Archive for January, 2017

WWE NXT Takeover: San Antonio Recap & Reaction

Tye Dillinger vs Eric Young

Eric Young wanted Dillinger to join SAnitY before the match but Tye punched Young in the face instead. The crowd was heavily behind Dillinger during this match and chanted “10” several times. Killian Dain hit Dillinger with a Crossbody outside the ring while Young distracted the referee. Young controlled the match for the next few minutes. Young connected with a Neckbreaker for a two count. Young jumped off the top turnbuckle but Dillinger met him in mid-air with a Dropkick.

Both Superstars got back to their feet and traded punches. Dillinger grabbed Young’s beard and headbutted him. Dillinger hit a Belly to Belly Suplex on Young off the top rope for a two count. Dillinger hit the Tye Breaker but Wolfe put Young’s foot on the ropes to break up the pinfall. Dillinger then hit a Crossbody onto both Dain and Wolfe outside the ring. Young then hit a massive Neckbreaker on Dillinger for the victory.

Winner: Eric Young

Samoa Joe was shown watching the show ringside.

Andrade “Cien” Almas vs Roderick Strong

Almas controlled the first several minutes of the match. Almas had an Arm Bar applied to Strong but Roderick fought out of it only to be planted with a Body Slam. Strong hit a couple of kicks to the head of Almas and followed it up with a Dropkick that sent Almas to the mat. Stong hit Almas with a Backbreaker for a two count. Almas fought back and connected with a kick to face of Stong. Almas went for the Double Knees but Strong powered out of the corner and kneed Almas in the face.

The crowd chanted “this is awesome” as Almas climbed to the top turnbuckle. Strong swept out the legs of Almost and he fell onto the turnbuckle. Roderick hit a Backbreaker with Almas landing across the top turnbuckle. Almas launched Strong into the turnbuckle and then planted him with a Clothesline. Strong connected with the Sick Kick for the pinfall victory.

Winner: Roderick Strong

NXT Tag Team Championship Match: The Authors of Pain vs DIY(c)

Rezar and Ciampa started out the match. Rezar dominated early but Ciampa was able to tag in Gargano. Both Rezar and Akam were knocked out of the ring. Gargano hit a Suicide Dive onto both of them. Back in the ring, The Authors of Pain took back control of the match. Gargano was trapped in the corner as Paul Ellering shouted at him from outside the ring. Rezar and Akam took turns stomping on Gargano. A “Johnny Wrestling” chant broke out as Gargano was hit with a Sidewalk Slam by Rezar.

Gargano finally tagged in Ciampa and he immediately hit a Clothesline on Akam off of the top rope. Ciampa planted both members of Authors of Pain with a German Suplex. Ciampa slapped Akam in the face several times but Akam hit him with a massive Clothesline. Gargano and Ciampa hit a double Spear on Akam for a two count. Gargano and Ciampa had both Rezar and Akam in submission holds. Rezar powered out of the hold and Body Slammed Gargano on top of Ciampa. The Authors of Pain hit The Last Chapter for the victory.

Winners & New NXT Tag Team Champions: The Authors of Pain

Seth Rollins called out Triple H and said that he is not leaving the ring until he comes out. Triple H came to the entrance ramp but called on security to restrain Rollins. Seth took out a few members of security but eventually he was dragged to the back.

NXT Women’s Championship Match: Billie Kay vs Peyton Royce vs Nikki Cross vs Asuka (c)

Royce and Kay rolled out of the ring right when the match started. Cross and Asuka went to battle but Kay and Royce attacked them from behind. Asuka took them all out and stood alone in the ring. Asuka then hit a Double German Suplex on Royce and Kay. Cross and Asuka started trading punches in the middle of the ring. Asuka planted Cross with a German Suplex for a two count. Cross fought back and hit a Neckbreaker on Asuka as Royce and Kay remained outside the ring.

Nikki Cross flipped out and started screaming and kicking the bottom rope. Cross hit a Swinging Neckbreaker on Asuka outside the ring. Nikki hit a Crossboday onto both Billie Kay and Peyton Royce outside the ring. Kay and Royce battled back and attacked Cross. The action reached the announce table area and Nikki climbed on top of the table. Billie Kay swept her legs out from under her and Cross fell face first into the table. Kay and Royce Suplexed Cross through a table and celebrated their achievement on top of the table.

Royce and Kay then ran back to the ring to attack Asuka. Asuka kicked Billie Kay outside of the ring but Royce connected with a kick of her own to Asuka. Royce then hit the Widow’s Peak but Asuka kicked out at two. Asuka then kicked Kay and Royce in the head and pinned Royce to retain her title.

Winner & Still NXT Women’s Champion: Asuka

WWE UK Champion Tyler Bate was shown ringside.

