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Update On Rhyno Returning To Impact

In Monday’s shuffle, I discussed the potential return of Rhyno to Impact at this past weekend’s Slammiversary pay per view. At that time, I speculated that Rhyno was under a mask because his WWE contract had yet to run out. According to Dave Meltzer and the latest addition of the Wrestling Observer Radio, that happens to be the reason.

“He wore a mask because his WWE contract actually ends in a week,”

Jason’s Take

Rhyno had previous tours of duty with Impact, and based on his past interviews, he seemed unhappy with his role in WWE. The move makes sense for Rhyno.

Gabe Sapolsky’s Thoughts On Kenny Omega’s Comments

A few weeks ago when the WWE announced it would be airing the 10th Anniversary EVOLVE show on the WWE network, many voiced their outrage, including Kenny Omega. The show happens to air the same night that AEW airs the Fight For the Fallen pay per view. Sapolsky did a AMA on Reddit and he was asked about Kenny Omega’s comments on the EVOLVE show.

“I thought it was a little disparaging to all the work and sacrifice we have done to get this opportunity. That part was disappointing. We had the date booked before their date was announced. The very first conversation I had with Triple H in 2016 there was talk of doing a special. We are in Philadelphia the night before WWE has a PPV there. We are in a great building at the 2300 Arena that is tailored made to go right on the WWE Network.Everything just came together to do it on this date. It’s been a long process. I saw Kenny deleted it and then tweeted something else, so it is all good by me. I haven’t talked to Kenny in a long time, but I always felt we had a positive relationship. He was one of the guys I really wanted to push in 2008 and into 2009. I’m glad all his hard work has paid off.”

Jason’s Take

I thought Omega’s comments were a bit overboard. It has been ok for AEW to throw shade at WWE what ever way they can, but when WWE fires back, they are labeled as a bully. Competition isn’t always fair, and that is something AEW will have to learn over time.

LAX Are Free Agents

Speaking of competition between AEW and WWE, it appears that both companies are competing for the services of tag team LAX. According to Dave Meltzer, LAX had their last match with Impact at Slammiversary, and now are free agents.

“It was LAX’s last match with the promotion. They have offers. I don’t know which side they are going with but they have offers from both AEW and WWE. They’ve been recruited very heavily by WWE. I know that there is an offer from AEW. I don’t know which one they are going with. I would say AEW is in the lead but that doesn’t mean that’s where they are going.”

Jason’s Take

Both companies are going to be after talent that they feel will add something to their brand. LAX would add a lot to both tag team divisions, and would create some never before matchups for both companies.

Johnny Impact Also A Free Agent

Another Impact start that fulfilled their contractual obligations and is now a free agent is Johnny Impact (AKA John Morrison in WWE). According to PWInsider, Johnny Impact is currently in negotiations with Impact, but there hasn’t been any indication of the level of interest from AEW or WWE.

Jason’s Take

I think Morrison is a wrestler that can add depth to both the AEW and WWE rosters. He is still very talented in the ring, and is another person that can add some never before matchups to the company. I would imagine both AEW and WWE would have interest.

Where Is Bray Wyatt?

One of the most entertaining segments of RAW each week has been Bray Wyatt and the Firefly Funhouse. There have been reports weekly that Wyatt has been backstage at RAW, but has not made his return to live television. However, Dave Meltzer reported that Wyatt is set to return “any day now.”

Jason’s Take

Many are speculating that Wyatt will be Aleister Black’s opponent at Extreme Rules. That would be an interesting matchup, and would expect that it is something that could turn into a long term program between the two.