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!
Matt Cardona's Impact Wrestling status
Former WWE superstar Matt Cardona apparently has not signed a full-time contract with Impact Wrestling as of this week. Cardona had appeared on Impact's Hard to Kill PPV last Saturday, facing Ace Austin in an impromptu match. He will be working tapings for Impact! this week, which will see a month's worth of episodes taped. The former Zack Ryder also did a similar short-term deal with AEW, and there is no news on whether he has any plans to sign with Impact full time. (Source: Fightful Select)
We say: Zack Ryder fans may have to wait a bit to find out where his new permanent home will be, if he wants a new permanent home. At least you can still catch him on Impact Wrestling for the time being.
Plans for 2021 WWE Hall of Fame
After being completely scrapped in 2020 due to the pandemic, WWE will push through with the Hall of Fame ceremony this year, with the Class of 2020 becoming the Class of 2021. The show is reportedly planned to be fully virtual without fans. The Class of 2021 is headlined by Batista, and includes John Bradshaw Layfield, Davey Boy Smith, Jushin "Thunder" Liger, The Bella Twins, and the nWo. (Source: Wrestling Observer Radio)
We say: Strange that they couldn't figure that out last year, but we only did get the ThunderDome in August. This probably opens up a TakeOver event on the Friday of that weekend.
More updates on Superstar Spectacle
The Superstar Spectacle event for WWE's India market is apparently confirmed to be a launch of sorts for a new TV series for India, which may not necessarily carry the NXT branding. The company has identified India as a bigger moneymaker than the regional NXT brands. Some non-Indian main roster talent is advertised for Superstar Spectacle, including Rey Mysterio, AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Ricochet, Ric Flair, and more. It's also being rumored that the event will be a one-night tournament for an as-yet-unknown prize. (Source: WON)
We say: This is definitely going to be interesting, and the biggest question really is if this would open up an NXT or Performance Center in India. Keep your eyes tuned, Filipino fans.
Let us know what you think of today's news in the comments!
Photo from WrestlingWorld
: Matt Cardona's Impact Contract Status, WWE Hall of Fame Plans, Superstar Spectacle and WWE-India Updates){kind=link}