NXT Championship Match: Bobby Roode vs Shinsuke Nakamura (c)

The match started out with dueling “Nakamura!” and “Bobby Roode!” chants echoing throughout the crowd. The entire crowd than started to sing Nakamura’s entrance theme. A “this is glorious!” chant started as Roode and Nakamura finally locked up. Roode applied a Chinlock but Nakamura reached the ropes to break the hold. Nakamura and Roode then taunted each other in the ring. Roode kept running to the ropes so that the referee would have to back up Nakamura.

Roode avoided a kick from Shinsuke and posed in the ring. Nakamura didn’t take too kindly to that and booted him in the chest. Nakamura then connected with a kick to face of Roode that sent him out of the ring. Shinsuke followed Roode out of the ring and continued the attack. Back in the ring, Nakamura launched Roode into the turnbuckle and charged at him but Roode caught him. Nakamura was perched up on the top turnbuckle and Roode shoved him off and Shinsuke slammed off of the ring apron and fell to the floor.

Roode joined Shinsuke outside the ring and launched him into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Roode connected with a couple of chops to Shinsuke in the corner. Roode followed it up with a Clothesline and landed a Double Axe Handle off the second rope. Roode controlled the next few minutes of the match and gloated about it the entire time. Nakamura battled back and laid out Roode along the ring apron. Shinsuke connected with a series of knees to Roode’s head and sent him back in the ring.

Bobby Roode once again went for the Double Axe Handle but Nakamura avoided it. Shinsuke hung Roode up on the top turnbuckle and hit him with a knee to the chest. Shinsuke hit the Inverted Exploder Suplex and went for the Kinshasa but Roode wouldn’t get up from the mat. Finally, Shinsuke approached Roode and Roode went for a roll up. Shinsuke kicked out but Roode planted him with a Spinebuster.

Both Shinsuke and Roode were on the top turnbuckle. Roode went for the Superplex but Nakamura blocked it and sent Roode face first into the mat. Nakamura hit a kick off the second rope and once again went for the Kinshasa but Roode kicked Nakamura in the face. Roode went for a pinfall while using the ropes as leverage but the referee saw it. Nakamura connected with a series of kicks and then stomped on Roode’s head as it hung on the bottom rope.

Nakamura was on the second turnbuckle but Bobby Roode rolled onto the ring apron. Nakamura connected with a knee while Roode was on the apron but the Shinsuke injured his knee during the move. Back in the ring, Shinsuke hit the Kinshasa but was unable to go for the pin because of his injured knee. A member of the WWE medical staff came down to the ring to check on Nakamura. Shinsuke agreed to continue to the match and Roode immediately hit the Glorious DDT but Shinsuke kicked out at two.

Roode then applied a Half Crab while punching Shinsuke’s injured knee. Nakamura got out of the hold but Roode planted him with a second Glorious DDT for the victory.

Winner & New NXT Champion: Bobby Roode

Reaction: This certainly was not the best NXT Takeover event but it was still very entertaining. The main event was terrific. Shinsuke’s injury wound up costing him the title and if he were healthy he would of walked out of San Antonio still NXT Champion. There really wasn’t a bad match on the show. The finish that seemed to bother the most fans was The Authors of Pain becoming the new NXT Tag Team Champions. Rollins showing up was completely unexpected and it was a very good segment. I’m guessing Rollins will show up once again tomorrow night at the Royal Rumble.

What did you think of NXT Takeover: San Antonio? Share your thoughts below in the comments.

Posted January 28th, 2017 in News.

Seth Rollins Crashes NXT TakeOver, Calls Out Triple H

RAW Superstar Seth Rollins crashed Saturday night’s NXT TakeOver: San Antonio event and called out Triple H once again.

The Game did appear, but there was no face-to-face confrontation. Triple H sent security to the ring to get Rollins under control so the show could continue.

Rollins and Triple H are expected to face off at WrestleMania 33 in singles action. Expect to see more of Seth Rollins attempting to confront his former ally.

WWE cameras caught up with Triple H after NXT Takeover to get his thoughts on Seth Rollins’ surprise appearance.

Posted January 28th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: , .

Video: New NXT Tag Team Champions Crowned At TakeOver

The Authors of Pain defeated DIY to win the NXT Tag Team Championships at tonight’s TakeOver: San Antonio event. This is the first reign for The Authors, Rezar and Akem.

Posted January 28th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: , .

Jim Ross Predicts That Kurt Angle May Wrestle Once For WWE, Talks Royal Rumble

Jim Ross was recently a guest on The Straight Shooters Podcast where he discussed Kurt Angle and Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. On the topic of Angle being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year, J.R. believes WWE did a thorough evaluation of his health before pursuing the idea.

“Some people say, ‘Well, it’s a long time coming.’ Damn right, it’s a long time coming,” Ross said. “But it was a long time for [Angle] to get his priorities back together and for him to stop making bad decisions. So thank God he’s doing really well.”

