Smackdown will kick off Money in The Bank on June 18, 2017. It will air on pay per view and on the WWE Network. This is the card so far:
WWE Title Match: Jinder Mahal (c) vs. Randy Orton
Money in the Bank Ladder Match for WWE Title: AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Money in the Bank Ladder Match for WWE Smackdown Women’s Title: Becky Lynch vs. Carmella vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Natalya vs. Tamina
WWE Smackdown Tag Team Title Match: The Usos (c) vs. The New Day
Naomi is rumored to face off against Lana for the Smackdown Women’s Title at MITB. Breezango is also rumored to be in action as well.
Hideo Itami possibly leaving
Hideo Itami may be leaving WWE in the very near future. According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the decision is looming due to the spate of injuries suffered during the sensation’s run in NXT and possibly wanting to be closer to his family. He recently returned from a neck injury suffered this past October. His contract ends later this year and there’s no indication that he intends to extend his deal so far.
Austin Aries taking a break
Austin Aries (Daniel Healy Solwold Jr.) is planning on taking some time off to rehab nagging injuries and to promote his new book. The book is of note because it chronicles his being vegetarian in addition to being a professional wrestler. His fiancée, Rosita (Thea Trinidad), of Impact/TNA fame has signed with WWE earlier this week, as has Gunner.
Alexa & Nia headed to Total Divas
Nia Jax and Alexa Bliss are rumored to be joining Total Divas in a move to replace Eva Marie, who recently left the WWE to focus on acting. Team Rude should feature prominently on the seventh season of the show.
Hulkamania returns?
Talks between the WWE and Hulk Hogan have intensified according to rumors. At this point, it’s said to be a matter of “when” not “if” for Hulkamania to return to its birthplace. It would be a full circle for Hogan, who had become embroiled in a one of the more severe falls from grace in recent memory due to racial and sex tape scandals. It’s unclear what he role would have given the nature of his image as of late and WWE’s swooning PR as of late. The inevitable scenario of him having to address his sullied reputation, be it heckling or interview, is the main obstacle.
WWE new social media policy
In light of The Fappening 2.0 and the backlash against JBL’s bullying, the WWE has instituted a new social media policy for talents. Mandatory meetings were held at Raw and Smackdown tapings were they were instructed not to accept USB drives, to use discretion regarding posts, to be briefed by cybersecurity experts, and that only they and the company should have access to their respective social media accounts.
Dalton Castle coming to WWE?
WWE is said to be planning on making an overture to lure Dalton Castle to its growing ranks. Castle’s Ring of Honor contract is almost done and he’ll be a hot commodity as a free agent. The WWE has been on a tear as of late with the signings of Kaiji Hojo and Io Shirai last month.
Paige’s possible wedding
Embattled WWE Diva Paige and current Global Force Wrestling champion, Alberto Del Rio aka Alberto Patron, have moved their nuptials to July. Only time will tell if it’ll finally happen….
X-Pac Cleared
X-Pac (Sean Waltman) proved naysayers wrong as his alleged drug charges were dropped. Waltman was arrested at LAX for possession of meth and marijuana last month.
