Tonight is the season finale for the third edition of NXT and we will be told that many times by the guys with microphones. The votes are in from the WWE Universe, but which one of the two remaining rookies will impress the pros to get the other half of the vote? Will Naomi win the honor of being the next WWE Superstar or will that honor go to Kaitlyn, who wasn’t even a member of the roster when we found out the six rookies at the end of Season Two. Who will get the chance to join Wade Barrett, Kaval, and tonight’s winner on Season 4 of NXT?
We are live on tape on the internet and your announcers are Michael ‘If I cared about this half as much as I appear I do, I still wouldn’t care’ Cole and Josh ‘I’m a Minor Cole Miner’ Mathews. Your host is Matt ‘The only saving grace of the people who talk on this show’ Striker.
Michael Cole starts off by talking about what he did last night on Raw during the main event when he interfered in the WWE Title Match between Miz and Jerry Lawler. Michael doesn’t know why he did it but he will try to talk to Jerry before next week’s Raw and explain his actions.
Matt is in the ring and it is time for Vickie Guerrero to come out and she gives the vintage Excuse Mes as she comes out. She introduces her rookie, a little girl who should thank God every day that she is her pro. If it wasn’t for Vickie, her rookie would not be here tonight in the finale. She brings out the horrible Kaitlyn.
Cole thinks that Kaitlyn should lose while Josh says that Kaitlyn thinks she would win.
Naomi comes to the ring but she is not accompanied by her pro.
Matt congratulates Katilyn and Naomi for making it to the finals. One of them will attain their goals at the end of the night. Matt says that they did not embark on this journey alone. They had pros to help them navigate their way to this point. Matt says that Kelly is not here tonight, but she has a pre-recorded message for Naomi.
She apologizes for not being there, but she is traveling to visit the troops overseas with Eve and Big Show. She says that Naomi is the best rookie she could have and she wishes her the best tonight.
Naomi is asked what it was like to have Kelly as a pro. Naomi says that Kelly was very welcoming and down to earth. She gave her a lot of advice and she was privileged to have Kelly as a pro.
Matt then moves on to the Odd Couple of Vickie Guerrero and Kailtyn. Matt asks Kaitlyn about Vickie. Kaitlyn says that when she first heard that Vickie would be her pro . .
Vickie interrupts and answers for Kaitlyn. Vickie reminds us that she fired her initial diva before the season started and she hand picked Kaitlyn to be her rookie. Not a day goes by without her regretting that. Vickie calls her disruptive and disrespectful. Vickie reminds Katilyn about the problems she had with Dolph and how she tried to steal her boyfriend.
Kaitlyn says that she will refuse to let her last night on NXT be ruined by another petty argument with Vickie. Kaitlyn says that she gave thanks for Vickie being her pro at Thanksgiving while Vickie gave thanks for her second helping of mashed potatoes.
Vickie leaves but Kaitlyn pushes her down and Vickie throws a tantrum. Matt thinks about helping her up but thinks against it and Vickie rolls out of the ring.
Naomi and Kaitlyn will wrestle tonight.
Michael turns his sucking up attention to Vickie Guerrero since Miz is not on the show.
It is time to see the first pro from Season 4.
R Truth is back on NXT and he says that he is going to be the pro for the hottest thing jumping out of a coffee pot, Johnny Curtis.
Johnny says that he is the best performer on season four. He started wrestling at age 15 and started training in the woods. This is where it begins.
We go to commercial.
Match Number One: The Bellas and AJ versus Alicia Fox, Aksana, and Maxine in a Battle for the Heart of Daniel Bryan Match
Aksana and Nikki start things off and Nikki with a forearm to the head but Aksana blocks a hip toss but Nikki with an arm drag. Aksana with a forearm but Nikki with a front face lock. AJ tags in and Aksana with a forearm but AJ with an arm drag. AJ works on the arm and Nikki refuses the tag so Aksana with a knee. Aksana with a forearm to Brie and the referee keeps her out of the ring. Alicia pulls AJ down to the mat while the referee spends time with Aksana. Aksana gets a near fall.
Aksana tags in Alicia and she snap mares AJ and then pulls her up by the hair and drops her to the mat again. Alicia with a Northern Lights suplex but AJ gets her shoulders up. Alicia with a key lock and Irish whip into the corner. Maxine tags in and she works on the arm. Maxine with an Irish whip and running shoulder into the corner. Maxine misses a charge into the corner and Nikki tags in and hits a drop kick and flying clotheslines. Maxine with a knee but Nikki with an X Factor but Askana interferes. Alicia and Brie battle to the floor but Maxine runs Brie into the corner. AJ makes the blind tag and hits a cross body for the three count.
Winners: AJ and the Bellas
After the match, Primo comes to the ring to celebrate with AJ and then Primo kisses AJ before they leave the ring.
We go to a look at another pro for Season Four and it is Chris Masters. He says that he is going to be a pro for a rookie who is a bit brash, cocky, and young. He reminds him of himself. His rookie is Byron Saxton.
Byron says that he thinks he is better because he has a privileged background. It is going to be his time.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that WWE is one of the hottest brands?
Ted DiBiase is with Maryse in the back and he says that he is one of the Season Four pros. His rookie has quite the size advantage. His rookie is Brodus Clay.
Brodus says that he is six eight and three hundred sixty pounds. He says that he is the greatest suplex machine and the mastodon of mayhem.
Matt Striker is in the ring and it is time for the rookies to talk about their opponent so we will have a diva face off with some trash talking. They will say why they should win and why their opponent should not.
Kaitlyn goes first and she tells Naomi that she is really good in the ring and probably the most athletic girl she has met. Kaitlyn says that she was a last minute replacement and had the least amount of training going into the competition and had her first match on NXT. She says that Naomi flatlined while Kaitlyn improved. Kaitlyn says that you can’t teach personality.
Naomi is next and she tells Kaitlyn that the time is now and they are looking for the next breakout diva now. She says that she is ready now. She says that she wants everyone to know that this has been the best time of her life and she has had a lot of fun on NXT. She said that she has always wanted to be an entertainer. She says that she has proven to everyone and to herself that she belongs with the Divas. Naomi says that she can hold her head high based on her performance.
Matt says that it is time for them to wrestle as we go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Naomi versus Kaitlyn in a Last Match of Season Three Match
Kaitlyn does the robot at the start of the match and she dances and Naomi responds by mocking her. Kaitlyn with a rollup for a near fall. Kaitlyn with a shoulder tackle and a leg sweep followed by a giant swing but Kaitlyn is also a bit dizzy. Naomi with a drop toe hold and Kaitlyn falls into the ropes. Naomi with an Iceman King Parsons butt bump for a near fall. Kaitlyn gets a near fall on Naomi and then she kicks Naomi in the ribs. Kaitlyn with knees to the midsection as Naomi comes off the ropes. Kaitlyn with a knee to the midsection and she gets a near fall.
Kaitlyn with a body scissors but Naomi gets to her feet and connects with a forearm. Kaitlyn with a kick to the midsection and then she throws Naomi over the top rope to the floor. Kaitlyn catapults Naomi back into the ring and Naomi falls back to the floor. They return to the ring and Kaitlyn kicks Naomi in the back and returns to the body scissors. Naomi rolls back and gets a near fall. Kaitlyn with an Irish whip but she misses a splash into the corner. Naomi with a spinning heel kick into the corner followed by clotheslines and she gets a near fall. Kaitlyn with a head butt and slam to Naomi and she goes to the turnbuckles but she makes contact with Naomi’s foot. Naomi tries for a suplex but Kaitlyn blocks it and gets the three count with an inside cradle.
Winner: Kaitlyn
After the match, Vickie Guerrero says that she has something to say. She tells Kaitlyn that nobody cares about her victory. Vickie wants to take this opportunity to introduce one of the pros for Season Four of NXT, Dolph Ziggler.
Dolph comes out and he thanks Vickie for the introduction and the leadership that she has shown on NXT. Dolph introduces his rookie and the man who will win Season Four, Jacob Novak.
Jacob Novak says that he has business sense. He says that you need to look out for number one.
Matt asks for the pros to caucus and figure out who gets their half of the vote.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to go to the Raw Rebound.
Cole says once more that he will give his side of the story on Monday.
Our next pro is Daniel Bryan. He says that he is proud to be a pro. His rookie is a lot like him and it is Derrick Bateman.
Derrick says that he is adventurous and lives for danger. He is a manly man who can be described as ‘mantastic’.
Matt Striker brings out the Divas who did the walk of shame. Jamie says that she hopes that there could be two winners, but Naomi deserves it. She brings more to the table and has been at it longer. AJ is asked who should win and she says that it depends on what you are looking for and she wants her friend Kaitlyn to win. Maxine is next and she says one hundred percent Naomi. You see what she brings in the ring and what she has done. Aksana is asked last and Aksana ask Matt if he is single because she is getting divorce. Goldust tells her to shut her mouth because nobody can understand what she is saying. Aksana say that everyone want to see her be winner.
It is now time to find out who wins . . . but first we go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to see who the final pro for Season Four will be and it is Alberto Del Rio. He says that his rookie is rich and handsome like him but he is a fighter. His rookie is Conor O’Brian.
He says that this is a dog eat dog world and people don’t always accept you for who you are. He has fought and scratched for his spot and he will be the next breakout star.
Matt is in the ring with Naomi and Kaitlyn. It is time to find out who will be the next breakout star and who will get the silver medal.
The winner of NXT Season Three is Kaitlyn.
Naomi shows class in defeat and she hugs Kaitlyn.
Naomi is asked for her thoughts and she says that it is bittersweet but she is happy for Kaitlyn. She says that she is proud of Kaitlyn.
Kaitlyn gets her chance to give an acceptance speech and she says that she cannot describe her feeling. She got a call two days before Season Three started and had her first match on television. She even wants to thank her ridiculous pro Vickie Guerrero. She thanks everyone for their support.
We go to credits.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
**SPOILERS** WWE SmackDown Taping Results
Dark Match:
* Daniel Bryan defeated Ted DiBiase
SmackDown (Airing Friday):
* SmackDown opens with tables, ladders and chairs in the ring. Rey Mysterio calls out Alberto Del Rio. Rey vs. Del Rio is announced for the TLC pay-per-view. Rey put Del Rio through a table and left.
* Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre beat MVP and Kaval. Kane them came out and chokeslammed MVP and Tombstoned Kaval. Kane called out Edge. Edge appeared on the big screen with Paul Bearer on a loading dock. Kane chased off after them.
* Kofi Kingston beat Jack Swagger.
* We see on video an obviously fake Paul Bearer being crushed in the back then being pushed down a flight of stairs. Kane continues to follow Edge, who is still wheeling Bearer around.
* Cody Rhodes beat Chris Masters.
* Layla beat Rosa Mendes. Layla and Michelle McCool attack Rosa after the match but Hornswoggle comes down. Beth Phoenix then comes out and makes the save. Then Swagger’s eagle comes down and hits Hornswoggle. Beth ends it by hitting her finisher on the eagle.
* Edge beat Kane in the main event. The stipulation for their match at TLC will be Tables, Ladders and Chairs. Edge brought out a fake Paul Bearer and took the real Bearer away strapped down on a flatbed truck.
* Daniel Bryan defeated Ted DiBiase
SmackDown (Airing Friday):
* SmackDown opens with tables, ladders and chairs in the ring. Rey Mysterio calls out Alberto Del Rio. Rey vs. Del Rio is announced for the TLC pay-per-view. Rey put Del Rio through a table and left.
* Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre beat MVP and Kaval. Kane them came out and chokeslammed MVP and Tombstoned Kaval. Kane called out Edge. Edge appeared on the big screen with Paul Bearer on a loading dock. Kane chased off after them.
* Kofi Kingston beat Jack Swagger.
* We see on video an obviously fake Paul Bearer being crushed in the back then being pushed down a flight of stairs. Kane continues to follow Edge, who is still wheeling Bearer around.
* Cody Rhodes beat Chris Masters.
* Layla beat Rosa Mendes. Layla and Michelle McCool attack Rosa after the match but Hornswoggle comes down. Beth Phoenix then comes out and makes the save. Then Swagger’s eagle comes down and hits Hornswoggle. Beth ends it by hitting her finisher on the eagle.
* Edge beat Kane in the main event. The stipulation for their match at TLC will be Tables, Ladders and Chairs. Edge brought out a fake Paul Bearer and took the real Bearer away strapped down on a flatbed truck.
Confirmed: NXT Season 4 Pros & Rookies Revealed
Here is the complete list of Pros and Rookies for the next season of WWE NXT.
* Daniel Bryan will be mentoring Derrick Bateman.
* Alberto Del Rio will be mentoring Conor O'Brian.
* R Truth will be mentoring Johnny Curtis.
* Chris Masters will be mentoring Byron Saxton (former ECW announcer)
* Ted DiBiase will be mentoring Brodius Clay.
Michael Cole was rumored as a mentor (seriously), but must have been pulled sometime this afternoon during a creative meeting. He was originally penned in to be the pro of Seth Rollins (Tyler Black).
Seth Rollins and Damien Sandow were considered for Season Four, but later dropped.
* Daniel Bryan will be mentoring Derrick Bateman.
* Alberto Del Rio will be mentoring Conor O'Brian.
* R Truth will be mentoring Johnny Curtis.
* Chris Masters will be mentoring Byron Saxton (former ECW announcer)
* Ted DiBiase will be mentoring Brodius Clay.
Michael Cole was rumored as a mentor (seriously), but must have been pulled sometime this afternoon during a creative meeting. He was originally penned in to be the pro of Seth Rollins (Tyler Black).
Seth Rollins and Damien Sandow were considered for Season Four, but later dropped.
Rumored Rookies For WWE NXT Season 4
The following names are being considered as rookies for the fourth season of WWE NXT:
*Conor O'Brian (formerly Ryan O'Reilly)
*Brodius Clay
*Damien Sandow (formerly Aaron "The Idol" Stevens)
*Derrick Bateman.
Mason Ryan or Wes Brisco from FCW may also make the cut.
*Conor O'Brian (formerly Ryan O'Reilly)
*Brodius Clay
*Damien Sandow (formerly Aaron "The Idol" Stevens)
*Derrick Bateman.
Mason Ryan or Wes Brisco from FCW may also make the cut.
Report: Randy Orton Suffers Injury + HBK's Announcement?
-- According to sources, Randy Orton suffered an injury to his knee on last week's RAW from Orlando, FL. This is the same night Orton lost the WWE title to The Miz after he cashed in his Money In The Bank briefcase. According to the source, Nexus member Husky Harris kicked Orton in the knee, thus causing the injury. Orton was kept off WWE weekend live events as a result of this. The injury caused quite the scare among WWE management as the last thing they need right now is another top star injured.
-- Shawn Michaels has been posting on Twitter hyping up several "special announcements" he's going to make. "Hope 2 have a few "special" announcements coming in the very near future. We'll see:-)", Michaels said.
-- Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and The Miz were all trending topics on Twitter following RAW last night.
-- Shawn Michaels has been posting on Twitter hyping up several "special announcements" he's going to make. "Hope 2 have a few "special" announcements coming in the very near future. We'll see:-)", Michaels said.
-- Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and The Miz were all trending topics on Twitter following RAW last night.
Backstage Reaction To CM Punk's Announcing & Return
-- The word going around is that WWE loves CM Punk as an announcer. Most of the 'in-jokes' the last few weeks were ad-libs from Punk and many have been curious to see how far WWE management would allow that to continue before they put a stop to it. So far, so good!
-- It should also be noted that CM Punk is expected to make his in-ring return in January.
-- Dwayne Johnson's character in the new Transformers cartoon, which was previously noted here on the website, was killed off in the first episode.
Jim Ross Blogs: The Miz, Lawler's TLC Match, & More
Jim Ross has posted a new blog entry up at http://www.JRSBARBQ.com/ Here are the highlights…
On Lawler's TLC Match: Loved the Miz-Lawler show closer in the impromptu TLC bout for the WWE Title. I thought a really solid story was told, that the pacing of the match was at a level that could be easily processed and, equally as important, retained, and the closing moments had ample twists and turns that made a somewhat predictable conclusion appear to be up for grabs.
On The Miz: WWE Champion Miz' persona as a resourceful, athletic, brash, self confident, young man who is beatable on most given nights was illustrated perfectly on Raw IMO. Personally, I like those attributes in an antagonist champion. Miz's verbal skills are getting better and better and he has the opportunity to become one of the biz's best all time talkers before all is said and done if he keeps improving.
On Leslie Nielsen: The thing I remember most about being around Leslie Nielson is that he rarely was without his 'fart cushion.' He loved to create noise 'o flatulence and would do it any time and any where. By all accounts the recently deceased actor was a joy to work with and truly enjoyed his WWE experience. I remember as a kid watching a young Leslie Nielson play the lead on a weekly, Disney TV show entitled 'The Swamp Fox.'
On The Jerry Lawler Video Package On Raw: BTW...the Lawler video package was money. Great job of editing and presentation. This established method of building up a match or a performer is just as effective today as its ever been. It was great stuff that as a viewer that I would love to see more of in the future. It certainly made some of the younger viewers aware of who the King is/was other than just being a long time announcing fixture on Raw and a WWE Hall of Fame broadcaster. Lawler's body of work inside the ring is what he's most proud of and deservedly so.
You can read the full blog at http://www.JRSBARBQ.com/
On Lawler's TLC Match: Loved the Miz-Lawler show closer in the impromptu TLC bout for the WWE Title. I thought a really solid story was told, that the pacing of the match was at a level that could be easily processed and, equally as important, retained, and the closing moments had ample twists and turns that made a somewhat predictable conclusion appear to be up for grabs.
On The Miz: WWE Champion Miz' persona as a resourceful, athletic, brash, self confident, young man who is beatable on most given nights was illustrated perfectly on Raw IMO. Personally, I like those attributes in an antagonist champion. Miz's verbal skills are getting better and better and he has the opportunity to become one of the biz's best all time talkers before all is said and done if he keeps improving.
On Leslie Nielsen: The thing I remember most about being around Leslie Nielson is that he rarely was without his 'fart cushion.' He loved to create noise 'o flatulence and would do it any time and any where. By all accounts the recently deceased actor was a joy to work with and truly enjoyed his WWE experience. I remember as a kid watching a young Leslie Nielson play the lead on a weekly, Disney TV show entitled 'The Swamp Fox.'
On The Jerry Lawler Video Package On Raw: BTW...the Lawler video package was money. Great job of editing and presentation. This established method of building up a match or a performer is just as effective today as its ever been. It was great stuff that as a viewer that I would love to see more of in the future. It certainly made some of the younger viewers aware of who the King is/was other than just being a long time announcing fixture on Raw and a WWE Hall of Fame broadcaster. Lawler's body of work inside the ring is what he's most proud of and deservedly so.
You can read the full blog at http://www.JRSBARBQ.com/
Ratings - TNA iMPACT! & ReAction, Superstars & SmackDown!
-- The Thanksgiving edition of TNA iMPACT! scored a 0.85 (0.9) cable rating, with 1,262,000 viewers. This is down from last week's show, which scored a 1.07 (1.1) cable rating with 1,377,000 viewers.
-- The Thanksgiving edition of TNA ReAction scored a 0.53 (0.5) cable rating, with 681,000 viewers, down from last week's 0.59 (0.6) cable rating with 705,000 viewers.
-- The Thanksgiving edition of WWE Superstars scored a 0.48 (0.5) rating, with 516,000 viewers.
-- The replay edition of WWE Superstars scored a 0.14 (0.1) rating, with 150,000 viewers.
-- Not only were the shows on Thanksgiving, but they had to compete with the New York Jets-Cincinnati Bengals game on the NFL Network, which did a 6.98 rating and 7,106,000 viewers. Of course, numbers were going to be down for both WWE and TNA and they were.
-- Friday's edition of WWE SmackDown! scored a 1.56 (1.6) cable rating, with 2,381,000 viewers. This is down from last week's show, which scored a 1.73 (1.7) cable rating, with 2,523,000 viewers.
-- The Thanksgiving edition of TNA ReAction scored a 0.53 (0.5) cable rating, with 681,000 viewers, down from last week's 0.59 (0.6) cable rating with 705,000 viewers.
-- The Thanksgiving edition of WWE Superstars scored a 0.48 (0.5) rating, with 516,000 viewers.
-- The replay edition of WWE Superstars scored a 0.14 (0.1) rating, with 150,000 viewers.
-- Not only were the shows on Thanksgiving, but they had to compete with the New York Jets-Cincinnati Bengals game on the NFL Network, which did a 6.98 rating and 7,106,000 viewers. Of course, numbers were going to be down for both WWE and TNA and they were.
-- Friday's edition of WWE SmackDown! scored a 1.56 (1.6) cable rating, with 2,381,000 viewers. This is down from last week's show, which scored a 1.73 (1.7) cable rating, with 2,523,000 viewers.
Tiffany Speaks Out On Firing
-- Right After Wrestling with Arda Ocal and Jimmy Korderas interviewed the recently released Tiffany, which you can listen to at http://radio.thescore.com/ Here is an excerpt from the interview… "Whether that incident is attributed to my release or not, I don't think I'll ever know.. certainly the timing would say so. It was really stupid and it was somebody that had an axe to grind with us for no reason. Obviously nothing happened because everything was dropped immediately, and the person that decided to make up a little story.. karma's a you know what. It's a shame because they really screwed with somebody's life and that's sad when people do that. The internet world went crazy with it because it was something very controversial."
Colt Cabana Happy His Shirt Made RAW Last Night
Last night on RAW, CM Punk wore an "I STAR COLT" shirt under his sports jacket. Former WWE star and ROH star Colt Cabana was very happy about this, judging by his post on Twitter…
"I Love me some @CMPunk. I STAR COLT shirts are available at www.COLTMERCH.com SEE: http://twitpic.com/28mzps"
"I Love me some @CMPunk. I STAR COLT shirts are available at www.COLTMERCH.com SEE: http://twitpic.com/28mzps"
What Happened After RAW + RAW Live News & Notes
Credit: Chris Denker and Pwinsider
The crowd was pretty into it all night. The dark matches were Regal vs. Darren Young and Tyson Kidd vs. DH Smith. The Kidd/Smith fight was actually a great bout, should've been on the live show in my opinion.
Raw kicks off. A lot of rumors running around that Triple H would be making his return. (side rant about that later.)
- Alex Riley's opening segment was great, everyone loved the quip about him "loving to party".
- Del Rio vs. Daniel Bryan: Solid match. The guy behind me must've been new because he kept chanting "Let's Go Bryan". Got a few laughs out of that one. Weird to see Bryan tap out but I guess the objective here was to make Del Rio look solid.
- The R-Truth bit with Cena attacking Nexus backstage got a HUGE pop. Not sure how it came off on TV but the place was going nuts for Cena. Very few jeers for Cena all night.
- Rhodes vs. Morrison: Short match. Decent. A very pro-Morrison crowd, he got big pops all night. Still waiting on the WWE put Cody in a decent feud.
- Drew vs. Ezekiel: Pretty dead match, definitely slowed the pace of the live crowd down.
- Second Alex Riley segment was solid too. I'm impressed with his mic work. He's a perfect fit for the role that he's playing.
- The Miz/Lawler segment got the crowd back in. The pops for The King were huge.
- Kofi/Sheamus: Good strong bout. Pretty quiet crowd throughout though. Not many Kofi fans.
- Yoshi/Henry vs. Nexus: Once Cena came out, no one was even paying attention to the bout (myself included). I was front row of the section he walked through so I got an up-close look and the whole section was going nuts. A very pro-Cena crowd. I think this "Fired" angle got some of the leaners back on his side.
- Del Rio vs. Morrison: This one seemed like a no-brainer since Sheamus vs. Del Rio wouldn't make much sense. Crowd was so-so for this one.
- The Wade/Cena segment was great. When Gabriel got tossed into the window the whole place let out a loud "Ohhhhh".. that looked like it hurt bad.
- Divas match. Dead crowd until Santino came out, huge pops for him.
- Morrison/Sheamus for King of the Ring: Great back and forth match. Once Sheamus was celebrating I (along with many other people) REALLY expected Triple H to come and take him out. It would've fit perfectly actually. "All hail the king" says Sheamus and BOOM, Hunter's music hits and he comes out and beats down Sheamus. The roof would've blown off. I feel like that was a great opportunity that wasn't taken advantage of. But I guess the WWE writers would know better than me.
- Miz vs. Lawler for the title: The crowd was extremely into this match. The spots where Lawler almost got the title, my whole section was shaking. The Cole/Lawler bit was great too. Looking forward to seeing how they're going to handle commentary together next week.
After Raw went off the air: Wade Barrett came out and challenged Cena to a fight. Cena came through the crowd and started beating down on Wade. Nexus comes out and work on Cena but Daniel Bryan and Mark Henry make the save. Cena gives Barrett the 5-Knuckle and the AA. Cena then takes the mic and tells the crowd that it's Jerry Lawler's birthday. The crowd sings as all the divas come out and give Jerry a cake. Huge cake fight ensues and all the Divas and Cena throw cake at each other. Cena exits and Lawler gets an ovation as he exits. End of show.
My Thoughts: Great crowd overall all night. I was very disappointed that Randy Orton didn't appear at all as he's my top guy. Not sure why the made the decision to keep him off TV. He was even advertised for the dark main event. I'm really thinking they're gonna tie HHH's return into Sheamus being "King of the Ring" due to the fact that Hunter is the King of Kings. I highly, HIGHLY expect HHH on next week's Raw when Sheamus inevitably comes out to brag about his accomplishment. I guess til then we'll have to wait and see.
The crowd was pretty into it all night. The dark matches were Regal vs. Darren Young and Tyson Kidd vs. DH Smith. The Kidd/Smith fight was actually a great bout, should've been on the live show in my opinion.
Raw kicks off. A lot of rumors running around that Triple H would be making his return. (side rant about that later.)
- Alex Riley's opening segment was great, everyone loved the quip about him "loving to party".
- Del Rio vs. Daniel Bryan: Solid match. The guy behind me must've been new because he kept chanting "Let's Go Bryan". Got a few laughs out of that one. Weird to see Bryan tap out but I guess the objective here was to make Del Rio look solid.
- The R-Truth bit with Cena attacking Nexus backstage got a HUGE pop. Not sure how it came off on TV but the place was going nuts for Cena. Very few jeers for Cena all night.
- Rhodes vs. Morrison: Short match. Decent. A very pro-Morrison crowd, he got big pops all night. Still waiting on the WWE put Cody in a decent feud.
- Drew vs. Ezekiel: Pretty dead match, definitely slowed the pace of the live crowd down.
- Second Alex Riley segment was solid too. I'm impressed with his mic work. He's a perfect fit for the role that he's playing.
- The Miz/Lawler segment got the crowd back in. The pops for The King were huge.
- Kofi/Sheamus: Good strong bout. Pretty quiet crowd throughout though. Not many Kofi fans.
- Yoshi/Henry vs. Nexus: Once Cena came out, no one was even paying attention to the bout (myself included). I was front row of the section he walked through so I got an up-close look and the whole section was going nuts. A very pro-Cena crowd. I think this "Fired" angle got some of the leaners back on his side.
- Del Rio vs. Morrison: This one seemed like a no-brainer since Sheamus vs. Del Rio wouldn't make much sense. Crowd was so-so for this one.
- The Wade/Cena segment was great. When Gabriel got tossed into the window the whole place let out a loud "Ohhhhh".. that looked like it hurt bad.
- Divas match. Dead crowd until Santino came out, huge pops for him.
- Morrison/Sheamus for King of the Ring: Great back and forth match. Once Sheamus was celebrating I (along with many other people) REALLY expected Triple H to come and take him out. It would've fit perfectly actually. "All hail the king" says Sheamus and BOOM, Hunter's music hits and he comes out and beats down Sheamus. The roof would've blown off. I feel like that was a great opportunity that wasn't taken advantage of. But I guess the WWE writers would know better than me.
- Miz vs. Lawler for the title: The crowd was extremely into this match. The spots where Lawler almost got the title, my whole section was shaking. The Cole/Lawler bit was great too. Looking forward to seeing how they're going to handle commentary together next week.
After Raw went off the air: Wade Barrett came out and challenged Cena to a fight. Cena came through the crowd and started beating down on Wade. Nexus comes out and work on Cena but Daniel Bryan and Mark Henry make the save. Cena gives Barrett the 5-Knuckle and the AA. Cena then takes the mic and tells the crowd that it's Jerry Lawler's birthday. The crowd sings as all the divas come out and give Jerry a cake. Huge cake fight ensues and all the Divas and Cena throw cake at each other. Cena exits and Lawler gets an ovation as he exits. End of show.
My Thoughts: Great crowd overall all night. I was very disappointed that Randy Orton didn't appear at all as he's my top guy. Not sure why the made the decision to keep him off TV. He was even advertised for the dark main event. I'm really thinking they're gonna tie HHH's return into Sheamus being "King of the Ring" due to the fact that Hunter is the King of Kings. I highly, HIGHLY expect HHH on next week's Raw when Sheamus inevitably comes out to brag about his accomplishment. I guess til then we'll have to wait and see.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Are The Miz & Maryse Dating?
-- Parma, Ohio native The Miz stopped by the Sip N Post restaurant (which is owned by his uncle) in North Royalton last Wednesday to sign autographs. In tow with the new WWE Champion was fellow WWE star Maryse, who did not take part in an official autograph session. In regards to whether the two are dating, Maryse claimed in an interview last month with The Sun that she has a boyfriend who is not a wrestler. For what it's worth, the two have dated on and off in the past. You can click here to view photos of the two together acting flirty and arriving to several recent WWE events together.
The End Of The WWE Spinner Belt?
-- WWE officials have discussed ceasing the "Spinner" belt as a result of The Miz becoming champion. A newly designed belt has been ready since late last year.
AJ Styles Suffers Injury, RAW Guest Host Tonight
-- Dixie Carter posted the following on her Twitter today… AJ Styles broke his finger in Abu Dhabi on today's show & had to go to the hospital to have it re-set. Never like injuries.
-- As noted earlier, WWE holds the three-hour, King of the Ring themed Monday Night RAW tonight in Philadelphia, PA. Miss USA Rima Fakih will guest star. We'll have live coverage beginning at 8EST tonight.
-- As noted earlier, WWE holds the three-hour, King of the Ring themed Monday Night RAW tonight in Philadelphia, PA. Miss USA Rima Fakih will guest star. We'll have live coverage beginning at 8EST tonight.
Backstage Vince McMahon News, Juan Cena Update
-- John 'Juan' Cena is being advertised as a 'legendary Mexican wrestler'. Really.
-- According to sources within WWE, Vince McMahon has taken a more active role within the company again now that his wife Linda's campaign for U.S. Senator from Connecticut has concluded.
-- According to sources within WWE, Vince McMahon has taken a more active role within the company again now that his wife Linda's campaign for U.S. Senator from Connecticut has concluded.
John Cena Backstage At RAW, The Miz Speaks Out
-- Ryan Mulloy sent this one in: I got a chance to listen to The Miz on Danny Bonaduce here in Philly on 94.1 WYSP. Not a very long piece. I know he's been working hard to over the last couple of years to be a "go to guy" for WWE, and I'd say he's there now, with or without the title. Very professional. Very real. In hyping tonight's Raw, Miz came across as a toned down version of his character and gelled well with Bonaduce, who didn't seem completely up on the current product, but good enough. Miz mentioned the show and the Wells Fargo Center a number of times to get it over and then did the standard "anything can happen on live TV" attitude. He also put over the Philadelphia audience being real honest with the wrestler's as far as what they like and dislike. Translation: Miz expects to be booed out of the building because "I beat their heroes." Miz also put over the current Cena storyline, mentioning Cena's tweet about buying a ticket to tonight's show since he was fired. Overall, a great job.
-- John Cena noted on his Twitter account that he stopped by the site of tonight's RAW this afternoon and that he plans on attending the show with a ticket. "Love it here in philly," he wrote. "Still got my tix and stopped by arena early to say hi to old pals. Tonight will be fun." :-)
How Old Are Jerry Lawler & JBL?, Joey Styles-WWE Update
-- We have several birthdays today as Jerry "The King" Lawler turns 61 years old. "Mean" Gene Okerlund turns 68 years old, while former WWE Champion John "JBL" Layfield is 44.
-- As a reminder, tonight's RAW is a three hour 'King of the Ring' special. The show begins at 8EST on the USA Network.
-- Once again, Joey Styles is still employed by WWE as a regular employee. His talent contract, which he signed back in 2005, is what has expired.
Cody Rhodes - My Brother Will Tell All In New Book
-- WWE SmackDown! star Cody Rhodes revealed in an interview with WWE Magazine that the contents of his real-life brother Goldust's forthcoming book, Cross Rhodes, were surprising to him. "I've heard my dad's stories, I saw his DVD, and I've heard some of Goldust's stories. But even as his brother, there was so much that I hadn't heard," Rhodes said. "He was very open in the writing of this book and talked very honestly about his career and his choices and how the things that have happened to him have affected it. I honestly think it's going to shock readers."
When asked to dish out some of the dirt in the book, Rhodes says Goldust openly discusses working and traveling with Marlena.
"Cross Rhodes is one of those 'dirty secret' books, and anyone who's a Goldust fan is going to find something interesting," he added.
When asked to dish out some of the dirt in the book, Rhodes says Goldust openly discusses working and traveling with Marlena.
"Cross Rhodes is one of those 'dirty secret' books, and anyone who's a Goldust fan is going to find something interesting," he added.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Updated - Juan Cena Debuts (Pic) + New WWE Star
-- WWE developmental wrestler Jackson Andrews beat Goldust with a clothesline at last night's RAW live event in Salisbury, Maryland. Andrews and Goldust also worked a dark match prior to last Monday's RAW, which featured the same outcome.
-- As noted earlier here on the website, John Cena's Mexican cousin Juan made his WWE debut at last night's RAW live event in Salisbury, Maryland as he competed in a Triple Threat Match against Wade Barrett and WWE Champion The Miz. No explanation was given for the appearance of The Champ's Mexican equivalent.
Juan donned a purple and yellow colored mask for the bout, which color coordinated with a shirt and hat bearing his cousin's name. You can click here to see a photo of 'Juan'. He used the multi-time champion's trademark maneuvers during the bout, including the Five Knuckle Shuffle and Attitude Adjustment. The match's finish saw Alex Riley pull Juan out of the ring after hitting Barrett with the Attitude Adjustment, which allowed The Miz to capture the pinfall victory.
-- As noted earlier here on the website, John Cena's Mexican cousin Juan made his WWE debut at last night's RAW live event in Salisbury, Maryland as he competed in a Triple Threat Match against Wade Barrett and WWE Champion The Miz. No explanation was given for the appearance of The Champ's Mexican equivalent.
Juan donned a purple and yellow colored mask for the bout, which color coordinated with a shirt and hat bearing his cousin's name. You can click here to see a photo of 'Juan'. He used the multi-time champion's trademark maneuvers during the bout, including the Five Knuckle Shuffle and Attitude Adjustment. The match's finish saw Alex Riley pull Juan out of the ring after hitting Barrett with the Attitude Adjustment, which allowed The Miz to capture the pinfall victory.
Juan Cena Debuts - John Cena Under A Mask
Tim Era sent in this report:
Hello, just got back from the WWE Raw house show in Salisbury, MD. It was the debut of Juan Cena, taking on The Miz and Wade Barrett in a Triple Threat match for the WWE title.
Cena came out to his same music wearing the same clothes but had a mask on that matched his purple outfit. Barrett got on the mic and asked the crowd if he's suppose to believe that this isn't John Cena, to which Cena grabbed the mic and replied "yes" in Spanish. The Miz won that match and cut a real good promo on how nobody in the locker room thought he would amount to nothing. He will probably say the exact thing on Raw tomorrow night, because the crowd was really into what he was saying.
I guess this was a fun way to still have John Cena on the House Shows without ignoring the storyline where he is fired. It reminds me when Hogan came back as Mr. America, its the same exact mask just a different color.
As for the rest of the card, Nexus defended the tag titles againt Santino and Kozlof, some new guy beat Goldust, Natalya made Alicia Fox tap out to the sharpshooter for the Divas title, Daniel Bryan made Ted Debiase tap out for the US title, R Truth beat Zack Ryder in a dance off then pinned him in a match, and Sheamus beat John Morrison. All in all a pretty fun show.
Hello, just got back from the WWE Raw house show in Salisbury, MD. It was the debut of Juan Cena, taking on The Miz and Wade Barrett in a Triple Threat match for the WWE title.
Cena came out to his same music wearing the same clothes but had a mask on that matched his purple outfit. Barrett got on the mic and asked the crowd if he's suppose to believe that this isn't John Cena, to which Cena grabbed the mic and replied "yes" in Spanish. The Miz won that match and cut a real good promo on how nobody in the locker room thought he would amount to nothing. He will probably say the exact thing on Raw tomorrow night, because the crowd was really into what he was saying.
I guess this was a fun way to still have John Cena on the House Shows without ignoring the storyline where he is fired. It reminds me when Hogan came back as Mr. America, its the same exact mask just a different color.
As for the rest of the card, Nexus defended the tag titles againt Santino and Kozlof, some new guy beat Goldust, Natalya made Alicia Fox tap out to the sharpshooter for the Divas title, Daniel Bryan made Ted Debiase tap out for the US title, R Truth beat Zack Ryder in a dance off then pinned him in a match, and Sheamus beat John Morrison. All in all a pretty fun show.
Maryse Wardrobe Malfunction Edited, Joey Styles' New Gig
-- Even though he is still working as part of the creative team to WWE.com, since Joey Styles' talent contract has expired he is free to do non-competitive (to WWE) wrestling ventures that feature the "Joey Styles" character. His first choice is selling merchandise. You can get t-shirts, mouse pads, iPad and iPhone cases that feature his face and the words "OH MY GOD!" at http://www.cafepress.com/JoeyStyles/7504485
-- This week's episode of NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood is now online. View it at NWAHollywood.com.
-- Last month, WWE Classics On Demand aired the Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view, which took place in June. Maryse notably suffered a mid-section wardrobe malfunction during the live pay-per-view broadcast, which occurred when Alicia Fox scored the winning pinfall over the French Canadian glamour model in the Divas Championship Match. The malfunction, however, is not visible on the video on demand airing, as an alternate camera angle was used in place of the original shot. You can click here to view the uncensored mid-section slip photo.
-- This week's episode of NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood is now online. View it at NWAHollywood.com.
-- Last month, WWE Classics On Demand aired the Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view, which took place in June. Maryse notably suffered a mid-section wardrobe malfunction during the live pay-per-view broadcast, which occurred when Alicia Fox scored the winning pinfall over the French Canadian glamour model in the Divas Championship Match. The malfunction, however, is not visible on the video on demand airing, as an alternate camera angle was used in place of the original shot. You can click here to view the uncensored mid-section slip photo.
WWE Management Happy w/ RAW Crowd, Y2J's Future, More
-- WWE management was very happy with how great the crowd was in Orlando for the Monday Night RAW taping this past week. More specifically, they were thrilled with the responses to Nexus, R-Truth, John Cena and The Miz winning the WWE title.
-- Alex Koslov, who recently signed a developmental deal with WWE, has been renamed Alex Sherman in FCW. For obvious reasons, Koslov will not be using his Russian gimmick anymore.
-- Chris Jericho's recent UK tour with Fozzy was considered a success. According to fan reports, there were some sellouts and 90% full clubs. The band is scheduled for a tour of Australia in December as well as several big festivals next summer.
-- Alex Koslov, who recently signed a developmental deal with WWE, has been renamed Alex Sherman in FCW. For obvious reasons, Koslov will not be using his Russian gimmick anymore.
-- Chris Jericho's recent UK tour with Fozzy was considered a success. According to fan reports, there were some sellouts and 90% full clubs. The band is scheduled for a tour of Australia in December as well as several big festivals next summer.
Shelton Benjamin Not Sure Why He Was Fired By WWE
BlackVoices.com recently caught up with Shelton Benjamin and he talked about the state of Black superstars in wrestling; having comedienne Thea Vidale play his mother in WWE; whether he would return to WWE; and what he thought about Jennifer Hudson's fiancé, David Otunga. Here are some of the highlights:
Why did WWE let you go?
Honestly, I'm still wondering that myself. What I think it boils down to is that I'd been there for so long and they had such high hopes for me. For me to continue in the position that I was in I would have gotten to the point where family would have lost faith in me. I think while I'm still young every now and then you need to completely disassociate yourself from the company to freshen yourself up. It would be one thing for me to say I am gonna leave and take three months off and when I come back I'll be fresh and new, but it's a total other thing to disassociate yourself from the company completely. The point that they didn't resign me doesn't really bother me because I felt like I needed to go and near the end of my career work for me wasn't fun. I remember when I first started I could not wait to get to work. Near the end, I couldn't stand when I had to wake up and go to the airport. It was one of those things where we were both in agreement that I needed to step away. Do I believe that's a permanent departure? No. If you have watched the history of the WWE or if you have ever worked there and you were ever any good; you don't have just one run with the WWE. The door is open for me to come back. We parted ways on good terms, but as far as a lot of the decisions they made with my career, I'm still dumbfounded.
If you had to make one of the Black superstars on the WWE roster now the World Champion, who deserves it?
The first person that comes to my mind is MVP. If you look at his career, at one point it looked like it was going that route. For whatever reason, it just stopped. I felt like fans were accepting him so he would be the first on my list. I believe Kofi Kingston is on the cusp. I won't say he's quite ready yet but people put the title on guys who aren't ready all the time. Those two would be first on my list. Most of the other Black guys are just inexperienced right now and none of them have shown me anything that would validate putting the world title on them and that's not to say they won't be later. I forgot about Mark Henry and I don't want to leave him out of there.
Jennifer Hudson's fiancé David Otunga is a WWE superstar now. Some people feel as though he's getting a push because he's Jennifer's man. What are your thoughts on him?
No, I don't think he's very good. My guess would be probably, but at the same time whether he's any good or not this is a show. Just by him being in the WWE makes news. People are gonna tune in just to see David Otunga – just to see if he's good or bad. Jennifer Hudson's husband is a pro wrestler. That's gonna draw and it will be foolish on the part of WWE not to take advantage of that. Do I think him being married to Jennifer Hudson helps? Without a doubt. He still has to go in there and perform. Just because he has the job and they're using him doesn't mean that it's gonna stay that way. No disrespect to David because he's a great guy and I've worked with him. I expect him to improve, but if I was running a wrestling company and David Otunga was signed on my company, you're dammed right I'm gonna put him in everyone's face. That's the proof for me.
Why did WWE let you go?
Honestly, I'm still wondering that myself. What I think it boils down to is that I'd been there for so long and they had such high hopes for me. For me to continue in the position that I was in I would have gotten to the point where family would have lost faith in me. I think while I'm still young every now and then you need to completely disassociate yourself from the company to freshen yourself up. It would be one thing for me to say I am gonna leave and take three months off and when I come back I'll be fresh and new, but it's a total other thing to disassociate yourself from the company completely. The point that they didn't resign me doesn't really bother me because I felt like I needed to go and near the end of my career work for me wasn't fun. I remember when I first started I could not wait to get to work. Near the end, I couldn't stand when I had to wake up and go to the airport. It was one of those things where we were both in agreement that I needed to step away. Do I believe that's a permanent departure? No. If you have watched the history of the WWE or if you have ever worked there and you were ever any good; you don't have just one run with the WWE. The door is open for me to come back. We parted ways on good terms, but as far as a lot of the decisions they made with my career, I'm still dumbfounded.
If you had to make one of the Black superstars on the WWE roster now the World Champion, who deserves it?
The first person that comes to my mind is MVP. If you look at his career, at one point it looked like it was going that route. For whatever reason, it just stopped. I felt like fans were accepting him so he would be the first on my list. I believe Kofi Kingston is on the cusp. I won't say he's quite ready yet but people put the title on guys who aren't ready all the time. Those two would be first on my list. Most of the other Black guys are just inexperienced right now and none of them have shown me anything that would validate putting the world title on them and that's not to say they won't be later. I forgot about Mark Henry and I don't want to leave him out of there.
Jennifer Hudson's fiancé David Otunga is a WWE superstar now. Some people feel as though he's getting a push because he's Jennifer's man. What are your thoughts on him?
No, I don't think he's very good. My guess would be probably, but at the same time whether he's any good or not this is a show. Just by him being in the WWE makes news. People are gonna tune in just to see David Otunga – just to see if he's good or bad. Jennifer Hudson's husband is a pro wrestler. That's gonna draw and it will be foolish on the part of WWE not to take advantage of that. Do I think him being married to Jennifer Hudson helps? Without a doubt. He still has to go in there and perform. Just because he has the job and they're using him doesn't mean that it's gonna stay that way. No disrespect to David because he's a great guy and I've worked with him. I expect him to improve, but if I was running a wrestling company and David Otunga was signed on my company, you're dammed right I'm gonna put him in everyone's face. That's the proof for me.
Juan Cena To Debut Tonight?, Details Inside
CeNation. Just received western union tellagram via carrier pigieon from mexican cousin Juan. Apparently he just got hired by wwe... And would like me to watch his first match tonight in salisbury md. I got nuthin but time on my hands. Ill be there!
As noted earlier, Juan Cena appears to be John Cena possibly under a mask. We'll see tonight.
MVP Hints At Frustration Within WWE, Hardy-NBC, More
We noted yesterday here on the website that Matt Hardy mentioned recently that he would be filming an episode of NBC's Marriage Ref with "Kimo". The show will likely air next month. In an update on this, Gregory Helms and several others took part in the taping as well. The shoot took place on Saturday inside a wrestling ring on Matt Hardy's North Carolina property. "Had a blast being a part of NBC's "Marriage Ref" shoot today featuring Kimo in my BCR Dome.. Me, Helms, Shatter & Aden worked Kimo hard.", Hardy said via Twitter.
Over the weekend, Chris Jericho asked MVP via twitter if he was still with WWE. Jericho asked, "are you still with the company?" to which MVP replied, "Barely it would seem. Just barely."
Later that day, a fan asked MVP why he gets "screwed over" on SmackDown! each week. MVP's reply? "If you find out let me know please! Lol."
Over the weekend, Chris Jericho asked MVP via twitter if he was still with WWE. Jericho asked, "are you still with the company?" to which MVP replied, "Barely it would seem. Just barely."
Later that day, a fan asked MVP why he gets "screwed over" on SmackDown! each week. MVP's reply? "If you find out let me know please! Lol."
Kantaro Hoshino Passes Away + New WWE TLC Poster Released
-- Kantaro Hoshino, considered to be one of the best working smaller wrestlers of the 60s, 70s and 80s, has passed away at the age of 67. There are no details on the cause of death at this time. During the era of the original Tiger Mask, Hoshino would tag with Tiger mask against top foreign junior heavyweights of the era like Bret Hart, Dynamite Kid, Steve Wright, Black Tiger (Mark Rocco), Solar, Abdullah Tamba and others. After his wrestling days were over, Hoshino worked as a heel manager for New Japan pro Wrestling. On behalf of everyone here on the website, I would like to send out condolences to the family, friends and fans of Mr. Hoshino.
-- WWE has just released a new PPV event poster for their TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs event. The poster features Rey Mysterio diving onto a wrestle on a table. It's a really cool sketch drawing.
You can click here to view the new pay-per-view poster.
The event takes place December 19th, 2010 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
-- WWE has just released a new PPV event poster for their TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs event. The poster features Rey Mysterio diving onto a wrestle on a table. It's a really cool sketch drawing.
You can click here to view the new pay-per-view poster.
The event takes place December 19th, 2010 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Backstage Update - Fired WWE Stars To TNA?
According to a backstage source, Kurt Angle has been pushing TNA Wrestling officials to sign his former cohorts in World Wrestling Entertainment, Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin, but it appears unlikely at this point that his wish will come to fruition.
Many within the organization feel that it will be difficult for those released by WWE to be hired unless they are a "star," such as Mickie James or Matt Hardy.
No word yet on if TNA has had discussions with those released last week by WWE, but it's unlikely that any of them will be brought in any time soon, let alone when their non-compete clauses expire.
Many within the organization feel that it will be difficult for those released by WWE to be hired unless they are a "star," such as Mickie James or Matt Hardy.
No word yet on if TNA has had discussions with those released last week by WWE, but it's unlikely that any of them will be brought in any time soon, let alone when their non-compete clauses expire.
Backstage Update - Alex Riley's Arrest & WWE Future
People within WWE thought the timing of Alex Riley's arrest last week for Driving under the influence didn't do him as favors, but he survived the company's latest round of talent cuts in spite of many speculating that he would be fired.
Shawn Michaels and his family were involved in a car accident the night after termination papers had been finalized, while Riley’s arrest on a DUI charge took place the day before. Many feel Riley is lucky Michaels nor his family were hurt, because if they were, it is very likely that he would have been let go.
Backstage Updates - Joey Styles' WWE Future, Matt Hardy
-- Joey Styles is still employed by WWE but is now free from his WWE talent contractual obligations, meaning he can now work non-WWE signings and independent dates if he wants. This is what he was referring to on his Twitter last week.
-- Matt Hardy mentioned recently that he will be filming an episode of NBC's Marriage Ref with "Kimo" tomorrow that will likely air next month. This will probably be the wrestling-centric episode that has been mentioned in the past.
WWE Cleverly Edits SD! Episode, New WWE Ring Announcer?
-- Former WWE star Luke Gallows is advertised to appear at the New Energy Wrestling event in Locust Grove, Georgia on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010. Visit www.newenergywrestling-llc.com for more information.
-- WWE cleverly edited the episode of WWE SmackDown! held in Manchester, England so that it would appear that Alberto Del Rio's ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez was on hand for the event when he actually wasn't—due to a cost-cutting measure. A clip of Rodriguez introducing Del Rio was played to the live audience while clips from other television events were shown during the broadcast.
-- Ashley Valence, who last appeared on WWE programming during the second season of NXT, resurfaced on Thursday's episode of WWE Superstars. She did the ring announcing throughout the entire show.
-- WWE cleverly edited the episode of WWE SmackDown! held in Manchester, England so that it would appear that Alberto Del Rio's ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez was on hand for the event when he actually wasn't—due to a cost-cutting measure. A clip of Rodriguez introducing Del Rio was played to the live audience while clips from other television events were shown during the broadcast.
-- Ashley Valence, who last appeared on WWE programming during the second season of NXT, resurfaced on Thursday's episode of WWE Superstars. She did the ring announcing throughout the entire show.
KOTR Participants Set, Possible SD! New Tag Team, & More
-- Kofi Kingston, "Dashing" Cody Rhodes, Alberto Del Rio and Drew McIntyre qualified for this Monday's King of the Ring tournament on Friday's episode of SmackDown.
Last Monday's RAW saw John Morrison, Daniel Bryan, Ezekiel Jackson and Sheamus qualify for the tournament.
WWE has yet to disclose the tournament bracket.
-- WWE has discussed putting Curt Hawkins and Trent Barreta together as a tag team after their former partners, Vance Archer and Caylen Croft, were let go last week.
Last Monday's RAW saw John Morrison, Daniel Bryan, Ezekiel Jackson and Sheamus qualify for the tournament.
WWE has yet to disclose the tournament bracket.
-- WWE has discussed putting Curt Hawkins and Trent Barreta together as a tag team after their former partners, Vance Archer and Caylen Croft, were let go last week.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Backstage Kevin Nash-TNA Contract Update + Miz Controversy
-- Kevin Nash continues to deny reports that he has re-signed with TNA Wrestling. There is talk, however, that a deal is in place.
One company official not aware of whether Nash had re-signed, assumed it was only a matter of time if he had not.
"They are talking," said the official. "He's got somebody's ear. And by somebody, I mean Dixie Carter."
-- Also, Kevin Nash recently spoke to "thaoshow" about the tweet he made after The Miz's WWE Title win Monday and more. Check out the highlights:
On his Tweet knocking The Miz's title win: "The other night I said something about Miz - I don't even know the guy. Don't really have an opinion on him, I just wanted to see how riled up I could get people. People just get furious."
On whether Miz as champion is good for business: "I think what happened is that the company went PG. When you don't fall into that demographic - well, my son is 14 and he doesn't have a problem with it."
On Paul Heyman saying that he would have fired everyone over 40 had he taken control of TNA: "Am I the only one who watched 'Gran Torino' and completely believed that Clint Eastwood could do what he did in that movie at 80-years-old. It's about the character, the human being. You could be 80 and be a wuss, but you were probably a wuss when you were 22. You're not going to become a badass at 80, but if you were 'Dirty Harry,' chances are you're still going to pull it off when you're 80. I'm 51-years-old and I don't have anybody coming up and pushing on me."
One company official not aware of whether Nash had re-signed, assumed it was only a matter of time if he had not.
"They are talking," said the official. "He's got somebody's ear. And by somebody, I mean Dixie Carter."
-- Also, Kevin Nash recently spoke to "thaoshow" about the tweet he made after The Miz's WWE Title win Monday and more. Check out the highlights:
On his Tweet knocking The Miz's title win: "The other night I said something about Miz - I don't even know the guy. Don't really have an opinion on him, I just wanted to see how riled up I could get people. People just get furious."
On whether Miz as champion is good for business: "I think what happened is that the company went PG. When you don't fall into that demographic - well, my son is 14 and he doesn't have a problem with it."
On Paul Heyman saying that he would have fired everyone over 40 had he taken control of TNA: "Am I the only one who watched 'Gran Torino' and completely believed that Clint Eastwood could do what he did in that movie at 80-years-old. It's about the character, the human being. You could be 80 and be a wuss, but you were probably a wuss when you were 22. You're not going to become a badass at 80, but if you were 'Dirty Harry,' chances are you're still going to pull it off when you're 80. I'm 51-years-old and I don't have anybody coming up and pushing on me."
The Latest Health Update On Bobby Heenan Inside Here
As noted earlier here on the website, Bobby Heenan is reportedly in very poor health at a Tampa, Florida hospital.
Lanny Poffo, brother of Randy Savage, said on the Who's Slamming Who podcast this week that he heard from a friend that the WWE Hall of Famer "might be on his last legs."
The wrestler formerly known as The Genius said Heenan has been "in and out of a coma" in a Tampa area hospital and is "not aware of anything."
Heenan has been in poor health in recent years due to surgery on his throat and reconstructive jaw surgery.
It should be noted however, Great Lakes Championship Wrestling promoter David Herro wrote on Twitter that he heard from the wife of the WWE Hall of Famer, who said that Bobby is not hospitalized.
Herro wrote, "Just spoke with Cindy Heenan the lovely wife of "The Brain", Bobby is NOT in a coma &is not in the hospital. He's home resting his hip."
Also, MVP recently tweeted: "Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan is in bad shape. Yrs ago he encouraged & complimented me! Keep him in your thoughts & send positive vibes his way!"
We're getting conflicting reports as well. We'll keep you posted as we get more.
Also, you can click here to view a new photo of "The Brain". It's truly sad.
Lanny Poffo, brother of Randy Savage, said on the Who's Slamming Who podcast this week that he heard from a friend that the WWE Hall of Famer "might be on his last legs."
The wrestler formerly known as The Genius said Heenan has been "in and out of a coma" in a Tampa area hospital and is "not aware of anything."
Heenan has been in poor health in recent years due to surgery on his throat and reconstructive jaw surgery.
It should be noted however, Great Lakes Championship Wrestling promoter David Herro wrote on Twitter that he heard from the wife of the WWE Hall of Famer, who said that Bobby is not hospitalized.
Herro wrote, "Just spoke with Cindy Heenan the lovely wife of "The Brain", Bobby is NOT in a coma &is not in the hospital. He's home resting his hip."
Also, MVP recently tweeted: "Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan is in bad shape. Yrs ago he encouraged & complimented me! Keep him in your thoughts & send positive vibes his way!"
We're getting conflicting reports as well. We'll keep you posted as we get more.
Also, you can click here to view a new photo of "The Brain". It's truly sad.
Jillian Hall Not Really Fired By WWE?, More
-- WWE.com has added Jake "The Snake" Roberts and The Gobbledy Gooker to its Alumni section. Jillian and Tiffany, who were both released last Friday, were also added to the page.
-- Though Jillian Hall was released from her talent contract with WWE last Friday, she remains with the company as a women's wrestler trainer in Florida Championship Wrestling. We'll keep you posted. You can also click here to view some rare g-string photos of Jillian Hall.
-- Though Jillian Hall was released from her talent contract with WWE last Friday, she remains with the company as a women's wrestler trainer in Florida Championship Wrestling. We'll keep you posted. You can also click here to view some rare g-string photos of Jillian Hall.
Paul Bearer Thanks WWE For Saving His Life + **SPOILER**
WWE SmackDown! talent Paul Bearer posted a blog yesterday thanking Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment for footing the bill for his gastric bypass surgery seven years ago, which he firmly believes saved his life.
"There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I would died long before cancer took my wife Dianna from me, if I had not recieved that surgery, which by the way was paid in full by Vince McMahon and WWE."
He also thanks WWE for making his recent return to the organization possible.
"I could ramble on for pages here, but that old adage stands here… if you understand no words are necessary, if you don't, not enough words will do. I will say that I would have NEVER expected to be doing what I am today again. I had put that part of my life on the shelve and kind of wanted it to stay there. But… I am truly blessed to be back at he top of the game I treasure so much, and has been a part of me almost all of my life. I thank The McMahon Family and Company, and a handful of dear brothers that made this return possible, no matter how long it lasts. It's been a good thing for me."
The future of his character, however, appears to be in doubt as an angle was taped Tuesday night in Jacksonville, Florida which could signify the end of Bearer. In a segment that will air at the conclusion of tonight's SmackDown! broadcast, Bearer attempted to get away from Edge in his wheelchair, but "The Rated-R Superstar" jumped in a car and ran over the device.
"There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I would died long before cancer took my wife Dianna from me, if I had not recieved that surgery, which by the way was paid in full by Vince McMahon and WWE."
He also thanks WWE for making his recent return to the organization possible.
"I could ramble on for pages here, but that old adage stands here… if you understand no words are necessary, if you don't, not enough words will do. I will say that I would have NEVER expected to be doing what I am today again. I had put that part of my life on the shelve and kind of wanted it to stay there. But… I am truly blessed to be back at he top of the game I treasure so much, and has been a part of me almost all of my life. I thank The McMahon Family and Company, and a handful of dear brothers that made this return possible, no matter how long it lasts. It's been a good thing for me."
The future of his character, however, appears to be in doubt as an angle was taped Tuesday night in Jacksonville, Florida which could signify the end of Bearer. In a segment that will air at the conclusion of tonight's SmackDown! broadcast, Bearer attempted to get away from Edge in his wheelchair, but "The Rated-R Superstar" jumped in a car and ran over the device.
The Reason CM Punk Is A WWE Announcer Now
-- According to WWE sources, CM Punk is expected to remain on the RAW broadcast booth for the next several months. The main reason for this is because Vince McMahon has always been a fan of a three-man announce team. That is also part of the reason we see Striker/Cole/Lawler calling WWE pay-per-view events. The call was made at add Punk to the announce booth as he's expected to be out of action several months due to a lower back injury. WWE officials wanted to keep him on TV while he recovers so this worked out well for them.
Is Joey Styles Leaving WWE?, Bobby Heenan In Rough Shape
-- According to Lanny "The Genius" Poffo via podcast last week, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's health has taken a turn for the worse. Poffo stated that "The Brain" was hospitalized in Tampa, FL last week. Poffo also stated during the podcast that Heenan has been unconscious. We wish Bobby the best.
-- Despite his recent comments on Twitter, Joey Styles' is not expected to leave WWE. Although his WWE contract does expire today, several sources expect him to re-sign with the company shortly.
-- Bruno Sammartino will be appearing on his own float this Saturday morning at Pittsburgh's Thanksgiving weekend parade.
-- Despite his recent comments on Twitter, Joey Styles' is not expected to leave WWE. Although his WWE contract does expire today, several sources expect him to re-sign with the company shortly.
-- Bruno Sammartino will be appearing on his own float this Saturday morning at Pittsburgh's Thanksgiving weekend parade.
Report: WWE To Run Major WrestleMania XXVII Storyline
The Undertaker had words with Brock Lesnar following the main event of last month's UFC 121 pay-per-view event, with their brief exchange caught on camera and designed to get people talking in case a potential WWE match took place. WWE officials want Lesnar to appear in a featured role at WrestleMania XXVII, but the scenario appears highly unlikely due to UFC President Dana White insisting that Lesnar is prohibited from wrestling. Nevertheless, the idea was more than a fantasy proposition to those in WWE.
Vince McMahon was heavily invested in the idea in mid-October as he knew ahead of time that there would be a confrontation between the former wrestling rivals, though the number of people who were previously aware was small. Nobody on creative knew there would be a confrontation until after the pay-per-view, and within a few days, sans a possible referee assignment, it was believed to be a dead idea once White publicly said that Lesnar is prohibited from wrestling.
McMahon feels it will be difficult for WWE to score a grand pay-per-view buy figure for WrestleMania XXVII and therefore concocted at least three different major out-of-the-box ideas, one of which involved Lesnar. The other two ideas, while known to some in WWE, have not been reported yet.
At this point, company officials are actively pursuing individuals not involved with the professional wrestling industry and doing an outsider angle to headline the show.
Vince McMahon was heavily invested in the idea in mid-October as he knew ahead of time that there would be a confrontation between the former wrestling rivals, though the number of people who were previously aware was small. Nobody on creative knew there would be a confrontation until after the pay-per-view, and within a few days, sans a possible referee assignment, it was believed to be a dead idea once White publicly said that Lesnar is prohibited from wrestling.
McMahon feels it will be difficult for WWE to score a grand pay-per-view buy figure for WrestleMania XXVII and therefore concocted at least three different major out-of-the-box ideas, one of which involved Lesnar. The other two ideas, while known to some in WWE, have not been reported yet.
At this point, company officials are actively pursuing individuals not involved with the professional wrestling industry and doing an outsider angle to headline the show.
Update: John Cena's Mexican Cousin 'Juan' To WWE
As noted several days ago here on the website, World Wrestling Entertainment is advertising Juan Cena, John Cena's Mexican cousin, for live events beginning next weekend. Yes, this will be John likely under a mask gimmick.
WWE has pulled "The Champ" from the official list of Superstars scheduled for upcoming live events. Various arenas where the company will be touring next month are instead listing Juan in main events.
The Mexican cousin of Cena is advertised to compete in Triple Threat Matches with WWE Champion The Miz and Wade Barrett for the Dec. 4 show in Las Vegas, Nevada and Dec. 5 show in Ontario, California. Juan is also advertised for WWE's return to Madison Square Garden on Dec. 26, which will feature a Fatal Four Way Match involving him, The Miz, Randy Orton and Wade Barrett.
WWE has pulled "The Champ" from the official list of Superstars scheduled for upcoming live events. Various arenas where the company will be touring next month are instead listing Juan in main events.
The Mexican cousin of Cena is advertised to compete in Triple Threat Matches with WWE Champion The Miz and Wade Barrett for the Dec. 4 show in Las Vegas, Nevada and Dec. 5 show in Ontario, California. Juan is also advertised for WWE's return to Madison Square Garden on Dec. 26, which will feature a Fatal Four Way Match involving him, The Miz, Randy Orton and Wade Barrett.
Daniel Bryan Puts Over Best Indy Matches Of 2010
Daniel Bryan posted the following on his Twitter today...
"My two favorite independent matches I had this year? 1) Me vs. Shingo from "Enter the Dragon" (order at www.dgusa.tv), and...
2) Me vs. Sawa from EVOLVE 5 (order at www.evolvewrestling.com). Support independent wrestling this holiday season!!!"
"My two favorite independent matches I had this year? 1) Me vs. Shingo from "Enter the Dragon" (order at www.dgusa.tv), and...
2) Me vs. Sawa from EVOLVE 5 (order at www.evolvewrestling.com). Support independent wrestling this holiday season!!!"
Friday, November 26, 2010
R-Truth's New Theme Song Dismissed, WWE Christmas Ornaments
-- WWE has released several Christmas ornaments, including John Cena and as a snowman and Rey Mysterio as a masked snowman. Other performers with ornaments include Miz, John Morrison, Undertaker, Triple H and the Divas Butterfly.
-- Since his new theme music wasn't catching on, R-Truth will only use his old theme music going forward.
-- Since his new theme music wasn't catching on, R-Truth will only use his old theme music going forward.
The Rock Says He Still Wrestles + Updated WWE-MSG Card
-- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson did an interview last night on Craig Ferguson's show last night to promote Faster. When asked if he still wrestles, Johnson said he does wrestle sometimes as gym exercise. He also said he loves country music and got his first guitar from Willie Nelson, and that he got his first car when he was fifteen and living in Nashville.
-- Johnson was also on CBS Today, where he was asked if he always wanted to be an actor and he said knew he wanted to be an entertainer. He said he came from a long line of professional wrestlers, talked about his football career and how he is happy where he is now.
-- WWE has an updated line-up their December 26th Madison Square Garden house show. They've added a Piper's Pit segment and placed The Miz as part of the WWE Title match for obvious reason. They are also advertising "Juan Cena," the "Mexican cousin of John Cena." The updated line-up is as follows:
-- WWE Title Steel Cage Match: The Miz vs. Randy Orton vs. "Juan Cena" vs. Wade Barrett
-- A "very special" Piper's Pit with Roddy Piper
-- 12-man battle royal for a US Title Shot: John Morrison, R-Truth, Zack Ryder, William Regal, Kozlov, Goldust, Ezekiel Jackson, Ted DiBiase, Alex Riley, and Nexus members
-- Mark Henry vs. Sheamus in a New York Street Fight
-- Goldust vs. Ted DiBiase
-- WWE tag champions Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater vs. Santino & Kozlov
-- Ezekiel Jackson vs. Zack Ryder
-- Melina & Eve vs. Alicia Fox & Maryse in a Santa's Helper Divas tag match
-- Johnson was also on CBS Today, where he was asked if he always wanted to be an actor and he said knew he wanted to be an entertainer. He said he came from a long line of professional wrestlers, talked about his football career and how he is happy where he is now.
-- WWE has an updated line-up their December 26th Madison Square Garden house show. They've added a Piper's Pit segment and placed The Miz as part of the WWE Title match for obvious reason. They are also advertising "Juan Cena," the "Mexican cousin of John Cena." The updated line-up is as follows:
-- WWE Title Steel Cage Match: The Miz vs. Randy Orton vs. "Juan Cena" vs. Wade Barrett
-- A "very special" Piper's Pit with Roddy Piper
-- 12-man battle royal for a US Title Shot: John Morrison, R-Truth, Zack Ryder, William Regal, Kozlov, Goldust, Ezekiel Jackson, Ted DiBiase, Alex Riley, and Nexus members
-- Mark Henry vs. Sheamus in a New York Street Fight
-- Goldust vs. Ted DiBiase
-- WWE tag champions Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater vs. Santino & Kozlov
-- Ezekiel Jackson vs. Zack Ryder
-- Melina & Eve vs. Alicia Fox & Maryse in a Santa's Helper Divas tag match
Joey Styles Continues 'Controversial' Tweets - Details
Joey Styles has continued his tweeting run. Here are a couple of tweets over the last day:
Kevin Nash said WWE proved we are a work with The Miz as champ? Nash's work never exposed the business? Mix won't coast on just being big.
AJ, you shouldn't have been eliminated. After working so har to go from homeless to home run, you WILL be a deserving WWE Diva. Smile kid :)
Kevin Nash said WWE proved we are a work with The Miz as champ? Nash's work never exposed the business? Mix won't coast on just being big.
AJ, you shouldn't have been eliminated. After working so har to go from homeless to home run, you WILL be a deserving WWE Diva. Smile kid :)
Joey Styles Tweets On WWE Contract Expiring
Joey Styles tweeted the following this morning:
My WWE contract expires tomorrow. It's been an interesting 5 years. If you think I speak my mind now, imagine what I'll say...or do tomorrow
My WWE contract expires tomorrow. It's been an interesting 5 years. If you think I speak my mind now, imagine what I'll say...or do tomorrow
Jake Roberts-WWE, Another Top MMA Fighter To WWE?
-- Steven Fernandes sent this one in: WWE.com have added Jake 'The Snake' Roberts and The Goobledy Gooker to their Alumni section. From the recently released, only Tiffany and Jillian Hall have been added to the Alumni section.
-- MMA fighter Shonie Carter recently told MMAFighting that he wants to go to WWE: "I want to go to the WWE. I've talked to CM Punk about it. He works out at my gym. ...I'm coming to acknowledge the mid-life crisis that a lot of guys go through where they get a Corvette and a hot blonde girlfriend with big boobs. I've just decided to do the WWE."
-- MMA fighter Shonie Carter recently told MMAFighting that he wants to go to WWE: "I want to go to the WWE. I've talked to CM Punk about it. He works out at my gym. ...I'm coming to acknowledge the mid-life crisis that a lot of guys go through where they get a Corvette and a hot blonde girlfriend with big boobs. I've just decided to do the WWE."
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Backstage TNA News - Rhino's Future?, Bruce Prichard Update
-- Rhino is believed to be working on a nightly deal with TNA Wrestling. He was telling people at Turning Point that he had yet to receive a contract offer from the company.
One TNA source noted that the company had originally intended to part ways with Rhino when his contract expired, but he's staying put for the time being due to his current program with Rob Van Dam. However, the belief amongst many in the organization is that he will be gone once the storyline concludes.
-- Bruce Prichard, who recently joined TNA Wrestling, has not been involved in creative or agents meetings. Rather, he produces pre-taped segments. He has kept a low profile since joining the organization a few weeks ago, but a number of wrestlers and personnel are said to leery of him due to his reputation for playing political games in WWE.
One TNA source noted that the company had originally intended to part ways with Rhino when his contract expired, but he's staying put for the time being due to his current program with Rob Van Dam. However, the belief amongst many in the organization is that he will be gone once the storyline concludes.
-- Bruce Prichard, who recently joined TNA Wrestling, has not been involved in creative or agents meetings. Rather, he produces pre-taped segments. He has kept a low profile since joining the organization a few weeks ago, but a number of wrestlers and personnel are said to leery of him due to his reputation for playing political games in WWE.
Backstage Michael Cole/John Cena News
-- Among those hugged by John Cena following the result of the WWE Championship Match at the Survivor Series was Michael Cole, which appears peculiar given the RAW announcer's heelish persona. It should be noted that the two are close behind the scenes and the hug between the two was done to add realism to the storyline of Cena being fired from WWE.
'Superstar' Billy Graham Health Update, Lita Joins Twitter
-- Recently fired WWE star Luke Gallows noted on Twitter that he won't be accepting any interview requests. He cites personal and professional reasons.
-- In a sad update, WWE Hall of Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham, 67, is suffering from third stage liver disease. It should be noted that a new drug developed in Wales that the Indiana University School of Medicine has picked up on has stopped Hepatitis C in most cases. This is what has caused Graham's current liver issues. This drug is not expected to be approved by the FDA until at least November of 2011. Also, Graham has already made arrangements for a cemetery plot in Phoenix, Arizona which would be very close to that of Eddie Guerrero's. The two were former friends. Sad.
-- Trish Stratus' official Twitter page has confirmed that former WWE Diva Amy 'Lita' Dumas has launched her own Twitter account. You can follow her now at http://twitter.com/AmyDumas
-- In a sad update, WWE Hall of Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham, 67, is suffering from third stage liver disease. It should be noted that a new drug developed in Wales that the Indiana University School of Medicine has picked up on has stopped Hepatitis C in most cases. This is what has caused Graham's current liver issues. This drug is not expected to be approved by the FDA until at least November of 2011. Also, Graham has already made arrangements for a cemetery plot in Phoenix, Arizona which would be very close to that of Eddie Guerrero's. The two were former friends. Sad.
-- Trish Stratus' official Twitter page has confirmed that former WWE Diva Amy 'Lita' Dumas has launched her own Twitter account. You can follow her now at http://twitter.com/AmyDumas
Kurt Angle Talks WWE vs. TNA
-- Kurt Angle posted several Twitter messages starting that he is looking to film a "good vs. evil" movie alongside Rob Van Dam. He also commented on WWE and TNA. Here are some of the highlights: "I truly look a wwe and it's not the same without shawn, HHH, rock, austin and me. They have incredible talent like 'Taker, kane and others. I thank GOD vince game me a chance, but any talent won't be is HUGE as we were. I'm not trying to benefit Tna. I love Tna. But wwe needs upper talent. I hope they do it, but when I was in wwe, the talent was incredible. Rey mysterio, cena and orton picked up the slack. But is wwe like it was? Tna has Awesome talent. I Pray we can compete up against the Monster wwe someday. I will do my very best. I loved wwe when I was there-but tna is better for me. I Pray we both succeed incredibly. Kurt. A big shout out to some of my boys that I forgot to mention in my comment last night, Edge, Y2J, Christian, Eddie and Benoit. Good times!!!"
The Rock Speaks Out - Shane McMahon, Lesnar, & More
Credit: Jeff Sheridan and Pwinsider.com
The Rock called in today on O&A, said that he was happy that Linda McMahon ran for senator in CT, said he's happy making movies, talked about Mick Foley a bit.
He then plugged his "Faster" movie, says Billy Bob Thornton and others are in the "Faster". He then talks about what the movie "Faster" is about, then says after having his last match with Brock Lesnar he then decided to go into the movies.
He complimented Steve O on the "Jackass 3D" movie, then says he either does his own stunts in movies or has stunt people do his own stunts. He says in his early days he's worked with great acting coaches for his movies.
Dwayne says he and McMahon co-owns "The Rock" name, says this all goes back to his grandfather & dad working with McMahon which had McMahon decide for the co-ownership.
Johnson says he was at the tail end of McMahon's "kiss my ass" fan club and says at the time, those moments were the best times when it was WWF. O&A all talk about Mae Young giving birth to a hand, Stephanie being chained into the boiler room, Shane McMahon taking bumps.
Dwayne says that Shane's got business overseas and thinks he may have had some meetings with UFC's Dana White. He says Shane's always willing to bust his ass into the wrestling business. Opie and Anthony said Shane probably had no choice but to be in wrestling given he was Vince's son.
Dwayne says that Brock Lesnar was so passionate about wrestling in the beginning and at the end of the day, he felt "f*** it".
O&A give more plugs for "Faster" and that's where the segment ends.
The show replays at 3PM & 8PM EST on Sirius' ch. 197 & XM's ch. 202.
The Rock called in today on O&A, said that he was happy that Linda McMahon ran for senator in CT, said he's happy making movies, talked about Mick Foley a bit.
He then plugged his "Faster" movie, says Billy Bob Thornton and others are in the "Faster". He then talks about what the movie "Faster" is about, then says after having his last match with Brock Lesnar he then decided to go into the movies.
He complimented Steve O on the "Jackass 3D" movie, then says he either does his own stunts in movies or has stunt people do his own stunts. He says in his early days he's worked with great acting coaches for his movies.
Dwayne says he and McMahon co-owns "The Rock" name, says this all goes back to his grandfather & dad working with McMahon which had McMahon decide for the co-ownership.
Johnson says he was at the tail end of McMahon's "kiss my ass" fan club and says at the time, those moments were the best times when it was WWF. O&A all talk about Mae Young giving birth to a hand, Stephanie being chained into the boiler room, Shane McMahon taking bumps.
Dwayne says that Shane's got business overseas and thinks he may have had some meetings with UFC's Dana White. He says Shane's always willing to bust his ass into the wrestling business. Opie and Anthony said Shane probably had no choice but to be in wrestling given he was Vince's son.
Dwayne says that Brock Lesnar was so passionate about wrestling in the beginning and at the end of the day, he felt "f*** it".
O&A give more plugs for "Faster" and that's where the segment ends.
The show replays at 3PM & 8PM EST on Sirius' ch. 197 & XM's ch. 202.
Why Alex Riley Wasn't Fired By WWE, Shad Gaspard To MMA?
-- A video of Shad Gaspard taking part in MMA training surfaced online the day after it was announced that he had been fired by WWE. A source close to Gaspard says the former Cryme Tyme member has friends in MMA and predicted before the video surfaced that he would attempt to launch a career in the sport. Gaspard is also looking into acting. You can check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQQBwL-YETg
-- According to a source, Alex Riley's on-air association with The Miz pretty much saved him from being fired by WWE following his DUI arrest last Wednesday in Tampa, Florida. He was said to be pretty nervous for several days, however. WWE did not officially announce any punishment. Riley also worked the Survivor Series pay-per-view and Monday's RAW. Basically, he caught a lucky break. For those who haven't seen it before, you can click here to view Riley's sad-face mugshot.
-- According to a source, Alex Riley's on-air association with The Miz pretty much saved him from being fired by WWE following his DUI arrest last Wednesday in Tampa, Florida. He was said to be pretty nervous for several days, however. WWE did not officially announce any punishment. Riley also worked the Survivor Series pay-per-view and Monday's RAW. Basically, he caught a lucky break. For those who haven't seen it before, you can click here to view Riley's sad-face mugshot.
Fans Let In Arena Prematurely For RAW
-- According to a fan in attendance at this week's RAW, arena staff prematurely allowed several fans into the Amway Center on Monday for RAW. Once inside, the fans saw Vince McMahon, Triple H, members of The Nexus, John Cena, The Miz, Randy Orton and several agents in the ring rehearsing what would be the show's main event. Security personnel then ushered the fans out of the arena for another 15 minutes or so. Ooops!
The Latest Elimination From WWE NXT - Details
There was another elimination on last night's episode of WWE NXT as AJ was been eliminated from the competition. Naomi and Kaitlyn are the two remaining Divas in the competition.
Following the announcement, A.J. spoke on the mic and thanked everyone who voted for her. She began to cry while discussing the fans being ready for a Diva such as her. A.J. said during her promo that she wanted to represent all of the girls watching and be a girl the guys want to hang out with. She said it is not the last they have seen of her and that she will be back to accomplish her dreams. We'll see.
The winner of the competition will be announced on next week's season finale.
Following the announcement, A.J. spoke on the mic and thanked everyone who voted for her. She began to cry while discussing the fans being ready for a Diva such as her. A.J. said during her promo that she wanted to represent all of the girls watching and be a girl the guys want to hang out with. She said it is not the last they have seen of her and that she will be back to accomplish her dreams. We'll see.
The winner of the competition will be announced on next week's season finale.
Report: Bret Hart's WWE Contract Expires
According to a backstage WWE source, the reason Bret Hart is not being used on WWE TV right now is because Hart's contract with the company has expired. Due to his contract ending, the decision was made not to put him on television going further for cameos and other low-level appearances, since they have several stars under legends deals that can do these type of things. The feeling internally is that if they have something big for Hart to do, they will sign him to another short-term contract.
Hart and WWE remain on good terms, and Hart has worked in markets such as Calgary and in Europe, where his name means more. He also enjoys working these days. The relationship works out for both sides, as Hart gets to return to places he was a major star in and liked performing, while WWE gets a special attraction for their fans.
Hart and WWE remain on good terms, and Hart has worked in markets such as Calgary and in Europe, where his name means more. He also enjoys working these days. The relationship works out for both sides, as Hart gets to return to places he was a major star in and liked performing, while WWE gets a special attraction for their fans.
Joey Styles Apologizes, Says Contract Is Ending
Joey Styles apologized on Twitter (http://twitter.com/JoeyStyles) last night for spoiling last week's WWE NXT, and then said his contract expired this week…
"I'm sorry I prematurely revealed Aksana was eliminated before it was streamed despite the fact that it happened three hours earlier. Period."
"Are you fans sorry that my WWE contract expires this Friday? Goodnight and Happy Thanksgiving."
"I'm sorry I prematurely revealed Aksana was eliminated before it was streamed despite the fact that it happened three hours earlier. Period."
"Are you fans sorry that my WWE contract expires this Friday? Goodnight and Happy Thanksgiving."
**SPOILERS** WWE SmackDown Taping Results
WWE Smackdown (Airing Friday November 26)
Smackdown opened with Kane complaining about Edge taking Paul Bearer. He said he is human, celebrates holidays, loves Thanksgiving and really needs his father back. Edge makes him say sorry, beg, and finally doesn't give him back. Kane made a mistake during the promo which they will have to edit out before the showing.
1. Kofi Kingston beats Jack Swagger in a King of the Ring qualifier. Long match with a bunch of missed spots by Kofi. Kofi eventually hits his finisher on Swagger for the win. Afterward Swagger complained that his eagle didn't help him enough.
2. Alberto Del Rio defeated Big Show by countout in a King of the Ring qualifier. Decently long match with Big Show chopping and slapping Del Rio for a while, before Del Rio took him down and worked on his leg. Outside the ring, Del Rio's ring announcer held onto Big Shows foot. Show picked him up, knock out punched him, but paid no attention to the count.
Promo with Edge and Paul Bearer in the bathroom.
3. Drew McIntyre beat MVP in a King of the Ring qualifier. Another somewhat long match in which MVP's arm was worked on most of the match. Played into the end, and let McIntyre hit his finisher for the win. Not much crowd noise for either one.
4. Kelly Kelly beat Michelle McCool. After the match, LayCool beat down Kelly, but Beth Phoenix made the save and hit her finisher on McCool.
Edge sat up in the stands with Paul Bearer and called out Kane. Edge threatened to throw Paul down the stairs. Kane ran up to get Paul, but Edge left. They filmed to endings to the segment, one being Kane runs out and no one is there, the other is Kane runs up and sees an empty wheelchair.
Rosa Mendes made Hornswoggle a turkey but burned it. Jack Swagger yelled at the bird backstage again and threatened him. Horny had the bright idea to eat the eagle since Rosa burned the other. He shot the eagle with an arrow off camera. Could be the end of the eagle.
5. Dashing Cody Rhodes beat Rey Mysterio in a King of the Ring qualifier. Del Rio out for commentary. Del Rio paced around the ring while on commentary, waiting for the right time to get to Rey. Eventually the ref was distracted and Del Rio pulled Rey into the ring post. Cody hit his finisher and got the pin. After the match, Del Rio attacked Rey, went for the Arm Bar, but Rey escaped to end the show.
All matches were a good length. Unlike Raw, these were not rushed through. Most of the arena was empty. Kelly Kelly's mother and grandmother were in attendance, as she is from the area.
Dark Main Event
1. Rey Mysterio and Big Show defeated Alberto Del Rio and Drew McIntyre. The match was supposed to be Rey, Show and Edge vs. DelRio, Kane and Swagger. They played around for most of the match with Show chopping them a lot. No one really kept a straight face, especially McIntyre. He kept laughing when he got chopped. Rey jumped off of Show's shoulders for the win.
Juan Cena-WWE Update (Mask)
-- It is being rumored that Juan Cena will likely be a Mexican mask gimmick. That means you'll see John Cena at WWE house shows with a mask appearing under the name Juan Cena. We'll keep you posted.
John Cena 'Buys Tickets' To Next Week's RAW
John Cena wrote on Twitter that he "bought tickets" for this Monday's RAW in Philadelphia. That is obviously the next twist in the Cena "fired" storyline.
Here is the full tweet from Cena: "CeNation. Last night was tough. I am glad it's over. On way to see niece. And moms bday tomorrow. Sorry i ran back in ring but i told...Mr. Barrett that if he keeps taking short cuts it will come back to haunt him," he said. "Just got tix for Raw in Philly I can only hope he makes more short cuts."
Here is the full tweet from Cena: "CeNation. Last night was tough. I am glad it's over. On way to see niece. And moms bday tomorrow. Sorry i ran back in ring but i told...Mr. Barrett that if he keeps taking short cuts it will come back to haunt him," he said. "Just got tix for Raw in Philly I can only hope he makes more short cuts."
Extreme Rules PPV Update, Melina/Morrison Angle, & More
-- Melina slapping John Morrison on the butt Monday night on RAW is said to be WWE's way of acknowledging that the two were a couple, similar to what TNA is doing with Chris Sabin and Velvet Sky.
-- WWE developmental wrestler Jackson Andrews, a 7 foot tall grappler, beat Goldust in a dark match prior to last night's RAW broadcast.
-- Wrestling valet Trina Michaels has been nominated for a 2011 AVN Award for Cross Over Star of the Year for going from adult films to wrestling.
-- WWE developmental wrestler Jackson Andrews, a 7 foot tall grappler, beat Goldust in a dark match prior to last night's RAW broadcast.
-- Wrestling valet Trina Michaels has been nominated for a 2011 AVN Award for Cross Over Star of the Year for going from adult films to wrestling.
Juan Cena Is Coming To WWE, Updated WWE-MSG Card
-- Many WWE live event cards have updated to say that "John Cena's Mexican Cousin", Juan Cena, will be replacing John Cena. This is how they plan to get around Cena being "fired" but still working house shows.
-- Below is the updated card for WWE's return to Madison Square Garden on 12/26, according to the Garden's official website:
*Juan Cena vs. Randy Orton vs. The Miz vs. Wade Barrett in a Steel Cage for the WWE title.
*Roddy Piper returns to MSG to present Piper's Pit.
*12 Man Battle Royal: Zack Ryder, R-Truth, John Morrison, Vladimir Kozlov, William Regal, Alex Riley, Justin Gabriel, Goldust, Primo, Ezekiel Jackson, Ted DiBiase, Heath Slater
*Battle Royal winner to challenge WWE United States champion Daniel Bryan.
*Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. The Nexus for the WWE Tag Team championship.
*Mark Henry vs. Sheamus
*Melina & Eve vs. Alicia Fox & Maryse: Santa's Helper Diva Tag Team Match
*Goldust vs. Ted DiBiase
*Ezekiel Jackson vs. Zack Ryder
*Michael Cole will be appearing on behalf of the Raw General Manager.
-- Below is the updated card for WWE's return to Madison Square Garden on 12/26, according to the Garden's official website:
*Juan Cena vs. Randy Orton vs. The Miz vs. Wade Barrett in a Steel Cage for the WWE title.
*Roddy Piper returns to MSG to present Piper's Pit.
*12 Man Battle Royal: Zack Ryder, R-Truth, John Morrison, Vladimir Kozlov, William Regal, Alex Riley, Justin Gabriel, Goldust, Primo, Ezekiel Jackson, Ted DiBiase, Heath Slater
*Battle Royal winner to challenge WWE United States champion Daniel Bryan.
*Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. The Nexus for the WWE Tag Team championship.
*Mark Henry vs. Sheamus
*Melina & Eve vs. Alicia Fox & Maryse: Santa's Helper Diva Tag Team Match
*Goldust vs. Ted DiBiase
*Ezekiel Jackson vs. Zack Ryder
*Michael Cole will be appearing on behalf of the Raw General Manager.
This Week's RAW Rating Is In + Nash Blasts Miz's Title Win
-- This week's WWE RAW drew a 3.3 cable rating, with 4,856,000 viewers. The show did hours of 3.26 (3.3) and 3.34 (3.3). The NFL game on ESPN only did an 8.41 rating. That's not good for a Monday night NFL game.
-- Friday's edition of SmackDown! did a 1.73 (1.7) cable rating, with 2,523,000 viewers. That's 1,000 less viewers than the SyFy premiere.
-- Kevin Nash, a former WWE Champion, remarked the following on Twitter regarding The Miz winning the WWE Championship on RAW: "WWE told the world that there sh*t is a work with the Miz as champ," he wrote on Twitter.
-- Friday's edition of SmackDown! did a 1.73 (1.7) cable rating, with 2,523,000 viewers. That's 1,000 less viewers than the SyFy premiere.
-- Kevin Nash, a former WWE Champion, remarked the following on Twitter regarding The Miz winning the WWE Championship on RAW: "WWE told the world that there sh*t is a work with the Miz as champ," he wrote on Twitter.
Report: WWE Agent Dean Malenko Suffers Heart Attack
WWE agent/producer Dean Malenko suffered a heart attack in recent months, according to Phil Mushnick. He has since recovered as he was backstage at the Survivor Series pay-per-view in Miami, where he resides.
Mushnick adds that no mention has been made to anyone of his health problems. He contacted WWE spokesman Robert Zimmerman regarding the matter, but received no response.
Mushnick adds that no mention has been made to anyone of his health problems. He contacted WWE spokesman Robert Zimmerman regarding the matter, but received no response.
Striker's Huge Mistake, Mysterio Featured, Phoenix Nervous
-- Rey Mysterio is featured on the cover of the Holiday 2010 issue of WWE Magazine.
-- As noted earlier here on the website, there was much talk amongst those in WWE regarding Matt Striker blowing a call during the Survivor Series pay-per-view broadcast when Randy Orton pinned Wade Barrett because he acted as if it was a good thing that the "The Viper" had won the match because Cena would be freed from The Nexus. However, that would only have happened if Barrett had won the bout, allowing Cena to be freed from the faction while also retaining employment with WWE.
-- Beth Phoenix returns to SmackDown! on this week's show. "I'm nervous and excited for SmackDown," she wrote on Twitter. "I've got revenge on my mind and unfinished business to take care of."
-- As noted earlier here on the website, there was much talk amongst those in WWE regarding Matt Striker blowing a call during the Survivor Series pay-per-view broadcast when Randy Orton pinned Wade Barrett because he acted as if it was a good thing that the "The Viper" had won the match because Cena would be freed from The Nexus. However, that would only have happened if Barrett had won the bout, allowing Cena to be freed from the faction while also retaining employment with WWE.
