wrestling observer

The Hardy Boyz Reportedly Close to Reaching Deal with Anthem Sports

The Hardy Boyz’ “BROKEN” gimmick may be appearing on WWE programming shortly.

Dave Meltzer reported on today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Radio that The Hardy Boyz and Anthem Sports are close to reaching a deal for Matt & Jeff Hardy to use the “BROKEN” gimmick outside of the now-GFW promotion. Meltzer didn’t specify exactly what the terms of the deal would be, but indicated that a deal will be reached soon.

We will keep you updated if we receive any more details on the on-going negotiations between The Hardys and Anthem.

Mike Tenay Turns Down Offer for Impact Wrestling Return

Mike Tenay has reportedly turned down an offer to return to the announcers booth for Impact Wrestling.

According to the Wrestling Observer, with Jeremy Borash and Josh Mathews competing at the upcoming Slammiversary event, Impact wanted to have Tenay and Don West reunite and call the show. Tenay apparently turned the offer company down, which led to the Impact bringing in Robert Flores to work alongside West.

Eva Marie Not Done with WWE?

It was reported back in March via PWInsider that Eva Marie would not be returning to WWE, however those reports appear to be false.

Eva Marie appeared on today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Live and indicated that she could still pop up on RAW or SmackDown Live at anytime. She mentioned that her return may not be in the near future as she is still working on two filming projects, but the door is still open for her return.

When asked about reports that Lana has received her gimmick on SmackDown, she said that she couldn’t confirm that but hopes that’s not the case.

Cody Rhodes Needed Stitches After his ROH Title Match

Cody Rhodes is the new ROH Champion after last night’s Best in The World pay-per-view event. However, the Grandson of A Plumber was busted open early on into the match by his opponent, Christopher Daniels.

According to Wrestling Observer, the American Nightmare needed six stitches on his busted upper lip. A headbutt by Daniels is the cause of this minor injury.

Former ROH Wrestler Spotted at Full Sail University

Former Ring of Honor wrestler Bobby Fish has been spotted at Full Sail University, which NXT tapings.

According to our correspondent at the event sent word that he was seen speaking to producer Ryan Katz. While it’s not confirmed, it is very possible that he could make his debut at tonight’s tapings. As of this writing it is unknown if he signed a deal with the company. It’s worth noting that The Wrestling Observer reported back in March that he didn’t want to sign a full-time deal with ROH because it may tamper with his chances of getting hired on by WWE.

We will keep you posted if we find anything out.

Daniel Bryan to Strip Carmella of The Money in the Bank Briefcase?

WWE announced that Daniel Bryan would be returning to tonight’s episode of SmackdDown Live for the first time in a while. He took time off from WWE programming because his wife Brie gave birth to their new child. Bryan is expected to address the controversial finish in the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match that saw James Ellsworth capture the briefcase only to give it to Carmella.

Bryan Alvarez discussed Daniel Bryan’s return on yesterday’s installment of Wrestling Observer Live. Alvarez speculates that Carmella will be stripped of the briefcase. There is a possibility that they may even have another match to determine a new holder of the contract that allows a shot at the Women’s Championship anytime they want.

Rumor on Seth Rollins’ Announcement on Monday

WWE announced on Friday that Seth Rollins would be making an announcement this upcoming Monday on ESPN at 10:30 AM.

Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer discussed this topic on today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Radio. Alvarez said that he’s heard that the announcement will be that Rollins’ is on the cover of this year’s WWE 2K18 video game. Meltzer seemed confused by this move by WWE, considering that Roman Reigns is considered the company guy.

Meltzer also indicated Kurt Angle will still be involved in WWE 2K18 this year in some capacity.

Speculation on John Cena’s Schedule After He Returns

As previously noted, John Cena will be making his return to weekly WWE programming on the July 4th episode of SmackDown Live and will be billed as a “free agent” moving forward. Dave Meltzer discussed Cena’s return on today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Radio and speculated what his schedule could be like when he returns to the company.

While none of this is confirmed, Meltzer presented a scenario that could see Cena work only RAW and SmackDown televised events on Monday’s and Tuesday. He would not work WWE Live Events later in the week. This scenario would leave Cena plenty of time to fulfill his non-WWE commitments and Cena would still have a strong presence on WWE programming. Cena would of course work both pay-per-view events for the RAW and SmackDown Live brands each month. So basically, he would work Sunday-Tuesday and have Wednesday through Saturday off.

Austin Aries Turning Heel Soon?

After suffering three straight pay-per-view losses against Neville for Crusierweight Championship, Austin Aries may be turning heel soon.

Bryan Alvarez discussed Aries’ status on today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Live and speculates that the company will turn Aries. Aries teased “serious life reflection” and “career reevaluation” after his loss on Twitter Sunday night after his loss. This could ben an indication that we will see something new with Aries moving forward.

Possible Meaning Behind Kurt Angle’s Text Message

As seen on Monday’s episode of RAW, Corey Graves stopped mid-commentary after receiving a text message of some sort and immediately approached Kurt Angle regarding it. Kurt revealed that the contents of the message might “ruin him,” which has WWE fans speculating the meaning behind the big angle.

Bryan Alvarez speculated on Wrestling Observer Live that this angle could potentially lead to the return of Stephanie McMahon to weekly WWE television. While not confirmed, her return could happen as early as next week, but the “text message” angle is expected to be a big deal for Angle’s character.

Possible Match for Sunday’s Extreme Rules

Dave Meltzer mentioned on the latest installment of Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE has been building for a future match between Goldust and R-Truth on weekly RAW programming.

Meltzer said that the match could be added to Sunday’s Extreme Rules event. It was not mentioned if a stipulation would be added to the gimmick pay-per-view match or not, but it’s possible. We will let you know if they announce the match ahead of the show.

Backstage Update on Emma’s WWE Return

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Emma is expected to be cleared to return to action in June.

As previously noted, Emma suffered a shoulder injury at a WWE Live Event on May 7th in Liverpool, England while she was teaming with Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax to take on the team of Sasha Banks, Bayley, and Mickie James. Emma took a bad landing on her right shoulder after a double knee drop from Sasha on the turnbuckle. The match was stopped early as a result to the injury.