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!
Jeff Hardy status update
After taking a hit to the back of the head in the Symphony of Destruction match on this week's RAW, Jeff Hardy was reported to be fine. Hardy hit his head doing a Swanton Bomb to the outside in the match's finish, and reported no concussion symptoms. While his fall was slowed by the table, he may not be in the clear yet, as some symptoms take days to manifest. (Source: Wrestling Observer Radio)
We say: We're just glad he's okay, because that was an ugly bump.
Mia Yim's mask malfunction
RECKONING's mask getting torn off in the match versus Dana Brooke on RAW was unplanned, and the announcers intentionally did not acknowledge it at all despite everyone knowing who Mia Yim was. Rumors are saying that announcers are not allowed to mention or acknowledge the RETRIBUTION members' NXT identities. (Source: Wrestling Inc)
We say: Again, this isn't very smart, even if they're trying to stick to a story. They're choosing creative license over treating the audience as the intelligent viewers they are. People know RECKONING was Mia Yim even before this happened, so now that it's screen official you might as well go with it and adjust the story to accommodate it. It could give Mia a whole new dimension that can benefit the RETRIBUTION storyline, not to mention give Ali more material for his excellent promos.
Note on WWE Creative
Bruce Prichard is apparently the "most powerful man" in the WWE outside of the McMahons. Everything creative is "flowing" through Prichard, so any frustrations among the talents have led to private heat with him. However, it seems that this doesn't change the fact that Vince McMahon still has final approval over everything. (Source: PWInsider)
We say: At least we know who to blame for things we don't like. That said, though, things haven't been downright terrible lately, just more weighed down by the formats they're in.
Let us know what you think of today's news in the comments!
Photo from WWE
: Jeff Hardy's Health Status, Mia Yim's Mask, Bruce Prichard){kind=link}