Former ROH World Champions Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards are (according to Richards) in talks with both WWE and TNA. All I've seen from them are a few incredibly dry, emotionless promos. Both guys are young with a lot of experience and obviously ROH saw something in them, so maybe they can turn things around if they make it to the major leagues.
Mick Foley did a "what if?" on his career - what if he came to WWF as Cactus Jack instead of Mankind? Interesting perspective. I bet some fans were pretty upset that he didn't come in as Jack.
More on TNA's pay issues: the blame seems to be on TNA's parent company, Panda Energy.
A number of office workers have left TNA, likely as part of their ongoing budget issues. No "names" were let loose.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Ex-WWE executives John "Big" Gaburick and Rafael Morffi have gotten praise for their work behind-the-scenes in TNA.
No update on any return for Jeff and/or Karen Jarrett. I'm a fan of both of them, but I can't complain about their absences too much. I'd definitely rather see them than the Hogans!
As for why TNA got rid of the Knockouts Tag Team Titles (other than it being really stupid that ODB and Young were champs for 400+ days): TNA feels that they don't have enough Knockouts to have a solid tag division. I think they're right there. They also feel that there are enough things going on (Gut Check, BFG Series, Aces and Eights, Open Fight Night) that they need to cut back on some things. Smart move.
The TNA TV Title still technically exists, but will be in the background for the time being. That's kind of a shame, as it could have been used to build Abyss.
There's been praise for the Gail Kim/Taryn Tarrell ladder match on this week's Impact Wrestling, which likely means it had a lot of unnecessary "sick bumps" that got the crowd chanting "TNA" or "This is awesome!" instead of cheering for the babyface to beat the heel. Ugh.
WWE's Developmental Center is officially open! The media will be invited later in the week. This is being talked about as something like the change from the Stone Age to the Iron Age - a big leap forward.
There's been talk of at least one more NXT name jumping up to the main roster. Speculation time! I'm hoping for Kassius Ohno personally. I don't think it's QUITE time to bring Paige up, but she's getting close. It's more of a case of them already having AJ vs. Kaitlyn going on and the Total Divas stuff. I'd say she'd be ready by the end of the year.
Speaking of NXT, WWE.com looked at the impressive early showings of Sami Zayn, formerly indie sensation El Generico. Zayn vs. Cesaro is worth going out of your way to see.
Bobby Eaton will finally get a Pacemarker installed sometime in the next week. Good to hear!
Edit: he's gotten it installed and is active. Even better to hear.
TNA's audience was down to 1.05 for the 4th of July show. Holiday shows almost always have lower ratings.
Ivelisse Velez (known in WWE developmental as Sofia Cortes) spoke. The bad stories about Bill DeMott working in developmental outnumber the good.
Rhett Titus, best known for his work in ROH, appeared during a backstage segment on Raw. He's not under contract to ROH and is able to look for work elsewhere. The appearance was part of a tryout for WWE. He hasn't signed a contract, but it's possible that he will in the future. Cagematch has the stats on him. Impressive resume so far.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Vince has peculiar tastes. I actually like him working with Zeb and Swagger for now. If it gets him further over and he continues to improve, I don't see much reason to complain. He could be in the Fandango spot after all.
2. You KNOW Vince is going to book that at some point. I'd consider it very weird. If someone like Santino did it, I guess it would make sense, but I'm guessing that wasn't the context.
3. The McMahon angle continuing to WrestleMania!? http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=yrAV_Eu-MK4&NR=1 Why would you do this to me, WWE? I've watched for FIFTEEN years. Through Katie Vick, through Chavo vs. Hornswoggle, through all the Mae Young angles. Seriously, I hate hearing that. There are so many talented stars who should be getting opportunities that they're not getting because of the focus on the McMahons.
4. I guess it could work, though it seems like the IWC's solution for EVERYONE is "turn them heel and have them be super-serious wrestlers". As for Big O, have you SEEN him wrestle? I don't know if he's ready for that kind of role yet.
5. So 20 people just fought for the hell of it? lolwut. I can see why Jim Cornette gets so angry trying to make sense of wrestling.
More wrestling tomorrow.
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