WWE.com surprised the entire wrestling world on Monday night after RAW with a statement announcing that ring announcer Justin Roberts is no longer with the company, effective immediately. Roberts was very well liked by almost everyone backstage and had a great reputation for being friendly and professional.

There have been a lot of reports popping up from fans who were at RAW stating that Justin Roberts was seen yelling at Michael Cole during the Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler match. One fan noted that Roberts flipped off Cole. After RAW concluded, he was informed by Kevin Dunn that he would be released.

Justin Roberts will be a guest on Chris Jericho’s podcast this Friday. It’s likely that the interview was recorded prior to his release.

It was announced on the RAW Backstage Pass show, which returned after Monday’s RAW on the WWE Network, that next week’s RAW main event will be a handicap street fight.

Headlining next week’s RAW will be John Cena and Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins, Randy Orton and Kane.

The following are highlights of the latest Jim Ross blog.

On WWE cutting Justin Roberts: “Shocked to hear of the release of WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts. I admit that I have no information as to why but Justin was always a professional, polite young man who loved his WWE job and did a great job ring announcing. No one will ever top The Fink but Justin carried himself well, had a great appearance, and seemed reliable. I treat people as they treat me and Justin Roberts always treated me respectfully and as a true professional. I’d guess that the Phoenix native won’t have any issues finding work. I wish Justin the best.”

On Charlotte: “Charlotte is certainly ready for prime time and her presence may help lend more credibility to the Divas group than merely being a promotional vehicle for Total Divas on the E Network.”

On WWE Network: “With the WWE Network how easy would it be for WWE Superstars and announcers to organically mention what they’ve watched recently on the WWE Network via Twitter, etc. It would cost nothing and would be a valid testimonial from the WWE stars themselves. Somehow I get the feeling that some on air talents don’t watch as much of the Network as many of us civilians.”

Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.

WWE announced that the next NXT live special on the WWE Network will air on December 11th.

WWE released the statement to members of the media which included a graphic that shows Triple H, Sami Zayn, Kevin Steen, Fergal Devitt, Hideo Itami, Charlotte and Adrian Neville.

HHH will hold another conference call to promote the special prior to the event.

Below is the aforementioned graphic:

Courtesy of the official YouTube channel of Wiz Khalifa, above is the track “Breaks” featuring John Cena, which is off of the new WWE 2K15 video game soundtrack.

The Seth Rollins/John Cena/Dean Ambrose hate triangle continued last night on Raw, with Dean Ambrose prevailing over John Cena to secure his spot in the main event at Hell in a Cell.

It was also announced that John Cena would square off against Randy Orton in the other half of the double main event. However, did the company make the right call by going with Ambrose over Cena? Here are the pros and cons of each main event, allowing for you to make the decision.

John Cena vs. Randy Orton

Pros: These guys have faced each other too many times to count, including a multi-month program earlier in the year, so the two veterans should have excellent chemistry together.

Adding the Hell in a Cell stipulation should also help spice up the contest, as fans grew tired during their last meeting at the Royal Rumble. In all, by having two Hell in a Cell contests, it should perfectly juxtapose the talent of yesterday (Cena and Orton) with the talent of tomorrow (Rollins and Ambrose).

Cons: As previously mentioned, fans practically booed Cena and Orton out of the building in January. It seems like this has the chance of being a filler main event, as there is essentially no build to the matchup and fans have already seen the two square off more times than they can remember. Additionally, a double main event that features two Hell in a Cell matches could be a bit overkill.

The following matches were taped prior to Monday’s RAW in Atlanta, Georgia for this week’s edition of WWE Superstars.

– Bo Dallas def. Zack Ryder in singles action to open the show. Ryder got some offense in early on and was setting up his finisher, but Dallas knocked him out to the floor. Dallas followed up with a Bo-Dog for the 1-2-3.

– Cesaro def. Kofi Kingston in a good match to close out the taping. There were a lot of fun spots throughout the match. Cesaro teased the big swing at one point. Kingston reversed a Cesaro move attempt but ended up getting launched into a European uppercut for the pin.

