theFRANCHISE

In this case, I don't mind Y2J's return being spoiled -- this only builds up my giddiness for tonight's show!

Unless, of course, he doesn't return at all. Then I'll just be angry, unless the return ends up being someone else awesome.

The other question is if Brock does return, is he face or heel, who does he immediately step in and have a feud with?

If Brock returns, they'll do like they did with Floyd Mayweather and let the fans dictate whether he'll be a face or heel. Mayweather was worked onto WWE TV as being a ringside guest of Rey Mysterio at a PPV. After a couple of brief promos, the fans didn't like Mayweather's inherent cockiness so they booked him to work heel.

Brock is a natural heel, but if the fans overwhelmingly cheer him, there's little that WWE or Brock can do to get them to boo him if they don't want to boo. Brock is good at getting under a crowd's skin, though. It'd be a nice challenge and WWE really can't lose either way, no matter how much they drop the ball in handling his return.

If Lesnar is, for whatever reason, the guy behind the 1/2/12 videos, best believe that there'll be some sort of legal investigation as to whether that Lesnar-Overeem fight was rigged. It'd be a little too coincidental that Lesnar would retire, only to return to his former profession the following week, which had been cryptically hyped for months. Plenty of conspiracy theories would be thrown around.

So, that said, we can all but eliminate Lesnar from the possibilities next week! (I'm looking at you, Twitter Internet Wrestling Community, lol)

Lesnar retires from MMA, Chances of coming back to the WWE?

Overeem did mockingly say in a pre-fight interview that he'd send Lesnar back to WWE; with the good working relationship between Lesnar and WWE as of late, I'd say it happens sooner than later. It'd be a publicity goldmine for both parties.

However, I also think that Lesnar's diverticulitis is more serious than most people estimate. I think that was one of the factors in his retirement, and I think that would also factor into the level of physical involvement Lesnar would have in a WWE return. He certainly won't work a full-time schedule so I could see him cut some promos and hit a few finishers on weekly TV, and then wrestle only the occasional PPV attraction match.

Really disappointed at how the WWE creative team are using Kane just now. The Cena Love/Hate game is cringeworthy.

I like how they're handling the Cena storyline. They're directly addressing the criticism of Cena while also opening up the possibilities of the crowd either fully embracing Cena or him turning against the people.

It's certainly better than what they've done for the past five years in blatantly ignoring or downplaying the boos he's received.

Plus, in the eyes of even myself as one of the harshest Cena detractors, he's slowly winning me over with the little things they've done. They've taken him out of the title picture, they've made him look vulnerable, and they've had him do less of the overacting that he's done in promos.

All I ever wanted WWE to do was to give me reasons to like Cena if they absolutely had to cram him down our throats.

The only similarity Triple H and Sting share are their respective roles, Sting would never bury the TNA talent.

Agreed, though as of late, it's been more Triple H burying them verbally than physically.

To Triple H's credit, he's put lots of guys over in matches over the course of his career, mainly during these last few years. He's just also broken down a lot of them before doing so, so it almost minimizes the effect of laying down for them.

Apparently, a new set debuted that's to be used exclusively for house shows (non-televised events), as opposed to the previous setup where there was just a ring and nothing else.

Pictures have surfaced online of what appears to be a singular HD mini-tron, with a large X above the walkway and two smaller trons to each side of the mini-tron.

My guess is that we could see some house shows televised on the WWE Network, with each broadcast consisting solely of select exhibition matches from across the country. It could be an interesting concept, as it would allow for younger guys to get more TV time without the pressure of being on either of the two main brands. Also, it would open up the possibility of title changes at house shows, which could increase ticket sales.

I'm hoping that the PPVs that qualify as WWE Network "specials" will also be simulcast through other means. I'd settle for a WWE.com stream.

Heck, if we're able to get WWE Network as a paid 24/7 streaming subscription, I'd settle for that, as well.

My bet is that Orton's recovery time is actually two months and he returns just in time for Mania, or even begins to appear on TV before that but doesn't get physical.

Alternately, he could just do a run-in at Mania and still collect a small paycheck while giving the fans a cool Mania moment.

As for Cena, if he were to get injured, they could always do what they did with Austin in 1997 and 2003 and limit his physicality. Just have him show up weekly to cut promos or randomly attack people as justified. This would keep himself and Rock prominent while also leaving fans salivating for their first physical matchup.

I don't trust that report at all, though. I don't think Ryder is being demoted. The report is saying that his one segment and possible storyline with Eve Torres is a signal that he's being demoted. If he's being demoted, how come he was booked to win his match?

And Ryder is holding a midcard title -- why would he be thrust into the main event spotlight all of a sudden, if the purpose of his belt is to enhance midcard talent? Ziggler and Rhodes didn't rub regularly elbows with the main event during their reigns until weeks or months after they won their respective belts.

Another report indicates that Jim Ross isn't being used on WWE TV because "they're not high on his look" -- it was a joke from JR on Twitter, in response to a fan's tweet. The site took it completely out of context and interpreted it literally. The joke is a spin on the famous rumor that McMahon takes people off TV if he's not high on their look.

I'm starting to see more and more BS behind the dirtsheets, just from how sloppy their reporting has been lately. All of them.

Yeah, I wish it would be the case. Plus The Royal Rumble is in Orton's hometown too. Though the early word is that it has something to do with Orton's back and one of the discs in his back so it seems it is real and there is no word on how severe the injury is.

I'm starting to think they're doing an injury angle to give Orton time to heal a nagging injury. I don't think he actually sustained the injury at the taping, judging from the way WWE's been playing it up via social media.

On a separate note, this tidbit about Zack Ryder is why I don't trust everything published in the dirtsheets: Zack Ryder Reportedly Demoted Due to Low Rating

There's several things wrong with that article: 1) It was one segment with Eve Torres, and an angle with her wouldn't be a demotion since WWE thinks highly of Eve as an ambassador for the company; 2) Wrestlers are involved in side angles all the time; 3) RAW was competing with the Steelers-Niners game that had huge ramifications in both conferences; 4) Holiday travel time is notorious for biting into ratings for all networks.

The main event of RAW drawing a low number was likely due to fans being more interested in Kane's return being addressed than a 6-man tag that had very little build or promotion throughout the show. I was there live at the show and we were all surprised that Kane's appearance happened at the 10pm overrun. A lot of the fans around me forgot what the main event was until graphics were shown on the Titantron during commercial breaks.

I guess we'll find out Friday if the injury is real or a work. If they do a dramatic close-up on Orton or Barrett to close the segment, it's a work. They could just be pulling Orton from live events to sell the injury angle just to give Orton time off before the promotional push towards WrestleMania, If I recall from the Orton DVD, he did far more obligations than usual, so he could've just asked for time off.

Um... so if anyone can explain the point of Kane's Promo with John Cena other than something to do with his shirt and the whole hate thing. It seems they are continuing it with Kane trying to do what Piper was trying to do. I wonder where this will lead now?

It accomplishes these things:

1) It continues the storyline of Cena's reaction to being booed;

2) It paints Cena as a sympathetic character because he looks vulnerable;

3) It takes Cena out of the main event picture;

4) It makes Kane a tweener since he's only going along with what the fans have been saying;

5) It gives WWE the option of either turning Cena heel or making him a more credible face before his Mania match with Rock;

6) It gives the appearance that WWE is listening to what the fans want since they're no longer ignoring or playing off the obvious boos

I absolutely love it. The promo resembles The Joker in The Dark Knight, saying to Batman, "You have your one rule, and you will break it tonight -- I'll see to it that you do!"

It resembles the moral ambiguity of the Attitude Era and it's a mature storyline. Cena sold the promo particularly well with his trepid yet neutral expressions. If he had been given the mic and responded in an animated fashion, it would've broken the suspension of reality.

I would buy Jericho coming back to claim his title of "Best in the World" -- and it would certainly make for an epic matchup. I'd even go so far as to make it a Best of 3 series; start with the Royal Rumble, continue into the Elimination Chamber, and then end it with the rubber match at WrestleMania. That way, their first encounter doesn't get overshadowed by Rock-Cena, and they'll have had enough time to develop chemistry and steal the show at Mania in their third match.

I can't help but think that many fans would be indifferent towards Taker if he were the one revealed next week as the surprise. We all know he'll be back for Mania and we all know he'll probably retire after going 20-0. Same old song and dance. It's best not to waste this viral marketing on him.

The final promo aired!

I'm waiting on it to be uploaded online, but from what I caught, the writing on the chalkboard said "He is Coming" -- which implies that it's only one person. That potentially eliminates the Shane & Stephanie theory unless it's meant to throw us off.

So, it's down to Jericho or Undertaker once again, with Batista as a possible dark horse pick.

I think Jericho could be playing us. He's not above it.

This is the same guy that, on the night of his last return, said he was about to play a gig at some club and was hanging with his boys. Something to that effect.

That's my problem with the IWC. A segment of us will demand that changes happen, and when we're given that change, that segment doesn't support the product by watching or buying merchandise in response.

I will buy a PPV if the card is worth the money. I will buy a t-shirt or a DVD if I approve of the associated wrestler. I will watch the shows live or at least leave my TV on the channel if I like the direction a story is going. I don't torrent shows and I only download episodes or YouTube them when they demand repeat viewings. Whenever possible, I legally purchase digital copies of episodes on Vudu and other services if I like a particular episode enough because of a story arc.

If we don't financially support the product when they actually give us what we want, we'll never see it last. The reason why Stone Cold became one of the industry's biggest stars was because he was pushed to the moon in response to sales of Austin 3:16 shirts. The reason why John Cena has been the central focus of the company is because he's the biggest merchandise-seller for years. It's the same basic story with most modern wrestling stars.

