Lebron wants the strap, TTTT update, Interview with Nese, Smackdown audience, Old School Raw names and Questions on Magnus, Santino, Double J leaving TNA, MITB and unifying titles

Lebron James tweeted about wanting a real WWE Championship. Some WWE names responded. Good work by Cena and Rock jumping on that. Justin Roberts got me to chuckle as well.

There will be no two-hour version of this year's Tribute to the Troops. For those looking for the other matches taped for the event, check WWE.com or their YouTube page. We didn't really miss anything monumental. Typical Main Event kind of fare.

Former TNA wrestler Tony Nese talked on "Pro Wrestling 101". Pretty good advice. Being on TV shouldn't be everything for a wrestler. There's a guilty pleasure in hearing TNA get wrecked every once in a while.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Raw Reax - 12/30/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Raw.

Special TNA live event appearances, remembering Scott Epstein, TTTT audience, WWE production member passes away, Smackdown preview, Punk update, more on Lesnar, WWE live event canceled and Questions on TNA Xplosion, wrestling repeating itself, Batista at Mania, Sid Vicious and Roman Reigns

Taz cut a promo at a recent TNA live event in Long Island. Rosita was visiting at the event. Both live in the area. I'd definitely be OK with Rosita getting a second chance in TNA. Of note, Ethan Carter III beat Tommy Dreamer again at the show.

Here are details for the memorial for Scott Epstein. A number of performers have expressed condolences already.

Update: And here's the guest book. Extreme Rising had a 10-bell salute for Epstein ahead of a recent show. That's nice of them.

This year's Tribute to the Troops show did 2.31 million viewers. Not bad at all.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

TTTT Reax - 12/28/13, Impact audience, more TNA/HOH crossover, Park-Abyss update, Interview with Bully Ray, Y2J to talk to Hart, past Mania celebrity talks, Styles-TNA update, more Ricardo and Questions on TNA's top face and the Rumble

Tribute to the Troops:
I can only wonder how the Wyatt Family gimmick would fit with this kind of show.

Can't say I'm surprised with how the opening match ended. That's kind of par for the course with the Wyatts.

This feels like a setup for another tag match when Wyatt interferes.

Good little match while it lasted. This is kind of a fluff show, but I can't really complain.

I bet the odds are about 100:1 in favor of Cena, Punk and Bryan (if not higher).

That was a good six-man for what it was. This show's not about the in-ring action.

Not much to say about the non-wrestling stuff, other than I wonder if Beadle will be invited back after the confrontation with AJ.

Another quick match going to the babyface. It's kind of "escapism" tonight.

I liked Sandow's promo. I'd mark out hard if he beat Show clean.

Well, so much for that. Feel-good show it is.

Good ending.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

WWE live event notes, Del Rio returns, NYC man of all trades passes away, big names to miss Raw?, Y2J return update, status of original Sin Cara, what's Brock's future?, Raw audience, another Cornette shoot, wrestling legend reference, another Striker seminar and Questions on wrestling music, Davey Richards, Ziggler conspiracy and Bryan's push

A number of notes about WWE's recent Madison Square Garden show:
Bob Backlund was on-hand, as the show was just past the 30th (!) anniversary of Backlund losing the WWE Title to the Iron Sheik. I wish Sheik was there...

Michael P.S. Hayes appeared in front of the crowd, alongside Booker T.

Alberto Del Rio worked the opening match, losing to Rey Mysterio. I wonder where he fits into things now. Mysterio was said to be limping at one point.

El Torito teamed with Los Matadores to beat 3MB (with Ricardo replacing Slater).

NXT's Brandi Rhodes was backstage and DMC was in attendance.

Batista was advertised for the 3/9/14 return.

Kane wrestled Big Show in his previous wrestling outfit, minus the mask. That had to be kind of weird. Show was also noticeably limping.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Smackdown Reax - 12/27/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Smackdown.

