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 AEW's women's division
Dr. Britt Baker, DMD was apparently the early frontrunner for the face of AEW's women's division. It's said that she has something of a total package when it comes to appearances, but those plans were dropped and shifted more toward turning her heel, resulting in Hikaru Shida being the top female face. Kylie Rae also had support from Cody before suddenly leaving the company after last year's Fyter Fest. Rae is now retired from wrestling after not appearing in an advertised match on Impact Wrestling's Bound For Glory last month—only citing that she is currently "unwell."
There is also no backstage news on why the AEW women's division still doesn't get as much attention and development despite fans' criticisms. (Source: Wrestling Observer Radio)
We say: It's a good thing they were able to shift gears when Dr. Britt wasn't getting the reactions they were hoping for, but they still need to get out more reps for more of the women on the show. We also wish Kylie Rae the best in health and her life.
No changes to the Performance Center's COVID protocol
NXT talents continue to be frustrated at how COVID testing is being handled at the Performance Center. Training sessions apparently resumed without any changes to the testing protocol after a reported new breakout, with wrestlers seeking daily testing instead of the reported twice-a-week testing. (Source: Fightful Select)
We say: As we keep saying, why wait for something drastic to get their operations shut down? This is highly irresponsible of the company to keep doing (on top of the already irresponsible operations they've had over the past months). Protect your employees and your fans.
Let us know what you think of today's news in the comments!
Photo from AEW
: Original Plans For AEW's Women's Division, NXT/COVID-19){kind=link}