WWE Superstar CM Punk was interviewed by Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting this week and spoke about the following topics:

– Attending this weekend’s UFC live event from Chicago

– His WWE contract expiring & if he’ll stay with WWE

– His relationship with Vince McMahon

– Wanting to induct the Ultimate Warrior into the WWE Hall of Fame

– Batista’s return to WWE & who would win if they squared off in Jiu Jit Su.

– Rumors of Brock Lesnar wanting to return to UFC

– If he would ever become a professional MMA fighter

– The backstage incident with Michelle Beadle and AJ Lee

– The WWE Network and how it affects the pay-per-view payoffs of WWE Superstars

– Daniel Bryan’s popularity

– The Royal Rumble

WWE has once again double-booked John Cena for an upcoming event on February 1st. As of right now, Cena is booked to appear both in Wichita and Orlando on that date.

Both CM Punk and Daniel Bryan are booked for the Wichita show, so Cena will likely end up working the Orlando show. It would make sense, as Cena is booked that same weekend for the rest of the events emanating from Florida as well.

WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan recently sat down with Shaffee of WGRD in Michigan for a lengthy interview. During the interview, Bryan discusses his brief run with The Wyatt Family, whether or not the Michigan State crowd chanting “Yes!” played a role in his quick babyface turn and his belief that WWE still don’t see money in him.

Here are some highlights of what Bryan said about:

Getting Over Despite WWE Booking Him Poorly: 

“I don’t feel like they…they never aspired for me to be where I’m at. There’s certain guys…they see somebody and say, ‘I see money in that guy.’ I don’t think they ever looked at me and said ‘I see money in that guy’ and to this day, even with the loud fan reactions that I get, I don’t feel like the company still doesn’t see money in me. That’s just interesting, because you go out there and you do your best and sometimes it can be very, very frustrating. That’s probably one of the biggest frustrations of this job because this is not an objective business. It’s not like football where if you’re a running back and you go out there and get five yards of carry every time you are out there, they are going to keep putting you in because.”

” The stats don’t lie. It’s not that. It’s, “He’s getting a great crowd reaction, but is he selling tickets?” The bottom line is you need people who are going to sell tickets, but I can get the crowd to react very loudly, but does that’s transition into people buying PPVs or does that transition into this or that? “Oh, I don’t think he’s very marketable….he might have a niche appeal” or this or that or whatever. I just go out there and do my best. Sometimes, it’s very difficult dealing with the political type stuff because I’m not a politician. I never have been. I’ve never been someone to say, ‘Oh you have to do this with me or you have to do that with me.’ My whole career…I’ve been pretty easy going. As far as being pretty successful in WWE, that’s probably my biggest downfall actually and that’s…it’s one of those things…the booker in Ring of Honor. Ring of Honor was an independent company I worked for for years…his name was Gabe Sapolsky. He ran the company from the time it started until 2007. He said when he met me, he never thought I’d be the guy in Ring of Honor. When he met CM Punk, he thought he’d be the guy. When he met Samoa Joe, he thought he’d be the guy in ROH. Both of them were the guys for Ring of Honor. I ended up being the guy for Ring of Honor but he never thought of that because of my personality. I’d be, “Okaaay’ Bryan you are doing this tonight. OK.”

Not Being ‘Protected’ By WWE Like Steve Austin & Hulk Hogan Were:

“The interesting thing to me, because I’m a fan of pro wrestling history. I am a fan and I love the whole thing. What’s interesting is I’ve become very popular without needing what those guys needed to become very popular, which is Hogan didn’t get beated for years, a four year run as champion. Steve Austin, after the big promo that started the Austin 3:16 thing, he was very carefully managed and you didn’t see him a lot, you know? He lost a couple of times but you didn’t see him lose a lot on TV. This year, the day after Wrestlemania, 70,000 people throwing their arms up and doing my “Yes”. I lost to Big E. Langston in three minutes. I’m not somebody who’s been protected or… “

Losing To Sheamus at WrestleMania 28 In 18 Seconds:

“In 18 seconds. Two months before I main evented Summerslam, I lost to Damien Sandow in four minutes. It’s one of those things where it’s never been, I’ve never been the guy…let’s put a rocket ship to him, let’s try to turn him into the guy. That’s why, if that doesn’t happen, because you need that to happen for you to have any enduring success beyond crowd reaction. A great example for me is a UFC Fighter and he’s Clay Guida. He was everybody’s favorite. There was a point where everybody was rooting for this guy because he fought like an animal but then he kept getting to that number one contendership spot and losing or getting a title fight and getting dominated. People still like him but nobody’s getting PPVs to see Clay Guida fight. They like him, he’s awesome, he’s an animal but you have to overcome that hurdle. They have to see you as a success for people to buy into you as an attraction like Austin was, like Hogan is. Like John Cena is. For John Cena to become the success that he is, they didn’t just put him in his first title match and he was the draw that John Cena is now. The same thing with Steve Austin. It had to be a lot of time of him on top and him winning and he had a supporting cast and was wrestling guys like Shawn Michaels and Triple H and all the big names of the past.”

• Surprise Royal Rumble Entrants Revealed + New Rumored WMXXX Matches

– WWE is advertising John Cena and Daniel Bryan vs. The Wyatt Family in 2-on-3 handicap matches for several live events taking place after Sunday’s Royal Rumble match.

– Paul Heyman announced on Twitter that he be appearing on Mark Madden’s Pittsburgh radio show this week to promote the Royal Rumble:

"@MarkMaddenX @HeymanHustle on Thursday! Royal Rumble week on #1059theX!" … I have a feeling I'm going to get myself in trouble! @WWE

— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) January 22, 2014

The following are highlights from a recent Jim Ross online Q&A update:

On if he feels Roman Reigns will ever work with his cousins The Usos: “I assume that any thing is possible down the road. It likely wouldn’t be often or remotely on a regular basis.”

On if it’s fair to compare today’s era against the Attitude Era: “”Fair?” It’s merely speculation and not a decree of fact. Today’s roster has some intriguing, underdeveloped pieces who need to continue to evolve plus have others added to the mix to ever approach the Attitude Era roster. I hope that they do.”

On why WWE didn’t do Hulk Hogan vs. Steve Austin in 2002: “Nothing serious that I recall. Rock was a better fit for Hogan at WM18.”

On if WWE talents had more creative freedom back in the late 90s and early 2000s: “Yes, somewhat. Those that could assemble their thoughts in a good way were provided some creative flexibility. Needs to get back to that.”

On if he feels Daniel Bryan will be in the Royal Rumble, and if so, should he win: “Your guess is as good as mine. He’s facing Bray Wyatt at the Rumble but that doesn’t mean that any of those talents in one on one matches can’t be in the Rumble match too. Tune in and see….that’s what I’m doing.”

Check out more JR Q&A updates online at JRsBarBQ.com.

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has posted a new blog entry, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

Batista’s Return: “Good to See Batista back as Dave physically looked great and got a welcoming reaction back to the show. Batista is my favorite to win the Rumble Match this Sunday in Pittsburgh on PPV. One could assume that a major talent like Batista will have a huge role in NOLA at WM30.”

Daniel Bryan: “It seemed as if Daniel Bryan could have had a higher profile role on RAW based on how RAW left the air last week.”

Big Show vs. Brock Lesnar: “Impressed that Big Show was able to GUTWRENCH Lesnar over the top rope. Felt like a bigger moment at home than on TV. Impressive.”

John Cena vs. Randy Orton: “It’s obvious that the Cena vs. Orton WWE World Title bout is the primary focus of the Royal Rumble PPV this Sunday. Would loved to have seen Orton make a clean, non contact, getaway on RAW. I’d assume WWE will end with the Rumble match but make no mistake about it the focus of the show is on the WWE World Title….not that’s a bad thing.”

• Surprise Royal Rumble Entrants — Jake Roberts? Sheamus? Jericho? Details Here!

On Monday’s RAW, Daniel Bryan challenged Bray Wyatt to a singles match at Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

There are currently 16 participants confirmed for the actual Rumble match, and as of Tuesday, there are no plans for Daniel Bryan to be one of them.

Plans can obviously change before Sunday and quite frankly it would be crazy to not include Bryan in the Rumble match.

As reported on Monday, Bryan has been medically cleared to compete after suffering a concussion last week on RAW.

(Source: PWInsider.com)

Just one week after suffering a concussion on last week’s episode of WWE RAW, Daniel Bryan has reportedly been medically cleared to return to action.

