Konnor returned to action at Monday's TV taping, teaming with Viktor against Golden Truth on Superstars.
Alberto Del Rio was backstage at Raw, but was kept out of the ring in order to rest his leg.
Kalisto was originally set as the seventh name in MITB, but plans were ultimately changed. That would have been a nice push for him. Hopefully he'll get a chance to break out after the draft.
Kurt Angle said in a recent interview he will be returning to WWE after having conversations with Vince McMahon and Triple H. He gave no timetable for this return. It's not official until he passes medical tests and they iron out the details of a contract, so don't expect him to pop up on Raw next week or something. I wouldn't be surprised if he comes back as a part-timer; that'd probably be the best move at his age. Managing American Alpha is an option when he's not wrestling. Who knows, maybe he'll end up working with Zack Sabre, Jr. in WWE before it's all said and done.
Stephanie McMahon missed Raw because she was in France ahead of a WWE presentation there. I'm sure she and Shane will be back to feuding over who will run Smackdown next week.
Cody Rhodes teased a match with Steve Corino in ROH. This tweet is in reference to a promo that Corino cut on the ROH TV episode airing this week (which has already aired on local Sinclair markets). Rhodes in ROH could be an interesting experience. They could use a fresh talented veteran.
War Machine vs. Shane Taylor and Keith Lee has been announced for ROH's June 25 TV taping. Taylor and Lee, the Pretty Boy Killers, have worked a fair number of dates for ROH in the past few months.
Roman Reigns has been suspended for 30 days for violating WWE's Wellness policy. This is not an angle. I'm very disappointed in Roman, and I imagine WWE is, too. He was in the middle of an opportunity very few people get, and this mistake could cost him dearly. I still support Roman as a competitor, but this is a serious lapse in judgment and will rightfully affect WWE's confidence in him as a top competitor. I don't see WWE "burying him" just because of this, but I do think they'll give more thought on whether to strap a rocket to him.
- Reigns addressed the suspension on Twitter. I applaud him for the immediate and mature reaction. I really hope this is a wake-up call for him.
- WWE found out about the failed drug test after last week's Smackdown taping, but before MITB. So, they booked MITB and the Raw after it with knowledge of Reigns' pending suspension. Based on that, the plan seems to be keeping him in the main event of Battleground (which takes place more than 30 days from now).
- Reigns will miss the draft show, but is still presumably fair game to be drafted. It was a very inopportune time to be suspended given the plans for the brand extension. There's got to be frustration going on with Management having to come up with a Plan B.
- Reigns was not at Tuesday's Smackdown taping, so his suspension began that day.
Raw's audience Monday was 3.47 million, a nice boost from previous weeks. It definitely looks like there was interest in the fallout from MITB. We'll see how that moves forward from here. The people who wanted to see AJ beat Cena and Rollins and Ambrose in the title picture should keep watching if they want to see more in that direction.
Cody Rhodes will face Jushin Liger on August 28, so he'll be able to cross the legend's name off his list then. Still no Papa Shango, though.
Paige was detained by police Sunday after the MITB PPV, as it was determined she needed a medical evaluation. She was taken to the hospital, but was not arrested and no charges were filed. WWE is aware of the situation and has continued to utilize her as a wrestler. I hope everything's OK with the former Divas' Champion.
Dean Ambrose has been added to WWE's tour in Japan. Roman's loss is his gain. I hope he makes the most of this opportunity.
WWE has applied for trademarks for the names Dana Brooke, Epico, Konnor, Viktor, Simon Gotch, Aiden English, and Booker T. Booker's an interesting one, since he wrestles outside the company. He has their approval, though, so I guess it's not an issue.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. This wasn't even a question. Just more "smark" complaining. Pass.
1. This wasn't even a question. Just more "smark" complaining. Pass.
2. One thing I liked about Mike's plan was "rotating" the top part-time names. Say Goldberg has a big, special attraction match in September. Then he can be saved from overexposure by disappearing for a few months because, say, Angle has a big match in October. Then HHH has a big match in November or December. You get the idea. Those names should be used to sell the big Network events. There are definitely ways to have one side win without the other side looking weak. AJ didn't look weak beating Cena if the followup is good.
3. They should save that for a "rainy day" to shake things up. HHH is the Cerebral Assassin. He should pick his spot to get that rematch.
4. That's funny, but I think it shortchanges Fandango.
5. There were reports of Brock having the option to do a UFC fight written into his most recent contract. Either way, Lashley's deal is non-exclusive. He's able to wrestle and fight in other places while still being a TNA taleny.
More wrestling tomorrow.
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