News update: AEW-ICE, Finlay, IIconics, Mania, Hardys, Smackdown Writers and Producers (Patreon)

Sources in AEW we spoke with also were very positive about the overwhelming pro wrestling presence on media row at the Super Bowl this week. Even people affiliated with AEW felt that it was a positive that pro wrestling in general dominated media row. We were told by a number of outlets that wrestlers were in very high demand.

All of the members of indie group Lights Camera Faction were at AEW this week. This includes Kenny King, Ice Williams, FRESCO, Watson and "The Action" Jeaux Braxton. A number ended up working matches.

We were told by WWE sources that a number of the "original plans" for WrestleMania have simply not been presented, and that a lot of the WrestleMania card is still being discussed.

Regarding talk of the IIconics joining AEW, we're told there absolutely has been interest from AEW in bringing them in.

Regarding David Finlay and WWE, we're told that there has been contact between the two sides, but we haven't heard an update in weeks.

WWE Smackdown writers

Cody Rhodes promo: Michael Kirshenbaum

Kit Wilson promo: Colin Clark

Liv Morgan, Jade Cargill, Jordynne Grace promo: Ioannis Filippides

Drew McIntyre promo: Cristian Scovell

WWE Smackdown Producers:

Cody Rhodes/Drew McIntyre: Abyss

Rhiyo vs. Giulia & Kiana James: Jamie Noble

Carmelo Hayes vs. Miz: Shane Helms

Tiffany Stratton vs. Chelsea Green vs. Lash Legend: TJ Wilson

Oba Femi-Kit Wilson, Jacob Fatu-Drew McIntyre brawl: Abyss

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tama Tonga: Molly Holly & Nick Aldis

Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Jade Cargill, Jordynne Grace promo and match: Kenny Dykstra

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

Hardy Boys

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select spoke to the Hardys ahead of their TNA tapings in Nashville next week.

We spoke about a variety of topics, including their iconic theme music. They said that they've been very fortunate that they've been able to take it to every company they've worked because of their presentation. Originally "Live For the Moment" was supposed to be a new team theme for them, but they didn't quite like it. They said that even other wrestlers asked if they actually liked using the same theme still, and they said they did.

The Hardys were asked about a piece of art they were shown at Wrestlecade, and said that seeing things like that created by people who admire their work always is humbling and helps put in perspective the impact that they've had.

They didn't realize how big of a deal Kai Cenat was, and were offered the spot to appear on his show. They were quickly informed of what a big deal that was and made time in their schedule for it.

We also discussed brotherly fights, including when they were children and Matt Hardy dropped a recliner on to Jeff. They joked that they'll do a tables, ladders and recliners match one day.

Paul Heyman

Sean Ross Sapp recently interviewed Paul Heyman for the upcoming release of WWE 2K26.

Heyman has done a number of deals in wrestling gaming, including the ECW/Acclaim deal. He said that after WWE moved to THQ, Acclaim wanted to strike while the iron was hot and quickly agreed to a deal with ECW. He said that orders for the game and the performance of the Hardcore Revolution game exceeded expectations so much that the company rushed out Anarchy Rulz months later.

Heyman also wrote storylines for WWE games in the past. He said it is much easier to write for video games, because people like Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns don't

You can see the full interview at this link.