WWE: Sylvester Stallone Collaboration Interest for WrestleMania 40, Robert Roode Cleared for In-Ring Return, Randy Orton on Vince McMahon Allegations

Feb 22, 2024

WWE Reportedly Interested for Potential WrestleMania 40 Collaboration with Sylvester Stallone

WWE reportedly is currently interested in working with Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone for a potential collaboration for this April’s WrestleMania 40 event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, according to WrestleVotes.

It was reported that their sources stated that WWE officials are currently interested in collaboration with Stallone in some form for their upcoming event. It was reported that it is currently not known if there has been any talks between the two sides but WWE officials are hopeful of being able to get a deal done.

It was also reported that the reason for the potential collaboration is due to WWE wanting to tie in this year’s event taking place in Philadelphia and Stallone gaining his fame in acting through his iconic Rocky films that are deeply associated with the city.

Sources within WWE indicate there is interest in collaborating with Sylvester Stallone for WrestleMania in some form. While any communication status is unclear, I’m told there's hope for it. Whether it ultimately ends up happening or not is to be determined. Stallone, born in…
— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) February 22, 2024

The Mat Men Pro Wrestling’s Andrew Zarian reported that his sources confirmed WrestleVotes report about WWE’s interest in a potential collaboration and stated that it is currently not known how far along WWE’s plans are for it.

Can confirm I had heard that convos were happening about getting Stallone but no idea how far along this is. https://t.co/0GdOROdz23
— Andrew Zarian (@AndrewZarian) February 22, 2024

Stallone is notable in wrestling history for being the inductor of Hulk Hogan into WWE’s Hall of Fame in 2005.

Robert Roode Neck Injury & Surgery Update – Roode Cleared for In-Ring Return But Unlikely to Wrestle Full-Time Again

As noted before, Robert Roode has been out of action for WWE since June of 2022 due to a neck-related injury and surgery.

A recent episode of the Insight with Chris Van Vliet podcast featured Roode as the guest. One of the topics discussed included Roode revealing that he was recently medically cleared for a potential in-ring return. Roode also stated that there is no chance he can wrestle full-time again and is currently enjoying his work as a producer in WWE.

“Ironically enough, I just got green-lighted. The fusion has completely fused. So as far as like, looking at it from a medical point of view, it’s safe to get back in the ring, I guess. But at almost 48 years old, given the opportunity that I’ve been given now to work as a producer, which was my goal coming to WWE almost eight years ago, I’m quite happy doing this. And I feel like I’ve had a good run, as they say, and I’m happy to do what I’m doing now.
Could I do this full-time? There’s no way I could.”

Roode also gave his thoughts about if he would like to have one more match for his wrestling career.

“I think everybody would like to have one last match, right? But sometimes you just, when the wheels fall off, the wheels fall off. It’s just — that’s the nature of the beast in this sport, in this industry.”

Roode also stated that working in a behind-the-scenes role was his end goal for his career in WWE.

“Like I said, that was kind of like the game plan. When I came to WWE, I had my conversation with Triple H before coming to NXT. And at that time, I was almost 40. So I remember him, I was on a three-way call with him and Matt Bloom and I remember him asking me, ‘So what do you want to do? Do you want to come here and coach? Do you want to be a coach?’ And I’m like, ‘Well, maybe one day, that’s my goal, but I feel like I got a lot left in the tank.’ He gave me that opportunity, which I’m super grateful for and here I am today. I had a pretty good run in NXT and then had a pretty good run on the main roster. And — it is what it is. Like I said, when the wheels fall off, the wheels fall off.”

Transcript h/t: F4WOnline.com

Randy Orton Comments on Vince McMahon Sex Trafficking Allegations

Sports Illustrated held a recent interview with Randy Orton. One of the topics discussed included Orton’s thoughts about the recent sex trafficking lawsuit allegations against Vince McMahon.

“I’ve got to say this–I wouldn’t be where I am without Vince McMahon taking a chance on me a handful of times,” Orton told SI. “I would not be where I am today without Vince McMahon. But, f***, I’m reading this s***. What you’ve seen and read, I’ve seen and read. As far as commenting on that, it f****** hurts my heart. It hurts my heart.”