Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors: Latest on Solo Sikoa, Forbidden Door, and More
Solo Sikoa has taken WWE by storm since assuming on-screen leadership of The Bloodline post-WrestleMania 40—and it has been by design.
So much so that establishing The Enforcer as the face of the faction has delayed the arrival of another new member of the group.
That topic headlines this collection of pro wrestling rumors, which also features the latest on the King and Queen of the Ring tournament, rapper Sexyy Red's social media shoutout to NXT, and an update on what fans might expect from this year's AEW Forbidden Door.
Solo Sikoa as Dominant Force of The Bloodline
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WrestleVotes reported that WWE's desire to present Solo Sikoa as the dominant force of The Bloodline has delayed the arrival of Jacob Fatu:
"Interesting tidbit here: sources suggest that Solo Sikoa's recent aggressive streak is part of a strategy to establish him as 'the' main force within this new phase of the Bloodline, ahead of Jacob Fatu's debut.
"However, some trepidation remains within creative over fear that Fatu's presence could outshine Solo at this stage."
It is not surprising that WWE would have that concern. Fatu is an intense, uber-athletic performer who would overshadow Sikoa. The company would have little choice but to position him at the forefront of the faction, regardless of how hard it attempted to push The Enforcer in that role.
Firmly establishing Sikoa as the leader and mastermind behind this incarnation of The Bloodline is the right call. If that means bringing in Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa and potentially Hikuleo from New Japan Pro-Wrestling as support before allowing Fatu to explode onto the scene as a No. 2 behind him, so be it.
As long as it does not come at the expense of the timing of the storyline, ensuring the success of someone WWE has invested time and energy into in Sikoa is only logical.
Live-Event King and Queen of the Ring Plans
2 of 4It was revealed Monday night on Raw that the originally scheduled matches pitting Zelina Vega against Shayna Baszler and Kofi Kingston against Rey Mysterio, slated for the first round of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, would be moved to this weekend's live events.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select said: "The plan is to air highlights on next week's WWE Raw and possibly social media. That could be adjusted or changed."
Regardless of why WWE moved the two matches, it may be a smart move on its part. Taking those meaningful matches, with stakes that extend beyond one night of action, and putting them on house shows instantly elevates the importance of live events.
It gives them meaning and attracts more fans to shows that, unlike televised events, may not be as quick to sell out.
Will fans flock to arenas to see those two matches in particular? Maybe not, but it's a good barometer for the future and potentially using such live events to further stories and angles.
Latest on Sexyy Red and NXT Partnership
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Fightful Select's Corey Brennan reported that Sexyy Red's tweet during Tuesday's NXT was not an accident "and was described to us as a 'partnership' and to expect more interactions with the rapper in the future."
The rapper tweeted in response to Noam Dar of Meta-Four laying out NXT champion Trick Williams:
WWE has a rich history of using mainstream celebrities to bring attention to its product. NXT benefited from using Pat McAfee before he ever called a main roster match as part of the commentary team.
If partnering with Sexxy Red brings new eyes to the brand (and vice versa), it's a worthwhile venture for both parties.
Update on Stardom and CMLL Participating in AEW Forbidden Door
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Fightful Select's Sapp spoke with AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Rocky Romero, who confirmed that Stardom will "definitely" be part of this year's Forbidden Door pay-per-view, while Mexico's CMLL will "very likely" be.
All three promotions have established partnerships.
The Forbidden Door shows are always among the most anticipated among AEW's fanbase, thanks to the number of dream matches it typically presents. Adding two more promotions only enhances the potential for such matchups.
Fans unfamiliar with New Japan, Stardom and CMLL, however, tend not to invest in the show in the same way they do the company's more AEW-centric PPV audience.
Regardless, this year's event on June 30 looks set to be brimming with talent, providing the show with one of the most packed cards yet.
Its execution, and the reception it receives from fans beyond the diehard fanbase, will ultimately determine its success.
