Thursday, July 26, 2018

WWE Rumors 7/26/18 - What happened to Hayden? Reactions to Matthew, Ziggler, new movies in the works? Much more!

We're sure this is the scoop you've all come from, and we've got it right here for you. What happened to Hayden Storms, or Hayden Washington, before No Way Out? He was advertised for the show right up to the point the show actually happened, where he was then pulled from all advertising and mention, and an indefinite suspension was announced. WWE CEO and COO Alan and Anthony Snyder have been oddly quiet about what transpired, but thankfully for you, we have the FACTS right here.

Apparently, after Paul Star's annual tantrum and walk-out, executives were scrambling for a replacement. It had been known for about a week that Star most likely was going to no-show the PPV, so Anthony and Alan balanced their options for a contingency pertaining to Alan's match. Originally, the replacement would have been Butch Gilzean, but Butch caught vertigo after his Elimination Chamber match earlier in the night. In typical Anthony fashion, he had a contingency for the contingency, and that was, you guessed it, Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler, Anthony, and Alan were actually in talks a weekend before No Way Out as rumored, although it appeared plans fell through. Ziggler was actually well hidden backstage until someone (we're told it was CM Punk) tipped Hayden off that Ziggler was backstage. After their previous falling out, it would be an understatement to say Hayden was livid at Dolph's presence. 

After learning this, Hayden talked to Alan, who was having a conversation with his son, Aaron, and Zack Gustin. When Aaron said he wasn't exactly against the idea of Dolph being back, Hayden shouted "fuck you", much to the dismay of Snyder. Aaron and Hayden proceeded to get into a shouting match before Zack took Aaron off to the side to calm things down. The action quickly shifted to Alan and Hayden, with Washington asking Alan why he would bring Dolph back. Alan said it was necessary and he didn't appreciate Hayden's attitude, after which Hayden opened and closed his hand in Alan's face, ignoring him, prompting Alan to grab Hayden rather aggressively. Zack, Aaron, Chavo, Seth, Dean (Hellblazer), and Roman Reigns broke up any further physical altercation. Alan asked Hayden for an apology to both himself, Aaron, and the entire locker room for unprofessional-ism. Hayden said that if Alan went through with bringing Ziggler back, he was going to walk out that door. Alan told Hayden, "it is what it is." And with that, we're told that Hayden threw his title on the floor, went, packed his things, and left. Multiple people tried to talk him out of it, mainly (also returning) Matthew Ehlert, who had a conversation with Hayden the entire duration of the bag packing and the walking.

So, there you have it. Hayden Washington walked out on the company, and although they have him on an "indefinite suspension" as of now, by the end of the week Alan is expected to terminate his contract. 

The decision to put the title on Matthew was made at literally 12 A.M Tuesday, though there was still the possibility that Zack could be crowned champion. Ultimately, Ziggler was still on his "probationary" period since returning and couldn't be awarded the title, Alan didn't want the strap heading into Mania like last year, and Anthony didn't trust Zack with a World Title so soon (keep that in mind). As such, Matthew's strong reaction he got from the crowd on his return and the general reaction from the locker room prompted Chandler to pen Matthew as the new WWE Champion. Gustin was reportedly upset backstage, but Alan managed to talk him down before anything chaotic could happen. Matthew and Aaron hugged it out after the champion arrived in the backstage area, and the two of them shared some heartfelt words. Initially, there was concern that Matthew's star power had faded as a face, but that clearly doesn't appear to be the case. 

Ryan Nathen and Aaron Snyder are set to have a showdown at WrestleMania. There's been some murmurs backstage of extending the feud, but that remains to be seen. Management is still high on both Ryan Nathen and Aaron Snyder. Aaron's original opponent for Mania was Paul Star, though of course those plans fell through. 

Apparently a teaser for WWE Studios' upcoming projects was shown behind closed doors at San Diego Comic Con, and concept art for a possible reboot of the Snyder horror franchise was showcased. If we find out more, we'll let you know.

Jake Carter's "Canadian Championship" was originally expected to go to Kevin Owens, but plans changed after Anthony sat down to discuss contract negotiations with Carter. Jake's contract is way more flexible now, allowing him to work his UFC dates, as well as taking days off for training purposes. Alan was able to meet with Dana White to finalize the contract dates. One person who isn't happy about Jake's return is CM Punk, who has been overheard saying that Alan's a "dunderhead" for ever hiring him back.

Seth Rollins has some minor heat from missing RAW on Tuesday. Our reporters haven't learned the actual reason why he missed, but Alan was reportedly none too happy about it. 

Rapper and singer Kanye West appeared on Aaron Snyder's Instagram live video to announce that he'll be at WrestleMania to perform Aaron's entrance. Speaking of celebrity appearances, Will Smith is set to be the celebrity host of WrestleMania in Las Vegas.

Batista is currently scheduled to face either Dolph Ziggler or Zack Poe at WrestleMania. There has been talks of a triple threat between the three, with the winner getting a title shot against the WWE Champion later in the night or at another pay per view. There has been talks of entering Ziggler into the WWE Title match, which would mark 3 years in a row the WWE Championship has been contested in a triple threat. No plans are final as we've heard.

In an interesting bit of news, the old WWF New York restaurant appears to be making a return as "WWE New York" in, you guessed it, New York City. Floyd Mayweather is owning the restaurant, while another one, called "WWE Miami" will be run by Aaron Snyder. 

WWE is looking to make WrestleMania a much shorter show this year, aiming for a scope in the same vein as WrestleMania III. 

Brock Lesnar was spotted backstage on Tuesday's RAW, reportedly meeting with Anthony and Alan. Not much else is known but it's expected that he may be competing in a match at WrestleMania.