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!
Details on when Andrade contacted Tony Khan
Andrade El Idolo talked with AEW president Tony Khan as early as the week he was released from WWE to jump ship, but negotiations stalled. Andrade reportedly wanted creative control, which eventually turned into a limited amount of creative control on the finishes of his matches. There were also negotiations from Impact Wrestling and interest from Ring of Honor. (Source: Wrestling Inc)
We say: From experience, wrestlers having creative control is almost always a bad idea. Glad they were able to compromise, and it seems there wasn't really any other viable option for Andrade other than AEW.
Update on WWE-NJPW talks
The speculation on the talks between WWE and NJPW seems to be that WWE will likely not get NJPW to agree to become their exclusive American partner. It's being said that WWE has tried to talk to them in the past to no avail, and the difference now is that WWE president Nick Khan is now involved. NJPW is reportedly not going to agree to any deal unless it's very beneficial to them, and the feeling is that WWE will likely not succeed. (Source: WON)
We say: Well, at least we can no longer fault WWE for not trying. We wouldn't be surprised if this was leaked to show the rest of the industry that WWE is willing to play ball with other companies now—even if that entails some ridiculously selfish demands on their part.
Next contender for Universal Championship set
The plans for the Universal Championship for Hell in a Cell are reportedly for SmackDown Tag Team Champion Rey Mysterio to challenge Roman Reigns. This was set up by the ending of last Friday's episode, in which Reigns interfered and beat down the Mysterios. The plan for the Usos to win the tag titles from the Mysterios are apparently still in place, though it is not clear when it is scheduled to happen. (Source: Dave Meltzer)
We say: Looks like it's one of those things that seems that way because of what's happening on TV. While it makes sense for Rey to challenge Roman (and it's a big-name match they should put on) we'll wait for the official announcement. You're free to believe it, though.
Photo from AEW
: When Andrade Signed His AEW Deal, Update on WWE-NJPW, Spoiler For Next Universal Championship Contender){kind=link}