WWE news and notes: 2-27-13

- Former WWE Tough Enough contestant and recently released FCW/NXT developmental talent Ivelisse Velez may end up working for WWE’s main competitor. This Thursday night, on a live episode of TNA Impact Wrestling, Velez will participate in the second Knockouts “Gut Check”, attempting to get a TNA contract. This is not her first time with the company, as she competed in a dark match against Tara (former WWE diva Victoria) this past October. She will be facing independent wrestler Lei D. Tapa, niece of former WWF/WCW star The Barbarian.

- Former WWE star MVP is about to end his run with New Japan Pro Wrestling. While he has said he would welcome a return to WWE, right now, he is currently focused on developing a project with Lionsgate TV.

- On this weekend’s upcoming episode of Saturday Morning Slam, a new general manager will be announced. This makes sense, as WWE has been trying to market the show as a very different brand than either RAW, Smackdown, or even Main Event. If you haven’t watched the show, it is geared towards children (hence the day and time slot), and on the show, shots to the head and closed fists are against the rules. Again, it’s intended to appeal to children, so WWE tries to distance itself from that type of action when dealing directly with the younger set. Without giving anything away, it can be confirmed that the new GM is a WWE legend, and a legend in the sport in general.

- In what should come as no surprise, John Cena is still officially the number-one contender for The Rock‘s WWE Championship, and will move on to face “The Most Electrifying Man in All of Entertainment” for the championship at WrestleMania 29. He put his spot on the line in one more match with former champion CM Punk this past Monday night, defeating Punk in a match that many are describing as an “instant classic”.

- Speaking of Punk, he got in a little bit of hot water with WWE during the aforementioned match with Cena. During the match, Punk used a piledriver on Cena, a move that is unofficially banned in WWE due to the potential dangers it can cause in real life. Although Punk was safe (as was to be expected) and Cena was not injured in any way, Vince McMahon was reportedly furious at the use of the move. At this point, Punk is not expected to be punished outside of a possible fine.