Ross said that Angle looked great when he saw him wrestle back in October in England. Ross says that while Kurt could still wrestle a match, he doesn’t see him doing more than one bout for WWE at-most. “He doesn’t owe anybody four more matches or six more matches or anything,” Ross said. “I think that he could have a big match if it was made that way, a significant match for WWE. A one-off deal.” Ross added that Angle transitioned from amateur wrestling to pro wresting better than anyone else.

The 2017 Royal Rumble takes place this weekend, and Ross recalls the 30-man elimination match being a challenging one to call. “It’s going to be over an hour and your stories change at the same intervals that the talents are entered –then the stories change again when talents are eliminated,” he noted. J.R. says it’s hard to predict the winner of the Rumble matches unless you know the WrestleMania card in advance.

You can listen to the entire podcast with Ross at WildFireRadio.com.

Posted January 28th, 2017 in News, WWE.

NXT Spoilers For February 1st

NXT taped the following matches tonight in San Antonio to air on the February 1st episode:

* Ember Moon defeated Aliyah with The Eclipse. They hugged and shook hands after the match

* WWE United Kingdom Champion Tyler Bate defeated Oney Lorcan with a Tyler Driver 97

* No Way Jose defeated Elias Samson with a pop-up punch

Posted January 28th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

First Look At Alamodome Being Set Up For The Rumble, Big E Argues With Wendy’s

– WWE.com is running a poll asking fans which Superstar they most want to see step in the ring with The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33. John Cena has 36% of the vote, followed by AJ Styles (28%) and Goldberg (14%). Despite the fact that Roman Reigns is The Undertaker’s rumored WrestleMania opponent, only 4% of fans voted for The Guy.

– Our friends over at WrestlingINC.com have obtained these photos of the Alamodome being set up for tomorrow night’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

 

– Big E and Wendy’s had an argument on Twitter. Wendy’s picked Titus O’Neil to win the Royal Rumble and Big E wasn’t a fan of that choice.

Posted January 28th, 2017 in News. Tagged: , , .

Report: Conor McGregor Turns Down Big Money Offer To Appear At WrestleMania

It’s no secret that WWE is interested in doing business with UFC Lightweight champion Conor McGregor. The brash Irish fighter is one of the top blockbuster attractions in the world and WWE COO Triple H is on record stating that he’d like to find a way to get “The Notorious” to appear at a WWE event. Unfortunately, it seems like a role at WrestleMania 33 can be ruled out.

McGregor is in Manchester, England today for a sit-down interview being conducted in front of 5,000 fans and airing on pay-per-view. Ahead of this interview, the The Sun ran an exclusive that WWE recently made a hefty offer to McGregor, which he turned down.

“WWE has made no secret of its desire to do something with Conor McGregor and there were talks between the two parties about this year. Because he’s taking time off from the UFC, there was a talk about doing something at this year’s Wrestlemania in April, but it wasn’t to be despite a hefty offer.”

McGregor also posted this on Instagram, letting everybody know they’re going to have to cough up serious dollars if they want to do business with him.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BP0mts0htrd/

Posted January 28th, 2017 in News, WWE.

AJ Styles Talks Royal Rumble Poster, Says He Wouldn’t Be Surprised To See Samoa Joe On Sunday

In a recent interview with Brian Fritz of The Sporting News, WWE Champion AJ Styles commented on reports that Samoa Joe is heading from NXT to the main WWE roster soon. Styles is good friends with Joe, and says there’s no doubt that he is an “amazing wrestler.”

“It’s just a matter of time before he’s on the roster,” Styles said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if he showed up on Sunday. There’s always surprises in the Royal Rumble and you try not to get surprised, you try to see it coming but that’s what makes the Royal Rumble so fun. If Joe doesn’t show up on Sunday, he’ll definitely show up soon. I know it.”

Outrage on social media over Styles being featured behind rows of several other wrestlers on the Royal Rumble promotional poster has been turned into a TV storyline, and Styles has mixed feelings about it.

“It’s actually people reacting on Instagram and Twitter showing me. I think they were a little more upset than I was. I get what’s going on here on the poster. Those are your stars that have been here for a long time. So I get it. They’re in marquee matches as well. They’re faces that people recognize. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not happy with it. I think that the WWE Champion should be definitely up front but, at the same time, I understand the reasoning for the poster.”

You can read the entire interview here.

Posted January 28th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Stone Cold Says He Wouldn’t Mind Seeing Kurt Angle In The Royal Rumble, Talks Undertaker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YYZ4iUgVGo

WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin recently did an interview with TV Insider to promote his Broken Skull Challenge show, and he noted that he’s looking forward to watching Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. During the interview Austin gave high praise to The Undertaker, who will be a participant in the Rumble.

