Flair appearance, Interviews with Cena/Gunner/Styles, WWE star who won't be in the Rumble, more WWE Network talk, more on Heyman DVD, Ross talks Mae, Batista training, Hogan and Piper at Mania?, big TNA meeting, contract updates for Foley and Austin and Questions on getting a WWE release, another season of Tough Enough, Batista and rights fees

Ric Flair will be a part of a car race on the date of the Royal Rumble, so don't expect him to be part of the PPV.

John Cena talked about being a role model and more. Another reminder that WWE's audience isn't is wider than the "IWC".

Justin Gabriel says he will not be a part of this year's Royal Rumble. I like Gabriel, but I don't think his appearance would have moved things either way.

Stone Cold and John Cena talked about the WWE Network. Now all the people who prefer Austin can watch Attitude Era content instead of complaining about the current product.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.




Here are highlights from a recent Gunner interview. I don't see AJ coming back, but maybe things cool off in time for Lockdown. I really hope they're right about newer, younger guys to step up. There's definitely still a place for some of the older veterans, but that's a case-by-case basis.

AJ Styles' shoot interview has been released. Details here. I've been waiting for this one for a while.

Joey Styles and Bill Apter were interviewed for Paul Heyman's documentary, which should be great.

Jim Ross wrote a blog about Mae Young's passing. There are reasons she's in the Hall of Fame.

Batista has been training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu before his return. I wonder what new surprises we'll see from him.

There have been a number of pitches for WWE Network shows from inside the company, notably Tough Enough. Sure. Why not?

The New Age Outlaws have been officially added back to the WWE roster, and will be a regular part of TV for at least the next month or so. I enjoy them. It's OK to have nostalgia acts every once in a while if they can still "go" and serve a purpose.

The WWE Network's effect on the former Victoria/Tara's restaurant was examined. Having that much content available could be a boon for the industry.

Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper are expected to be part of WM30. WWE could also reach out to Paul Orndorff and Mr. T to recreate the original WM main event. I think I'd actually be OK with that if it was presented as the "celebrity involvement" match and not one of the main events, with the match itself being a relatively brief affair compared to the top matches of the event.

There was a meeting held at the Genesis taping with all of TNA's talent. I really enjoyed the show, but others weren't as crazy about it. I see wrestling as more of a TV show than a sport to be filled with a lot of actual matches, so differences of opinion are inevitable.

Mick Foley updated his WWE status. Sounds like it's the best move for him.

Stone Cold Steve Austin has expressed interest in being part of WrestleMania 30, but no appearance is in the works just yet. You can't have an anniversary Mania without Austin.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Yeah, there's a negotiation process (even if it's brief). I wonder what would happen if, say, Curt Hawkins asked for a release. Does WWE even know he's still there?

2. They'd rather have another network carry any of their shows than produce it in-house. Rights fees are a big deal. It wouldn't surprise me if they did another season of Tough Enough on the Network, but that takes time to shoot.

3. WWE's GOT TO give them a cut. If this is where content is heading, it's only fair. WWE's using the likenesses of the talents to sell the content on the Network, and they should be compensated for that.

4. I'm sure the "B-level" and "C-level" stars will be happy to see him.

5. Not as many people watch Raw and Smackdown in the States than in the Attitude Era. But, now WWE has more shows airing and reaches a bigger audience than ("other") sports leagues, with no off-season. That puts WWE in the driver's seat.

More wrestling tomorrow.