Bryan is at tonight’s RAW from Dayton Ohio, but there’s a chance he won’t wrestle tonight as a precautionary measure so he will be ready to go for Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

(Source: PWInsider.com)

TMZ has picked up the coverage of WWE Diva Brie Bella’s bachelorette party, which took place on Saturday night at the Prep Kitchen in San Diego, California. Bella, along with the rest of the bachelorette party, all wore “Daniel Bryan beards” during the festivities.

The article also notes that the wedding of Bella and Bryan will be filmed for the second season of WWE’s “Total Divas” reality show, meaning it’s a two-wedding season, as the Naomi and Jimmy Uso wedding was also filmed recently for season number two.

Check out TMZ’s coverage at TMZ.com.

– As previously reported, Daniel Bryan was taken off of his scheduled appearances at WWE live events this weekend due to the concussion he suffered at RAW on Monday. As noted, Big Show served as Bryan’s replacement in singles matches against Bray Wyatt. As a result, Kane, who was originally slated to compete against Big Show on the opposing WWE live event tour, ended up working as somewhat of a babyface against Luke Harper and Erick Rowan in two-on-one handicap matches.

– WWE Hall Of Famer Pat Patterson celebrates his 73rd birthday today. Patterson was born on January 19, 1940. Also celebrating a birthday today was current WWE Superstar R-Truth, who turned 42. Truth was born on January 19, 1971.

The following is an excerpt from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

‘RINGSIDE: An Evening with Jim Ross’ in NOLA on Thursday April 3 will now be two shows at 6:30 and 9:30 pm at the House of Blues. VIP tickets will be available for the Meet and Greets plus each show will include lots of Q&A time. Tickets will go on sale next week and I will release that info when I receive it but I’m sure that ticketmaster.com will be involved.

Back to Daniel Bryan, he’s white hot and has done what many wrestlers only dream of doing and that’s making a strong, emotional connection with the fan base. Bryan is SO connected or ‘over’ in rasslin’ vernacular and he’s still evolving well even without the WWE Title.

Will Daniel Bryan ever become the WWE World Title for a nice ‘run’ some day? I can’t see how it won’t happen. Question is when and it could be at WM30 if all the cards fall into place. Stay tuned.

Unfortunately, many will think that professional development should have happened ‘yesterday’ but I’m enjoying the ‘chase’ that Bryan is on while fighting for ‘respect’ and then, when the time is right, fighting for the Championship.

Patience.

Who is a more popular choice to win the Royal Rumble than Daniel Bryan?”

Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.

Daniel Bryan did not appear at Saturday night’s WWE live event from Hammond, Indiana, despite being advertised. It was announced at the beginning of the show that Bryan would be not be able to appear and refunds were offered to fans who wanted to leave.

Big Show replaced Daniel Bryan in a match against Bray Wyatt in one of the top matches on the card.

SEScoops.com was the first site to break the news that Bryan suffered a concussion during the steel cage main event of last week’s RAW.

WWE has confirmed the news of Bryan’s concussion to multiple independent wrestling news sites, but has yet to make an announcement of the concussion on the company website.

Bryan is still advertised for Sunday’s live event from Kalamazoo, Michigan, but will not appear.

There are reports that the concussion he suffered on RAW was so bad that he will not be competing at the Royal Rumble.

UPDATE: A WWE spokesperson has confirmed to us that Daniel Bryan did in fact suffer a concussion on RAW.

Monday’s RAW saw Daniel Bryan break free of the Wyatt Family and lead the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island to one of the most electric “Yes!” chants of all time.

Unfortunately, we can report exclusively that Daniel Bryan was diagnosed with a concussion shortly after RAW went off the air.

Based on preliminary testing by WWE doctors after the show, it’s believed injury took place early in the steel cage match main event. In a sad twist of irony, we are told Bryan does not remember much about last night.

Bryan tweeted this afternoon:

I sit humbled and in awe of peoples reaction to last night. I can’t bring down the machine on my own, but we can do it together #YesMovement

— Daniel Bryan (@WWEDanielBryan) January 14, 2014

Based on this news, it seems highly unlikely that he’ll be wrestling at tonight’s WWE SmackDown tapings from the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. No word yet on how long he will be out of action, but he is undergoing testing more today.

VIDEOS From RAW: The Main Event & The Post-Match Final Segment Of The Show

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

Monday’s RAW: “Enjoyed Monday Night RAW from Providence as it had several moments that stood out to me within the marathon, three hour broadcast. Thought that having more in ring product and keeping the stars in front of the live audience was a good thing. The show had a great deal of wrestling which I like. Obviously , some of the in ring content was better than others but that’s nothing new.”

