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CM Punk Advertised for SmackDown Live
Several of our readers have sent word that CM Punk was being advertised this week for the Hulu version of SmackDown Live. You can check out a screen shot that reader Erik Glenn sent in:
It’s obvious CM Punk isn’t appearing on the episode as he hasn’t returned to the company. Someone at Hulu screwed up and somehow this happened.
At last word Punk was under contract to UFC and has voiced in several interviews that he has no plans to return to WWE anytime in the near future.
Big Match & Segment Announced for Next Week’s RAW
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Shelton Benjamin Has Not Signed With WWE
There were reports surfacing online this week regarding Shelton Benjamin possibly returning to WWE, however that doesn’t appear to be the case.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Shelton Benjamin has not re-signed with WWE as of earlier this week. If his status changes, we will keep you updated.
Performance Center Coach Finishes Gig with WWE
Johnny Saint finished up his gig as a WWE Performance Center Coach this week.
PWInsider reports that the company held a big farewell party for Saint this week at the Center to bid him a proper farewell after he completed a scheduled six month run as a Coach to WWE NXT talents.
Saint began coaching for WWE earlier this year after making an appearance as a guest coach in March 2016.
Backstage Update on the Mae Young Classic
As previously noted, WWE will head to Full Sail University on July 13th and 14th to tape the Mae Young Classic. Here are some notes regarding the show, courtesy of PWInsider:
WWE has already locked in a number of talents for the tournament. There is expected to be around 32-women total.
The WWE Network will feature a preview special for the tournament on August 20th.
The first round of the tournament will be released on VOD the following week.
The second round of the tournament will release the week after that, which is the first week of September.
The finals of the live special are expected to air on Tuesday September 12th. SmackDown runs that night in Las Vegas and it’s being speculated that they could hold the finals there, instead of Orlando.
Reason Why The Hardy Boyz Didn’t Appear on RAW
Many of you may have noticed the absent of The Hardy Boyz on this week’s episode of RAW. For those wondering, Matt and Jeff Hardy had the day off and that’s the reason they were not on RAW. Matt’s wife Reby Sky is due to give birth very soon, so that’s why Matt is home.
Possible Injury Before Tonight’s RAW
Prior to tonight’s episode of RAW, WWE taped Drew Gulak vs. Lince Dorado for this week’s episode of WWE Main Event. Our correspondent in attendance sent word that Dorado landed badly on his knee after a tilt-a-whirl maneuver and could be legitimately hurt.
Very little details are known, but we will keep you updated on his status.