WWE announced on Wednesday that Randy Orton has been suspended from the company (once again) for 60 days after violating the Wellness Policy for a second time.

Recap Of Randy Orton’s Past Suspensions

No word yet on when Orton failed a Wellness test, but there are indications that a few people high up in WWE knew about the situation days before it was announced on the WWE website.

Following Chris Jericho’s recent suspension, the planned No Way Out match between Orton and Jericho had to be scrapped. With Jericho out of action for 30 days, it was then decided Orton would feud with Dolph Ziggler in the coming weeks. The WWE writing team did not know about Orton’s suspension until it was announced online – which explains why Orton was booked strong on RAW, laying out The Miz with an RKO.

Orton’s second violation of the Wellness Policy puts him and WWE in a bad spot. Despite his lack of push this year, WWE has built around Orton for years and he is still considered one of the top 3 stars in the company. Now that he’s one violation away from being automatically released (as per the Wellness Policy), WWE will likely be even more hesitant to invest significant resources in his character.

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

– Dixie Carter’s announcement about the TNA Hall of Fame was a surprise to virtually everyone in the back. No word yet on who the first inductee will be, but Jeff Jarrett seems like a natural choice.

– The locker room was buzzing backstage at Impact over TNA’s lawsuit against WWE, with a lot of negative feelings towards Brian Wittenstein for leaking sensitive company information to WWE.

– Indy wrestler Joey Ryan got a huge pop from the locker room when he stood up to Taz during the Gutcheck segment. People were shocked at how well Taz handled the confrontation, since he’s known to have somewhat of a temper. After Bruce Prichard voted ‘No’ and Al Snow voted ‘Yes,’ Taz was the deciding vote that led to Ryan not getting hired by TNA. Later in the broadcast, Taz acknowledged on commentary that Ryan has a great gimmick, but is not physically ready to be a TNA superstar.

Joey Ryan tweeted the following about getting rejected:

“What a joke. @IMPACTWRESTLING is pathetic. I’m not good enough for your company? C’mon @TNADixie really? You make me laugh! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Don’t bring me in just for your NO agenda. It’s not my fault that Flair went into business for himself so why am I being punished?! Pritchard, @TheRealAlSnow & @OfficialTaz know that a NO is ridiculous. They know I’m money. I dare Tazz to say something to my face now. Somebody tell Johnny Ace he can reach me at joeyryan@hotmail.com – I know he’s not stupid enough to turn down money.”

(Sources: f4wonline.com, pwinsider.com)

– TNA officials were very pleased with Thurday’s live Impact Wrestling show and morale amongst the wrestlers was said to be high. The live aspect of the broadcast added a lot of excitement to the show.

– Brooke Hogan got along well with everyone backstage. Her new role as the head of the Knockouts division was actually Dixie Carter’s idea, not something proposed by Hogan or Bischoff.

– The locker room was buzzing backstage at Impact over TNA’s lawsuit against WWE, with a lot of negative feelings towards Brian Wittenstein for leaking sensitive company information to WWE.

– Jeff Jarrett was not backstage at Impact. Mickie James and Tara were involved in a backstage segment, but it was not used on television.

– ODB vs. Angelina Love was taped for Xplosion. Former WWE star Cliff “Domino” Compton worked the dark match before last night’s show, losing to Crimson.

(Source: f4wonline.com)

Paul Heyman went on an epic Twitter rant on Thursday night, talking about his amazing career in professional wrestling and what today’s young superstars must to do in order to become the next Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan or The Rock.

Chris Jericho Reacts To Paul Heyman’s Rant

Here is Paul’s rant in its entirety:

“I look at some of these [ECW] pics, and I realize how blessed I was in my career. Some guys have to wait forever for a lucky break. I managed @AustinIdolLive and Tommy Rich at the age of 21. Also The Orig Midnights, which I got to do on @ESPN. Got to book Windy City at 22 years old. Eddie Gilbert’s assistant booker at same age. Got to debut in WCW on TBS at 23 years old. So I was @JRsBBQ color commentator at 23 years old. NO ONE IS GIVEN THAT OPPORTUNITY IN TODAY’S ENVIRONMENT! I will admit, with all modesty, I #Hustled my ass off, and GOT MYSELF the opportunity with ambition, politics, and pure assertiveness.”