Ultimate Warrior In The WWE Hall of Fame: “The Warrior package was slick as no one really touches WWE TV production on matters such as this. The decision to roll Warrior out first for the upcoming Hall of Fame class was strategic as it certainly has fans talking … The Ultimate Warrior was one of WWE’s all time most polarizing performers who was a massive star while being one of the most unique TV personas ever in WWE.”

Daniel Bryan Turning On Bray Wyatt: “The show closing moments involving Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt was reminiscent of the Attitude Era as it relates to raw passion and the fans totally buying into the production. I said it last night on Twitter @JRsBBQ that Daniel Bryan was the hottest commodity in WWE today….by far. The connection that he’s made with the audience, which more often than not, can’t be manufactured is priceless.

Daniel Bryan sitting on top of the cage and the sold out crowd chanting Yes! Yes! Yes! was Austin-esque in my eyes. The closing moments of RAW is what one always looks to achieve when formatting a TV show. That special moment that becomes a ‘moment.’

Daniel Bryan is a legit bookers dream. Highly skilled and can make anyone that he competes with appear better, no locker room issues or bad, personal habits and he’s respectful and reliable. The perfect pro. Good role model for any young talent wanting to succeed.”

– Tonight’s WWE Main Event and SmackDown tapings will take place from the DCU Center in Worcester, MA. The New Age Outlaws vs. Cody Rhodes and Goldust in a non-title match has been announced for SmackDown.

Check back later tonight for live results of both shows.

– Last Friday’s SmackDown drew a 1.96 rating and averaged 2,816,000 viewers.

– Brie Bella tweeted the following after her fiance Daniel Bryan left The Wyatt Family on last night’s RAW:

I told you @WWEUniverse you can always trust my future husband @WWEDanielBryan he has & will always be true to himself! Yes! Yes! Yes! #RAW

— The Bella Twins (@nicoleandbri) January 14, 2014

– The Mass Relevance website has a featured story up on the WWE Network announcement from Wednesday night in Las Vegas. The article claims WWE blind sided everyone with the announcement of a WWE Network. You can check out the story online at MassRelevance.com.

– Speaking of WWE Network coverage, former WWE Superstar and ECW original Lance Storm has posted a new blog about the WWE Network at his official website. You can check that out at StormWrestling.com.

– According to reports from the WWE live event in Glens Falls, New York on Saturday night, Daniel Bryan was introduced as “Daniel Wyatt” for his steel cage match against Bray Wyatt on the show.

There were conflicting reports from last weekend, some of which claimed Bryan was introduced as Daniel Wyatt, while others noted he was called Daniel Bryan.

The following are highlights from a recent Shining Wizard Podcast interview with Ring Of Honor star Roderick Strong:

On how he got into the business: “I started wrestling because of my dad being trained by Jim The Anvil Neidhart. I was only 12 at the time so obviously I was a huge wrestling fan and I was just in awe. I would go to practice every day and sit and watch until 1 day Jim asked me if I wanted to jump in the ring. Jim would let me get in the ring at the end of every practice and eventually I met Harry Smith and me and him would wrestle matches every other practice. It was a very cool childhood memory that is very unique when it comes to starting.”

On respect in the locker room: “I was an athlete my whole life. I mean I played football and in football there is a level of respect that you learn and how you treat people, and you have an understanding of your position. Nobody really gave me a hard time for not shaking everybody’s hands. As I got older I learned that it was a respect thing. And that’s true for life. I don’t judge somebody the first few times I meet them and they don’t shake my hand. It’s when it becomes repetitive, you’re kinda like” I’ve seen you for 3 months.” But, getting mad about that kind of stuff is a little elementary for me.”

On who he credits for his first big break: “My first travel break was Jersey All Pro Wrestling, but I guess my first real break was with Ring Of Honor. I had the opportunity to do a dark match, and that was Dan Maff that actually did that for me.”

On wrestlers he started out with getting their big break: “Nowadays you think about people that are going but to me it’s all about timing. For certain people, the timing was right, but I had more to accomplish on the independent level and to help make Ring Of Honor the best company it could be. I’m happy for all my friends that are doing well.”

