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 now shutting down Twitch streams and Cameo accounts
It seems that WWE is now shutting down wrestlers' Twitch streams, as it said it would last month. AJ Styles, Mia Yim, Cesaro, and Aleister Black have addressed the issue on their own respective channels, while Paige had gone on a tirade about the WWE on her latest stream. Cameo accounts have also apparently been deactivated. WWE has dictated that any "unauthorized" Twitch channels still running would be subject to fines, suspension, or even termination. (Source: Wrestling Inc)
We say: You guys already know how we feel about this. Let's hope that union Paige wants happens, even if there would be pro-company wrestlers on the roster.
Matt Riddle's name has been shortened
Matt Riddle's ring name has been shortened to simply Riddle. This apparently came after Vince McMahon was so impressed with the Riddle vs. Sheamus match on RAW this week, being inspired to present Riddle more seriously—presumably a la Goldberg. Riddle is seemingly supportive of the whole idea. (Source: Fightful Select)
We say: This is surely going to make an already polarizing wrestler more polarizing. Riddle isn't exactly the best surname out there because of its actual dictionary meaning, but like with most McMahon decisions regarding wrestlers' names, this one is likely to stick given enough time.
WWE and AEW are interested in Thunder Rosa
Thunder Rosa, who had just lost the NWA Women's World Championship to AEW star Serena Deeb on this week's United Wrestling Network Primetime Live show, is still under contract with NWA. She has, however, received interest from both WWE and AEW. The title change had apparently been planned for some time. (Source: Dave Meltzer, PWInsider)
We say: Thunder Rosa deserves it. She may be better off signing with AEW even though you run the risk of not getting highlighted every week on Dynamite—but maybe with enough great female talent, their role could expand.
News on mystery wrestler on NXT
The individual under the Scream mask on NXT Halloween Havoc was supposed to be Indi Hartwell. Hartwell had helped Candice LeRae win her #1 contendership match against Shotzi Blackheart a few weeks ago, and could not be used on the show this week as she had to be quarantined after a possible COVID-19 exposure. The attacker was placed under a mask so she can be revealed as Hartwell eventually. (Source: Wrestling Observer Radio)
We say: Well, that makes a whole lot of sense. Shame she couldn't help Candice win the title.
Let us know what you think of today's news in the comments!
Photo from WWE
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