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We have a new WWE Champion in town! Bobby Lashley finally won a WWE world title 16 years after his debut in the company on the most recent episode of RAW.
The All-Mighty Era has kicked off in a dominant fashion, but what does the company have in store for the new titleholder? Lashley provided an update on his retirement during a recent interview, and we also have some speculation about his creative direction on the road to WrestleMania 37.
A top WWE Superstar from RAW has reportedly impressed WWE officials backstage with his recent string of high-quality matches.
WWE has also been forced to cancel an upcoming title match after one of the competitors broke his hand.
A big rumor has revealed that WWE might be considering a massive change for NXT. A popular star, who has been out of action for more than a year, also revealed an update on his in-ring status.
#5. Bobby Lashley comments on his retirement, speculation on his future after winning the WWE title
Bobby Lashley deservedly won the WWE Championship on RAW from The Miz, and he is now set to be the top guy during the company's most crucial phase of the year.
The new WWE Champion caught up with Bleacher Report ahead of RAW, and he spoke about when he plans on retiring from pro wrestling. Bobby Lashley admitted that he doesn't see himself performing for more than a decade.
The reigning WWE Champion said that he is currently on a sprint, and he doesn't have a problem with fast-tracked results.
Lashley added that he sees himself retiring in a few years but clarified that he still has many significant goals to achieve before hanging up his boots for good. The former ECW Champion was grateful that his body had endured all the punishment over the years.
"I know with my career that's it's not going to be a thing where I have 10, 15, 20 more years. Some of these guys do, so mine is kind of a sprint right now. I don't mind that. I don't mind ramping it up a little bit because, like I said, I don't have 10 to 15 more years. I have a few more years left. There's a lot of goals I want to accomplish, so I have to go hard. My body's been able to take the abuse I've given it, and I knew I could keep going, so I knew it was my time."
So, what's next for Bobby Lashley?
A WWE Championship clash against Drew McIntyre seems inevitable, and it is reportedly slated for WrestleMania 37. There is speculation that Bobby Lashley's reign could end at the hands of Drew McIntyre.
However, Vince Russo refused to commit to the idea of a title change as he believed that WWE could change their minds about Bobby Lashley being just a transitional champion. WWE could decide to keep the title on Lashley if he performs at a high level in the weeks to follow.
Bobby Lashley is 44 years old, and while he has just a few years left in the business, he is making sure he goes out at the top.
#4. WWE NXT tag title match canceled after Wes Lee injury, more injury notes
As reported by Dave Meltzer on the Wrestling Observer Radio, MSK's Wes Lee will be out of action in WWE for a while due to an injury.
The former IMPACT Wrestling star broke his hand during his match against The Grizzled Young Veterans at NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day.
MSK was scheduled to face NXT Tag Team Champions Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch on the Black and Gold brand's upcoming episode. NXT booked an injury angle on last week's show, and Lee is expected to be sidelined.
Meltzer noted:
"Wes Lee did have a broken hand. He got it in the tag team match with the Grizzled Young Veterans on the TakeOver show on one of his dives. That's why there's no tag team title match with Lorcan and Burch against MSK. That was originally scheduled for Wednesday's show because he's hurt. The injury angle that they did on TV last week was to cover up for a real injury." H/t WrestlingNews
Kacy Catanzaro also suffered an injury during her match with Xia Li as she reportedly broke her leg in a spot in which Li stomped on it. Catanzaro is said to be okay, and she might not miss a lot of in-ring time.
Asuka lost a tooth due to a Shayna Baszler kick on last week's RAW, and Meltzer was almost sure that the WWE RAW Women's Champion also suffered a concussion. WWE has been quiet about Asuka's status, which is the trend with head injuries.
#3. Backstage reaction to RAW match and Sheamus' recent work in WWE
Sheamus and Drew McIntyre put on a pay-per-view quality match on WWE RAW, and the 24-minute contest ended with The Scottish Warrior's arms raised.
