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!
Why Otis and Bayley were simply picked by Adam Pearce
Otis and Bayley were quickly added to their respective SmackDown Survivor Series teams on last week's episode because WWE ran out of time on the show for qualifiers. This actually contradicts an earlier on-screen statement made by Adam Pearce on RAW after Braun Strowman asked to join the men's team.
On that note, Natalya and Bayley were the real picks to be part of the SmackDown women's team, not NXT star Rhea Ripley. Big E was also rumored to be part of the men's team, but Creative obviously decided to go with Otis instead. (Source: Wrestling Observer Radio, Fightful Select)
We say: This seems to be the story of SmackDown Live lately—so many stories they want to tell, but they just ran out of time to do so. You can blame them having to rush the conclusion of the entire Mysterio/Rollins/Murphy saga with a few long matches, as well as closing the door on the Bayley/Sasha feud. Nobody wants SmackDown to have an extra hour (God knows people already have a hard time with RAW for that) but things could have been managed better. At least the show's already done, and they won't have to worry about it for another year.
Zelina Vega denied one last meeting with Vince McMahon
Zelina Vega was denied a meeting with Vince McMahon on the day she was released from WWE. She reportedly wanted to say goodbye to McMahon. Some were not surprised as it is apparently hard enough to get a meeting with him if you're employed, much more if you're not. The news going around that Vega was escorted from the building is also unconfirmed. (Source: Fightful Select)
We say: That's pretty sad, and one thing we probably wouldn't credit to Vince being petty and vindictive. It's probably one of those things that do be like that sometimes. She'll be in a better place.
Let us know what you think of today's news in the comments!
Photo from WWE
: SmackDown Survivor Series Teams Notes, Zelina Vega-Vince McMahon){kind=link}