“I mean, how much left does The Undertaker got?” Austin asked. “He is a friend of mine. I don’t have his phone number or his email address. When we see each other we do catch up, though. The career that guy has at being almost 7 feet tall. The bigger you are in the business the more toll I think it takes on the body. You observe bumps differently. That guy has been through some wars. We used to always kid each other with who is going to last the longest. I got out in 2003, and that was 14 years ago, and this S.O.B. is still going.”

Austin says Taker’s career has been an “unbelievable ride,” and calls him a true badass. “There is only one guy who could have pulled that gimmick off the way he is doing it, and his name is Mark Calaway,” Austin said.

Stone Cold also commented on Kurt Angle’s Hall of Fame induction, and has fond memories of his backstage skits with the Olympic gold medalist. Austin noted that he had three broken bones in his back at the time and couldn’t wrestle, so he had to rely on comedy with Angle. He says he wouldn’t mind seeing Angle as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble on Sunday.

You can read Austin’s entire interview at TVInsider.com.

Posted January 28th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Ryback Says Vince McMahon Sabotaged His Merchandise Sales, Talks CM Punk Feud

Former WWE star Ryback recently took part in a Q & A with fans for North East Online Wrestling, where he says he feels he was ready to be given a WWE Championship run back in 2012. The question and answer session was broadcast on The Buzzards Wrestling Podcast, and we hear Ryback discuss what was going on behind-the-scenes during his on-sceen feud with CM Punk. He also claims that sometimes his merchandise outsold John Cena’s.

“I absolutely was ready [for a WWE Title run] and we would’ve created a new star right then and there but with the ankle injury, WWE were never going to let that happen,” Ryback said of the company limiting his push. “If people knew the merchandise numbers and how well we were doing on everything and I was sometimes beating John Cena. I had to fight to get all the merchandise that I had and I still had a core of what John had at the time, or half of what he had, and they wouldn’t let it go anymore, whereas now, they can’t make enough stuff for people. They were not allowing me that opportunity when the numbers were there and the crowd support was there.”

Ryback says he lost out on a lot of those merchandise sales because Vince McMahon doesn’t want heels to sell as much merchandise as the babyfaces. He says when WWE turned him heel after WrestleMania 29, McMahon gave the order for the company to stop prominently displaying his merchandise.

“Vince personally came up to me and told me ‘I want your merchandise to tank’ and they quit promoting it,” Ryback claims. “So, from a business standpoint, he told me ‘I don’t want you selling merchandise as a heel.’ Kevin Owens is a heel, Seth Rollins was a heel and all their other heels all have merchandise, so explain that. It all goes back to my ankle situation.”

You can listen to the whole thing via The Buzzards Wrestling Podcast at AudioBoom.com.

Posted January 28th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Kurt Angle Booked For WWE Axxess, Speaks On Stephanie McMahon & Steve Austin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNUw9MsIJ7c

– The Hall of Fame ceremony on March 31st isn’t the only WWE event Kurt Angle is booked for on WrestleMania weekend. It was announced this week that Angle will also be appearing at WWE’s Axxess fan convention. He’ll be meeting fans and signing autographs at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando on April 2nd at 8 AM.

Tickets for WWE Axxess go on sale on February 4th. You can find more ticket info at WWE.com.

– Speaking of Angle, he recently did a Q & A session with fans on Facebook, where he talked about who he wants to induct him into the Hall of Fame on 3/31. Angle said his three top picks to induct him would be Steve Austin, John Cena, and The Undertaker. Angle was asked about his favorite feuds from his WWE days, and mentioned his storylines with Austin, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Brock Lesnar, and The Rock. You can read the whole thing on his Facebook page.

Posted January 28th, 2017 in WWE. Tagged: .

AJ Styles Wants To Face Kurt Angle In WWE, Speaks On Working With Cena

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLMSnfBQC00

WWE Champion AJ Styles recently told FOX Sports that John Cena has made him a better performer. In an interview to promote Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, the former TNA Champion discussed Cena and his status as a part-time performer. Styles said that Cena works harder than anybody he’s ever seen.

“I mean, the guy’s on The Today Show in the morning and and comes and does live events, or comes and does SmackDown Live. The guy works hard, I get that,” Styles said. “And to tell you the truth, I’ve become a better performer because of John Cena, and I like that.”

The topic of the Royal Rumble poster came up when he talked about his motivations. Despite being WWE Champion, Styles is featured behind rows of several other wrestlers on the poster. AJ says he’s motivated by respect and will earn it from Cena, “the girls on The Today Show,” and the people on the Royal Rumble poster on Sunday.

AJ has a lot of history with soon-to-be WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle, and told FOX Sports that he would jump at the opportunity to wrestle him in a WWE ring.

“I would love that. Kurt and I have had a lot of matches together, and I would love to jump in the ring with him one more time,” he said. Is that possible? I don’t know… but it sure would be fun and I would love the opportunity to do that.”

