Variety looks at WWE Studios, more stars at Mania kickoff, Morrison losing streak, Maryse talks release, Turning Point music video, new WWE job openings, Bryan interview, Questions on the 2012 HoF class, walkout, and wrestlers' political opinions, WWE going to Italy, Impact Wrestling post-show, Turning Point Before the Bell, Miz talks Brock and WWE, Dixie answers questions, HHH and former Creative team member interviews, Roode/Storm after Impact Wrestling, college football vs. WWE, Tulsa looks forward to Smackdown, Ryder interview, Mysterio update, Impact Wrestling ratings, more WWE fun on The Soup, Bourne talks WWE-Twitter, and a new WWE trademark

Variety looked at WWE's Q3 numbers, specifically focusing on the sizable drop from the films division. Things look like they're going to get worse before they get better in that part of the company.

The official list of stars for the WrestleMania kick-off party includes the previously named Rey Mysterio, Jimmy Hart, Sgt. Slaughter, joined by Kelly Kelly, The Bella Twins, and Rosa Mendes.

WWE.com talked to John Morrison about his losing streak. I wish they were talking to him about a winning streak, but I think some things unrelated to his ring work have prevented that one from coming to pass.

Maryse briefly commented on her release at her release party. I can't really make out what she said other than it was Vince's "loss". We'll see about that one.

TNA has a music video for Turning Point featuring Jeff Hardy.

WWE is looking for an income tax manager and Wellness Program coordinator.

 Daniel Bryan was interviewed at Ringside Fest.

After the break, I go into PWInsider.com's questions, starting with a look at potential 2012 WWE Hall of Famers.
Nothing to add to 1 and 2. As for 3, Rock and Savage seem like the obvious choices. I'm sure we'll get the usual mix of deserving and surprising choices, as well as a celebrity. Maybe former WCW Champion David Arquette will get the call! Seriously though, they might look Edge's way given his retirement, and with the recent re-emergence of Foley and Nash, they could be on the short list as well. All 3 seem like they'll get in at some point. They're just spacing them out so they don't go through all the "big names" at once.

4. Same question, same answer. As was stated on that very show, Smackdown was left under Teddy Long's control without HHH's interference. HHH doesn't call all the shots as COO. The Board can overrule him or remove him if they so desire, and they can lessen his power over certain parts of the company (like direcly controlling Raw and/or Smackdown).

5. I think they'd play the "independent contractor" card and say that the performer's opinions aren't the same as the company's. They might get reprimanded, but I'd be kind of surprised if they were suspended or fired unless they said something particularly inflammatory. I do remember that when Joey Styles made a number of negative remarks about Obama on Twitter, he was told to stop. He wasn't fired or suspended, though. That's the closest I can think of to something like that situation happening.

WWE is headed to Italy in April 2012.

Here's the Impact Wrestling post-show, and here's the hype package for Turning Point. Roode vs. Storm is almost certainly the storyline I've cared most about from TNA this year. Fresh characters who can put on good matches facing off will do that.

The Miz talked about boxing, Brock Lesnar going to UFC and some WWE topics. I liked his comments on WM27. Good hype man.

Dixie Carter answered a number of fan questions. I agree with her take on spoilers. Not just with Impact Wrestling, but wrestling shows in general. A lot of times things turn out a lot better than spoilers make them out to be. It's very rare that I look at a spoiler these days, especially for a weekly episode of something. I like that Impact Wrestling is heading on the road more. It's generally been a good thing. Ditto with PPVs. That's how the company will grow in some regards. I agree that the 6-sided ring should stay an occasional thing (if that). I'm not so sure I agree with the X-Division comments, and I'm not seeing much of the younger talent being featured compared to the '80s and '90s performers.

Triple H had an interview recently. Here's pretty much how I picture part of it:

"There have been times where I'll see something get crickets from the crowd...

"But I got Shawn to crack so it was worth it"

An audience of one vs. a potentially large pool of paying customers, and he went for the one. Maybe that's the story behind the current Nash angle as well?

A recent departure for the Creative team talked about his brief experience there, including the current Punk angle. Very interesting stuff.

WWE is looking for some interns.

Bobby Roode talked after his TNA World Title win. I like him a lot better as a heel already. Storm was good here, too.

Covers.com compared college football to the card of WrestleMania 6. Ok.....

Tulsaworld.com previewed Smackdown coming there in February.

Zack Ryder was interviewed at Ringside Fest. They need to get that title with an action figure and/or sell replica belts. Naturally, Ryder has to sign off on that.

Rey Mysterio is hopeful to get back in the ring by WM28. I'm sure WWE is hopeful of that as well!

Impact Wrestling did a 1.28 rating on Thursday. Very impressive, though the second hour dropped noticeably (including the big World Title match).

DX promoted WrestleMania tickets being on sale. In an announcement that should shock no one, HBK's staying retired.

The Soup looked at the Muppets being on Raw.

The recently suspended Evan Bourne took a shot at WWE's integration of Twitter. The Twitter handle thing might not be a bad idea, but if they ever change the name it'd be really easy for someone to pose as the,.

WWE is trademarking "WWE LiveWire" which will likely be a show name on WWE Network. There's speculation that this will be the SportsCenter like show, though that name wasn't on their poll.

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