WWWF star hospitalized, Io comments on win, HHH note, Takeover notes, MLW signing, Backlash match in the can, Cage trademarks, WWE star teases new gimmick, podcast note, WWF name surgery, Impact joining streaming service, Richmond's wrestling past, Backlash and NXT matches, WWE Network hire, NJPW announces shows, and Questions on Cody bleeding, Backlash hype, and MVP continuing to wrestle

WWWF superstar Dominic DeNucci was recently hospitalized.

Io Shirai commented on her Women's Championship win. I'm glad she's getting a spotlight.

Triple H told the NXT roster they can come to him to discuss Black Lives Matter at any time. This follows a big email from Vince McMahon.

Todd Pettengill's NXT appearances were all filmed at his home studio in Texas.

NXT's ice cream bar promotion featured Dio Maddin and Rik Bugez.

NXT is teasing running in front of an audience again soon. That's a positive sign.

MLW has signed Saieve Al Sabah to a multiple-year deal. He joins their Injustice faction.

Backlash's Edge vs. Randy Orton match has already been taped. I can't say I blame WWE for editing the match to make it the best it can be.

Brian Cage has trademarked that ring name as well as "Swolverine." That's silly but I love it.

Randy Orton commented on Takeover: In Your House, with Tommaso Ciampa, Mickie James, Will Ospreay, and Kona Reeves responding. Orton has great banter.

- Orton replied to Ciampa. This man is a king.

Tamina Snuka teased a new character direction in a since-deleted tweet, referencing being in a mental institution since losing to Bayley a month ago. My guess is that wasn't well received. She could benefit from moving back to NXT, as I don't expect her to be used much on Smackdown.

Swerve City Podcast features Simone Johnson, Jessi Kamea, and Indi Hartwell this week.

Backlash has added:
- Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross vs. The IIconics for the Women's Tag Team Championship
- Apollo Crews vs. Andrade for the United States Championship

Pete Gas has had a partial knee replacement and begun physical therapy. I wish him well.

Impact is joining streaming service Glewed TV in fall. Not sure what if anything that means for Impact Plus and their Twitch channel.

Richmond, Virginia's wrestling history was covered.

NXT has announced:
- Finn Balor vs. Cameron Grimes
- Adam Cole vs. Dexter Lumis in a non-title match

WWE is seeking a WWE Network documentaries vice president. Sounds like they're looking to do more in that direction.

NJPW has announced streaming shows:
- Together Project Special with no matches announced in advance will be on June 15 in an empty arena.
- New Japan World Special New Japan Cup 2020 on June 16, June 17, June 22, June 23, June 24, July 1, July 2, and July 3. These shows will also be empty arena events, and the tournament will be open to both heavyweight and junior heavyweight wrestlers.
- New Japan Cup 2020 finals on July 11 in a venue with one-third capacity.
- New Japan Cup 2020 winner challenging Testuya Naito on July 12 in a venue with one-third capacity.

NJPW has canceled previously planned July dates.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Presumably Cody felt his first title defense was a special occasion and the bleeding benefited rising star Jungle Boy.

2. Clearly WWE thinks so! I see why they're trying to get hype on the product right now, given where ratings and Network subscriptions are.

3 and 5 are not wrestling questions.

4. He's someone with credibility and name value accentuating current stars, namely the WWE Champion. I, and others, would much rather see him take a Claymore and a loss than younger wrestlers with bright futures doing so.

More wrestling tomorrow.