Brand extension returning, Smackdown going live, Interviews with Rock/Sheamus/Titus/Amell, Stevie+Veda ROH updates, Impact audience, Eden on leaving WWE, Sasha update, big NXT return coming?, NXT Women's Title picture note, and Questions on how to book the brand split, why Balor's still in NXT, the Cody-WWE situation, and AJ Styles' future

WWE is bringing back the brand extension in July, splitting crews between Monday's Raw and live Smackdowns on Tuesdays. That's HUGE news. While I'm definitely not a fan of having five to eight hours of WWE within a three day period (more for Summerslam and Wrestlemania) with no cool-off period between them and losing the TV show three days before big PPVs, that makes more sense than sending the production team and wrestlers home after Monday and bringing them back for a live Thursday show. I'm really excited about the brand extension, since that hopefully means more character development for more wrestlers, and an easier way to shuffle the deck with fresh characters and opponents. Seeing so much WWE-style wrestling so quickly back to back isn't as bad when there are different people on each show.

- Shane and Stephanie McMahon discussed the move. I full expect one side to run Raw and the other to run Smackdown. The WM32 stipulation with Shane taking control of Raw was definitely originally intended as a prelude to a brand split; that's why it wasn't phrased as taking control of WWE.

- Smackdown will air live in Canada as well, which is good news for WWE. Giving about two months of notice for the brand extension is a good idea so everyone can get their ducks in a row.

The Rock and Kevin Hart talked about John Cena's jorts and going from Rocky Maivia to The Rock. Cena's jorts are iconic at this point.

Sheamus addressed the "You Look Stupid" chants. I think it was the right move for him to embrace the chants.

Titus O'Neil discussed returning from suspension. Michael Bay needs to do a WWE movie. I think he, Vince, and Kevin Dunn would get along really well.

Stephen Amell talked about his WWE experience and potentially returning. He made the most of his opportunity last time; he respects the business and worked hard to protect it.

Stevie Richards and Veda Scott are advertised for June 3 to 5 for ROH, so Stevie could be wrestling more than once and Veda is sticking in ROH for now despite Cedric's departure.

Impact Wrestling drew 359,000 viewers this week with no replay. That's the highest audience they've gotten on Pop. Good news for TNA.

Eden discussed leaving WWE. Basically, she has other avenues to explore.

Sasha Banks was hurt on a live event recently. It's unknown how long she'll be out of the ring. She's been kept off TV lately because she could be in line for a big push in the Women's Title picture for Summerslam. I hope that's true and we don't end up with Charlotte as champion vs. Stephanie at that show.  

Hideo Itami is expected to return to the ring shortly following a long recovery from shoulder surgery. I'm excited to see how he'll contribute to NXT going forward; he was still adapting to things when he got injured.

Bayley is expected to challenge for the NXT Women's Championship at the (as yet unannounced) August Takeover special. It's possible that's her last major match as an NXT superstar, but I wouldn't assume that to be the case just yet.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I agree entirely, although I think the WWE Title should be able to be on both shows (like it was originally in the earlier brand split). Beyond that, each show needs to feel important. Each roster needs character development with promos so people (generally) aren't just thrown into meaningless matches. I'd like each show to have a distinct feel as well, so we're not just getting five hours of WWE, but three hours of Raw that isn't the same as the next day's two hours of Smackdown. Oh, and if an act gets hot on Smackdown, don't immediately draft them to "the A-show." Both shows need to be A-shows, just with different rosters and styles.

2. People keep ignoring/forgetting there's a big NXT tour in the middle of June that goes through Ireland. They want Balor to work that before joining the main roster. I wouldn't be surprised if he's on WWE's tour of Japan in some form in early July, and I definitely expect him on board for the brand extension.

3. Cody Rhodes showed a lot of range as a character and a performer. He was a valuable worked for those reasons and made the most of every opportunity he had. He's exactly the kind of person grabbing the brass ring but finding himself unappreciated. I'd like to see him come back in a few years after proving himself valuable somewhere else, but I'm not holding my breath on him returning.

4. Neither. WWE knows what they've got with him. I expect him to be involved with Finn Balor in some fashion this summer.

5. I miss that show... I think people made assumptions based on Lilian not being on TV and the story took on its own life.

More wrestling tomorrow.