– Paul Heyman’s Heyman Hustle website has published exclusive photos of Dean Ambrose from the recent Ringside Fest event in New York City.

– NXT stars The Ascension are expected to be called up soon and WWE will be releasing Ascension action figures in the coming months.

– As expected, Justin Roberts’ WWE departure is a big shock to the WWE locker room. Roberts was very well liked backstage and many people were in disbelief at the news.

Roberts worked RAW last night and he was reportedly informed of his departure after RAW went off the air.

• AUDIO of JOHN CENA RAPPING On The WWE 2K15 Soundtrack

2K Sports sent us the following:

2K Announces WWE® 2K15 Downloadable Content and Season Pass Program

Content to include three new storylines for 2K Showcase, extensive roster of playable WWE, WCW® and NXT® Superstars, as well as new moves

Season Pass to feature WWE Diva Paige as exclusive playable character

New York, NY – October 14, 2014 – 2K today announced details surrounding downloadable content and a Season Pass program for WWE® 2K15, the forthcoming release in the flagship WWE video game franchise. The content offering will include three new storylines playable in 2K Showcase, the game’s story-driven, single-player campaign, as well as access to new moves and a wealth of playable WWE, WCW® and NXT® Superstars. In addition, WWE Diva Paige will be available as an exclusive playable character for those who purchase the game’s Season Pass. The individual content packages will begin releasing in late 2014, with some packages releasing in early 2015, for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, as well as Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system, and Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft.

“Having grown up playing WWE games, it’s an honor to be included in WWE 2K15,” said Paige. “Fans will not want to miss out on my debut, as well as the new stories featured through 2K Showcase.”

“WWE 2K15 will deliver the largest and most comprehensive selection of downloadable content to date for the franchise, including the release of three new storylines for 2K Showcase and a wide variety of playable Superstars from WWE’s past and present,” said Greg Thomas, President of Product Development at 2K Sports. “This year’s offering provides fans an enhanced WWE 2K15 experience at an incredible value.”

About the WWE 2K15 Downloadable Content Program*

The WWE 2K15 downloadable content program is scheduled to include the following items and be available for purchase on the PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 systems, as well as Xbox Live online entertainment network from Microsoft for Xbox One and Xbox 360:

Accelerator
Players will gain instant access to all unlockable content available in the game (excluding downloadable content);
The Accelerator will be available for a suggested price of $1.99.

2K Showcase: One More Match
Story focused on the rivalry between WWE Superstars Randy Orton and Christian in 2011;
Playable WWE Superstars: Christian, Randy Orton, Edge, Mark Henry and Sheamus;
Playable arenas from 2011: SmackDown®, Extreme Rules®, Over the Limit® and Capitol Punishment®;
2K Showcase: One More Match will be available for a suggested price of $9.99.

2K Showcase: Hall of Pain
Story focused on top matches for WWE Superstar Mark Henry;
Playable WWE Superstars: Mark Henry, Big Show, Kane, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Sheamus, The Great Khali, Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan and Ryback;
Playable arenas: SmackDown (2011), Vengeance® (2011) and WrestleMania® 29;
2K Showcase: Hall of Pain will be available for a suggested price of $9.99.

2K Showcase: Path of the Warrior
Story focused on the career of WWE Hall of Famer Ultimate Warrior;
Playable WWE Hall of Famers: Ultimate Warrior, Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant and Sgt. Slaughter;
Playable WWE Legends: Honky Tonk Man, Rick Rude, Macho King and Colonel Mustafa;
Playable WWE Superstars: Undertaker and Hunter Hearst Helmsley;
Access to WWE Hall of Fame ring announcer Howard Finkel and WWE managers Jimmy Hart, Bobby Heenan, Paul Bearer, Sherri, Sid Justice and General Adnan;
Playable arenas: WrestleMania VI, VII and XII; SummerSlam® (1988, 1990 and 1991); Saturday Night’s Main Event XXIV and Madison Square Garden®;
2K Showcase: Path of the Warrior will be available for a suggested price of $9.99.

