Queries on WWE returns for Shane and the Hardys, post-Raw dark match features FCW stars, Kharma engagement "ring", Questions on Morrison leaving WWE, WWE using WCW, Vince on Twitter, Nigel McGuinness, and Bryan vs. Punk, Orton interview, Dusty on Twitter, '80s star hospitalized, WWE goes after Twitter posers, Show/ACA pictures, Vince not at Raw but a number of visitors were, WWE Title update, spoiler updates regarding 1/2/12 videos and returns, TNA action figures, JR/Dusty working on WWE show, more from Foley interview, 2 TNA stars work OVW, WWE stock a notable positive mover, superstars talk Japan trip, Raw rating, and a Flair interview

Perhaps inspired by the recent YouTube videos, I've gotten a number of queries about potential WWE returns that have been addressed a number of times in the past. Since it's been a little while, and they don't look to be stopping soon, here are some updates:
1. Shane McMahon has pretty much fallen off the map as far as wrestling is concerned. I'm under the impression that he'll continue to be "out of the picture". He's involved with the cable business in China and a return to WWE (or wrestling in general for that matter) doesn't seem to be in the cards.

2. Jeff Hardy is in TNA, and there's been nothing to suggest that he'll be leaving there, much less going back to WWE (where he would have 2 strikes against him on the Wellness Policy from his previous run). Matt Hardy's still in and out of rehab with a number of arrests in the last couple of months. I don't see WWE wanting any part of that negative publicity, so I would be EXTREMELY surprised if he ended up back there.

After Raw went off the air, Dolph Ziggler won a 41-man battle royal to challenge C.M. Punk for the WWE Championship. Punk won. Featured in the battle royal were Skip Sheffield, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Damien Sandow, and Big E Langston, so some or all of those names could be on TV soon. It's possible that they needed some last-minute replacements to pad out the already announced main event and due to Raw's proximity to FCW they were able to pull those names in, though Sheffield and Sandow have worked house shows (and Rollins and Ambrose have been considered for main roster tryouts). I'm always interested in seeing new, fresh characters, but I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that there are plenty of talented workers who are stuck in Purgatory (NXT and Superstars) already who should be featured first. The Supershow format has done well for some, but others continue to be lost in the shuffle and overlooked. I wish WWE would use the big names more wisely so their appearances mean more, and fill the rest of the show with young and hungry talent who need attention from management and Creative for the fans to care about them.

WWE Diva Kharma's engagement ring, appropriately shaped like a wrestling ring, was featured on TMZ. Props to those there who showcase wrestling as something other than a "fake" event to be mocked.

After the break, I look at the rest of the day's news, starting with my take on PWInsider.com's questions. First up, why didn't WWE re-sign John Morrison?
1. I imagine we'll be hearing more on this at some point from Morrison. There could be any number of reasons for why things didn't work out. I'm guessing that at least part of it is burnout-related, but I'm sure there was more than one issue at play.

2. Hindsight is 20/20. The WCW of 2001 was a shell of its former self. It was losing millions of dollars every month. No TV channel wanted to touch the brand (and for good reason). WWE can't just put shows on TV, especially with that much bad baggage attached to the concept. As for Superstars, it and NXT are exactly what people are clamoring for, but they were canceled because of low ratings. Granted, WWE gave them hardly any promotion and Season 3 of NXT was really polarizing, but if people were as up-in-arms about wanting that concept to come to pass, they'd get behind watching them on a regular basis.

3. Yeah, I wouldn't hold out hope for him getting one (that isn't "ghost-Tweeted" by someone else). He's an incredibly busy workaholic. There's also the "hardly on TV these days" part to consider as well.

4. I'm kind of in a Catch-22 here, as I've heard a number of rumors (net chatter), but since PWInsider.com is generally the best source for such info and they're not talking, I'm not confident enough to put it out there as "the" reason it went down. Their answer is consistent with what I've seen, though.

5. I haven't seen enough of Bryan as a heel to be able to recommend him there, while I know that Punk has done amazing work as a villain. If the fans can actually boo him again, Punk should be the bad guy there.

Randy Orton was interviewed to promote WWE '12. Smart guy who's had quite the list of memorable matches and moments.

The American Dream Dusty Rhodes has joined Twitter. I'm simultaneously confused and entertained by his current Tweets.

B. Brian Blair is recovering from surgery resulting from appendicitis. I wish him the best. That can be a humbling experience.

WWE has gotten Twitter to shut down a range of accounts purporting to be employees of theirs (and will continue to do so). I was under the impression that accounts clearly labeled as parodies were ok, but maybe not. It is good that they're putting a stop to people posing as Superstars and Divas and negatively interacting with fans. That's quite a level of twisted and cruel.

Here are photos from Big Show at the American Country Awards (beginning at number 45). Warning: link contains things from country music.

Vince McMahon was in Afghanistan doing things related to the upcoming Tribute to the Troops show. Even he can't be in two places in once, so HHH was in charge at Raw. Jim Ross, Sean Waltman, Layla, and Cherry all visited at the show.

Despite the chatter about the idea recently, there are currently no plans to change the design of the WWE Championship. I think that should be on the agenda for 2012. Maybe they should change their logo to the WWE Network one and adjust the titles accordingly?

The following contains spoilers related to the 1/2/12 videos:
They're for the return of Chris Jericho on that date. He's been doing a remarkable job at misdirecting fans on the matter. Hats off to him for doing so. I look forward to seeing him back. The videos are intentionally vague to hint at a return for Undertaker, but he's not expected back until after the Royal Rumble.

Here are some looks at new TNA action figures. Terry Taylor? That was unexpected.

Jim Ross tweeted that he's working on a TV project with Dusty Rhodes. Hopefully the latter is part of the "legends sharing a house" show WWE announced.

Here's more from Mick Foley's recent interview with The Score.

Anarquia and Robbie T (Rob Terry) are now competing in OVW as part of the company's new deal with TNA. It's currently unknown how this will affect their appearances with the main roster on TV and PPVs, if it will at all. I think both are good candidates for retooling and further training. I can think of a number of others who could benefit from heading there as well. 

In a seemingly rare piece of good news for the stock, WWE has been noted to have increased recently. I'm guessing this has to do with the WWE Network hype.

A number of WWE Superstars talked about the recent Japan trip (including the significance of Cena's Zubaz pants). Interesting little story.

Raw got a 2.97 on Monday night despite a lot of starpower on the show. The shaky standing continues as they try to get out of their funk.

Finally, Ric Flair did an interview in the UK. He did a good job putting over TNA. I think he can still add to the company in a somewhat limited role.

That's all for Tuesday's news. More to come tomorrow. Thanks for reading!