ZitatAlles anzeigenSportskeeda Exclusive: Real reason why the WWE is not pushing Mike Kanellis
Mike Kanellis isn't in the WWE's best graces.
As reported by The Dirty Sheets via our "DS Breaking News" show on YouTube and iTunes, the WWE hasn't pushed Mike Kanellis because he arrived in less than stellar physical shape.
Mike Kanellis, formerly Mike Bennett, debuted at the Money in the Bank PPV without much promotion.
We were the first people break the story about him coming to the WWE.
Many hardcore fans have questioned the booking of Kanellis since his debut, with some even branding Kanellis a "jobber" on Twitter.
However, we can exclusively reveal that the WWE is not high on Kanellis because of the shape he arrived in.
Our source revealed the feeling within the WWE is, "Mike signed two months before he came in and it looks like he just sat on his couch. The company don't get it. He's one of the guys who said it's his dream to be here and he doesn't even get in shape for it."
Kanellis is unlikely to even occupy a spot on upcoming SummerSlam card, with 12 matches already set for the summer spectacular.
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ZitatAlles anzeigenSportskeeda Exclusive: WWE at odds with a major partner
WWE appears to be unhappy with toy maker Mattel.
As reported by The Dirty Sheets via our "DS Breaking News" show on YouTube and iTunes, the WWE is said to be frustrated with toy manufacturer Mattel — one of their major partners.
The WWE partnered up Mattel in 2009, one year after transitioning to a PG rating.
The issue between the WWE and Mattel stems from the fact that it takes Mattel around 10 months to fulfil a product order. The issue apparently began when Mattel was unable to deliver an AJ Styles figure until October 2016, despite huge demand. More recently, the WWE wanted a Goldberg figure in time for WrestleMania season, but the figure won't be available until October 2017.
The latest issue, which has now even come to the attention of WWE higher ups, centres around the new WWE SmackDown Women's Championship. The WWE is planning to keep Naomi as Champion for the remainder of 2017, but the company was hoping to have the new belts on sale by Christmas and for WrestleMania season. However, Mattel has informed the WWE that the belts will definitely not be available by Christmas.
Naomi will be defending her SmackDown Women's Championship against Natalya at SummerSlam. She is expected to come through with her title in tow and remain Champion throughout 2017.
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ZitatAlles anzeigenSportskeeda Exclusive: Naomi set to keep the WWE SmackDown Live Women's Championship throughout 2017
Naomi could be set for a long title reign.
As reported by The Dirty Sheets via our "DS Breaking News" show on YouTube and iTunes, Naomi is set to remain the SmackDown Women's Champion throughout 2017.
Naomi won the SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania 33 in Orlando by taking the title from Alexa Bliss.
The WWE is currently planning to keep Naomi as Champion for the remainder of 2017. After defeating Natalya at SummerSlam, she's pencilled in to have a program with Tamina.
The WWE is keen to market Naomi's new SmackDown Women's Championship belt but may face a significant wait. The company was hoping to have the new belts on sale by Christmas and for WrestleMania season but was informed by Mattel that the belts would not be available by Christmas.
Naomi will defend her SmackDown Women's Championship against Natalya at SummerSlam in Brooklyn on August 20, 2017.
Naomi vs Charlotte seems to be the marquee women's match on the SmackDown brand. It was originally slated for SummerSlam, but plans were changed to Natalya at the last minute. It's likely that the Charlotte match will now take place at next year's Royal Rumble or WrestleMania. It will be interesting to see how Carmella's Money in the Bank contract factors into the company's plans.
