– In an update on the recent signings of announcers Tom Hannifan and Renee Paquette, Hannifan has been brought in to work on WWE NXT, having just graduated from Penn State last year. He has some experience from doing sports announcing for the Big 10 Network, but is stated as green, but a bright prospect. As for Renee Paquette, she previously worked for The Score in Canada hosting the post-RAW show Aftermath and is being considered for a backstage interviewer role due to her experience and is expected to be appearing on WWE pay-per-views in some capacity also. As of now, she’s back and forth from WWE’s studios in Stamford, CT each week doing studio work.
– In a case of the things can always change/card subject to change notice in wrestling, the WWE are considering holding the WWE Tag Team Tournament Finals after the WWE Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, with the feeling that Rey Mysterio might not be back to 100% for Monday’s RAW. Mysterio will be assessed for Monday’s RAW and if he isn’t able to compete, there are plans for as of now, a non-title match between Team Hell No (Daniel Bryan & Kane) and the team of Rhodes Scholars (Damien Sandow & Cody Rhodes) to take place at WWE Hell in a Cell. Meanwhile, the decision to have Ryback face off against CM Punk at the event was made on Monday afternoon following John Cena’s medical assessment that couldn’t confirm to the company if Cena would be 100% fit for WWE Hell in a Cell. There were talks of having a triple threat match at the event, as well as having Punk face Mr.McMahon, however both of those plans were scrapped immediately.
– In the WithLeather interview with Eve Torres that we touched upon yesterday, we forgot to make mention that the WWE Divas Champion noted that the WWE Divas Search Competition could be making a comeback down the line stating, “Actually, there are a lot of rumors that they’re going to do another Diva Search, and I’m hoping that there is one. The WWE has found incredible female talent through the Diva Search, even it’s the women who are kind of casual fans and just aren’t sure if they can commit all the way or the women who are intimidated about the approach and the FCW. Hopefully we do another one because it would be great to see more women coming into the division.” Eve also talks about the departures of Kelly Kelly and Beth Phoenix in more details at this link.
– The recent WWE tryouts in Tampa, Florida were considered to be a mixed bag, as approximately 10% or so of the 62 people that attended were in great shape, while others weren’t able to keep up with the conditioning drills, including collegiate wrestlers and college football players. The promo work was said to be a complete disaster as many froze up in front of the cameras when the lights were on. There is still no word on any talent signed from the tryout camps, however it should be noted that at least one contract is offered to an individual at each tryout camp.
– There is talk of having Dolph Ziggler vs. Ryback run less than 5 minutes at next Wednesday’s WWE Main Event and tape a long match that runs approximately 15-20 minutes long.
– Raven has been added to WWE’s alumni section at this link.
– Paul Heyman is featured in an interview with Pete Rosenberg of Hot97 discussing his role on WWE television as well as his work with Brock Lesnar and CM Punk below.
– Jerry Lawler recently spoke to Good Morning Memphis about his recovery from his heart attack and appearing at Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings.