Query on Luke Hawx, Regal update, more on new WWE stable, NXT lineup, Y2J is back, JR official for NJPW PPV, Raw audience, post-Smackdown dark match, HoFer at WWEPC, Raw cameos, Kamala in the hospital, and Questions on Attitude Era vs. today, WWE shuffling the deck, the Elimination Chamber, other promotions on the Network, and The Rock

First up, a query:
1. I haven't seen anything about Luke Hawx working WWE recently, but he's had some "enhancement roles" over the years there.

William Regal underwent neck fusion surgery fairly recently. That would seem to rule out an in-ring return. I think he's fine in the role he's in now and has more than earned the right to stay out of the ring.

Big E will indeed join Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods under a new gimmick. I'm very glad to see that. They're all talented and can contribute to the main roster well.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

Set for this week's NXT:
- NXT Championship: Adrian Neville vs. Sami Zayn
- Tyson Kidd and Justin Gabriel vs. Hideo Itami and Finn Balor
- Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss
- Lucha Dragons vs. Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy

I think that should be a good card. I really look forward to seeing what Itami and Balor can do, specifically.

Chris Jericho beat Bray Wyatt to headline recent European live events. As far as I know, he's just working this tour and will be out of the picture before Survivor Series. I'm sure WWE's glad to have him, though.

Jim Ross will be on commentary for GFW's presentation of NJPW's WrestleKingdom 9. That's big for GFW. That's a nice start to their slate of shows.

Raw dropped to 3.93 million for a taped show Monday night. That's not too bad of a drop.

Chris Jericho and Dean Ambrose beat Bray Wyatt and Kane after Smackdown. It would be cool for Y2J to be part of Team Cena, but that spot should go to the full-time guy they're trying to rebuild (Ryback).

Ric Flair was at the WWE Performance Center helping with training. They're spoiled there in a lot of ways, but it is up to them to make the most of it.

Scottish wrestlers Joe Hendry and Lionheart were Rusev's security at Raw. I wonder if The Authority paid for them to be there?

Kamala underwent stomach surgery recently after a bout of peritonitis. He's now recovering in the ICU. I hope he comes out of it OK.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I think in a lot of ways the higher-ups might think they know better than the post-Attitude Era wrestlers who aren't as experienced. I think with what we're seeing in the developmental system, things are changing in a positive way. There's still a ways to go, though, especially in implementing that on the main roster.

2. I do think they keep relying on the same names in similar situations. While the Orton story isn't as fresh as pushing some new people as top acts, it does add a new dimension to things and shake things up to a degree. I think between now and the end of WM31 "season" (which will likely go at least a few more PPVs), WWE's going to be telling the story of the end of The Authority. I see that leading to HHH and Stephanie taking up less TV time, if not disappearing completely for the time being. Hopefully it means less of Kane, too, because that character really needs a break. As for Henry, it absolutely makes sense for him to turn heel in kayfabe. He's convinced Show was trying to overshadow him by beating Rusev when Henry couldn't. That said, it hasn't been all that long since Henry was heel the last time.

3. As a PPV, yes. The match would likely move to summer to build to a match at Summerslam. Maybe that works and maybe it doesn't.

4. I don't anticipate that happening unless WWE got full creative control and/or ownership of those promotions. It's the WWE (and WWE-owned content) Network, after all.

5. I've heard something like that, too. I think it worked for him, though.

More wrestling tomorrow.