Query on cut Smackdown segment, Cena and JR comment on Raw, what happened after Raw, new YouShoot, latest 1/2/12 video, Questions on ratings, Orton's drug use, PPV piracy, Lesnar's starpower, and assorted WWE Network ponderings, WWE in the Middle East, another Finlay wrestling?, what will kick off Impact Wrestling, autographed Knockouts photos auctioned, WWE Classics update, more on Bryan's attire, Laurinaitis tribute artist thanks WWE and Punk, Ask Eve, Raw rating, and the pre-Smackdown dark match

First up, a query I've gotten a number of times lately:
1. I haven't heard the definitive reason why the Divas match/segment was cut out from Smackdown. If they don't re-shoot it at the Smackdown taping or air it this week, I'd go on the assumption that they might have changed their minds on the storyline decision.Very curious that it didn't make the cut unless it was just an issue of having too much material and not enough time to air it.

John Cena tweeted following being chokeslammed on Raw. There are certainly worse things he could have said. I'm looking forward to seeing how this one plays out.

And speaking of Twitter, JR tweeted a number of apologies for his segment on Monday's show. He's not the one who should be apologizing! I wish they had a do-over there- that was really the best they could come up with to fill some of the time on that show?

After Raw went off the air, Kane exited via the ramp (notably not attacking Henry). Henry left, then Cena after selling the attack. C.M. Punk then successfully defended the title against The Miz and Alberto Del Rio in a brief preview of their TLC match for Sunday. My theory is that Kane is thankful that Henry "awakened the monster" in him that had been dormant for so long. Certainly a segment that got people talking!

After the break, I go into the rest of the day's news, including PWInsider.com's questions.
Tony Atlas is the latest wrestler to do a YouShoot interview. Sounds like some weird stuff.

Here's the newest 1/2/12 video that aired during Raw. Not really sure what they're referencing or how they'll tie them into the return on that date.

PWInsider.com has some new questions up to examine:
1. Yeah, ratings are kind of complicated. There are also "shares" and "household ratings" but the number that gets reported is measured as they said.

2. I agree with their answer. Not to mention that more people would theoretically buy the DVD if there's a juicier story to tell to hook them in with.

3. It's definitely a mix of both. Given how easy it is to pirate a show these days, there's a sizable audience who's only going to watch things that way (even if PPVs were a lot cheaper). That being said, it's also pretty easy to do similar things with movies and music, and they can still draw pretty well if there's enough interest (and the price is right). So, as is usually the case, there are a multitude of issues at play.

4. He was pretty hot for the couple of years he was in the company, but I don't know if anyone can catch those guys. A good deal behind them. As for the MMA world, as far as I know he's a pretty good draw there, but again, wrestling in the '80s and '90s was HUGE and I don't think MMA's at that level (yet?).

5. While I'm sure WWE would love to give us even more video packages and recaps, I don't know how much time Ryder and his crew would be able to fill in a given week, given how short the episodes usually are (other than his own recaps of screen time). I guess they could combine a number of things like that (like Reks' new show and whatever else people can come up with), but all of those things are owned by the wrestlers themselves, so I'm not sure how that would work out. Presumably WWE would want the rights to those things and maybe even the power to edit what goes in them. That could have a bad effect on the shows, since that freedom plays a big part in some things. And I agree that airing old events, classic though they may be, will only appeal to a certain audience in 2012.

WWE is going to Abu Dhabi for the first time ever. Pretty cool. Maybe we all aren't so different after all?

Fit Finlay, one of my favorite performers for his ring psychology, is now training his son to enter the family business. Good to hear. If that man keeps his head on his shoulders, he's got a fantastic pedigree. I hope that turns out well.

Impact Wrestling will start off with Bobby Roode and AJ Styles getting an additional 5 minutes to settle their issue from Final Resolution. I'm predicting a similar ending.

TNA has some new autographed Knockouts photos being auctioned. WWE could probably do something like that well.

WWE has video of the return of Kane.

WWE is indeed shutting down its Classics on Demand service on 1/1/12 as they prepare for the new WWE Network. Makes sense.

Jill Thompson had another interview on designing Daniel Bryan's ring attire. She seems pretty awesome. I like what she's made for him so far. Adds pizazz to him. Much more interesting than "vegan who doesn't own a TV".

The musician behind the song used in the John Laurinaitis tribute video thanked WWE and C.M. Punk, and of course plugged his album. Smart man.

Eve Torres answered a number of fan questions via video. At least she's a Power Rangers fan. Good that others in the company give the Divas feedback.

Raw drew a 2.84 rating for its 3 hour timeslot, and a 2.98 in its regular 2 hours. As bad as that first hour was, it deserved the 2.55 it got! There was some good wrestling on that show, but there was also a LOT of BS. Also I'm imagining that a lot of people forgot to tune in at 8. I know I almost did!

The pre-show dark match for the 12/13 Smackdown taping saw Evan Bourne go over Tyson Kidd. It was a very good match to warm the crowd up. Talented guys.

That's all for Tuesday's news. More to come when I'm able to get to it (likely tomorrow). NXT will be covered later tonight (with in-attendance notes). Thanks for reading!