Sami Zayn Takeover Update
While we are still awaiting a final decision from WWE doctors as to whether Sami Zayn can compete in his scheduled title match with Kevin Owens at NXT Takeover, it seems the company is going ahead as if he will be a part of next Wednesday’s match.
While the in-ring face-off between the two that aired this week was taped well in advance – and that’s the unavoidable danger of competing between TV tapings – they did run a backstage segment with Sami Zayn from his match with John Cena, where he was injured. It appeared to be recorded right after the U.S. title fight, and Sami did say he thought his shoulder popped out “30 seconds into the match”. As we’ve noted, the injury happened before the match, but WWE is putting the blame on a move from Cena, which looks much better. The feeling right now is that Sami will compete.
It’s possible plans can change. If they knew for certain he was out of action, an announcement would have made in some way either on Raw or NXT so they could promote any changes made for Takeover. By not saying anything it gives them another couple of days for Sami to rest and doctors to reevaluate his condition. There is likely a back-up option in place, but right now the hope is that he’ll be ready to go in time.
TNA Creative Update
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that Dave Lagana is now heading up the creative team in TNA, working with Matt Conway, Christy Hemme and Billy Corgan as the latest edition. There was a lot of talk and speculation when TNA made the announcement, with worries that Corgan was taking over creative and him not being ready for the job, but that isn’t the case and he’s just working as a part of the team. Creative will still report to Dixie Carter and John Gaburick.
