Superstars and Impact thoughts- 3/31/11

Tonight, we have three hours of wrestling on TV. First up, WWE Superstars features a 6-Diva tag match. Then, on Impact, Kurt Angle continues to go after Jeff Jarrett, and Hulk Hogan schemes to get the World Championship back into Immortal. At least according to the ads for the show. Read on for my thoughts on the shows, as they happen.

Questions on James Storm, Rock-Cena, Kane vs. Taker, and Raw ratings, National Guard sponsors AXXESS, Cena talks face vs. heel, Who's inducting HBK?, WWE to build Hall of Fame?, Trish,Stone Cold, RVD, and Orton interviews, and the Mania press conference

The first news for Wednesday was the questions sent into PWInsider.com. Here's my take on them. I'm unaffiliated with the website, but like looking at what kind of stuff they get in. If anyone has any questions for me, ask them in the comment section below.

Anyway, first up, should TNA change James Storm's character if Jeff Hardy was punished for being drunk? It's actually an interesting point. If Storm's gimmick was showing up unable to perform then I'd think a change would be wise, but since that isn't the case, and it's a really popular gimmick, I don't have any problems with them keeping it. Not to mention that I'm not even sure if it was alcohol that was Hardy's problem that night.

To add a bit to the second answer, I haven't read about any backstage issues between Cena and Rock or anything like that, so they're at least ok with working together.

I'd like to thank the third questioner for echoing my opinion (independently of course) about The Undertaker feuding with Triple H instead of Kane (and the Corre, who assisted in taking him out). I guess if you want to play devil's advocate, other than the fact that HHH-Taker is more of a unique marquee match, this would fall under the "Three Month Rule" that some bookers ascribe to.

Read on for my take on why Raw's ratings are up, and the rest of the day's news.

Sin Cara to debut on TV soon, promo cut from Raw to air on Smackdown, Questions on bands and McMahon at Mania, Cody Rhodes' persona, and Daniel Bryan, Nash interview, WWE charity, more pieces on WrestleMania, DX DVD update, WWE releases producer/ex-wrestler, more on Mania mixup and Lesnar-WWE, new Mania celebrity, why Maryse wasn't on NXT, WWE All-Stars is released, Dixie Carter has issues with Twitter, WWE relaunches WCW.com, Raw rating, Jeff Hardy update, and WWE on iTunes

Sin Cara will make his debut in person on WWE TV this Monday on Raw. Hopefully this means we'll get pushes of up-and-coming wrestlers soon after Mania. They slacked off to a degree in the build to the PPV. I don't blame them much because that show's usually reserved for wrestlers who are already a good deal over.

WWE cut a planned promo from Jerry Lawler from Raw on Monday night. As a result, it was taped for Friday's Smackdown.

Moving on now to PWInsider.com's daily questions, someone wants to know if there were ever any talks for Chris Jericho's band Fozzy to play at WrestleMania. I've never read anything to suggest that one way or another.

Question 2 was from a good deal before my time, so I can't really comment on it.

Vince McMahon will almost certainly be behind-the-scenes for this WrestleMania. It's possible that he makes an appearance on the show, but there's no reason for him to.

After the break, find out the origin of Cody Rhodes' current character, and get my take on Daniel Bryan's relationship with WWE. Then, the rest of the day's news and my take on all of it.

NXT thoughts- 3/29/11

It's Tuesday night and that means it's time for the latest episode of NXT: Redemption. Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.

Questions on The Miz, The Rock, Scott Steiner, Jerry Lawler, and Impact on the road, Smackdown main event, final WWE All-Stars roster, Big Dick Johnson and Jerry Lawler interviews, The Rock TV appearance, Mania match mixup, Smackdown rating, more WWE star appearances, Lesnar talks Undertaker and a return, why Piper's plan fell through, and what the first news story will be tomorrow

Here's a rundown of Monday's news and my thoughts on what happened:

First, PWInsider.com has some questions. First, someone wants to know about the booking of WWE Champions. Or The Miz. Or both. It's kind of a rant and a question combined. I don't really see much of a similarity between Cena vs. Miz and HHH vs. Jericho at WM18. I think that Miz has come across as more of a threat than Jericho did, and Stephanie doesn't grab the same amount of attention as The Rock. Rock is definitely a big deal in this feud, but I don't think Miz is being forgotten about by any stretch. Should he have been a bigger deal? I think so, but he wasn't an afterthought.

The whole "Cena being one of Vince's boys" thing is kind of silly. WWE's not going to book someone as a champion unless they have confidence that they'll make them money. And Cena is a safe bet as champion. I don't really see a trend of champions being put on the backburner in order for Cena to be the top guy. Certainly not recently.

Another Cena-Miz-Rock question. The short version of my answer is that it made sense to do something between Cena and Rock given the remarks Cena made about him in the past, and that fans have speculated on them facing off. And when a big star comes back to the company and calls you out, generally that takes you off your game and makes you lose focus. Which makes the heel champion want to interject himself into the mix. Again, I think Miz should be a more important part of the feud, but with the years that Cena and Rock have been stars, it's hard for him to be seen on that level.

More answers and news after the break!

Raw thoughts- 3/28/11

It's the last Raw before WrestleMania. The Rock is in Chicago live, in the ring confronting both John Cena and The Mix before their WWE Championship match on Sunday. Also, Triple H and The Undertaker meet face-to-face 6 nights before The Streak is on the line. Read on for my thoughts on this major edition of Raw.

