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 notes on the Le Dinner Debonair number
The Chris Jericho and MJF rendition of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.'s "Me and My Shadow" was greenlit by the Frank Sinatra Estate. AEW music producer Mike Rukus prerecorded the instrumental by ear and had it approved by the estate and the song's original publisher. Chris Jericho stated after the Dynamite taping that AEW finished the segment 22 minutes before it was set to go on air, with filming ending at 2 a.m. and editing and mixing taking 10 more hours. Both men sang their vocals as in addition to Jericho being the lead vocalist for Fozzy, MJF also has experience in musical theater and an a capella group in his youth. (Source: PWInsider)
We say: When you want a crazy idea to work, you go all the way in. WWE understands that sometimes (just see most of this year's cinematic matches), but we know someone like Chris Jericho does, and we're glad to see it pay dividends for AEW.
Keith Lee records vocals for new theme
Keith Lee was spotted in New York City this Thursday to reportedly record vocals for a new theme. This follows the near-universal dislike for the new theme he was given in his promotion to RAW. It's not known, however, when the new theme will be debuted. (Source: PWInsider)
We say: This news will make a lot of people very happy—and judging by the report, Lee recording vocals likely means this track will lean toward rap again.
News on Matt Hardy vs. Sammy Guevara
The Elite Deletion match between Matt Hardy and Sammy Guevara on Full Gear will apparently be a taped cinematic match. It's not yet known whether the match will be taped at the Hardy Compound, but that was the original plan back in March. (Source: Wrestling Observer Radio)
We say: Well, thank God—one has to wonder how this wasn't thought of before, especially after all the unfortunate accidents that have happened between Matt and Sammy. In any case, as it's a Matt Hardy production (and seeing AEW's track record with these over-the-top cinematic stuff), we're looking forward to seeing it.
: How Le Dinner Debonair Was Made, Keith Lee Records New Theme, Hardy/Guevara Note){kind=link}