WWE Smackdown and Raw Producers And Backstage News For January 15-19

Smackdown News

– Bobby Roode has often been working directly with Michael Hayes. The two produced four segments on Smackdown

– Both of the specialized promos from last week’s Smackdown (Kevin Owens and Pete Dunne) were filmed at the Performance Center.

– Pete Dunne’s name change is reflected internally. Fightful Select‘s Corey Brennan confirmed ahead of the reveal that Pete Dunne was set to return.

– The Unholy Union and Legado World Order weren’t listed as official names on the rundown, but Unholy Union is often used internally.

– Kenny Omega has in fact not yet had surgery regarding his diverticulitis. He is not factored into creative plans, and AEW doesn’t seem to have an idea of when he’ll be back.

– We’ve been told it’s far too early in the process of Okada leaving NJPW to determine where his next move will be.

– For those asking, we’re still expecting Mercedes Mone to AEW, as do most in the company.

– Several outlets have also confirmed that they’ve heard that Brock Lesnar is tentatively planned to return to WWE TV soon. Fightful had revealed and discussed this on this past Monday’s Raw post-show.

– As highlighted in our Smackdown notes of late, Gable Steveson has been traveling to Smackdown each week.

Smackdown Producers

– World Title contract signing: Michael Hayes & Bobby Roode

– Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate vs. Pretty Deadly: Shawn Daivari

– KO Show with Logan Paul: Shane Helms

– Kayden Carter & Katana Chance vs. Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn: Petey Williams

– LA Knight vs. AJ Styles: Michael Hayes & Bobby Roode

– Randy Orton vs. Solo Sikoa: Michael Hayes & Bobby Roode

– Dark Match: Cameron Grimes vs. Gable Steveson: Nick Aldis

WWE Raw news

– We’re told that there was never consideration given to having Jinder Mahal win or a Damian Priest cash-in for WWE Raw.

– There were numerous wrestlers that battled crazy travel woes in getting to the show.

– The WWE Raw set was only due to venue restrictions.

– Cody Rhodes has moved in front of Gunther on the BetOnline.AG Royal Rumble favorites. CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Randy Orton, LA Knight, The Rock, Drew McIntyre, Jey Uso are the 8 favorites.

WWE Raw Producers:

– DIY vs. Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh: Jason Jordan & Kenny Dykstra

– Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell vs. Piper Niven & Chelsea Green: Molly Holly

– Gunther promo: Abyss

– Xavier Woods vs. Ludwig Kaiser: Abyss

– Akira Tozawa vs. Ivar: Adam Pearce

– Awesome Truth vs. Judgment Day: Jamie Noble

– Shayn Baszler & Zoey Stark vs. Tegan Nox & Natalya: TJ Wilson

– Seth Rollins vs. Jinder Mahal: Michael Hayes & Bobby Roode

Main Event Producers

– Julius Creed vs. Apollo Crews: Bobby Roode

– Tavion Heights vs. Dante Chen: Kenny Dykstra

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