Questions on TNA's schedule, Divas being slighted, and Tiffany, Michael Cole interview, update on Angle's arrest, WWE website re-designed, Live Event guest hosts, new WWE trademarks, and Hall not at HoF

There wasn't as much news on Sunday, and the first story I came across was the questions sent in to PWInsider.com. So here's my take on them:

The first two I don't have anything to add to, as they would know more about it than I would. As far as TNA talents leaving the company if they took Impact on the road, it's tough to say. I don't know if the TNA wrestlers are on the road as many days as WWE "entertainers", but the schedule isn't a picnic. Some talents do live nearer to Orlando than other places they'd have to go, so it could have some effect. You never know. They'd probably get more independent talent to work tryout matches if they didn't have to fly there, though.

The next question's more complicated. The logic of having Snooki wrestle next Sunday is that people will be more interested in her competing in the ring than just appearing ringside. I miss MITB, too, but I see why they're saving it for its own event. And I also wish that the Divas division was more prominent. Not just at Mania, but overall. It could use an uplift.

The last question asks what former WWE Diva Tiffany is up to. They say that she's completely removed from the wrestling business. I know that she was recently on the DivaMania tour, but other than that I can't find anything as far as upcoming appearances or anything. Her website has an address for bookings, but the site's still in progress, so I don't know how accurate that is.

Now that that research is done, let's move on other news after the break. Michael Cole has a rare interview with his hometown newspaper for starters!

Angle update, Questions on a tag team Money In The Bank, Monday Night Cole, TNA bashing, why Raw does so well, and David Otunga, Sin Cara's debut match result, TNA PPV updates, Michael Cole uses gay slur on Twitter, and Seth Rollins talks WWE vs. Indies

First off, I know this news update is pretty late. I didn't know there'd be a sudden uptick of readers looking for more news. I'll try to be more punctual in the future. That being said, in a way this means there's twice the news for today, depending on your perspective.

Let's get started with Saturday's news. Sunday's news will be in the next post.

Kurt Angle gave his side of the story of his arrest via Twitter. I'm glad that he wasn't drunk, but he still shouldn't be drinking while in the driver's seat in a car. What was he going to do when the police helped him out? I think that's the main issue. I've been an Angle fan pretty much since his WWE debut, but I'm kind of worried about him after his issues over the last couple of years.

On to PWInsider.com's questions. First up, what's their/my take on a Money in the Bank match for a shot at the tag team titles? Personally I think it kind of cheapens the concept. WWE's tag team titles aren't exactly high on the list of priorities. And it's not all that difficult to get a shot at them when there are only a few teams there.

More answers and news after the break, including the result of Sin Cara's first WWE match! First though, what about a Raw episode devote exclusively to Michael Cole?

Questions on Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, David Hart Smith, the Canadian Destroyer, and WWE cuts, Tough Enough to have replays on SyFy, Orton, Abdullah, and Richie Steamboat interviews, more mainstream press for WWE, Angle arrested, WrestleMania press conference news, Superstars and Impact ratings, and more on WWE Tough Enough

The first news to pop up today that gained my interest was PWInsider.com's questions. Here's my take on them, in order:

I don't see Eve defending her title at WrestleMania. It's possible, but I'm not so sure that they'll throw that one on the card at the last minute.

From a business standpoint, I definitely see why they dropped Kelly Kelly for Snooki. I think I'd personally have gone with an 8-person tag also involving Kelly and Vickie Guerrero, since they already had a story going. But like it or not, Snooki's pretty well known, and WWE's using that to get mainstream publicity, which leads to  possibly more people buying the show.

Anyone who's read my thoughts columns for when David Hart Smith (or Tyson Kidd for that matter) will know that I'm also disappointed in what WWE's done with the Hart Dynasty post-split. I haven't read anything about him possibly being released or anything, but that doesn't mean it won't happen. Some of his misuse can be attributed to him (and a fair number of other talents) being lost in the shuffle as WWE builds towards WrestleMania.

More answers and news after the break. First up, why has no one used the Canadian Destroyer since Petey Williams left TNA?

Smackdown thoughts- 3/25/11

It's 9 nights away from the biggest show of the year, and this is one of the final shows before WrestleMania 27 occurs. Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.

Sin Cara's WWE debut, Questions on Vince McMahon, Amazing Kong, Lita, HHH-Taker, and Cody Rhodes, Rock, Rima Fakih, Bob Armstrong, and Road Warrior Animal interviews, Miz on Conan, Mark Henry done in 18 months?, new WWE signing, new Tough Enough guest, and a Hogan appearance

Sin Cara is scheduled to make his first appearances for WWE at this weekend's Raw house shows.

Update: He's also working a likely dark match after Raw on Monday, and is scheduled to face C.M. Punk when WWE tours Mexico in May.

As for PWInsider.com's questions today, here's my take on them: I suspect that Vince McMahon will still be taking part in WrestleMania behind the scenes, like he does most other shows. It's not really surprising since he's not on camera that much.

I don't think we'll see the former Awesome Kong appear at WrestleMania. I don't remember the last time any talent made their WWE debut on such a grand scale (celebrities excluded), and I doubt they'll break the trend with her. There's been pretty much no word on what they'll do with her since she's been signed. She's not in FCW or anything.