The RAW match attracted wildly positive reactions from the wrestling community, and it seems that the officials backstage are also pleased with the outcome.
Fightful Select reported that WWE higher-ups were happy with the match. Sheamus' recent run of producing great matches was noticeably highlighted. The Celtic Warrior has been on what was termed as a "hot in-ring streak", and the WWE management is delighted with the veteran Superstar's performances.
The report concluded by noting that the match between Drew McIntyre and Sheamus was called in the ring.
McIntyre and Sheamus were given 24 minutes to work a back-and-forth and hard-hitting match. The contest had all the necessary elements of a top pay-per-view match, and the false finishes and near falls made it a highly compelling watch.
However, a veteran wrestling personality wasn't all that satisfied with the match, and he criticized McIntyre and Sheamus for throwing "girly man punches" and highlighted a big issue with the match's length.
#2. WWE is taking the safe approach with Samoa Joe's in-ring return
The fans last saw Samoa Joe compete in a WWE ring a year ago on a RAW episode. Joe has experienced multiple injury setbacks in his WWE career, but the Superstar is still focused on making a triumphant in-ring return.
Samoa Joe spoke to Uproxx and provided an update on his in-ring status. Joe noted that WWE and the medical team were taking a safe option regarding his active wrestling return. Joe was appreciative of WWE's stance on the matter, as the company officials have been understanding.
"I think right now, we've learned a lot medically about concussions and recovery, and we're taking the safest and the best approach, and I appreciate it," Joe said. "WWE medical, they've been great and understanding and wonderful. So I think at this time we're just taking the best course of action"
Samoa Joe highlighted the delays caused due to the pandemic and noted that there have been several technical problems that have held up his return.
"Obviously, some things have been delayed just because of the pandemic and medical availability and liability of being in places and traveling to get evaluations and stuff. So, I mean, there's been some technical holdups as well as just a very careful approach to my return and recovery, and I appreciate it. And I'm all aboard, you know?"
Joe would choose to take his time than rush his comeback and potentially suffer severe consequences.
"I would rather take this time and miss a large considerable amount of time than potentially this getting more serious. It took (WWE) a lot to talk me down. But after seeing medically, you know, what I've seen, I agree with them. And we're just taking our time with it and trying to do right."
Samoa Joe explained how the understanding of concussions and injuries has evolved in recent times, and he is hopeful of adding to his legacy by winning a world title in the WWE.
"(Those titles) are a calling card for a legacy. It's something that's sought after," Joe said. "It's based on perseverance and time. I've existed in a career wrought with doubt by others. I've learned to shut it out and never listened to it because honestly, I never had to accept those results, and we found a way to get it done. So we're just working on that right now. Just being strategic about it."
Samoa Joe's exceptional microphone work has given WWE other ways to utilize the two-time United States Champion. Joe recently worked on the company's Grit And Glory Series, and he can be found doing what he does best every week on RAW's commentary team.
#1. WWE moving NXT to Tuesdays
The Wednesday Night Wars have revitalized the pro wrestling space as AEW and WWE NXT battle it out every week to produce engaging products. The latest report from Mat Men Pro Wrestling Podcast has revealed that NXT could begin airing on Tuesdays starting April 13th onwards.
A very trusted source told Mat Men Pro Wrestling Podcast that WWE plans on shifting NXT to a new day, and the announcement of the change is expected to happen "fairly soon."
Hearing from a very reliable source that NXT will be moving to Tuesdays starting 4/13. Should be announced fairly soon.
As explained by Matt Black of SK Wrestling, the report is least surprising as it was only a matter of time before the decision was made following NBC Sports Network's closure and its content moving to the USA Network.
The current head-to-head competition between NXT and AEW looks all set to go differently from April. NXT and AEW Dynamite airing on separate days could be ideal for all involved parties as it would give the companies some breathing room.
AEW has had the upper hand in the TV ratings, and the call to move to Tuesdays could end up working out really well for NXT.
