Vince McMahon

Goldberg doesn't appear to have many fans in the WWE locker room not named Vince McMahon. After making some recent comments, it doesn't appear Roman Reigns will be one of them.

Goldberg recently spoke to American Monster Productions and responded to Reigns' ribbing of him headbutting a door prior to entering the ring in a tweet all the way back in January.

"Roman, you're a joke, first of all. Second of all, when he ragged on me about headbutting the doors and stuff, you know, I never really explained my whole thought process on that," Goldberg said (34:50 mark).

"For you guys to get the character that you got, I had to do certain things. Well, one of them was headbutt the door. Right? And that may, on the outside, look like a stupid move, but as I mentioned, we all weigh the positives and negatives, so it's very positive to make it as violent as humanly possible, and as real as humanly possible, and all the negative is you lose a little blood and hey, man, you get another concussion and cut a week off your life."

For context, here is Reigns' tweet:

So, here's the thing. Roman is right, and the entirety of Goldberg's quote is ridiculous on several levels.

It is stupid to headbutt a door. Sorry, that's just, like, science.

Secondly, of all the iconic traits of the Goldberg character, headbutting a door is somewhere way down the list.

The knock on the locker room door? Cool. The escort to the ring? Awesome. The walking through the pyro and breathing smoke into the camera? Sensational.

While we didn't know much about CTE during Goldberg's initial run and could excuse it as a relic of a past era, it was in no way a necessary part of the character. And it was especially unnecessary for someone in his 50s, given what we now know about traumatic brain injuries.

To dismiss a concussion as something that might "cut a week off your life" ignores those scientific advances and is a dangerous narrative to push.

UFC President Dana White offered some insight to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson after the WWE legend purchased a stake in the XFL.

White told TMZ Sports that Johnson might benefit from bringing the XFL back as quickly as possible to fill the general content void amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"If I was The Rock, I would try to get that rolling as fast as I could," White said. "I'd try to get that on television ASAP. I guarantee you there's a ton of networks that would do it."

He added that he plans to reach out to Johnson personally to discuss "what I think he needs to do on the COVID side of this thing."

White's advice for Johnson may not be all that practical, though.

The XFL is effectively starting over again after the league suspended operations and went into bankruptcy. The Athletic's Daniel Kaplan also reported on July 28 that ESPN and Fox Sports "are seeking major changes to their contracts" they signed with the XFL ahead of its sale.

Even before the pandemic threw everything into disarray, the XFL's ratings were trending downward, raising questions about its long-term viability.

The Alliance of American Football was rushed into production to beat the XFL to the punch as the spring football alternative. The AAF still unraveled less than two months after it opened its 2019 season as a result.

Vince McMahon took a more deliberate approach with the XFL, and that still wasn't enough to ensure its survival for a full season.

And this is to say nothing of the health and safety protocols that would need to be in place amid the pandemic. The XFL had eight teams for its 2020 season. Carrying that number of franchises over to its next season would make it easier to house operations in one central location to set up a bubble, but that would still require a lot of work behind the scenes to become a reality.

Dany Garcia, who's among the investors in the XFL, told ESPN's Kevin Seifert the plan is to relaunch for next season. However, fans will likely remain a little skeptical the third time will be the charm for the league.

WWE has something special on its hands with a Superstar as unique as Aleister Black. 

But WWE has to recognize it and amplify it. 

It sure doesn't seem like Vince McMahon and the powers behind the company seem intent on doing so, though—or even making much of an effort. 

Black, previously untouchable in the ring and boasting one of the deadliest finishers in pro wrestling today, has been stuck in a mishmash of a feud with Buddy Murphy and also recently took a loss to Seth Rollins. 

Normally, sticking around in a feud with Murphy and losing to Rollins wouldn't be the biggest ordeal. But according to Alex McCarthy of TalkSport (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), McMahon himself thinks Black's character "will limit him." Sportskeeda's Tom Colohue (h/t Ortman) even noted McMahon sees some Cesaro in Black in this regard. 

The idea a character can limit a star in WWE is complete nonsense, of course. WWE has no problems dipping into the mystical, with stars like the Undertaker and Bray Wyatt as the notable examples. One of the top groups of all time throws pancakes into the crowd. Example upon example throughout history exists, but it's clear the thinking is off-base if Black's name is coming up alongside Cesaro.  

Black's character is an amazing one. He's got the deadly in-ring stuff going for him and his promo work carries a certain intensity to it most Superstars can't make believable. There's also a mystical element to his character that could easily make him the next Undertaker. 

Speaking of Undertaker, even the deadman himself has made his character work in 2020. He's gone a little away from the mystical and leaned back more into his American Badass persona. But even a recent pre-taped match he worked featured him teleporting around and calling down lightning. 

