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!
More updates on the WWE's current situation, including an important revelation:
- WWE's latest stock dividend apparently could have covered the salaries of the talent they recently released. This would amount to around $9.4 million to be paid out to investors, and Vince McMahon himself would reportedly make around $3.5 million of that if he still has shares in the company. The changes the company made, which include the recent releases, would apparently save them around $5 million a month. (Source: Bleeding Cool)
We say: While it was already pretty clear to us where their priorities laid, this continues to leave a pretty bad taste in everyone's mouth. The company has money. They could've supported their wrestlers.
- WWE has gone back to taping their shows after trying to go back live last week. NBC Universal and FOX have promised Vince McMahon that they would not be pulling out of the TV deals despite not being live, which have led him to make the decision to tape again. Meanwhile, the company is apparently taking great efforts to keep the Performance Center clean and everyone working healthy and safe. The next tapings will be on Saturday, April 25. (Source: Wrestling Observer Radio, Wrestling Inc)
We say: Still not the decision we're looking for.
- WWE is already looking into a Plan B for next year's WrestleMania in case the Los Angeles city government forbids large events well into 2021. There are no full details on what the plan could be at the moment, only that it is being considered. Meanwhile, Tampa is being considered again for WrestleMania 38. (Source: Wrestlevotes on Twitter)
We say: At least they're being proactive.
Let us know what you think of today's news in the comments!
Photo from WWE