Jeff Hardy update, Punk appearance, another WWE tryout, upcoming Old School Raw, reaction to Jarrett leaving TNA, hype for TNA #OldSchool event, 3MB has a guest member, Interviews with Bryan/Big E+Ambrose/Reigns and Questions on Total Divas, WWE commentary, Batista and ex-ROH names to WWE

Following his kayfabe departure on Impact Wrestling, Jeff Hardy is still listed on the roster section of the TNA website. He's currently not advertised for any future dates other than the #OldSchool PPV on 12/30. Interestingly, Kurt Angle's not advertised for anything past the UK tour. TNA's live events and shows are really going to be lacking in top names for the next few months unless Sting returns. Notably, Bully Ray, Mr. Anderson, Bobby Roode and James Storm are all set for all upcoming events, so there are still big names there. Just not some of the most decorated members of the roster.

C.M. Punk was on a recent edition of Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling podcast, alongside Ace Steel and Cliff Compton. It's great that Punk and Colt have such a good friendship.

Former University of Minnesota lineman Mike Rallis recently had a second tryout at the WWE Performance Center. That's been quite the busy place since it opened.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Superstars and Impact Wrestling Reax - 12/26/13

Read on for my take on yesterday's Superstars and Impact Wrestling.

Main Event Reax - 12/25/13, Cole and Harlem Heat at indy show, WWE's App examined and Questions on that Cena guy turning heel, Batista's return and the Unified Title

Main Event (which was available at WWE.com):
WWE didn't know what they had in Goldust until he was gone. I'm really loving his comeback. Are there some other performers with his experience who can work like this (besides the obvious like Chris Jericho)? WWE could use some good older hands to mentor the up-and-comers.

Not a bad Divas match at all. Who else would mark out for Kharma returning to challenge AJ? Come on, Haitch. Make it happen.

I really liked Kofi vs. Fandango. I'm glad they got time to show what they could do in there. I think both men could do good things in the future if they continue to find themselves. It's going to take growing as characters and in storylines before they can get there, though.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Aries on Gamespot, pay on the indies, Bruno profiled, WWE does good deed, Interview with Ziggler, Batista notes and Questions from the reality distortion field, WWE training, WWE booking and Eva Marie

Here's Austin Aries doing some video gaming on Gamespot. Kind of a slow news day...

Here's the latest Pro Wrestling 101, with talk about the pay level of the independent scene. Promoters want to know who's really dedicated and who will stick around for the long run. It's not that different from other jobs in that regard.

Triple H and Bruno Sammartino are on a MSG show. I feel like Newsday should have double-checked WWE's figure about sellouts.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Top indie name update, TNA founder leaves TNA, Batista updates, Sting working live events, Interviews with Y2J/Cabana/JR+Miz, legendary tag wrestler in hospital, TNA in the UK and Questions on Batista in the Rumble, AJ and Joe in WWE, how big of a deal Bryan is and Reigns vs. Taker

Recently former ROH World Champion Davey Richards made references to going to Orlando, which is of course where TNA tapes a lot of its shows. It's been speculated that he was actually referring to working for EVOLVE when they go to that town next month. Richards has done a good job of stirring up interest in where he's going now that his ROH tenure is over. No update on the "American Pitbulls" going to WWE.

In news I never expected to report, TNA founder Jeff Jarrett has resigned from TNA. This would be something like one of the McMahons leaving WWE. Jarrett was pivotal to TNA making it through its early days and has almost always been an important part of things behind the scenes. In recent years, he was a big part of TNA's international ventures. His fingerprints were on the deals with AAA and Wrestle-1, as well as being behind the creation of Ring Ka King in India. With Hogan and Bischoff leaving, he had taken over some key roles backstage. TNA will still go on with him gone, but to say it's a new and unexpected era is an understatement.

Everything else from yesterday (including more on Jarrett leaving) is after the break.

Raw Reax - 12/23/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Raw.

Batista update, more on other WWE returns, more on Styles-TNA and Questions on Bryan's booking (again), Styles-TNA (again), turning Cena heel (again) and Roman Reigns

Any advertisements of Batista returning to WWE have been removed. Some people like to open their Christmas presents early...

