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Thursday, October 20, 2011

Storm, Hogan, and Bischoff talk Impact Wrestling ending, Hall on "E:60" and its fallout, Brisco has minor stroke, who tried out for WWE in Mexico, latest on TNA-AAA, more on TNA and Jersey Shore's Ronnie, Questions on Lesnar in WWE '12, Kelly Kelly, and Tamina, Hogan interview, more WWE '12 news, house show becomes Supershow, life of a talent in FCW, Spanish announcer done with WWE, Monday Night War show on WWE Network, Kim interview, Hart does comedy, Sheamus talks WWE '12, and Foley's WWE return made official, and a possible upcoming return from injury

James Storm, Hulk Hogan, and Eric Bischoff all tweeted about the former becoming the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion. Let's just say there are plenty of outlandish reactions to the big "swerve". As always, negativity and not looking what this could mean for the long-term picture is winning out.

Update: here's aftermath of the title win.

ESPN graciously posted the video of their feature on Scott Hall. Sad, heavy stuff. Definitely some things to think about. The contrast between Hall in '94 and Hall today is jaw-dropping. That footage from the indy shows was hard to watch in places. 

Update: Sean Waltman commented on it.

Update: So did Bret Hart, who reached out to his former WWF coworker.

Update: Add Shawn Michaels to the list. I appreciate his restraint.

Update: Sadly the reunion between father and son was short-lived. I don't pretend to have the answers here. I hope they find someone who does.

WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Brisco suffered a minor stroke recently. He's been a talent scout for WWE recently. I wish him a speedy recovery.

After the break, I go into the rest of the day's news and PWInsider.com questions. First up, specifics on who tried out for WWE in Mexico City.
The performers who tried out before Raw were Dr. Wagner III, Hijo del L.A. Par-K and Bestia 666. Rey Mysterio was responsible for pushing to get them invited. A Brazilian wrestler named Zumbi also tried out. A number of the EMLL talents who tried out were reportedly offered deals, but there's no word on any being accepted yet. I'm very interested in seeing some of these people in WWE. This could end up being a pretty good thing for the company.

TNA will continue to work with AAA, having a bigger presence after their invasion angle and "taking over" on a more permanent basis. I'm surprised that we haven't really seen much crossover from the other side, since Jarrett's their World Champion.

TNA's deal with Jersey Shore's Ronnie Ortiz-Magro is for multiple appearances, spread out over four episodes of Impact Wrestling. The first of these will be taped at the 10/26 tapings. Meh. Maybe that gets them some publicity and interest that hooks in some new or casual viewers. They're going to keep doing things like this until it does.

Update: Here's the official press release.

PWInsider.com had some new questions Thursday. Here's my take on them:
1. It is. His look has changed somewhat since his WWE heyday, with more tattoos and a physique better fit for MMA.

2. I agree with their analysis on the character. I hope we see more of her angry side, but I don't think it's slipping towards insanity. As for Tamina, I think she should be on the same side as the Divas of Doom. It'd be a more believable fit for her.

There really isn't anything to add to 3 or 4, but for 5. It's possible that she's not experienced enough yet to get much of a push. I don't know if she's quite at that level, but I do think she has potential as either heel or babyface.

Hulk Hogan was interviewed before Bound For Glory. I agree that the WWE storylines are moving too quick. I'm liking it, but I wish parts of it would have gone on longer. I know Austin wasn't pleased with Hogan being in WWE with the nWo, but was fine with the other members of the group, as per his interview with Raw magazine back then. I'd like to hear more about this HoF situation and Bret Hart supposedly coming to TNA last year (after drawing a negative caricature of Hogan, I don't think he'd be wanting to go to a company so heavily influenced by him). As for him doing jobs in WCW, the nWo was the most dominant force in wrestling at that time and he was Champion 7 times. I don't "get" Hulk sometimes.

IGN.com had a feature on the new "Road to WrestleMania" in WWE '12. Sounds interesting. Kind of funny how the Austin Aries situation worked out. Here's the trailer for the mode.

WWE's house show on 5/19/12 in Florence, SC will be a Supershow.

FCW talent Bobby Dutch discussed life in the developmental system.

Long-time WWE Spanish announcer Hugo Savinovich has been relieved of his duties. Here's an English translation. Happy trails.

WWE is taking a poll on what to name their upcoming show on the Monday Night War. That will be a good one if it's done right. I'd love to see some of that old footage I didn't get to see the "first time around".

Gail Kim discussed the changes WWE put in the Divas division and more. It's definitely "off and on" with the division. I wish things ended up "on" more often! Things are good with it now, but could be better. I like the current storyline and wish more Divas got the chance to stand out. There are some distinct personalities they could work with. Of course, that's similar to a number of lower to midcard workers in both major companies.

Bret Hart was part of a sketch comedy troupe recently. Didn't see reporting that today.

Sheamus was interviewed on WWE.com in conjunction with the upcoming WWE '12. Pretty cool stuff. I like his philosophies.

Mick Foley is now being officially advertised for The Rock's "reunion" next month on Raw. Finally, some nostalgia I'll actually enjoy!

WWE is trademarking "Ryback", which was Skip Sheffield's name before his current gimmick. He showed some potential, and if he's coming back as a new character with a fresh start the right combination could spawn some good things. Time will tell.

That's all for Thursday's news. More to come later tonight. Thanks for reading!

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