News here! Commentary today on Cody Rhodes using WCW gimmicks, New Day leaving WWE?, Alexa Bliss injury update and more!

Cody Rhodes Applies For WCW Related Trademarks

While not overly newsworthy, but something that is rather interesting; Cody Rhodes has applied for trademarks for “Bunkhouse Stampede,” “Bash at the Beach,” and “Battlebowl.” As many wrestling fans may know, all there of this names are former WCW/NWA pay per view and event names. Cody’s father, Dusty Rhodes, was the creator of the Bunkhouse Stampede and Battlebowl matchups.

Jason’s Take

I am going to hate on AEW a bit here. If they are trying to change the world, and do something new, why even revisit the past? I get the fact that these are events long forgotten by the WWE, but why revert to the past? It does not make you innovative and world changing by doing so.

New Day Leaving The WWE?

The Tuesday episode of SmackDown Live initially saw Kofi Kingston win his gauntlet match and the right to face Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. However, at the conclusion of the match, Vince McMahon added an additional opponent in Daniel Bryan. Bryan would go on to defeat Kofi, thus ruining his chance at a title match at WrestleMania. Throughout the day, Big E and Xavier Woods have hinted at leaving the WWE.

We have kept other skills on deck for a reason…. pic.twitter.com/3B2IrqKqrE

— ✈️ GDC Wed/Thurs✈️ (@XavierWoodsPhD) March 20, 2019

pic.twitter.com/ml7MhQwOGj

— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) March 20, 2019

Jason’s Take

Both videos/promos are very heartfelt, and there is probably a mixture of a work/shoot to both of them. I expect that this is a work, and the New Day won’t be leaving the company anytime soon. My thoughts are this all is storyline leading up to Kofi getting a match against Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania. The writing works, but I don’t know why they are taking this approach.

WWE Moves It’s Headquarters

WWE sent out a press release today announcing that it will be moving headquarters, it stated:

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– WWE (NYSE:WWE) today announced that the company will move its global headquarters to a new office complex at 677 Washington Boulevard in Stamford, Connecticut. This move will allow the company to bring together its operations, including its production studios and corporate offices at its new site.

“One of the most important elements necessary to execute WWE’s long-term growth strategy is world-class talent collaborating seamlessly to create compelling content. Our workplace initiative will be the foundation to meet these objectives and underpins our ability to deliver long-term value,” said George Barrios, WWE Co-President.

The new headquarters will provide the company with work space suited to its growing and evolving workforce. The site in Stamford’s central business district provides greater access from various means of transportation, floor plans which are well-suited to producing video content and greater flexibility in workplace design. The Company anticipates that it will move to the new headquarters in early 2021.

WWE will lease the space for an initial term of approximately 16.5 years commencing no earlier than July 1, 2019, with five five-year renewal options thereafter. The lease will be accounted for as a finance lease, with the creation of a lease obligation (equal to the present value of future lease payments, which would result in the recognition of interest expense over time) and a right-of-use lease asset (equal to the lease obligation less tenant incentives, which is depreciated on a straight-line basis through depreciation expense). Accordingly, the accounting for the lease agreement is not expected to have a material impact on Adjusted OIBDA. Depreciation expense associated with the right-of-use asset will be reflected in operating income. The Company’s capital expenditure guidance reflects this initiative. That guidance estimated capital expenditures of approximately $70 million to $90 million for 2019 with continued spending in 2020 above the historic range of approximately 4% to 7% of revenue. Additionally, the company expects to sell its owned and operated corporate facility at 1241 East Main Street, exit its leased spaces at 1266 East Main Street, and will evaluate options for its production studio facilities at 88 and 120 Hamilton Avenue based on strategic, operating and financial considerations.

Plans For Asuka At WresleMania Revealed

I have talked about the rumored plans for Asuka at WrestleMania over the past few whether it involved a potential one on one match with Lana, Mandy Rose, or Lacey Evans. However, the questions have been answered. On next week’s SmackDown, Carmella vs. Naomi vs. Mandy Rose vs. Sonya Deville will face off in a Fatal 4 Way match with the winner taking on Asuka for the SmackDown women’s championship at WrestleMania

Jason’s Take

The Fatal 4 Way will be a great match, and I expect Mandy Rose to come away with the victory. As an early prediction, I expect her to walk away with the SmackDowntitle at WrestleMania as well.

Alexa Bliss Injury Update

With minimal appearances wrestling the past few months, many have wondered if Alexa Bliss has been re-injured. Other than her Royal Rumble appearance and tag team tournament match, she has been hosting A Moment Of Bliss rather than competing in the ring. Alexa spoke with Asbury Park Press, and her in ring status came up as a topic. Alexa replied with:

Jason’s Take

I think Alexa does very well as a show host on RAW, and this is more of a creative having nothing for her at the moment until after WrestleMania. I responded to a post on the Chairshot Facebook page (which you should be following) that Alexa should be in a role managing Elias. Elias has been chasing potential WWE gold for some time, and who better to lead him to the promise land. Remember, it was Bliss who lead Blake and Murphy to tag team gold in NXT.