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Thursday, January 5, 2012

What happened after Smackdown, Brodus Clay update, more on Orton's injury, how top FCW prospects were viewed, 1/2/12 videos note, Taker, Henry, Road Dogg and Punk updates, Questions on the MCMG, Orton in the Rumble, Lesnar, and Johnny Ace, one more match for Piper?, Beth Phoenix fires back at TV host, Punk to accompany UFC champion in Chicago, Lesnar gets the OK(?) from UFC head, and the Raw rating

Today's first news story concerns what happened after Smackdown went off the air and could be a partial spoiler: Big Show and Mark Henry went back and forth on the mic, leading to Show knocking Henry out and leaving. I imagine that ties in to what the finish of the World Title match.

The script for Raw wasn't finalized until almost an hour before showtime, and at one point (as has been the case a number of times in the past couple of weeks) Brodus Clay was intended to return in a squash match against a local talent. In a possible spoiler note: if they don't decide to debut him soon, they're considering having him enter the Royal Rumble match. Whatever finally gets him in the swing of things and used well is fine by me. Think long-term here.

Randy Orton's injury is a herniated disk, which caused strength loss in his lower left leg. He's taking time off to relieve inflammation and strengthen muscles in his lower back. There's hope that he'll be back when advertised, ahead of the Royal Rumble.

After the break, I go into the rest of the day's news, including my take on PWInsider.com's questions. Next up, how were Leo Kruger, Dean Ambrose, and Seth Rollins evaluated recently?

Three top FCW prospects were recently on the road with the main roster. Here's how each was seen by management:
Leo Kruger- given "solid marks" on the mic, but needs to project more in the ring to connect with the audience. They also were a fan of his look.

Seth Rollins- "high marks" for his work in the ring, and particularly praised for his selling ability. I don't believe he did any promos.

Dean Ambrose- viewed "quite highly" for his ring work, mic work, and backstage demeanor. The company feels that if they find the right role for him, he could get over well.

All in all, it seems as though one or more of them could be on the way onto the WWE scene soon. I'm really looking forward to Rollins and Ambrose in particular, having heard a lot of good things about them. They're going to have heightened expectations.

Despite rumors to the contrary, Chris Jericho was always the man planned to be behind the 1/2/12 videos.

For somewhat of a spoiler on The Undertaker's status is as far as a return, he's not expected back until after the Royal Rumble, building to WrestleMania. The Streak draws money and fans, so it will presumably continue until Taker can't go anymore.

Mark Henry is said to be pretty badly hurt, and people are quite impressed by his toughness for gutting through the groin injury.

Road Dogg is being praised for his work as a Producer, especially his use of false finishes. I'm not 100% sure exactly what work is his, though I know they've recently gone the "his foot's on the rope, so the pinfall didn't count" route with the Tag Team Titles (vs. Epico and Primo).

C.M. Punk is banged up but otherwise ok from the botched Stun Gun move on Raw (where Ziggler dropped him into the ropes). They've really got to be careful with spots like that.

On to my look at PWInsider.com's questions:

Nothing to really add to 1, so I'll skip to 2. This is great timing with the query on Alex Shelley the other day. The last word I heard on a return for Sabin was back in August, when it was said that he wouldn't be back until 2012. Not very helpful!

3. He could be back as soon as the middle of the month. WWE's got to be happy with that news. It definitely looks like he'll be in time for the big hometown PPV.

4. Nothing to really add other than JR's thoughts on the matter. He doesn't see it happening any time soon and thinks it would likely be a one-time deal like a WrestleMania. It would be in WWE and would be expensive for them. Tons of speculation, but not much in the way of chances yet.

5. I think most people think of the Dynamic Dudes as something to bust on Laurinaitis for. We'll see what else comes of the mockery, but I think that'll be a focal point.

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper says that he has one more match in him. No guarantee that WWE thinks the same way.

Beth Phoenix made a challenge to Chelsea Handler after the TV host made disparaging remarks about women's wrestling. I like it (provided it doesn't actually lead to wasting TV time on Handler). Then again, it'd mean publicity.

C.M. Punk will accompany UFC fighter Chael Sonnen on his way to the cage on 1/28. This is part of the UFC on Fox special, the night before the Royal Rumble. Apparently this was done between the two men (admirers of each others' career fields) and not the companies themselves. GENIUS. I hope that helps get attention to the company, leading to viewers and cash!

UFC President Dana White stated that Brock Lesnar could go to WWE. Does it count if he was drunk when he said it? That's pretty big either way. Theoretically it'd be all up to Lesnar himself then.

Raw did a 3.1 rating, with a 3.2 in the first hour and a 3.02 in the second hour. That's got to be somewhat disappointing given the hype.

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

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