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We're back with yet another edition of SK Wrestling's WWE Rumor Roundup. AEW's Revolution PPV has been the most talked-about topic in pro wrestling, and it certaily had to do in part with Christian's debut.
Captain Charisma has signed a multi-year deal with All Elite Wrestling, and we have all the updates regarding the backstage WWE reaction to AEW's latest acquisition.
Big Show also opened up on his AEW signing and revealed details of Vince McMahon's phone call after the official announcement.
Ric Flair provided his take on who should break his world championship record. A veteran wrestling personality also revealed that WWE saw him as a 'risk' and that he was also never officially signed for years.
We end the roundup with an updated story regarding WWE's latest ban.
#5. Vince McMahon's phone call to Big Show following the former WWE Superstar's AEW signing
AEW continues to expand its roster with established talent as Paul Wight, aka The Big Show, recently signed a multi-year contract with the company and is set to take up several roles in Tony Khan's promotion.
Paul Wight spent a long time in the WWE, and his departure did catch many people by surprise. Many fans were curious about Vince McMahon's reaction to the development. During Revolution's post-show media scrum, Wight spoke about the phone call he received from McMahon after AEW announced his signing.
Paul Wight stated that McMahon called and wished him luck. The WWE boss even agreed that Wight was a massive asset to All Elite Wrestling, and he thanked the veteran for his work in WWE.
Wight noted that there is no bad blood on either end, and his WWE exit came down to differences regarding the contract and other opportunities in the company.
"Here's the thing, Vince actually called me the day it was announced that I signed with AEW, wished me a lot of luck, agreed that I'm a big asset to AEW, and thanked me for all the years I worked in WWE. There's no animosity; there's no anger, there's no dirt, so to speak. This just came down to, you know, contract negotiations and opportunities.
Wight admitted that he needed a change after being employed by WWE for 20 fruitful years and explained that even Vince McMahon understood the reasoning behind his decision to leave WWE.
"Let's face it, over 20 years in WWE, I have done everything there is to do in WWE. I needed a fresh start, and for me, Vince understands that and understands me as a talent, and this was an opportunity for me to do that." H/t Nishant Jayaram of SK Wrestling
Paul Wight will wrestle in AEW, and he will also provide commentary for the company's new show, AEW Dark: Elevation.
#4. The backstage reaction in WWE to Christian's AEW signing
Christian Cage was unveiled as AEW's "Hall of Fame worthy" signing at Revolution as the former WWE Superstar put pen to paper on an AEW contract in the ring at the PPV.
Christian was one of the final four survivors in this year's Royal Rumble men's match, and his first in-ring activity in over seven years ignited hope of another full-time run for the former World Heavyweight Champion in WWE.
Christian and WWE, however, couldn't agree on a contract, according to WrestlingInc's Raj Giri, and Captain Charisma decided to go to AEW.
Fightful Select revealed a report covering the backstage reactions in WWE to Christian's AEW signing. The WWE talent that Fightul spoke to wasn't aware of Christian's interactions with AEW; however, there were suspicions backstage as the 47-year-old veteran wasn't used on TV by WWE after his Royal Rumble return.
Higher-ups in the WWE added that Christian's name being absent from TV was no coincidence. It was also reported that the WWE officials were let down and left disappointed by the former world champion's decision to jump ship to AEW.
However, WWE is the guilty party in this situation as the company failed to lock Christian down to a contract. Another talent close to Fightful spoke positively about Christian and was happy to witness the next chapter in the legendary star's career.
Tony Khan, Paul Wight, and many other AEW wrestlers knew about Christian's AEW arrival, and the talents were naturally tight-lipped about the surprise.
Christian Cage is ready to outwork everyone in AEW, but are you excited to see him embark on another in-ring run?
#3. Jim Johnston reveals that WWE saw him as a risk
Former WWE composer Jim Johnston sat down with Lucha Libre Online for an interview, and the respected veteran revealed that he was never "officially signed" by WWE for many years.
Johnston explained that he and Vince McMahon operated on a handshake agreement, and it wasn't a problem until lawyers got involved from WWE's end.
"When I said I wasn't really signed, for a long time, years and years and years, Vince and I operated purely on a handshake. I honestly don't think either one of us ever thought a thing about it. Like, 'Oh my God, this is not good to just be operating on a handshake; we need to get some paper.' It really wasn't until the company went public and lawyers got involved, and they saw me as a risk."
Johnston said that WWE saw him as a risk, and it became WWE's priority to sign him to an official contract as an important figure like him could not have been left 'like a wildcard' in the company without a deal.
"You can't have this important guy in the organization out there like a wildcard with no contract. Then I became an 'official' employee… Not that that ever changed my relationship with Vince, but I don't know."
Jim Johnston was responsible for some of the most iconic entrance themes in professional wrestling history. The legendary composer will join Dr. Chris Featherstone on the next episode of SK Wrestling's UnSKripted this Wednesday, and you just can't miss this one!
#2. Ric Flair on who should break his world title record in WWE
Ric Flair and John Cena are currently both tied at 16 world titles, respectively, and talks of WWE's Cenation Leader possibly surpassing the Nature Boy's record have been discussed for a few years.
However, who would Ric Flair himself like to see break the legendary title record? Ric Flair shared his thoughts on the topic while speaking on The Wrestling Inc. Daily podcast.
Randy Orton is not too far behind either, as the Viper has 14 world title reigns to his name. While Ric Flair admires Cena and Orton, the 72-year-old WWE legend would personally like to see his daughter break the championship record.
"I think every record's meant to be broken, number one. I couldn't be prouder. I think the world of them both. To be honest with you, I would like to see my daughter break it.
Ric Flair was quick to note Orton's desire to go beyond 16 reigns, and he also added that he isn't against Cena getting his 17th WWE title either. However, Flair explained that he would rather see a full-time performer outmatch his accomplishments.
Randy Orton has expressed the sentiment to me too. Who knows? It's funny because I would love to see Randy break it. John, I certainly wouldn't be opposed to John breaking it, but I think the person that breaks it needs to be a full-time performer, just because I think it's better for the company, not that it matters who the individual is."
Charlotte Flair is expected to receive another shot at the RAW Women's title, and if she wins, it will be her 13th women's title in the WWE, including the Divas Championship.
What do you think? Who should receive the accolade of going past Ric Flair's long-standing record?
#1. More details on WWE's ban on thigh/leg slapping
Dave Meltzer was the first to report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE had told its talent to stop thigh slapping while delivering kicks in matches.
A memo was also sent to NXT talent, discouraging them from leg slapping for added sound effects.
Fightful Select additionally reported that WWE put up signs at recent events that read 'No Thigh Slapping' in big, bold letters. WWE's message to the locker room is loud and clear, and it all stemmed from the latest episode of SmackDown.
During the recent Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer revealed that a SmackDown superstar, whose identity wasn't revealed, did the leg slap during a match and Vince McMahon wasn't happy.
Meltzer reported:
"What I was told was that at some point, on a SmackDown show, somebody did a leg slapping deal, and Vince got mad because it was so obvious." WrestlingNews.co
Leg slapping has been actively used in pro wrestling for several decades, and the ban would affect many wrestlers who rely on kick-based and strike-heavy styles of offense.
What are your opinions on WWE's new edict? Is it a logical decision from the WWE officials?
