New trademark by TNA, Foley to return on-screen, Sabin update, new TNA DVD, post-Impact video, WWE running against TNA, WWE music lawsuit update, Questions on Jimmy Hart-WWE, Attitude Era rivalries, worst booked Mania, great in-ring performers, and splitting The Corre, stories on Titus O'Neill and Christopher Nowinski, FCW visitor, DVD/Blu-ray/Netflix release date for "That's What I Am", WWE stock update, Foley on more house shows, Fakih talks fractured ribs and her future, WM27 passes a million buys, JR interview, notes on Jinder Mahal, charity for WWE Hall of Famer's medical bills, WWE part of anti-bullying campaign, Impact rating, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer to wrestle?, Angle to train for 2012 Olympics, and Vince donates to Foley's charity

TNA has filed to trademark "Impact Wrestling". The idea is apparently to promote that term in synergy with the show, not focusing as much on the TNA name. The company continues to look at how it's marketing itself.

Mick Foley is scheduled to return to TNA during next week's Impact tapings. As noted, he still has a number of months left in his contract.

Chris Sabin did indeed tweak his knee in his match against Anarquia. More updates when I get them.

TNA is releasing a DVD called "Immortal Forever?" on 7/19. Interesting...

TNA posted a video featuring a number of promos following Impact.

Here's an interesting note: WWE will tape Smackdown on 5/3 in Orlando, FL at the same time that Impact will be taping just a few miles away! This has happened before, though, and I don't remember there being any significant interactions between the two sides.

PWInsider.com has an update on a lawsuit filed against them regarding the entrance music used by Floyd "Money" Mayweather at WrestleMania 24. WWE has some good points. Heck, them using his song at WrestleMania could be the best thing that ever happened to it judging on how little revenue it's allegedly made.

And speaking of  PWInsider.com, they have some new questions today, which I'll address after the break (along with the rest of Friday's news). First up, what was the deal about Jimmy Hart not going to WrestleMania this year?

WWE stockholders' meeting thoughts- 4/29/11

WWE had its annual stockholders' meeting on Friday. Read on for how it went and my thoughts on it.

Smackdown thoughts- 4/29/11

We've got some new faces (and heels) on Friday nights thanks to the Draft, and we're just 2 nights away from Extreme Rules. These elements combine to make a chaotic edition of Smackdown from Greensboro, NC. Read on for my thoughts on the show.

RVD on TMZ, salary for WWE's VP of TV production (Kevin Dunn), Jimmy Hart/WWE promote reading, HBK hunts, Questions on Metallica at Mania, understanding TNA, and Edge retiring, video on Taz' dojo, Update on Moxley-WWE, rap song about Ric Flair, possible new Extreme Rules match, WWE T-shirt grab bag, WWE lowers dividends, Jericho talks, Sabin injured?, Slammiversary location, and 2 matches added to Sacrifice

TMZ caught up with Rob Van Dam recently, and discussed which three wrestlers would be best to take with him to take out Osama Bin Laden. Certainly an interesting premise, and TMZ had some fun with it.

Deadline.com reports what Kevin Dunn's 2010 salary was. He's considered an important part of the company, and receives a good deal of criticism online for his "we make movies" mentality.

Jimmy Hart appeared at a kids' reading event on behalf of WWE. Yes, he brought his megaphone. Someone (jokingly?) referred to WCW midcarder Meng (known in the WWF as Haku) as a legend in the piece.


Here's video of Shawn Michaels on "Ultimate Hunt".

PWInsider.com has some new questions up today. I'll look at them and the rest of the day's news after the break. First, why did Triple H use "For Whom The Bell Tolls" at WrestleMania?

Superstars and Impact thoughts- 4/28/11

Today, Divas clash on Superstars, and Mr. Anderson looks for a 1-on-1 title shot on Impact. Read on for my thoughts on this Thursday's shows.

Tough Enough's theme song, Jericho on Kimmel recap and updates on his future, Cena films movie scene at Smackdown, wrestling megazine covers, WWE uses the "w" word, Piper interview, Questions on a territory system, attacking legends, title reigns, and Hogan running TNA, and updates on JR, Jeff Hardy in TNA, and WWE house show line-ups

Since someone asked, the theme song for the current iteration of Tough Enough (which is actually the 5th, not 4th version- #4 was the $1,000,000 version that Daniel Puder won) is "Champion" by Chipmunk featuring Chris Brown.

Chris Jericho was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live after his DWTS elimination. Here's a recap on how that went down, and here's video of it.

Update: Here's a story on his elimination. He isn't expected to come back to WWE just yet, as he still has some outside projects to tend to.

John Cena filmed part of a movie after the Smackdown taping Tuesday night. I don't know how much else (if any) he will film for it.

This blog has a unique look back at a fair number of old wrestling magazine covers.

WWE has a new "Submission Wrestling" shirt for Daniel Bryan. They've also referred to "wrestling moves" sine distancing themselves from the word.

Salon.com has an absolutely awesome interview with "Rowdy" Roddy Piper.

Up next, I look at PWInsider.com's questions and the rest of the day's news. The first question asks if a territory system could work in this day and age.

Why Raw wasn't 3 hours last night, Jim Ross injured, Questions on Jimmy Hart, the Jarretts buying WCW, Immortal's promos, KroniK, and Edge, Will C.M. Punk leave WWE?, draft comments, ratings for Raw and Tough Enough, press for Rima's exit, and Jericho eliminated from DWTS

Today's news starts with a question someone submitted to the blog sometime yesterday: Why wasn't the 4/25/11 Raw 3 hours long? Simply put, WWE doesn't get to decide when the show is 3 hours and when it isn't. That's up to the USA honchos. I haven't read anything about WWE asking for extra air time for the show that night or anything. The Creative teams are probably glad that they didn't have to write an extra hour's worth of stuff then!

Jim Ross underwent X-rays today on his hand following the punches he laid on Michael Cole on Raw. Cole's tooth apparently went to the bone in his fist. Ouch.

PWInsider.com has some questions up today: For the first one, the only reason that rumor had any credibility was because Hogan said it on his Twitter page. However, it didn't originate from any major, reliable news source.

Question #2 was pretty thought-provoking. I'll look at it and the other questions and news (barring the draft, which is getting its own post) after the break. What if the Jarretts had bought WCW in 2001 instead of WWF?

2011 WWE Supplemental Draft thoughts

The WWE draft is kind of like moving: The first trip you want to take most of the major stuff, and then in subsequent trips you want to take everything else you want to bring to the new house. And I guess sometimes you bring something on the first trip and then put it back before you start the second trip? It's complicated. Anyway, read on for my thoughts on the second part of WWE's annual "moving a bunch of people around" as it happens.

NXT thoughts- 4/26/11

You know the drill by now. We've got 6 NXT rookies trying to make their way onto the next season.

