By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

TNA creative consultant Eric Bischoff commented on Paul Heyman potentially coming to TNA, potential interest in Bryan Danielson after his WWE release, MMA and pro wrestling, and other topics in an interview on Monday Night Mayhem Radio earlier this week.

-- Bischoff talked about Paul Heyman having discussions with TNA president Dixie Carter, but said he doesn't know if Heyman plans to join the promotion.

"I've heard the Paul Heyman rumor over the last few months, and I know that Paul has talked to Dixie so there has been some conversation, but I don't know what Paul's plans really are," Bischoff said.

"I don't talk to Paul on a daily basis, and if Paul was to join TNA, I think it'll be a big asset, but I don't know what his immediate plans are."

-- Bischoff was asked whether he thinks Bryan Danielson will come to TNA after his 90-day no-compete clause expires after his WWE release. Bischoff deferred to Danielson for an answer on that.

"I guess a lot of that would have to do with Bryan Danielson and whether he would want to come work for TNA. I don't know that answer to that, and I haven't had any conversations with him. I don't have an idea about what Bryan Danielson is thinking about in terms of his next move," Bischoff said.

"I'm sure if TNA wanted Bryan and he was interested in working for TNA, I'm sure TNA could find a way to do it, given they haven't much trouble signing other big names in the last six months or so. We'll find out when that 90-day period is up."

-- Bischoff also commented on whether pro wrestling can learn from MMA on how to promote a product. Bischoff said he thinks the two are completely separate entities, but he's open to hearing an argument to the contrary.

"People have a tendency to wanna compare MMA to professional wrestling, and for the life of me, I just can't figure out why. It's not even apples and oranges as I've said before, it's apples and bricks. One is a real sport and the other is scripted entertainment, and beyond that, if anyone can point out any similarities between the two and why wrestling should modify its business model based on what's happening in MMA, I would be very interested in hearing it, because last time I checked, they are two entirely different products."

Caldwell's Analysis: It's a pretty easy argument. Pro wrestling is promoting match-ups and characters trying to entice people to spend money to see stories play out. MMA is also promoting match-ups and individuals trying to entice people to spend money to see stories play out. If pro wrestling promoters present wrestling in a compelling fashion with a straight face, they can use the tools from how MMA is promoting their product to entice more people to watch the product and eventually spend money. Just because MMA is promoting legitimate competition and pro wrestling is promoting scripted competition doesn't mean pro wrestling can't tap into the promotional tools MMA has used to be successful drawing interest and money.

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