In an update on Alex Shelley potentially joining the WWE, the former TNA X-Division Champion is said to be in negotiations with the WWE and is close to signing a deal. It was previously reported that the deal had been signed, however that is not the case as of now, as the contract has yet to be signed. Shelley is booked for New Japan Pro Wrestling’s tour this September, so there is an expectation that if he does sign, it won’t be until he completes his independent dates.

Meanwhile, in regards to Ric Flair, the no-compete clause of “The Nature Boy” is set to expire on September 6th, this according to a report from The Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Many people expect that if Flair does end up with the WWE, there’s no chance of it happening this year.

Finally, in a bit of news that has gone under the radar, when asked on Twitter if WWE were interested in signing her, former WWE Tough Enough contestant Rima Fakih noted that as of now, the company has no interest in signing her to a developmental deal.