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!
Backstage news on Hit Row's release
The remaining three members of Hit Row were released last Friday as Top Dolla reportedly had backstage heat. He had apparently "rubbed people the wrong way," but he also stated that he called WWE headquarters to tell them they had made a mistake in releasing B-Fab two weeks prior, and that he was being disrespected backstage. As Top Dolla was said to be the star Vince McMahon was seeing in the group, Isaiah "Swerve" Scott and Ashante Thee Adonis were let go as well as there weren't likely to be any plans for them. (Source: WON)
We say: If the story about Top Dolla calling the main office is true, then it's a bad look for WWE to fire him just for being vocal. Then again, none of these releases are a good look at all, and it's the strong fanbase that keeps the company afloat reputation-wise. Maybe it will bite them back someday, but that day isn't coming anytime soon.
WWE wants to keep Johnny Gargano
One star WWE apparently wants to keep around is Johnny Gargano, whose contract is up on December 3. The company has reportedly made a "very strong offer" to Gargano to try and convince him to stay long-term. (Source: WON)
We say: Johnny Wrestling has a lot of leverage on his side if this is indeed true, and we foresee the only way he'd be driven out of WWE is with bad creative on the main roster. Give the man main roster money while keeping him on NXT; he more than deserves it.
Photo from WWE