No clue on when Lita will go into the WWE Hall of Fame. I don't think they're quite ready to go full-on with Attitude Era inductees yet.

After the break, another theory on why WWE isn't acknowledging Triple H vs. The Undertaker from WM17. And the rest of the day's news!

Superstars and Impact thoughts- 3/24/11

Not much has been announced for tonight's shows. On Impact, Mr. Anderson continues his quest towards the TNA World Championship, and we get the follow-up on AJ Styles' injury. On Superstars, well, we'll probably get a fair number of recap packages.

But that just means anything we do get won't be as predictable! Read on for my thoughts on the shows as they happen.

Rejected WrestleMania 27 idea, Questions on Sheamus, chair shots, Jeff Hardy, and Jim Ross, more on WWE/Wal-mart, Otunga interview, Road Warriors HOF update, WWE-Braves connection, a look at Tough Enough, and some "non-news"

First up is a story I inadvertently skipped yesterday. WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper pitched a Piper's Pit between Rock and Cena for WrestleMania, but it was shot down. With Cena already in a match then, I can understand them not wanting to go that route.

Now that we've covered that, let's move on to PWInsider.com's questions for Wednesday. For the first one, I like Sheamus. I hope he stays around the main event level for a while to come. He's one of few wrestlers who has made it up the ranks that quickly that I don't think was pushed much too soon.

Not much to add to the second answer. I see why WWE is limiting chair shots to the head, if for no other reason than I'm sick of hearing people complain about people taking chair shots to the head. Why don't these people crusade against some of the crazy spotfests we see in wrestling, where you're much more likely to get injured? Chair shots are only part of the concussion problem, for sure.

After the break, why did TNA let Jeff Hardy compete at Victory Road? Then more answers and all of the day's news.

Raw dark match, WWE focus group, new wrestling book out, Questions on Morrison/Ziggler, books on female wrestlers, DVDs on feuds, and Mickie James' music career, note on next week's Smackdown, new WWE Studios deal with Wal-Mart, WWE closes outside venture, new character for WWE star, final WWE Hall of Famers, Khali on NBC show, Raw ratings, Smackdown dark match, and a Jeff Hardy update

The dark match before Raw was R-Truth going over Zack Ryder.

Some fans who purchased tickets to AXXESS have been invited to a discussion as a WWE focus group to discuss what they do and don't like about the current WWE product. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would love to have that opportunity!

Here's an article on Dirty Dutch Mantell's upcoming book. I'm really looking forward to reading what he's written.

Up next is a look at PWInsider.com's questions. First, has WWE dropped the ball on John Morrison and Dolph Ziggler heading into WrestleMania? My answer to this and more questions, plus a lot more news, is after the break.

NXT thoughts- 3/22/11

The journey for redemption continues tonight on NXT Redemption. Who will get one step closer to earning a spot on the 6th season of NXT? Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.

Questions on Victory Road, the WWE Hall of Fame, Dolph Ziggler, Nexus, and Daniel Bryan, New WWE Hall fo Famer announced, more on UWF, Smackdown rating, and Divas attend DWTS over Raw

Today's news starts with PWInsider.com's questions. The first question is about the fiasco at Victory Road, which for now doesn't really have a name like Montreal Screwjob or Bash at the Beach incident, so I'm just calling it that. Who "screwed" who, here? I put most of the blame on Jeff Hardy for showing up in no condition to work. If he showed up in an acceptable condition, there wouldn't have been any fiasco to write about. Some blame also goes on to the people who let him go out there and compete in that condition, instead of sending him home or otherwise preventing him to embarrass the company any more than he already had.

As for Sting, I don't blame him a bit. He did the right thing by ending that match before any more damage could  be done. Hardy was clearly in no shape to work a match, so they had to put the kibosh on it ASAP. He could probably have gotten away with giving him some "receipts" in the form of a legitimate butt-kicking in that no-DQ match, so he handled it pretty maturely. And of course Hardy tried to kick out. He thought he was able to work. The short version of this is "Sting and TNA didn't screw Jeff. Jeff screwed Jeff."

As far as Drew Carey being in the WWE Hall of Fame, I'm not happy about it either. But letting the wrestling fans pick who goes in isn't a good idea in practice. If you let the die-hard fans vote on it, you'll end up with John Cena or Randy Orton in sooner than they're ready. If you let the "smarks" pick but not the regular fans (which seems like it'd be pretty hard to accomplish), you could also end up with a pretty skewed list. Leave it up to some experts like the Baseball Hall of Fame or something.

All that for two answers? Wow. More answers and news after the break!

Raw thoughts- 3/21/11

It's WrestleMania Rewind night on Raw! We get rematches from past Manias as WWE builds hype for this year's big event in Atlanta. Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.

Sir Oliver Humperdink passes away, Questions on Tod Gordon, Jeff Jarrett, the X-Division, and HBK in the Hall, Mickie James injured, Michaels talks Flair, and WWE corrects someone who called them "wrestling"

We begin today with the regrettable news that legendary wrestling manager Sir Oliver Humperdink has passed away. He was 62 years old and was battling cancer. I wish his family, friends, and fans nothing but the best in this difficult time.

