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!
Braun Strowman back as a babyface
Braun Strowman, who had spent the past couple of months working as a heel, is apparently now a babyface on RAW. This follows segments on RAW with Keith Lee in which he gives low blows to the latter, but their making-up on this week's episode seems to be the face turn. (Source: PWInsider)
We say: Creative is also treating the Fiend and Alexa Bliss as babyfaces, even though they're not your traditional goody-two-shoes characters. Having really gray characters is a bold endeavor, but we're not sure they know how to pull them off well—especially when they come off quick and short turns.
Tony Chimel released by WWE
Longtime ring announcer and producer Tony Chimel had been quietly released by the WWE last week, along with several other employees. This was yet another round of COVID-related budget cuts of people working in the corporate offices in Stamford, Connecticut. (Source: PWInsider)
We say: Yet another round of releases that didn't really need to happen, thanks to WWE's deep pockets.
Let us know what you think of today's news in the comments!
Photo from WWE
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