Giovanni Vinci breaks silence amid recent WWE SmackDown rumors; seemingly takes shot at officials

The WWE Universe is buzzing over rumors and speculation on Giovanni Vinci. The Italian grappler has had yet another rough start in the storylines and, with that, brought chatter about his status and future. Vinci just shared his first message since the heat picked up, and it seems he fired a subtle shot at WWE officials.

Vinci was kicked out of Imperium earlier this year and later drafted to SmackDown. Vignettes for the former NXT Tag Team Champion's wealthy snob gimmick aired in August, but the 34-year-old lost to Apollo Crews in mere seconds on September 6. Crews won the rematch in under two minutes but was attacked post-match. The 34-year-old has not been seen since the September 20 episode.

WWE creative reportedly has nothing going for Giovanni Vinci right now. Following concerns of internal heat based on the recent losses, Fightful Select reported today that there's been no talk of Vinci being in the dog house with heat. The former Imperium member took to social media today to seemingly react to the viral discussions on social media.

He captioned the post using the smiling face with sunglasses emoji and included four photos. Two photos are from recent backstage photoshoots; one is a coffee mug with "creative fuel" on the side that some see as a subtle jab at the company, and the last image seems to express gratitude.

Vinci has not been back on SmackDown since September 20, but he did lose to Sheamus on October 11 at the WWE Speed tapings. He also competed in a dark match against Baron Corbin.

Update on this Friday's WWE SmackDown

World Wrestling Entertainment will return to Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NYC, this Friday for SmackDown. It's now confirmed that this will be a double taping because the company will travel to Saudi Arabia the following week for Crown Jewel.

A big name is rumored to return to TV this Friday. Below is the updated lineup:

1. Cody Rhodes and Gunther face off ahead of Crown Jewel
2. Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes VII, 3-3 tie-breaker (Special Guest Referee: LA Knight)
3. The Motor City Machine Guns vs. #DIY to determine the next challengers to WWE Tag Team Champions Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa

The arena and the company websites are advertising Roman Reigns for SmackDown. Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, Bayley, Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, and Solo Sikoa are also advertised, along with Seth Rollins vs. Dominik Mysterio and Gunther vs. Damian Priest.