WWE News: Reviews, Analysis and Rumors for the Week of May 13
With Extreme Rules and Over the Limit bunched so close together, there wasn't much time for storyline development. Over the Limit is nearly upon us already and while the bulk of WWE's programming was used to promote and build toward the pay-per-view, most of the bigger news took place outside the ring.
A huge announcement was made regarding the future of RAW, while an unexpected signing was made as well. Some news also came out regarding the health of a major WWE superstar who is set to undergo surgery that will keep him out of action for an undetermined amount of time.
The Over the Limit card was finalized, and although only five main-card matches were announced, there is a good chance that there will be two or three surprise matches. There is never an offseason in the WWE and the news cycle is always churning, and this past week was yet another example of that.
Here are all the biggest news items and rumors involving the WWE that have come to the forefront during the week of May 13.
Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter
WWE RAW Set to Move to 3 Hours Permanently
1 of 5If two hours of RAW every Monday just wasn't enough to whet your appetite, then you are probably thrilled by the news that the WWE will be expanding RAW to three hours on a weekly basis, starting with their 1,000th episode on July 23.
The announcement was originally made by John Cena on Twitter before WWE.com made it official. It had been announced that the WWE would be expanding RAW tapings by an hour, but it was thought to be for a one-hour pre-show. Many were surprised to learn that the WWE would be expanded its programming permanently, though.
My Take
There have certainly been mixed reactions to the decision to expand RAW to three hours, but generally speaking it comes down to whether or not you enjoy the product. I believe that the product has been very good since prior to WrestleMania, so I view this change as a good thing. The pessimistic view is that the extra hour will create more time for highlight packages and promos, but plenty of positives could come from it as well.
Four hours of programming per week between RAW and SmackDown really isn't a lot when you consider the size of the roster. As long as that extra hour is put to good use, we should see a lot more storyline progression and perhaps usage of superstars who are normally on the back burner. The extra hour will essentially equate to two extra episodes of RAW between each pay-per-view and I'm optimistic that it will increase the effectiveness of the buildup.
Read More:
Big Show 'Fired' by John Laurinaitis
2 of 5After making fun of John Laurinaitis' voice the week before, Big Show was on thin ice on RAW as he was forced to apologize to the general manager. Big Show said that he was sorry, but Laurinaitis wasn't buying it. Despite Big Show getting down on his knees and begging for Laurinaitis' forgiveness, Big Johnny fired the World's Largest Athlete.
The firing was storyline-driven, of course, and wasn't legitimate, but it was still shocking to see the giant in such an emotional state. There are plenty of theories regarding how this might play out and it will certainly be interesting to keep an eye on.
My Take
The popular thought after the firing of Big Show is that he will return at Over the Limit and interfere in the match between John Cena and John Laurinaitis. If a WWE superstar interferes in the match then he will be fired, but since Big Show is already fired, it obviously makes him a prime candidate to either help Cena get Laurinaitis fired, or turn heel by helping Laurinaitis in return for his job back.
Considering that Big Show is 40 years old and is continually putting a lot of stress on himself due to his enormous frame, though, I anticipate that this storyline will lead to an extended layoff for the big man. Big Show has never been one of my favorites, but I respect the work he has done in the business and feel like he can still be valuable in getting young talent over. With that in mind, I hope he takes some time off and comes back reinvigorated down the line.
Read More:
Stipulations Announced for John Cena vs. John Laurinaitis at Over the Limit
3 of 5Things got a bit clearer on Monday with regards to the match between John Cena and John Laurinaitis at Over the Limit as the official stipulations were announced. Laurinaitis was angling to tip the scales in his favor, but the WWE board of directors handed down a memo that stated that the match would be one-on-one with pinfall and submission being the only way to win.
Also, it was announced that any superstar who interferes in the match will be fired. Additionally, if Laurinaitis loses, he will also be fired. Now, with all the odds stacked against Laurinaitis, there are a ton of possibilities for how the match might play out.
My Take
I have believed since the beginning that Laurinaitis would defeat Cena in this match and the stipulations set forth on RAW only confirmed that line of thinking. It has been made to look like Laurinaitis has absolutely no chance of winning, but more often than not, when that happens it means that the unlikely result will probably take place.
Since no WWE superstar can interfere, a past superstar or "fired" superstar figures to help Laurinaitis win. Most believe this will be either Big Show or Brock Lesnar, but my pick is Batista. There is constantly speculation that he might return, and considering that his last match two years ago was a loss to John Cena at Over the Limit, it sets up perfectly. Laurinaitis will be looking for a new person to "legitimize" the company, and Batista may be the one.
Read More:
WWE Signs Ric Flair's Daughter to Developmental Deal
4 of 5WrestlingInc.com is reporting that the WWE has signed "Nature Boy" Ric Flair's daughter, Ashley Fliehr Johnson, to a developmental contract. Fliehr is set to report to FCW over the summer where she will begin her journey toward becoming a WWE Diva.
Fliehr doesn't appear to have any wrestling experience herself, but she is a personal trainer and former Division I volleyball player at Appalachian State University. Her status as Flair's daughter obviously has something to do with her signing, but perhaps she inherited some of her dad's talent in the squared circle.
My Take
I'm never going to complain about the WWE taking a shot by signing somebody to a developmental contract. Many fans are probably miffed by this because Fliehr hasn't put time into the business to deserve a golden opportunity like this, but she certainly has some excellent genes so there is a chance that she could develop into something special.
My initial thought regarding the signing, though, was that it was a way to lure Flair back to the WWE. Flair has been with TNA for the past couple years because he is in need of the paycheck, but he has wasted away in that second-rate company and has constantly been embarrassed. With Flair being allowed to come back for the Four Horsemen Hall of Fame induction a month ago, perhaps the WWE wants him back in the fold as a manager. Flair may not be what he once was, but he can still be an asset as a mouthpiece in this business.
Read More:
Mark Henry Undergoes Surgery
5 of 5According to ProWrestling.net, Mark Henry underwent surgery on Tuesday, although The World's Strongest Man didn't specify the type of surgery or for how long he would be out of action. Henry has dealt with several nagging injuries since losing the World Heavyweight Championship to Big Show at TLC.
Henry has been with the company since 1996 and at 40 years of age it appears as though his career may be winding down. Hopefully whatever ills Henry is relieved by the surgery so that he can still go out and continue to perform before he is forced to retire.
My Take
For years upon years, Mark Henry was beyond stale as a wrestler and a character. He still is a pretty awful wrestler, but since turning heel last year, Henry's career has experienced a renaissance. Not only has he become extremely entertaining on the mic, but he was finally given a chance with the World Heavyweight Championship as he beat Randy Orton for the title at Night of Champions.
Henry's title reign wasn't overly lengthy, but it was definitely interesting to watch. Since losing the title, Henry's role has diminished and he hasn't been featured much in recent weeks. It's easy for a man his size to pick up some injuries along the way, so it's probably best that he get them corrected. I have thoroughly enjoyed Henry over the past year or so and am hopeful that the surgery is something he can bounce back from.
Read More:
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