Questions on HHH taking over, worst moments in TNA with Bischoff/Hogan, WWE being insulted, HoF videos, and Taker's music, Road Warrior Animal talks scripting, Hawk, mentoring, and tag teams, Night of Champions dropped, Supplemental Draft spoiler?, UWF talent updates, Edge on titles, more Mania charity, press for Tough Enough contestants, ex-Creative team member looks at a past draft and the "B" show, cover of WWE's Nitro DVD, Batista not going to Strikeforce, news on Del Rio vs. Christian, reality star to try out, Smackdown rating, Stone Cold does a RickRoll, HBK looking to trademark names, Stu Hart for Walk of Fame?, stipulation added to match for Sunday, and Miz to appear on DWTS

Monday's news starts off with PWInsider.com's questions. First up, will Triple H push the women's and tag team divisions when he takes over WWE? Firstly, a lot of things could change between now and then. You never know how long Vince will stay in charge, and if Triple H will even be the guy to take his place. Look at how many people thought that Shane was going to replace Linda someday, and now neither are with WWE. That being said, if he did take over soon... maybe. Just like how the United States has a President, Congress, and the Supreme Court, WWE policy isn't dictated totally by one person. So, the realistic answer is pretty much that there's no way to tell. Sorry.

For question #2, let's see here: Sting vs. Hardy would have to contend with: The Nasty Boys, guys like Flair, Hogan, and Foley hurting their legacies in the ring, the way the Band storyline was handled, some of Orlando Jordan's stuff, Abyss basically killing people backstage, most of the show ReAction, and surely some other stuff I'm leaving out. I might replace "Sting vs. Hardy" with TNA's handling of Hardy's (and others') legal situations and/or the contract blunders when trying to set up they second "They" angle. They've definitely had some stuff I would have liked to have gone differently.

To #3, it's somewhat ridiculous, yeah. I can see it on a corporate level but to the fans, it's all pro wrestling. I kind of wish that WWE had someone who talked to the fans and defended some of their decisions as best as they could, i.e. "We call it entertainment because it's more than the in-ring stuff, but we're still dedicated on having that be the best that it can be".

After the break, I have more answers and a look at all of the day's news. Next up, why didn't WWE air the Hall of Fame videos for Abdullah and Bob Armstrong?

2011 WWE Draft thoughts

Raw and Smackdown are getting some new blood tonight. Will either show get cut too deep? Will either show get some O+ to boost their strength? Read on for my thoughts on WWE's choices to switch shows.

Raw thoughts- 4/25/11

It's draft night in the WWE. Who's going to Raw? Who's going to Smackdown? Also, tonight's the final Raw before Extreme Rules. Who will stake their claim to the WWE Championship? Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens, and see my thoughts on who went where in the other column.

Tough Enough thoughts- 4/25/11

Last week, we had 2 eliminations on Tough Enough. Who's going home this week? Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.

WWE Draft preview

The annual WWE Draft is tonight and everyone has their own ideas for who should switch brands. Read on for my take on it.

Questions on Kharma, Draft ideas, Jay Lethal, Del Rio vs. Miz, and TNA's Winter storyline, Jericho on Ellen, DiBiase Sr. talks, WWE charity profiled, Big Show on Nick, UWF gets Homicide, and JR talks about the draft

Not much news for Sundaym which is understandable given it's a holiday:

PWInsider.com had a fresh batch of questions. First, will Kharma be paired with someone else? It's going to take a while to get used to that name. It seems like she'd be on her own, but you never know until she actually debuts. And is it a given that she'll be on Raw? Her promos have aired on Smackdown too, but that could just be because... well, anything important on Raw also ends up on Smackdown.

For #2, Morrison and Orton would be good picks to go (back) to Smackdown. Morrison replacing Edge, though? No. I like JoMo and all, but he's not at that level yet. If anything, Orton would be the main event spot and JoMo would face The Corre. Edge had years of main event credibility that can't be matched by Morrison. They need a more long-term guy like Orton, Christian, or Mysterio to jump in that role for now. Morrison would definitely be on my list to move up the card at some point in that move though.

For question #3, no. Just.. no. If WWE does sign Lethal, I'd be shocked if he went to the main roster soon afterward. And I'd be VERY shocked if they rehashed a TNA gimmick that they likely couldn't own the rights to (surely "Black Machismo" is copyrighted). I wouldn't see them using something with "black" in the name either. Even without that name, I don't see them doing it. And Savage being his manager would be a massive rub for a talent very early in his career, so I don't think we'll see that either.

More answers and news after the break, starting with a question on whether Del Rio would face off with Miz if he wins the World Title.

Update on Abyss's injury, Rock has words for Cena, Questions on Sheamus, Hogan, and Teddy Hart, Joey Styles jokes around on Twitter, NXT alumni interviewed,more WWE All-Stars and Miss USA press, Flair correction, TNA-NASCAR news, and Bret Hart's latest auctions

Abyss underwent dental surgery on Thursday, having repair work done on his upper lip and having 4 or 5 damaged teeth removed. He says he'll be ready to return to the ring with a week, which speaks pretty highly of his endurance.

The Rock had a few words for John Cena on his birthday. I wonder how the two get along "behind-the-scenes". Obviously if they're having a match together, there's at least SOME level of respect there. But that could be for the business more than each other.

PWInsider.com has some Saturday questions to look at. Nothing to add to #1, and #2 was a tricky situation. I'm glad that Sheamus stuck around (don't want another Brock Lesnar situation), and I wonder how things would have gone differently if he was locked in before then. I would definitely have liked to have seen more Sheamus/Corre/Kane involvement in the HHH/Taker feud, but I guess they didn't want to have them wrestle until the big show, which makes a lot of sense now that I think about it.

More answers and news after the break, starting with more on why Hogan chose TNA over WWE.

Questions on WWE developmental, Mexican heels, wrestling rings, Cody Rhodes, and Tough Enough, Nash on Hall's health, Lethal on leaving TNA, Hardy's next court date, media appearances for ex- and current Tough Enoughers, more Raw cuts in the UK, Flair undergoes surgery, and the rating for Impact

The first news item of the day is the questions PWInsider.com answered. Here's my take on them:
1. WWE hasn't had a developmental territory outside of the U.S., but I'm fairly confident that they had a special agreement with a Puerto Rican promotion when Carlito was in WWE since his father ran it.

2. WWE's not going to do ANYTHING with assassins any time soon. As far as a heel group, it's possible but some talents work better as faces and WWE will want to use them in that capacity.

3. They'll probably stick with "WWE ring", though "entertainment ring"'s a good one.

4. Can't he just have changed his mind (in storyline)? Though I'm guessing WWE didn't want him to go that route since the mask is such an important part of Rey's character. As universally panned (as far as I know) as him going without a mask in WCW was, I'd be surprised if they go that route any time soon.

