Booker T getting called up, New Day update, Drew Mac, Payback plans

[The Prince of All Saiyans]

According to an article on WWE.com, Booker T will serve as the replacement for David Otunga on the Raw announce team while Otunga spends six weeks filming a movie.

sorry to disappoint, @DaylitoJames

WWE is considering keeping the New Day off of TV until Kofi Kingston is ready to return from injury. The team was recenty switched and Kingston is expected to be sidelined for several weeks after fracturing his ankle. The possibility of returning as heels has been discussed for the past few weeks.

But isn't he just taking time off?

After resurfacing in the WWE Universe following his cameo appearance at NXT TakeOver: Orlando during WrestleMania 33 weekend, Drew McIntyre sat down with WWE.com to discuss his return to NXT.

McIntyre was asked by the official WWE website for his thoughts on the evolution of WWE's developmental system, as he is one of the talents who was part of Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) when it transitioned into the developmental brand known today as NXT.

"I came from [NXT predecessor] Florida Championship Wrestling, so I witnessed the humble beginnings of NXT and watched it grow into the monster it is today," said McIntyre. "I wrestled Seth Rollins in that first NXT Title Tournament, like you said. I remember that as a fun match. He's a guy I'd definitely want to lock horns with again."

McIntyre, who achieved World Championship success in TNA Wrestling during his hiatus from the WWE scene, continued, speaking more to the modern NXT product and how fortunate he feels to once again be a part of it.

"Since then, seeing Triple H's vision come to fruition, going from where [NXT] was then to where it is now, has been incredible," said McIntyre. "It's a brand I very much wanted to be a part of. I was lucky enough that my work and my fan base had earned me the opportunity to sign pretty much anywhere in the world I desired, but I only had eyes for one place, NXT."

McIntyre continued, "The fact that Hunter contacted me to be part of his passion project means the world to me. It's an honor to become part of something that means so much to him, and I guarantee I am going to give you absolutely everything, and then some more, to do what I've done for every other company in the world: That's to build it to the next level."

With Payback being in San Jose, Bayley will be involved in one of the key matches and it appears WWE is building towards a multi-woman match that will also feature Nia Jax, Sasha Banks, Alexa Bliss and possibly Mickie James as well.

Other matches scheduled for the event are Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho for the U.S. Title, Neville vs. Austin Aries for the Cruiserweight title and the Hardy Boyz vs. Sheamus & Cesaro for the Raw Tag Team titles. It's also a virtual lock that Seth Rollins will take on Samoa Joe as well

Seth and Alexa with possible MOTY contenders already

 

[The Prince of All Saiyans]

A stipulation in Mauro Ranallo's contract prevents him from giving any unauthorized interviews on WWE and the assumption is that WWE is also trying to come to a further settlement that would include a mutual agreement that he not publicly talk about the issue now or when his contract expires on 8/12

In WWE and Mauro Ranallo's legal representatives have begun negotiations on a settlement, according to Dave Meltzer of f4wonline.com. Ranallo is done with WWE, but the company is no doubt looking to minimize this situation moving forward.