Next, PWInsider.com has more questions. They start off with one about a book that was planned by ECW founder Tod Gordon. It does sound like an intriguing book, but there's not much nostalgia left for the old ECW compared to even a few years ago. So I don't see it doing as well as it would have around the time of the ECW brand or even TNA Hardcore Justice, which was pretty much the last hurrah for the company.

After the break, why doesn't Jeff Jarrett just go away? And other questions and news.

Snooki, Chyna, and JR updates, Questions on Summerslam, D'Angelo Dinero, cage matches, and Bruno Sammartino, Why WGN is dropping Superstars, Cody Rhodes interview, and a surprise WWE return

Former WWE wrestler Chyna challenged Snooki to a match at WrestleMania. I don't see that one happening. Chyna hasn't wrestled in 7 years, and isn't on any kind of terms with WWE for them to think of changing the card to include her.

Jim Ross says that he legitimately was hurt from the ankle lock applied on Monday by Jack Swagger. I wish they would have worked that spot so that he wasn't actually hurt from it.

After the break, I look at PWInsider.com's questions.

Zach Gowen, Bret Hart, and Chris Jericho interviews, Questions on acknowledging TNA, Sin Cara, Drew McIntyre, wrestling-Jersey Shore, and 2/21/11, Hogan in charge of TNA Creative?, Update on Jeremy Borash, WWE apologizes to GLAAD, Superstars update, The Rock on Tough Enough, Final match at WM27, new 2nd-generation star in WWE?, WWE PPV name change , and Impact and Superstars ratings

Former WWE and TNA wrestler Zach Gowen was interviewed here. Interesting little piece. He was definitely part of some memorable TV in WWE. The Royal Rumble idea would have been funny and unique. They could have had him be eliminated, then get a shot against the winner in a regular match since he "wasn't really eliminated".

On to PWInsider.com's questions from today: I don't see WWE mentioning TNA at all until they get a bigger profile. They might take some shots at them then, but for now they're much more focused on their own product.

The next question compares WWE's signing of Sin Cara to that of Daniel Bryan. I think that Sin Cara, as a major star in Mexico, will get a better push than Bryan did. Bryan was "King of the Indies" and all but that's not the same level as being a big star in a major promotion in Mexico. Of course, a good deal of the push depends on how well Sin Cara adapts to the WWE style. That was (and still is to a degree) a major hurdle for Bryan.

Anyone else's guess is as good as mine on what's happened with Drew McIntyre. Without a Money In The Bank match at WrestleMania, he's kind of the odd man out. I also don't think we got a good end to the angle with Kelly Kelly. I'd like him to feud with Christian as Edge goes after Del Rio following Mania.

More questions and news after the break!

Smackdown thoughts- 3/18/11

Tonight, the World Heavyweight Champion Edge and his childhood friend Christian team up as they go for their 8th WWE Tag Team Championship. Will Edge be bringing two titles into WrestleMania? Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.

Another former WWE wrestler affected by Japan disasters, update on JR, Vickie and Cena's health and Jeff Hardy's court case, new TNA tryouts, Questions on Vickie Guerrero, Cena-Miz, Santino vs. Eric Young, '90s title changes, and WrestleMania, Jericho on Smackdown tomorrow, Kofi interview, and Superstars to be canceled?

Mid '90s WWF star Hakushi has been left homeless by the natural disasters in Japan. That's always hard to read. I wish him the best, as I do everyone affected by the devastating events there.

Jim Ross has some stretched ligaments in his ankle and knee courtesy of the ankle lock on Raw. He's still sore, and swollen but will likely be ok.

Two students from the Team Taz dojo have gotten tryouts for TNA. That's a good sign. I hope we get some good new talent there. They could use some freshening up. But I think you can debut too many talents at a time. It's hard to follow up on them sometimes.

PWInsider.com notes that a lot of sites are crediting with stories that they haven't actually reported. I hope I haven't done that by accident. I apologize if I have.

After the break, I look at PWInsider.com's questions of the day, and give my thoughts on them. And there's more news to cover as well.

Superstars and Impact thoughts- 3/17/11

Tonight TNA begins their journey towards Lockdown. How will they build from the change of plans at Victory Road? Also, Hernandez will team with the new Knockout Tag Team Champions against Matt Morgan and the Beautiful People. But first, WWE presents a new edition of Superstars. Read on for my thoughts on tonight's wrestling!

TNA tries to make amends for Victory Road, Mysterio rumor buster, more wrestling/Jersey Shore news, Updates on Sin Cara, Drew Carey, Jeff Hardy's court case, WrestleMania announcing, and Hardy-TNA, Questions on ex-Nexus members, HHH-Taker, Sin Cara, Divas' bouts, and a third brand for WWE, TNA losing TV in Australia, and WWE seeking a new VP of Talent Relations

TNA is offering a special deal to anyone who ordered Victory Road and was unsatisfied by the compromised main event. That's a nice gesture.

Rey Mysterio took to Twitter to deny a rumor that he asked for his WWE release. There are WAY too many false rumors on the internet, wrestling-related and otherwise.

"Jersey Shore"'s Angelina is upset with Snooki for taking part in the angle with WWE, saying it's a rip-off of her getting in the ring in TNA. No word on where JWoww stands on the issue. I can't believe I'm actually covering this, but it is wrestling-related.

After the break, see which brand Sin Cara is set to debut for as well as the rest of the day's news and questions!