Maybe part of the reason it doesn't seem like Black's character could work is because WWE hasn't really tried. He's popped out of a casket for his match entrances before, but it's pretty clear he hasn't been able to fully work the dark arts things he has going for him.

Done well, it would be believable to see someone like Black hunting down Wyatt's The Fiend or challenging Undertaker. Done badly, he's stuck in tag-team matches concerning Rey Mysterio's kid. 

That's why the recent losses hurt so much, too. Black was clearly one of the most protected assets in WWE as he dismantled opponents. A streak of sorts could've worked. At least acknowledging that Black finally lost a singles match and making it feel like a big deal would've helped. Instead, things just keep going the ho-hum route in the midcard, and Black's getting little room to develop. 

Like most examples of failed main-event pushes, WWE hasn't put in the work. Braun Strowman is having a forgettable run as a top champ right now because the company so clearly missed pulling the trigger on him at the right spots in the past and hasn't spent any time developing his character. 

There's main-event star potential with Black. He's unique with a character WWE could easily put to work in amazing ways, and his skillset as a striker means his matches, not just the promos and character work, would be must-see stuff for fans. 

Instead, fans have their first hints of typical problematic WWE thinking. Which is a shame more than usual with Black, because as Taker's career comes to a close, there's a massive hole in the roster. Black has the ability to fill that void for a long time, but it takes company backing. If fans can see it and WWE can't, what can fans do? 

Not much, unfortunately. But as with all things WWE, there is plenty of time for plans and direction to change. Black's talent and character work still has the potential to elevate him up the roster organically, but downswings like this and seemingly misguided long-term thought processes mean it's going to take longer than it has any right to for him to ascend. 

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe. 

Moxley Takes Another Shot at Vince McMahon

AEW World champion Jon Moxley had some less-than-flattering things to say about WWE Chairman Vince McMahon on Tuesday.

During an appearance on Busted Open Radio (h/t Felix Upton of Ringside News), Moxley discussed one of the biggest differences between working in AEW and working in WWE:

"Pressure is having a two-page script written by a 74-year-old madman that makes no sense to you that's going to make you look stupid and your on worldwide TV live and you have to memorize every single line and somehow try to pull it off and not look like a total jackass. That's pressure. A lot of times I did pull that off. A lot of times I didn't. But, I'll never have to be in that situation again. Now I just get to be me and it's a nice feeling."

Moxley wrestled as Dean Ambrose in WWE from 2012-19. He spent some of that time as a member of The Shield and went on to become WWE champion after The Shield broke up.

Moxley also held the Intercontinental and United States Championships, and he was consistently an important part of WWE programming.

He was often put in comedic situations due to his ability to excel in those spots, however, Moxley made it clear after leaving WWE that he didn't appreciate being pigeonholed.

Mox was spoken often about how unhappy he was in the WWE system since leaving the company, and he is especially against the idea of being handed a script and not being given any wiggle room to inject his own voice into his promos.

That hasn't been a problem for Mox is AEW, and he has quickly developed into one of the company's top stars due to his in-your-face character, realistic-sounding promos and quality in-ring work.

Moxley seems to be doing everything in AEW that he wanted to do in WWE, and his comments suggest he has no plans to go back to WWE in the future.

Moon Criticizes WWE's Booking of Women's Division

WWE Superstar Ember Moon has been out of action since September 2019 with a ruptured Achilles, but she is still keeping up with the product from home.

On Tuesday, Moon discussed the women's title scene on her Twitch stream (h/t Upton), and questioned the need for both Bayley and Sasha Banks to be double champions:

"Why do we need two double champions? Is SummerSlam going to be like low-key Evolution with Sasha and Bayley wrestling for their singles titles and also for the tag titles? Is that a thing? Are we just reliving Triple H [and Steve Austin, Two Man Power Trip] from 2001? Sasha and Bayley have done a great job with a limited roster, but there are too many people sitting at home to tie up all the titles with two people."

Bayley is the longest-reigning SmackDown Women's champion of all time, and she and Banks beat Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships several weeks ago.

Banks made good on their promise to hold all the gold on Monday's episode of Raw when she beat Asuka by count-out to win the Raw Women's Championship. Stephanie McMahon stipulated that the title could be won by any result after the shenanigans that occurred during their match at Extreme Rules.

Asuka was counted out when she attempted to save her friend Kairi Sane, who was getting beaten down by Bayley backstage.

Moon wasn't a fan of that angle either, as she felt Sane should've been in more imminent danger before Asuka ran out of the ring to save her.