WCW Pack
Playable WCW Superstars: Fit Finlay, Lord Steven Regal, Bam Bam Bigelow, Diamond Dallas Page and Lex Luger;
The WCW Pack will be available for a suggested price of $7.99.

NXT Arrival
Playable NXT Superstars: JBL, Adam Rose and The Ascension (Konnor and Victor);
Playable NXT Diva: Emma;
NXT Arrival will be available for a suggested price of $6.99.

New Moves Pack
Moves Pack: More than 30 new moves, including an alternate version of Sister Abigail (performed from the ring corner and made popular by Bray Wyatt) and Multiple Gut Wrenches (made popular by Cesaro);
The New Moves Pack will be available for a suggested price of $3.99.

About the WWE 2K15 Season Pass Program

Players may purchase select WWE 2K15 downloadable content at a reduced price point through the game’s Season Pass program. For a one-time suggested purchase price of $24.99, a savings of more than 20 percent versus individual content purchases, players will receive the following items as they become available:

Access to exclusive playable WWE Diva Paige;
Accelerator (access to all unlockable content available in the game);
Access to all three 2K Showcase stories (One More Match, Hall of Pain and Path of the Warrior).

* Xbox Live or PlayStation Network account and Internet connection required. Copy of WWE 2K15 required to play.

Developed collaboratively by Yukes and Visual Concepts, a 2K studio, WWE 2K15 is rated T for Teen by the ESRB. WWE 2K15 is scheduled for release on the PlayStation®3 system and Xbox 360 on October 28, 2014 in North America and October 31, 2014 internationally. In addition, releases for the PlayStation®4 system and Xbox One are currently scheduled for release on November 18, 2014 in North America and November 21, 2014 internationally. Fans who pre-order WWE 2K15 at any participating retailer will receive two playable Sting characters at no extra cost on launch day.

For more information on WWE 2K15 and 2K, visit WWE.2K.com, become a fan on Facebook, follow the game on Twitter using the hashtags #WWE2K15 and #FEELIT or subscribe to WWE 2K on YouTube.

WWE Hall of Famers Ric Flair and Jake “The Snake” Roberts were both backstage at Monday’s RAW from Atlanta, Georgia. Flair was telling people backstage that he feels great following his recent surgeries. He’s been pulled from WWE’s upcoming tour of Mexico while he continues his recovery.

Jake spoke to Eden backstage about his own ongoing health issues in an exclusive interview at WWE.com.

“I’ve got some issues I’m dealing with, but I’m so grateful for the prayers and for the help that I’ve gotten from WWE and the fanbase is incredible – the outpouring of good wishes that comes out when you need them. We’re still fighting the fight. You know, I’ve beaten cancer once now. I’m ready if it comes back.

“I’m dealing with a brain bleed. I’m just glad they found a brain. (laughs) No, It’s all good. I’m happy. And if you’ve got happiness growing right here (his heart), then whatcha got for me?”

After Monday’s WWE RAW, Nikki Bella interrupted a backstage interview with her sister Brie to reveal that they will be squaring off at Hell in a Cell. The loser of the match will have to be the winner’s “b*tch” (“assistant”) for a month.

With that match set, here’s the updated card for WWE Hell in a Cell:

Hell in a Cell Match:
Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins

Hell in a Cell Match:
John Cena vs. Randy Orton

Loser Is The Winner’s Assistant For A Month:
Brie Bella vs. Nikki Bella

WWE Hell in Cell takes place on Sunday, October 26th from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.

• EXCLUSIVE: Update On DANIEL BRYAN Needing Another Surgery & How Long He’ll Be Out

Ring announcer Justin Roberts is no longer with WWE, effective immediately.

The following statement was posted on the company website late Monday evening:

“WWE has chosen to not exercise its option to renew ring announcer Justin Roberts’ contract. Effective immediately, Roberts is released from WWE.

