Good morning, and this is the Grapevine! This section of Smark Henry is where we round up all the founded and unfounded rumors abound the pro wrestling scene that you may have missed over the week. Remember to take everything with a grain of salt!
Here's what we know about Jon Moxley's post-WWE life:
- Jon Moxley apparently has a number of bookings lined up with various promotions, which will be announced soon. It looks like they don't necessarily point toward All Elite Wrestling or NJPW just yet, if at all, but clues scattered in the teaser he released the other day are suggesting the former. It's worth noting that his WWE contract didn't have a non-compete clause, which would allow him to appear at Double or Nothing on May 25. (Source: WON)
We say: Perhaps the biggest bit of news here is the lack of a non-compete clause, which is really rare for a WWE wrestler. Looks like there's no stopping him from coming to AEW next month, but is there space on their card for him?
- The embattled Lio Rush reportedly turned down a new five-year contract for around $300,000 a year. The current RAW star, who is dealing with a number of issues and controversies backstage, has expressed his concern that he doesn't make money from Bobby Lashley merchandise with his catchphrases, that he shouldn't be made to carry gear and water for other veteran talent, and also feels like he's worth double the offered contract. (Source: Fightful)
We say: Oof. There's so much to unpack here, and everything points toward Rush feeling like he's above the established backstage hierarchy. Whether that hierarchy should exist at all is a different conversation altogether, but refusing to get with it is not a good look for him. Seems like he's actively trying to get released so he could find a better deal elsewhere, but of course, no one would want to sabotage their steady income, especially when they have a family to support. What a mess.
- Brock Lesnar is returning to WWE for another Saudi Arabia event after apparently retiring from MMA, according to UFC president Dana White. Rumors swirl that it may be a Lesnar vs. Goldberg rematch after the latter was also confirmed for the event.
Lesnar apparently wanted a fixed rate to fight in the UFC again instead of a percentage of the pay-per-view buys, which was too much for the company. It's been speculated that he wasn't really seriously considering going back to UFC over the WWE, but it will depend on whether he pulls out of the USADA testing pool, which he was still in as of April. (Source: WON)
We say: That's fine as long as he stays far away from the Universal Championship scene. He's already made his babyface opponents in that regard, so let him be a special attraction now. He's 42 and not getting any younger.
Let us know what you think of this week's news in the comments!
