Chris Benoit On Dateline NBC?, HBO/Vince/Hogan, More

As previously reported, WWE fired Mike Bucci (aka Simon Dean) from his duties as the Talent Development Manager. Bucci is said to be very upset about his departure from the company. He is claiming that people were gunning for him and that it wouldn't be fair if he was the only one released because of the Daily News story. As far as a replacement for Bucci, the general feeling is Tommy Dreamer, but it's unclear due to his active role in the new ECW.

HBO dropped the idea of doing a follow up story to their 2003, even though the network plugged the piece on air. We previously noted that HBO had wanted to interview Konnan, but got cold feet when TNA forwarded a letter from Konnan. Hulk Hogan was contacted about an interview, but he turned them down. Vince McMahon also wasn't interested in talking with HBO.

NBC is working on a piece for a special one hour "Dateline." The piece may focus on the Benoit tragedy, but that could change.