I don’t think Vince ever really forgave Rusev when Lana posted their engagement to social media when they were supposed to be on the outs in their storyline. In Vince’s world, that is the kind of thing that the man should control. Vince’s world doesn’t have to make sense. After that, Rusev had the absolute gall to get himself over organically, and Vince hates that.
As for Ryder, Vince never saw him above mid-card jobber, and no matter how much he did to get himself over, Vince’s impression was never going to change. But Vince sees something he likes in Corbin. So even though fans tend to like Ryder and Rusev over Corbin, Vince “sees” something different. Sad thing about Vince’s first impressions is that once he labels you, nothing short of a near-literal rocket strapped to one’s back is going to change his mind. Hell, see Kofi Kingston for the perfect example. After strapping the rocket to his back, Vince used him up and though he still had fuel left, he got jobbed while still champion. He didn’t even get to be competitive against Lesnar.
ETA: To dzeiger’s point, I think Corbin has improved as a heel, but he’s too scripted and the stuff he’s given to say and do is craptastic (or maybe dog food-tastic). I don’t know that he’s a good heel, but he’s good for getting top babyfaces over.
Vince thinks Corbin draws in the female audience who are attracted to bad boys.
The only reason Mojo Riley is still employed is because he’s friends with Gronk. Being a Hype brother didn’t work, drawing blue veins on his face didn’t work. Like the old maxim goes, it’s not what you know, but who you know.
Apparently Velveteen Dream has been sexting or sending nude pics to underage boys (Preteen and teens…not like 5 year olds) that he met on a forum or the internet or something. All speculative for now so I’m not passing judgement just yet. But if true…yikes.
El Rey has been showing LU rruns. Bah Gawd, that was a fantastic show! Superb booking, hugely talented roster, compelling storylines, enthusiastic announcers, spectacular stunts, and it took you into a parallel reality where wrestlers could transform into dragons, travel through time, cross over into the realm of the dead, and fight the conquering Aztec gods.
Too bad they couldn’t figure out how to make money. Everybody’s gone their separate ways and enjoy getting steady paychecks.
I saw that article. The only source thus far is Dutch Mantell. I decided to wait until there was more meat on the story before giving it more thought. Gut feeling when I first read it - unfounded and untrue.
It wouldn’t surprise me at all if it happens. I’ve had a feeling for awhile now that Disney are gonna be the ones to buy WWE when/if Vince throws in the towel. It’s got the things they like in franchises - crossover appeal to kids and adults, a long-established line of products and characters, and it’s highly toyetic.