AJ-WWE update, Interview with Torrie, remembering Bundy and Luke Perry, Ciampa getting surgery, WOW renewed, injured star at WWEPC, WWE names get Pro Wrestling Tees merch, SDL audience, CWFH airing in Tennessee, JR finishing with WWE, new ROH PPV match, and Questions on when not to run a story, Aleister's battle, Russo's reputation, and measuring AEW's success

AJ Styles is being advertised for Money in the Bank in May. I don't believe he has signed a contract to take him past WrestleMania yet.

Torrie Wilson spoke about going into the WWE Hall of Fame. I do wonder how she would have done if she came in at a time when women's technical skills were a bigger priority.

King Kong Bundy was remembered by Jimmy Hart on Busted Open Radio.

Tommaso Ciampa is undergoing surgery for his neck injury. Obviously Takeover:New York is going to change drastically without him on the card. It's unfortunate timing, but hopefully when he comes back, he does big things on Raw or Smackdown Live.

AXS has renewed WOW for a 24-episode second season. Tapings will be held May 15 and May 16. That's a big step for the promotion.

- WOW is also opening an all-women's training academy with Tessa Blanchard on board as a trainer. So, they're really making big moves quickly.

Fandango is training at the WWE Performance Center en route to a return. I'm curious how he'll fit into things when he gets back; don't be shocked if it's right back to Main Event.

Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder have a new T-shirt on ProWrestlingTees related to their action figure line. I'm surprised WWE is letting them do that given the PWT-AEW relationship.

- PWT also has autographs from Aleister Black, Alexa Bliss, and Zelina Vega under those names. I'm curious how that works out.

Smackdown Live drew 2.16 million viewers, virtually identical to the previous week. The Monday and Tuesday after Fastlane will be significant to see how fans are receiving the current WWE direction.

Jungle Boy paid tribute to his father Luke Perry. I hope he's able to make Dad proud at Double or Nothing.

Championship Wrestling From Hollywood is coming to Memphis local television. Good to see that product reaching more fans.

Jim Ross is leaving WWE when his current deal ends on March 29. He intends to do more work in the business, and he's close to making a new podcast with Conrad Thompson. Conrad has a LOT going on these days. He's delivering a lot of product. As for JR, he's not really being used by WWE, so I don't blame him for going somewhere that will feature him.

ROH's 17th anniversary PPV has added Silas Young vs. Jonathan Gresham. That should be solid.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I agree something that significant needs to be confirmed with multiple parties, and that sensitive matters should be revealed by the relevant party before anyone runs with the story. It turned out the lung cancer was not terminal, so rushing to get the story out before everything was known wasn't wise there.

2. He had posted something like that before, so I had an idea. I'm very glad he is in a good place now, because he can definitely be a positive example for others going through similar things.

3. He absolutely does. While he has definitely done some bad work, I attribute a lot of that to burnout. He can contribute to a team and be a relevant voice at the table, but the negative publicity of using him from decades of bad press leads most to turn away. Some things happening in wrestling now are atrocious (references to wrestlers' real names and the obsession with "shoot" comments), but because Russo isn't involved with those decisions, it doesn't get the negative reaction if would if he was there to target.

Nothing to add to 4.

5. As long as they can provide a living to those working there and give fans a product they enjoy and will financially support, they're successful in my book. I'm not concerned about them "competing with WWE" or whatever. If what they're doing is selling tickets and T-shirts, it's successful to me. I do agree a high-paying TV deal or the lack of one will be a major factor in its sustainability.

More wrestling tomorrow.