WWE wishes him the best in all his future endeavors.”

We’ve got an exclusive update on the health and in-ring future of Daniel Bryan.

Back in May, we broke the story that Daniel Bryan was undergoing minimally invasive neck surgery, which was expected to keep him out for less than two months. During the recovery, Bryan experienced difficulty regaining strength in his right arm. He was originally against a second surgery and attempted to heal the injury through rehabilitation. Last month while doing promotional work for Total Divas, Brie Bella said Bryan wouldn’t need another surgery.

The latest as of Monday night is that Bryan is seeing no improvement with his arm. Backstage at RAW from Atlanta, a lot of the talent was  talking about the fact Bryan may be getting the “Tommy John Surgery.”

The medical term for the procedure is as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, a surgical graft procedure in which the ulnar collateral ligament in the medial elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body”. (WebMD)

The typical recovery for Tommy John Surgery is 6-12 months depending on the physical activity the athlete is involved in.

It is still not known if he will ever wrestle again, as this injury prevents him from being cleared to wrestle. WWE’s creative team is still working under the assumption that Bryan won’t be back in action any time soon and are not factoring him into any creative plans.

As seen on Monday’s edition of WWE RAW in Atlanta, Georgia, the two main events for the upcoming WWE Hell In A Cell pay-per-view were made official.

As a result of the outcome of the RAW main event, Dean Ambrose will challenge Seth Rollins inside the cell at the Hell In A Cell pay-per-view.

Due to his loss, John Cena will take on Randy Orton — also inside the cell — at the Hell In A Cell pay-per-view.

Both matches were made official on this week’s edition of WWE RAW.

It was announced on Monday’s edition of WWE RAW that on this coming Friday’s edition of WWE SmackDown, one of the main events will be a six-man tag-team match.

The Usos will team up with Sheamus to take on the trio of Goldust, Stardust and The Miz.

Make sure to join us here for SmackDown spoiler coverage on Tuesday night.

– 2K Sports is running a social media promotion for their WWE Super Card mobile game, pitting some of the baddest WWE legends squaring off in various dream matches.

To commemorate #Brocktober, in honor of WWE’s reigning heavyweight champion, Brock Lesnar, the Beast has been pitted against Hulk Hogan (who he wrestled back in 2002) and Andre The Giant. Paul Heyman’s Heyman Hustle website has published videos of these simulated matches, which you can view here: Brock vs. Andre | Brock vs. Hogan.

WWE Super Card is available free for download in the Apple, Android and Windowds mobile app stores.

– WWE.com has published a statement addressing reports Batista will be appearing in the next James Bond movie:

“Unconfirmed reports indicate that The Animal is in negotiations to star as the villain Hinx opposite Daniel Craig’s 007 in the next installment of the legendary franchise. According to casting reports, the producers were looking for a physically imposing male with a unique look and a sports background — a description that fits Batista perfectly.”

* BROCK LESNAR Headed Back to UFC In 2015?

Dean Ambrose, John Cena & The Authority Kick Off RAW

This week’s show opens up with an elaborate video package highlighting the history of the John Cena, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins feud.

From there, Dean Ambrose’s theme hits and out he comes. He opens by saying there’s nothing he’d like more than to be locked inside Hell In A Cell with Seth Rollins. He talks about how he’d like to brutalize him.

He switches gears to explain that he’s got to get through John Cena before he can get to Rollins. He talks about the No Holds Barred contract-on-a-pole match. He reminds us that he told us he had no problem dropping Cena where he stands, and he did, but he reminds us that Cena did the same to him.

Ambrose throws the mic down, thinking he’s done, but Cena’s music hits. Ambrose picks the mic back up as Cena makes his way out to the top of the stage.

Cena makes his way to the ring to the usual mixed reaction. The boo’s grow in Atlanta as Cena’s music fades down. “So this is why they call it Hot-Lanta, huh?” opens Cena. He tells Ambrose he needs to relax. He says the match is made, but it’s two weeks from now at Hell In A Cell.