Ember added:

"I get we're supposed to be angry, and kudos to them for making us angry. No one wanted Asuka to lose, everyone wanted NXT Asuka back and having an undefeated streak. That's what WWE does. I fell for the ploy of 'I'm angry because I saw my friend Asuka lose the title in a crappy way.' Are we gonna have Sasha just lose the title to Lacey Evans or transfer Naomi over? They're building to SummerSlam, right? As a fan, I feel like I got ripped because once again, I don't get Bayley vs. Sasha."

With Becky Lynch away due to her pregnancy and Charlotte Flair currently out of the picture after undergoing a procedure, two top spots were left open in the women's division, and the tandem of Bayley and Sasha have seized them.

Bayley and Sasha are regularly appearing on both Raw and SmackDown, having great matches, cutting entertaining promos and showing what it means to be a heel.

Seeds have been planted many times for a Sasha vs. Bayley match, as Moon alluded to, but since they've been so good as a pairing, it may not be the time to break them up, especially since WWE would likely prefer to save that huge moment for a time when fans are in attendance.

If that's the case, then WWE is wise to get the most they can out of Banks and Bayley as a team while they can.

WWE Provides Mysterio Injury Update

WWE provided an update on Rey Mysterio on Tuesday following his loss to Seth Rollins in an Eye for an Eye match at Extreme Rules.

WWE.com released the following statement on Mysterio's status: "WWE Digital has learned that Rey Mysterio's vision is improving slowly each day and that his optic nerve is intact, completely secured and back in its socket. A timeline for Mysterio's return to the ring is unknown at this time."

At Extreme Rules, WWE simulated Mysterio's eyeball popping out of its socket. He hasn't been heard from since, but Mysterio's son, Dominick, appeared on Monday's episode of Raw.

Dominick got beaten down by Rollins and Murphy before Aleister Black made the save, but Murphy then pushed Black's eye into the corner of the steel steps just as Rollins did to Mysterio previously.

Dominick was able to make a comeback and fight off both Rollins and Murphy with a kendo stick, but the rivalry between them appears far from over.

It seems likely that the update WWE provided on Mysterio is its way of setting the stage for him to return eventually, perhaps as soon as SummerSlam provided Dominick ends up in a singles or tag team match against Rollins.

Mysterio and Dominick working side by side is an intriguing storyline WWE could get a lot out of, and all signs point to that being the case some time in the not-too-distant future.

Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: some language NSFW).

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from WWE and AEW. 

Adam Cole Apologizes for Pat McAfee Outburst

Adam Cole issued an apology Monday for his expletive-ridden rant at Pat McAfee on his podcast last week:

Cole took exception to several McAfee comments, including saying he does not compare to Shawn Michaels and that he was somewhat "small." Most who watched the show thought it was a work. McAfee works for WWE in addition to his podcasting duties and is a former NFL player, so it wouldn't have been a surprise if this were part of a storyline.

However, Cole's apology seemingly puts that to bed.

Vince McMahon Wishes Triple H Happy Birthday

Monday is Triple H's 51st birthday. WWE chairman Vince McMahon took to Twitter with a nice message to honor his son-in-law:

Styles Wants McIntyre At WrestleMania 37

AJ Styles still isn't quite done with the Undertaker—even if The Deadman says he's retired. Styles told BT Sport he hopes Undertaker wants to continue their rivalry at SummerSlam in search of his first Intercontinental championship. 

When he's done with that, though, Styles says he's setting his sights on winning the Royal Rumble and challenging Drew McIntyre for the WWE title.

"Drew McIntyre would definitely be fun. It would definitely be fun to get in the ring with someone like that, with someone who understands who they are and understands what AJ Styles has got to do to beat someone like Drew McIntyre," Styles said, per Wrestling Inc.

"It would definitely be different, and it would be fun too. It would be hard-hitting, there's no doubt about that. I guarantee you that it would be hard-hitting. So yeah, how about Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania?"

This, of course, assumes McIntyre holds onto the championship for a full year into WrestleMania 37 season. His reign has shown no signs of slowing down, and it's unlikely he'll end his current program with Dolph Ziggler by dropping the strap.

If we get to Rumble season and McIntyre is still champ, a Styles matchup could be a showstopper. 

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.

Orton vs. Edge Reportedly Planned for WrestleMania 37

Randy Orton and Edge have competed in two highly touted matches since WrestleMania 36 in April, but the conclusion to their rivalry reportedly may not occur for quite some time.

According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t WrestlingInc.com's Marc Middleton), the current plan is for Orton and Edge to face each other in an I Quit match at WrestleMania 37 in Los Angeles on March 28, 2021.

The date and location of WrestleMania 37 could potentially change because of the coronavirus pandemic, but WWE is still moving forward with the idea of holding it at SoFi Stadium in the L.A. area.

The reported plan for Edge vs. Orton to conclude eight months from now likely has something to do with the fact that Edge suffered a torn triceps in his loss to Orton at Backlash, which means he will be out for a significant period of time.

