AEW Grand Slam, Hulk Hogan, Smackdown Time, Liv Morgan, MLW, Joe Hendry

• Claudio Castagnoli, Cash Wheeler and Billie Starkz all missed planned bookings in Mexico for Dynamite. We're looking to find out why.

• Though he didn't appear last night, sources that Fightful Select spoke to said that Gravity had impressed since his AEW departure, which is a reason he was brought back for the Bandido/Chris Jericho story.

• We’re told that the merchandise at Arena Mexico sold like crazy. 

• Regarding Liv Morgan’s injury, there are naturally a ton of creative pieces moving around considering she was factored heavily into a number of creative plans. Her Fanatics signing was also canceled. We do not have confirmation on a timetable for a return, and we're told any that are out there are estimates. WWE talent reached out to extend their disappointment in the situation, as Liv is very popular backstage. 

• Regarding Hulk Hogan health rumors, Fightful’s Jimmy Van heard the same as indicated publicly – Hogan had some difficulties with a cervical surgery, but it isn’t as bad as Bubba the Love Sponge indicated. 

• Fightful Select reached out to WWE in an official capacity regarding the rumored change of WWE Smackdown to two hours from three. We did not get a direct answer, but several in the company expect a change soon. Those in the company had always been of the belief that the show would go back to two hours.

• We’re told that the MLW releases have concluded. Among them included BRG, Delmi Exo and Akira. We’re told that they all took the news well, and Akira wasn’t expecting to return to the company, and saw his release coming. He was open to departing the company and is looking to sign elsewhere.

• Starrcast continues to add to the Monty Brown meet and greets. We’re told the photo ops where he looks like he’s giving someone the Pounce are legit.

• There were some that were concerned that Karrion Kross and Scarlett did a “farewell” after his Main Event taping match on Monday. We’re told by those internally it was a “good soldier” nod. 

• Fightful's Scott Edwards has a new interview out with Sareee at this link, with English and Japanese subtitles.

• A new Fightful Presents video covering Public Enemy's time in WWF releases next week. It's already on tier 2 for early access subscribers

Joe Hendry

Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp spoke to Joe Hendry ahead of the TNA events in Pittsburgh on June 20-21. The full interview is up early for tier 2 subscribers, and will be up free at this link on Friday.

Hendry told us that his experience in Mexico this week was incredible. He said the Spanish version of the song was even a surprise to him, but AAA had arranged it so he could use it in his entrance, which he loved. He is ready to team with Mr. Iguana and is all on board with it.

SRS and Joe spoke about Joe's judo background, as well as him transitioning onto amateur wrestling in his 20s. He said that judo absolutely prepared him for pro wrestling, and amateur wrestling was something he wanted to do and conquer. He's open to competing in Bloodsport, and would love to make it happen, as many people haven't seen that side of him.

Randy Orton picking him for WrestleMania was "surreal," and he's very proud of what emerged from the match -- moments, trading cards, the TNA title being on WrestleMania, his merch sales. He's very aware of the criticisms, but is proud of the match.