It should be noted, however, that while Undertaker is not currently scheduled for any television tapings leading up to WrestleMania, he will respond to Wyatt’s challenge in some form or fashion, possibly as soon as this coming Monday’s edition of WWE RAW.
WWE.com has an article up today looking at whether or not The Undertaker will accept Wyatt’s challenge.
“It’s a constant in life that everything will eventually come to an end,” states the WWE website. “And despite Bray Wyatt’s cries for a monumental clash on The Grandest Stage of Them All, he may have to look elsewhere for his WresleMania moment.”
The article continues, “The WWE Universe will simply have to wait on the edge of its seat to see if The Undertaker’s WrestleMania reign is truly over.”
The longtime veteran who is scheduled to return to Ring Of Honor for several dates in March may have a new full-time job on his hands in the near future.
According to F4WOnline.com, WWE has made an offer to Joe. While the specifics are not yet available, the idea of Joe in WWE (or better yet, NXT) is intriguing to say the least.
Earlier this week, Joe got people buzzing with a ‘warning’ to fans anticipating his next move:
Just a disclaimer the ride this year is going to be a wild & unpredictable one. You have been warned
Stephanie McMahon, Paul Levesque (Triple H) and Robyn Peterson have been elected to WWE’s Board of Directors, according to a filing at the company’s corporate website.
WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon commented, “The appointments of Stephanie, Paul and Robyn to WWE’s Board of Directors will be invaluable to the company as we continue to transform our business and look toward a new era of unprecedented growth. I am confident that our Board of Directors and senior management team is stronger than ever and well-positioned for future success.”
Stephanie McMahon currently serves as WWE’s Chief Brand Officer, while Triple H serves as Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative.
Robyn Peterson is the Chief Technology Officer and Head of Product for Mashable and is “a seasoned technology executive with more than 15 years of experience in web, mobile and video product development.” Peterson is a member of Mashable’s Operating Committee, where he directs product strategy and development and manages the product, design and engineering teams.
For more on the story, you can read the official press release at Corporate.WWE.com.
– WWE’s Chief Strategy & Financial Officer George Barrios was on CNBC earlier this week to discuss the 1-year anniversary of the WWE Network.
Although WWE’s stock got absolutely hammered last year as a result of widely perceived inflated expectations of the Network’s potential, Barrios said that WWE is still confident they can reach 3-4 million subscribers within the next 3-5 years.
– Variety has published an article looking at the 4 Key lessons WWE has learned after 1 year of the WWE Network.
– Jake “The Snake” Roberts tweeted the following about Bray Wyatt, who appears to be headed for a showdown with The Undertaker at WrestleMania 31:
As far as I'm concerned BRAY IS THE SHIT!! Believe that Roman will b the champ at mania. Can he carry the load? Got build, look and smart!!
As noted earlier, Vince Russo was backstage at the Lucha Underground television taping this past weekend. There have been some rumors floating around regarding Russo possibly working for the company, but all signs are pointing to this not being the case.
Lucha Underground held a meeting with top officials to discuss Russo’s appearance and they flat out denied that Russo would be hired. A few veterans in the locker room were leery, but it was made clear Russo won’t be writing for Lucha Underground.
Russo himself claimed he was only in attendance to check out the show and interview a few people for his podcast, but some people felt Russo seemed like he was looking for work.
Russo was reportedly treated well at the show, but he’s not very familiar with lucha libre. He apparently made a suggestion that the show needs more female wrestlers, which did not go over well.
We’ve got an update on the pipebomb dropped by AJ Lee on Tuesday night regarding the way WWE Divas are paid and portrayed on television. To recap, AJ tweeted the following to Stephanie McMahon:
“Your female wrestlers have record selling merchandise & have starred in the highest rated segment of the show several times, And yet they receive a fraction of the wages & screen time of the majority of the male roster. #UseYourVoice”
Regarding Lee’s merchandise claims, while she was a strong merchandise mover when she was being pushed, the formula WWE uses for merchandise sales with a majority of the roster is the same, outside of a few top WWE Superstars who get higher percentages. None of the Divas in the company sell at the level of the top several Superstars.
As for Divas being involved in the highest-rated segments of WWE shows, their segments were rarely above average when weekly segment breakdowns were available. Despite that fact, AJ was fortunate enough to work various main event segments with stars like CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, segments that usually did pretty strong numbers.
Regarding pay, it’s true that Divas on the main roster are paid considerably less than the men. It’s interesting to note that this is not the case in NXT. Most of the men at NXT came from the indy scene and are willing to accept lower pay just to get a foot in the door with WWE. Most of the NXT women, however, came from modeling agencies or had athletic backgrounds. Additionally, there’s said to be an idea that the women need to earn at a certain level to maintain the type of “look” that WWE desires.
According to a source close to this story, AJ Lee caught the company completely off-guard with her comments. Stephanie McMahon in particular was said to be furious at being made to look bad on a public forum by one of their employees. Vince McMahon, in looking at the big picture, reportedly told Stephanie to reply with the tweet that she sent, which simply thanked AJ for her opinion.
WWE is gearing up for their annual post-WrestleMania European tour, with the following matches being advertised:
The “A-Crew” will be headlined by John Cena vs. Rusev for the United States Championship, Bad News Barrett vs. Dean Ambrose for the Intercontinental Championship and Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins.
For other touring roster will feature Roman Reigns vs. Big Show in the main event, Daniel Bryan vs. Bray Wyatt, Dolph Ziggler vs. Luke Harper and Tag Team Champions Tyson Kidd and Cesaro vs. The Usos.
While this doesn’t reveal anything big about what could transpire at WrestleMania, it does give an idea of which feuds will be continuing.
– Take this for what it’s worth, but WWE recently had old Memphis Wrestling footage, including the infamous Jerry Lawler vs. Andy Kaufman feud, pulled from YouTube in recent weeks. WWE pulled the footage claiming ownership of the tapes. At last word, WWE did not own the Memphis Wrestling tape library yet, however Lawler has been trying to get master tapes from those who owned them in hopes of selling the entire library to WWE for the WWE Network.
– Below are some recent WWE attendance figures:
February 20th in Starke, FL for NXT drew 200 fans
February 21st in Cocoa Beach for NXT drew 250 fans, a sellout
February 23rd in Nashville for RAW drew 13,000 fans
– While his return is still in question, Mark Henry has apparently lost a ton of weight since the last time fans have seen him on television. In the past when talking about losing weight, Henry would eventually get unhappy about losing strength along with the weight, and due to his “strongest man in the world” mentality, it would ultimately hinder his ability to keep the weight off.
– Dwayne Johnson (aka The Rock) recently noted that he expects the “Black Adam” character he is playing in the new “Shazam” movie to become a reoccuring role with several projects going forward with the character. Black Adam is a full-fledged heel in the upcoming “Shazam” film, but is expected to become a babyface character at some point in the future.
As things stand now, there are approximately 11,000 to 12,000 tickets left unsold for this year’s WrestleMania 31 pay-per-view, which is scheduled for March 29, 2015 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Those who have been unable to get comps for their friends in the past have in fact been able to get them for this year’s show.
The number of tickets sold between paid and comps right now is believed to be around 53,000, with one month remaining.
Samoa Joe recently spoke to the Chad Dukes Wrestling Show about his TNA departure, return to Ring Of Honor and whether or not he would go through NXT if WWE were to sign him.
Below are highlights from the interview.
On Returning to ROH: “I think certain times in your career you reexamine things and a change of scenery is nice. It’s good for the fans, it’s good for me, and I think it’s healthy all around. I’m excited about some new matches for me, there’s some guys out there I haven’t had a chance to work with especially some younger guys, up and comers, that I think have tremendous promise and talent and I get to get in there and mix it up with them.”
“It kinda was a culmination over the past few months of various factors, various reasons. You kind of come to these big decisions and I kind of looked around saw the landscape of things and thought it was the time.”
On the safety of the Styles Clash: “I’ve taken the Styles Clash several times and AJ’s a formidable athlete in his own right, it’s never been an issue of safety with me ever. I understand how people feel, there’s obviously been injuries involved with it, but I know especially with my very long-term experience with experiencing the move on all ends of it, it’s always been a safe as far as injuries go move and I’ve never really had an issue with it.”
On CM Punk’s tweet to him about “owing him one.” “Time will tell and that’s really up to him and obviously his obligations to UFC. I know he’s training real hard for his upcoming fight but if he wants to throw down, if he wants to scrap, you can come over here and start off with me and see what’s left when you go into the octagon.”
On if he would go through NXT if signed by WWE: “I’ve never shied away from an opportunity to prove myself. Every promotion I’ve ever worked for, initially when I started out, never wanted me. I remember my first Ring of Honor show and [Gabe Sapolsky. Former ROH booker] told me, ‘Hey listen, we can’t afford a flight out from California every month, so it will probably be a one-off deal.’ And then walking back through the curtain after that first match and him going, ‘you’re on every show.’ I think when you do get to the point where you’re not willing to go out there and prove what you can do, I understand guys they feel strongly a certain way, that’s fine, I think it’s individual for everybody, but I know for me I’ve never shied away from an opportunity to prove myself anywhere.”
“I’ve always firmly believed that you can’t deny talent and cream always rises to the top. Those are two things you always hear clichés among all sports not just pro wrestling and it’s something that I firmly believe. At the end of the day, if you’ve got it you’re going to get there. You’ve got to find the opportunities, the doors and the windows you can find and do what you need to do.”
As noted recently, Kevin Nash is all but confirmed to be inducted into this year’s class of the WWE Hall Of Fame.
According to a new PWInsider.com report, Nash, much like Scott Hall, who was inducted under his WWE gimmick name of “Razor Ramon,” will be inducted as “Diesel.”
This is said to open the door for a potential second induction in the future, which could feature a faction being inducted like the Four Horseman was, as Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall could all be inducted a second time as part of a nWo group-induction.
It’s expected that Nash’s induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame will actually close out this year’s ceremony. As things stand now, Shawn Michaels is scheduled to handle Nash’s induction.
Despite several weeks of speculation, it appears that WWE has changed direction and will not be inducting “The Crippler” Ray Stevens in this year’s class of the WWE Hall Of Fame.
WWE Hall Of Famer and longtime company executive Pat Patterson, who used to be Stevens’ tag-team partner, had been pushing hard for him to be inducted this year, particularly because of his reputation and legendary status in the Bay Area, where this year’s WrestleMania pay-per-view will be held. It was also expected that Patterson would handle the induction itself.
While Stevens will not be inducting in this year’s WWE Hall Of Fame class, it is being said that he will likely go in during a future induction ceremony.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair celebrates his 66th birthday today. “The Nature Boy” was born on February 25, 1949. Also celebrating birthdays today are former WWE Superstar Steve Lewington (32) and former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis (33). Today also would have been Sean O’Haire’s 44th birthday.
– The latest edition of Bill Goldberg’s “Who’s Next?” podcast, which features an interview with NFL player A.J. Hawk, is now online. You can download the show at PodcastOne.com.
– WWE Hall Of Famers Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Scott Hall were backstage at the WWE SmackDown television taping on Tuesday night in Atlanta, Georgia. WWE Diva Natalya posted the following photo of herself with Roberts backstage at the show.
– The latest edition of Jim Ross’ “Ross Report” podcast, which features an interview with former WWE Superstar Shane “Hurricane” Helms, as well as a WWE Fastlane pay-per-view, is now online. You can download the show at PodcastOne.com.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Scott Hall posted the following on Twitter recently regarding his upcoming return to Madison Square Garden.
I'm very happy to be returning to MSG on 2/27/15. It will be my first time back since 1996….#CurtainCall
– WWE Hall Of Famer Kevin Von Erich announced via social media that the ESPN “30 for 30” piece on his family will air on Friday night’s edition of SportsCenter at 6pm EST.
– The latest edition of Chris Jericho’s “Talk Is Jericho” podcast features part one of an interview with Lance Storm, as well as a review of Sunday’s WWE Fastlane pay-per-view. You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.
– Below is a video of Big Show singing “Happy Birthday” to his former WrestleMania opponent, boxing champion Floyd Mayweather.