You can read the full interview at FOXSports.com.

Posted January 28th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Nikki Bella Announced As Total Divas Executive Producer

WWE announced today that Nikki Bella will serve as executive producer of Total Divas when the sixth season resumes on Wednesday, 4/5. They announced the following today:

Total Divas returns April 5, Nikki Bella confirmed as Executive Producer

Nikki Bella is going behind the scenes when Total Divas returns this spring. In addition to starring in E!’s reality TV sensation, the record-setting former Divas Champion will serve as an Executive Producer when the show returns for the back half of Season 6 on Wednesday, April 5.

“I am honored and excited to have been made an executive producer on Total Divas,” said Nikki in a statement. “As a pioneer of the show, I want to use my expertise and creativity not only in front of the cameras but behind as well and my goal is to continue to make Total Divas one of the best reality programs on television.”

When last we left Total Divas on this week’s mid-season finale, The Fearless One had been cleared to return to the ring by her doctors, but not by WWE officials. As a result, Nikki was set to continue her rehabilitation at the WWE Performance Center while the rest of the cast — Natalya, Eva Marie, Naomi, Paige, Renee Young, Lana and Maryse — waited to hear of their fates in the WWE Brand Extension Draft. Brie Bella, meanwhile, continued her efforts to start a family with husband Daniel Bryan.

“I’m very focused on my journey to inspire and empower women and I look at this as another step forward in doing so,” Nikki said of her involvement in the coming episodes. “I am grateful to WWE, E! and Bunim Murray for giving me this amazing opportunity.”

Total Divas returns Wednesday, April 5, on E!.

Posted January 27th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Viewership For The Genesis Episode Of TNA Impact On POP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0GWylMIf6E

Last night’s TNA Genesis-themed episode of TNA Impact on POP drew 307,000 viewers, down from last week’s 310,000 viewers.

This was the 2017 Genesis edition of Impact, featuring Lashley defeating Eddie Edwards for the World Heavyweight Championship in an Iron Man Match.

Impact was #138 for the night on cable, down from last week’s #130 spot.

Posted January 27th, 2017 in News, TNA.

WrestleMania 33 Plans For Roman Reigns, Title Matches, More

With just days until the 2017 Royal Rumble, WWE’s plans for WrestleMania 33 are still being finalized, with several top stars still without certain opponents. According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, here’s what’s currently being considered Roman Reigns vs. The Undertaker is on the books as one of the headline matches.

The Observer also reports that current plans do not have AJ Styles and Kevin Owens going into WrestleMania with the WWE Championship and the Universal Championship. Styles is scheduled to defend against John Cena this Sunday at Royal Rumble while Owens will defend against Reigns.

Another WrestleMania match in the works is Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt. Rumors have Orton winning the Rumble and and Wyatt winning February’s Elimination Chamber match, setting up their WrestleMania match for the WWE Championship.

As noted earlier this week, John Cena vs. Samoa Joe has been discussed in recent weeks, but is not confirmed. Whether nor not that match happens, Joe is due to join the main roster soon.

These matches are in addition to Goldberg vs. Lesnar and Shaq vs. Big Show, both of which have been ‘set in stone’ for months.

Posted January 27th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: , .

New TNA World Champion Crowned (Video)

Lashley became a four-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion after winning an Iron Man Match over Eddie Edwards on this week’s Genesis Impact on POP.

Edwards held the title since the 10/6/16 Impact episode where he defeated Lashley for the championship. Here are some shots from the match:

Posted January 27th, 2017 in News, TNA. Tagged: , .

Trailer: New WWE Mobile Game Released

Scopely and WWE have released a new “WWE Champions” mobile game for iOS and Android today. The game can be downloaded to your device for free. Below is the full announcement from WWE:

WWE Champions mobile game arrives on iOS, Android

On Thursday, WWE and Scopely unveiled WWE Champions, a new, fast-paced puzzle/role-playing game for iOS and Android. The new WWE mobile game is available now for download free of charge on the App Store for iOS devices, as well as the Google Play Store for Android devices.

In WWE Champions, grappling gamers will build a fantasy Superstar roster and battle for virtual supremacy of the squared circle. Players will draft their team from a playable roster of over 100 different Superstars and WWE Legends, all of whom can be boosted with special ability upgrades and customizable signature finishing moves. They can also recruit up-and-coming Superstars to their team along the way.

WWE Champions will also pit fans from across the WWE Universe in various formats. Players can do battle in one-on-one or tag team format, or participate in weekly battles which recreate heated confrontations from Raw, SmackDown Live and WWE pay-per-views.

Scopely, the leading touchscreen entertainment network, serves as WWE’s partner for WWE Champions after producing multiple chart-topping mobile games. Scopely’s mobile gaming catalogue includes The Walking Dead: Road to Survival, YAHTZEE With Buddies and Wheel of Fortune Free Play. Their resume now includes WWE, which should offer plenty of excitement for mobile gamers everywhere.

