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!
Details and backstage notes on plans involving Edge
It seems the current plan for Edge right now is to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania. The original plan for Edge was to do a third match with Randy Orton at the show, but those plans were nixed when the Rated-R Superstar himself suggested winning the Royal Rumble and going on to be a champion at the big show. (Source: Wrestling Observer Radio)
We say: Of all the things Dave Meltzer says, we seriously hope that that part about Edge coming up with the idea to win the Rumble and a title at WrestleMania isn't true. It's such a bad look for Edge, even if it makes business sense—it's one thing to not have an idea for what you want to do at the PPV and decide to give it to a legend, but to allow a guy to ask for two big wins at the expense of up-and-coming talent is terrible. Hope somebody debunks this rumor.
Why Lars Sullivan was reportedly released from WWE
Lars Sullivan was apparently released from WWE without much fanfare last month. Many theories have been popping up, including Creative not having anything for him and his previous controversies, but he was reportedly released for "no-showing TV." Vince McMahon apparently wanted to push him if it not for this, and this might have been the final straw. (Source: Dave Meltzer)
We say: The exact wording of Meltzer's post is that he "no-showed TV," and that isn't clear: did he suddenly just not appear as the term implies, or did another anxiety attack happen? Or was it both? Despite Sullivan's controversial past, that nuance needs to be fleshed out for the proper context of why they decided to cut their losses.
Update on Carlito's status with WWE
Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Carlito, who returned to the company in this year's Royal Rumble, is reportedly on a three-week trial run. MVP had apparently pushed for him to receive a tryout as either a wrestler or backstage producer, and Triple H granted it. (Source: Wrestling Inc.)
We say: Good for him! Get that bag.
Update on Matt Cardona's status with Impact Wrestling
Matt Cardona has still not signed any long-term deal with Impact Wrestling. He has only committed to working the next set of taping, and is currently enjoying the freedom of his short-term deals. (Source: Fightful Select)
We say: Now that's working smart, and we don't judge him for picking his battles like this. If he doesn't want to stay committed to one company, it's all good—as long as he's not really doing this because he's hoping for another call from WWE anytime soon.
Photo from WWE
: Details on WrestleMania Plans Involving Edge, Updates on Lars Sullivan, Carlito, Matt Cardona){kind=link}