WWE attendance note, international star expected at AEW, more on Cena's Rumble status, AJ contract update, NJPW-AEW update, NJPW injury, Japanese promotion sold, why Ambrose is leaving, NJPW/ROH team leaving, Halftime Heat updates, more AEW signings, Bucks action figures coming, Lawler subpoenas records, Stanford leaves news job, WWEPC promotion, Interviews with Ziggler/Charlotte/DDP, WWE looking to lock talents in, podcast notes, NXT UK tapings set, Impact working with NFL group on charity, JR one man show set, Abdullah sets retirement, assorted WWE press, WWF star sets up GoFundMe for injuries, ROH announcer re-signs, and Questions on the ROH-PWG relationship, Supercard visa issues, Abyss+Dutt in the Rumble, Jarrett working with WWE stars he's had heat with, and Elias' heel turn

Takeover: Phoenix drew 9,000 fans, outdrawing Raw (8,000) and Smackdown Live (5,500) the same week in the same venue. That should open some eyes in Stamford, although of course there are only a few Takeover specials in a year, while Raw and Smackdown Live tape every week.

AEW's Double or Nothing Rally is expected to feature CIMA. That makes sense given the relationship with his new promotion.

John Cena was internally never expected to work Royal Rumble due to Hollywood commitments. So, WWE essentially used him to sell tickets without any plans for him to actually appear. That's shady.

AJ Styles is expected to stay with WWE when his contract expires in April. Obviously AEW would love to have him, but he could want to stay on a regular, guaranteed schedule.

NJPW is taking a "wait and see" approach on working with AEW, since the venture is still in the forming stages.

Will Ospreay broke his toe recently. He's pushing to come back early. There's having a strong work ethic and then there's pushing yourself too hard. I hope he's making the right choice.

Pro Wrestling NOAH has been sold to LIDET Entertainment for 75% ownership. A lot of staff will be replaced.

Dean Ambrose is leaving WWE due to unhappiness with Creative. AEW is interested, as you might expect.

The Best Friends are leaving NJPW after this weekend's shows, and they're expected to go to AEW. Beretta had verbally agreed to stay and plans were made for him, so NJPW is unhappy with his exit. I hope he's making the right move in that case.

Halftime Heat will be in front of friends and family of Performance Center workers and personnel, as part of a Super Bowl party. At one point there were plans for fans to attend, but that changed.

AEW is expected to sign Sammy Guevara and Kylie Rae. The project definitely has interest.

The Young Bucks have signed an action figure deal with LJN. We'll see if that leads to AEW working with them.

Cody is set for knee surgery on February 12, which would put him back right in time for Double or Nothing.

Jerry Lawler has subpoenaed records regarding the investigation into his son's death. I really hope that family finds peace.

Scott Stanford has left his news job. He will remain with WWE.

Matt Bloom (Albert, Tensai, Giant Bernard) is now vice president of talent development in addition to head coach of the WWE Performance Center. Things have really improved with him replacing Bill DeMott.

Dolph Ziggler discussed Dean Ambrose leaving WWE and more. It's definitely a gamechanger for Ambrose and WWE.

WWE is looking to sign talents to long deals after Ambrose's pending departure. This had been a policy with the new TV deals coming in, but Ambrose leaving has made the process more urgent.

Hurricane Helms discussed his WWE return on his latest podcast.

NXT UK will next tape on February 22 and February 23.

Impact Wrestling is working with NFL alumni in Nevada for charity events.

Jim Ross is holding a one-man show in New York on April 6 as part of WrestleMania weekend.

AEW put out a press release for their next rally, promising new talent and partnerships.

Charlotte Flair met with Evander Holyfield. That's pretty cool.

- Charlotte and Diamond Dallas Page were on Mad Dog Sports Radio.

- Charlotte also appeared on Taz's CBS Sports Radio show.

Abdullah the Butcher has announced retiring at The Giant Baba Memorial event on February 19 in event, where Japan's top wrestling companies will put on a show together. That will be historic.

NFL Network's Kyle Brandt did an Ultimate Warrior-style promo, which WWE covered.

Former WWF star Jose Luis Rivera has launched a GoFundMe account for knee surgery. It's awful he has to rely on donations to get back to work.

ROH has signed Ian Riccaboni to a multi-year deal.

Halftime Heat will be called by Shawn Michaels and Vic Joseph. Interesting change from the usual team.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I haven't seen anything to suggest the two sides aren't still working together. PWG's business model (no streaming) allows them to get working agreements with other places more easily.

2. NJPW is definitely looking to make sure history doesn't repeat itself.

3. I think it would have been odd to feature two guys who aren't going to wrestle for WWE outside of that one match instead of some of the NXT names who could make more of that opportunity. A lot of fans wouldn't know who either of them are.

4. Basically Jarrett's not in the same position he was in Impact. He's just there to help put matches together under established directions. If they do work together, Management will be there to make sure it either runs smoothly or they no longer have duties together.

5. I'm curious how far in advance they planned that, since it did seem to come about because Jarrett returned to the company. We'll see how it plays out.

More wrestling tomorrow.