– The following matches are confirmed for tonight’s edition of NXT on the WWE Network.
Hideo Itami vs. Bull Dempsey
The Lucha Dragons vs. Jason Jordan and Tye Dillinger
Baron Corbin vs. Tye Dillinger
Becky Lynch vs. Bayley
Brian Kendrick vs. Finn Balor (Kevin Owens is on commentary)
– Samoa Joe, who recently left TNA, and CM Punk recently had the following exchange on Twitter, leading some to speculate that the two may eventually work a match together. While there is nothing of substance to suggest they will be working together in any capacity, here is the exchange:
Just a disclaimer the ride this year is going to be a wild & unpredictable one. You have been warned
Officials based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota have announced their intentions to place a bid to bring WrestleMania 33 to the brand new Minnesota Vikings stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2016.
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal is reporting that city and Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority officials plan to work together to attempt to bring WrestleMania 33 to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2017.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is also listed as a contending city.
Following the surprising absence of WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar at Monday’s edition of WWE RAW, which he was advertised to appear on, a lot of rumors started spreading online.
One particular rumor, which emanated from a post on Reddit, claimed that Roman Reigns had failed a Wellness test, and that had something to do with Lesnar leaving the building and refusing to appear on the show.
Regarding that specific rumor, WWE issued a brief, one-line statement that read, “That story is absolutely, 100% untrue.”
Michael Cole’s latest weekly sit-down video interview features WWE executives Arn Anderson and Michael Hayes.
Anderson and Hayes spend several minutes talking about their own personal history with Sting, and then discuss the upcoming in-ring debut of “The Icon.”
Check out the video above to watch Anderson and Hayes break down the upcoming Triple H vs. Sting match at WrestleMania 31.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. In this installment, JR spoke at length about the news of Brock Lesnar “walking out” on WWE during Monday’s RAW and the #GiveDivasAChance movement that’s been bubbling up this week. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
Brock Lesnar Walking Out On WWE: “Read online about Brock Lesnar allegedly walking out of Monday Night RAW prior to his appearance on Monday’s show so to address the many Tweets @JRsBBQ and emails, I have no idea what the issue may or may not be. Generally, my philosophy on matters such as this is to keep my nose out of other’s business and that these matters are usually about one of the Two C’s, cash or creative. That may or may not be the case in this matter but I’m confident that the two sides will reunite here at crunch time in attempting to build much needed momentum for WrestleMania which will be here before we know it. In today’s world of big money and the multitude of diverse personalties involved in negotiations in all sports ad entertainment, once again the term communication elbows its way into the equation.”
The #GiveDivasAChance Movement: “@RondaRousey is arguably the top star in MMA today so if that is remotely true then why can’t a highly skilled diva contribute much more in the sports entertainment world than they currently are? It’s all about presentation and performance. Nonetheless, it’s going to be challenging for many of today’s Divas to surpass the accomplishments of the women of the Attitude Era and, yes, I’m biased about the roster that we assembled back in the day as those ladies were not only skilled from bell to bell but they also brought sex appeal and a great attitude to the presentations in which they were involved. Plus they were damn tough.”
As always, you can check out JR’s amazing line of BBQ products at WWEShop.com.
Titus O’Neil is the latest WWE performer to speak out via social media about race, gender and sexual orientation issues perpetuated by “people, companies and brands.” He posted the following on Instagram:
WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon has responded to the #GiveDivasAChance movement, assuring fans that WWE is well aware of the latest viral backlash campaign.
The trend is the product of widespread frustration surrounding the way women’s wrestlers are used on WWE television. It’s not a new situation, but it’s finally gaining some mainstream exposure due to fans being fed up and WWE’s top Divas speaking out publicly about it.
Earlier this month at a Wizard World Comic Con event, the Bella Twins spoke about the Women in NXT getting much more time int he ring than the Divas in WWE.
On Tuesday night, after #GiveDivasAChance had been trending for nearly 24 hours, AJ Lee sent Stephanie McMahon a series of tweets pointing out that Divas do not get equal TV time or compensation compared to the Superstars. (Read Her Tweets Here). Stephanie has since responded:
