The fallout of Money in the Bank and the matches scheduled for Great Balls of Fire drove the WWE programming this week. We also edged closer towards the return of John Cena, who is set to come back on the Independence Day episode of SmackDown Live.
While these factors steered the on-screen programming, the internet was abuzz with a string of other topics. WWE’s intentions to introduce a new title, the plans they have for Steve Austin and Samoa Joe’s future featured on the rumour mill. There were also talk about Io Shirai and Tyson Kidd, and in this list, we will be taking a look at all these major rumours.
#5 New title to be introduced
The Rumour: Cageside Seats notes that WWE could give a championship belt to the winner of Mae Young Classic. The rumour is based on the recent interview that Stephanie McMahon gave to AdWeek.
The Potential: WWE gave out championship belts to the winners of the UK tournament and Cruiserweight Classic, hence a title for Mae Young Classic is a possibility. The need for such a title, however, is debatable. WWE already has three championships for the women and one more would make it irrelevant.
The Fallout: Introducing one more championship for the women is likely to be a bad move. The winner of the tournament would be restricted to the championship and may prevent upward movement. Alternatively, WWE could give the winner a shot at any one of the three existing titles.
#4 Samoa Joe set for a big push
The Rumour: As per Cageside Seats, Samoa Joe could be in for a big push after Great Balls of Fire. This is apparently because he impressed people with his performance in the on-going storyline with Brock Lesnar.
The Potential: The Brock Lesnar-Samoa Joe storyline has exceeded expectations. Joe is projected as a credible contender for Lesnar but that doesn’t mean WWE will put the gold on Joe. He is bound to lose at Great Balls of Fire, but WWE cannot waste the momentum that Joe has garnered. This is why a push after Great Balls of Fire could happen.
The Fallout: Anyone who has followed Samoa Joe during his pre-WWE days would know how brilliant Joe is. It’s surprising that it took a program with Lesnar to remind people what Joe brings to the table. It would be interesting to see how Joe is booked once he loses to Lesnar.
#3 Io Shirai's debut to be delayed
The Rumour: The debut of WWE’s new signing Io Shirai could be delayed according to Wrestling Observer. This apparently due to the neck injury that Shirai suffered back in May.
The Potential: WWE has the best medical team in pro wrestling and if they find something concerning about a wrestler’s health, they are unlikely to give the green light. A similar situation might’ve happened with Shirai and she could be sidelined till the medical team clears her.
The Fallout: Shirai’s debut being delayed is not good news for the fans. But it is likely to be the best move for all parties involved.
#2 Tyson Kidd to take up non-wrestling role
The Rumour: Pro Wrestling Sheet reported that Tyson Kidd could return to WWE in a non-wrestling role. He was reportedly backstage at this week’s SmackDown Live.
The Potential: The future of Tyson Kidd as a wrestler is still up in the air. The injury he picked up has been haunting him and a return anytime seems unlikely. Interestingly, the case of Kidd is similar to that of Daniel Bryan. While he cannot be used as a wrestler, Kidd could perform well in a non-wrestling role.
The Fallout: If the decision does go through, it would be good for Kidd. Rather than wasting his time during recovery, he would be invested in something beneficial for both him and the company.
#1 No plans for Steve Austin
The Rumour: Despite the recent rumours, WWE apparently has no plans to use Steve Austin in the near future, as per Cageside Seats. There were earlier rumours about a potential appearance from Austin in the past week’s Monday Night Raw.
The Potential: The return of Steve Austin could be huge. It is something WWE could use to boost their ratings and bring back fans. Though a surprise return would result in a huge pop, it wouldn’t have a huge impact on the ratings. An announced return, on the other hand, guarantees more eyes.
The Fallout: Even though the rumours suggest that Austin might not feature in any future WWE plans, the return could happen. We have seen the wrestling business pull off bigger surprises than this.
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