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!
WWE in talks to become NJPW's exclusive American partner
WWE, specifically president Nick Khan apparently is in some sort of discussion with NJPW to become their exclusive American partner. However, the catch is nobody knows the status of these talks, as the last update received was from around March or April. NJPW does not have an exclusive American partner, opting to form relationships lately with AEW and Impact Wrestling. (Source: WON)
We say: While it's not exactly cause for celebration just yet, we can take some joy in the fact that WWE is apparently trying to change their us-against-the-world mindset in the business. That's a huge, huge win for a lot of wrestling fans... even if WWE does want to shut everyone else out of a relationship with NJPW. Still, it's something.
Cody Rhodes downplays rumors of feuding AEW EVPs
Cody Rhodes has denied rumors swirling around over AEW EVPs not in speaking terms. While the rumors have never really named who had heat with who, it was said that a potential signee who would "make a difference" in AEW was turned off from signing because of the rumors. (Source: WrestlingNews.co)
We say: We're kind of inclined to believe Cody here. It sounds way too good to be true, and nothing happening onscreen indicates that there is any friction between the big names of the company. But hey, stranger things have also happened, and if this did end up being true, it wouldn't be surprising either.
Photo from WWE
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