WWE star on "Cake Boss", Raw dark match, Hogan remark taken off of Impact. Questions on The Miz, Taker-HHH, Taker-McCool, the state of TNA, and building up Mania, Updates on Helms and Daffney, Barrett interview, WWE media presentation, a return for TNA and one for WWE as well, Raw ratings, and a TNA mixup involving a reported release

Santino Marella will be appearing on an upcoming episode of "Cake Boss" in a promotional synergy with WWE. He'll be ordering a "Road to WrestleMania" cake. If he does that in character, it could be one of the best things in the history of TV.

R-Truth beat Tyson Kidd before Raw last night. Not sure why they didn't use that one for Superstars.

Hulk Hogan used the word "tsunami" in a promo taped for Impact. He apologized for it on Twitter and noted that it will not air. It was somewhat of a "half-apology" because he blamed it on him not following a script like a robot with no talent, instead cutting an old-school promo. This guy never misses a chance to put himself over, does he?

Update: It was indeed Hogan who decided to use the term. Creative didn't prompt him to in any way.

After the break, I dive in to PWInsider.com's questions of the day. Starting off with a look at how Miz has been booked as WWE Champion.

NXT thoughts- 3/15/11

Tonight, 6 hopefuls continue their journey towards becoming the Jill or Shuma-Gorath of NXT by returning for the next installment. Read on for my thoughts on this episode of NXT!

Questions on Sin Cara, Heyman-TNA, WWE censorship, Ivan Koloff in the HoF, and wrestling websites, Updates on Jeff Hardy, the WWE Hall of Fame and Brian Christopher, Helms arrested, Austin interview, TNA hiring and possible firings, Smackdown rating

Today's news starts off with questions sent to PWInsider.com. First up, why is Sin Cara getting such a huge push right off the bat? Well, he's a pretty big star in Mexico, and WWE really wants to appeal to the Latino audience. It's not that different from Alberto Del Rio except that they're pushing the lucha background instead of making a completely different character for him.

Someone wants to know what Paul Heyman's plans were for TNA. All I've heard in way of specifics is phasing out some of the older guys and push the younger talent more. Beyond that, he wanted to take TNA public. He wanted complete creative control of the company, which TNA wasn't willing to grant him. And if Paul Heyman hasn't gone to ROH by now, I don't picture him doing so. I know that he's had heat with Jim Cornette in the past, so that could have something to do with it.

More answers and news after the break, beginning with international censorship of WWE shows.

Raw thoughts- 3/14/11

For math fans, today is Pi Day. For wrestling fans, it's 20 days from WrestleMania XXVII. Tonight Vickie Guerrero fights to be employed against the wrestler with the most Women's Championships in history, Trish Stratus! Not to mention tonight's Guest Star, Snooki from "Jersey Shore". Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens!

Questions on Rosita and Daffney, WWE stock update, TNA update

Not too much news today, but we'll jump right into it. PWInsider.com has its daily questions up first in the queue. As far as the first question, I definitely think that they paired Rosita with Sarita to help her learn the ropes (and the rest of the ring). They're not really cousins if anyone's wondering. I actually haven't been impressed with her yet, but it takes time for me to warm up to a talent in most cases. She's 20 so she clearly has plenty of time to learn.

Daffney's still under contract with TNA (at least there hasn't been anything to suggest otherwise). I'm pretty sure that she's been cleared to return to the ring, but they don't use her for some reason. She definitely has plenty of fans and is very much a unique competitor. As far as what she's up to, here's her official website, which links to multiple social media accounts of hers.

I don't have anything to add to their other answers. Note that when I say this, it's not out of laziness but because it would be redundant for me to say anything about something that they've already pretty much explained.

Read on for the rest of Sunday's news!

TNA Victory Road thoughts - 3/13/11

Tonight, Sting makes the first defense of his 11th World Title reign as he faces off with former champion Jeff Hardy. Also, a new #1 Contender will be named as Rob Van Dam takes on Mr. Anderson. Read on for my thoughts on TNA Victory Road, as it happens.

Questions on MITB, Mania run-ins, Michael Cole, Randy Savage, and Scott Armstrong, Update on WWE's new TV deal, and a Ric Flair no-show made up by WWE

Not too much in the way of wrestling news today, but it starts off with some questions sent into PWInsider.com. Here's my take on them:

First, if there's a Money In The Bank match at WrestleMania this year, I see Dolph Ziggler, John Morrison, Kofi Kingston, Drew McIntyre, and Christian as candidates to win it. I'd be ok with any of those options. They're all THIS close to making it as potential future main eventers. Some are closer than others, but they're all upper-midcarders who have a big upside.

I don't think that Shawn Michaels needs to do any kind of run-in during HHH-Taker, especially since he's retired and won't be doing any kind of program with either post-Mania. The Rock getting involved in Cena vs. Miz is pretty much a given. The question is, how do you do it without having either or both competitors playing second fiddle to a triumphant People's Champion? Hmm... I guess you can have Miz win and then Rock take him out to send fans home happy?

After the break, should Michael Cole be removed from the announce desk? Plus more answers and news!

TNA Victory Road Preview

Read on for how I would book this Sunday's PPV!

Wrestlers caught in Japan earthquake, Questions on AJ Styles, Dolph-Vickie, Madison Rayne, Torrie Wilson, and TNA returns, and Impact and Superstars ratings,

Former WWE wrestlers MVP and A-Train (Prince Albert/Albert) were among those caught in the massive 8.9 earthquake which recently hit Japan. Thankfully they are ok. That's a scary place to be right now.

