WWE: Lawler’s Contract, Raw 25 Changes, Menounos at Rumble, NXT

Jerry Lawler’s Contract

Jerry Lawler announced on his podcast that he recently signed a new one year deal with WWE.


Raw 25 Plan Changes

The decision to bring The Miz and Seth Rollins to Raw 25 at the Manhattan Center was an on-the-fly decision apparently made by Triple H, Jerry Lawler also said on his podcast.

Ric Flair and Jeff Hardy were already scheduled to appear, but PWInsider says that Miz and Rollins were only originally supposed to be at the Barclays Center and the decision was made during the night, probably after seeing the crowd becoming annoyed and restless.


Maria Menounos to Be Ring Announcer at the Royal Rumble

WWE announced that Maria Menounos will be the guest ring announcer for the women’s Royal Rumble match this Sunday for some reason. They already previously announced that Stephanie McMahon will be a guest commentator.

Maria Menounos to serve as guest ring announcer for the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match

The first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match already has a special guest commentator in Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon. Now, it has a special ring announcer: Maria Menounos.

The “Extra” host (and WrestleMania veteran) filled in for Kelly Ripa on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” earlier today and let slip during an interview with Golden Globe Award winner Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) that she will serve as the guest announcer for the inaugural contest.

“Maybe we can throw you in last-minute,” she quipped to Brosnahan. As to whether that happens, there’s only one way to find out. The Royal Rumble event airs at a special start time of 7 ET/4 PT this Sunday, streaming live on the award-winning WWE Network.


NXT Tapings Before TakeOver

There will be a UK Championship number one contender’s match on Saturday at the NXT TV tapings before NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia.

Tyler Bate will face Roderick Strong and the winner will get a future title shot against Pete Dunne.

Bate vs. Strong will air on Wednesday.

Also previously announced for the tapings before the PPV:

– Nikki Cross vs. Lacey Evans
– TM61’s in-ring return