“Together with WWE, we have built a mobile experience that captures the intensity and personality of the world of WWE spanning generations of Superstars and Legends,” said Tim O’Brien, Chief Revenue Officer, Scopely. “WWE Champions is packed with unlimited hours of gameplay to entertain both WWE fans and mobile gamers.”

Posted January 27th, 2017 in News, WWE.

Total Divas Viewership For Mid-Season Finale, Return Date

The mid-season finale of Total Divas drew 696,000 viewers on the E! channel.

This is up from last week’s 580,000 viewers.

Total Divas ranked #32 on the cable top 150 chart this week.

The current season of Total Divas will pick back up on Wednesday, April 5.

Posted January 27th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

John Cena Rumored To Face NXT Star At WrestleMania 33

WWE is still laying out plans for WrestleMania 33, and it sounds like the company is reportedly considering a big between a top NXT star and a top SmackDown star. According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Samoa Joe’s name has been pitched as an opponent for John Cena at WrestleMania.

Meltzer noted that he hadn’t been told what Vince McMahon’s reaction to the pitch was, but that Joe is believed to be heading to the main roster for ‘Mania. The former NXT Champion will reportedly featured be featured prominently at WrestleMania, which takes place on April 3rd in Orlando, FL.

Cena and Joe were in WWE’s developmental system together in the early 2000’s, and the company does have footage of the two together. WWE uploaded the above video to their YouTube channel in December about their history.

Posted January 26th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Eric Bischoff & Sean Waltman Talk DX vs. nWo, Drug Testing In WCW, Bischoff-HOF

ERIC BISCHOFF CALLS NWO “GREATEST FACTION OF ALL TIME,” DISPUTES SEAN WALTMAN’S MONDAYNIGHT WARS STORY ON A SPECIAL EPISODE OF X-PAC 12360

Former WCW president Eric Bischoff joins Sean Waltman on a special crossover episode of the X-Pac 12360 podcast. With MondayNight Wars, drug testing, and more topics up for discussion, the two debate whether NWO or D-Generation X were the better faction in a conversation that starts on Sean’s show and ends on this week’s new episode of Bischoff on Wrestling.

Here are the highlights, sent in by Christy Olson:

Sean asks if Eric knew that Vince McMahon told all the WWE that talent they can’t talk to anyone in WCW: No I didn’t, certainly didn’t know it. But I’m not surprised by it, having been on both sides of the equation so to speak and also working with WWE, having been in the position that I was in. It doesn’t surprise me at all. I think it’s one of those things, as you pointed out, not a lot of people know that. I certainly didn’t know it until this moment. But it doesn’t surprise me at all. He was fighting for his life, man.

Sean disputes the story told in WWE Network’s Monday Night Wars series: On the Network they talk about [Diamond Dallas Page] calling up Scott [Hall] or Kevin [Nash] and making the overture that way. I seem to remember being out here in LA recuperating from an injury, and I was meeting with Barry Bloom about something other than wrestling, movie stuff, and he brought up the fact that the checkbook was getting opened up in WCW and some big money was being thrown around. The first thing I thought of was get Scott on the phone, because he wasn’t happy. That’s my version of how it all started. That’s my version of how it all started. Is that wrong?

Eric’s response: My recollection of it was really more probably aligned with Page’s, because he lived right down the street from me. Whether I liked it or not, we talked all the time. Usually he talked all the time and I listened. You know Page. But Page knew where we were going and Page maintained relationships with people. I never did. I still don’t to this day…But Page maintained contact, and from what I remember when things started changing , because Page knew what I was thinking, and I don’t know whether he reached out to you, whether he reached out to them, who he reached out to. But somehow, the way I recall it, Page really reached out to Scott first. Maybe that happened simultaneously with you. Maybe you and Scott had a conversation. I don’t know. But from my perspective, that’s kind of what I remember.

Sean reveals the move to WCW move didn’t go down as planned: In our group, the way we were talking, I was going to be the first one to jump. What happened was I went to give my ninety day notice and my contract had already rolled over. So I was screwed. So Kevin and Scott could go, but I couldn’t.

Eric on drug testing in WCW: I think drug testing was something that we felt we had to do. It was something that we felt if we didn’t do we were vulnerable. It’s a little bit like risk management in a big corporation. There’s certain things you put into place just to make sure you don’t get sued–not that you necessarily want to, but you have to.