In an update to a previous story, Sheamus is also advertised for the World of Wheels show on the weekend before the Royal Rumble. So, he could be coming back in the Royal Rumble along with Chris Jericho (and Batista? and Evan Bourne?).

AJ Styles continues to be booked on independent dates, spanning from next week to the end of April. He is still in negotiations with TNA about returning. I think a few months where TNA and Styles can get some breathing room before getting back to negotiations would be nice. I think it'd be nice if he came back right after Lockdown to set the stage for Slammiversary, but that's me.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Interview with Cody Rhodes, another Cena-Pebbles collaboration, Y2J-WWE teaser, '70s/'80s female star passes away and Questions on the WWWF and NXT

Cody Rhodes was interviewed. Nice insight into working with Dusty and Goldust, and Cody's very driven in his own right. It's pretty cool to see the three of them on the same page. It's also really cool to see Goldust working in today's audience. That character could have flopped HARD, but he made it work. Cody's really come a long way from his early WWE matches. I really enjoyed Dashing Cody and the following character. The mustache I wasn't as crazy about. And there's our latest tease for Cody vs. Goldust.

John Cena will be part of another Fruity Pebbles-themed promotion. #SlowNewsDay

Chris Jericho is advertised for a signing at World of Wheels on 1/25 in Pittsburgh, PA. The next night in Pittsburgh is the Royal Rumble. Make of that what you will. I'm a big fan of Jericho, but we're starting to get to the point where the law of diminishing returns is taking place. When he first came back in 2007, I was really hyped. He did great stuff in that run. The 2012 return was also great. But after the Ziggler feud, other than facing Punk, I don't feel like Jericho's added a lot to the WWE product. He's still "got it" from a wrestling perspective, but I think there needs to be some kind of shake-up with his character or something for it to feel fresh when he comes back. It feels like he's done everything and feuded with everyone.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Set for next week's Impact, Chavo talks TNA exit, why Steamboat was released, Christmas hype, WWE goes bowling, JR-Mania update, WWE/troops photos, Impact audience, major WWE return and Questions on kayfabe, PPV buyrates, TNA and the troops, Cena turning heel for the 4,955th time and the Divas Title at Mania

Next week's Impact will feature a "special announcement" by Dixie Carter, ODB vs. Lei'D Tapa and a Monster's Ball match pitting Joseph Park against Bad Influence. ODB vs. Tapa could be "bowling shoe ugly", but I think the Monster's Ball match could be kind of fun. Do they finally pull the trigger on Joseph Park actually being Abyss?

TNA put out some press releases about Chavo Guerrero's exit, a Christmas party and some donations related to Hurricane Sandy. Did anyone ever notice Chavo's family has a legacy in the business? It's hardly ever mentioned. The situation has become almost a parody of itself.

In an update to a previous story, Richie Steamboat was released from NXT some time ago after being injured for quite a while. It wasn't a recent deal. Sometimes tough decisions have to be made and talents with a lot of potential don't make it to the main roster.

Everything else from Friday is after the break.

Smackdown Reax - 12/20/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Smackdown.

WWE names overseas, Interview with Lita, WCW content update, Saudi Arabia reacts to WWE, Raw press, update on TNA in the UK, WWE meets bowling, Smackdown dark match, results from last show at FCW Arena and Questions on NXT performers, the WWE Network, Morgan-WWE, WWE stars jumping ship and a potential Mania match

Vince McMahon, Big Show, R-Truth, Eva Marie and Alicia Fox went to the Middle East to visit with troops. I imagine that footage will pop up shortly.

Lita talked about WWE 2K14. She was a great addition to what was then the women's division. I loves the entrance music, too. It fit with her personality and image.

WWE is planning an ongoing series of WCW-themed DVDs. That's pretty cool. There's actually a part of me that wants to see Goldberg and Sting at WM30.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Superstars and Final Resolution Reax

Read on for my thoughts on yesterday's Superstars and Final Resolution edition of Impact.

