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!
Note on the Miz's Money in the Bank cash-in
There were many pitched approaches toward the Miz's Money in the Bank cash-in at today's TLC event, but none of them were approved. Writers tried to come up with ideas for a possible storyline, which were all rejected because "they sucked." Vince McMahon is apparently not the sole reason why the company's stories are not compelling enough. Miz ended up cashing in mid-match, turning the TLC match for the WWE Championship into a triple threat. (Source: @Wrestlevotes)
We say: While Creative can't always hit a home run, if Vince couldn't come up with anything better then he's also part of the problem. Maybe it's also time to listen to the talents?
Note on the Firefly Inferno match
The Firefly Inferno match was taped earlier in the afternoon to allow Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton to perform the dangerous stunts. The ending shot in which Orton sets the Fiend on fire is obviously a dummy dressed to look like the Fiend. It was also not scheduled to go on last as of the taping. (Source: @Wrestlevotes)
We say: We're not really fans of any fire action (especially that much fire action) but at least they did it with supervision and whatever proper procedure there is for that stuff. It seems Bray's fine, too, without any burns.
Does USA Network really want RAW to be darker?
Different reports came out over the past few days about USA Network's reaction to RAW's dropping ratings, but it is apparently not true that they want the show to be darker and more "adult." What is true, though, is that they're not happy about the low ratings. Changes will likely be made to the writing, apparently starting with a "big reset" at Royal Rumble. (Source: Wrestling Observer Radio)
We say: As we said before, if you're not going to listen to the right people, these changes won't mean a thing. (Also, they won't happen overnight, so stop expecting whatever big reactionary change to work right away.)
Let us know what you think of today's news in the comments!
Photo from WWE
: The Miz's Money in the Bank Cash-In, Firefly Inferno Note, USA Network-RAW Ratings){kind=link}