Does Eric think he belongs in the WWE Hall of Fame?: This is hard to talk about for me. But I’ll do my best and keep it short, or try. I have two answers for that. Obviously it’s always great to be recognized by your peers, right? I would be lying if I said that wouldn’t be important to me. It wouldn’t be true. But I will say that I’m not sure I’m comfortable with it either. That’s because it’s my own personal belief, and this doesn’t have anything to do with me, this is just the way I feel about things. I am a peripheral character, and I’ve said this before. If the WWE decided to add an executive wing to the hall of fame for people on the business side of the business were recognized, then hell yeah! I think I should be there. In fact I think there should be a statue of me there, because I think in many respects I’m responsible, at least partially, for the success of what the WWE has become today…I think as an executive yeah, I’d love to be recognized for that. But to be in the same Hall of Fame with guys like Roddy Piper and Ric Flair and all the guys that are in there that spent years learning their craft inside the ring, I don’t feel like I’m in that neighborhood, bro. It feels a little weird to me.

Would Eric accept if asked: I don’t know. First of all I’m not holding my breath that it’s going to happen. There’s a lot of dynamics involved. Honestly I don’t think about it. I’m not assuming it’ll happen, and I won’t be disappointed if it doesn’t.

Eric and Sean debate whether NWO or D-Generation X were more influential. Eric’s answer: NWO was new. It was fresh. It was an entirely different take on wrestling factions. There was the Four Horsemen. It’s not like it was the first time there was ever a faction. But it was the first time you ever had badass, cool heels. It was the first time that we saw so many of the antics and the things we saw the NWO do backstage. The NWO story took place in parts of the arena that nobody had ever seen on camera before. It broke ground in so many different ways that I think it paved the way and created a template almost for DX, and to this day I still see more NWO merchandise than I see DX merchandise. So from my point of view, because we got there first and because I think it still exists in the minds of so many people today, my perspective at least is that the NWO was the greatest faction of all time in the wrestling business, and therefore probably more influential in the long run.

Sean’s response: Damn it, Eric! I want to take DX’s side so bad in this. Damn it! Help me out here…

Check out Bischoff on Wrestling for part two of the debate, and subscribe to X-Pac 12360 on AfterBuzz TV to catch all new episodes!

Posted January 26th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: , .

Stu Bennett To WCPW, Update On SmackDown Writing Team, WWE Legend In Bad Health

– Former WWE Sueprstar Wade Barrett (Stu Bennett) is headed to What Culture Pro Wrestling’s April 29th live event from Newcastle, England. Rey Mysterio is also booked for the show. Tickets are now on sale at Eventbrite.co.uk. In the days leading up to the WCPW appearance, Bennett will be holding the Bullhammer Tour featuring four nights of his first-ever ‘one man show.’

– Earlier this week there were reports that WWE producer Brian James (Road Dogg) had been promoted as the new head writer of SmackDown, replacing Ryan Ward. It turns out that James was in fact promoted, but isn’t replacing Ward as head writer. James now has a position that’s been described as “Head Consultant.” It’s a similar role as he had before and there wasn’t a major shakeup, but he’s been promoted in title.

– “Bushwacker” Luke Williams posted a message on Facebook that fellow legend Fred Ottman (Tugboat, Typhoon, Shockmaster) has been hospitalized for the past two weeks and not doing well. Ottman is rumored to be a 2017 WWE Hall of Fame inductee.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155067687934940&set=a.435855214939.207004.648684939&type=3&theater

Posted January 26th, 2017 in News, WWE.

John Cena On WWE Owning The Trademark On His Name, ‘Pabst Blue Ribbon’ Controversy

John Cena recently spoke with ESPN about the business side of WWE, including his own personal brand and last year’s controversy surrounding a WWE t-shirt that featured a logo closely resembling that of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.

Cena revealed that WWE owns the trademark his name and shed some light on the reasoning behind that. “I see it as a joint venture,” he said. “They give me a platform to showcase my brand in nearly 200 countries across the universe.”

“We’ve become a global cultural phenomenon where people all over the world receive our product and are instantaneously aware of our story lines. There’s actually a ton of room for individuality and for personally pushing for expansion of what I can be. Dwayne (The Rock) was a pioneer in that space.”

Shortly after WWE Shop unveiled Cena’s ‘Pabst logo’ t-shirt back in May 2016, the company threatened legal action against WWE.

The shirt was pulled before eventually going back on sale – a sign that WWE may have struck a licensing agreement with the beer company.

In speaking with ESPN about the situation, Cena said,  “We were well within our rights in terms of parody necessary, but we quickly turned around and changed the design within hours. It was pretty much social media suicide for them. What’s funny is the brewery ultimately realized our power and actively reached out to establish an open relationship.”

Posted January 26th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Philadelphia To Host The 2018 Royal Rumble

WWE announced on Thursday that Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center will host next year’s Royal Rumble event, scheduled for January 28th, 2018. This will be the 30th anniversary of the annual event.. The news was first reported by Philly.com.

WWE announced earlier this month that WrestleMania 34 will once again take place from the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans, so the early 2018 WWE calendar is already taking shape.

