Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe and AEW.

WWE Writer Dispells Rumor on The Rock's SmackDown Live Segment

This past Friday's episode of SmackDown Live kicked off with The Rock bringing back his Hollywood Rock persona, complete with a memorable remix of his theme music and a solo concert that excited the audience in Memphis. He sang about his WrestleMania 40 opponents Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, as he will be teaming with his cousin and WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns in the Night 1 main event.

While the promo by The Rock was well-received by fans and critics, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful (h/t Subhojeet Mukherjee of Ringside News) reported that it ran longer than it should have, writing, "The Rock's concert was only scheduled for one segment, but those backstage told us 'of course' they knew it would go longer."

However, longtime WWE writer Brian Gerwitz, who returned to work with The Rock for his current creative direction, took to social media to deny the notion that The Rock took up more time than expected:

The Rock had faced criticism in recent weeks for overrunning segments, which led to some matches having their allotted time significantly reduced. However, it sounds like The Great One was not at fault this time around.

AEW's Kenny Omega Expresses Admiration for WWE's John Cena

AEW Superstar Kenny Omega is universally regarded as one of the best professional wrestlers in the world right now, but that didn't stop him from giving recognition to a legend of the business from a rival company.

While streaming on Twitch, Omega had overwhelmingly positive things to say about WWE star John Cena (h/t Subhojeet Mukherjee of Ringside News).

"No, I have not [met Cena], but I think he's great. Great professional wrestler," Omega said. "He's done an incredible amount for the business, I don't think anyone will be able to match anytime soon."

Omega went on to praise Cena for his commitment to making a difference outside of the ring, saying his impact on fans has been immeasurable.

"The reason why is because Cena wasn't doing anything for the sake of an accomplishment or trophy or recognition," Omega explained. "People went out of their way after the fact to say, 'Look at all this stuff John is doing in his off time.' Maybe he even laughs at it himself, but for the amount of effort he has put in to make people's lives better, whether it be Make A Wish, fans at the arenas, or autograph signings, it's a great example for what the face of a company should be or for the face of the industry. I'm a very big proponent of John Cena. I think he's incredible."

Cena last wrestled in November at the Crown Jewel premium live event in Saudi Arabia, losing to Solo Sikoa. He said earlier this month that he's "crossing my fingers" for a potential match at WrestleMania 40. However, the marquee event is just a few weeks away on April 6-7, so that appears to be unlikely.

WWE Legends Trish Stratus and Lita Target Women's Tag Team Titles

WWE Hall of Famers Trish Stratus and Lita haven't been in the ring much recently, but they have their eyes set on making a final championship run together.

While speaking at a Q&A session at For The Love of Wrestling (h/t Subhojeet Mukherjee of Ringside News), both Stratus and Lita said they are open to challenging the Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) for the Women's Tag Team Championship.

"We have touched on that. It's a great question," Lita said. "I feel like that should be the last question but, only because it's awesome. But, people like to talk about this imaginary curse of the (WWE Women's) Tag Titles but I think that if Trish and I were Tag Champs that somehow the curse would magically disappear."

"What do you guys think of that?… [Our message to The Kabuki Warriors is] You're not ready for Team Bestie," Stratus added.

Stratus and Lita teamed with Becky Lynch in a six-woman tag match against Damage CTRL's Bayley, Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai at WrestleMania 39 nearly a year ago, which still stands as Lita's most recent match. Stratus and Lynch engaged in a months-long feud that culminated with a match at the 2023 Payback premium live event in September.

It remains to be seen if Stratus and Lita will get their wish of facing the Kabuki Warriors, but fans will surely be clamoring to see the legendary duo make one last triumphant return.

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