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.

Shawn Michaels, Triple H, John Cena and Stone Cold have all been announced for WWE's big announcement in Las Vegas on 1/8/14. This is expected to be the official reveal of the WWE Network, but it's not a sure thing yet.

WWE talked to a number of performers, including (somewhat shockingly) Jim Cornette about Smoky Moutain Wrestling. Dutch Mantel might be better known to today's audience as Zeb Colter. That sounds like a pretty crazy day and age. There's some knowledge in there about not having to work 200 miles per hour. Unabomb was Kane, but I didn't expect them to mention that. New Jack was one of a kind for sure. There were some crazy gimmicks there, which makes Cornette's criticisms of Russo a little odd. Wrestling promotions working together is usually nice. Cornette DEFINITELY has a temper issue.

Yoshi Tatsu was in the emergency room recently. I hope he's OK.

Lucha star Bestia 666 is also a part of the current training camp for WWE. He's got some good experience for a 24-year-old. His father is Damien 666.

Update: Also, Japanese performer Gaylon Summers worked there. They're getting talent from everywhere. It's truly impressive.

Here's a piece on Larry Zbyszko making an appearance. I don't think his matches are what sold those PPVs...

WWE.com had a look at its highly-praised Performance Center. Pretty cool stuff. Sara Amato is the former Sara Del Rey.

Steve Austin is trying to get Vince McMahon to appear on his podcast. That would be REALLY cool. Hopefully Stone Cold would take him to task.

Maria Kanellis was interviewed. I'm not sure if I'd want to see her back in WWE or in TNA. I don't think we're missing all that much with her gone. It's worth giving her a tryout or something, though. Her work with Santino was pretty enjoyable.

Roman Reigns also talked. Good read. All three members of The Shield have impressed.

Bret Hart talked, which TMZ picked up. Just when I think I've heard every kind of wrestling story...

Here's a story on remembering WWE Hall of Famer "Mad Dog" Vachon. A touching read.

Eve Torres talked. I wouldn't be shocked to see her back in the ring some day, like Trish Stratus before he.

Here's a preview of a shoot DVD with Daffney. Lest we forget TNA's issues with Knockouts in the past.

Madison Rayne has been officially added to the TNA roster, and will be taking part in the company's upcoming European tour.

Speaking of that tour, there are three former TNA Champions not advertised: AJ Styles, whose contract expires on 12/16, Jeff Hardy, whose legal history prevents him from getting into the UK, and Sting, whose contract status is TBD. Sting isn't listed for any TNA events past Genesis on 1/16/14.

Thursday's edition of Impact hit 1.32 million viewers, an increase of almost 80,000 from the previous week. I've really liked the show lately. I hope more people tune in regularly.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I might have to check that out.

2. Hey, if it means more revenue for them, I don't see why not to do it.

3. Apparently he's worked in Japan since leaving WWE. He's 41 now, so I don't think he'll be popping up in WWE or TNA.

4. No. It will continue until the heat death of the universe. Of course it will end at some point when TNA Creative feels like there's a reason for it to end. I've actually become a fan of the character since it's a parody of how people see her.

Nothing to add to 5.

More wrestling tomorrow.