JIM ROSS'S CONTRACT EXPIRES

One of the biggest stories in wrestling right now is that Jim Ross’ latest short-term WWE contract extension is set to expire.

After well over a decade with WWE and playing a crucial role in the company’s success during that period (on and off camera), Ross could very likely become a free agent this weekend. Ross met with TNA President Dixie Carter and her father Bob earlier this month and has several other options on his plate outside of wrestling.

With days until he’s eligible to make some major career path changes, Ross wrote the following on Twitter early this morning:

“I’ve had a blessed and amazing career full of unbelievable experiences. This wk is memorable 4 what hasn’t happened. Blessing n disguise?”

FORMER WWE DIVA CHYNA ACCUSED OF ATTACKING A FRIEND

Former WWE Diva Joanie “Chyna” Laurer has been accused of viciously attacking a female friend in Los Angeles over the weeekend.

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating Chyna for battery after her accuser, Gabriella Targos, says Chyna got so violent with her she thought she was going to die.

According to TMZ.com, the incident occurred Saturday night at a motel in Sherman Oaks, CA. According to the accuser, Chyna called her and told her to meet her at the motel. When she arrived, she claims Chyna immediately attacking her for no reason – punching her in the face, dragging her by her hair, beating her with a wire hanger and threatening to kill her.

Gabriela says she was able to break free and ran out of the motel room and found a few police officers. So far, no arrests have been made.

THE COLONS VS HART DYNASTY

WWE is planning on putting brothers Carlito and Primo Colon back together on the RAW brand and have them feud with The Hart Dynasty for the Unified Tag Team Titles.

STEVE AUSTIN COMMENTS ON NXT

Steve Austin wrote the following on Twitter yesterday about WWE’s NXT: “im somewhat new to NXT…the wrestlers are selling programs…man, times have changed. big time. Bryan is pretty damn good…first time i ever heard David Otunga talk…kid might turn into a damn good promo one day…”

GREAT KHALI DRAFTED TO RAW BECAUSE OF BIG SHOW

The Great Khali was drafted to RAW in the Draft to make way for Big Show on SmackDown. The feeling was they only want one real big man on each brand and with Show’s gimmick being the world’s largest athlete, it didn’t make much sense to have someone bigger than him on the same show.

FUTURE OF WWE RELEASED SUPERSTAR INCLUDING SHAWN MICHAELS

The feeling is that the WWE releases came because several stars from NXT and WWE developmental are scheduled to be brought to the main roster soon. The recent releases aren’t a budget-cutting move as much as just WWE making way for new members on the roster.

Shelton Benjamin’s contract was releasing soon and there was always frustration internally with him. Shelton had the reputation of being one who coasted through the job and that his promos were never as good as his in-ring work.

Mickie James’ release from WWE didn’t surprise many within the company. Apparently there was talk of cutting her before WrestleMania. Word is that while on the SmackDown brand, Mickie had a few run-ins with Batista and when things became heated, he threatened to quit if she wasn’t fired and Undertaker had to step in and calm things down. It’s said that Mickie’s recent behavior on the European tour was the deciding factor in letting her go.

It’s said that Mike Knox didn’t carry himself like a main eventer backstage but he still had his share of supporters within WWE. At one point, Shawn Michaels and Triple H were among those in favor of pushing Knox.

There was speculation online that Jimmy Wang Yang’s release came after a Wellness violation because he Tweeted “three strikes and your out” after being released. Yang was referring to his third time being fired from the company.

Katie Lea’s release was not something planned in advance because the WWE creative team had her booked to move to SmackDown in the Draft.

It’s said that Slam Master J, son of the late Terry Gordy, mainly had a job because SmackDown head writer Michael Hayes considered him almost like a son. His release came as a bit of a surprise to some because Hayes had always protected him.

HEAT GOING ON BETWEEN ANNOUNCERS IN WWE

There is said to be legit heat between Jerry Lawler and Matt Striker. Striker reportedly has a reputation for being an elitist, which is rubbing people the wrong way, as Michael Cole isn’t a fan of Striker’s either. There have been times that Striker wanted to prepare for a show with his broadcast partners but he irritates them so much that they go out of their way to avoid him until showtime.

BACKSTAGE UPDATE ON BATISTA'S CAREER WITH WWE

Batista’s status with WWE is still un-clear after he was expected to be finishing up this past week. Batista is now booked in the main event of May’s Over The Limit pay-per-view against John Cena and booked on WWE live events through June.

BACKSTAGE UPDATE ON VINCE MCMAHON AND FINLAY

Vince McMahon is said to be on a youth kick right now and up for pushing the younger talents in WWE. One veteran who is being affected by this is Finlay. Besides working the occasional live event match, Finlay’s role with the company from here on out will be mainly working backstage.

GOLDBERG INJURED? SHAWN MICHAELS , MARIA, MICKIE JAMES, SHELTON BENJAMIN ADDED TO ALUMNI SECTION

Bill Goldberg wrote the following on Twitter this weekend: “FYI….a torn rotator cuff seems to have halted my training a bit.”

Recent additions to WWE’s Alumni roster include Jim Neidhart, The British Bulldog, Maria, Mickie James, Katie Lea, Shelton Benjamin and Shawn Michaels

MATCHES ANNOUNCED FOR WWE'S RETURN TO MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

* John Cena vs. Sheamus, Big Show vs. Jack Swagger, Undertaker/Kane vs. Punk/Gallows, Randy Orton vs. Edge, Hart Dynasty vs. Colons, Mark Henry vs. The Miz, Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston and Eve Torres, Beth Phoenix & Kelly Kelly vs. Maryse, Michelle McCool & Layla with special referee Santino Marella. MVP and The Bella Twins will also be appearing.