Lengthy Punk interview, Otunga goes back to court, more great Hogan sound bytes, Questions on Knockouts, Serena, and Molly Holly, Ziggler interview, Henry injured again, Booker and Miz interviews, possible Rumble surprise, Legend at Smackdown, Ziggler interview, Impact Wrestling rating, Z! TLIS #50, and Bryan talks

C.M Punk gave a lengthy interview on WWE and MMA topics. Intelligent guy. I think things have changed to some degree for the better after his big promo, but there's still a ways to go. His MMA comments made me anticipate a Brock/Punk match more than a Brock/Taker match. Given Taker's health and Punk's name drop back in June, I think there could be something better there. While I wish more people who did pop back in worked more things like live events (and were in good shape), I don't know how realistic that would be to hope for. I will give Booker T. credit for going on the road for the company, and making sure he was in good shape before being involved with something on-screen. And perhaps most importantly, he was used in a way that showed that he still "had/has it" but was ultimately used to elevate Cody Rhodes. I agree about his comments on Vince vs. Dana White, too. While what he promotes isn't my cup of tea, White seems like a "man of a people" who listens to his audience. Vince just doesn't connect with the current audience as someone they can trust to do the right thing company-wise. There's a reason we don't have UFC Films.

David Otunga successfully defended a client in court, pro bono. TMZ covered the story, where Otunga plugged the Royal Rumble. He just went up a bit in my book. He could end up being someone to watch in the years to come. There's a reason WWE likes him: he has an identifiable character and is convincing in playing it.

Hulk Hogan gave some interesting comments about his back pain and more in promoting TNA. I've changed my mind: he can get all the screen and mic time he wants in TNA as long as he says some of the crazy stuff he says in interviews. He's like the crazy old uncle at family reunions.

After the break, I go into the rest of Friday's news, starting with my look at PWInsider.com's questions.

1. I'm not AS sold on the division's current direction as others are. It is better than it has been in the past, though (when ODB isn't involved), but I think it's being a little overrated. There have been some good matches, though.

2. I haven't really heard anything either. Some stories kind of slip under the radar. According to her Twitter page, her wrestling career isn't over yet, so there's that.

3. Someone's a really dedicated Molly fan. I especially love how every time, this person includes her real name in case we don't recognize which Molly Holly he's talking about. I don't think we'll see that happen. She's happy with her life post-WWE to the best of my knowledge. Maybe a cameo at some point, but I really doubt she'll be back in a full-time role.

4. What they said. There's a chance Toxxin and Neal could end up in FCW, but that's just speculation based on a recent visit there at this point.

5 was recently addressed, so I'll move on.

#1 Contender to the WWE Title Dolph Ziggler was interviewed ahead of his big PPV match. They can't really drop the ball on someone this talented and hard-working who's actually over can they?

Mark Henry seems to have suffered a hyperextended knee on Smackdown. Add that to his groin issues and the Rumble match could be in trouble. The original finish for his match with Big Show was for Bryan to run in with the chair as Show had Henry down inside the ring, then Show chokeslamming Bryan. Henry would then splash Bryan to end the show on the note of questioning whether Bryan could overcome the odds with two opponents having his number.

Update: It seems like he'll still work the Rumble match. I hope he takes time off afterward for his own sake.

Booker T. talked about the Royal Rumble, which it doesn't look like he'll be competing at this year (unless we get another last-minute change). Good read from someone who gets the whole "passing the torch" thing.

The Miz was interviewed in the UK to promote Sunday's PPV. The name "Skull Crushing Finale" doesn't sound frightening? That was kind of fun.

Hulk Hogan had some more interviews that were fun in different ways:
First, he talked about some of his terrible ideas that he thinks could have changed TNA among other hilarious things.
Then, he talked about turning down Mickey Rourke's part in "The Wrestler" because he didn't feel that he'd be believable in the role, and other hard-to-believe tales. A broken down wrestler with personal problems fighting for one last paycheck? Yeah, I don't see that one fitting with him at all.

The AV Club's BS detector went off and they commented on it. I'm waiting for "you know, brother, I could have landed on the moon, but they went with that Neil Armstrong kid" or "well, jack, I keep saying no to coming back to the ring and having a lot of pull behind-the-scenes. They keep coming to me for ideas and I tell them to come up with their own stuff for once, dude".

In a likely Rumble match spoiler, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan canceled an indie appearance for Sunday for "reasons he can't divulge". He won the first iteration of the match.

Pat Patterson was backstage at this week's Smackdown. He came up with the Rumble idea when he was on an early version of Creative (before they called it that and hired writers).

Dolph Ziggler gave a great interview about stealing the show on Sunday, and the use of legends on PPV spots. I hope 2012's the Year of the Show Off (and similarly motivated and talented performers).

Impact Wrestling did a 1.17 on Thursday. Not bad. At least they're consistently doing closer to 1.2 than 1.1 lately. It looks like improving things is going to be a "game of inches".

Z! True Long Island Story, minus the injured Zack Ryder, aired its 50th episode. Great stuff from a true long-time WWE fan. I want to see more like this from WWE stars. Make your own opportunities!

Finally, Daniel Bryan briefly talked comics and wrestling with Marvel. I really hope this guy walks out with the gold at the Rumble.

That's it for Friday's news. Sorry that it took so long to upload! More to come later. Thanks for reading!