Here’s the official press release regarding next year’s Rumble:

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– WWE® (NYSE: WWE) announced today that the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia will host the 30th anniversary of WWE Royal Rumble® on Sunday, January 28, 2018.

As part of Royal Rumble Weekend, WWE will host four consecutive nights of action at Wells Fargo Center with NXT® TakeOver® on Saturday, January 27, 2018; WWE Royal Rumble on Sunday, January 28, 2018; WWE Monday Night Raw® on Monday, January 29, 2018; and WWE SmackDown® Live on Tuesday, January 30, 2018. Ticket information about these events will be announced in the future at wwe.com.

“We are very happy to continue Philadelphia’s amazing relationship with WWE by bringing Royal Rumble back to our city,” said Larry Needle, Executive Director of PHL Sports, a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We look forward to working closely with WWE to build a great fan experience for all those attending from around the world.”

“We have had a long-standing relationship with WWE that dates back to 1974 at the Spectrum,” said Comcast Spectacor’s John Page, President, Wells Fargo Complex. “The Wells Fargo Center has hosted many incredible WWE events over the past 20 years, including WrestleMania XV (1999). Royal Rumble 2018 will build on that success as we will welcome WWE fans from all over the world to Philadelphia.”

“We are excited to have Philadelphia serve as host to one of WWE’s biggest events of 2018,” said John Saboor, WWE Executive Vice President, Special Events. “We look forward to an unprecedented four consecutive nights of WWE action at Wells Fargo Center as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Royal Rumble.”

Royal Rumble is one of WWE’s biggest events of the year and officially kicks off the road to WrestleMania. The event is highlighted by a 30-man Royal Rumble match featuring Superstars from both Raw® and SmackDown®, with the winner receiving a Championship opportunity atWrestleMania. The event will be broadcast around the world live on WWE Network. The 2018 Royal Rumble marks the 30th anniversary of the prestigious event, which was first held in January 1988 at the Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, ONT.

This year’s Royal Rumble takes place this Sunday, January 29 live at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX.

Posted January 26th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Jim Ross Praises WWE’s Final Royal Rumble Hype, Big Show’s Weight Loss

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com with some thoughts on the show-closing segment of Monday’s RAW.

“Loved the final scene on RAW featuring the big dogs of Undertaker, Brock Lesnar and Goldberg,” he said. “I don’t think that WWE could have written a better show ending as it relates to the ‘go home’ for the Royal Rumble match of which all three of the mega stars are entered.”

JR added that he’s happy to see that WWE is involving Shawn Michaels and Jerry “The King” Lawler for Sunday’s Royal Rumble broadcast. “It’s good to see individuals who have contributed so much to the success of the WWE brand over the years be invited back to enjoy the 30th Royal Rumble event.”

He also congratulated Big Show on his “amazing” weight loss, noting that Show’s appearance is now “extremely TV and movie friendly.”

“I vividly remember hosting Show in our Norwalk, CT home back in the recruiting process and my wife Jan cooking us a magnificent meal of which Show devoured including an entire jar of Apple Butter on homemade biscuits. BTW, I ate my share of them too to be perfectly honest.”

Head over to JRsBarBQ.com to read the full blog. Speaking of Big Show’s weight loss, this photo shows just how much Big Show (and Braun Strowman) have transformed themselves over the past year.

https://twitter.com/YoungBucxks/status/824132482127843330

Posted January 26th, 2017 in News, WWE.

Seth Rollins Says He Still Wants Revenge On Triple H

Seth Rollins spoke to Sky Sports this week to promote Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view and said he’s still planning to get revenge on Triple H for costing him the RAW Universal Championship.

“I’ve been trying to find [Triple H] for two or three months now and if he shows up it will give me the opportunity to put my foot in his mouth! I have been calling him out on television and social media and can’t seem to get anything from him, so maybe he is comfortable in his suit and sitting in his penthouse. Maybe The Game, The Cerebral Assassin, the guy that wielded the sledgehammer is done and gone – we’ll see if he is the man and if he has the cojones to answer me and protect his legacy.”

Triple H betrayed his former golden boy the week after SummerSlam when a Fatal 4 Way match was held to determine the winner of Finn Balor’s vacated championship. Rollins will get his hands on Triple H sooner or later, with a lot of fans thinking it will happen at WrestleMania 33.

“One way or another I am going to get my hands on him – whether it’s in the ring, backstage or at WWE headquarters. I am going to find a way to make him pay for what he did to me. He deserves everything that comes to him and more and I would like a no disqualification match because I don’t want anyone telling me what I can and can’t do when it comes to getting revenge. There is some unfinished business and sooner or later we are going to get around to it – whether it’s at WrestleMania, before or after.”

Head over to Sky Sports to check out the full interview.

Posted January 26th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: , .

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