• WWE Official Reacts To Freddie Prinze Jr. Claiming That ESPN Is “So Unhappy” With WWE
Freddie Prinze Jr. sparked speculation this week with claims about internal dissatisfaction at ESPN regarding the network’s media rights deal with WWE.
Speaking on his podcast, Wrestling With Freddie, the actor and former WWE writer asserted that the situation was tense, quoting a friend who works at Disney – ESPN’s parent company – as saying the network was “so unhappy” with the agreement and demanding they “better make their money back.”
However, neither WWE nor ESPN sources confirmed Prinze Jr.’s account.
According to Fightful Select, a representative speaking on behalf of ESPN stated that they were unaware of any internal complaints or discontent, clarifying that the network has enjoyed its working relationship with WWE.
Furthermore, when WWE was contacted for comment, a high-ranking official dismissed the claims by stating that “no one in WWE upper management is aware of Freddie Prinze’s role in wrestling or otherwise,” effectively disregarding the source of the rumor entirely.
• John Cena’s Father Not Happy With Son’s Retirement Match
On this Friday’s SmackDown, Gunther and LA Knight will collide in the Final of “The Last Time Is Now” tournament. The winner will go on to face John Cena on Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13th, which will be the 17-time World Champion’s final match.
A few months back, it was reported that Gunther will be the one to retire Cena.
According to TC of WrestleVotes, some WWE officials “don’t love” the fact that Gunther will be Cena’s retirement match opponent, but they understand why the decision was made.
John Cena Sr. isn’t a fan of this booking either. Here’s what Cena Sr. said about the booking of his son’s retirement bout on the All Axxess Podcast:
“I don’t think that’s a wise move. I don’t think the fans would enjoy that move. Gunther does not need the rub. I’m not a fan of the whole ‘on the way out you’ve got to push somebody over the top’ idea. You’re supposed to pass the torch, but I don’t know if that’s written anywhere in professional wrestling.
If we have to use that as an analogy, then he’s already done that with Cody Rhodes. He beat him for the title. He gave the title back. They embraced, Cody was teary-eyed. The torch was passed.
I think he’s given the rub along the way, especially with Dominik Mysterio. That was a tremendous deal.”
Gunther also retired WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg earlier this year.
