Rey Mysterio was not at any WWE TV tapings this week, prompting speculation of him not re-signing with the company. There's talk of him going to AAA when they launch their U.S. TV show. That would definitely be a big pickup for AAA! I can see why both sides are looking to go in a new direction. Rey's body has a lot of mileage, the injuries have piled up and there are those two Wellness strikes they can't overlook. It'd be tough to argue for him having a big role with those factors against him. Obviously Orton has some of the same drawbacks, but he's doing well enough in his role at the moment and has been away from the injured/suspension list for a while. It's still risky to push him, but perhaps not as risky as Rey? Either way, I can respect Rey wanting to spend the next (last?) stage of his career down in AAA as a legend. He's earned it.
Former TNA Knockout Sarita was at Raw. As far as I know, there's no discussion of WWE bringing her in. I'd be interested to see what she'd do there, but I don't think they absolutely have to sign her.
There was little if any chance of C.M. Punk being part of Raw in Chicago. He and WWE are still at an impasse. There was talk of having Bad News Barrett address him not being there, but WWE felt that might have only riled the crowd up more (and ticked them off with WWE instead of getting heat on Barrett). I think it would have been hilarious, but Heyman's segment was good enough for the subject.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
AJ Lee also wasn't used to avoid a negative crowd reaction, given their real-life relationship. Probably smart. She would have been bombarded with chants.
C.M. Punk is not expected to return to WWE at this time, though WWE will likely not actually acknowledge him leaving until his contract officially expires in July.
Taz did an interview promoting Lockdown. I'm glad Taz put over the newer stars and characters. The demand might warrant it, but check out Jeff Hardy getting his own "main event" session while the TNA Champion and others are split into two other sections with a lot of other names.
TNA has a poll to determine which design they should use for a T-shirt for The Wolves. That's great! I prefer the second one myself.
MVP had quite the long interview to promote Lockdown, in which he addressed going to TNA instead of WWE. I can't say I blame wrestling companies or wrestlers for compromising on full-time contracts given how heavy the schedules can be.
Speaking of MVP, a second interview did a great job talking about his past and how he's overcome it. I'm very proud of him for turning his life around.
Fandango was interviewed to promote WM30. I think the gimmick's not as fresh as it used to be, but I still enjoy what he brings to the table. He's made that character work.
The Usos talked about old-school WWE stars and such. I think there has to be a balance with the number of "stars from previous eras" being used in major roles. Some special guests here and there are fine, but it can be overdone.
Complex Tech had a rather interesting take on the WWE Network. Worth checking out I believe.
The WWE Network was down for maintenance for a time Wednesday morning. It's going to take time to make things go smoothly.
WWE is advertising Daniel Bryan for a number of different matches at the same time, in two different locations on Sunday. Radio ads in Salt Lake City say he'll team with Big Show against The Shield, while TV ads there have him facing Bad News Barrett. He's also advertised in Madison Square Garden then. WWE's not always on top of everything, with the left hand not knowing what the right hand's doing at times.
WWE could be setting up its WWE Network talk show soon. We'll eventually see the full potential of the Network realized. Be patient.
TNA has added Samuel Shaw vs. Mr. Anderson to Lockdown. I look forward to it! They've done a good job with the Shaw character and Anderson's finally away from the never-ending Aces and Eights angle.
For my take on Wednesday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I feel like HHH might have had a role in this, as well as Joey Styles. It's 2014 and wrestling news websites aren't going away any time soon. WWE might as well make use of them to get their message out to a degree.
2. Management can be REALLY petty and stuck in their ways. It does feel at times they care more about proving some kind of point than what's best for the company and the fans. Could Riley have been the next Cena? Maybe not. But he clearly had something going for him they didn't fully take advantage of.
3. He said something about being injured. He's said a lot more about not liking the PG direction of WWE. Either way, I'm glad he's back rustling "smark" jimmies.
4. WWE's not rolling everything out just yet. Clearly they have enough problems with things working with just the content they have now!
Nothing to add to 5. They have it covered!
More wrestling later today (hopefully).
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