Goldberg-WWE updates, NXT name at Raw, Cena press, Nikki update, all access at the WWEPC, GLOW returns, Cody gets his wish, Interview with Velvet, WWE MSG updates, and Questions on superfans, Itami returning, a WWE mutiny, pushing Cody Rhodes, and where Sasha is

2K Sports put out a press release regarding Goldberg joining WWE 2K17. Interesting to note it refers to him as being retired from WWE, which would seem to indicate he's not expected to return to the ring as part of this deal. I think putting him in the HoF in 2017 and giving him the annual big "part-timers stand strong" moment at WM33 would be a nice capstone to his wrestling career. Just have him spear/jackhammer the Social Outcasts or whomever to pop the crowd and give all his fans that last big Goldberg moment.

- Goldberg also talked to IGN. As an aside, I hope we see Kurt Angle and the Hardys for WWE 2K18 and 19 (in either order). Other than Owen Hart, they're the biggest absent names from the current landscape.

Mojo Rawley was backstage at Raw. I think we could see the Hype Bros on the main roster around the time of the brand split. If WWE's going to have a full tag team division on both shows, they could have the Hype Bros, Breezango, Golden Truth, the Shining Stars, Enzo and Cass, the Vaudevillains, New Day, the Usos, the Dudleys, The Club, the Lucha Dragons, the Outcasts, The Ascension, the Wyatts, and potentially The Revival and Prime Time Players at their disposal. That's quite the lineup. Naturally, additional undercard tandems and NXT callups would further expand the divisions, and they could even have Los Matadores "make a comeback" minus El Torito.

John Cena is on the cover of the latest Men's Health. Where's crossfit enthusiast Seth Rollins?

Nikki Bella teased a return to the ring. I don't expect her to keep using that finisher on a surgically repaired neck. That's more reckless than fearless.

WWE has announced another all access event for the Performance Center, set for July 25. That sounds REALLY cool.

GLOW, the 1980s women's promotion, will be returning as a comedy series on Netflix. I can't say I saw that coming. It will be interesting to see how that works out. 

Cody Rhodes vs. Kurt Angle has already been booked on the indie scene. So, that's one name off Cody's list. Should be a great match.

Velvet Sky talked about her post-TNA plans:

- She's definitely put together a lot of work to get to where she is now.

- Velvet could add something interesting to the WWE women's scene. I'd be fine with her managing the Dudleys and getting in the ring that way.

- I hope we see more of Roode and Young in NXT/WWE.

- I'm glad she has a backup plan, and is dedicated to it.

- She's right that she has a big following despite not being an amazing wrestler.

- Velvet has definitely done everything to be done in TNA. There's nothing left for her to do there.

The revised lineup for WWE in MSG on July 16 features:

- Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins

- John Cena vs. AJ Styles

- Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho in a streetfight. 

-- That sounds like one hell of a card.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Hopefully they're part of a crazy viral angle where they'll be revealed as moles from NXT taking notes for an eventual revival of The Nexus (or The Balor Club I guess). Yeah, I have no idea. That was just the first ridiculous thing to come to mind.

2. For whatever it's worth, there are whispers of Itami "pulling a Dana Brooke" and appearing on the main roster instead. Either way, he's expected back sooner rather than later. It could just be a matter of where he fits into things following the brand extension shaking up WWE AND NXT.

3. Ohhhh boy:

a. Kevin Dunn doesn't really have much to do with Creative. He's more involved with how things appear on-screen: getting shots right, lighting the crowd, that kind of thing. Blaming him for anything about how people are booked is way off base.

b. Barrett has been burned out for a while now, and wasn't planning on re-signing when his deal expired. I don't really think you can blame Creative for that.

c. Cody you can definitely blame on how he was used. He pitched ideas to the head writers, but never got anywhere. So he took his ball and walked.

d. Hopefully Ryder will do more after the brand extension, possibly with Mojo Rawley. The roster's a mess right now with so many debuts and returns as they prepare for a split.

e. I think Ryback getting such a big push and contract early in his career (as a Nexus member and the guy challenging for the WWE Title) wrongly colored his expectations for a followup contract as an IC level guy. 

f. No, I don't see a big mutiny happening. The brand extension is an opportunity for things to really be shaken up, and I expect a lot of people will give that a chance.

4. Given the big pushes of Austin, Taker, Goldberg, and HBK, I don't think that's it.

5. If we get Stephanie vs. Charlotte, I think you'll get your answer. It's possible they're saving a Sasha win for Summerslam season, but injuries are a factor, too.

More wrestling tomorrow.