5. I have zero problems with the current Tough Enough team, since they have a nice variety of training methods and specialties. I wouldn't be able to come up with one that well, but I'd think that DDP would be good workout-wise with his yoga background, Ricky Steamboat and Dean Malenko would work for the finer touches of what goes on in the ring, and Dusty Rhodes is known for teaching promos so I think I'd include him to. That wouldn't have the ratings magic though, and 3 of those 4 guys already have roles in WWE! As far as the host, Vince or Stephanie would make a lot of sense, but they're very busy with other areas of the company as well.

The rest of the day's news is after the break.

Smackdown thoughts- 4/22/11

What do you do when one of your biggest employees retires? Throw them a retirement party of course. Tonight, alberto Del Rio has the honor of looking back at the career of his bitter rival, and one can only guess how that will go down. Read on for my thoughts on Smackdown as it happens!

Rock on Lopez recap, former X-Division champion gone from TNA, updates on Abyss' injury, Scott Hall's health, and JR's future, Questions on TNA's ring, Chris Masters, Christian as champion, shaking up Smackdown, and an Edge return, Sting speaks again, as does a former member of the WWE Creative team, more press for R-Truth's angle, and Hogan/Flair making special appearances

Here's a rundown of The Rock's appearance on Lopez Tonight. Talk about your flashbacks with the Flex Kavana video.

Jay Lethal has parted ways with TNA. Something tells me that isn't the last we'll see of him. If he decides to stay in wrestling, WWE could very well scout him for FCW. They did sign the former Consequences Creed after all.  He finished up at the most recent Impact taping.

Update: It's believed that TNA decided to release Lethal, instead of him asking for it. I know that fairly new TNA employee Bruce Pritchard seemingly wasn't a fan of his, but there's no word on who made the call to cut him.

Abyss will need dental surgery to repair the damage done in a recent Impact match as a result of Rob Van Dam's springboard kick.

Kevin Nash wrote a harrowing blog about the condition of his good friend Scott Hall. I really hope Hall can turn his life around. I don't really consider myself a Hall fan, but I want the man to get his life back in check.

PWInsider.com has some new questions up, starting with one about TNA dropping the six-sided ring. I seem to remember Hogan or Bischoff saying it looked like a playpen or something. They have a point. It's pretty silly looking. I don't really see an advantage to having it other than it's different from what most wrestling companies use. I liked it for a while, but don't miss it now that it's gone. Almost every wrestler has trained predominantly in 4-sided rings. Why make them change it up and work differently in TNA just to look different?

For question #2, I like that Chris Masters has improved but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Having name value from a show that's online-exclusive doesn't mean much of anything to WWE or to the solid majority of fans who don't watch NXT. That being said, I like what I've seen of him lately and him being in the Intercontinental Title picture isn't TOO far-fetched.

I have more answers and news after the break. To start, could Christian be World Champion after Extreme Rules?

Superstars and Impact thoughts- 4/21/11

It's week 2 of WWE Superstars online, and Mark Henry's taking on Ted DiBiase in the main event. Who will be higher on the Raw ladder once the match is over? Then, on Impact, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff want answers from The Network. Will they get them? Read on for my thoughts on both shows as they happen.

Rock on Jimmy Kimmel, Questions on the Impact Zone, TNA Creative, Cena, and Mysterio, Bret Hart interview, Legal updates on Neidhart, Angle and Jeff Hardy, a former WWE Diva trys out for TNA, Abyss injured, and an intervention for Hall?

The Rock talked about returning to WWE, John Cena, and his new movie on Jimmy Kimmel Tuesday night. Funny guy. Videos of his appearance there are up: Part 1 Part 2

PWInsider.com has some new questions up. First up is a rambling about TNA, so I'll address their points individually:
-No, right now it doesn't make sense to take Impact on the road full time. They're able to get a nice-sized crowd in the Impact Zone and it's equipped to do a TV show. Not that I don't want them to go on the road every once in a while. They just have to be able to make money when they do it.
-The fans at the ECW Arena actually did get kind of burned out over time, which is why ECW had to keep trying to top themselves and freshen things up. Anytime you run a lot of your shows in one venue/territory, that audience is going to get burned out quicker than if you go on the road a lot. 
-It's perfectly valid to attribute some of the negative reaction to the crowd being burned out. While some wrestling fans have seen hundreds (if not thousands) of TNA matches, there are a lot of people out there who haven't, and things that are stale to the TNA regulars would be fresh to them.
-I still don't see the "TNA having a better roster than WWE" thing so many people claim. There's a reason that a good number of them aren't in WWE.

Question #2's also kind of a TNA rant, so I'll break it down, too.
- Some of TNA's talent is fairly cookie-cutter. It's just that that cutter makes flippy indy guy cookies.
- TNA does do things more long-term with some of their stories, I'll give them that.
- Everyone in TNA has a story? What's Amazing Red's? Maybe TNA does find more places for people, but a lot of times that's because those talents don't get paid unless they're booked, so TNA just throws a bunch of people together in big multi-man matches sometimes.
- Do they feature some of their talent more regularly than WWE? Maybe so, but it seems to go in phases. Jay Lethal, Kazarian, Samoa Joe, D'Angelo Dinero, and Hernandez come to mind as people who have been pushed as big deals, then end up right back in the same place they were pre-push.

All that for just two questions? Wow. More answers and news after the break, starting with whether John Cena should get more freedom with his promos.

NXT Thoughts- 4/19/11

It's filler time! Watch 6 WWE hopefuls get further along in this competition that may or may not actually have an elimination at some point. My thoughts on the show as it happens follow.

Member of WWE's Board of Directors resigning, R-Truth spoiled heel turn, Angle/Jarrett injured?, new Extreme Rules match, WWE's Q1 update, Questions on Cole vs. Divas, Foley, and Orton's movie, Neidhart arrested, WWE tryouts, Anti-smoking activist attacks WWE, WWE Hall of Famer on Tough Enough next week, WWE puts magazine online, Morrison talks about Tough Enough and climbing up the WWE ranks, WWE moves house show, Raw segments cut in the UK, and Ratings for Raw and Tough Enough

A member of WWE's Board of Directors will not stand for re-election to the position later this month. It took guts to not support his former CEO in her election campaign. I hope that truly didn't have anything to do with his leaving. WWE's definitely going through some changes; I hope they're for the better.

R-Truth made reference to his heel turn on Twitter after the Raw taping yesterday, before it had aired in the US. He quickly deleted it when he was informed of the mistake. Yeah... don't do that.

Kurt Angle says that he and Jeff Jarrett were injured at Lockdown, though this is suspected to be a work. If not, Angle dislocated his shoulder and Jarrett broke some ribs. Ouch. If there's any update on these injuries, I will talk of them in a future post.

C.M. Punk will face Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing match at Extreme Rules. That's definitely a kind of match that you talk about on TV (where most of your audience is) before announcing online.

