WWE Rumors (Page 8)

• Vince has lately be handing off some of his backstage duties to Stephanie McMahon ever since WrestleMania. Vince used to direct the shows, but the job has largely fallen on Stephanie and Triple H lately. They are now watching from the guerrilla position, joined by Vince only for the latter part of the show once his on-air duties are done.

• In Jim Ross’ latest blog he comments on what Paul Heyman has been up too: "I have spoken to Paul Heyman once, he called me to congratulate me on the HOF, since ties were severed with the WWE. He is busy writing movie scripts and working on a variety of other projects, none that I am aware of that have anything to do with wrestling. Your guess is as good as mine whether or not if Paul would or will ever return to the WWE in any capacity."

Expect WWE to book the upcoming edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event on June 2nd (that will be taped next Monday in Toronto) with tag matches that feature talent involved in the One Night Stand pay-per-view the very next night in Jacksonville, FL.

There has been a lot of speculation on what direction WWE will take with One Night Stand considering that it is no longer an event to showcase ECW talent. You can still expect several hardcore style gimmick matches to be booked.

As we saw on RAW last night, such is the case with a “Falls Count Anywhere” match and a “Street Fight’ already being announced. More matches should be confirmed at tonight’s SmackDown/ECW tapings.

• Mick Foley recently revealed during a promotional appearance for his new “Hardcore Diaries” book that he has considered retiring after this year’s SummerSlam, which will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York. Foley said that his knees are in the worst shape, but he is also suffering from chronic back and neck pain.

However, he feels that it was a small price to pay for all that he has accomplished. Foley revealed that he is in the training process for a big match.

• There is some concern within WWE that the improvements of the women’s division could be coming to an end with their main coach, Steve Keirn being removed from the road to start his new developmental territory in Tampa, Florida.

The current plan is to give Keirn’s territory up to six shows per week with a significant amount of funding. Most of the talent from Deep South Wrestling will join Keirn in the Sunshine State.

For those wondering about the Snitsky promos that have been airing on RAW, there is talk of him coming over to RAW to challenge John Cena for his WWE Championship at some point.

It looks as if WWE are trying to get Cena over as the modern day Hulk Hogan in terms of overcoming "monster challengers." But we'd just prefer him to take on deserving challengers.

With the recent injuries to Undertaker and Ken Kennedy, the tremendous amount of uncertainty regarding the future of Randy Orton, and the upcoming departure of Rob Van Dam, the WWE is in need of some big name superstars.

As a result, Dave Meltzer is reporting that due to recent circumstances, the company’s interest in Chris Jericho has escalated.

WWE was have said to have wanted the former Undisputed Champion back by the fall, perhaps for the three-hour October “season premiere” of RAW, but an internal decision has now been made to make a major play for Jericho to be available for SumemrSlam. Of course, this does not mean that Jericho is a lock to return to WWE as TNA Wrestling is also hot on the trail.

TNA would seem like the better option for Jericho considering that TNA is in Orlando, which is near his home and he could continue to spend time at home with his young children. However, given the way TNA has handled Kurt Angle, it has certainly appeared less attractive lately. Nonetheless, no formal offer has been made by either said and negotiations are casual at this time.

• William Regal has been campaigning for a singles push on the RAW brand. While there is less than a 50% of it happening, the idea has been approved by Triple H.

• WWE will be bringing back the WWE Diva Search again this year. While last year’s version of the search was considered a failure and tanked in the ratings, apparently when it comes to women in WWE, ratings aren’t a big issue. The winner of the competition will receive a one-year $250,000 contract, just like last year. WWE will interview candidates through mid-July and start on television soon thereafter.

• The next two WWE autobiographies will be Batista and Ted DiBiase. DiBiase’s is expected to be very good as one source says that it is anticipated that the “Million Dollar Man” is going to be very open and honest about his career. DiBiase has done an autobiography before, but it was more centered on religion. While his newest will include some of that, it has been said to focus more on stories regarding his unique career.

• JBL has been trying to get Vince McMahon to let him return to the ring on SmackDown. The former WWE Champion and current SmackDown announcer politicked by saying that the brand needs him with the injuries to Rey Mysterio, Undertaker, and Booker.

However, McMahon denied his request because he wanted to see a “full medical release.” One source says that the reason Vince doesn’t want JBL back in the ring is because he has become such an important fixture to the broadcast side of SmackDown, making Michael Cole much better at what he does.

• Chris Benoit has taken on MVP as somewhat of a “personal project.” Benoit feels at the age of 40 that he should give back to his profession by trying to guide a guy’s career that could help carry the company in the future.

MVP has become extremely popular backstage as he is said to be a hard worker that is always trying to learn more from the veterans of WWE.

The Wrestling-Observer Newsletter reports that WWE is attempting to sign Mexican/Mexican-American wrestlers Shocker, Mistico and Perro Aguayo, Jr. in an attempt to expand its support in the Hispanic community.

WWE is most optimistic about inking a deal with Shocker, an English speaker who has support from creative team member Dusty Rhodes.

Based on their statuses in Mexico, however, Mistico and Aguayo could prove more difficult to acquire, especially because there's a chance WWE won't provide them with major pushes upon debuting.

Interestingly, when the SmackDown! Juniors Division was first proposed, it was designed as a launching pad to turn Mistico into a star. However, by the time the Juniors proposal reached those at the top of the WWE food chain, it was turned into a midget comedy idea.

Vince McMahon has been bringing up specific, big-time names as he looks ahead to Wrestlemania 23.

Mick Foley and Chris Jericho are the main focus. As far as Jericho goes, nothing close to a deal has been negotiated yet. At one point Foley vs. McMahon was assumed to be penciled in, but talks of that have died down.

With Triple H now out of the event, it's even more likely former superstars will be brought in to build excitement for it.

Word is going around that the two main events for Wrestlemania 23 are almost set.

The most likely to take place is Batista vs. The Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Title. There's no discussion yet on which superstar would turn heel for this match, but it is probable that Taker's Wrestlemania winning streak will come to an end.

For RAW, the main event appears to be John Cena vs. Triple H for the title. However, WWE officials have no plans to turn either heel in the near future. Because they wish to keep Cena as champion until the event, though, he'd need to fight Triple H in order for Vince's son-in-law to share the spotlight.

The other match being debated is Hulk Hogan vs.The Big Show, but that seems more difficult with Show's current hiatus/retirement from the ring.

Nothing else is close to being set-up, but it's safe to assume Shawn Michaels, Kane, Edge, Umaga and King Booker will figure prominently. There will also be some sort of ECW title match.