By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

- WWE star Big Show recently had hip surgery, which is a contributor to why he has been off television. Show rehabbed at WWE's Performance Center in Orlando, according to an Associated Press report on the new Performance Center.

- The AP report focused on WWE looking to build the next generation of WWE stars at the Performance Center after touring the facility.

Included in the AP report is a snapshot of WWE's new mentality on finding stars. AP wrote: "Traditionally, WWE has been a magnet for young talent from smaller, independent wrestling operations. But those minor leagues are dwindling, and while the WWE does still hold some open tryouts, the performance center will be its main training ground for developing talent."

WWE's VP of Talent Relations Jane Geddes commented: "This is where it starts for professional wrestlers now and this is where it will end - in a good way - as they look to move up to our main roster. The timing was perfect for us to be able to move to the next level and create a facility like this."

WWE noted there is no timetable for when talent will get "called up" to the main roster for Raw or Smackdown, but WWE believes every wrestler in the system has the tools to make it if they do their part.

NXT star Corey Graves said: "You can actually feel a part of the big machine, which is really cool, because it can get frustrating when you think you're on your own. But now it's like, you're in it."

Caldwell's Analysis: That's a concerning comment from Geddes about wrestlers only learning the WWE Way. Of course, from WWE's perspective, it's a good thing because wrestlers will only know what WWE tells them and they won't have "bad habits" from previous wrestling experience, but only learning one way to work - a watered-down version of pro wrestling - will hurt the art form and quality of talent in the long-term.

[ LINK: The AP Report, which was picked up by multiple local and national news outlets on Wednesday, can be read HERE - http://aol.it/1cvIJGK ]

[Torch art credit Cory Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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