Cena tells Ambrose he’s got the biggest match of his life at Hell In A Cell, so he’s going to give him some veteran advice: “shut up.” Cena tells Ambrose to quit acting crazy and save his energy for Hell In A Cell.

Ambrose thanks Cena for his veteran advice, but says no thank you. He warns Cena not to talk to him like he’s some kind of chump. Cena again warns Ambrose to chill out. Ambrose drops the mic and is about to get physical, but The Authority comes out and stops them.

Triple H starts by telling both guys that they have two weeks until their fight. After a corny WWE Network “$9.99” plug, Steph talks about making a tag-team match with those two as partners tonight. Steph mocks their argument, HHH and her argue over whether or not Cena and Ambrose can be partners without killing each other.

Steph goes on to announce a match with Cena and Ambrose against The Usos and Goldust and Stardust. It’s a triple-threat tag-team match, as she calls it.

John Cena & Dean Ambrose vs. Goldust & Stardust vs. The Usos

With that said, the WWE Tag-Team Champions, Goldust and Stardust make their way out to the ring. Out next are the former champs, The Usos. Apparently this match is happening right now. We head to commercial during The Usos’ entrance.

When we return from commercial, Ambrose and Uso start things off in the ring. Ambrose establishes control and quickly tags in Cena. Cena picks up where Ambrose left off as the fans do the dueling “let’s go Cena” and “Cena sucks” chants. Cena tags Ambrose back in.

The story of the match early on seems to be the fact that Ambrose and Cena are able to co-exist. They keep dominating their opposition and tagging the other back in to continue where they left off. Uso finally establishes control over Cena and after a quick double-team spot, the other Uso tags in and remains in control as the fans jump on Cena’s case again with chants.

A random “we want Stardust” chant breaks out as Uso keeps Cena grounded and Stardust jumps up and down on the bottom rope from the apron, hoping for the tag. Instead, Cena finally makes the tag. Ambrose comes back in and takes back over control of the offense over Uso. This lasts until Stardust tags himself in, smacking Ambrose on the back. On that note, we head to a mid-match commercial break.

We’re back from the break and Stardust and Uso are still going at it in the ring. Stardust appears to be firmly in control, as he crotches Uso on the middle rope in the corner and tags Goldust in. Goldust picks up where Stardust left off, taking it to Uso. He goes for a pin attempt, but the other Uso breaks it up.

Finally, after all the guys take themselves out, Cena gets the tag and is left alone with Stardust in the ring. Cena fires up, including a big Five Knuckle Shuffle. Stardust avoids the A.A., which leads to a quick slam from Goldust and a super kick to Goldust from Uso. Both Usos hit the big dives over the top onto the Dust Brothers on the floor. Cena ends up climbing to the top and splashes all four team members on the floor as Ambrose says screw it, runs to the opposite top rope and hits a wicked flying elbow onto all guys on the floor.

Ambrose rolls Goldust and Cena back in the ring. Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds while Cena hits the A.A., both on the Dust Brothers. Cena makes the cover. 1-2-3. Cena and Ambrose win.

Winners: John Cena & Dean Ambrose

The Friday, October 10th edition of WWE SmackDown, which was the 15th anniversary special edition of the show that featured an appearance by The Rock, drew a final cable rating of 1.94, according to Nielsen Media Research.

The 1.94 final draw marks a decrease as compared to the 2.02 final rating that the show drew the previous week.

As noted earlier today, last Friday’s SmackDown averaged 2.671 million viewers, which was also down from the average of 2.749 million viewers who tuned in the week before.

Courtesy of the official YouTube channel of Wiz Khalifa, above is the track “All Day” featuring John Cena, which is off of the new WWE 2K15 video game soundtrack.

Below are some tweets posted by Bully Ray over the weekend, which includes a post-Bound For Glory tease on the future of Team 3D:

I get inducted into HOF every night I go through the curtain and get to perform for the fans. Thnx for Cheering and Booing for past 20yrs!!

— Bully Ray (@REALBully5150) October 11, 2014

THANK YOU to EVERY wrestling fan we have ever performed for . YOU are the reason we were inducted into HOF. #RESPECT pic.twitter.com/mdHNnFktBj

— Bully Ray (@REALBully5150) October 12, 2014

I would also like to THANK "the boys." You are only as good as the guys you're workin with. THANKS to EVERY wrestler who ever worked with us

— Bully Ray (@REALBully5150) October 12, 2014

Its true what they say…"When 1 door closes, another 1 opens." And sometimes it's a door you least expect.

— Bully Ray (@REALBully5150) October 12, 2014

Team 3D Japan facts: Undefeated…All Japan Tag League Champs…Hustle Champs…NJPW Tag Champs for 1 year. 4 Tokyo Dome appearances. NEXT?

— Bully Ray (@REALBully5150) October 13, 2014

The Friday, October 10th edition of WWE SmackDown, which was the special 15-year anniversary of the show, averaged 2.671 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Friday’s SmackDown actually dropped in viewership, down from the previous week’s average of 2.749 million viewers, despite the anniversary theme and an appearance by The Rock.

SmackDown last week drew a 0.8 rating in the 18-49 demographic. The final rating should be out soon.

Despite reports to the contrary, it appears as though Kurt Angle is not in negotiations with WWE to return to the company as an active in-ring performer.

It was reported recently that Angle declined a full-time contract from WWE because he doesn’t feel like he can handle a full-time touring schedule.

One theory is that if WWE did offer Angle a full-time gig, it was a tactic done on purpose to politely decline him since they know he wouldn’t be able to handle a full-time schedule.

For a long time, Vince McMahon has been against the idea of Angle wrestling for his company again due to health concerns. Many feel that the only plausible scenario is that WWE may be willing to allow Angle to return for a “farewell run” of sorts, as long as he’s able to pass all of the Wellness and physical tests required to do so.

The following statement was released today in regards to independent wrestler Willie Mack being cut from the WWE developmental system:

“Hollywood, CA (October 13, 2014) – Today news of WWE’s release of Willie McClinton, Jr. (Willie Mack) has spread through out the pro wrestling world.

The following is an official statement from McClinton: “I would like to thank everyone for their support during the past few months. It is true that I was scheduled to report to the WWE Performance Center later this year and it is true that they have chosen not to employ me at this time. Although I am disappointed that I will not be headed to Florida, I am proud of the fact that I was on their radar to begin with and was offered the opportunity, and I look forward to future opportunities with the WWE. In the mean time, I will continue my working relationships with Championship Wrestling from Hollywood, AWS, Pro Wrestling Revolution, Future Stars of Wrestling, Lucha VaVoom, All Pro Wrestling, PWG and the numerous international promotions I have worked with over the years.”

For booking inquires please contact McClinton at williethejuggalo2000@yahoo.com.”

Filming has officially begun in Mobile, Alabama for the new Robert De Niro film “Bus 637,” which features WWE Superstar Batista.

“The Animal” Batista is listed as playing a character named “Cox.”

Below you can check out a photo of Batista’s look from pictures taken on the set:

The following are highlights of the latest Jim Ross blog:

On WWE Network adding commercials: “Not sure what the big deal is that some are making it out to be for the @WWENetwork to begin taking ads as the system that will be in place shouldn’t be a negative as it relates to watching the Network. Just something else to complain about by and large.”

On RAW guest hosts: “With two reality show guests on RAW tonight, who knows what awaits the TV viewer but there’s no way to go but up on this matter based on last week’s epic fail of Hoda and Kathie Lee from the NBC Today Show. That piece of business was challenging to watch and made me want to organize my sock drawer.”

On WWE hiring veterans: “WWE would be wise to consider hiring a handful of seasoned veterans to work with their highly regarded younger talents if for nothing else a short term IE one year contract. Young talents cannot get better working with those who are not better than the rookies.”

Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.