The released superstars and their plans

- D.H. Smith's post-WWE plans:

WWE announced Friday that they had come to terms on the release of David Hart Smith, who Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis once deemed a future WrestleMania main eventer. The third generation talent revealed that he is returning to Japan, where he competed prior to joining the sports entertainment promotion in 2006.

“Yup, Japan here I come! No more WWE, had a great time tho.” Smith wrote on his Facebook page.

His mother, Diana Smith, stated in April that David had plans to cross over to mixed martial arts.

- Gail Kim insisted on quiting WWE:

Gail Kim insisted Friday on her Twitter account that she quit WWE on Monday and was not released.
“I didn’t ask for a release. I QUIT,” she wrote to TNA Wrestling performer Lisa Marie Varon (a/k/a Tara). “Lol meaning I don’t want their money I’d rather be freeeeeeee haha.”

She commented further, “I don’t know but I’ve been telling them since Monday I quit. So either they have control issues or they’re in denial.”

WWE, however, has yet to announce that she has been released from the organization. Regarding their lack of announcement, she wrote, “Future endeavor message? Ok here it is: I wish the WWE the best in their future endeavors!”

Varon is lobbying on Twitter for Kim to return to TNA Wrestling, where the Canadian grappler presided as the first Women’s Knockout Champion.

“Super excited to hear about Gail asking for her release. TNA TNA TNA!!!!!” she exclaimed. “Oops I mean Impact Wrestling! Impact Wrestling! Impact Wrestling!!!!”

Christy Hemme, who appears as a ring announcer for TNA, is also lobbying for Kim to return.
“What!??!? Come back to TNA then!!!” she wrote after learning of Kim’s departure from WWE. “Love seeing all the excitement for Gail Kim. My fav bad ass female wrestler makes life on her own terms!! Of course she does!!”

Kim says she is glad to leave WWE, calling it “the best thing ever.”

“Everyone sounds upset or sad or concerned..trust me it’s the best thing ever. Now my life can begin. All the negativity is gone and control over my life. No one can hold me down but me now!”

– Chris Masters’ first post-WWE booking will be for the World Stars of Wrestling’s tour of Portugal, which begins August 19th.

Audio: Melina addresses WWE firing

Here’s an audio message from Melina, posted on her official website:
New Beginnings by RealMelinaCom

New WWE Diva debuts on SD!, Triple H on Jimmy Fallon

– WWE developmental talent Aksana debuted on tonight’s episode of SmackDown! in a backstage segment with Theodore Long.

Now with dark hair and wearing a catsuit, the NXT Season 3 contestant tried to seduce the SmackDown! General Manager into giving her his phone number. Long gave Aksana his card and wrote his personal number on the back. She said, “I can’t wait to do business with you.”

- Triple H was a guest on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night, coming into the studio from the crowd. As The Roots played “Bow Down to the King,” Triple H came up from under the seats. When he sat down, he told Jimmy, “It never gets old coming out of a smoky hole.”

- The interview started by Triple H talking about how much fun it was to fire Vince McMahon on television, now that he is the new COO in the storylines. They talk about how he got to know Stephanie and how the two became a couple, saying that they were ahead of the game because they had a dry run on TV in getting married and then getting divorced.

- A clip was shown of Triple H firing Vince from RAW. Triple H said it brought “a tear to the glass eye.”

- Talk then switched to the upcoming special on NBC, and how it feels to have The Rock back with WWE.

How Sin Cara is able to return early – details

WWE announced on Friday’s episode of SmackDown that Sin Cara returns to action on next week’s show, which would indicate that he is returning prior to serving the full length of his 30-day suspension for a violation of the organization’s Talent Wellness Program. To get around their self-imposed ruling, there is talk that developmental wrestler Hunico will portray Sin Cara at live events until the SmackDown Superstar’s suspension is levied on August 17—the day following a SmackDown taping in Bakersfield, California.

Sin Cara was written off television at Money in the Bank, as he was booked to sustain a storyline injury during SmackDown’s Money in the Bank Match. WWE claimed he suffered a posterior fractured rib and would be sidelined for at least four weeks.

A clip of Sheamus powerbombing the masked wrestler from the ring apron through a steel ladder aired last night to explain his absence.

Breaking News: Gail Kim quits WWE & more firings!

- Gail Kim posted the following on Twitter…

Hey I just wanted every1 to know that I officially quit WWE on monday. So thank u wwe fans! This won’t be the last u see of me. Love u guys :)

- WWE.com has announced that the company has released Melina and Vladimir Kozlov. Here is what they had to say about the releases…

WWE has come to terms on the release of Vladimir Kozlov as of today, August 5, 2011. WWE wishes Vladimir the best in all of his future endeavors.

WWE has come to terms on the release of Melina Perez​ as of today, August 5, 2011. WWE wishes Melina the best in all her future endeavors.

WWE has come to terms on the release of Chris Masters as of today, August 5, 2011. WWE wishes Chris the best in all of his future endeavors.

WWE has come to terms on the release of David Hart Smith as of today, August 5, 2011. WWE wishes David the best in all of his future endeavors.

- Note from Joe T.: I'm honestly surprised to see more than one superstar was released today. Our sources are reporting that atleast 10 cuts will be made today!

Michael Cole as a heel manager?

– There was some talk in creative meetings at this week’s TV tapings that Michael Cole may become a heel manager due to fans absolutely hating him these days. It should be noted that should Cole manage heels who are need of a roster boost, he’d still likely commentate as well.

Cena-The Rock-WWE news

– It should be noted that one very high-ranking WWE official doesn’t want to see The Rock vs. John Cena at WrestleMania 28. While this person doesn’t want the match to happen, most feel that it still will take place for obvious reasons.

– We noted earlier that The Miz would be in Los Angeles this weekend for the Teen Choice Awards. John Cena will be there as well to present an award. The Rock is up for an award so he will be there also.