On being the face of Ring Of Honor: “You always think you’re ready. Just having that opportunity is awesome. To me, the biggest thing I find funny is that people tend to write that I only won the world title because Tyler Black was leaving. Adam Pearce said that was never the case. He said that was always going to be my belt which to me, means the world.”

On ROH and TNA’s past working relationship: “I know nothing. I just know that after that Rob Feinstein incident, TNA wanted nothing to do with Ring Of Honor because of the bad publicity it was getting at the time.”

On what he feels ROH’s peak was: “I still don’t think ROH has reached its peak. I was a part of Generation Next and that was the hottest thing going on the independents for quite some time and to me that was a great time in my life. I think there’s been some awesome times. I think there have been some transitional times and that happens with every company.”

On the direction of Daniel Bryan in WWE: “I think it’s great. Brian is the type of guy that needs to be challenged. He’s really smart and he’s an amazing wrestler. This gives him the opportunity to branch the character out in and put it in a different light. And then when he becomes a babyface again or whatever the heck he was or is now, he’ll be ten times more over than he is now because the people are emotionally invested in him. They want to see him be their Daniel Bryan, not this guy. The minute he becomes their Daniel Bryan again, he’s more over than ever.”

On EVOLVE Wrestling and working with new talent: “Me, Gabe and Sal have a lot of history from ROH and I’ve always maintained a relationship with them. The opportunity came for me to work these shows and I like those guys and bringing my brand to them would help elevate them. They would put me against guys I don’t get to work with very often and that would give me a chance to up my game. I look forward to wrestling, and the fresh match ups gives me an opportunity to either step up my game or give these guys a chance to up their game. It gives me an opportunity to be a better performer and I’m always excited to wrestle different people…and the same people. I love to wrestle.”

Check out the complete interview online at ShiningWizards.com.

WWE Hall of FamerJim Ross updated the Q&A section of JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

If he called any Curt Hennig matches: 

“Many. He was excellent. A natural. You must be new. Thanks.”

If WWE thought they would win the lawsuit with the World Wildlife Fund:

“Obviously WWE thought they would win the case as did I. I wouldn’t say it was chaos but it did cause of lot of extra work.”

Daniel Bryan’s recent booking:

“Daniel Bryan’s TV persona seems like a no brainer to me. The fans want him to compete and to be the underdog who never quits and wins his share of matches. Easy matter in my view to ascertain. Just listen to the paying customers.”

If WWE would benefit from holding fewer pay-per-view events: 

“Long term planning & sticking to the plan has more to do w/ creative than # of PPV’s. Bottom line is always going to be the talents.”

The Michigan State Spartans’ football team was honored at halftime of last night’s men’s basketball game, with player Travis Jackson leading the entire Breslin Center arena in a Daniel Bryan “Yes!” chant.

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about Monday’s Old School RAW:

Piper’s Pit: “Thought it was one of the better Piper’s Pit segments that we’ve seen over the past few years. Succinct, cut to the chase content, etc. Nice rub for the Shield. Roddy endorsing Punk did nothing but good as well.”

Brock Lesnar’s Segment With Mark Henry & Big Show: “No issues with Lesnar/Henry/Show but for anyone to think that Lesnar is as hot right how as he needs to be isn’t looking at Brock through honest eyes. His absence was long and Brock wasn’t red hot when he left. The former WWE and UFC champion is an amazing talent but he’s got little traction from where I sit and needs to promoted aggressively and soon if he’s expected to sell PPV’s at WM30. The good news is that it can be done.”

Daniel Bryan & The Wyatt Family: “I’m still confused as to where the Daniel Bryan/Wyatt Family storyline is headed. I’m trying to like it as I’m a big fan of all the men involved in the equation but I don’t know much more about their relationship or issues than I knew last week. As a fan, I needed a little more concrete info or a viable tease from these four men than I was provided.”

Jerry Lawler’s Health Scare: “Good to hear that Jerry Lawler is fine after Monday’s health scare. Sounds as if King had a stomach virus or food poisoning but NO heart issues Monday in Baltimore. I hope to have a conversation with King this week if he can work me into his busy schedule. It’s not easy being a combination of a superhero and Larry Flynt. :)”

Jake Roberts’ Surprise Return: “The final surprise of Jake the Snake Roberts was a good surprise. Jake looked good and he was well received. Via @DDPYoga and making smart, personal decisions, Jake has gotten himself healthier and the alternative if he had continued to travel his former road was bleak.”

