Interviews with Rosita/Jake Roberts/Keneley/Ryback, MVP rumorkiller, former TNA name retiring, Sin Cara update, NFL star makes a splash, Bryan beard mania, HHH meets MMA, more Bellator/TNA crossover?, Rumble pre-show match and Questions on a success on the WWE Network, WWE buying TNA and the state of TNA

Former TNA star Rosita talked about her goals, inspiration and more. Highlights here. I wish her great success.

The former MVP shot down rumors of signing on with TNA. He actually had a few matches there before coming to WWE. I'd be down with him returning. TNA can afford to cut loose a few more names to bring in some movers and shakers.

Jake Roberts talked about being back on Old School Raw and more. I'm very glad he's moved on from drugs. I imagine Warrior will have something to say about Roberts' comments there.

Former TNA performer Jesse Neal is retiring shortly to focus on other areas of life, including his family. The business isn't for everyone.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Former TNA announcer Todd Keneley talked about TNA's recent major departures. TNA can survive without those names (and Sting), but each of them definitely made a mark on the DNA of the company. Things won't be the same without them.


The original Sin Cara will return to the ring on 2/1 in Mexico, signalling an end to his WWE tenure. I had high hopes for him and was willing to give him time, but obviously it wasn't meant to be. Hunico's doing quite well in his place.

NFL star Richard Sherman's post-game remarks drew attention from the wrestling world. I enjoyed his outburst. Dennis Rodman's recent rant has him beat, though.

Update: DDP and Tony Schiavone also weighed in. WWE should definitely get him at Mania if there's still buzz then.

Daniel Bryan-eqsue beards were worn at Brie Bella's bachelorette party. Just when I thought I'd seen everything.

Ryback was interviewed on a number of topics. They usually don't ask the wrestlers what they want music-wise. It's all on what the character needs musically. I wish more performers involved the crowd, though a good number do.

Triple H posed with an MMA star. He did beat Brock Lesnar after all.

King Mo and Rampage Jackson will compete in Bellator on 2/28, so we could see them pop back up in TNA. That's a SpikeTV call, so you can't really go after TNA for it. I hope they get enough of a boost for it to override potentially alienating TNA fans who want to see wrestling but not MMA.

The pre-show match for the Royal Rumble will see Goldust and Cody Rhodes defend their championships against the New Age Outlaws. Your ass better call somebody, because that one should be good.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. This is really fascinating to follow. It will depend on a number of factors I'm sure - percentage of how many subscribers they have who watch it, which demographics it appeals to, if they make revenue from ads/sponsors, etc.

2. As always, it depends on the price. If TNA's stock was to really plummet and WWE could pick up Jeff Hardy, etc. for cheap? I think they'd consider it. But I don't know that there'd be much appeal to keep the TNA name intact. They gave WCW eight months and it was a much bigger force than TNA.

3. There are really a lot of questions still to be answered here, aren't there? It might depend on how friendly they are with NBCUniversal at that point.

4. It actually feels like the Russo days in some ways. I'm enjoying it in something of a train wreck, throw everything against the walls kind of way. TNA has been focusing more on newer acts post-Hogan and Bischoff. No more Hogans, no Chavo, no Mickie and moving away from Aces and Eights. They've added or rebuilt the Wolves, EC3, Madison, Spud and Shaw. Things aren't perfect and they have a ways to go, but I think they've made some good moves. Genesis Part 2 could be the next step in branding a new identity for the company as they've got several big matches there.

5. Not at all. They just had a lot to accomplish on those two shows as they continue to transition into the new age. I don't see why they needed to change everything around in order to feature the Wolves. Save them for when they won't be overshadowed by Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson, the end of Gail Kim's reign of terror, Aries vs. Sabin, Sting's TNA swan song, Angle vs. Roode and the battle for the Feast or Fired briefcase.

More wrestling tomorrow.