Moving on to a look at PWInsider.com's questions. Someone starts with a pretty interesting comparison between AJ Styles and Randy Orton. I think there are some key differences between the two situations though:- Most of the titles that Styles won were before TNA got a big primetime deal on national TV. To compare the TNA World Title of today to the (NWA) World Title of the first few years of TNA's existence, or any of their titles to their level a few years ago for that matter, is a bit like comparing the NWA Titles of the days of Harley Race and Ric Flair to the same titles today. So it's not quite the same as holding the titles that Orton's held in terms of prestige and lineage.
- Orton has family connections in the business, so he's more likely to be pushed anyway.
- Orton was taken under the wings of Flair and Triple H, which is a huge boon to his career. He fit that role better than AJ did with Flair's Fortune. AJ looked and sounded really out of place there.
- AJ started his career as an X-Division (Cruiserweight at the time) guy. It can be hard to get past that label.
- Orton's a much better promo, and he has more of that "it" factor I think. AJ just doesn't come across as  main event level to me when compared to Kurt Angle, Jeff Jarrett, RVD, etc.. I don't think he'd be Orton level in TNA without a lot of improvement.

BUT all that considered, they do always book him as a second to someone else, and pass him over for the next big acquisition they get. The same could be said for Daniels, Joe, Hernandez, and Abyss for that matter. They were all looked at as TNA's future, but bad booking (and new acquisitions with more name value) has prevented them from getting there. The latter 3 in particular I think TNA really dropped the ball with.

That was just the first question!? More answers and news after the break.

Smackdown Thoughts- 3/11/11

Tonight, Triple H makes his return to Smackdown in order to address The Undertaker. What will he say to his WrestleMania opponent just 23 days before their No Holds Barred match?

Read on for my thoughts on this week's Smackdown.

Christian,JBL, and Rock updates, Angle and Styles interviews, Questions on TNA ads during Raw, WrestleMania booking, Ziggler, WWE returns, and Josh Mathews, another ex-developmental star on Tough Enough, new WWE TV deal, and a rumor buster

Here's the news for Thursday:

Christian is back regularly working house shows for the Smackdown brand, so he is presumably ready for a full-time schedule again.

The Sun has an interview with Kurt Angle today. He reiterates that he'll remain with TNA when his contract expires around August-September, but will likely only wrestle part-time (i.e. no house shows, but could still be on TV and PPV most of the time). Angle could very well be the most valuable ex-WWE,WCW, or ECW star they have in terms of name value and workrate.

In addition to talking about his future with movies, he talks about his past behind-the-scenes issues with Jeff Jarrett. That he, Jeff, and Karen are able to work together after all they've gone through is a true show of professionalism.

After the break, I take a look at the questions PWInsider.com got today.

Superstars and Impact thoughts- 3/10/11

Tonight on Impact, new TNA World Champion Sting speaks for the first time since his return, "Jersey Shore"'s Angelina competes in a 6-Knockout Tag match, and AJ Styles, Matt Hardy, and Ric Flair meet in a 3-way Street Fight.

But first, WWE presents us with the oft-overlooked Superstars. Read on for my thoughts on the two shows, as they happen.

Questions on Impact, WWE's burials, Dolph and Vickie, TNA's World Title, and Michelle McCool, Shelton Benjamin, NXT, and Tough Enough updates, TNA Sacrifice location, and an ex-NFL star interested in WWE,

Today's news starts off with questions sent to PWInsider.com. First up, what would help TNA more, taking Impact on the road every week, or having it live every week?

Honestly I don't think there's that big of an advantage to it being live every week. Not THAT many people view spoilers online and the show doesn't have that different of a vibe from when it's taped. They'd have to start out in somewhat small arenas (they should probably start with one show a month away from Orlando and build from there) but in time I think going on the road would be the better option. It's always good to get a different audience sampling your product.

Next up, how long until WWE de-pushes Alberto Del Rio? I say it will happen after a few months of a World Title reign. I hope it isn't as drastic as it was with Jack Swagger or possibly Sheamus.

Thirdly, why is Dolph Ziggler still with Vickie after she sold him out? He's still getting benefits from their relationship apparently. It's not that different from a lot of other relationships where people stay together, but that's another story.

More answers and news after the break!

WrestleMania notes, More Divas and developmental talent for WWE, NXT ideas that didn't make the cut, Questions on Sting, Owen Hart in the Hall, Angle/Jarrett, and C.M. Punk, Bischoff interview, Raw rating, and a former Intercontinental Champion works a dark match

Booker T. is currently scheduled to be calling WrestleMania. No word on anyone else.

WWE is looking into hiring more Divas. They just signed a fitness model to a developmental deal, and more deals in that area are expected soon.

Update: A former SHIMMER wrestler who went by "Tenille" has also signed a deal with WWE.

Update: Four of Lance Storm's students have also been signed to developmental deals. One has been there for a few months under the name Mike Dalton. Two of the other three are female.

In addition to the Father-Son idea mentioned earlier (in my NXT Thoughts column) another idea for NXT going into tonight was a "Battle of the Sexes" theme. They really threw this season together at the last minute.

