Update on former ECW Champion retiring, Storm on NXT debut, Sarita-WWE update, Interviews with Kofi/Bubba, match set for TTTT, more on Brock's botched Mania moment, NXT tryout, another WWE hopeful, a boost for EVOLVE, TNA+ROH audiences, Storm-NXT update, and Questions on sticking it to Punk, Goldberg challenging Cena, Corbin pre-WWE, signing TE performers, and starting to watch NWA/WCW

There was a rumor circulating that the former Ezekiel Jackson is retiring soon. That story is false. He's still taking independent bookings. I wonder if TNA or GFW should give him a look if they need another hoss to slam people around.

James Storm talked to WWE.com about debuting in NXT. There are some fun potential matches for him there and in WWE as a whole. He's not officially signed yet, but it sounds like he enjoyed his debut.

The former Sarita has not officially started as a coach in NXT yet, but is expected to do so soon.

Kofi Kingston talked about his workouts and more. I picture him lifting dumbbells while Xavier shouts to stay positive.

Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Advertised for the taping of Tribute to the Troops is Kane/Reigns/Ambrose vs. Rollins/Wyatt/Strowman. That could end up being a dark match. If it's for TTTT, they should add some kind of Boot Camp stipulation or something.

Jim Cornette, former head of OVW, discussed Brock Lesnar going for the shooting star press at WM19 on Twitter. Cornette gave good advice for saving it for a big moment. I wonder how long it had been since Brock had done the move. I'm sure those ropes were sweaty, etc.. It was one hell of a visual at any rate.

Former Australian rugby player Daniel Vidot has begun training at the WWEPC as part of a tryout. I wish him well.

Cut NFL player Brennan Williams will pursue a career in WWE. It's not easy! I hope he knows what he's in for.

Bubba Ray Dudley talked about returning to WWE and more:
- Bubba had been pitching a return to WWE for some time before the Rumble return. Heck, he was pitching it when he was one of TNA's top guys!

- The Rumble audience is generally more hardcore and likely to pop for surprises. Heck, Kevin Nash got a great reaction when he came back as Diesel. His return to storylines later that year was awful. I think he and HHH were the only ones who were fans of it.

- Velvet was definitely over for TNA. I think she'd fit in with the Total Divas mold if they want to go that route.

- It is good to have some veterans to get the newer names over. We'll see how that happens at HIAC.

Attendance and iPPV buys were up for EVOLVE's most recent events due to Sami Zayn's appearance and the buzz about the relationship with WWE. WWE's not really using Zayn until he's close to being able to wrestle again, so it's good to help his old running mates out. Morale was also said to be higher in the EVOLVE locker room due to the association with WWE.

TNA's audience this week was 264,000 for the first airing and 63,000 for the replay. That's dead even with last week.

ROH's audience on DA this week was 132,000. The initial 26-episode contract will carry them through the end of November or early December (depending on whether they get pre-empted on Thanksgiving week). So, if the two sides are going to extend things, we'll know soon.

James Storm was not at the most recent NXT taping. I wouldn't mind him being picked up by WWE at all, although a TNA return is also still possible.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Punk isn't the longest champion EVER, so I don't know if they'll be so petty. I'm worried about the possibility of that idea being in their heads now, though. I love Rollins, but they shouldn't keep the belt on him JUST to spite Punk.

2. A very small one. There's no indication that's in the plans, though.

3. He started his wrestling career in NXT. On an unrelated note, apparently there's also an Aaron Corbin and a Darin Corbin. WWE should sign them as Corbin's Wolfpack.

4. If the talents have potential, it does make sense to give them a shot. That said, it's not like TNA or someone was about to sign them all to big money contracts.

5. I would have suggested the first Nitro, but it would make sense to start with the NWA days if you want to see the older stuff that led to those days. It's all about what you're after as a fan.

More wrestling tomorrow.