WWE news and notes: 8th October, 2013

FILE PHOTO: Hulk Hogan

• Former 6-time Intercontinental Champion and current TNA liaison Jeff Jarrett appeared at Sunday’s W-1 wrestling event in Tokyo, Japan. In a post-show press conference, Jarrett confirmed the rumours that TNA and W-1 are planning a talent exchange in the very near future.
• Despite no longer being contracted to TNA, WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan is still doing promotional work for the US’ number-two wrestling promotion. This could be a strong sign that he will re-sign with the company, which was expected.
• Last night on Monday Night RAW, Smackdown GM announced that, at Hell in a Cell, Alberto Del Rio will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against John Cena, who is returning earlier than expected. However, there is talk that Cena will not actually wrestle in the match, and that this announcement is actually part of a much bigger angle that will go down at the PPV.
• Several WWE stars are headed to Abu Dhabi this week for three live events at the Zayed Sports City International Complex. The events will begin on Thursday and run through Saturday night.
• WWE announced that, for Tuesday’s Smackdown taping in Columbus, OH, they are looking for roughly 60 seat fillers for the event. For those that don’t know, a seat filler is literally someone hired for the sole purpose of sitting in unused seats. WWE is doing this in order to fill up the side opposite “hard-camera” side (the camera that records most of the show) in order to make the arena look full for better presentation on television. This is a very common practice for spectator events such as sporting events and awards ceremonies.
• WWE.com posted an article regarding Rob Van Dam’s status in the company, stating he took time off in order to recuperate “mentally and spiritually”. In reality, RVD was pulled off television due to the fact that, when he signed with WWE, he only signed a 90-day contract, which has expired. F4WOnline.com is reporting that, as of today, he still has not renewed his deal with WWE, leaving his future in wrestling in doubt. However, WWE seems to be confident he will re-sign.
• Horror Society has published an interview with Danielle Harris, an actress who will co-star with WWE star Kane in the upcoming See No Evil 2. Kane was in the original film and played the main character, a serial killer named Jacob Goodnight.
• Last night’s RAW scored a 2.65 cable rating, down from last week’s 2.8. However, the average number of viewers was higher, up to 3.7 million viewer’s from last week’s 3.5 million.