Thursday, October 16 – 12:43 P.M. (CT)

-I'm feeling underwhelmed by the buildup for the Cyber Sunday pay-per-view. The concept should entice viewers to tune in to see whether the stipulations they want to see happen play out, but I'm having a hard time caring about most of the stipulations and matches the company has presented.

The most intriguing stipulation involves the vote between Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels. I expect Austin to win the popularity contest even though Michaels would be the better storyline fit. Beyond that match, though, nothing really jumps out at me. Sure, it will be fun to see another Triple H vs. Jeff Hardy match, but does anyone really expect to see a title change occur?

The rest of the show consists of matches and stipulation options that I just don't care about. Does anyone really care what type of match Rey Mysterio and Kane compete in? WWE could throw out 25 tag team matches and I still don't think they could get me to care enough to spend 99 cents to vote.

Speaking of the pay-per-text gimmick, am I alone in thinking that this could end up costing the company? I'm sure WWE is going to make a lot of money off the text voters, but it's possible they'll lose out in the long run because fans who enjoyed voting online won't feel connected enough to the order the pay-per-view.

-I was as surprised as anyone when WWE released Lance Cade from his contract. Of course, the explanation Jim Ross gave in his online blog helped put things in perspective, as it sounds like Cade must have some personal issues. Sadly, Cade didn't really get much out of his run as Chris Jericho's sidekick, so it's not like TNA officials should be champing at the bit to add him to their roster.

-It will be interesting to see how the pro wrestling companies react to the economy crisis in the United States. It's one thing for WWE to send JBL to the ring to send the company's political statement regarding the bailout plan, but I'm more interested in seeing whether the company recognize that citizens are being more frugal.

Jim Ross also noted in his blog yesterday that WWE drew 6,500 fans to Tuesday's Smackdown taping in Las Vegas. He also stated that the city is "getting hammered by the economy." This would be a good time for the companies to review their ticket and merchandise prices and make it easier for families to attend the shows. If it were my call, I'd made it affordable to get the fans in the door and then hope they're wiling to spend extra money at the merchandise stand.

-How was your Wednesday? Mine? Well, I visited two different hospitals and watched the presidential debate from inside a waiting room. It's all good. I had to drop off and pick up a family member who underwent minor surgery, and then I raced to another hospital 30 minutes away where my sister-in-law was in labor for over 48 hours.

At 9:44 p.m., my niece Ella Lane Powell was born. Seven pounds, four ounces. I met her a short time later and became the first ugly bald guy she ever laid eyes on. Mom and baby are doing great. My brother was calm and cool throughout the night, and my five year-old nephew was beaming with pride while wearing his "World's Coolest Big Brother" t-shirt. I joked with my nephew that I should have been the one wearing that t-shirt. "You don't even have a brother," he told me with his father, my brother, standing just a few feet away.

It was a special night and I'm thrilled to be an uncle again. Congratulations, Eric and Melissa.

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