Undertaker is suffering from both knee and hip problems and wasn't brought to last week's SmackDown/ECW duel taping as a result. At the show, there was talk he would be undergoing minor surgery on his knee, but nobody seemed to know for sure. There was also a feeling that his knee could have more serious damage when opened up.

The long-term uncertainty on both Undertaker and Jeff Hardy is one of the reasons company officials sped up the planned John Morrison babyface turn and made sure that CM Punk would be perceived as a top star on the brand from the onset.

The latest on Jeff Hardy re-signing with WWE is that he is giving mixed signals to friends on his intentions. It was previously reported that he gave friends the impression that he would re-sign, but new reports are saying that he is giving the impression of taking time off without signing a new deal.

Some people backstage have admired Hardy's decision to take time off without signing a new contract. There was fear in the past that if a wrestler took time off they would be punished, but wrestlers now realize if you have a certain status with the company then such a move could be pulled off. The Big Show and Chris Jericho took time off in the past and received a big push upon their return.

Although it is not set in stone for a main television program, Chris Jericho has been working with Rey Mysterio at house shows and is pushing for a long term storyline between the pair.

Live reports reveal that in their matches Jericho has been trying to remove Rey's mask, which may hint at the eventual storyline.

Everybody needs a good laugh every now and then, and I found myself laughing out loud a few times while watching WWE Superstars Thursday night.

As far as comedy matches go, the one pitting Santina Marella and Kelly Kelly against Beth Phoenix and Rosa Mendes had just the right mix of silliness and action. The highlight was Santina trying to duplicate Kelly Kelly’s handspring back elbow smash.

Santino Marella was funny before, but Marella in drag takes it to a whole new level of hilarity. Milton Berle and Flip Wilson have nothing on Marella when it comes to funny dudes in dresses. (Go ask your parents – or grandparents – who they are).

The other thing that cracked me up was Zack Ryder doing that “woo, woo, woo” thing that I suppose is his version of The Miz’s “hoo-rah,” and Finlay slapping the taste out of his mouth.

Guess you had to be there.

Other thoughts on Thursday’s show:

The Chris Jericho-John Morrison match was decent, but I think these two are capable of better. The finish – Shelton Benjamin’s distraction caused Morrison to lose – was appropriate. It wouldn’t have made sense for Morrison to score a big win over an established main eventer on a show that most fans don’t watch. Plus, it’s too early in Morrison’s push for that. …

Jeff Hardy did a serviceable job on the mic during The Cutting Edge segment. He wasn’t overacting and he seems to be getting more comfortable when speaking. I’m looking forward to the program between Hardy and Edge. …

It’s pretty funny how Santina never loses and Santino never wins. …

I liked Kelly Kelly’s legdrop-to-the-back-of-the-head finisher. By the way, does she know that Santina is really Santino, or is her character supposed to be so ditzy that she believes Santina is a woman? …

Ryder’s new look and gimmick remind me of Brian Christopher. (Go ask your older brother who he is).

Posted @ weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestlin... by Kevin Eck

SmackDown wrestler Jeff Hardy has handed in his notice to World Wrestling Entertainment. He has three months left on his contract and is refusing to sign an extension.

It's being said that he is very burned out and looking to do some other things outside of wrestling, so there is a very good possibility that he won’t be renewing his contract when it comes due this summer. This could explain his losses to his brother in recent weeks.