I hate the smarks that approve of a story but then refuse to watch, relying instead on dirt sheets or the Internet to stay informed.

Watching some old clips from 1999, and I was watching the Triple H vs Vince McMahon match from Armageddon 1999. To me that had to be one of the best heel turns in the WWE. Stephanie when she was heel was like possessed by the devil lol. I then watched the Raw after Armageddon and when Vince and Shane leave in a limo frustrated, Triple H turns to Stephanie and says, "Well your whole family is gone, who's going to run the family business?" Steph says, "I guess that leaves you and I."

How ironic is that 12 years later and pretty much Vince is slowly stepping down and Triple H and Stephanie are truly running things.

Stephanie grew into a great heel during that time, but I loved her time as SmackDown GM -- especially those not-so-PG segments where she flaunted her sensuality.

I studied this backstage segment a little bit and, honestly, this is the best performance Cena has given: YouTube

Notice the intensity at the beginning and then how he went back down to earth. The slow burn when he was explaining why Ryder deserved another shot, was brilliant.

That's all I wanted out of Cena. Stop being hokey, start getting better while putting others over. And so far, he's basically been on a 3-week roll, especially since he's been out of the main event picture during this span.

That's epic. Just curious... how much were those seats?

Floor seats (which are still available, but only as single tickets) are $75.

100-level and other lower-level seats are $60. The cheapest ticket is $20.

I'm still shopping around for packages of 3 or 4 tickets and I might sell my current seats, but as of right now, my pair of tickets for March are 6 rows from ringside and it'll be hard to get more tickets in the same row or closer.

I got floor seats to RAW in Philly on March 19th during the Road to WrestleMania!!!!!!

Since it'll be two weeks out from Mania, there's a very good chance that The Rock will be making an appearance of some sort!!!!! If the next season of Tough Enough is on the horizon, then I could also see Stone Cold!! I'll probably also see The Undertaker!!

I'm in Section 8, facing the hard camera, in the back corner behind the commentators, only a few rows from ringside! I'm hyped!!!

Dean Ambrose is a Pillman/Kendrick wannabe? lol no

Greatest prospect in FCW by far.

Honestly, I couldn't get into the match and his gimmick and walk was eerily Kendrick-like. It could've been because I wasn't into DiBiase as well, but that was just me.

Who knows? He was calling himself a future World Champion before the match, so I could end up eating my words. lol.

It was a fairly average episode of RAW but the in-ring action was good and I had tons of fun at the show! It was an electric atmosphere. My voice was hoarse before the broadcast even started from all the yelling and chanting we were doing between matches taped for Superstars.

It was amazing how over Ted DiBiase Jr. was during the opening dark match against some Brian Pillman/Brian Kendrick wannabe. Zack Ryder also got the second-biggest pop of the night next to CM Punk. Daniel Bryan was over with the diehard crowd but not nearly as much as the World Champion should be.

I loved the kids that sat around me during the show. They were all going along with my chants just to try to impress me, and we even had some playful banter during the "Let's Go Cena / Cena Sucks" chants -- especially when I was chanting both just because I was so conflicted as to how I feel about him. lol. It gives me hope for the future since they weren't just there for Cena; they even thought Kane was cool, even though his choking of Cena was a little morbid in-person.

I walked away feeling accomplished when I got two of the kids to yell "Best in the World" with me whenever Punk came out and posed during his entrances at the beginning and end of the show.

Overall, the show did well in progressing existing stories while planting the seeds for new ones. It definitely felt like a breath of fresh air with the emphasis on young talent, and it was awe-inspiring to see Punk, Ryder, and Bryan in the ring together with their titles.

I'll be seeing WWE again in March when they return to Philly on 3/19/12 for RAW. And, I'll most likely see The Rock in some way, shape or form. Tickets go on sale at 10am this morning. As nice as my 100-level seats were, I'll be getting ringside seats this time around.

I would like to thank CM Punk for giving me my new Profile Photo. That was a picture Punk had tweeted with the caption of "Two Indy schmucks didn't do so bad, eh?

Awesome Picture!

Oh and WWE is now selling "Cena Sucks" T-Shirts! Apparently it reads.... "Let's Go Cena" in red letters in small but readable print, and in gigantic bold lettering size says "Cena Sucks" Also they had a T-Shirt that said "We Can't See You" with a photo of Cena's face on it with a big X over his face.

Link to Pictures of Shirts: http://www.wzronline...s-t-shirts.html

I think that's actually one shirt that reads both slogans; "Cena Sucks" is on the front, "We Can't See You" on the back. The merchandise stand is usually arranged in such a way that the front of the shirt and its backside are stacked on top of one another. Look at the "Rise Above Hate" shirt and red "Never Give Up" shirt as examples.

It was a good PPV but Nash-HHH literally put me to sleep.

Looking forward to attending RAW in Philly tonight! I'll try to take pictures.