-- Beth Phoenix returns to SmackDown! on this week's show. "I'm nervous and excited for SmackDown," she wrote on Twitter. "I've got revenge on my mind and unfinished business to take care of."
Who Was Backstage At RAW Last Night?, Hardy's Pill Usage
-- Matt Hardy implied during an interview with AOL Fanhouse that WWE may have altered their Wellness Policy because of him. The former WWE Superstar admits to using muscle relaxant, but says he did not take anymore than his physician prescribed. He believes the company amended their drug testing policy due to the situation. He also noted that he was released two weeks before it was publicly announced by the company. The interview can be accessed at FanHouse.com.
-- Former WWE stars Haku and Harvey Wippleman were backstage visiting colleagues last night in Orlando, Florida at RAW. Chris Jericho and his wife were also backstage at the show visiting.
-- This week marks the twentieth anniversary of the day The Undertaker debuted in World Wrestling Entertainment. WWE.com salutes his two decades of destruction with a feature on their website.
-- Matches taped for this Thursday's episode of WWE Superstars yesterday in Orlando, Florida were Mark Henry vs. The Usos in a Handicap Match and Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. Zack Ryder & Primo. More matches will be taped tonight at the NXT-SmackDown! tapings.
-- Former WWE stars Haku and Harvey Wippleman were backstage visiting colleagues last night in Orlando, Florida at RAW. Chris Jericho and his wife were also backstage at the show visiting.
-- This week marks the twentieth anniversary of the day The Undertaker debuted in World Wrestling Entertainment. WWE.com salutes his two decades of destruction with a feature on their website.
-- Matches taped for this Thursday's episode of WWE Superstars yesterday in Orlando, Florida were Mark Henry vs. The Usos in a Handicap Match and Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. Zack Ryder & Primo. More matches will be taped tonight at the NXT-SmackDown! tapings.
John Cena's Profile Removed, Daniel Bryan-The Bella Twins, Orton
-- John Cena's profile has been removed from the RAW roster page on WWE.com. It can, however, be accessed via the WWE Alumni section.
-- Daniel Bryan posted the following on his Twitter…"What's the deal with the Bellas? I have absolutely ZERO idea."
-- Randy Orton and The Miz were both trending topics last night on Twitter.
-- Daniel Bryan posted the following on his Twitter…"What's the deal with the Bellas? I have absolutely ZERO idea."
-- Randy Orton and The Miz were both trending topics last night on Twitter.
Tiffany Speaks Out - WWE Firing, TNA Debut, Future, More
Former WWE Diva/ECW General Manager, Taryn "Tiffany" Terrell, was one of the featured guests on this week's live edition (11/22/10) of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem. You can feel the "MNM Fall Tour '10" every Monday evening (at 7PM ET/6PM CT), exclusively on The Monday Night Mayhem Radio Network (www.MondayNightMayhem.com).
Taryn joined The Big Mosh & "The Chairman of the Board" Todd Vincent for her debut on "Your Home of Wrestling Radio" (in her first post-WWE interview):
Interview highlights courtesy of The Mayhem's official correspondent, Paterson from New Jersey:
The reason behind her positive view on her WWE release & whether or not she has any hard feelings towards the WWE: "No. It was such an amazing ride & journey, and without it, I would not have met my husband and met so many great friends. Everything in my life, whenever one chapter closed in my life, there's always something else waiting right there. I loved it, and had such a great time, and I have nothing bad to say. There was just so many people that was always willing to help and create better talent, create a better show, and I have nothing but good things to say."
If the WWE gave her any reason for her release or if she received any warnings before being let go by the company this past Friday: "No, I didn't. I was on suspension for a few months there, so I knew there was a possibility, but obviously I had my fingers crossed the whole time, like 'Please take me back; please take me back.' When it came down to it, the decision was made by who knows and decided not to. Of course I was really sad, and I have definitely had my few days of crying, but you can't cry over spilled milk forever."
Whether or not she feels that her suspension from this past summer had anything to do with her release: "I have no idea. I'm so clueless as to all of that. I was kinda left in the dark with the business end of things. Whatever is going on in Stamford, we're not really privy to. While I was suspended, I was at home, so it's not like I was clued in on anything, so I have no clue."
If she believes that the Internet took the reported domestic incident between her & her husband (Drew McIntyre) and made it something different/larger than what it actually was: "I'm not ever going to say what happened, but it was one huge misunderstanding. It seemed like the Internet made up an entire story of what happened. Really what it really comes down to is someone had an ax to grind with my husband & I, and obviously there was nothing that happened, because everything got dropped immediately. It was just really unfortunate that it all had to play out that way. It was certainly one huge misunderstanding, and my husband & I love each other very much, and we have a wonderful & healthy relationship. It was a shame that people had to say bad things, but that kind of just comes with the territory when you are in the public eye. People are going to harp on what they think could possibly be a negative."
How her husband is taking the news of her release & why she feels that Drew will take her release as his own personal motivation to get to be on top in the WWE: "That actually brings tears to my eyes. We are best friends, and we love traveling together, so it's difficult to realize that we don't get to work. That's all we ever known is working together. It's sad, and I think he's probably upset about it, but he's tough, and he's talented, and so good at what he does. He's got the most insane drive & determination to be on top, and he will be there. And, if anything, this gives him even more reason to go 'Ok I'm getting there.' He's sad, but he's going to use it has motivation."
Her future in the business & why, if TNA came "knocking at her door," she would be open to making a Knockout debut: "I would definitely say that my future is wrestling. I was not this crazy lifelong fan. I wish I could say I was, but from the time I started wrestling before my very first tryout at OVW, I bought five wrestling books, and read them, and learned as much as I could. I immediately fell in love with the business, and I have such strong passion for it, so no matter what, I'm definitely going to be wrestling. If TNA comes knocking at my door, I'm definitely open to that, and I think Dixie Carter has done really an amazing job. She's really put in a lot into the Knockouts division, and they have a lot of really great talent there. I would love to go there. I'd love to be with TNA. I just love it, and have such a passion for it, and whoever will have me, I am ready to get back into the ring."
More is contained in Taryn's first post-WWE interview, including her candid thoughts & comments on whether or not she was promised a run as WWE Divas Champion after transitioning from her role as the General Manager of ECW, how she found out about ECW being pulled off the air by Syfy (and why she was sad when the program was canceled), the credit she gives Teddy Long, "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, Natalya, & Michelle McCool for her success with the company, why she feels that the "Diva Search" stigma is still attached to her, her favorite experiences & memories in the WWE, why helping to fight against Cystic fibrosis is so important to her & her family, her charitable plans for the holiday season/into 2011, a message to her fans around the globe, plus so much more! The rumors & speculation can now be put to rest, as Taryn breaks her silence in this worldwide Mayhem exclusive! Log on to Taryn's all-new official website (located at www.TarynTerrell.com), and be sure to follow the former WWE Diva/ECW General Manager on Facebook (at www.Facebook.com/OfficialTarynTerrell) & on Twitter (at www.Twitter.com/Taryn_Terrell).
Taryn joined The Big Mosh & "The Chairman of the Board" Todd Vincent for her debut on "Your Home of Wrestling Radio" (in her first post-WWE interview):
Interview highlights courtesy of The Mayhem's official correspondent, Paterson from New Jersey:
The reason behind her positive view on her WWE release & whether or not she has any hard feelings towards the WWE: "No. It was such an amazing ride & journey, and without it, I would not have met my husband and met so many great friends. Everything in my life, whenever one chapter closed in my life, there's always something else waiting right there. I loved it, and had such a great time, and I have nothing bad to say. There was just so many people that was always willing to help and create better talent, create a better show, and I have nothing but good things to say."
If the WWE gave her any reason for her release or if she received any warnings before being let go by the company this past Friday: "No, I didn't. I was on suspension for a few months there, so I knew there was a possibility, but obviously I had my fingers crossed the whole time, like 'Please take me back; please take me back.' When it came down to it, the decision was made by who knows and decided not to. Of course I was really sad, and I have definitely had my few days of crying, but you can't cry over spilled milk forever."
Whether or not she feels that her suspension from this past summer had anything to do with her release: "I have no idea. I'm so clueless as to all of that. I was kinda left in the dark with the business end of things. Whatever is going on in Stamford, we're not really privy to. While I was suspended, I was at home, so it's not like I was clued in on anything, so I have no clue."
If she believes that the Internet took the reported domestic incident between her & her husband (Drew McIntyre) and made it something different/larger than what it actually was: "I'm not ever going to say what happened, but it was one huge misunderstanding. It seemed like the Internet made up an entire story of what happened. Really what it really comes down to is someone had an ax to grind with my husband & I, and obviously there was nothing that happened, because everything got dropped immediately. It was just really unfortunate that it all had to play out that way. It was certainly one huge misunderstanding, and my husband & I love each other very much, and we have a wonderful & healthy relationship. It was a shame that people had to say bad things, but that kind of just comes with the territory when you are in the public eye. People are going to harp on what they think could possibly be a negative."
How her husband is taking the news of her release & why she feels that Drew will take her release as his own personal motivation to get to be on top in the WWE: "That actually brings tears to my eyes. We are best friends, and we love traveling together, so it's difficult to realize that we don't get to work. That's all we ever known is working together. It's sad, and I think he's probably upset about it, but he's tough, and he's talented, and so good at what he does. He's got the most insane drive & determination to be on top, and he will be there. And, if anything, this gives him even more reason to go 'Ok I'm getting there.' He's sad, but he's going to use it has motivation."
Her future in the business & why, if TNA came "knocking at her door," she would be open to making a Knockout debut: "I would definitely say that my future is wrestling. I was not this crazy lifelong fan. I wish I could say I was, but from the time I started wrestling before my very first tryout at OVW, I bought five wrestling books, and read them, and learned as much as I could. I immediately fell in love with the business, and I have such strong passion for it, so no matter what, I'm definitely going to be wrestling. If TNA comes knocking at my door, I'm definitely open to that, and I think Dixie Carter has done really an amazing job. She's really put in a lot into the Knockouts division, and they have a lot of really great talent there. I would love to go there. I'd love to be with TNA. I just love it, and have such a passion for it, and whoever will have me, I am ready to get back into the ring."
More is contained in Taryn's first post-WWE interview, including her candid thoughts & comments on whether or not she was promised a run as WWE Divas Champion after transitioning from her role as the General Manager of ECW, how she found out about ECW being pulled off the air by Syfy (and why she was sad when the program was canceled), the credit she gives Teddy Long, "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, Natalya, & Michelle McCool for her success with the company, why she feels that the "Diva Search" stigma is still attached to her, her favorite experiences & memories in the WWE, why helping to fight against Cystic fibrosis is so important to her & her family, her charitable plans for the holiday season/into 2011, a message to her fans around the globe, plus so much more! The rumors & speculation can now be put to rest, as Taryn breaks her silence in this worldwide Mayhem exclusive! Log on to Taryn's all-new official website (located at www.TarynTerrell.com), and be sure to follow the former WWE Diva/ECW General Manager on Facebook (at www.Facebook.com/OfficialTarynTerrell) & on Twitter (at www.Twitter.com/Taryn_Terrell).
Casting Call Posted For WWE Tough Enough - Details
The following casting call has been posted for the revival of Tough Enough…
Are you TOUGH ENOUGH to become the next WWE SUPERSTAR?
WWE and the USA Network are bringing back the hit reality competition show Tough Enough! One competitor will earn a WWE contract and be the next WWE Superstar!!!
Casting Producers are searching the world to find extraordinary men and women with the following qualities:
- CHARISMA
- PERSONALITY
- ATHLETICISM
- AGILITY
- STAMINA
- STRENGTH
- And an INTENSE DESIRE to be the next WWE SUPERSTAR!
If you believe you have what it takes to not only earn the contract, but excel in World Wrestling Entertainment... Apply now. Closely follow the application instructions.
Are you TOUGH ENOUGH to become the next WWE SUPERSTAR?
WWE and the USA Network are bringing back the hit reality competition show Tough Enough! One competitor will earn a WWE contract and be the next WWE Superstar!!!
Casting Producers are searching the world to find extraordinary men and women with the following qualities:
- CHARISMA
- PERSONALITY
- ATHLETICISM
- AGILITY
- STAMINA
- STRENGTH
- And an INTENSE DESIRE to be the next WWE SUPERSTAR!
If you believe you have what it takes to not only earn the contract, but excel in World Wrestling Entertainment... Apply now. Closely follow the application instructions.
Update On WWE Creative Team Firings + Talents Removed
-- As noted yesterday here on the website, World Wrestling Entertainment dismissed two to four creative team writers last week, in addition to Christopher "Big Dick Johnson" DeJoseph. Their names have yet to be disclosed. WWE has been actively scouting potential writers in recent months.
-- WWE removed the profiles of those released Friday from the company website Monday. Those removed were Tiffany, Jillian Hall, Luke Gallows, Shad Gaspard, Vance Archer and Caylen Croft. Referee Aaron "Goose" Mahoney, however, was not removed.
-- WWE removed the profiles of those released Friday from the company website Monday. Those removed were Tiffany, Jillian Hall, Luke Gallows, Shad Gaspard, Vance Archer and Caylen Croft. Referee Aaron "Goose" Mahoney, however, was not removed.
John Cena's Wife Attends RAW, LayCool-RAW Security?
-- After RAW went off the air last night, Randy Orton stayed in the ring for some time selling his leg injury before slowly returning to the locker room.
-- The security guard in the LayCool segment on RAWlast night was played by Teddy Stigma, local Florida independent talent.
-- John Cena's wife Elizabeth was seated in the front row at last night's RAW in Orlando, Florida. For those who have never seen her before, you can click here to view 25 photos from John Cena's wedding.
CM Punk Joins RAW Announce Team - Details Inside
C.M. Punk was introduced as the newest member of the RAW announce team on Monday's RAW. Following the opening segment, Punk joined Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler for the rest of the broadcast.
Punk took a potshot at Alex Riley's DUI arrest last week as the apprentice of The Miz entered the ring for his King of the Ring qualifying match against Ezekiel Jackson. Punk pondered if Riley was "under the influence." Awesome.
Punk, who is expected to remain sidelined until January due to an injury to his gluteus maximus, was described by a company source as the guy "on the team dying to get back in the game and do something."
Punk took a potshot at Alex Riley's DUI arrest last week as the apprentice of The Miz entered the ring for his King of the Ring qualifying match against Ezekiel Jackson. Punk pondered if Riley was "under the influence." Awesome.
Punk, who is expected to remain sidelined until January due to an injury to his gluteus maximus, was described by a company source as the guy "on the team dying to get back in the game and do something."
TMZ Covers The Miz’s WWE Title Victory - Details
TMZ.com has an article up, covering the Miz's WWE Title win last night on RAW. They note that he was a star of Real World: Season 10, and that he started his WWE career in 2004.
They also made mention that it is a good month for Real World alumni, as season six contestant Sean Duffy won a seat in Congress earlier this month.
They also made mention that it is a good month for Real World alumni, as season six contestant Sean Duffy won a seat in Congress earlier this month.
