Interviews with HBK/Bryan, more on Bryan situation, when we can BOlieve, Smackdown cameos, rebooking Montreal, Bryan's replacement in Europe, GFW scouting continues, more on Rusev/Putin, NXT match on WWE live event, TNA plays off Jay-Z incident and Questions on leeway with the rules, bringing back Kozlov, Flair, death matches and Batista

Shawn Michaels talked about his involvement with Daniel Bryan last year. There were definitely people wondering if it was setting up a match between the two.

WWE will likely make a decision about the state of the WWE World Title after Bryan's surgery. If he's only expected to be out two months or so, he'll likely keep the title. If he's out for longer, they'll consider other options. They're definitely in a tough position as to who should face Kane at Payback. I think Big Show might be the most realistic option there, as much as I hate to say it. Big E's tied up with Rusev, I'm not sure what Christian's status is and if he's a believable challenger, Ziggler's too far down the card, Rey's hurt again and RVD will probably be gone in a few months. So that leaves Henry and Show. Henry's also somewhat down the card, but he could be an option as well.

Bo Dallas was originally set to appear on this week's Smackdown, but is now set for next week's edition. WWE wants to give the debut a proper spotlight. I hope there's still a reference to GreensBOro, North Carolina. That's too perfect to pass up.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Jim Neidhart was at the most recent Smackdown taping to film material for Total Divas. I hope the Hart Foundation makes it into the Hall of Fame one of these days.

Tessa Blanchard, daughter of Tully, was a Rosebud on Smackdown. I'm getting ready for him to actually have a match on the main roster.

The latest Guest Booker DVD has former WWE and TNA executive Bruce Prichard rebooking the Montreal incident. Sounds pretty cool. I think a lot of the criticism of Bret's actions and mindset in '97 are justified in hindsight.

Big Show replaced Daniel Bryan on WWE's European tour. It's not like C.M. Punk was going to do it. I would have liked to see RVD face Kane from a match standpoint, but Show's pretty credible given all the main events and titles he's had.

Bryan talked to Chris Jericho about succeeding in WWE and more. His lack of ambition has definitely hurt him at times. I'm glad WWE's really getting behind him now and I hope they continue to get behind him and other talented performers who don't fit the traditional WWE mold.

GFW is setting up a talent scouting session through BCW in Canada. Jeff Jarrett and Scott D'Amore go back years.

WWE got more press about using Vladimir Putin to put over Rusev. Not surprisingly, there are some inaccuracies. WWE's not denying Rusev is Bulgarian. They're just saying he's now aligned with Russia. It always feels like journalists have to point out they know wrestling is fake.

Adrian Neville defeated Bo Dallas for the NXT Championship on a WWE live event in the UK. Neville's British. It's cool NXT got the spotlight like that.

TNA did an angle to play off the recent Jay-Z incident. I'd be down with a Dixie/EC3/Spud spinoff. They're generally highlights of TNA lately.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Yeah, there can be some inconsistencies with the rules at times. It all comes down to the story the company wants to get over.

2. I think WWE's focus is going to be on getting Rusev over. I don't know if bringing back the 42-year-old Kozlov as his partner would help them out that much in that regard. I'm not even sure he still wrestles. If they can't get Rusev over as a singles star, maybe they consider it. But I wouldn't count on it.

3. Ouch. I think that's just Flair. He's always going full-throttle.

4. I'd guess it's legal because those involved are consenting adults and theoretically there are more pressing concerns for lawmakers than wrestling. As for death matches, I'm not really a fan of them. I've seen a few, but quickly reached my limit of them. I don't think it takes a ton of talent to beat the hell out of each other with weapons. I feel like it's kind of a cheap way to get reactions. Hardcore wrestling has its place, but there's such a thing as too violent. Too many weapons shots, etc. makes them meaningless.

5. Batista's return hasn't been a complete flop. They definitely had to shift gears with him and made some important missteps in his booking, but "complete flop" is a big overstatement. I like the idea of him coming back and making a big statement, maybe Batista Bombing Bryan when he's celebrating a big win or something. To not advertise such a big return is kind of ridiculous, but maybe they should be a little more sly about it. Like when "everyone knew" Brock Lesnar was coming back, but WWE hadn't officially said it.

More wrestling tomorrow.