Phoenix interview, more on the former Chris Hero, previews of Rock DVD, Questions on Cornette/Heyman in TNA, moving the Chamber PPV, shortened matches on DVDs, Rock/Taker at Mania only, and a female MMA star coming to WWE, Raw GM to have announcement at Chamber PPV, Kofi and Hogan interviews, more from the WM29 press conference, and air dates for the Hall of Fame and next 3-hour Raw

Beth Phoenix was interviewed in Miami, putting over the "Pin-Up Strong" movement. She makes a good ambassador for the Divas, and has worked hard to make it where she is today. She's got the right idea about screen time. I'm looking forward to what she and Tamina will be able to do with their opportunity at the PPV. As for Mania, I'd go with Natalya. Save Kharma for later when you can properly build it up.

The former Chris Hero's FCW name (Kassius Ohno) is designed to play off of the initials KO, as he had the nickname of "That Young Knockout Kid" in his previous persona. Pretty clever. I hope that's a sign that they have something in mind for him. It seems like they've got a pretty good pool of talent to draw from for the future of the company.

WWE has posted two previews of the upcoming DVD centered on The Rock. Talk about someone who could work a crowd into his promos and matches. THAT'S WHAT WRESTLERS ARE SUPPOSED TO DO. Rock and Jericho had a magic that was off the chart. For the second clip, he accomplished a lot more in less than a minute than some performers can do in months. Insanely charismatic.

After the break, I go into the rest of the day's news, starting with PWInsider.com's questions for Saturday. First up, does Vince Russo's departure open the door for Cornette or Heyman to come there?


1. Didn't take us long to get to this speculation, did it? Cornette was legally barred from getting within a certain distance of TNA shows after the email he sent when they finally parted ways. That bridge is SCORCHED, as it probably should be. Heyman had a pretty steep asking price and didn't get it, so that looks farfetched as well. It seems like Dave Lagana will be taking Russo's place in the weeks and months to come.

2. Hmmm... maybe. I think it works pretty well as it is now for the reason they mentioned. And honestly, I see it as elevating Rhodes, Kofi, Barrett, etc. for being in the title picture. I'd say keep it as it is, though of course ideally they wouldn't "need" big gimmick PPVs because the stories themselves would be strong enough, and those big gimmicks would be saved for when they'd actually be big gimmicks instead of "the PPV main event for February". Very tough choice.

3. Their answer sounds like a pretty plausible explanation. I'm under the impression that during the breaks, commentators might talk to those in the back on their headsets ahead of what they'll do after the break and later in the show. Or bust each others' chops. But they could also keep going like breaks aren't happening, since there are fans around them who would notice that they stopped calling the match, and if I'm not mistaken WWE still has those earphones where you can listen to the commentary from the stands.

4. Ding, ding, ding. I think that's it, though some of it's out of necessity because some of the Mania performers can only perform at that level once a year or so (or have other commitments). It's clever in its own way. The catch is though, that they need to be used in a way that props up business for when they aren't there. If they're treated as being so far above/more important than the current stars, why should we pay/tune in to see the current stars? It's a delicate act to balance.

5. I haven't seen anything on that front either.

WWE's teasing a big announcement for the Elimination Chamber PPV. Those hints point to something with HHH and HBK. Hmmmm.....

Kofi Kingston talked briefly ahead of Sunday's WWE Title Chamber match. WWE's pushing the Chamber aspect more than the WWE Title aspect. While that's great for the PPV, it doesn't do as much for the championships (which need to have value all year).

Hulk Hogan talked in New Zealand, bringing up the idea of taking TNA there. This is how he should be used, as he's effective s a mouthpiece.

Here's another set of interviews from the WM29 press conference. That guy always cracks me up. Cena-Rock II at WM29's a very intriguing concept. I just hope they keep in mind which guy's the face of the company and which guy's only available for them from time to time. Not that I'm dissing Rock. I think it's great that he's been able to find success outside of wrestling. But from a WWE perspective, it's not good for him to beat their top name if he's not coming back anything close to full-time.

This year's WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will air an hour before the post-WrestleMania Raw, presumably so they have time to edit everything.

A 3-hour Raw has been set for 4/23. I'm assuming that'll be the Draft. Not that that has much meaning anymore since anyone can appear just about anywhere WWE wants them to.

That's all for Saturday's news. More to come tomorrow, including a preview of the Elimination Chamber PPV. Thanks for reading!