Future Stars of Wrestling in Las Vegas will hold a tryout for GFW on Aug. 20. At least two people from the camp will be part of an upcoming TV taping from the brand. So *presumably* they'll be on TV someday.
Hulk Hogan is still training for one day returning to the ring. I'll at least give him credit for optimism.
The former CJ Parker from NXT is retiring. That's a shame, given the plan he had when he left the brand.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
C.M. Punk talked WWE and UFC with Rolling Stone:
- Interesting viewpoint about the better person winning in UFC. There could still be politics about who wrestles when and where.
- Awesome name for a dog.
- I wonder what AJ does post-wrestling, given how that was her passion for so long.
- Good point about Punk's experience in high-stakes performances.
Kane isn't expected to return until after Summerslam. They could easily segue Brock vs. Taker to Brock vs. Kane. I suspect we'll just get Rollins vs. Kane at Night of Champions (and HIAC?). Rollins having to survive Kane, Mercury, and Noble inside HIAC could be fun, but that would kind of put him in a babyface position of having to overcome the odds. Although Hellfire and Brimstone Kane wouldn't need J&J Security to pose a threat.
During an AMA on Reddit, Ronda Rousey indicated she doesn't know when she'll be able to be involved with WWE again, but still has plans to get back in the ring. I think that'd be great for WWE.
This week's Raw hit 3.84 million viewers, up from last week.
Finn Balor talked about a number of NXT-related topics. I'm glad he's challenging himself working a new style in WWE.
Cliff Compton will return to ROH later this month for a show in Atlanta. I'm surprised we never saw him in TNA given how highly touted he was for a while there.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I do think it makes the World Title mean a lot more when there's only one. It nicely set up Brock taking the title hostage. I think in some ways titles are crutches to make feuds more interesting, or at least they can be. I don't think WWE needs any new titles unless they have something like the European Title for the lower-level performers to fight over. Even that's a "maybe."
2. Let's just say I think in a lot of ways it's more the responsibility of those watching the show and those who are letting them watch the show (parents, namely) to instill values against sexism and the like. Although WWE can definitely set the right example by presenting Divas positively.
3. IF having JR made that big of a difference in WWE's business, maybe. It's worth noting JR is 63 and doesn't want to do weekly TV with travel anymore. At some point WWE was going to make a change.
4. I don't think setting up Brock vs. Taker was a bad finish at all. That's a big match, particularly to the more casual fan they want to pick up for the Network. I think Rollins winning by taking advantage of Cena's nose could work. I'm not a huge fan of tournaments (they rarely do as well as people seem to think). I'd rather them do an actual feud for the title, maybe leading to a Fatal 4 Way or something. Heat is always better than fighting JUST because of the U.S. Title. That's not nearly as interesting of a story.
5. Not really, since Tough Enough is more or less American Idol for wrestling. The winner is still going to have to prove to Management they can cut it in WWE. It's not like asking fans to choose the next WWE Champion.
More wrestling tomorrow.
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