane Thorne posted an epic tweet in which he promised to have Brock Lesnar's back.
Shane Thorne, fka Slapjack, has been away from WWE TV since the company disbanded RETRIBUTION, and he was one of many free agents following the recent Draft. You can check out Shane Thorne's tweet below:
"Dam! Don't worry @BrockLesnar mate next time I got your back! #FreeAgents," tweeted Shane Thorne.
Thorne might not have a creative direction in WWE, but the Australian star certainly knows a thing or two about getting some attention on social media.
As for Brock Lesnar, the former WWE champion, was slapped with an indefinite suspension on Smackdown after Crown Jewel for attacking Adam Pearce. You can read all about it right here. Moving on with the roundup...
#4 WWE adds a city name to the list of banned words and terms
It's no secret that WWE has a long list of banned terms that continue to grow with each passing day.
The latest addition to the list is an odd one as Dave Meltzer reported that commentators were banned from saying 'Ontario' on last week's SmackDown.
WWE instead chose to use 'Southern California' during the broadcast, and no specific reason was revealed regarding the new banned word.
Here's an excerpt from the Newsletter:
"For whatever reason, "Ontario" was banned from being used on the air, and instead, they used the term "Southern California." I never knew anyone thought Ontario had a connotation of bush leagues," wrote Meltzer.
In case you're wondering about the other banned words on the list, we've got you covered!
#3 Backstage news on WWE's plans for Hit Row
Hit Row has made a solid first impression since being called up to SmackDown, and WWE officials reportedly have an exciting set of plans lined up for the faction.
As reported by PWInsider, WWE currently wants Isaiah "Swerve" Scott and Ashante Thee Adonis to work as a tag team moving forward. It was additionally reported that Top Dolla would be pushed as a singles talent, and the information has caught many by surprise.
Swerve was considered the leader of the group and the most probable contender to become a breakout singles star. However, WWE seems to have different ideas right now, but it was clarified that Hit Row would remain as a stable.
PWInsider revealed the following:
"Hit Row's Swerve Scott and Ashante Thee Adonis will be utilized as a tag team, with Top Dolla planned to be pushed as a singles talent. Hit Row will remain a faction, obviously," revealed Mike Johnson.
While nothing has been confirmed, Top Dolla's recent comments about the Young Bucks could have influenced WWE's decision to give him the spotlight as a singles talent.
#2 Backstage reaction to WWE SmackDown and AEW Rampage's head-to-head battle
Last week's WWE SmackDown on FS1 went head-to-head with AEW's Rampage for 30 mins, and all eyes were naturally on the ratings.
While SmackDown got more total viewers, Rampage tied WWE's show in the overall 18-49 demographic. AEW even managed to beat SmackDown in the 18-49 male demo, but how were the reactions in the WWE?
In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer revealed that Vince McMahon reportedly did not get angry backstage in front of anyone on the last RAW episode. Vince McMahon apparently knew that both shows would have a close contest in the key demographic, and the eventual numbers did not surprise him.
The SmackDown/Rampage viewership was not a hot topic backstage in the WWE as the focus was on putting together a memorable Saudi Arabia show. As things stand, WWE officials are not stressing over AEW's figures as the company still believes it reaches out to a larger audience and not just the supposedly "hardcore fans" who watch AEW.
#1 "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan released from hospital after emergency surgery
The entire wrestling world was in for a scare a couple of days back as news of "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan's sudden hospitalization was the most-talked-about story.
The WWE Hall of Famer successfully underwent surgery, and the latest update is wholly positive. As revealed on Jim Duggan's official Instagram handle, the legendary star was released from the hospital, where he even posed for a photo with his wife Debra.
Hacksaw thanked everyone for their support and was looking forward to having a full recovery at home.
Here's the statement from his IG post:
"After 2 nights in the hospital and emergency surgery yesterday, guess who just came home? Thank you to the amazing doctors and nurses at Kershaw County Medical Center which is now, MUSC. Thanks to Brittani for wheeling Jim out! Thank you for your prayers, vibes, texts, calls and messages. Now home to fully recuperate."
All of us here at Sportskeeda Wrestling wish "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan a speedy recovery.
