Welcome to the Grapevine! This section of Smark Henry is where we round up all the important founded and unfounded rumors floating around the pro wrestling scene that you may have missed over the past few days. Remember to take everything with a grain of salt!
More details on Zelina Vega's release
Zelina Vega's release from WWE last Friday apparently had more to do with her refusing to deactivate her Twitch account than her tweet expressing her support for unionization. Not only did she refuse to deactivate, but she also started an OnlyFans account.
She is reportedly among a few female superstars who make more on Twitch than her current WWE deal, which is not one of the new post-AEW deals that the company signed many wrestlers to. The newer deals have higher downside guarantees, but this doesn't mean talents are still okay with the company's policy to have them stop their third-party accounts. Vega, real name Thea Trinidad-Budgen, will serve a 90-day no-compete that will end in February 2021.
Streamers AJ Styles and Xavier Woods had apparently spoken to Vince McMahon to try and change his mind on the issue, but to no avail. Vega had already been contacted by labor leaders, with the issue already being noticed by politicians and mainstream news.
As previously reported, WWE is already looking to make a new deal with Twitch, with a percentage of the revenue from that partnership going to the talents participating in this new regime. The revenue they'll be earning on Twitch will reportedly count against their downside guarantee, which is another source of growing resentment among the streamers in the locker room. (Source: Wrestling Observer Radio, Wrestling Inc)
We say: While this development may be the beginning of this ill-advised policy's unraveling, we don't think it's going to make much of a difference as neither top stars nor the majority of wrestlers are affected and willing to fight the company on it. It would be great if they did, but until they organize and someone pretty high up speaks out about it, WWE won't be beaten in this game. It's a good thing, however, that things are looking up for Zelina/Thea already, and that she's proving that she doesn't need the company. (And of course, all eyes are now on Aleister Black and what will happen to him.) We wish everyone luck, because they shouldn't have to go through this at all just to make a decent living as international stars.
Seth Rollins to be written off TV
The upcoming Seth Rollins vs. Buddy Murphy match is apparently a way to write the former off TV for his paternity leave. With fiancee Becky Lynch expecting to give birth in December, Rollins may be gone four to six weeks after his match on next Friday's episode of SmackDown Live, with a possible return at the Royal Rumble. (Source: Ringside News)
We say: Best wishes to the new father—and who would've thought that the only thing that could end the Rollins/Mysterio feud was his kid?
Brodie Lee reportedly injured
Former TNT Champion Mr. Brodie Lee has been off TV due to an unconfirmed ankle injury. There is currently no word on how long Lee will be out of action. (Source: Dave Meltzer)
We say: We wish him a speedy recovery, and for AEW to make the Dark Order win some matches while he's away.
Let us know what you think of today's news in the comments!
Photo from WWE
: What We Know About Zelina Vega's Release, Seth Rollins To Be Written Off, Brodie Lee){kind=link}