WWE News & Rumor Roundup - Becky Lynch breaks character, Free agent offers to help Brock Lesnar, New word added to banned list, Unlikely star to get singles push (22nd October 2021)

#2 Backstage reaction to WWE SmackDown and AEW Rampage's head-to-head battle

Last week's WWE SmackDown on FS1 went head-to-head with AEW's Rampage for 30 mins, and all eyes were naturally on the ratings.

While SmackDown got more total viewers, Rampage tied WWE's show in the overall 18-49 demographic. AEW even managed to beat SmackDown in the 18-49 male demo, but how were the reactions in the WWE?

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer revealed that Vince McMahon reportedly did not get angry backstage in front of anyone on the last RAW episode. Vince McMahon apparently knew that both shows would have a close contest in the key demographic, and the eventual numbers did not surprise him.

The SmackDown/Rampage viewership was not a hot topic backstage in the WWE as the focus was on putting together a memorable Saudi Arabia show. As things stand, WWE officials are not stressing over AEW's figures as the company still believes it reaches out to a larger audience and not just the supposedly "hardcore fans" who watch AEW.

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#1 "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan released from hospital after emergency surgery

The entire wrestling world was in for a scare a couple of days back as news of "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan's sudden hospitalization was the most-talked-about story.

The WWE Hall of Famer successfully underwent surgery, and the latest update is wholly positive. As revealed on Jim Duggan's official Instagram handle, the legendary star was released from the hospital, where he even posed for a photo with his wife Debra.

Hacksaw thanked everyone for their support and was looking forward to having a full recovery at home.

Here's the statement from his IG post:

"After 2 nights in the hospital and emergency surgery yesterday, guess who just came home? Thank you to the amazing doctors and nurses at Kershaw County Medical Center which is now, MUSC. Thanks to Brittani for wheeling Jim out! Thank you for your prayers, vibes, texts, calls and messages. Now home to fully recuperate."

All of us here at Sportskeeda Wrestling wish "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan a speedy recovery.