On to PWInsider.com's questions of the day. I don't have anything to add to the response to the first question, so I'll skip to the one about Sting. I did wonder why Sting didn't just go on his website or start a Twitter page and say that he wasn't going to WWE, but I know that he's always been rather tight-lipped about his plans in the business. And they did make a good point: It was in his advantage to stay silent and let the rumor build. It increased his value I think.

More answers and news after the bump!

NXT Thoughts- 3/8/11

Tonight is the premiere of Season 5 of NXT. And... that's about all we know.

Read on for my thoughts on the mystery show!

Jersey Shore alum to wrestle, Questions on Punk-Orton, The Rock, the NWA, TNA's youth movement (or lack thereof), and Cena headlining Mania, Bart Scott, Shad Gaspard, and NXT updates, TNA House show notes, Victory Road matches made, funny pic from C.M. Punk, Smackdown rating, and an ex-WWE and TNA wrestler at Raw

Angelina of "Jersey Shore" is now enrolled in a wrestling school. How dumb will a lot of us feel if she ends up becoming the female version of The Miz? I'm not saying that it's going to happen, but don't count it out. It will take a lot of hard work, and I'm skeptical, but it's possible. She wrestles this week on Impact.

On to PWInsider.com's questions for today: I definitely think that we'll see Punk and Orton one-on-one at Mania. If we do see a tag match involving the New Nexus, it'll be on Raw sometime in the weeks before the event.

Yes and yes on Question 2. Then again, people were saying we'd get an all WCW-class this year and that isn't happened.

After the break, my thoughts on using the NWA name in this day and age.

Raw thoughts- 3/7/11

Did I just hear glass breaking? Stone Cold Steve Austin returns to Raw tonight! Also, John Cena has more words for The Rock. Read on for my thoughts on this blockbuster edition of Monday Night Raw!

Former WWE star arrested; racial profiling to blame?, Stone Cold at Mania?, TNA to drop PPVs?, Questions on Undertaker's streak, female commentators, and David Otunga, in-ring return for WWE, Raw's HoF announcement, and a Rock update

Former WWE superstar Shad Gaspard was arrested recently in Columbus, Ohio. His wife and a friend of his (the latter of whom was present) allege that the policeman involved abused his authority and the charges (jaywalking, resisting arrest, and obstructing police business) were phony. Racism is also suspected of playing a role. TMZ.com has more on this. If authority was abused and racism was a motive, then that's disgusting in this day and age. There will undoubtedly be more on this later. Shad has been arrested in multiple states in the past for assault, looting, robbery, and drug-trafficking. This is before his career as a wrestler, which began around 2002.

It is becoming increasingly likely that Stone Cold Steve Austin will appear at WrestleMania this year. His role is at this time unknown, though a match is highly unlikely.

Eric Bischoff thinks that TNA should cut the number of PPVs they have. It is unknown if this will actually occur. If that's a step that would help TNA in the long run, then I'm ok with it. I'm not sure if it is, though.

After the break, I look at the questions submitted to PWInsider.com for today. First up, was Undertaker's Mania streak planned in advance?

Questions on Bruno Sammartino, Husky Harris, Eve Torres, and Taker's streak, Cyborg, Orton, and Tough Enough updates, Hogan Q&A, and a Joey Styles comment

Not much news today, but PWInsider.com has some questions as always. The first one is about whether Bruno Sammartino will ever accept WWE's offer to go into their Hall of Fame. I certainly hope so, but there isn't any indication that he will. Bret Hart was able to overcome his grievances with WWE; I wish he would, too. Then again, I wish just about every wrestling-related beef will come to an end. I wonder if they'd be able to get permission after he passes away. As far as I know, they don't actually HAVE to have permission to put him in, but would want him to make an appearance. If I had a wrestling Hall of Fame, he'd definitely be a shoo-in.

Husky Harris was taken out of Nexus to sell the punt by Orton and to send him back to FCW for more training. I haven't read anything about a match between The Corre and Nexus at WrestleMania. It wouldn't make much sense as two heel groups going at it. Otunga, McGillicutty, and Ryan vs. Slater, Gabriel, and Jackson (Since Punk is already facing Orton)? I don't know how many fans would be interested in that one, but I wouldn't rule it out either. It could be a Tag Team Title match (excluding a Nexus member and Jackson) possibly also involving Santino and Kozlov. But this is just me throwing around ideas.

More questions and news examined after the break!

Jimmy Hart rumor, Female MMA star headed to WWE?, upcoming cross-brand appearances, Questions on WrestleMania and "They", More Bart Scott?, new WWE signing, Impact and Superstars ratings, and Arquette involved in crash

First up is something I inadvertently skipped over yesterday. Hulk Hogan mentioned that Jimmy Hart will be in Jerry "The King" Lawler's corner at WrestleMania. He then pointed out that this is just a rumor as of right now. He says that he doesn't have an issue with Hart going to WWE, despite rumors to the contrary. I haven't seen any rumors in that regard on a credible news source.

In other news, a female MMA star Christiane "Cyborg" Santos is negotiating with WWE, according to a MMA websites. There are even rumors of her being offered a contract. None of this has been independently verified by PWInsider.com yet, so don't read too much into it yet.

The Undertaker is being advertised for next week's Raw taping. John Cena and Triple H are working a dark match after the next Smackdown taping. This may or may not mean that those wrestlers will appear on those shows.

