meltzer

Major Update on Austin Aries’ Release from WWE

It was previously reported via Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio that Austin Aries asked for his release from WWE and the company granted it. However that doesn’t appear to be the case.

In the latest installment of Wrestling Observer Radio, Melzter claimed that it was actually WWE’s idea to release Aries from his 3-year contract with the company. The word is that a lot of the writing staff didn’t like him and he appeared to be thrilled when he was handed his release because he wasn’t happy with his current position on the roster.

In regards to his future, Aries can still use his name outside of WWE because he used it prior to signing with the company. Aries is locked into a 90-day period where he is being paid by WWE and can work dates that WWE proves during that time.

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Vince Russo’s The Brand Recap – Charlotte Struggling on Smackdown, Wrestling Needs Gimmicks, Does Enzo Have Heat Backstage? More!

Russo is joined on today’s show by his co-host Jeff Lane, and they will attempt to ‘castrate the marks and their dirt sheets’.

Russo points out that this is all in good fun for him, and he doesn’t hate any of these men. Unfortunately, there seems to be some real hatred on the other side of the fence from guys like Wade Keller, Ryan Satin and Mike Johnson. To show his respect to Dave Meltzer, whose father passed away this week, Russo will not be discussing Meltzer’s comments this week.

The first clip of the day presents Bryan Alvarez ranting about the fact that WWE broke up Enzo and Big Cass. Alvarez says that there’s no wonder WWE’s ratings are declining when they decided to break up one of the more popular acts on their roster due to their constant search for ‘heat’.

Russo says that there’s something political going on in the background. He’s heard rumblings of Amore’s backstage issues stemming back to his time in NXT and that probably carried over to the main roster. Quite frankly, Alvarez is right in this case because Enzo and Cass were over, and the fans loved them. However, Russo’s smart enough to understand that heat draws money, and since Cass turned on Enzo the fans have been chanting Enzo’s name with more passion than ever before.

When Did Alberto Del Rio and Paige Get Back Together?

As reported earlier, WWE Superstar Paige was spotted backstage at GFW’s Slammiversery pay-per-view. The former 2-Time Diva’s Champion was there to support her fiance, Alberto El Patron who ended up defeating Bobby Lashley to unify the Impact Heavyweight Championship and GFW Championship.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer has reported that the duo had indeed broken up last weekend but got back together earlier this week. Theirs has been an on and off relationship as they went on a break at some point in the last year.

Rumors on Why WWE Is Splitting Up The Miz & Maryse

There’s a rumor going around on various sites that claim WWE has decided to split The Miz and Maryse up on RAW because they don’t want two power couples in the company. These reports stem from recent comments made by Dave Meltzer’s on Wrestling Observer Radio, where he speculates what he believes is the reason behind the split between The Miz & Maryse.

“The end result is that they’re doing Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas as Miz’s new entourage and they’re dumping Maryse, I guess with the idea that because they’ve got Maria and Mike Bennett on the other brand, they don’t want another husband and wife team or something?” Meltzer said.

When asked if Maryse was done for now, Meltzer replied, “it looks like it.”

It’s pretty obvious by listening to Meltzer’s remarks that what he said is simply speculation only and not fact. He was saying that he believes that it could be a reason, and didn’t specify directly that it is.

Speculation On A Sixth Participant In The Women’s Money In The Bank Match

We noted earlier this week that WWE may have spoiled a six participant in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match for Sunday’s event when they mentioned on Twitter that six women would be in the match. Dave Meltzer discussed WWE’s tweet that may have spoiled the match on today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Radio.

Meltzer claims that he reached out to WWE regarding the entry of a six competitor in the match but he said hasn’t received any response back. With the company not responding back to Meltzer, it would be an further indication that a sixth member could be injected into the match. Historically if something is completely false, WWE responds back.

While Meltzer couldn’t specify who the six participant could be, several names speculated for the match include Summer Rae, Page, Lita, Asuka and among others.

Possible Change to the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match

There may be plans to add a six person into the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match at Sunday’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view event.

The official Twitter account posted a tweet proclaiming that six women will be vying for the briefcase at Sunday’s event. This may have been a blunder made by the social media team for WWE but they’ve accidentally given away things in the past by mistake.

While all the females are already in action at Sunday’s event, there is the possibility that they could bring someone up from NXT. Dave Meltzer hinted the possibility of someone being called up on a previous installment of Wrestling Observer Live but that was prior to WWE’s official announcement of the match.

Guess we will find out on Sunday… Hit up the comment section below and sound off on who you would like to see injected into the match.

Braun Strowman’s Possible Return Date

Braun Strowman may be returning at the upcoming Great Balls of Fire event, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Dave Meltzer mentioned in the latest installment that Strowman is currently scheduled to be part of the event. It’s unknown if he will face Roman Reigns at the show, but Strowman is still scheduled to face him one more time before having his match against Brock Lesnar.

Possible Spoiler for the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match

As seen on Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown Live, Shane McMahon announced the first-ever Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match that will see 5-women fighting for a chance to win a briefcase that allows them the opportunity for a shot at the Women’s Championship anytime they want. Those names include Carmella, Tamina, Becky Lynch, Natalya and Charlotte.

Dave Meltzer indicated prior to the announcement that the match would see only four competitors because there was expected to be two women matches at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event. With the announcement of five competitors, it is very unlikely now that two matches will take place on the card.

Bryan Alvarez suggested on today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE may have changed it to five competitors because the winner of the MITB ladder match may cash it in later in the night. This could be the reason why the Women’s championship match isn’t being defend on the card now and the number of competitors was switch from four to five.

No Rematch for Next Brock Lesnar Challenger

Dave Meltzer reported on the latest installment of Wrestling Observer Radio that Brock Lesnar’s Universal Title defense at the Great Balls of Fire event against the winner of Sunday’s Fatal Five Way #1 contender’s match will be a quick program.

Meltzer explained that with Braun Strowman slated to face Brock Lesnnar at SummerSlam, there will be no rematch against who challenges him at Great Balls of Fire. Meltzer indicated that either Seth Rollins or Finn Balor will win Sunday’s match at Extreme Rules for the opportunity to face Lesnar.

Hulk Hogan Reportedly In Negotiations with Vince McMahon for WWE Return

Hulk Hogan recently told fans at an autograph signing that he is in negotiations with Vince McMahon to return to WWE.

“Hulk Hogan did an autograph signing over the weekend in Los Angeles and when asked about the obvious question, just said he and Vince are talking,” Dave Meltzer said in the May 8, 2017, issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

“Then again, it is Hogan. The answer to the question of his returning is always about when the feeling it is a time when the company feels there will be no potential sponsor backlash.”

As noted earlier today, The Hulkster was featured on a double-sided poster in the WWE Kids magazine that was being handed out during WWE’s recent tour overseas. This is another indication of his return to the company.

What’s Next for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles?

As seen at Sunday’s WWE Backlash event, The Fashion Police faced The Usos in a losing effort for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Titles. This match saw a lot of comedy and overall got a lot of negative and positive feedback from fans on social media.

Dave Meltzer discussed this match on today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Radio. Meltzer indicated that The Fashion Police are just a comedy act and shouldn’t be taken seriously. Meltzer also added that the only reason they received a shot at the tag team titles is because the company is trying to buy some time for the next challengers, The New Day.

WWE has been keeping The New Day off television while Kofi Kingston recovers from his injury. PWInsider reported earlier today that they are expected to return to SmackDown this coming Tuesday to promote a WWE Network special. It is unknown if they will actually be returning full-time on this show, or if it is just for a one-time appearance until they are ready to return.