Vince McMahon talked about the WWE Network and more. This could certainly be the last big project of this scale he undertakes, but Vince isn't down for the count just yet. I definitely agree with the philosophy of going where the viewers are going. Traditional TV's not dead by any means, but people are definitely migrating to this kind of thing. Appealing to non-wrestling fans will certainly be a boon if they can pull it off. Expanding internationally will of course be great. Very vague estimate from Keller. Mania will obviously be a HUGE test for them.
Prince Devitt addressed his future in the U.S. as he became champion in a UK independent promotion. That was quite the plot twist. I think this could just be a temporary thing to pop the UK crowd ahead of going to WWE. Getting the most out of his last bit of freedom; that kind of thing.
Batista talked about his return and more. At one point he had said something about leaving WWE because of a back injury. As for Bryan as champ, there's definitely a division of whether someone should be champion because they're over or if they should be champion to try and get them over. I'm usually in the latter category, but I'm coming to see the other viewpoint more. Bray definitely has "it" and some other important characteristics.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Paul Heyman was interviewed here and here. Heyman is a genius hype man. I'd love to read a Heyman autobiography, though I suspect the DVD will be awesome. I'd like for him to take some kind of backstage role in WWE, but I really don't see him doing it. Great picks for future stars.That second interview was pretty entertaining as well.
The WWE Tag Team Championship match will be on the pre-show for WrestleMania 30. I think that match fits pretty well in that role.
Mick Foley talked about a memorable clash in the host city for WrestleMania 30. That's pretty intense and actually rather concerning.
The Rock, Stone Cold and Jim Ross were part of a Brock Lesnar special for UFC to discuss his transition from WWE. Sadly, none of those men are set for WM30. Rock vs. Brock was in the works at one point for WM30, but obviously never came to pass. From a storyline perspective, I'd love to see it at WM31. Hopefully the material would be different from Rock vs. Cena (and to a lesser extent Rock vs. Punk).
Smackdown's audience on Friday was 3.06 million, a large jump from the previous week. It's definitely Mania season here.
WWE looked at 10 WrestleMania matches that didn't happen. I enjoyed Vince vs. Shane, so no complaints on no Vince vs. Foley. Flair vs. Hogan seems like a no-brainer now, but I've heard WWE wanted to split up the major attractions for other feuds. I've also heard it said WWE tried the matches on live events and they didn't draw as well as WWE hoped. Tyson vs. HHH would have been pretty cool, but I can't fault them for doing HHH vs. Taker. A barbed wire cage match with explosives sounds very gimmicky. I've also heard Stone Cold didn't want to deal with Hogan's politics. It does seem like a match that really should have happened. Rock vs. Hogan was great and worked perfectly, but Stone Cold vs. Hogan's one of the absolute top dream matches in wrestling history.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. This whole "IWC doesn't exist" thing is ridiculous. It's a term used to describe certain individuals and some people actually self-identify as the IWC. Anyway, I can see the complaint here, but it was definitely Punk walking out on WWE, not him walking out on the fans. I'd like to see him back in WWE, too, but I can really sympathize with him walking out. Unfortunately it doesn't look like it's done him all that much good other than getting time to rest.
2. I agree with them here. He shouldn't go in until he's passed. That said, it would be hysterical for Vince to induct himself in-character and make the whole ceremony about him.
3. Ehhhh... I'm not too sold on the idea. There's some nostalgia appeal there, but in general that only goes so far.
4. Ultimately the facility is there for people to train and not for tours.
5. Why would they throw a major curve ball to the biggest main event of the year?
More wrestling tomorrow.
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