Main Event Reax - 12/18/13, Punk a part of trademark trouble, last main event at FCW Arena, HBK appearance, WWE talent appearing, Interview with Edge, NXT updates and Questions on a big Bryan angle, Cena with The Authority, post-Creative careers and getting rid of Vince

Main Event:
Well that was something. I've got to cut WWE some slack given how much screen time they've got to fill every year. And that certainly wasn't the worst Christmas segment they've booked.

Nice tag match between Truth/Woods and 3MB. Truth and Woods really need a team name, but I digress. Woods seems to be getting more comfortable in the ring, and that's great to see.

I enjoyed AJ vs. Kaitlyn. They always have good chemistry. I hope both become wildly successful.

Fun main event. The Santa stuff didn't take away from things too much.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Post-Raw dark match, Lesnar tease, Interviews with Big E/Miz/Ryback/Tough Enoughers/Jimmy Hart, upcoming WWE matches, NXT trainer under the knife, bye bye FCW Arena, Ziggler storyline update, WWE holiday message, HBK tweet, Diva in Maxim list, Mavs star talks Hogan/Warrior, Raw audience and Questions on pushing Bryan, WWE's titles, TNA closing, Creative walking out and why WWE unified the top titles

After Raw, the fans in Dallas got Randy Orton vs. John Cena with Booker T as the special referee. Orton hit Booker and Cena with his championships for the DQ. Cena and Booker got even on him, then Booker did a spinaroonie. Top guys have a very heavy schedule.

Paul Heyman made news with this tweet. Lesnar vs. Orton would be something. I'd definitely rather see that than Brock vs. Taker, but I don't know if it would be as big of a draw.

Big E Langston talked about dream opponents and more. It'd be nice to see someone like Batista put Big E over, though I don't think Big E's a big enough of a deal yet to warrant that. Also, more props for Cena for helping out the younger guys.

The Miz gave an interview. Cool for him to put over those underrated guys. Miz is really overlooked at times.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

More names at WWEPC, TLC notes, Styles' TNA status, Interviews with Angle/Blue Meanie, Smackdown audience, twerking (seriously) and Questions on Hogan's mobility, pushing Bryan (AGAIN), WWE Creative problems and Styles in WWE

Canadian independent wrestler Mentallo also worked at WWE's Performance Center. He's got a great amount of experience at only 34, which could be quite valuable in the current WWE landscape.

Robert Anthony of Resistance Pro also worked there. He was once under a WWE developmental deal. Don't expect a lot of signings coming out of the tryout camp.

John Cena is reportedly uninjured after TLC, which is good.

There wasn't anything additional after TLC. Did there need to be?

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Raw Reax - 12/16/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Raw.

Interview with Aries, possible Richards-WWE update, WWE expands in Middle East, Sheiky Baby talks 2013, new WWE signing, Y2J update, Divas Champion gets heat backstage and Questions on DX vs. Bryan/Punk, Summerslam in Philly, Zayn as Sin Cara, gimmick matches and pushing Bryan

Austin Aries talked after winning the X-Division Championship. I'm glad Aries has the attitude to go out there and do the best he can at what he's asked to do. I hope he regains the momentum he used to have as World Champ. I also like his philosophy of being able to work a number of different styles for different audiences.

ROH star Mike Bennett talked briefly about Davey Richards going to WWE. I'm pretty much ready for he and Edwards to make up their minds already. There hasn't really been any development in their possibly going there lately.

WWE will be running shows in Saudi Arabia for the first time ever in February. That will be an interesting experience. I wonder if there will be any restrictions on the Divas. I hope there's not an international incident, though part of me would love to see what kind of reaction a Zeb Colter promo would get.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

TLC Reax - 12/15/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's TLC PPV.

Former WWE commentary team at indie event, Raw after Mania sells out, Interview with Titus, TTTT preview, Cena vs. Orton update, WWE's underrated stars, another international WWE tour, another WWEPC trainee and Questions on WWE tape ownership, Vince vs. Stephanie, censorship, AJ Styles and DX vs. Punk and Bryan

Michael Cole was a part of a show with Booker T's wrestling school. I can only wonder how that went.

