Seth Rollins talked about C.M. Punk leaving WWE and more. Rollins was in some ways a student of Punk before either made it to WWE.
C.M. Punk talked about what name he'll use in UFC and more. There's something funny about the name "Phil 'C.M. Punk' Brooks". I wonder what name he would have gotten from the WWE developmental name generator had he not gotten to use his pre-WWE name.
Update: Here's another Punk interview. I don't anticipate Vince calling or visiting him, so moving on from wrestling is the best choice.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Jerry Lawler was with the Memphis Tigers college football team at a recent practice. Slow news day!
WWE's taped Tribute to the Troops special drew 2.23 million viewers,
beating the live Smackdown the night before. That's a pretty good number
for that show.
TNA announced the changed commentary team for Destination America. I think Mathews is a good choice for the booth. I think Jeremy Borash should replace Taz if he's not too busy. That way, there's a younger duo and it includes someone who's been with TNA since day one.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I don't think so. I honestly don't think we're set for any releases unless they're expecting big financial losses and need to cut some expenses. Contracts expiring and talents asking for releases notwithstanding, of course.
2. I definitely think they're going to match Punk up with fighters of similar levels of experience. As they should. Either way, there will be a good buyrate from curious wrestling fans who otherwise wouldn't care about MMA otherwise. Same as there was when Brock was there.
3. One big advantage NXT has is they tape a month or so worth of TV at a time. That necessitates booking in advance. Plus, it's just one hour a week and they don't have to answer to NBCU or whomever wants to use guest hosts, power struggles, etc.. I do think things will change with how the main shows are booked when Vince is out of the picture, but I wouldn't assume it will be exactly like what NXT is now.
4. I have no problems with them doing Owens vs. Zayn in NXT. It's possible they hold Owens down there for some time after Zayn gets brought up. By the time both of them are considered ready for the main roster, the feud will be fresh again. Only a small part of the Raw/Smackdown fans watch NXT anyway.
5. Jarrett seemed to indicate things are OK between the two sides in 2014. He was owed that money and his contract was ending. I can't blame him for jumping ship. As for not mentioning Jarrett, they generally don't mention people who are working in direct opposition to them. They never acknowledge TNA by name, either.
More wrestling tomorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment