Interviews with top NXT prospects/Reigns/Henry, Hogan and Flair teaming, NXT taping thoughts, next big TNA event, Impact audience and Questions on what to do with Kenta, Punk, Paige vs. AJ, taping live events and ECW in TNA

Here are highlights from recent interviews with NXT's Charlotte, Sami Zayn, Tyler Breeze and Adrian Neville. I really hope we see Zayn on the main roster by the end of the year. They could save his debut for the Royal Rumble at the latest. NXT definitely has some solid names and more who are still in the wings (Solomon Crowe, Kenta, likely Devitt, maybe Steen). I do think Zayn and Cesaro REALLY put it out there at Arrival, but it was the culmination of their feud and the last time they'll face off in NXT.

Roman Reigns talked ahead of a live event. I could see him leaving WM31 as WWE Champion.

Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair are advertised as hosts for a WWE live event on August 16, the night before Summerslam. I wouldn't be surprised if they were booked for Summerslam itself.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Here are thoughts from the most recent NXT taping (includes spoilers). NXT is almost always worth checking out.

Mark Henry talked about racism in WWE. Henry was the World Heavyweight Champion as well as the ECW Champion. I'm glad Henry called the interviewer out about Abdullah and Kamala. They never ate people. His first exposure to African culture being a highly-fictionalized wrestling show is the problem more than the gimmicks themselves.

TNA will tape Hardcore Justice on August 5. The taping will feature the return of Six Sides of Steel. The six-sided ring does shake things up.

TNA's audience Thursday was 1.40 million viewers, the highest number since April. That's a good sign for the new direction.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. He has to get through NXT first! Putting him with Heyman's an obvious choice for when he makes it to the main roster, but something could really click in NXT that works as well.

2. It's not all about money. Punk was very burned out mentally, emotionally and physically. Being a top athlete constantly on the road is quite demanding. I'm going to assume the questioner isn't remotely familiar with that level of grind and the toll it takes.

3. I definitely think it's a set up for a heel turn, with Paige trying to lure AJ into a false sense of security. I think the story being told is Paige being disingenuous with her friendship.

4. It definitely makes more sense to tape an hour-long show at the same time as other TV shows instead of getting all that equipment to a live event.

5. To pop the NYC crowd and get some much-needed buzz for the product. ECW nostalgia always gets online fans talking.

More wrestling tomorrow.