WWE will talk about its first quarter earnings on May 5.

On to PWInsider.com's questions for the day. Here's my take on them:
I'm kind of hoping we don't get Eve vs. Michael Cole. Something tells me he'll be a big Amazing Kong Kharma supporter when she debuts and that's where they're going. I'm guessing there, though.

Not much to add to their answers on 2 and 3. After the break, I look at the questions about Foley in WWE, and Orton's WWE Film. Then I run down the rest of the day's news.

Notes on Lockdown, Questions on a new Tough Enough, the song used for Edge's video packages, Chyna, young WCW/ECW alumni, and Bischoff/Hogan's outside projects, updates on Foley, "The Network", and WWE's focus group, WWE cancels event, Cena on Smackdown?, Rock/Khali/Big Show TV appearances, a WWE release?, Amazing Kong's WWE name, and Smackdown ratings

Matt Hardy said that he may have fractured his arm in Lethal Lockdown. However, this could just be him playing up the general bedlam of the match. Time will tell.

Update: It doesn't seem to be true, according to TNA sources.

The crowd at Lockdown was said to be bigger than one for Smackdown a few months back. If that's true, then that's pretty impressive. Apparently a good number of those in attendance were WCW/Attitude Era fans, given that the biggest reactions were said to be for Steiner, Bischoff, Flair, Hogan, Sting, Jarrett, and Angle. That's a problem in some ways, as someday those talents won't be there and TNA will be left with some of the names that those older fans don't (yet?) know.

Before I get to PWInsider.com's questions, there are a few search-related questions submitted to this blog I'll address:
Yes, it's pretty likely that we'll see another season of Tough Enough, unless the show just bombs from here on out. There's already been talk of doing casting for the next season before the end of this one airs.

The song used for Edge's retirement videos is 3 Doors Down's "Let Me Be Myself".

I haven't heard anything about Chyna wrestling in Japan, or anywhere else for that matter, in years, so I don't think that one's happening. If it does, I'll try to remember to report it. Sean Waltman wrestled recently for Chikara in the US, though.

After the break, I look at the questions that PWInsider.com got on Monday, as well as the rest of the day's news.

Raw thoughts- 4/18/11

It's Monday at 9:00. I shouldn't have to tell you what that means. Tonight we continue on the road to Extreme Rules, where The Miz will defend the WWE Championship in a Triple Threat match. Read on for my thoughts on a very British Raw.

Tough Enough thoughts- 4/18/11

It's Week 3 for Tough Enough. Who's going to get a verbal ass-kicking from Stone Cold Steve Austin and get sent back home? Read on for my thoughts on the show as it airs.

Questions on WM30, not covering WWE, the Pepsi Plunge, and calling spots, Rock meets some superfans, more on Hepatitis C story, correction on FCW talent debut, new WWE Creative team member, Jeff Hardy thinking of retiring?, and some Lockdown notes

The first news item for Sunday was the questions sent in to PWInsider.com. Someone asks if WWE is considering holding WrestleMania 30 somewhere other than Madison Square Garden so they can hols more people. If they aren't, they should be. I know that not too awful long ago at a house show there, John Cena said that WM30 would be there, but given some of the crowd reactions they've gotten there in the past and that they could likely make a lot more money elsewhere, I don't think they should go there JUST because it's a tradition. If they want to keep it in NYC, that's fine as long as it's somewhere that has good accommodations for everyone. But as far as their actual plans, it's way too early to know for sure.

My thoughts are similar to theirs for the 2nd question. Though WWE doesn't want to be called wrestling anymore, I'll still do a lot of coverage on it. I won't change the name of the blog to reflect their decision either. They can call it what they want to call it, and I'll call it what I want to call it.

As for the third question, there are several reasons that C.M. Punk doesn't do the Pepsi Plunge in WWE. The most obvious is that it's a Pedigree from the top rope, and they don't want 2 guys with such similar finishers. You also have to factor in how potentially dangerous that move is and the fact that they'd need some kind of approval from Pepsi to call it that if I'm not mistaken. I know they airbrush out Punk's Pepsi tattoo on DVD releases (and videogames) because it's a trademark. They do the same for his G.I. Joe Cobra tattoo.

I look at the rest of their questions and all of the day's news after the break.

TNA Lockdown thoughts

Read on for my thoughts on TNA's latest PPV, as it happens!

TNA Lockdown preview

There's a PPV tonight, which means I have some ideas for how I'd book it. Read on for my take on TNA's latest offering.

A look back at the career of Adam "Edge" Copeland

Since everyone else has done it, here's my look back at Edge's career, from my perspective. It's not a comprehensive look back of every match he had, but rather my thoughts and memories on his career as I saw it. I decided to wait a few days to do this so I'd have enough time to think it all through. So, after the break, my look back on what Edge has done in his career.

Regal's new role, WWE covers Edge's retirement, Rock scheduled for upcoming Raw, Questions on Kong the enforcer, Gail Kim, Jericho in the Rumble, and changing the name of WrestleMania, TNA to have a cruise for fans, more press for Rima, big gig for Jericho, WWE cuts some of Edge's speech, Hawkins talks Edge, Chavo's Twitter hacked, and NatGeo to be at Evolve 7.

William Regal did commentary for the most recent episode of FCW TV. Could he be making a full-time switch to commentary at some point? He's talked about being close to (in-ring) retirement in the not-so-distant past.

WWE.com has a number of videos about Edge's retirement. There's his Post-Smackdown speech and then separate videos where Triple H and Rey Mysterio talk about Edge's career. I'll have my own look back at his career shortly after this post.

The Rock is scheduled to be on Raw on 5/2, according to the (hosting) American Airlines Arena. This is the night after Extreme Rules. I'll be interested to see how they continue to build Cena vs. Rock for an entire year.

Next up, PWInsider.com has some questions to ponder on. First they're asked if the former Awesome Kong would be a good enforcer for Nexus. I'm kind of thinking that Nexus only has so much juice left in it. Unless they start harassing Divas, I'm saying the odds of this happening are pretty low. I think she could be used better elsewhere.

For question #2, what changes will we see for Gail Kim in 2011? I don't see many. Given that she hasn't been with Daniel Bryan lately, it seems like she's just going to be back as a reliable in-ring face for the Divas' division.

My guess for the third question is that WWE doesn't want to push Jericho at that level for WrestleMania, and even if they did, the Rumble could likely be better used having someone else win. WWE and Jericho are good at getting him over at that level when they need to without him winning such a big match.

Apparently, WWE's going to keep the WrestleMania name. For one thing, they've already started advertising WM28. I know it seems ridiculous that they're cutting the word wrestling but keeping that PPV name, but thankfully they realized that it's too iconic to change without possibly losing business. It'd be like calling the Super Bowl something else.

More news and my take on it after the break!

