WWE News & Rumor Roundup - RAW star tipped to become the next Steve Austin, Damian Priest apologizes, Backstage frustration
Welcome back to Sportskeeda Wrestling's WWE News & Rumor Roundup following an explosive SmackDown episode, where Paul Heyman got laid out by the new Bloodline. Over on RAW, an exciting talent could end up being an all-time great like Steve Austin, as per Hulk Hogan.
Damian Priest also issued a statement after being replaced from a recent show. The roundup also has some backstage details on the reason for some recent frustrations on the blue brand.
#1. Is Bron Breakker destined for greatness in WWE?
Thus far, most people think that the answer is a resounding yes! Even Hulk Hogan believes so. The Hulkster spoke exclusively to Sportskeeda Wrestling's Bill Apter and lavishly praised Bron Breakker.
The son of Rick Steiner has been positioned as the next big thing in WWE. Since debuting on RAW, Bron Breakker has been on a rampage, and Hulk Hogan agreed that Breakker was a special talent well beyond his years.
Hogan declared that Breakker could follow in the footsteps of Steve Austin, The Rock, and himself to become a megastar for the WWE.
"He's [Bron Breakker] something else. He's wise beyond his years. Number one, to be that intense and to know the red lights are on and to be able to stay in that zone. It's very impressive, so if they do the right thing with him that could be your next Stone Cold, The Rock, or Hulk Hogan. He could be the guy." [From 01:37 – 02:01]
Bron Breakker has been booked like an absolute destroyer since his first day on the main roster and seems set to be a main event star for years to come.
#2. Damian Priest apologies to the fans
Being the World Heavyweight Champion comes with significant responsibilities, and Damian Priest, sadly, couldn't fulfill a recent commitment. The RAW star was scheduled to face Jey Uso in a dark match following the latest SmackDown episode at the Madison Square Garden before being replaced by his fellow Judgment Day member.
However, Damian Priest was forced to miss the show due to travel issues and sounded quite disappointed in his statement. The Judgment Day member wrote that he was looking forward to wrestling the final match at the iconic MSG but just couldn't make it happen for reasons that were out of his control.
A "hurt" Damian Priest apologized to the fans in a heartfelt tweet, as you can see below:
"Unfortunately the honor of main eventing The Garden is not possible tonight. Still haven't taken off. Stuck on a plane in a runway. Very disappointed and apologies to my people. This one hurts. Enjoy the show! #SmackDown I'm sure will be awesome."
Damian Priest will face Seth Rollins at Money in the Bank in a match with incredibly high stakes apart from the championship being on the line. Rollins and Damian agreed on a gentlemen's agreement, where if El Campeon loses, he will be forced to leave The Judgment Day, and if The Visionary fails he will no longer be able to challenge for the World Heavyweight Champion until Priest is champion/
#3. Frustrations over SmackDown censorship
While WWE has recently pushed the envelope with its TV product, they are still not allowed to say many words on US television.
It seems like some of the restrictions might be annoying talents on SmackDown. Based on the sources Fightful spoke to, there are reportedly frustrations stemming from the heavy censorship and editing on Smackdown.
A long-time WWE talent, whose name wasn't disclosed, caught wind of a tweet about the excitement over SmackDown's return to the US. The talent, however, noted that watching those episodes could sometimes be a "chore."
An example of "f**k the pacers" being censored was brought up, and there is a feeling that almost every segment is at risk of getting edited. Even though it was the TV network's decision, the talent stated that fans wrongfully believed it was the WWE's production.
As WWE enjoys the benefits of a 'new era,' certain long-standing production roadblocks still remain.