The 4/7/14 Raw in New Orleans sold out almost immediately. This is the show the night after WrestleMania. More seats could be released in the future. I'm glad WWE can still do big business at Mania time.

Titus O'Neil talked about that edition of Raw. I like how he and Darren blend. I think both men have improved from working as a team. PTP vs. New Age Outlaws would be pretty cool, though I don't see it happening.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

WWE TLC preview

Read on for what I'd do on tonight's PPV.

Queries on AJ Lee and Devon-NXT, WWE taping updates, NXT results, more on big WWE announcement, a look back at Smoky Mountain Wrestling, WWE wrestler in ER, two more names at WWEPC, Zbyszko appearance, WWEPC notes, Austin to interview McMahon?, Interviews with Maria/Reigns/Bret Hart/Eve/Daffney, Mad Dog remembered, Rayne update, Sting update, Impact audience and Questions on an NWA book, WWE's ticket sales, Kozlov and Dixie

First up, some queries:
1. I'd imagine AJ Lee's being "marginalized" because WWE's more focused on "Total Divas". She's doing pretty well for herself being Divas' Champion and paired with Tamnia, though.

2. I haven't heard anything about Devon becoming a trainer at NXT, though that's not a bad idea. As far as I know, he and Bully Ray still do their training academy, so they might want to stick with that.

WWE doesn't have any live events set for this weekend ahead of TLC. Next week, they'll have Raw live before taping Smackdown and the next week's shows. I'm sure the roster's looking forward to the brief holiday break.

For those wondering what's going on on NXT live events, here are some results from a recent show. I hope Kruger's new gimmick works out. It feels like he's been in developmental for quite a while. I also hope we get the full effect of Bo's gimmick if/when he's on the main roster. His gimmick's that he thinks everyone loves him, but he's really obnoxious and dorky.  It's kind of hard to describe. A little bit like when Kurt Angle drank milk and said he was our Olympic hero.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Smackdown Reax - 12/13/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Smackdown.

Why Philly didn't get Mania, WWE meets Scooby-Doo, TTTT hype, WWE's Internet use profiled, issues for Main Event, Punk appearance, wrestler as Santa, new WWE training camp, JR talks AJ Styles and Questions on AJ to WWE, an ECW-themed Hall of Fame and the Slammys

WWE skipped over Philadelphia as a home for WrestleMania 31 because they felt Bay Area officials put forth more of an effort to draw WWE there. Philly reportedly didn't even give WWE a formal offer. Their loss! I'm glad WWE got a partner city who appreciates them.

Update: Philadelphia officials and WWE responded to the story. Hopefully if WWE does go there, the crowd doesn't try to show off how contrarian they can be.

I normally don't promote WWE's non-wrestling endeavors, but a trailer involving Scooby-Doo and WWE is too good to pass up. Cartoon AJ's pretty cute.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Superstars and Impact Wrestling Reax - 12/12/13

Read on for my thoughts on yesterday's Superstars and Impact Wrestling.

Main Event Reax - 12/11/13, new TLC match, former wrestler banned from Walmart, Warrior DVD in the works, details on WWE 50 book, WWE business (including Network) updates, Interviews with Sheamus/Kofi, WWE logo update, story on TTTT and Questions on WWE Creative, the American Wolves and popping the crowd

Main Event:
It's pretty cool that WWE has the top titles above the ring to sell TLC. Sometimes, the little touches add a lot.

Curtis vs. Dolph was a pretty good match from a technical standpoint. Both guys work quite hard in-between the ropes. It feels like both guys are hitting that glass ceiling where they both can do some pretty good work in the ring, but are missing the intangibles to really break out. Ziggler's pretty good in that area, but I don't see him as a top guy just yet.

That was honestly better than I was expecting from Natalya vs. Alicia. Good work, and that helped set up Natalya's match with AJ.

Good little tag match to continue that storyline. I continue to hope Woods acclimates to the main roster well. He's done fine so far in a somewhat limited role.