Questions on WWE DVDs, The Rock at WM28, Daffney, Layla, and Kong as Divas' Champion, new talents debut in FCW, WWE looks back at Edge's career, new PPV name?, WWE seeking amateur wrestlers, Jericho confirms return, Impact rating, and Sheamus gets WWE some press

Today's news starts off with a first: a question specific to this blog. Two of them actually. It seems someone's been searching for info on DVDs on Goldust and The Miz. I haven't read of plans for a DVD on either, but Miz is pretty much guaranteed to get one at some point in his career if he stays as as relevant as he is now. Goldust getting a career retrospective when he retires wouldn't shock me, unless they want to hold out and do one on both him and Cody.

As for other questions, PWInsider.com has some more up today. For #1, I'd be pretty surprised if Rock didn't have some kind of contract about his WM28 appearances. Shocked, even.

For #2, Daffney's contract with TNA expired a few months back. As far as I know she's healed from her concussion. Unless things have changed, she's currently in a lawsuit with TNA over worker's compensation from said concussion. I haven't read any updates on that, other than that she was advised by her lawyer not to say more about it. I'll keep up with any updates in future blogs.

I don't have anything to add to #3. For #4, Layla has definitely improved in the ring. I wonder how much of that is from working with Michelle McCool, who's improved quite a bit herself since first coming to WWE.

After the break, would WWE bring back the Women's Championship if (the former) Awesome Kong won it? My take on that and all of the rest of the day's news follows.

Smackdown thoughts- 4/15/11

The show must go on. That's the unfortunate reality we're presented with tonight, as the newly retired Edge surrenders his World Heavyweight Championship. Where does Smackdown go from here? Where does the WWE go from here? We get a clue starting tonight. Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.

Jericho on a return, new WWE exec, more on Edge, Questions on Paul Burchill, TNA DVDs, 2nd generation wrestlers, and a Funk DVD, Trish interview, Linda update, Tough Enough news, ex-WCW/ECW wrestler hospitalized, the fate of Superstars, Sting talks, TNA PPVs go HD on Dish, Mickie injury update, more on Dean Malenko, and Cena and The Usos talk videogames.

Chris Jericho said on the "Tonight Show" that he'll return to WWE "if the time comes where (he) feel(s) like (he's) stimulated to go back and do something different because (he's) always about pushing (him)self". 

WWE has hired a new senior vice president of live events. Before coming to the company, Thomas Veit was the president of MLS' Philadelphia Union and PPL Park.

An Asheville blog very briefly mentions Edge's retirement here. Calling it wwwe.com AND pro wrestling? WWE's not going to be happy with this.


Next up, PWInsider.com has some questions for me to give my opinion on. First, what happened to Paul Burchill? Creative presumably "had nothing for him" after the ECW brand shut down. Apparently he's a full-time firefighter now. Glad he found something outside of the business. I really enjoyed his work. If through some insane stroke of good luck I ended up running a successful wrestling promotion soon (which is pretty much the same odds of winning the lottery without buying a ticket), I'd hire him for sure. 


Nothing to add to #2. For #3, I imagine they'll include Sting vs. Hardy on the DVD. That was, for better or worse, the main event of the evening and makes sense to put on the DVD. It'll be interesting seeing how they promote the show.


For #4, there are plenty other 2nd and 3rd generation wrestlers active in the US! Hit the break for a list of those from WWE and TNA (and their alumni).

Superstars and Impact thoughts- 4/14/11

At the last minute, WWE decided to move Superstars to its website, giving everyone a scant few hours to be notified of the change. Thanks, guys. So I'll continue to cover the show in detail before Impact each week. So, tonight see some matches that I already spoiled because I thought this show wouldn't air, and the final build to Lockdown! My thoughts are after the break.

Questions on Austin vs. Punk, main events, WrestleMania, and WWE vs.TNA stars on Twitter, WWE and Lucha ratings in Mexico, what happened after Smackdown (Edge's speech), Bischoff talks Jeff Hardy, Scott Hall, WWE, and more, Edge updates, Miz interview, Where are they now with Dean Malenko, and will Savage join TNA Creative?

Today's news starts with my take on PWInsider.com's questions. First up, will we ever see C.M. Punk vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin? Never say never. We are finally getting Rock vs. Cena after all.

For #2, to me the main event is the biggest, most hyped match on the show. Or in the case of some PPVs, there are "co-main events". WM27 has Triple H vs. Undertaker, Cena vs. Miz, and Del Rio vs. Edge in those capacities. That's just my take on it, though. Speaking of that last match, maybe it went first because they knew Edge wasn't in great shape going in, but thought he had at least one more month in him? That's a guess, though.

Question 3's quite the rant, so I'll break it down:
-Kane was presumably booked to be goofy to fit in with the fun-loving team and/or assist in mocking The Corre. I wasn't a fan of it, either.
-While I wasn't crazy about Cole vs. Lawler, Lawler did get his revenge on Cole at the end, while still saving something for the rematch.
-HBK headlined the Hall of Fame class. They've done similar with other headliners in previous years.
-I don't really understand the part about Undertaker. They just did something different with his umpteenth return.
-They presumably dumped Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan because it had the least amount of buildup.
-Mania wasn't as good as I was hoping from a booking standpoint, BUT Triple H and Undertaker did a heck of a job bringing the show up some from that.

For question #4, I'm pretty sure that the arena would have called BS if that number wasn't right. Coincidences happen.

After the break, I look at the differences between WWE and TNA on Twitter, then move on to the rest of the news for Wednesday.

Wrestlers comment on Edge's retirement, Questions on Cena/Rock, Sin Cara, and matches without commentary, new UWF promo video, son of Hall of Famer considering wrestling, how much Donald Trump made for his work in WWE, Sting to appear on a TNA house show (for once), A lookback at Edge's other major neck surgery, New WWE signee wrestling final independent match, Raw and Tough Enough ratings, Superstars spoilers, Angle to sign new TNA deal, more on Matt Cross, and what happened after Smackdown

As you might imagine, there were a good number of talents who commented about Edge retiring on Twitter. What follows are links to lists of people who commented on it.

Link 1 (Christian, Jim Ross, Kelly Kelly, Joey Styles, Gail Kim, Howard Finkel, Yoshi Tatsu, Eve Torres, Vickie Guerrero, Natalya Neidhart and Michelle McCool)

Link 2 (Hulk Hogan) There's a reason the doctors told some of those guys to quit 15 years ago. It's because they didn't/don't belong in the ring anymore. Stupid for him to blame Edge being pulled because WWE's a "media company". It wasn't a media doctor that checked him out, it was a renowned sports doctor. And if wrestlers work hurt, Hulk must not be a wrestler because he's pulled out of matches due to injuries (some would say perceived injuries) in the past. 0/10.

Update: He clarified himself a bit here. Doesn't really help his case much.

