sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, PWInsider.com

— CM Punk’s match with Kane on Monday’s Raw gained 679,000 viewers, which has to be considered a huge success. It was the highest-rated quarter hour of the entire broadcast (3.59), excluding the overrun (3.81). The quarter hours before and after the Punk vs. Kane match scored 3.13 each, despite appearances from John Cena, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix. Also, the Jericho vs. London match and the Noble/Layla/Snitsky segment following it lost all the viewers the match had gained as 688,000 viewers changed the channel. The Cena & Cryme Tyme vs. JBL & Rhodes & DiBiase match, and parking lot angle, gained 1,117,000 viewers. The Kingston vs. Burchill match following the Divas match gained 57,000 viewers. John Cena’s long-winded promo and the Beth Phoenix vs. Santino Marella match lost 5,000 viewers. DiBiase & Rhodes bullying Kelly Kelly and then insulting “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan gained 25,000 viewers.

— DH Smith recently moved from Calgary to Tampa, Florida. That may explain why he hasn’t been seen on Smackdown yet, even in dark matches or house shows. He was last seen in a WWE ring on the 5/5 Raw after being stretchered out following a match with John Bradshaw Layfield. However, he’s worked a few shows in Florida Championship Wrestling in the meantime, teaming with long-time friend and tag team partner T.J. Wilson. According to reports, Smith and Wilson are a strong team in developmental, but at last word, WWE officials were leaning against using them as a team on television.

— In a correction from a report yesterday, Val Venis is slated to return to the ring next month, not three to four months from now. He’s been off the road since mid-April as he had shoulder surgery shortly after. When he returns to the ring next month, he would have been out of action for three to four months total.

See rare photos of Stephanie McMahon in a POOL!!