Query on The Ascension, more on Riley/Cena, another TNA PPV dropped?, NXT talent on the road, backstage name returns, former Creative member talks, DeMott injuring talent?, Steamboat at NXT, Smackdown viewership, Interview with Foley, and Questions on Flair, Cena/AJ, Taker, and The Shield

First up, a query:
1. No word just yet on what WWE will do with The Ascension now that Kenneth Cameron's gone. They've revived the gimmick before, so it's not out of the question that they add someone (or someones?) to replace him. We'll get a better idea at the next NXT tapings in a few weeks.

For those wondering about the incident with Alex Riley, the story is that he didn't show "proper respect" to Cena, whatever that means. Now is not a time to let backstage politics interfere with a talent's ascension.

In addition to dropping Against All Odds, the plan is to drop TNA's September PPV as well to allow for a bigger build to Bound For Glory. Perhaps a good move. An interesting one at any rate.

NXT's Paige is on the road with the main roster this week.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

John Laurinaitis is back backstage as the head of producers following rotator cuff surgery. This was a surprise to some.

A former member of WWE Creative talked about Vince McMahon.

Former developmental talent Kevin Matthews has been ripping into NXT trainer Bill DeMott, claiming that among other things:

-29 NXT talents are injured as a result of his training and these talents have been told not to report their injuries

-DeMott has used his pull to get people fired who speak out against him.

-DeMott made someone redo a drill when they had just torn their bicep.

Here's more from shortly after DSW closed.

Ricky Steamboat will be signing at the 12/8 NXT event.

The latest Smackdown got 2.53 million viewers.

Mick Foley talked.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
Nothing to add to 1.

2. I think they'll keep him out of the ring if he returns.

3. I think they're going for females with it, yes. It could be a Stephanie idea.

4. I think he'll stay undefeated. If he does lose it, it should mean a LOT. About the only person I'd be ok with him losing to would be Kane, and that's if it ends the Undertaker character forever in a final defeat from his biggest rival. Kane doesn't need the rub, though.

5. I also hope they don't work for anyone! It would be a nice change of pace.

More wrestling tomorrow.