EBWF News and Notes: 02/07/2016
By Mike Johnson on 2016-02-07 13:26:00
EBWF issued a press release earlier today revealing a number of changes to its administrative team. Perhaps the biggest change is that Jim Ross, who has been the EBWF's lead announcer since the company's inception, will move to a new role as Executive Vice President of Talent Relations. You can find full details of the changes by clicking here.
In a separate announcement, EBWF have revealed that Ross' co-commentator, Jerry Lawler, has decided to "retire from the weekly grind of travelling". Insiders say that Lawler was released from his contract, and he has already started accepting independent bookings. EBWF's new announce team going forward will be former ECW play-by-play announcer Joey Styles, who signed a deal with EBWF last month, and former NXT color commentator Corey Graves, who joined EBWF last year.
EBWF legends Bret Hart and Shane Helms, who returned at the Royal Rumble, are expected to be a big part of Wrestlemania XV. Hart is said to have signed a short-term deal until after Wrestlemania, while Helms is expected to work limited dates due to his family situation. Helms resides in Cameron, North Carolina with his daughter, and retired in 2008 in order to care for his daughter full-time.
One wrestler who may not be part of Wrestlemania is CM Punk. Punk is no longer being advertised for any future EBWF dates, and his profile has been moved to the alumni section of EBWF.net. Backstage sources have indicated that Punk requested a leave of absence for personal reasons, although nothing has been confirmed at this stage. Punk was rumored to be in talks with UFC last year and it's possible that the Chicago native will explore this option again.
EBWF Tag Team Champion Ryback injured his shoulder at the Royal Rumble, and is expected to be out of action for several weeks. A number one contenders match for the Tag Titles has been advertised for next week's Warfare, so it would appear that Wade Barrett will remain as champion with a replacement partner. This happened previously in 2014, when Randy Orton was injured and The Miz replaced him as champion.
Although he is still listed on the EBWF roster, expect The Rock's appearance at the Royal Rumble to be the last time you see him for a while. The Rock posted on his Instagram account yesterday that he has a "gruelling" shooting schedule over the next 12 months, with filming set to take place for Ballers, Baywatch, Rampage and Fast and Furious 8.
Another EBWF superstar who is expected to make limited appearances in 2016 is Lance Storm. Storm is currently training wrestlers at his Storm Wrestling Academy in Calgary, and has two further sessions planned from May to July, and September to December.
Bayley is said to have impressed EBWF officials with her positive attitude backstage. Rumor has it that Bayley is already being considered for a run as Women's Champion in the post Wrestlemania season.
According to backstage sources, Sasha Banks was originally set to win the Women's Royal Rumble, but the plan was changed a few days before the pay-per-view. The original plan for Wrestlemania XV was said to have been Sasha versus Trish Stratus in a rematch from Fanniversary. It is not yet known why these plans were changed.
One match that does appear to be set in stone for Wrestlemania XV is the main event, Wes Ikeda versus Chris Jericho. The Miz is not expected to get a rematch, and PJ Black looks set to cash in his PTG Title for a World Title shot at Aftermath.
Although he was not involved at the Royal Rumble, Sami Zayn is expected to return to action in the coming weeks. Zayn was written out of EBWF storylines at Christmas Eve of Destruction to allow him time to recover from a knee injury, although Zayn has now been cleared to compete. Zayn is expected to feud with AJ Styles and his long-time rival, Solomon Crowe.
