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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

FN gets rights to another international promotion, WWE live event notes, AJ Lee and JR book updates, Interview with Sheamus, Neville update, Rollins back in the ring, and Questions on changing titles on live events, not turning Reigns, Charlotte at Summerslam, the IC Title 4-way, and Jericho in MITB

Fight Network announced a deal to air footage from a UK promotion as they continue their expansion of wrestling content. FN is doing a great service to fans who want to sample a variety of styles of wrestling.

WWE live event notes from Wisconsin:
- Kane teamed with Big Show to beat Rowan and Strowman. Kane didn't work the previous night's live event. He's been working something of a relaxed schedule since WM32 as WWE moved to focus talent.

- Alberto Del Rio wrestled Dean Ambrose, after Y2J wrestling Ambrose the previous night. Jericho wasn't on this show. Maybe he's kind of picking his spots as this run is going longer than initally planned.

AJ Lee has finished writing her memoir. While I think her character eventually got pretty played out, the wrestling business is missing something without her.

NXT has live events set for July 14 in Indianapolis, July 15 in Cincinnati, and July 16 in Louisville. Still no announcement of a big event Summerslam weekend. Maybe they're waiting until after Takeover on the 8th?

Sheamus discussed Smackdown's move and more. I agree the brand move could really help people break out, since WWE can't rely on the same people on both shows.

Jim Ross' book is planned for a 2017 release. I can't wait for that one.

WWE's return to the Philippines is set for September 2. Neville is advertised for the event, so he's expected back by then.

Seth Rollins is returning to the ring on this weekend's live events, entering multi-man matches for the WWE Championship featuring Roman Reigns, AJ Styles, and (on one show) Sheamus.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. There are times and places when it would be OK to do a title change on live events (injuries, for instance), but generally title changes should be big enough to be seen by a much bigger audience.

2. Looks like WWE has another person vested in seeing the outcome of the Rollins/Reigns feud. I definitely think they're going to try to recreate Cena's early years as champion where he's pushed as a top name despite being booed. If Reigns continues to get big reactions and make money, he's doing his job. It's already ending up similar to Cena's push where people boo just to be contrarian. Some people never grow out of their rebellious phase.

3. I think they can do Charlotte vs. Stephanie and still have Charlotte lose the title to a "real wrestler" like Sasha. Having a McMahon in action draws in more fans than "a five-star wrestling match," so I can see why they're considering it. Especially since Stephanie has a memoir coming out in October.

4. It was a really great match with a lot of action. Everyone did their jobs well, and Miz as always deserves more credit than he gets. It's pretty much the same reason people boo Reigns and Cena, really.

5. And Jericho worked another "smart fan." He invented MITB, has been in plenty of high-profile matches, and has held many championships. He adds a lot of credibility to the match and will be able to help the newer names put together a big WWE-style ladder match. He has more experience with that than the other performers. Plus, they need an important heel involved.

More wrestling tomorrow.

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