Link 3 (Chris Jericho, Eric Bischoff, Wade Barrett, Kevin Nash, and Taz) Obviously Edge was very well liked in the industry.

Link 4 (Shawn Michaels, Paul Bearer, Samoa Joe, Jim Ross, Tommy Dreamer, Kurt Angle, and Charlie Haas)

Link 5 (Bret Hart)

Link 6 (Former WWE Creative team member Dave Lagana)

Link 7 (Zack Ryder. The link also has a correction of something WWE said, replay ratings for Tough Enougj, an update on Gangrel, and Bret Hart's latest charity drawing)

Link 8 (John Cena, The Rock, Randy Orton, Goldust, Beth Phoenix, Kizarny (Sinn Bodhi), Gangrel, Mick Foley, Rikishi, Sean Waltman, Matt Hardy, Shannon Moore, Seth Rollins, Steve Corino, MVP, Tara, Blue Meanie, Shad, and Kazarian)

It's awesome that so many people showed respect to him for his retirement. Standing ovation for him, and applause to everyone (fans included) who had such kind words for him. A tip of the hat to Matt Hardy especially; I'm glad they buried the hatchet.

After the break, I dive in to the rest of the day's news and PWInsider.com's questions of the day.

NXT Thoughts- 4/12/11

Coming off the heels of a major announcement on Raw, we come to the latest episode of WWE NXT. Six runners-up from previous seasons are trying to earn a spot on the next season. Someday someone will be eliminated, but for tonight we continue to evaluate the would-be superstars. Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.

Correction on WWE ratings in Mexico, Updates on Scott Hall, Hulk Hogan, Shane McMahon, and WWE roster cuts,Trish Stratus' movie debuts, Questions on Jericho leaving wrestling, Cena turning heel, Trish's return, and the Freebirds in the Hall, Rock on Ellen recap, TNA to undergo changes?, Former ROH/Chikara star Larry Sweeney passes away, Tough Enough competitor profiled, WWE Diva rumorbuster, Issues between John Morrison and Trish Stratus, Smackdown rating, Raw dark matches/Superstars spoilers, and notes on Edge's retirement

Today's news is starting off with a correction on my part. I stated that WWE was getting similar ratings to established lucha promotions (AAA, CMLL) in Mexico. That's incorrect. WWE is actually getting 2-3 times the number of viewers that they are. If someone wants me to start posting ratings for foreign countries, (namely Mexico or the UK) comment on this post and I'll start doing so.

Here's the latest on the Scott Hall situation. I'm glad he's getting help, but this sounds pretty bad. The promotion should definitely get its money back. Tough situation for everyone here.

Trish Stratus was joined by Tara and Edge for the screening of a movie she was in. The screening was in Edge's new hometown of Asheville, NC.

PWInsider.com has some new questions up today. I'll have my take on them after the break. First up, will Chris Jericho leave wrestling if DWTS goes well?

Raw thoughts- 4/11/11

It's tough jumping right to Raw after Tough Enough. I wasn't done with my thoughts on that show! Anyway, let's get right to it. Read on for my thoughts on the show.

Tough Enough thoughts- 4/11/11

It's week 2 of the smash hit returning Tough Enough. Read on for my thoughts on this week's episode.

Questions on Lesnar-TNA, Snooki returning, wheelchairs in the ring, and WWE Divas copying TNA's, Updates on Scott Hall, Tough Enough press, and a former WWE Diva misses an appearance

Not too much news for Sunday, but it starts with the questions sent to PWInsider.com.

The first question, about how The Rock's return to wrestling affects his acting career, I'll leave to their answer as I have nothing to add to it.

The second question asks if Brock Lesnar would sign with TNA. To add to their answer: It's possible, and I seem to remember him being good friends with Kurt Angle, but talk of any return to wrestling is very premature. He's still one of MMA's top names, and I think he'd blow a good deal of credibility with those fans if he came back to wrestling any time soon.

After the break, I get to the rest of the questions and news, starting with what would happen if Snooki stuck around in WWE.

Notes on future WWE releases, another Tough Enough replay, Kurt Angle legal update, Questions on ideas for WWE, Edge vs. Christian, Winter-Love, and Pope vs. Joe, Sting and "Superstar" Billy Graham interviews, Hall hospitalized, WWE taping TV in Mexico, and Trish talks Tough Enough

Here's the news for Saturday 4/9:

PWInsider.com is reporting that releases are on the horizon in WWE, however no one has been let go as of yet.

G4 will be showing replays of Tough Enough Sundays at 9 p.m.. The channel is mostly owned by Comcast, who partly owns NBC Universal.

Kurt Angle plead guilty to reckless driving for the recent incident in ND. The plea deal, which still needs the judge's approval, would see Angle pay a $475 fine, serve a year of unsupervised probation, and undergo a chemical dependency evaluation. There are conflicting reports on whether it includes him serving a suspended sentence of 10 days in jail. This is why you don't drink while in the driver's seat of a motor vehicle. Angle's blood alcohol content was a .083. The legal limit in ND is .08.

After the break, I'll look at Saturday's questions submitted to PWInsider.com and give my take on them. The first question pitches three ideas for WWE: less attractive women who can wrestle, a new tag team, and Cena vs. Undertaker.

Changes to Lockdown card, another Mania visitor, WWE cartoons to come?, Superstars' future, WWE on the Today Show, Updates on TNA Films, Jeff Hardy, and Scott Hall, Questions on WWE "entertainers", refs counting for top rope moves, and HHH vs. Taker at WM28, Shark Boy and Mick Foley interviews, surprise appearance by Knockout, 3-hour Raws announced, and Impact and Superstars ratings

This news item actually came in last night, but for whatever reason didn't show up as being from last night until today: In addition to Christopher Daniels being added to the Lethal Lockdown match, the still-injured Alex Shelley has been dropped from the Xscape match.

Yet another former wrestling star reported as appearing in Atlanta for the Hall of Fame and WrestleMania is Erik Watts, perhaps best known for his WCW run.

WWE is considering doing animated projects on Rey Mysterio, Sin Cara, and its new line of "Rumblers" toys. These are all in extremely early stages, but that could certainly be a way for them to make money.

There was a lot of press for WWE's rebranding.

WWE Superstars will now be shown on YouTube after it airs internationally. As much as I like the show, I won't cover it in-depth anymore since it's not on at the same time each week anymore. I will continue to watch, however, and give the results in the same vein as dark matches.

Trish Stratus will promote Tough Enough on the Today Show on Saturday.

There are no plans for a TNA Films division at this time, though it's possible down the road.

Jeff Hardy hasn't been brought up internally in TNA for a while. They're more than likely waiting for his court date on the 20th before making a decision on his future.

After the break, I look at PWInsider.com's questions for today and give my take on them. First up, since WWE employees are "entertainers" now, can they be represented by an entertainment union? More answers and the rest of the day's news is coming up next!

