Impact preview, why Finn replaced Braun, Lars update, Owens note, more on Nigel, another NXT road trip, Batista and Titus meet, new main roster star gets new shirt, more vintage WWF content coming to Network, top LU name becomes free agent, ROH injury updates, another injured name at WWEPC, LU name wants out, ROH signs top international star, Raw audience, SDL dark matches, and a Question on AEW vs. ROH

Impact Wrestling Friday night has advertised:
- Allie vs. Jordynne Grace
- LAX vs. Dave Crist and Jake Crist
- Eddie Edwards vs. Ethan Page

Finn Balor replaced Braun Strowman at Royal Rumble because WWE didn't want Braun to lose to Brock Lesnar again, even if Braun were to be cleared to wrestle at the show. WWE also felt Finn vs. Brock would be a better story and better match. That definitely sounds like they intend to keep Brock as champion going into WrestleMania, but as always they could change course.

Lars Sullivan was not booked for TV this week after not appearing at last week's tapings as scheduled. He is still part of WWE.

Kevin Owens has lost significant weight as he prepares to return to WWE TV. That sounds good!

WWE had been working on their Nigel McGuinness documentary since at least July 2018.

NXT has announced shows for:
- December 28 and March 2 in Ohio
- March 1 in Pennsylvania
- March 3 in Michigan

Dave Batista and Titus O'Neil were at the Aretha Franklin Grammy tribute.

Nikki Cross has a new WWE shirt in line with her appearing on Raw and/or Smackdown Live.

WWF Superstars episodes from 1992 will begin coming to WWE Network Monday.

Shane Strickland has announced himself as a free agent, meaning he's no longer under Lucha Underground contract. He's expected to join NXT once he completes the independent dates he had previously booked. He had been in a contractual limbo for some time.

ROH updated the status of two injured stars:
- Chris Sabin is believed to have torn an ACL at Saturday's TV taping, which could mean more than six months before he returns to the ring. Notably, his ROH contract is almost up, so he might not be coming back to wrestle there.

- Flip Gordon is believed to have sprained his MCL at Sunday's Honor Club event. He is set to miss four weeks pending an MRI, which will take him out of Tag Wars. Colt Cabana will have to get a new partner; I'm curious who will take Flip's place.

Fandango recently worked out at the WWE Performance Center, so he's being evaluated for an in-ring return alongside other names.

Nigel McGuinness promoted his previous, self-made documentary. I'm glad to see him finally getting to work for WWE.

Ivelisse Velez publicly asked for LU to release her, with Joey Ryan echoing her claim. LU could be coming apart if they don't make some changes.

Rush has signed an exclusive ROH contract. He can continue to work CMLL, but no other U.S. promotions. That's pretty significant for ROH given

- Rush has been pulled from MLW's April 4 event due to this new deal. Pentagon Jr. will replace him against LA Park II that night.

Raw drew 2.72 million viewers Monday night, as football seasons have ended. That's the highest audience level since September, so the McMahons can breathe a little more easily.

Before Smackdown Live:
- EC3 defeated Aiden English
- Heavy Machinery defeated Primo and Epico

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. AEW is basically in competition with everyone. Obviously AEW and ROH would both benefit using names signed to the other company, but I don't know if that's in the works. Each side is already trying to lock down talents so the other can't get them. We'll see what it means for the two companies going forward. I'm VERY curious how G1 Supercard does now that fans know it's not All In 2.

More wrestling tomorrow.