Reason Why WWE Is Pushing Lana As A Top Female Superstar

As seen on WWE programming, Lana made her debut as a SmackDown Live Superstar and is already being positioned a top spot on the brand in the female division. Dave Meltzer discussed her SmackDown Live Women’s Championship match against Naomi and her position on the roster during today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Radio.

Meltzer claimed that the company is adamant on having an attractive top WWE Superstar to represent the women’s division and this reason attributes her push within the company. He indicated that this role was originally planned for Eva Marie, but with her out of the picture they decided to go with Lana instead.

WWE Planning “Something Significant” for the UK Brand

Jim Ross briefly mentioned plans for the upcoming UK show for the WWE Network on today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Radio. While Ross didn’t reveal many details, he did mention that there are plans to do “something significant” for the brand. Ross said that talks are still on-going and the belief is he is just waiting to find out himself.

As previously noted, there was speculation that WWE would be adding a weekly show to the WWE Network that would consist of UK Superstars. The show was rumored to be taped once a month overseas once a month, with the shows airing later on the Network.

Possible Opponent for Kurt Angle’s First WWE Return Match

It was reported a couple weeks back via Wrestling Observer that the storyline plan for Kurt Angle’s text message that Corey Graves received that could “ruin Kurt” would ultimately lead to the return of Stephanie McMahon to weekly WWE programming.

Dave Meltzer indicated on today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Radio that the goal for this storyline is to eventual set up a match between Kurt Angle and Triple H. While Meltzer didn’t confirm exactly how it would go down, one could speculate that Stephanie McMahon could return to RAW and there could be a power struggle angle that leads to Triple H’s involvement.

In regards to when the match could take place, it is very unlikely that WWE would have a match of this caliber at one if their “B” pay-per-view events. It’s more likely that a match between The Man of 3 H’s and the Olympic Gold Medalist take place at one of their “Big 4” events — SummerSlam, Survivor Series, Royal Rumble or WrestleMania. It’s just a matter of how long the company wants to stretch this storyline out.

Hideo Itami Leaving WWE This Year?

During the mailbag segment on today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer was asked about the rumors of Hideo Itami leaving WWE once his contract is up this year. Meltzer mentioned that he didn’t know for sure if Itami would leave, but he could see it happening. Meltzer explained that Itami has a lot of family in Japan and he could see him leaving WWE to head to New Japan.

As many of you are aware, Itami has had several injuries since coming to WWE several years ago. He seems to get hurt every time he builds any momentum on the NXT brand and it sets him back. Several of his peers that joined NXT around the time he did are already on the main roster doing big things while he is still trying to overcome the developmental system. It should be interesting to see how his career plays out in WWE with his contract nearing expiration this year.

Possible Match for Sunday’s Extreme Rules

Dave Meltzer mentioned on the latest installment of Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE has been building for a future match between Goldust and R-Truth on weekly RAW programming.

Meltzer said that the match could be added to Sunday’s Extreme Rules event. It was not mentioned if a stipulation would be added to the gimmick pay-per-view match or not, but it’s possible. We will let you know if they announce the match ahead of the show.

What’s Next for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles?

As seen at Sunday’s WWE Backlash event, The Fashion Police faced The Usos in a losing effort for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Titles. This match saw a lot of comedy and overall got a lot of negative and positive feedback from fans on social media.

Dave Meltzer discussed this match on today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Radio. Meltzer indicated that The Fashion Police are just a comedy act and shouldn’t be taken seriously. Meltzer also added that the only reason they received a shot at the tag team titles is because the company is trying to buy some time for the next challengers, The New Day.

WWE has been keeping The New Day off television while Kofi Kingston recovers from his injury. PWInsider reported earlier today that they are expected to return to SmackDown this coming Tuesday to promote a WWE Network special. It is unknown if they will actually be returning full-time on this show, or if it is just for a one-time appearance until they are ready to return.

Jim Ross Announcing for Upcoming Women’s Tournament

While appearing on Busted Open Radio, Jim Ross confirmed that he will be doing the play-by-play commentary for the upcoming WWE Women’s tournament which will take place this summer.

Lucha Underground Doing A Talent Exchange with Impact Wrestling?

While speaking to Interactive Wrestling Radio, Lucha Underground Producer Vampiro was asked about rumors of Lucha Underground possibly doing a talent exchange with Impact Wrestling. Vampiro mentioned that maybe it could happen later down the road someday but for now that is the deal between AAA and Impact and not Lucha Uderground.

“No, that is not going to happen. That is a deal between AAA and Impact. Impact will have matches on AAA shows, for example. We will integrate some of our talent into TNA. Hopefully, eventually, way down the line, maybe do some inter-company angles. Baby steps. We want to do it right.”

Vampiro also commented on the return of Lucha Underground Season 3 on El Rey on May 31st.

“I think everybody’s kind of waiting on it, you know what I mean? There’s such a cool vibe around the show. After such a long time, people are getting used to the idea that we are a TV show based on wrestling and there is going to be a season split. I think in this day and age, it is refreshing to have that. The other companies that are going strong, you really don’t mind it if you miss a week or two or even a month. It is almost too much sometimes. TO have us coming back, we’ve got people ready for it. It is a pretty good feeling. We’re all motivated!”