Welcome to the Grapevine! This section of Smark Henry is where we round up all the founded and unfounded rumors abound the pro wrestling scene that you may have missed over the week. Remember to take everything with a grain of salt!
Here's some more news coming out of Royal Rumble weekend:
- Matt Riddle's quick Royal Rumble elimination was apparently due to backstage heat. This is reportedly due to attitude problems. Riddle also got into a confrontation with Brock Lesnar backstage, in which Lesnar acknowledged the former's statements about the latter's work and wanting to retire him, saying it wouldn't happen and they would never work together. This was followed by a warning to the NXT roster to not call out any main roster stars, but a quick promo of Riddle reiterating his mission was uploaded anyway. (Source: WON, Pro Wrestling Sheet)
We say: While Riddle's comments seem like they're coming from a place of shooting, we wouldn't be surprised if WWE takes the buzz from this little story and eventually run with it in the future. While definitely brash and reckless, it seems like it's the Bro's own way of promoting himself. Bad publicity is still publicity, after all. Not to mention Riddle is still getting a little push after winning the 2020 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic last week.
- The Revival have apparently tried to request for their releases again. The team, whose current contracts expire this April, have already tried to request for their release back in January 2019 and turned down new five-year contracts back in May. The team seem to have acknowledged this rumor in a recent tweet about settling and knowing what they're worth. (Source: Wrestling Observer Live)
We say: Honestly, good for them if this is what they want. The Revival are an extremely talented team who would be real assets for whichever company they land with, and they know it. There's nothing wrong with going after a place that would treat them how they would like to be treated.
- In addition to Alexander Wolfe, Roderick Strong, Marcel Barthel, Samoa Joe, Rey Mysterio, and Riddick Moss were "knocked silly" last week. While all of them didn't sustain any concussions, they were said to be shaken up. (Source: Wrestling Observer Radio)
We say: This became newsworthy due to the unusually high number, but... this is pro wrestling, and it's very physical. Is it truly unusual that a bunch of guys got hurt? Even if some of them didn't do all that much? It's just the risk that's being taken out there.
Let us know what you think of this week's news in the comments!
Photo from WWE