Edge made a shocking return in the 2020 men's Royal Rumble match after missing nearly a decade with a neck injury. Orton turned on him the next night on Raw, which led to a Last Man Standing match at WrestleMania 36 won by Edge.

They did battle again in a match at Backlash that was dubbed the "Greatest Wrestling Match Ever" beforehand. Edge and Orton truly did deliver a great match, and The Viper won by hitting Edge with a low blow and then punting him.

Edge later vowed to get revenge on Orton upon returning and said he would be coming back as the Rated-R Superstar.

The promos and matches between Edge and Orton have been so good that it's likely WWE fans will embrace the possibility of them going at it on The Grandest Stage of Them All should the reported plan come to fruition.

Styles Comments on Possibly Wrestling for AEW

AJ Styles isn't completely closing the door on wrestling for AEW one day, but he seems intent on remaining in the WWE family for a long time to come.

Styles was asked Thursday night on his Twitch stream (h/t WrestlingInc.com's Robert Gunier) if he would ever consider working for AEW.

The Phenomenal One responded: 

"As far as AEW is concerned, never say never, right? But I think once my career is done, I'm hopefully just going to work for WWE in some capacity. What would I do? I'd like to be a recruiter, go scout some guys. I think that would be fun. I would have no problem going to the indies. I know we have scouts going to weightlifting contests and what not to get these big guys."

Even at the age of 43, Styles is still on top of his game from an in-ring perspective. He had a legendary Boneyard match with The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36 and then went on to win a tournament to become Intercontinental champion.

On last week's episode of SmackDown, Styles beat Matt Riddle in a widely praised match to retain the Intercontinental title.

After signing a new contract with WWE last year, Styles said it would be his final deal as an in-ring performer. It isn't publicly known how long the contract is for, but it stands to reason that Styles is planning to retire from active competition in the coming years.

If Styles remains true to his word, then that likely means fans will never get the opportunity to watch him wrestle in AEW.

Styles has a wealth of knowledge regarding what it takes to succeed in the wrestling business, as he became a big star in not only WWE but also TNA, Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Given his experience and incredible list of accomplishments, it stands to reason that WWE will do whatever it takes to keep him in the fold in some capacity for a long time to come.

McMahon Reportedly Focused on Building New Stars

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon reportedly has an eye toward the future and a desire to build new stars within the company.

According to Meltzer (h/t Middleton), McMahon has said that with WrestleMania 36 in the rear-view mirror, now is the ideal time to start making new stars.

John Cena is focused on making movies, Roman Reigns has been gone since before WrestleMania due to coronavirus-related concerns and Brock Lesnar hasn't been seen since WrestleMania either, which means there are open spots near the top of the card.

WWE champion Drew McIntyre is among those who have stepped up to occupy one, as he beat Lesnar at WrestleMania and has received a significant push since then.

Standbys like Orton, AJ Styles, Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman have been put in important positions as well, but there are other younger stars further down the card who could benefit from being put in more substantial angles as well.

The women's division has also been a huge focus with Sasha Banks, Bayley and Asuka leading the way in that regard, although WWE could benefit from getting more of their talented women involved.

Now is the perfect time to experiment and take chances since there are no fans in attendance, and that may be contributing to McMahon's reported desire to build new stars.

Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: some language NSFW).

WWE executives Vince McMahon, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon collectively sold more than $1.5 million worth of stock this week.

According to Wrestling Inc's Raj Giri, SEC filings show that Vince sold 12,762 shares worth $590,370.12, Triple H sold 10,628 shares worth $491,651.28 and Stephanie sold 11,167 shares worth $516,585.42.

The McMahons and Triple H were some of the several WWE executives who sold shares at $46.26 apiece ahead of WWE's 2020 second quarter earnings report, scheduled for July 30.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic forcing WWE to run shows without fans since March, including WrestleMania 36, the company reported strong earnings for the first quarter of the year.

On the strength of massive television contracts with Fox and NBCUniversal, WWE reported revenue of $291 million and a net income of $26.2 million.

WWE made cuts across the board in April as a means of counteracting the financial effects of the pandemic. Several wrestlers were released, while many people in other departments were fired or furloughed.

The lack of fans has seemingly hurt interest in the product, as the Raw and SmackDown viewership numbers have been down. In fact, July 13's Raw set a record low in viewership with just 1.687 million viewers.

Even so, Raw and SmackDown are still performing well in the 18-49-year-old demographic compared to the competition, and the shows are generating better viewership than what the networks might otherwise have in their places.

As a result, WWE seemingly remains locked into its television deals comfortably, and that should lead to another profitable quarter when earnings are announced at the end of July.

Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: some language NSFW).