A rumour killer has come out regarding Mercedes Mone and Kazuchika Okada.
The Royal Rumble match is a huge staple of WWE’s schedule. The January spectacle is renowned for shocks, surprises and debuts, and many fans are anticipating the twists and turns that could be in store for us tomorrow night. At present, the future of incredible talents like Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Mone are unknown, and some are wondering whether either of the stars could be gearing up to arrive in WWE in just over 24 hours time.
However, per a new report from PWInsider Elite, it’s believed that neither Mone or Okada will be at the Royal Rumble. Speaking specifically about Mercedes, it’s said that there has been ‘zero discussion’ in WWE when it comes to The Boss of late, with the prevailing belief being that she’s still expected to sign elsewhere.
“Mercedes Mone was spotted today in Boston, MA, so she’s not anywhere near Florida at the moment. We are told that there’s been zero discussion about her in WWE circles of late. There are some in WWE who believe she is AEW-bound and others in WWE who are taking a “I won’t believe she’s not returning until she’s somewhere else” stance. But, she’s not expected for the Rumble by anyone we’ve spoken with.”
-PWInsider Elite
To talk about Okada, the report notes that AEW is still seem as the most likely landing point for The Rainmaker once he has finished with NJPW. In fact, it’s said that the star is ‘AEW’s to lose’.
“Kazuchika Okada is currently being represented by Barry Bloom in negotiating his post-New Japan Pro Wrestling future. Bloom was with Okada at Las Vegas for the TNA appearance a few weeks back. We are told Okada has no future appearances set with TNA and that AEW is being seen as far more likely as his landing point than WWE. There have been very little, if any, discussions between Okada’s side and WWE we are told by a source familiar with the matter. As I have said many times, Okada goes back many years with Matt and Nick Jackson from the time period in TNA where he was very much left to his own devices as a young star in a foreign country and The Jacksons took him under their wing and helped him. Okada has been fiercely loyal to them since. Tony Khan has always been a massive Okada fan as well. So, all signs are that Okada is AEW’s to lose.”
-PWInsider Elite
It may be disappointing to many to hear that neither Okada or Mercedes are planned for tomorrow’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. Regardless, the Rumble matches themselves will likely still be full of surprises as WWE look to be in the best possible position heading into WrestleMania season.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on potential Royal Rumble appearances as we hear more.
