Hello and welcome to the WrestleTalk News, I am Luke Owen.
Headline: Raw On Xmas Day
Every wrestler down in Wrestleville liked Christmas a lot, but The Vince who lived just
North of Wrestleville, did not.
It has been revealed by WWE - for the first time ever - Raw will be broadcast live on
Christmas Day and New Years Day.
WWE.com broke the news saying they will “best serve you, the WWE Universe, during the Holiday
season.”
This may be a treat for fans, but it does mean that the Raw performers won't get their
usual time off during this period to spend it with their families.
One such family member dismayed by this news was Matt Hardy’s wife Reby who tweeted along
with a picture of The Grinch: “Christmas is ruined DOUR FACE EMOJI, SINGLE TEAR EMOJI.”
The Vince hated Christmas!
The whole Christmas season!
Now please don't ask why.
No one quite knows the reason.
Well it turns out someone does know the reason.
According to Jeff Hardy’s wife Beth, the call to air Raw live on Christmas and New
Years Day did not come from WWE or The Vince, but instead USA Network.
“Apparently it's the network’s decision.”
You're a mean one Mr. USA Network, you really are a heel.
Headline: Real Reason JBL Quit WWE Smackdown Live
JBL announced last Friday that he would stepping down as the colour commentator for Smackdown
Live to focus on his charity work for at-risk youths.
And while that is true, according to Sports Illustrated, that's not the only reason.
They claim “the decision for Layfield to exit the WWE began 11 months ago when his
contract expired last October” - long before the Mauro Ranallo bullying allegations blew
up just before WrestleMania.
Barrasso’s report notes that although JBL was involved in the alleged bullying of Ranallo
- which led to Mauro quitting the company - he wasn't the main culprit and was instead
used as the scapegoat.
There was a big call from fans for JBL’s firing - including Fire Bradshaw chants at
several shows following the news - and the board of directors were reportedly very unhappy
with him keeping his high profile position.
Vince didn't fire or punish JBL, however, as he “instead correctly gambled that the
story would simmer, which was greatly aided by Ranallo re-signing with the company to
broadcast NXT.”
Another reason for JBL leaving was the stress of travel.
In WWE your travel is arranged for you and you are emailed the dates so you know in advance.
Although JBL only worked Tuesdays for Smackdown Live, his travel was actually booked for him
to arrive on the Sunday beforehand.
For the last two months, however, Bradshaw has been changing his travel arrangements
for him to arrive just in time for Smackdown Live.
According to Sports Illustrated, he was recently confronted by WWE officials about this - and
that was when JBL officially handed his notice in.
“While company officials believed Layfield was simply burnt out from travel, he surprised
executives when he put in his notice shortly after being confronted.”
Headline: Corey Graves To Call Raw & Smackdown Live
And we won't have to wait until tonight to see who has replaced JBL on Smackdown Live
as WWE has confirmed Corey Graves will step into his role, with NXT colour commentator
Nigel McGuiness filling in on 205 Live.
Many wondered if this meant he’d be leaving Monday nights, but brand split be damned,
Graves revealed he’s doing both shows.
“Just to clear up any confusion, I’m NOT leaving Raw, I’m joining Smackdown Live
too!
Hey Shinsuke Nakamura, get that knee ready.”
To which Nakamura himself replied with Corey’s signature NXT call:
“KINSHASAAAAA!”
Roman Reigns is letting out his inner heel!
And why is Sasha Banks unhappy with WWE right now?
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I've been Luke Owen, and that was wrestling.