Smackdown thoughts- 4/8/11

This past Sunday, Edge got past his rival Alberto Del Rio to retain the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XXVII, then did damage to his car. Tonight, we get the fallout of this and the rest of the matches from that night. Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.

WWE profiled by the LA Times and on the Tonight Show, Questions on Divas vs. Cole, Charlie Sheen, Victory Road on DVD and ring ropes, HHH to head up new talent development, Mania change, Cody Rhodes, Drew Carey, and Steve Austin interviews, Foley charity work, Matt Hardy rumorbuster, the future of Jersey Shore in wrestling, and a TNA-MTV Tr3s update on how Lucha Libre USA will be affected

Thursday's news starts off with a pretty important look at "the new" WWE as they expand beyond what goes on in the ring and arenas. I don't mind that they're expanding into other places as long as that's profitable for them and (more importantly from a fan's standpoint) they don't neglect their core business. At the end of the day, that's what matters to me and to this blog.

Here's a recap of the WWE-themed segment on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Doesn't sound all that funny.

As always, PWInsider.com had some questions today. Here's my take on them. The first questioner, who amusingly believes that heel Michael Cole has the personality of a footstool, wonders if we'll see a confrontation between Eve and Cole after he interrupted her match on Raw. It's certainly possible, but I don't think they were booking that beyond "get heat on Cole but not at the expense of an important match". It's an interesting suggestion, though.

I'm not even touching the second question. Not something I'd know much about.

For question #3, I also haven't read anything about WWE making an offer to Charlie Sheen to appear for them. Obviously there'd be a lot of mainstream attention if they were to get him, but would they trust him with a live mic on a PG show?

Quick answers to the other two: I don't know if TNA will make any changes at all to the Victory Road DVD. Did they edit out the time Samoa Joe cut an unscripted promo on Scott Hall? And I defer to their answer on #5.

The rest of the day's news is after the break, starting with WWE's press release on its new direction!

Superstars and Impact thoughts- 4/7/11

Tonight is the final episode of Superstars on WGN America. How will WWE mark this occasion? They probably won't. As of this writing, the future of the show in the U.S. is unknown. There hasn't been any indication that it will be picked up by a different channel or become an online show. It will almost certainly continue internationally. If it loses a home in the States, I will no longer cover it in-depth here (since I won't have a way to watch it as it airs). However, I will give the results for the show in my news posts along with other dark matches.

Also tonight, TNA comes back into the picture with Impact. How will Christopher Daniels' return change things in the company? Read on for my thoughts on this 3-hour wrestling block.

Rock talks WM28, Questions on "Entertainmentmania", changing the rating for PPVs, Del Rio's push, HBK, and the Bellas turning heel, Austin clarifies Tough Enough remark, Tough Enough deleted scene and trivia, what's replacing Superstars, Mohammad Hassan interview, JR update, Austin talks Rock, and another Tough Enough replay rating

Here's a recap of The Rock's appearance on Jay Leno's show, where he talks about his match with John Cena next year.

PWInsider.com has some new questions up today. Here's my take on them:
Someone makes a reference to "Entertainmentmania" replacing the title WrestleMania in WWE. I've also seen the theoretical replacement referred to as "Entertania", which flows off the tongue better. I doubt they'll change such an iconic name, even if it has the "W" word in it. And they're not "matches" anymore, remember? The whole thing's really silly.

Next, someone wants to know if WWE should rate their PPVs TV-14 to make them better. I get where they're coming from, but to me it'd make more sense to keep everything the same rating if it's the same product. Remember that there are a lot of fans/customers who have children or are children themselves and might not want to see the theoretical TV-14 product. But the rating in of itself doesn't make a show good or bad. There's good PG and bad TV-14 and vice versa. Between a C.M. Punk PG promo and Mae Young giving birth to a hand in TV-14 for instance, I'd rather have the former.


After the break, more answers and news starting with a question on whether Alberto Del Rio's been pushed too much too soon.

Even more Mania visitors, notes on Sin Cara and the eliminated TE competitor, Raven vlogs, Questions on Sheamus, The Rock, the Invasion, and Future HoFers, Sheamus, Booker T and Trish Stratus interviews, Hogan and Bubba The Love Sponge raise $100,000 for charity, Snooki, JR, and Angle updates, no DWTS for Austin, more on Highspots.com-Ric Flair lawsuit, Monday's ratings, and Taker/HHH fined by WWE for chair shot

Here's Tuesday's news, in the order it was reported:

Larry "The Ax" Hennig (relative of Michael McGillicutty), Indy star Chris Hero, ex-WCW star Glacier, and Dos Caras, Sr. (Alberto Del Rio's father) all visited WWE at WrestleMania weekend.

Sin Cara already has merchandise available. Surely they're thinking of masks down the line if he gets over well enough. He used a trampoline to assist his entrance on Raw.

Ariane Andrews, who was eliminated on Tough Enough, has signed a deal with FCW. Hopefully her attitude and desire have improved since that was taped or will shortly. "Alicia Fox" was trending on Twitter after her pre-elimination comment.

Some wrestlers had to stay at the arena an extra hour after Raw while Atlanta was under tornado alert.

Raven talks WM27 and how his match ten Manias ago nearly took out the power grid at the Astrodome here.

After the break, I look at PWInsider.com's questions of the day,. First up, was Sheamus pushed too quickly?

NXT thoughts- 4/5/11

We're another week into NXT. Six hopefuls try to impress us and the judges and earn a place on the next season. Who will get one step closer to redemption tonight? Read on for my thoughts on the show as it airs.

A few WrestleMania notes, Kurt Angle upset at WWE/takes it back/claims he was hacked, new wrestling reality show, Questions on whether Rock used gay slurs, Hogan-WWE-TNA on mainstream appearances, Finlay's release, WCW pre-Hogan, and the Divas, JR update, Tough Enough note, new pre-show match for Lockdown, Rock on Ellen, Orton talks All-Stars, DGUSA talent signs with WWE, Smackdown rating, former WWE Diva on Tough Enough, Raw dark match, and a note on Jericho's DWTS performance

Today's news starts with a few Mania notes:

-There were no major injuries coming out of the event, thank goodness.
- Matt Hardy, Tommy Dreamer, and Luke Gallows visited after the show.
- The Tough Enough contestants were watching in the crowd.
- The "Barbarians" for Triple H's entrance were FCW talents. This isn't unusual, as a pre-ECW C.M. Punk was part of John Cena's entrance in Chicago a few years back.

Kurt Angle took offense to WWE wrestlers using his signature moves at the event (which they've used before). Randy Orton fired back that others had used the Ankle Lock before Angle. And PLENTY of moves have been re-used between superstars over the years. Way to come across like a whiny punk, Kurt.

