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!
WWE bans more third-party relationships for talent
WWE is expanding its crackdown on its talent's social media to include any promotions of third-party businesses, brands, persons, and even charities. The company is exercising a clause in the talents' contract which grants it exclusive use of the talent's likeness. Like with the Twitch and Cameo bans, offenders will get a fine, then a suspension, then termination. (Source: Wrestling Inc.)
We say: This is insane and draconian. Unless those things are explicitly spelled out in the contracts, someone should sue the company on this. Including charities in the ban is straight up inhumane.
Updates on Andrade and Aleister Black's status
RAW and SmackDown stars Andrade and Aleister Black, who have not been seen on TV in a while, are not likely to return anytime soon. This is despite rumors saying that Black at least was in line for a big return on SmackDown, although not specified when. Andrade had not been seen on RAW since October, on the other hand. Paul Heyman, who was the former executive director of the RAW brand, was said to be a huge supporter of both men; his lack of decision-making power on SmackDown or any brand is believed to be a big factor as to why both men aren't being used at the moment. (Source: Wrestling Observer Radio)
We say: This is more speculation from Meltzer than anything, and it's not really updating us as to their real status. But with a lack of real updates, it seems like they're on their way out of the company. Better to be elsewhere than to just be stash members of the WWE's bench.
Lacey Evans is legitimately pregnant
RAW star Lacey Evans is legitimately pregnant, after announcing on this week's episode of RAW in a match that saw her avoiding bumps. Evans informed WWE on Monday as well, which is when they decided to change the current storyline involving her and Hall of Famer Ric Flair. Evans will be replaced in her RAW Women's Championship match against Asuka this Sunday at Elimination Chamber. (Source: Wrestling Inc.)
We say: Of course, misogynists are already using this to argue why women shouldn't be big stars. Congratulations, Lacey, on your pregnancy—and also giving us an end to the Ric Flair angle nobody really wanted to see.
Photo from The Sports Rush
: WWE Bans More Third-Party Promotion, Andrade and Aleister Black Update, Lacey Evans Pregnant){kind=link}