Interesting post-match. I'm not really into Clay vs. Tensai, but I'm not going to crap all over it if they work well enough.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

What happened before and after Raw, Slammy notes, TLC pre-show match, WM31 and Tribute hype, Del Rio update, Otunga appears, Interview with Striker, more Booker, JR podcast upcoming?, special WWE deal, Kendrick training, ranking WWE Champions, Jeff Hardy update, Raw audience, JR talks HBK vs. Bryan and Questions on title unification, PPV bonuses, who to blame for WWE's business and wrestling in 2014

In the pre-Raw dark match, NXT's Alexander Rusev defeated Zack Ryder. He's a big Bulgarian wrestler. I don't know much else about him.

After Raw, John Cena beat Randy Oton via DQ when Orton used a chair. Cena hit Orton with the AA, then brought out Daniel Bryan. Booker T. got Bryan to do a Spinaroonie, leading to Cena, John Laurinaitis, Titus O'Neil, Stephanie McMahon and C.M. Punk each came out and did one. Punk was in his briefs. That's got to be one of the strangest things I've heard happening at an event once the cameras were off. The only thing I can think of that could top it would be when Vince and Kevin Dunn ribbed Mark Henry with the "open challenge" thing, playing different entrance musics with no one coming out.

The Slammy fan voting was completely legitimate, much to the dismay of the "smarks" who are in the vocal minority with some of their opinions. The Superstar of the Year voting was said to be close. Always keep in mind the opinions expressed on popular websites don't necessarily match up with the opinions of the audience at large.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Punk tweet gets attention, Kane in-ring update, WM31 hype begins, new WCW releases upcoming, NXT guests, WWE press, Hogan stirs the pot, more on WWE's new signing, TNA seeking Indian talent, WWE charity, Interview with Petey Williams, Smackdown audience, complete list of Slammys winners, former World Champ out and Questions on WWE's titles, Sin Cara, Hogan at Mania, WWE building new stars and Sheamus at TLC

C.M. Punk tweeted this, presumably a shot at WWE's App. I hope someone tallied how many times they mentioned the App last night.

To follow up on the lineup for WWE's return to Madison Square Garden, Kane vs. Big Show in a steel cage match with Booker T. as the special referee has been set for 12/28 in New Jersey. This live event loop will be the first time Kane has wrestled since becoming Director of Operations. Kane and Show have been facing off for 14 1/2 years. Anyway, I don't know when we'll see Kane step back into the ring on TV, but it will be interesting to see what he'll wrestle in given his new character.

Booker T. and Sheamus were at a recent 49ers game to promote WrestleMania 31 coming to San Francisco. I wonder when Sheamus will be coming back. I kind of miss him. I think he's a great performer, but was getting quite stale. His character hasn't changed much in a while.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Raw Reax - 12/9/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Raw.

Interview with Lanny Poffo, new WWE signing, Slammy nominees, TNA business profiled, video of big NXT debut, ex-WWF star pops up, top TNA name on the way out, WM32 location and Questions on Kofi and Cena

Lanny Poffo, brother to Randy Savage, talked about whether his brother should go into the WWE Hall of Fame. Ultimately I think the Hall shouldn't be about grievances behind the scenes, but who truly deserves to go in given their body of work. Glad he acknowledges that he's almost entirely known in this day and age for his brother. Savage vs. HBK would have been amazing. I definitely think WWE should have sent condolences to him and am not sure why they didn't.

WWE has signed a goalkeeper from the UK to a developmental deal. He could be down there for longer than a year. Some talents have been in the farm system for quite a while.

Here's an updated list of Slammy categories and nominees. I'm already tired of hearing about them and the show's not on yet.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

NXT star working live events, another big name at Slammys, top indie name makes NXT debut, WM31 location and Questions on Daniel Bryan (again), heading TNA Creative, Cena denial and independent contractors

NXT's Alexander Rusev is working this weekend's WWE live events. He made Zack Ryder submit. I kind of get Umaga vibes from him as far as being a big, "savage" dude. He doesn't have a lot of experience, so I'd be surprised if he made it to the main roster unless the higher-ups are so impressed with his size that they give him a shot. Either way, I think developmental's in pretty good shape as far as potential future call-ups goes.