Update: Angle now claims to have been hacked, and has talked it out with Orton. Then he said that "There's a big difference to using a finish somebody did (before you), and (doing it) while (you) still wrestle. The fact is, I don't care". So, he calls him out one night, but doesn't care the next? Yyyyeeaaahhh... and now he's happy Orton used his finisher, and it's "over and done", then hours later he brings it up again that he doesn't care. Not to mention that he was hacked, but didn't delete what the hacker wrote... a little suspicious.

Update: C.M. Punk and Joey Styles respond.

Here's WWE's press release for the show. For some reason that website calls it "World Wrestling Entertainment". Didn't they get the memo? The show didn't get as big of an attendance as a sporting event there, but was tops in entertainment.

TMZ is reporting that there will be a reality show built on wrestler's wives. Sounds good.

After the break, I tackle PWInsider.com's questions of the day. Starting with my take on whether The Rock's use of "Fruity Pebbles" is a reference to homosexuality.

Tough Enough thoughts- 4/4/11

Read on for my thoughts on the debut edition of the new Tough Enough, after the explosive ending of Raw.

Raw thoughts- 4/4/11

Last night at WrestleMania, The Miz retained the WWE Championship over John Cena when The Rock restarted the match. However, neither competitor was able to escape without a beatdown from the Great One. All three of these men are at Raw tonight as we start a new road to WrestleMania. Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.

More wrestling books, WWE bans the word wrestling (seriously), Former and future WWE stars visit, Goldust update, WWE doctor interviewed, WWE stars sell injuries, Bryan talks, problems ordering Mania, and the result of Sheamus vs. Bryan

Here's the news for WrestleMania Sunday:

The Ultimate Warrior is now starting work on a book about his career. I hope it's in the style of his promos, which were pretty off-the-wall. Honestly though, that could be an interesting read. He's definitely a unique part of wrestling history.

Marc Mero released a motivational book last November.

World Wre... umm WWE has passed a company edict where no one there can refer to what they do as "wrestling". The name for the company going forward will simply be "WWE, Inc." in all of its press releases and the like. This is... ridiculous. I can't even think of much else to describe it. On one level, as long as the in-ring product is good, I'm ok with it, but it's one of the most bizarre things I've ever heard in the business. I wonder what the old-school people who were proud to be called wrestlers and wrestling fans think of this. I get that they want to distance themselves from the wrestling image or stereotype, but I'm not sure that this is the way to go about it. I mean, this is "Onion" level news... but real! I'll still follow and support the company, but this is seriously weird. I'll still likely refer to what they do as wrestling, with "sports entertainment" being there as well.

More news after the break, including the result of the dark match at WrestleMania.

WWE WrestleMania XXVII thoughts

Tonight's the biggest event wrestling "sports entertainment" will see all year. Read on for my thoughts on this show, as it happens.

WWE WrestleMania XXVII preview

It's a few hours before the biggest wrestling event of the year. Read on for how I'd book the show.

Questions on Orton, PG WWE-Snooki, Lawler retiring, Tamina as Divas' champ, HBK as Mania host, change to match at Mania, more Mania interviews, new documentary goes after Abdullah The Butcher, ex-NXT star gets unique honor, and some Hall of Fame notes

Time now for a very late look at Saturday's news, starting with a look at PWInsider.com's questions.

First, someone wants to know how they (in this case, I) feel about Randy Orton. I think he does a pretty good job. Here's my breakdown of his or her criticisms: If by "doing a horrible job" they're referring to him "overdoing" expressions and all that, he does that so there's absolutely no question of what he's doing, even to the people in the top seats. And more importantly, he's getting over pretty well by doing it, which is pretty much the definition of doing your job. The most important flaw in this argument is that the fans turned Orton face. WWE tried to keep him heel, but the fans started cheering for him so they went that direction. Since the fans enjoy what he's doing now, turning him heel would pretty much require him to change his character completely. As for PWInsider.com's answer, I don't think it killed Austin's "darker" character for him to have Debra around. Antiheroes can have wives, too.

The second question raises a good point. Snooki's definitely not very PG! I think they'd still use her, they just wouldn't show some clips they've shown of her maybe? They had Cheech and Chong, and they're not PG either.

Question 3: Will Jerry Lawler retire after Mania? Nope. I mean, it's possible, but I seriously doubt it. There's nothing to suggest it.

More answers and news after the break!

Tons of Mania press, new WWE and TNA PPV posters, Edge estimates how long is left in his career, Questions on Cole and The Rock, Snooki sticking around?, Brian Christopher hospitalized, Sunny update, Sting turned down a 2011 WWE run, Mania-Metallica connection, WWE wants fans to behave at HoF, Impact and Superstars ratings, Celebrity match at AXXESS, and a bigTNA star at the WWE HoF.

Here's the (non-April Fool's) news for Friday:

The Miz talked WrestleMania on Good Morning Atlanta.

WWE has some new PPV posters for May here (Extreme Rules) and here (Over The Limit).

WWE.com has a feature where you can follow Shawn Michaels' WrestleMania experience. Pretty cool.

Speaking of PPV posters, here's what TNA's going for for Sacrifice. Of note, WWE's going with a picture of "new main event face" Miz and TNA's going with Sting again. This is likely partially to get casual fans' attention who wouldn't know Joe, AJ, Abyss, etc. but would know Sting.

Next, what's Edge latest on the term of his career? Read on to find out, and a lot more after the break.

Smackdown thoughts- 4/1/11

Tonight's the last stop on the road to WrestleMania XXVII. What will go down on the "go-home" show? Read on for my thoughts on the show as it happens.

JR rumorbuster, Spanish Impact to begin airing in the US, Questions on Mysterio, Jeff Hardy, Sting as champion, Kong-WWE, and Cole vs. Lawler, Hogan fooled on Twitter, Edge talks helath, Former WWE writer talks Mania, Sunny and Sammartino talk HoF, old name visits WWE, plenty of Mania press, a tour of the Tough Enough house, WWE Champion on the Weather Channel, Rock to wrestle again?, Bret Hart talks in-depth, and TNA updates the card for Lockdown

It has been reported on a number of websites that Jim Ross will be calling at least one match at WrestleMania. He said in an interview on Thursday that he doesn't know what his role will be at the show, if any. How people keep following websites that report such things as facts is beyond me.

The Spanish version of TNA Impact will begin airing on MTV Tr3s this Friday. That's cool. I hope that builds business for them.

On to PWInsider.com's daily questions. Do I think that Rey Mysterio has been wasted at WrestleMania in years past? Not really. BUT looking at the explanation given, you can make a case for it. I wonder how much of his matches being short has to do with his knee condition? We'll see what goes down this year. And I wonder what character he'll be this go-round.

Another Jeff Hardy-Victory Road question. I can't really add to or dispute their answer to this one.

The next question's a little more controversial, so I'll save it until after the break. Why book Sting as World Champion at this stage of his career? My answer to that and some other questions, plus the rest of the day's news after the break.