WWE News and Rumours of the Day (September 23rd, 2017)

Let’s take a dive into the WWE news and rumours of the day, including two big potential returns, Jinder Mahal backlash, and John Cena spitting fire on the WWE locker room.

Firstly, as we all know, the world of pro wrestling news is filled with lies and nonsense – much like the industry itself – so remember, take the WWE rumours with a grain of salt. However, without further ado, let’s take a look…

Goldberg Returning, Again?!

WWE.com

The WWE recently posted an exclusive interview with Bill Goldberg, to mark his 20 years in professional wrestling, on their website.

During the interview the former Universal Championship disused a handful of topics, including WCW, Diamond Dallas Page, and most notably, a return back to WWE TV.

When asked, “Do you think we’ll see you back anytime soon?”, he replied, “ask your boss”, and laughed.

He continued:

"Hey, man, never say never, dude. Stranger things have happened. I did sit [around] for 13 years and then suddenly appear back in the ring. Let’s just say it ain’t gonna take nearly the effort to get me ready again that it did last time. So, I’ll see you on the rebound for damn sure."

So, does that mean a confirmed return? Well, no. However, it does suggest that the former World Champ still has plenty more left in tank (as Mark Henry would put it).

Goldberg was a big mover, in terms of ticket sales and revenue, on the latter end of 2016 and the start of 2017. Moreover, he helped in garnering old fans back to WWE TV. And to be honest, it would stupid for him not to have one last return – especially if he’s fit and ready to do it again.

WWE Release Statement On Jinder’s ‘Racist’ Promo

WWE.com

Following Jinder Mahal’s controversial promo on the most recent edition of SDLive, making fun of Shinsuke Nakamura, the WWE have released a statement.

For context, the WWE Champion said that fans call Nakamura ‘Mr. Miyagi’ (a Japanese character featured in The Karate Kid), as well as saying, “you always rook the same”.

"“Just like many other TV shows or movies, WWE creates programming with fictional personalities that incorporates real world issues and sensitive subjects. As a producer of such TV shows, WWE Corporate is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide”, said a spokesperson to The Washington Post."

The main reason the company have been forced to released a statement, is due to The Washington Post raising the issue. If it wasn’t for the publication writing the piece, I doubt the company would have had to.

However, the complaint made is valid. Whether in kayfabe in or not, the WWE shouldn’t be pushing the boundaries in this sense. I’m fine with having an undertone of stereotypes, conversely, when your Champion is spewing racist remarks, it’s not okay.

If they want to be controversial, that’s fine, just don’t make your Champ go out in front of a live crowd and make them chant “That’s too far!”, because your bound to get backlash.

Rob Van Dam Returning to WWE?

WWE.com

The former ECW Superstar has been missing from WWE TV since 2014, where he helped put over the likes of Cesaro and Seth Rollins. However, the high flyer may be considering a return to the WWE.

RVD was recently interviewed by Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, to promote his appearance at Booker T’s charity event on Sunday in Hollywood, and said:

"“I’m looking at 24 matches, all international, booked over the next 12 months. I don’t have any plans to share, but there is always a possibility of a return. I’ve talked to WWE recently, but it’s about the new video games that are coming out. That was more of a business talk about that, but when the business is right, and it’s the right time to go back, that, of course, is then always a possibility.”"

Obviously, it’s not concrete, however, RVD is usually quite coy with his answers regarding a WWE return. Much like Jericho, he usually pops out of nowhere. I guess time will tell.

Charlotte Flair: ‘I Knew My Dad Would ‘Kick Out’ of Coma!’

WWE.com

The last few months for the Flairs has not been a good one. Ric Flair, Charlotte’s dad, has been in hospital, in a coma, and then, finally, been released from hospital recently. As I said, not a good couple of months.

Thankfully, Ric Flair is now safe and healthy, and is even kicking the booze. Charlotte throughout the trouble was reportedly very supportive of her father, as one would expect, and during a recent interview with TMZ, she told the reporter that she knew her dad would kick out of the coma, as well as giving an update on Flairs’ health.

"She knew her father would “kick out” after a medical emergency left him in a coma … and says he’s doing MUCH better now. Charlotte says her father has finally been cleared to go home after living in a treatment center since he was released from the hospital — “We’re all happy.”"

After the last few month of anticipation, dread, and sadness, it’s good to finally see some hope back in The Nature Boy. Hopefully, he carry on staying sober, so he can outlive all of us!

John Cena Shoots On Everyone In The Locker Room?!

WWE.com

John Cena, the chosen boy, has always been a Vince McMahon favourite. I mean, it’s pretty obvious. However, being ‘the guy’ hasn’t held Cena back from trying to help other Superstars.

I know, I know, you’re probably shouting “Nexus” at your screen right now, but let’s leave that disaster aside. He does try and elevate other talent, that can’t be argued. And if he’s not elevating talent, he’s certainly motivating them.

On the latest edition of E&C’s Pod of Awesomeness, Cena seemed to take shots at almost everyone in the WWE locker room, most notably, Superstars that want the main event treatment, but aren’t putting in the work.

"“The amount of complacency is staggering. I mean, these guys are all so gifted and there’s never been a better time, ever, to make a name for yourself in WWE. With all of the platforms that we have, with Raw, with SmackDown, with NXT, we’re increasing our number of pay-per-views, we’re throwing so much content at the Network it’s obscene. We have so many guys who have so many chances I just don’t get it."

Clearly, John Cena has a lot – and I mean a lot – of leeway in the WWE, however, he’s not wrong in saying that a large portion of the guys coming in don’t take WWE by the grapefruits. We do see a ton of Superstar come in, with a lot of hype, who quickly fade away because they don’t jump at every opportunity.

Later on the podcast, Cena discussed his one main gripe about Roman Reigns.

"“In a very legitimate sense my biggest hang up with Roman Reigns as the frontrunner of the WWE is the fact that he seems to lack in his ability to communicate with the audience. It’s not that he can’t, because I know Roman. Socially, he’s a great guy. He has a presence that’s undeniable, so I know it’s there. Just nobody has had the nuts to try to bring it out of him, nobody. So my job in the WWE is to either be the best or be a vehicle for the best. I was going to go out there and rip that kid every single week until he said ‘enough.’ I thought his promo on Monday was brilliant.”"

I found this very telling. It seems funny that no one has really attempted to bring out the badass side of Roman, however, who else better than John?

It also seems like Cena is starting to get why the WWE are so hot on Reigns, furthermore, he just needed to bring it out of him to see it. And if I was to take a guess, I’d probably say that was a Vince call – getting Cena to test his new poster boy.

Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan Gets a Ten-Bell Salute

WWE.com

Last Sunday night, the pro wrestling world lost arguably the greatest manger of all time, Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan. He defined what it meant to be a heel, and will live on forever as not just one of the best commentators, or managers, but all round on-air personality.

The WWE did a fantastic job on producing video packages for ‘The Brain’ on Raw and SmackDown, however, some were annoyed that he didn’t get a ten-bell salute. Well, it seems like the WWE heard those complaints.

To kick-off an NXT live event in Lowell, on Thursday night (Sept. 21), the WWE finally paid tribute to Heenan with the ten-bell salute the fans have been waiting for.

Personally, I enjoyed the send off on the red and blue brands, however, who’s going to say no to one last goodbye to the weasel.

Next: WWE No Mercy 2017 Preview and Predictions

And that’s it! Make sure to check back in tomorrow for more daily WWE news and rumours.