Mick Foley will be at the Slammys to present the Most Extreme Moment Slammy. Fitting.

Solomon Crowe, the former Sami Callihan, made his debut at an NXT live event, with an attack on Kalisto. Kalisto's another well-received indie sensation, formerly wrestling as Samuray del Sol. Needless to say, there's some buzz about him making his mark down in WWE developmental.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

TNA reportedly signs ex-AAA star, ex-wrestlers appear, WWE Network update, Interviews with Natalya/JR/Hart/Stone Cold, possible new WWE ventures, Duggan update, WM31/WM32 updates, more WWE charity, more names set for Slammys, Angle appearance, popular comedian attacks TNA, Impact audience and Questions on TLC, taping Impact, 3MB vs. nWo, Vince pushing Bryan and scripted promos

In an update to a previous story, there are a number of reports coming from Mexico stating that TNA has signed the former Extreme Tiger. He competed at the most recent Impact tapings as Ultimate Tiger. I hope he does well there. They're doing some good things as far as freshening the roster.

Ted DiBiaise, Dr., The Godfather, Kelly Kelly and Maryse were at the Steel City Comic Con. That wound have been an interesting stable...

J.J. Dillon was part of  a "Toys for Tots II" event. Always good to see performers in the business doing things like that.

In response to information coming out from less-than-credible sources who might have jumped the gun, WWE.com sent out a statement about the WWE Network.We'll know the truth about plans for the network soon enough.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Smackdown Reax - 12/6/13

Read on for my take on last night's Smackdown.

WWE name change official, lucha star works Impact, big Dreamer-TNA promo, Interviews with Jeff Hardy/Sgt. Slaughter, Sin Cara update, the state of WWE Creative, another WCW DVD, Booker appearance, Striker wrestling seminar, Monster Factory profiled, perks for big upcoming live event and Questions on WWE games, WWE building new stars, TNA morale, NXT Divas and the IC Title

WWE.com is now referring to the former leader of Nexus as Bad News Barrett. That's really stupid and gimmicky.

Former AAA star Extreme Tiger competed at the most recent Impact tapings as Ultimate Tiger. More details on him here. I like his stats. Hopefully he'll be a good part of the new TNA. Things are slowly but surely turning around there, with new stars being pushed and other stars being used better. There are still some people I'd like to see limited in their roles or put out to pasture, but it's not as bad as some of what was seen in the Hogan/Bischoff era.

Tommy Dreamer put out a promo about his upcoming TNA match with Bully Ray. It will air at their One Night Only: Old School PPV. That was actually a pretty good promo to set up their match. They're not who they used to be, but maybe they can pull something good out.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Superstars and Impact Wrestling Reax - 12/5/13

Read on for my thoughts on yesterday's Superstars and Impact Wrestling.

Main Event Reax - 12/4/13, ex-WWE personalities appearing, more Slammy categories named, Raw audience, WWE corporate shakeup, Interview with Gail Kim, Tribute to the Troops details and Questions on challenging Vince, Total Divas vs. TNA, unifying the top WWE titles, Vince vs. Turner and Bischoff in the WWE HoF

Main Event:
I really liked Goldust vs. Ryback. Goldy has yet to overstay his welcome. I continue to hold out hope for Goldust vs. Cody at Mania, but there's no need to rush them into a feud as they're doing great now. I like the idea of the Rhodes Family vs. Axel and Ryback.

Good post-match to add heat to an eventual Tag Team Title match (I'm guessing at TLC).

I liked the tag match. Both teams showed some good energy. Keep an eye on Mahal and McIntyre. They're still young and gaining valuable experience. Not everyone's going to be an overnight success.

I enjoy the smug, self-centered HHH character for some reason. I don't like when he throw other talents under the bus, but it's amusing when he blatantly puts himself over.

I feel like they've really run out of things for Sandow to say at this point. I'm not saying his character should change much, but it's running a bit long in the tooth.

