WWE Rumors: Examining Latest Buzz Around Dana Brooke, Ethan Carter III and More

Arrivals of two different varieties caught fans' attention as Dana Brooke stormed onto WWE Raw and Ethan Carter III made headlines by crashing an EVOLVE show to trash his old company.

The latest backstage reports offered insight into what went on behind the scenes in both instances. We know now the rumored reasoning behind bringing up Brooke from NXT at this time. Her transition from Full Sail University to the main roster is reportedly an aftereffect of the injury bug.

As for Carter's incendiary speech over the weekend, one report revealed the part WWE apparently played in letting it happen.

In other news, officials are rumored to be considering additional tournaments for the WWE Network, and the company may not be done with handing out pink slips.

Backstage Word on Dana Brooke's Debut

On Monday's Raw, Emma suddenly reunited with her ally from NXT. Brooke ambushed Becky Lynch as the two heels overpowered the Irish Lass Kicker.

Why bring in Brooke now? It looks as if Team B.A.D.'s absence was the impetus. 

According to the Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Wrestling Inc) the thought process of having Brooke team with Emma again is to have the pair fill Tamina and Naomi's spot, as both those women are dealing with injuries.

That will address the depth issue, but Brooke is far from ready for the main roster. Her overacting is grating. Her in-ring work is often awkward.

Tamina and Naomi being hurt, though, will give her a chance to prove that she has improved enough to make WWE look smart here.  

Potential Network Add-Ons

The women's division may soon be getting a major boost.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc), officials have discussed doing a women's tournament after the Cruiserweight Classic (formerly the Global Cruiserweight Series). In addition, there have been talks about doing another edition of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.

Both of these are great ideas. With how much WWE has struggled to find airtime for Sasha Banks, Paige and others, it makes sense to create a new place to showcase them. This would be a huge opportunity for women like Banks, NXT's female stars and wrestlers looking to get signed with the company.

And last year's tag team tourney added intrigue to NXT for weeks. That should definitely become an annual tradition.

Both of these tournaments are win-win ideas. Adding exclusive, fresh content like this on the WWE Network ups its appeal. 

Backstage Note on ECIII Promo

During the main event at EVOLVE 61, TNA's ECIII made a surprise appearance, saving Drew Galloway from sure defeat. Carter then went on to call out Triple H, saying that he "blew it," a clear reference to Carter not making it as part of WWE and NXT.

(Video contains brief NSFW language.)

That moment certainly had fans talking. Many wondered if this was the beginning of a WWE-TNA feud. It isn't, but it is a display of the evolving relationship with EVOLVE and WWE.

Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t PWMania.com) that if WWE had a problem with the promo, it wouldn't have happened. 

That suggests that WWE and EVOLVE are working together to the point where the latter felt it had to run this promo by the former. WWE certainly doesn't have veto power elsewhere. 

If this was indeed a preapproved rant, its power is severely lessened. 

More Cuts Coming?

Damien Sandow and Wade Barrett were among the biggest names WWE released last week. The company cut ties with a total of eight talents, and the bleeding may not be over.

PWInsider's Mike Johnson reported, "For those asking about whether there are more releases coming, the word making the round internally in the company is the answer to that is yes. There was an expectation among some that there would be additional releases coming before the end of the month."

Darren Young just got a new gimmick, with Bob Backlund as his life coach, so it's likely not him. 

Zack Ryder, Fandango, R-Truth and Goldust have all been on TV more of late. That could mean that they are safe. 

As unpopular as it may be, Mark Henry could be the next guy shown the door. He hasn't been on WWE TV since WrestleMania.

His exit may be a byproduct of the company looking to move into the much-talked-about new era.