WWE Tough Enough Return Update
-- WWE and USA will announce today that they will be seeking contestants for the new version of the Tough Enough series. They will release a casting breakdown today, and word is that filming will begin in February, with the series debuting in the spring. The return of the show is an effort by the USA Network to do more reality shows to balance out their successful drama shows.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
RAW KOTR Participants Revealed - SD! Qualifying Bouts
Wrestlers who qualified for next week's King of the Ring tournament this week on RAW were Sheamus (over R-Truth), Ezekiel Jackson (over Alex Riley), United States Champion Daniel Bryan (over Ted DiBiase) and John Morrison (over Tyson Kidd).
It was announced during the RAW broadcast that SmackDown Superstars Big Show, Alberto Del Rio, Kofi Kingston, Drew McIntyre, Rey Mysterio, Jack Swagger, MVP and Cody Rhodes would compete in King of the Ring qualifying matches on this week's episode of SmackDown. Big Show vs. Alberto Del Rio was announced as a qualifying match. The show will be taped tonight in Jacksonville, FL.
The single-elimination tournament will feature eight participants and will take place on a three-hour RAW from Philadelphia, PA next week.
It was announced during the RAW broadcast that SmackDown Superstars Big Show, Alberto Del Rio, Kofi Kingston, Drew McIntyre, Rey Mysterio, Jack Swagger, MVP and Cody Rhodes would compete in King of the Ring qualifying matches on this week's episode of SmackDown. Big Show vs. Alberto Del Rio was announced as a qualifying match. The show will be taped tonight in Jacksonville, FL.
The single-elimination tournament will feature eight participants and will take place on a three-hour RAW from Philadelphia, PA next week.
New WWE Champion Crowned - The Miz Cashes In
As most everyone saw on RAW, Randy Orton defeated Wade Barrett in a rematch from Sunday night's Survivor Series PPV to retain the WWE Championship. After the match ended, The Miz cashed in his "Money in the Bank" briefcase and defeated Randy Orton to become the new WWE Champion. Here is a blurb from our RAW report:
After the match, The Miz and Alex Riley run down to the ring. The Miz is cashing in!
WWE Championship
The Miz vs. Randy Orton
The bell rings and Miz stalks Orton around the ring, going for the knee first. Orton fights him off. Miz charges Orton in the corner but Orton fights him off again.
Miz takes Orton down and starts working on the knee. Miz drags Orton over and uses the ringpost on Orton’s injured knee. Orton kicks Miz off and he hits the fan barrier at ringside. Miz comes back in the ring but Orton meets him with a clothesline. Miz goes for the Skull Crushing Finale but Orton counters. Orton drops Miz with an uppercut. Orton goes for the second-rope DDT but Miz blocks it and goes for the knee. Orton catches Miz in a big powerslam. Orton hits the mat and gets hyped.
Orton goes for the RKO, but Miz reversed with the Skull Crushing Finale for the 1... 2... 3...!!!
Winner and NEW WWE Champion: The Miz
After the match, The Miz is given his WWE Title belt as he climbs the ropes and poses. There’s a lot of shocked looking fans in the crowd. Michael Cole declares that the era of awesomeness has begun on RAW. Miz and Riley head up the ramp to the stage. We see a pissed off Randy Orton down on the ground at ringside, holding his knee. RAW goes off the air with Miz and Riley celebrating on the stage.
After the match, The Miz and Alex Riley run down to the ring. The Miz is cashing in!
WWE Championship
The Miz vs. Randy Orton
The bell rings and Miz stalks Orton around the ring, going for the knee first. Orton fights him off. Miz charges Orton in the corner but Orton fights him off again.
Miz takes Orton down and starts working on the knee. Miz drags Orton over and uses the ringpost on Orton’s injured knee. Orton kicks Miz off and he hits the fan barrier at ringside. Miz comes back in the ring but Orton meets him with a clothesline. Miz goes for the Skull Crushing Finale but Orton counters. Orton drops Miz with an uppercut. Orton goes for the second-rope DDT but Miz blocks it and goes for the knee. Orton catches Miz in a big powerslam. Orton hits the mat and gets hyped.
Orton goes for the RKO, but Miz reversed with the Skull Crushing Finale for the 1... 2... 3...!!!
Winner and NEW WWE Champion: The Miz
After the match, The Miz is given his WWE Title belt as he climbs the ropes and poses. There’s a lot of shocked looking fans in the crowd. Michael Cole declares that the era of awesomeness has begun on RAW. Miz and Riley head up the ramp to the stage. We see a pissed off Randy Orton down on the ground at ringside, holding his knee. RAW goes off the air with Miz and Riley celebrating on the stage.
Big UFC Star To WWE?
-- UFC fighter Roy Nelson said in a recent interview that he would be open to making appearances for WWE "in a heartbeat." He said he hasn't talked to anyone in the company about making an appearance, but would talk if they came asking. "I actually would have to check with them (my team)," he said. "I know we have WWE coming to Las Vegas in December. Maybe I'll come there and hold up my sign." The show in question would be a house show. Nelson also said he might appear at the Royal Rumble, which may come before his next UFC fight. "Of course. It's the Royal Rumble," he said when asked if he was serious. "That's an icon from the Old School WWF. All I have to do is throw everybody out of the ring." UFC's Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson also recently stated that he would be open to a WWE debut but wouldn't want to work a full-time schedule.
Backstage RAW News - HHH's Return, Cena's Future, The Miz-MITB Plans, LeBron James To WWE? Arquette-WWE, CM Punk Visiting, Mysterio,
-- As noted earlier, Triple H is expected back very soon. There is no way they'll have both Cena and HHH off RAW at the same time. If Cena stays off TV to film another movie, they'll likely bring "H" back ASAP. He's ready to go when needed.
-- The Miz's promo last night was not only to get heat from the crowd, but to plant the seeds for something down the line. LeBron James has been discussed internally as an idea for a celebrity at WrestleMania or a RAW guest host down the line.
-- There were no plans for The Miz to use his Money in the Bank shot last night, though the company wanted fans to think he would to build buzz.
-- David Arquette got along very well with all the talent last night and was said to have been fun to be around. He was very familiar with all the talent from the main eventers to the lower card talent and knew every storyline.
-- CM Punk was backstage Sunday night and is expected to do more announcing work this week.
-- Rey Mysterio's inner ear infection is doing better.
-- The Miz's promo last night was not only to get heat from the crowd, but to plant the seeds for something down the line. LeBron James has been discussed internally as an idea for a celebrity at WrestleMania or a RAW guest host down the line.
-- There were no plans for The Miz to use his Money in the Bank shot last night, though the company wanted fans to think he would to build buzz.
-- David Arquette got along very well with all the talent last night and was said to have been fun to be around. He was very familiar with all the talent from the main eventers to the lower card talent and knew every storyline.
-- CM Punk was backstage Sunday night and is expected to do more announcing work this week.
-- Rey Mysterio's inner ear infection is doing better.
Backstage Survivor Series News - Striker's Mistake, Injuries
-- Dolph Ziggler was being examined for a concussion after WWE Survivor Series last night but the impression was it didn't look like he had one. As noted earlier, he did not suffer a broken nose.
-- There was lots of talk after the show about Matt Striker blowing the main event call. He acted as if Cena was free when he was actually "fired". Jerry Lawler jumped in and corrected him but Vince wasn't happy at all.
-- One of the guys John Cena hugged on the way out last night at WWE Survivor Series was the WWE sign guy. He wears a red hat and was sitting front row.
Trish Congratulates Natalya
-- Multi-time WWE Women's Champion Trish Stratus congratulated Natalya on winning the Unified Divas Championship last night at the Survivor Series, her first title capture in the company. She wrote on Twitter: "Big PPV last nite! Congrats to my girl @natbynature on becoming new Divas Champ–so proud! And welcome back @thebethphoenix...I see some good wrestling on the horizon ~T"
-- Beth Phoenix, who saved Natalya from a Lay-Cool beatdown following the match, added, "Congrats Nattie. Few people know how hard and long you worked for this moment. I'm so proud of you, my friend. Enjoy your moment."
-- Beth Phoenix, who saved Natalya from a Lay-Cool beatdown following the match, added, "Congrats Nattie. Few people know how hard and long you worked for this moment. I'm so proud of you, my friend. Enjoy your moment."
Y2J-RAW Update, Ziggler Injury Update, Cena At RAW Tonight
-- Chris Jericho posted the following on his Twitter page around noon today: "Off to Orlando...." We EXCLUSIVELY noted earlier that Chris and his wife are backstage at RAW right now in Orlando, FL. It may just be a visit but they are both inside the arena as of this writing.
-- Dolph Ziggler posted the following on his Twitter… "To everyone wondering: I did not break my pretty(yet masculine) nose! Sorry internet NERDS who wanted me to lose AND have an imperfect face."
-- John Cena posted the following on his Twitter… "CeNation. Raw should be interesting tonight. I didn't think this day would come this soon." You can obviously expect a major angle with John Cena tonight. It's possible the RAW GM will do something. Triple H's return is also just around the corner. Should be interesting.
-- Dolph Ziggler posted the following on his Twitter… "To everyone wondering: I did not break my pretty(yet masculine) nose! Sorry internet NERDS who wanted me to lose AND have an imperfect face."
-- John Cena posted the following on his Twitter… "CeNation. Raw should be interesting tonight. I didn't think this day would come this soon." You can obviously expect a major angle with John Cena tonight. It's possible the RAW GM will do something. Triple H's return is also just around the corner. Should be interesting.
EXCLUSIVE: Chris Jericho Backstage At RAW
Thanks to Michael Bluth of SEScoops for calling in this scoop to me:
We can EXCLUSIVELY report that Chris 'Y2J' Jericho is backstage at RAW right now in Orlando, FL.
We do not know if he'll return tonight or if he is simply visiting. His wife is with him so it may just be a visit.
More soon.
We can EXCLUSIVELY report that Chris 'Y2J' Jericho is backstage at RAW right now in Orlando, FL.
We do not know if he'll return tonight or if he is simply visiting. His wife is with him so it may just be a visit.
More soon.
Big Survivor Series Rematch Set + Riley's WWE Future?
-- According to a source, WWE has a planned Survivor Series rematch set for tomorrow night's WWE SmackDown! and NXT television taping. Dolph Ziggler will defend the Intercontinental Title against Kaval. Of course, plans can easily change.
-- As noted here on the website over the weekend, Ken Anderson isn't expected to return to the ring until early next year after suffering a concussion last month. This was a result of an accidental chair shot from Jeff Hardy. According to sources though, he's feeling better and he may take part in some on-air storyline angles before then.
-- We can report that as of right now, no disciplinary action has been taken against Alex Riley following his DUI arrest last Wednesday. The NXT season two contestant partnered with The Miz, Ryan O'Reilly and Trent Baretta in a tag team match at Saturday's Florida Championship Wrestling live event in Punta Gorda, losing to Johnny Curtis, Derrick Bateman, Epico and Hunico. The two of them also signed autographs prior to the event. Riley also appeared alongside The Miz at WWE's Survivor Series pay-per-view event last night.
-- As noted here on the website over the weekend, Ken Anderson isn't expected to return to the ring until early next year after suffering a concussion last month. This was a result of an accidental chair shot from Jeff Hardy. According to sources though, he's feeling better and he may take part in some on-air storyline angles before then.
-- We can report that as of right now, no disciplinary action has been taken against Alex Riley following his DUI arrest last Wednesday. The NXT season two contestant partnered with The Miz, Ryan O'Reilly and Trent Baretta in a tag team match at Saturday's Florida Championship Wrestling live event in Punta Gorda, losing to Johnny Curtis, Derrick Bateman, Epico and Hunico. The two of them also signed autographs prior to the event. Riley also appeared alongside The Miz at WWE's Survivor Series pay-per-view event last night.
WWE To Confirm KOTR On RAW?, + Wes Brisco To WWE?
-- According to a source, WWE will officially announce the King of the Ring tournament for next Monday's three-hour episode of RAW in Philadelphia on tonight's show.
-- Reigning Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) Tag Team Champion Wes Brisco was asked by WWE officials to be on hand for this week's television events, starting with last night's Survivor Series pay-per-view. "He just got the call to go to the pay-per-view, RAW and SmackDown! this week. I guess they're going to take a look at him," his father, WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco, told Greg Oliver of SLAM! Wrestling on Saturday. "Personally, I think he's a little ways away. I don't want to rush him. But if they want to take a look at him, great, take a look at him. He can learn a lot in those three days." You can click here to see photos of Wes Brisco.
Survivor Series News: HBK Skips Out, Where Was Paul Bearer?
-- Paul Bearer posted on his Twitter account that he was in Miami, Florida for the Survivor Series pay-per-view event but obviously did not appear.
-- Shawn Michaels noted on Twitter last night that he would not be watching WWE's Survivor Series pay-per-view. He wrote: "I won't be watchin SS I'm way out of touch w/whats goin on so I can't really give u any predictions.2 those who watch hope u enjoy. Didn't watch much when I was doin it. Gettin 2 absorbed makes u less objective IMO. Felt I cud think out of box more that way. That's what worked 4 me jus an opinion. Who knows diff strokes 4 diff folks. That seemed 2 work 4 me. If it aint broke don't fix it. The important thing is that U ALL enjoy it. Shudnt matter what I thinl anyway. We r 2 provide a service 4 u, bottom line." Michaels posted a follow-up tweet after being questioned by several fans over his comments. During one of his replies, Michaels revealed that he no longer watches wrestling. "That's why I don't talk/watch wrestling w/u all. Everybody starts playing psychologist. Holy cow its not that deep. Pretty simple 4 me. God called me home. I went home. That's about the extent of it. No deep feelings of guilt, despair, longing. Just done wrestling. Sorry its not romantic enuff 4 sum of u. Works 4 me tho. Altho I'm pretty simple. So there u go."
-- Vance Archer, who was fired from WWE last Friday, is accepting independent bookings at lancehoyt@yahoo.com.
-- Shawn Michaels noted on Twitter last night that he would not be watching WWE's Survivor Series pay-per-view. He wrote: "I won't be watchin SS I'm way out of touch w/whats goin on so I can't really give u any predictions.2 those who watch hope u enjoy. Didn't watch much when I was doin it. Gettin 2 absorbed makes u less objective IMO. Felt I cud think out of box more that way. That's what worked 4 me jus an opinion. Who knows diff strokes 4 diff folks. That seemed 2 work 4 me. If it aint broke don't fix it. The important thing is that U ALL enjoy it. Shudnt matter what I thinl anyway. We r 2 provide a service 4 u, bottom line." Michaels posted a follow-up tweet after being questioned by several fans over his comments. During one of his replies, Michaels revealed that he no longer watches wrestling. "That's why I don't talk/watch wrestling w/u all. Everybody starts playing psychologist. Holy cow its not that deep. Pretty simple 4 me. God called me home. I went home. That's about the extent of it. No deep feelings of guilt, despair, longing. Just done wrestling. Sorry its not romantic enuff 4 sum of u. Works 4 me tho. Altho I'm pretty simple. So there u go."
-- Vance Archer, who was fired from WWE last Friday, is accepting independent bookings at lancehoyt@yahoo.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)