The first news story on WrestlingDB.com today was an interview with Daniel Bryan. There were two points that were new to me: He was the one who decided to drop his famed "Cattle Mutilation" finisher from his pre-WWE days in favor of the LeBell Lock. He says that he wouldn't be able to do it to some of the bigger guys on the roster, and that the TV audience doesn't get to see his opponent's face (and expressions) when that move is being done. That's a smart, clever decision. It's possible that he could pull out the move when he thinks that there are a lot of indy wrestling fans in attendance.
He's also asked about the Cruiserweight division possibly making a comeback.
He hasn't heard anything about it, and says that he's thankful for that because he'd rather be able to wrestle people who aren't necessarily near his size. As much as I like some people who would "fit in" the Cruiserweight division in WWE, I think they're better used as part of the regular roster. I always kind of got the feeling that the Cruiserweight Title was beneath the U.S. and Intercontinental Title in terms of prestige. It's definitely kind of limiting.
On to PWInsider's questions. The first one asks about the night RVD beat John Cena to win the WWE Championship at One Night Stand in front of a very anti-Cena crowd. The plan was always to have RVD go over. They could have legitimately had a riot there had Cena retained. It could have been like Montreal in '97 or worse.
Someone asks for an update on Chris Jericho. I'm pretty sure that he's not under contract with WWE anymore. He's taking some time off to do various non-wrestling endeavors. He plans on returning to WWE at some point, but the when is unknown.
Someone else asks if WWE is loosening its stance towards Chris Benoit since a match with him in it is on the Elimination Chamber DVD. I don't really think so. If they like a match he's in enough to where they feel like they need it on the DVD, they'll put him on it. But I don't think they'll put out any kind of "Best of Benoit" DVD or anything like that. The backlash to that would be pretty big I think.
And yes, I'd pretty much be willing to bet that if Jeff Hardy serves prison time, it'll come up in a promo or storyline. I wouldn't be surprised if they said that RVD or Dixie Carter or someone turned him in.
Eric Bischoff wants TNA to expand to more programs on potentially more networks. I think that could be beneficial IF said programs are good. A monthly show that helps promote the PPV would be a good idea, as long as they don't fill it with Reaction-style promos. He praises the Morgan vs. Anderson storyline because it's somewhat based on reality. A good story is good and a bad story is bad, whether they're based on reality or not. Look how much money superhero movies have made these past few years. People can suspend their disbelief and still enjoy the product.
He also says that Hulk Hogan will likely be back soon and back in the thick of TNA storylines. I'm not a Bischoff and Hogan hater as a rule, but I don't think Hogan needs to be back on-screen in a big way any time soon. I'd say the same about The Undertaker or Paul Bearer, and I enjoy both of them. He speculated on Sting's future. It doesn't sound like he'll be returning to the ring any time soon, and it's not a sure thing that he'll sign with TNA or WWE. Here's the interview.
Matt Hardy has an interview up as well. It's brief, and I agree with he says therein pretty much wholeheartedly.
Bully Ray, formerly Brother Ray of Team 3D, has an interview of his own. He talks about the decision to remain in TNA instead of returning to WWE. He talks about the lack of solid tag teams there. I don't see how them returning to the WWE tag team division would be much help for the company. Yes, they could make some more legit tag teams, but I think it's be more beneficial for Team 3D than for WWE. They're more focused on making bigger singles stars, and don't put too much stock into a traditional, strong tag team division that isn't just two wrestlers paired up. I wouldn't see The Dudleys staying too long there anyway. Ray's 39. Devon's 38. They're stars with most of their careers behind them when WWE's looking for fresh blood. They're a legendary tag team, but I don't see much of a point in them making the jump.
He talks about how it was easier to run the Team 3D Academy in Florida by staying in TNA, and how he's aroad agent there and can help TNA wrestlers tell better stories. This is a good role for him at this stage of his career. I'm liking the Ray/Devon feud but once it runs its course, I don't see who's left for them to face that's fresh.
John Cena has been pulled from this weekend's Raw house shows. We're still awaiting word on the extent of his injury.
That's it for today. More tomorrow.
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