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What's the story?
Following last night's episode of SmackDown Live, there were a number of outlets including Sports Illustrated that claimed that former World Champion Rey Mysterio was backstage in Los Angeles and was an option for John Cena at WrestleMania, but it seems that might not be the case.
In case you didn't know...
Rey Mysterio returned to WWE at The Royal Rumble last month and put on quite a performance inside the Rumble match before he was eliminated by Finn Balor. Since this appearance, it has been rumored that WWE has been pushing for Mysterio to sign a contract with the company.
Mysterio has been performing for Lucha Underground over the past few years and recently debuted in New Japan Pro Wrestling where he challenged Jushin Thunder Liger to a match on March 25th at the Strong Style Evolved event.
Before Mysterio was released from WWE back in 2015, it was reported that the former Champion wanted to leave but WWE extended his contract without his approval and he was forced to push hard for his release, which finally happened three years ago. This could be one of the biggest stumbling blocks over Mysterio signing a new contract.
The heart of the matter
The reports from last night's SmackDown suggest that 'The Master of The 619' was in Los Angeles, but it seems that PWInsider is reporting that Mysterio wasn't even in LA last night.
"While Mysterio and WWE are indeed gearing up their talks, we have been told by several sources that Mysterio was not actually seen in LA last night. That said, PWInsider.com also heard rumors yesterday that Mysterio would be in Los Angeles. Mysterio posted a photo of himself with Sin Cara in San Diego on Sunday."
It would have been hard for Mysterio to have been there and not be seen by anyone on his way to the arena. Even though Mysterio wasn't at the arena, it doesn't mean that WWE isn't pushing for him to return to the company and fight at this year's WrestleMania.
It was reported that his appearance at The Rumble was a one-night deal and WWE have been hoping to sign him to a contract since, but Mysterio is reluctant to sign a full-time contract and work a full-time schedule again, which is what WWE wanted him to do if he did return.
What's next?
Mysterio has a match planned next month as part of New Japan Pro Wrestling's Stong Style Evolved event, so it is unknown if he will be able to still be part of this match if he signs a contract with WWE.
Author's take
We are just over five weeks away from WrestleMania so it seems that this one could go down to the wire. Mysterio is in great physical condition and WWE obviously want to cash in on that and the fact that he was the most talked about star from The Royal Rumble this year. A match against John Cena could be a good back up if The Undertaker isn't able to perform, but at this point, the WWE Universe is convinced that The Undertaker will be there, so who would face Mysterio?
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