Select Portion: WWE writer speaks, Mercedes, AEW news

- The Compound Match between the Firm and Hardys was filmed Thursday. We’re told Giancarlo Dittamo helped film it.

- Sources that we spoke to said that most of the jobs that needed to be back in the WWE offices have been for quite some time, well before Nick Khan's email to the staff this week. 

- For those asking, the WWE Rivals episodes were filmed in August 2022. Renee Paquette is still featured on them despite being in AEW for well over six months.

- We're told Mercedes Mone is on a per appearance deal with NJPW/Stardom, even though she's committed through Resurgence. 

Dave Schilling spoke with In The Weeds about the WWE lawsuit and his time as a WWE writer.

-Wasn’t terribly surprised someone was upset with things they experienced at the company. “It’s not the best place to work if you’re a person of color, a woman, LGTBQ.”

-Worked on KofiMania storyline and never felt the storyline was disrespectful or treated like Kofi as a token champion.

-Doesn’t agree with what was said about Chris Dunn in the lawsuit. Says the talent appreciates Chris.

-Says every week they would submit a written version of the show, but a lot of stuff just gets said. Dave wanted things like Elias hitting Roman Reigns with a guitar, Mickie James and Elias to do Star is Born parody, and the Miz to destroy Shane McMahon’s Best in the World trophy. Thinks Shane nixed the trophy not being destroyed.

-Would never pitch something he didn’t believe in.

-Says that Raw after WrestleMania 35, everything changed and they were writing promos during the show.

-Says wrestlers always push back because they are protective of their characters.

-Notes that things are said that might not be pitches. “It’s not a pitch until it gets to Vince.”

-Thought the Kabuki Warriors idea was bad, but Bruce Prichard really wanted it.

-Says Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville storyline was supposed to culminate in a romance between Sonya and Mandy at WrestleMania 35 in a triple threat against Asuka. Mandy was going to win because Sonya laid down and they would kiss. Stephanie McMahon went to GLAAD for approval. He was worried people would boo because they liked Asuka. “The best intentions were there.”

-Thinks the old guard (Vince, Michael Hayes, Bruce Prichard) need to retire for things to change. “That’s the hardest part of working there. Those guys don’t get it sometimes, and you wish they did.”