Update On WWE Talking With Former World Champions Over Returns
Looks like a reunion for some of the company's biggest top stars is off for now.
As soon as the forthcoming brand split was announced, speculation began running wild on who WWE would contact to fill out the separate rosters. NXT is likely to be supplying much of the workload, but rumors of the company reaching out to former top stars like Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio and Jeff Hardy also began to make the rounds.
Unfortunately for fans of the three stars, there is apparently no truth to the story. Angle already seemed to be off the table, but now we know why.
The Wrestling Observer has reported that due to controversies involving Jerry Lawler, Adam Rose and Roman Reigns, they don't want to hire someone who has even a remote chance of causing another public relations headache for them. It seems that Angle's history of DWIs and stints in rehab have made the company hesitate to welcome the former World Champion back home.
The Observer also reported that while many stars have been reached out to for a return, Hardy and Mysterio have not been among them. That's great news for TNA and Lucha Underground, as the departure of either one would be a big blow, but it's bad news for those clamoring for their WWE returns.
It feels likely that Mysterio and Hardy will have another run in WWE someday, but now is apparently not the time. Instead, the company is said to be aggressively searching the independent scene for more talent.