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!
Long-term plans for Roman Reigns involve eventual babyface turn
The long-term plans for Roman Reigns still call for a babyface turn down the line. Reigns is reportedly Vince McMahon's number-one priority at the moment, protecting him at all costs to elevate him to the level of former top WWE stars such as the Rock. The protection and the edge his character has will eventually be leveraged into cheers and a babyface turn, instead of the usual cowardly tactics written for WWE heels. (Source: WrestlingNews.co)
We say: This is all well and good, really. We're just wondering why it took someone like Roman Reigns for them to come up with this. Poor John Cena never stood a chance back in the day, and Reigns couldn't have ran without CM Punk walking for him. Do this for 90% of your heels, guys, especially if they're big and imposing (see: Apollo Crews). That's how you build stars. It's not too late, as Roman proved.
Samoa Joe seen at WWE Performance Center
Samoa Joe has been spotted at the WWE Performance Center recently, fueling rumors of a return to NXT. There are rumors that NXT is gearing up to sign him back as a wrestler. His desire to wrestle reportedly clashed with WWE's plans to keep him as a commentator and not clearing him to compete since his concussion in February 2020. (Source: Fightful Select)
We say: This is good news, and kind of proves the Joe-wanting-to-wrestle theory if it ends up being true. Let's hope he stays safe and makes the most of this run.
Photo from WWE
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