sources: PWInsider.com, Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— The March issue of Playboy has been released and the preview section for next month’s issue makes no mention of a WWE Diva gracing the cover of the magazine. For the first time since 2002, it looks there will be no Playboy connection for WrestleMania’s synergy this year.

— As Ashley Massaro noted in a blog last week, the former WWE Diva recently had a talk with John Laurinaitis, WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Relations. However, with Gail Kim still sitting on the sidelines and a new batch of women waiting in the wings in developmental, her chances of returning to the company appear to be slim.

WWE’s head television producer Kevin Dunn, at least in the past, was a huge supporter of hers when most were negative on her. Dunn was high on her because she was selected by the fans as a Diva Search winner and he was the main person behind the concept. Dunn also had a hand in her landing the Survivor gig when most felt the role should have gone to someone who had more long-term potential such as Mike “The Miz” Mizanin.

When Massaro returned from the show early last year, many felt her crowd appeal was gone due to her change in appearance. Many have also credited Paul London’s downfall in the company to Massaro.

— WWE has a new marketing strategy as they’re pushing themselves as “The Best Value In Entertainment.” This new strategy is as a result of the struggling economy so they’re pushing the fact that they are charging lower prices to arena events than most major league sports and entertainment events. WWE’s also pushing that their pay-per-view events are priced cheaper than either boxing or mixed martial arts events, saying they are the best family bargain.

See Ashley Massaro get into a fight with a 13-year-old! (>>)