– It was revealed during Old School RAW on Monday night that on next week’s edition of WWE RAW there will be a tag-team match that features Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt vs. The Usos.

– Former WWE Superstar and UFC Hall Of Famer Ken Shamrock recently tweeted the following to Vince McMahon:

@WWE @VinceMcMahon – Vince lets chat. Thank you. Ken

— KEN SHAMROCK (@ShamrockKen) January 7, 2014

It was announced during Old School RAW in Baltimore on Monday during a backstage segment that Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt will be teaming up to compete in a tag-team match on next week’s edition of WWE RAW.

Also on RAW, two Royal Rumble participants have been confirmed. As we previously reported, Michael Cole announced on commentary that Batista has officially entered himself into the 2014 Royal Rumble match. Additionally, Alberto Del Rio officially entered the match. Del Rio announced his participation in the Rumble during an in-ring interview he did after defeating Sin Cara in singles action.

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

Tonight’s Old School RAW: “Hope everyone enjoys the Old School Raw tonight live from Baltimore. Lots of wrestling history in that old Arena including Superstar Graham beating Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF Title, several JCP major shows including Great American Bash events and Ron Simmons making history by beating Vader for the WCW World Title back in the day.”

“I’m curious to see how the “Old Schoolers” will be used tonight on the 3 hour broadcast. Will they be embraced or embarrassed in the name of ‘entertainment?’

“Hopefully the Legends will be allowed to be themselves tonight on RAW and not be over produced and have their entire promos written by a creative team member. Tonight would be a good night to go really ‘Old School’ and let the verbal creativity flow from those who are good at extemporaneous speaking.”

Daniel Bryan & The Wyatt Family” “WWE creative must hit it out of the park tonight on the Daniel Bryan, who’s soon to be known as Daniel Wyatt based on weekend WWE live events, and the Wyatt Family storyline. I’ve never seen a talent over the last few years get ‘over’ to the level of Bryan and then be booked so curiously. Hopefully, at the end of the day, this will come full circle and please many fans but at least Bryan is still getting quality TV minutes and his bell to bell in ring work is virtually untouchable.”

Talent Getting Over Organically: “Talents who get over organically are few and far between these days and they can never be taken for granted or not recognized. The ‘buzz’ doesn’t last forever. Wrestlers who connect with the fans is a wrestling booker’s dream. Creative types who do not listen to their paying customers IE Fans just aren’t that bright when all is said and done.”

– With WrestleMania XXX just 3 months away, WWE has still not finalized who will be challenging the Undertaker’s streak this year. Brock Lesnar has long been the front runner to face the Dead Man, however, there is one big obstacle that might prevent the match from happening.

Not many people know this, but over the past few years, The Undertaker has rehearsed his WrestleMania matches with his opponents. Shawn Michaels, Triple H and CM Punk have all spend considerable time with the Undertaker planning out their matches in the weeks leading up to their matches at WrestleMania. Due to the nature of Brock Lesnar’s WWE contract, he is only required to travel a certain number of times per year for WWE. Training with The Undertaker to prepare for a WrestleMania match would exceed the terms of his agreement with WWE.

It’s possible WWE could negotiate with Lesnar and convince him to do what’s necessary to make The Undertaker comfortable with a match – but this is the reason John Cena and Daniel Bryan are still being considered as his possible opponents this year.

– WWE legend the Ultimate Warrior in currently talks with Vince McMahon about a WWE Hall of Fame induction and an appearance at WrestleMania XXX. Warrior is speaking strictly with Vince, having no contact with Triple H or anybody else in the company.

As previously reported, WWE will be releasing a new Ultimate Warrior DVD the week of WrestleMania, so a few TV appearances in April would help with the promotion of that project.

– As previously reported, Daniel Bryan debuted a new look this past weekend at the WWE live events. As noted, Bryan, who was scheduled to face Bray Wyatt in a Steel Cage match on the show, essentially let Wyatt beat him down and then embraced with him after the match. Additionally, it appears as though Bryan is going to go under the name Daniel Wyatt from now on. Bryan was introduced as Daniel Wyatt during his work this weekend.

– WWE has added a new “Where Are They Now?” photo gallery to their official website. The official company Twitter account tweeted the following about it on Monday:

Check out this photo gallery of @WWE Superstars & Divas and ask, "Where Are They Now?" because we have the answers! http://t.co/KjHmod2gFZ

— WWE (@WWE) January 6, 2014