Chairshot Wrestling News Shuffle: Trouble For Lars Sullivan, Updates On Jax, Banks, and More! (5/9/19)

News here! News Involving Trouble For Lars Sullivan, Updates On Jax, Banks, and More!

Lars Sullivan In Trouble?

The WWE had big plans prior to WreslteMania for Lars Sullivan. Reportedly, he was supposed to take on John Cena, however, due to issues with anxiety, the debut did not occur until after WrestleMania. It is very possible we have seen the last of Sullivan. A Reddit user posted a complete list of posts Sullivan had made back in 2013 on a body building message board. While I am not going to post any of the content here, you can read all the posts on Reddit. Many of the posts are homophobic, racist, and derogatory towards people with mental illness. A fan on Twitter asked Big E his thoughts on some of the posts. (Big E was very vocal during Hulk Hogan’s return to the company after audio was released of him using racial slurs)

Many are aware. If true, he has to bear the albatross of being a bigot & working in a company that is now filled with minorities.

— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) May 8, 2019

Jason’s Take

I would expect WWE to act on this quickly if true. Regardless of if this occurred in 2013, I would expect Sullivan will be released from the company shortly. It’s ironic knowing that Sullivan suffers from anxiety, yet in many of the posts bashes people who struggle with depression and anxiety.

Latest On Sasha Banks

Sasha Banks hasn’t been on WWE TV since her tag team championship loss at WrestleMania. While her issues with losing that match have been well documented, things have been quiet on her status recently. PWInisder reported recently that Banks was supposed to film some promotional commercials this week for the upcoming WWE 2K20 game. However, there doesn’t appear to be any word as to if her filming actually took place.

Jason’s Take

Obviously Banks is disgruntled with the company. However, unless she returns to the company to fulfill her contractual obligations, I can’t see the company grating a release, letting her work elsewhere. Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if Banks returned in time for the women’s Money In The Bank ladder match

New Wrestling Series To Air on VICELAND

Many wrestling fans and personalities have praised the Viceland series, Dark Side Of The Ring. Now, Viceland will air a new wrestling series beginning May 22nd, titled The Wrestlers. According to Viceland:

“The series goes beyond the world of mainstream professional wrestling to dive into the vibrant, fascinating and bizarre subcultures in the wrestling universe around the world. From Lucha Libre in Mexico to the women’s wrestling scene in Japan to “voodoo wrestling” in Congo and countless points between.”

Also on May 22nd, the network will air Dark Side Of The Ring, Extended Cuts. These episodes will be expansions of the six episodes, with never before seen footage.

Jason’s Take

I have loved Dark Side Of The Ring, and recommend you watch it. If you haven’t had a chance to watch it, there are two episodes on the Von Erich Family, and Bruiser Brody, that you can watch on the Viceland website. I am hoping The Wrestlers is just as good, and it should give many fans an look into wrestling they may not be familiar with.

Nia Jax Update

Nia Jax suffered a torn ACL in each knee in April and had successful surgery to repair the damage. Jax recently took to Twitter to update fans on her recovery.

Awww you guys are amazing!! Thank you all for sending the beautiful messages. I am doing very well, better than doctors expected 🤗, these messages are just keeping me motivated to get back to the ring quicker! Im so grateful 🙏🏽♥️😘 https://t.co/JwdY1p48t8

— 🌺 (@NiaJaxWWE) May 7, 2019

Jason’s Take

As I said when the news broke regarding the injury, it finally felt like the company had a long term creative vision for Jax with her pairing with Tamina. It is going to be upwards of nine months before Jax returns to the ring, so here is hoping for a speedy recovery.

Mauro Ranallo Signs New Deal With WWE

PWInsider is reporting that Maruo Ranallo has a signed a new deal with WWE. There is no word as to the length of the deal, but Ranallo will continue to be able to announce for MMA and boxing events.

Jason’s Take

Ranallo is quite possibly the best announcer in wrestling today. This is a key re-signing for WWE, as I wouldn’t doubt that AEW had a strong interest in Ranallo.