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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Mania press and notes, Questions on pushing Sheamus, Cole supporting Bryan, Brodus' dancers wrestling, and "X-Pac" heat for Cena, FCW update, WWE deals with Mania seating complaints, former WCW Champion released from TNA, Smackdown rating, Gabriel injured, wrestling-related death, Sheamus joins Twitter, a look at Bourne's injury, Raw dark match,

The Miami Herald covered WrestleMania, of course focusing on Rock.

As did CBS Miami. Good piece.

On to my take on PWInsider.com's Monday questions:
1. I also don't think that WWE can just push anyone to the top. Sheamus has a lot going for him and that makes it easier to push him. That being said, consistently putting someone in good positions with lots of screen time and hype certainly doesn't hurt in getting someone over!

2. I'm starting to think that these people don't actually watch the show. Cole didn't just suddenly start supporting Bryan. He's become a fan of his new attitude. It's not odd anymore since he's not just some "vegan goof" but instead a heelish crook that Cole would appreciate. The Anonymous Raw GM angle ended when HHH was put in charge of Raw as COO. The Board didn't need him/her anymore since HHH was in charge then.

3. As they said, they've been trained as wrestlers. Naomi was impressive on Season 3 of NXT. I haven't seen anything of Cameron outside of Tough Enough.  It could happen down the line, but I suspect that they'll stay dancers for the time being.

There's nothing to add to 4, so after the break I go into the "go away" heat Cena gets and everything else from Monday's news.

5. There are definitely some people who are really solidly behind or against Cena, and there are definitely a good deal of people somewhere in the middle. I think killing the Easter Bunny would turn the younger fans against him, but that's kind of beside the point. If C.M. Punk or Daniel Bryan did the same things they mentioned that Cena does, they'd get a free pass from the "smarks". Cena does work his ass off inside and outside of the ring, he just doesn't do things the way those fans want him to. He's not the rebel, edgy performer they want him to be. He represents everything they see as wrong with WWE - corporate, PG, merchandise-driven, etc.. I don't see that changing any time soon, and I don't see those reactions changing any time soon as a result. If those fans want to see someone other than Cena as a top guy, they should get (even more) behind Punk, Bryan, etc.. WWE will take a paying split crowd over a vocal but not profitable "IWC leaning" crowd.

FCW is teasing "major updates" for the near future. WWE's developmental system is likely in for a revamp.

There were a number of complaints at WrestleMania over views being obstructed by the giant palm trees holding up the production and lighting rigs. Fans who complained were moved. That can be a problem with outdoor events.

There were also some issues ordering/watching the event.

John Cena, Sheamus, and Layla hosted a pizza party for 40 Make-A-Wish children and their families the day before WrestleMania.

Keith David did the voiceover for the opener to WrestleMania.

Derek Hough of "Dancing With The Stars" was at WrestleMania as the guest of his partner Maria Menounos.

Scott Steiner was released from TNA after several months of not being on TV. While he had some hilarious promos at times, I don't think there was too much benefit to keeping him around long-term in 2012. He took some shots at TNA (specifically Hogan and Bischoff) on Twitter after the fact. I'd love to hear a promo-off between him and Iron Sheik. As for Ring Ka King, I understand that it's doing pretty well from a heat and ratings perspective and Steiner's not the only talent wishing the people booking it were booking TNA.

Smackdown did a 1.77 on a video package and AXXESS-heavy show. Not really surprising given those facts.

Justin Gabriel suffered an elbow injury during the pre-show match at WrestleMania. He won't need surgery, but is expected to miss about 6 weeks of ring time. That's a shame as he was really getting some momentum. Perhaps Barreta or FCW's Seth Rollins can get a shot while he's out.

In a very unfortunate incident, a man died from a choke hold performed by a minor ahead of WrestleMania 28. There's a reason they say not to try it at home.

A number of FCW talents were backstage at the Raw taping. Given its location and that a number of them worked AXXESS, that's not really surprising.

Sheamus, another performer who intentionally stayed away from Twitter, is now on the site under the name @WWESheamus. Obviously that makes WWE happy to have their World Champion on there.

An ankle and foot specialist gave insight on the injury of Evan Bourne. Interesting stuff. Bourne's had quite the bumpy road the past number of months. I hope he recovers from everything.

FCW's Dean Ambrose defeated JTG in the dark match before Raw. Maybe he can face Daniel Bryan? He's gotten some very high marks from those inside and outside of the company, so I'm expecting big things.

Finally, Brock Lesnar only arrived at Raw shortly before his music played. Perhaps to try to keep the lid on what so many were sure of happening? Good to see him back either way.

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

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