Next, a look at PWInsider.com's questions. After the break, does this year's WrestleMania lack "must-see" matches?

Smackdown thoughts- 3/4/11

At WrestleMania 27, Edge will defend his World Heavyweight Championship. His opponent's name is Alberto Del Rio... but you already know that. Tonight WWE makes it official as they sign the contract for the main event. Also tonight, The Undertaker returns to Friday nights. Read on for my thoughts on the show, as it happens.

Hillary Clinton talks wrestling, Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan trade jabs, Questions on JBL, WWE Creative, replaying matches, and the Bellas, HHH, Evan Bourne, and Dixie Carter interviews, Christian update, DiBiase in FCW, and TNA star released

The U.S. Secretary of State has remarks about professional wrestling as it relates to America's image at this link. I think that if an Afghan general can't tell the difference between wrestling, Baywatch, and real life, wrestling's not the thing with the problem in that situation. The hypocrisy of her giving a speech to a wrestling audience in 2008 has already been pointed out, but she likely just made that appearance because her competitors did. For the record, I'd be shaking my head at this regardless of political affiliation.

The next story's kind of long, so I'm doing the break here. Bret Hart did a Q&A on Twitter, and there's a good deal to look at:

Superstars and Impact thoughts- 3/3/11

Read on for my thoughts on tonight's Superstars and the big edition of Impact. Will either look like the clustermess I detailed earlier? Let's find out!

TNA Impact preview- 3/3/11

I'm doing something special today since the March 3 Impact is being treated as such a big deal. Since that many matches and angles have been announced, I'm going to treat it similarly to a PPV. Which means that I'm going to tell how I would book it (if given the authority to do so). An important rule, though: I'd have to stick to what's been announced unless there's a reason I'd have to change it (someone being injured or leaving the company for instance). Keep in mind that I couldn't realistically change the whole company and booking in one night, hiring and firing whoever I pleased or changing rivalries around. So think of this exercise as me trying to do the best with what's been announced and promoted. And yes, I'm aware that the show's been taped already. It just makes more sense to tell what I'd book on the day it airs so it's fresh on everyone's minds. With all that out of the way, I'll start after the break.

Questions on The Rock, Daniel Bryan, Orton, Winter, and Matt Hardy, Bateman surgery, TNA departure, Batista-MMA update, and Tiffany talks

It's kind of late, so let's jump right into it with a look at PWInsider.com's questions:
1. I also thought that The Rock looked smaller (more trim) than he did when he was last in WWE. Not that that's a bad thing. He looks to be in really good shape.

2. I don't really see Cole's commentary having that negative of an impact in how we see Daniel Bryan, since most DB fans hate Cole and don't give him any credibility anyway. In fact, in some ways I think it's helped him to be such a target by Cole. Not to mention that the face announcers constantly  take up Bryan's defense and bash Cole. Speaking from past experience as a mark, having a heel announcer rip on a face only made me hate the announcer more, and like the face more.

Questions 3-5 and more news after the break!

New WWE Hall Of Famer, Road Warrior Animal interview, big WWE deal, Questions on Trish Stratus, Michelle McCool, nWo vs. Nexus, and Vickie/Dolph, TNA-Gen Me and Cena rumors, more on UWF, NXT update, and Raw rating

In addition to "Bullet" Bob Armstrong, Abdullah The Butcher has said that he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year.

Update: He wants Terry Funk to induct him. That'd be cool.

Road Warrior Animal talks a bit about Hawk and why he isn't in WWE right now while promoting his book here.

Kmart has signed a multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with WWE. Good for both sides.

PWInsider.com has questions today. Here's my take on them:
I think we'll see another DVD on Trish Stratus down the line. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if she becomes a Hall of Famer as well. But that's at least a few years off. Or at least it should be. It's a little too soon to induct a lot of Attitude Era names in my opinion. I'm starting to think that WWE should do like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and not induct someone until 25 years or so after their first professional match. Anyone else have an opinion on that idea?

More questions, answers, and news after the break.

NXT thoughts- 3/1/11

Tonight is the last episode of the 4th season of NXT. Will it be Brodus Clay or Johnny Curtis who becomes the next WWE Superstar? My thoughts on the show are after the break.

Mysterio talks retirement, book news, Questions on buying companies, the next breakout star, and Rock vs. Cena, Jericho and Sin Cara updates, Smackdown rating, C.M. Punk talks trash to NFL player, new WWE film, Raw dark match, and the next WWE Hall of Famer announced

Rey Mysterio shot down rumors that he's retiring soon on his Twitter page, saying that he has many years left of entertaining his fans. I have read speculation that he only has a few years left wrestling full-time in the past,  but I don't remember anything concrete (such as interview with him saying that).

The autobiographies of Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman have been delayed to better fit their schedules. Heyman co-wrote Lesnar's book, and they didn't want them released too closely. Also, they wanted to make sure that Lesnar would be available for interviews when his came out. Lesnar's book will be out 5/24, and Heyman's will be out 9/13. Both will likely be on my lengthy "to read" list.

Next, a look at today's PWInsider.com questions. First, they set the record straight on whether WWE tried to buy TNA or if WCW tried to buy WWE. I don't have anything to dispute their answer, though Dixie Carter has (perhaps jokingly) suggested that she'd be interested in buying WWE (which has virtually no chance of happening).

After the break, who's the next big star in wrestling? More questions follow and then more news!