WWE statement on recent passing, reaction to WWE earnings, assorted WWE press, TNA TV update, Interviews with Roode/Morrison/Kane, why Orton's not in Europe, Orton on face turn, UFC name talks WWE, Punk update, WWE on lawsuits, why there were so many yeses for Vince, new Survivor Series match, and Questions on burying Cesaro, EVOLVE in China, copyrights, and older content on the Network

WWE issued a statement on the passing of former NWA President Bob Geigel. I'm glad to see WWE acknowledge wrestling's roots in such a way.

WWE's lackluster financial performance was noted by the New York Post. I think it's about time for heads to roll.

WWE has applied for a new trademark on the name Eve Torres, leading to speculation on her returning. She improved a lot in her run. I'd definitely rather see her than some of the current crop. 

There will be a second WWE/Scooby Doo movie, which could be pretty fun.
 
Sheamus filmed an interesting anti-bullying ad. I'm glad he's getting mainstream press.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.

TNA is still working out a new U.S. TV deal. They're having talks with Spike and other parties. I think there are several options for them to get a deal for 2015, but I don't think any of them are as beneficial for the company as the current deal. It'll be interesting to see how much longer they can survive given all the departures and so on.

Bobby Roode talked to TNA about his big title win and more. I really hope we get one more Roode/Storm title feud in 2015.

Randy Orton will miss the upcoming European tour due to filming "The Condemned 2". Thankfully WWE has Chris Jericho to replace him on those dates.

In other Orton news, he doesn't want to turn babyface. I think it will turn out fine if he keeps his current edge.

Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen claims WWE offered him $5 million to jump ship. I would have been curious to see how him working there played out.

NXT working with Special Olympics Florida got a headline. That's a cool way to raise attention and charity.

The former John Morrison talked about going to Lucha Underground rather than WWE or TNA. I do think it was a good move for LU to be its own universe and style. I don't see any promotion "out-WWEing" WWE. They should try to carve their own niche.

Here's another story of John Cena granting a Make-A-Wish. I'm glad he does so much in that arena.

Daniel Bryan presented a WWE Championship to a member of the San Francisco Giants. Remember when he wrestled? Those were good times.

Kane talked about the current statuses of Bryan and Undertaker and more. Kane's been around for a good number of spooky characters. There were some serious throwbacks there. No Wyatt Family? As for the futures of Taker and Bryan, he's right on the money. I'm very curious to know if we've seen out last Taker match, or if he'll try to put in one more at WM31. WM32 will be in his home state of Texas, so that will be another possibility for him to work if he thinks he's up for it. That would be the perfect time for him to go into the Hall of Fame.

WWE has mostly sold out its remaining C.M. Punk merchandise. Imagine how long it would take to get rid of the truckloads of Cena merch if he shocked the world and left.

Hulk Hogan will be doing promotional work in San Jose in a few weeks for what will likely be the on-sale date for WM31 tickets. It's not too much longer before Mania season. I'm interested to see what the card will be for that event.

WWE formally responded to two major lawsuits against them. I can't say I'm surprised. It's not like they were going to say the lawsuits were 100% right and they were going to give into them.

Triple H has been elected to the board of directors for the Sports Legacy Institute. The list of what WWE does for talents is pretty impressive.

WWE used some pretty deceptive methods to get a big reaction for Vince's announcement on Smackdown. Between Main Event and Smackdown, Big Show rallied the crowd to chant "Yes!" in encouragement of Daniel Bryan ahead of his surgery, getting them to chant louder. This clip was paired with Vince's message, which was actually taped a day after the episode it appeared on. Really sneaky.

Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt is set for Survivor Series. Although this hasn't been officially announced yet, it's pretty obvious. I think it could be an amazing match, and a rematch is natural for TLC (and maybe even the Rumble?).

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I think they might be punishing him to a degree, but I really hope they're not thinking of releasing him. He's incredibly valuable inside and outside the ring. I believe he's on good terms with Cena, Orton, and Triple H, so hopefully he'll be safe.

2. It's definitely making a statement on their part. I hope it's a success for all involved. Some "under the radar" (of the mainstream) promotions like EVOLVE, ROH, etc. will hopefully make some splashes in 2015 and beyond. WWE really needs some higher-level competition.

Nothing to add to 3. At least this wasn't a question on John Cena or WWE being PG.

4. That's a good question! I'm not familiar enough with media law to have a definitive answer, but their reasons sound legitimate.

5. A lot of fans have little to no familiarity with those older promotions. Shows like Raw and Nitro almost definitely have a larger audience in 2014. I do hope they get that content up eventually, though, so people can check it out.

More wrestling tomorrow.