I enjoyed Sandow vs. R-Truth. Truth's still got "it", and Sandow continues to impress. I definitely see him as a future top champion. He still needs some polishing, but the signs are there for him to be a big deal.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

What didn't happen after Raw, which TNA stars are headed to India, The Slammys are coming, Memories of Mad Dog, was JR at OKC Raw?, Interviews with Miz/Bellas, TNA stars make guest appearances, key backstage WWE player returns, the status of Sin Cara, interesting DVD note, Impact audience, Smackdown audience, legends set for WWE shows, big WWE event set, WWE in interesting legal battle, Miz appearance and Questions on TLC, WM30 matches and Roman Reigns

Somewhat surprisingly, there was no dark match after Raw. They almost always have a little bonus for the crowd after the show.

Kurt Angle and Gail Kim will be in India next week to promote TNA. I hope that turns out well for them.

Here are some of the categories for the 2013 WWE Slammy Awards. I'm not really a fan of them. There's only so much to get out of the concept of a wrestling awards show.

Update: Jerry Lawler and Booker T. will be hosting. That's one way to get me to study for finals instead of watching Raw as it airs. Sounds BRUTAL.

Update: Also announced are Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Eve Torres and Christian. Could be some interesting stuff involving those names if you can sit through Lawler and Booker as hosts.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Dreamer-TNA update, WWE service ending, Interviews with Foley/Dutt, WWE scouting, when the next NXT taping is, WWE rookies of 2013, updates on a number of WWE talents, updates on top ROH names to WWE and Questions on Hogan at WM30, TLC and Shamrock-HOF

Tommy Dreamer has been added to the 12/28 TNA Hardcore Justice PPV taping in a tables match against Ethan Carter III. That should be something.

WWE's Classics on Demand service will end on 1/31/14. The WWE Network hasn't been officially announced yet, but it's got to be coming soon.

Mick Foley talked wrestling and comedy. I definitely don't want to see him get back in the ring given the abuse he's taken over the years.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Raw Reax - 12/2/13

Read on for my thoughts on last night's Raw.

Updates on ROH stars to WWE, TNA-India update, Interview with Tapa, guest trainer in WWE, Royal Rumble poster and Questions on Punk vs. AJ Styles, TLC, Angle in WWE, TNA's Survivor Series and Punk vs. Bryan

Former ROH World Champion Davey Richards has parted ways with the company and pulled out of another tour with NOAH. This has some speculating on whether he and his oftentimes tag team partner Eddie Edwards will be heading to WWE. As of now, there is no confirmation of the team being signed to any kind of deal.

TNA stars will soon be promoting the company in India. Some TNA PPVs will be airing there in the near future. That's good.

Here's a big story on Lei'D Tapa. I'd still rather TNA have picked up Ivelisse. Glad they paired her with Gail, though. Gail can pass on some things to her.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Tribute taping details and Questions on Cena's number of title reigns, live event rosters, unifying the top titles, turning Cena heel and part-timers at Mania

Here are details for the taping of this year's Tribute to the Troops show. Expect a lot of babyface wins that night.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I believe when Jericho was in a similar situation, they counted him as winning both the WWF and World Championships. So, I think they could do the same thing here. How crazy is it we're talking about Cena winning that many top titles?

2. The card's always subject to change, but WWE does need to have a better idea of what the heck they're doing and which talents are on which shows.

3. I'm sure people would complain if Cena and Orton headlined Mania, not that it matters. In addition to what they said, WWE might have hit the panic button when needing a main event for TLC. Or they could just want the titles unified RIGHT NOW. There's no telling. It will certainly be interesting to see what they do at Mania now that they've played this card.

4. Not surprised we're getting this question. Just assume Cena is never turning heel ever. That way it'll be a surprise if/when he does.

5. Technically, Taker and Brock are a part of the current roster (and HHH to some degree). Mark Henry and C.M. Punk were also on the promotional material if I'm not mistaken. But there's definitely the problem of showcasing nostalgia acts at the expense of the current stars. WWE needs to address this, but they seem pretty content not to.

More wrestling tomorrow.