The fallout of Backlash and the buildup to Extreme Rules were the highlights of this past week’s WWE programming. The spotlight shone brightly on Jinder Mahal’s Punjabi celebration and the Fatal-five-way match scheduled to take place at Extreme Rules.
Away from these moments, the internet was abuzz over a handful of other topics. The potential Money in the Bank winner, WWE’s plans for Brock Lesnar, and a likely return of Lita featured heavily in the rumour mill. There were also talks about WWE’s stand on the on-going legal battle between the Hardys and Impact Wrestling.
In this piece, we will take a look at all these rumours and analyse them.
Follow: WWE SmackDown Results 30th May 2017
#5 Lita to return for Mae Young Classic
The Rumour: Wrestling Observer notes that the WWE might bring in Lita as a commentator for the upcoming Mae Young Classic Women’s tournament.
The Potential: From what we know, WWE is high on the Women’s Tournament. Lita is an established name and bringing her in will naturally create a buzz. This is perhaps what WWE wants as well and hence the rumour is likely to be true.
The Fallout: Just like the Cruiserweight classic tournament, the Women’s tournament will have a handful of wrestlers that are relatively unknown to the WWE Universe. Having someone like Lita on commentary would make it easier for the fans to connect with these wrestlers. Also, the partnership between Jim Ross and Lita would be worth looking forward to.
#4 Women’s Money in the Bank match being planned
The Rumour: Wrestling Observer has reported that WWE is considering a Women’s Money in the Bank match. It further states that nothing is confirmed as of now and the whole plan could be nixed just like what happened last year.
The Potential: This is a rumour that could go either way. The fans would love to see a Women’s Money in the Bank match. But WWE, for some reason, is hesitating to go ahead with the plans. The lack of depth in SmackDown’s Women’s division could be one of the factors. Then again, if WWE really wants to pull it off, nothing is likely to stop them.
The Fallout: If the Women’s Money in the Bank match does happen, it will capture the attention of the WWE Universe. This will be irrespective of who is involved in the match. The tag “Women’s Money in the Bank” itself is a draw. Hopefully, WWE will go ahead with the idea and make history.
Update: Rumour comes true. First ever Women’s Money In The Bank ladder match announced on the 30th May episode of SmackDown Live
#3 Lesnar to have a busy schedule leading up to WrestleMania 34
The Rumour: Cageside Seats have reported that Brock Lesnar will have matches with most of the superstars involved in the Fatal-Five-Way match at Extreme Rules. These matches are expected to take place between Extreme Rules and WrestleMania 34.
The Potential: Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Finn Balor, Bray Wyatt and Samoa Joe are the superstars scheduled to face each other in the Fatal Five-Way match at Extreme Rules. The winner is guaranteed a shot at the WWE Universal title. The remaining four superstars belong to the main event scene. So it makes sense for them to lock horns with Brock Lesnar at some point or the other. Another name to watch out is that of Braun Strowman.
The Fallout: If the rumour turns out to be true, the fans will be able to see some exciting matches involving Lesnar. All five superstars involved in the discussion are worthy of a match against The Beast. And the different styles they bring to the table makes things more interesting.
#2 Why WWE is not interested in the legal battle between Hardys and Impact
The Rumour: According to Wrestling Observer, WWE is ready to let Matt Hardy use the Broken Gimmick. However, the promotion does not want to be involved in the on-going legal battle between Hardy and Impact Wrestling.
The Potential: This is a typical move from WWE’s side. WWE does not want to set an example by purchasing a creative idea that was used in another promotion. But they are interested in the merchandise sales that Matt Hardy’s broken bandwagon could bring.
The Fallout: Letting Matt Hardy fight a lone battle against Impact Wrestling might backfire for WWE. The strong legal team that WWE has could easily attain the rights over the gimmick but unfortunately, WWE has no intention of getting their hands dirty. It would be a huge missed opportunity if the Broken gimmick is not used in WWE and when WWE realises this, it could be too late.
#1 Shinsuke Nakamura a favourite to win MITB
The Rumour: Shinsuke Nakamura is an early favourite to win the Money in the Bank as per Cageside Seats.
The Potential: Earlier, we came across rumours that suggested Rusev as a potential MITB winner. WWE’s plans for Rusev, however, seem to have changed. So it is not surprising to see Shinsuke Nakamura as the leading contender now. While he is a good candidate to win the briefcase, WWE is likely to go with someone else.
The Fallout: If Nakamura wins the briefcase, it would be awkward to see him walk around with the briefcase. Also, the briefcase would look better with either Sami Zayn or Baron Corbin. This is not because Nakamura does not deserve to win it but because he can stay relevant without being Mr. Money in the Bank.
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