There's been a change in the poster for WWE Payback. It now features Randy Orton. That's a pretty bland poster. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for all that negative space at the bottom. And why wouldn't they want Orton's name bigger? TNA's doing a much better job with posters, likely because they plan things out further in advance and actually know what they're going to be doing at upcoming PPVs.
Jim Ross and Gerald Brisco will evaluate talent over the weekend of 7/12 in Waterloo, IA in conjunction with the Thesz/Tragos Museum Hall of Fame. Someone should send a fake resume/picture and show up in a Napoleon outfit.
Triple H was named "Most Metal Athlete" this year at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards, which were hosted by Chris Jericho. Makes sense, honestly. Though without his trademark long hair and becoming more of a behind-the-scenes guy, he's not as "cool" as he once was.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
C.M. Punk was pulled from the Raw tapings he had been advertised for due to a mix-up: he wasn't supposed to have been put back on them to begin with. He's still not scheduled to return any time soon and has had very little contact with WWE management. It wouldn't shock me if WWE's in panic mode realizing that some of their top acts from Mania are either currently or will soon be out of the picture for a time.
Here are some thoughts on WM29 from Scott Hall. I wonder how a slower, more deliberate style would be received from today's crowds (and Mania in particular). Jericho's the very definition of a ring general. The idea of not doing all three main events back-to-back-to-back definitely makes sense. However, Cena vs. Rock was definitely the "biggest" match on the card and deserved to go on last. Plus, it positioned Cena as the big star going forward. Ending the show with the 48-year-old Taker standing tall, when he's not going to be a focal point in the months to come, wouldn't make sense and would reinforce that the part-timers and older stars are more important than the stars of today. That's the exact opposite of the message a promotion should want to send. They should want fans talking about the regulars and tuning in for more than just Mania season.
Smackdown was at 2.47 million viewers on Friday. I can see why WWE is dropping that band name for live events. It's a shame. There was a time when Smackdown was seen as close to Raw's league.
The Brock Lesnar angle from Raw was actually filmed last week. Not that it really matters.
John Cena is said to be doing better as far as his ankle goes. Sorry, everyone who wanted him to have to take time off. Some people were actually wishing him a serious injury just so WWE would have to do something new. That's like hoping Nintendo loses the Mario license!
Jerry "The King" Lawler will return to the ring on an indie show on 5/25. I hope they're taking extra precautions. Did anyone really expect him to not want to get back involved once he recovered?
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Oh, no! Someone referred to the wrestling media as dirt sheets! Jesus. And I'd be shocked if Vince had the time to follow them.
2. You never know. But I don't think he has any plans to come back currently.
3. Thankfully, they are rebuilding him. For now. I'd at least entertain the idea of bringing up Kassius Ohno with him since they have a history. Or just being in some kind of heel stable in general. Or maybe Heyman takes him on as a client since Punk's a fan of his? There are a number of interesting options. He's certainly talented.
4. I haven't heard anything different. And obviously we need to turn Brock/HHH into a best-of-5. Nah, Brock vs. Rock or Taker at WM30 is of course tempting, though there's that whole "spotlighting part-timers at full-timers' expense" thing. Punk would be a good opponent if they wanted him to be face when he returned. Jericho would be a nice contrast. Going for the World Title against Del Rio? Sheamus? There are some good ideas out there.
5. That would be pretty cool. Though I'd think it'd be WWE's call if he was offered some kind of deal like that. But, yeah, shoe companies: get to callin'.
More wrestling tomorrow.
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