“Even “down periods” would give me the chance 2 work w/ people like Mean Mark. U know him as “The Undertaker”. At 26, I managed @SteveAustinBSR, Rick Rude,Arn,Eaton, Zbyszko … The Dangerous Alliance (didn’t forget @Madusa_Rocks). I’m working with these legends, these giants of the industry, these absolute top guys in my 20s. In today’s system, most super talented people spend a great portion of their 20’s just trying to make it onto the main roster. … and yes, that has to change. I got to take over the creative of #ECW a week after my 28th birthday. By the time I became @JRsBBQ commentator on @WWE #Raw in 2001, I was 35 years old. STILL a “kid”… … but I was already a veteran with decades in the business, and yet a 35 year old today would just be getting that chance. … and working with @JRsBBQ on #RAW allowed me to commentate Wmania 17 and @SteveAustinBSR vs @TheRock … By the time I worked with Brock Lesnar, which has become my best known managerial role, I was 36 years old … I look at some of these pics and videos #HustleTweeters send me, and I realize what an amazingly blessed career I’ve had …”

“I’ve had more lucky breaks, more open doors, more perfect-storm-timing-opportunities than anyone else I’ve known. These pics don’t just remind me of “accomplishments,” they remind me of what a lucky bastard I’ve been to be able to work with these magnificent people, and play these roles, under these various circumstances. I’ve hit the lottery so many times, it’s easy to just “expect” the next opportunity, or get a sense of entitlement. But I’ve never felt entitled. Always blessed. Privileged. Lucky as all Hell. And yet, I know how much hard work goes into it, and how you have to SCORE with your opportunities.”

“The next generation in this (or any other business) doesn’t just need to “Step Up,” they need to “Stand Up” and “Get Noticed!” Think it was easy for @CMpunk? Think it was easy for @WWEDanielBryan? They had to scratch and claw and fight for every inch of turf they could pry away from the previous generation, who made them fuckin’ earn it!!! It’s not about backstabbing. It’s not about kissing ass. It’s not about pulling a hot stunt and getting momentary publicity. It’s about creating your own opportunity (like @SteveAustinBSR did with “Stone Cold”) and working harder than every1 else looking for the big break, the next chance, the golden opportunity.”

“This isn’t a pep talk. It’s the lay of the land as I see it in today’s sports entertainment industry. I would have written a blog, but who knows if anyone will click on the link? And while this may be a “stream of consciousness” diatribe, it’s a message to those who may be getting frustrated, a message to those who may be wondering “will I ever get that chance? that break? that opportunity?” DON’T WAIT FOR IT TO COME TO YOU! RELY ON YOURSELF!!!”

“Do you think @SteveAustinBSR relied on anyone? Did HHH? Did @TheRock? Did Hulk Hogan? Did @CMpunk? With great humility, I ask you, did I? FUCK NO. If there was no opportunity, I created my own, pushed my way in manipulated the circumstances to beg, borrow, plead, blackmail, bribe, cajole, threaten, bullshit and/or manufacture. All I wanted was a mic in my hand and a time frame in which I had to deliver my message. I knew I would score. I’ve seen it in this business for ages. I saw @ShawnMichaels go from tag team wrestler to greatest all around in-ring performer ever. Think it was easy for him? I remember when Shawn and Marty were blackballed in the business, and could only work in Ala-fuckin-bama. Think it didn’t take @ShawnMichaels everything “and then some” to break out of The Rockers and get a chance as “HBK”?”

“AMBITION. ASSERTIVENESS … and the ABILITY TO BACK IT UP is what it takes to create the next generation of main eventers. The talent is there. The opportunity has never been more widespread. The need for new main eventers is readily apparent. “DOCILE” and “COMPLACENT” and “HUMBLE TO A FAULT” won’t cut it. While a dose of humility is always needed, that “main event confidence” is just as important. And it’s time for the next group of superstars to stake their claim and create their own generation for others to follow. Period. Excla-fuckin-mation point. The lecture is over. Pontification has ended. Hope I’ve been of help 2 ANYONE who follows this acct and maybe even to someone who doesn’t! We now return to our regularly scheduled nonsense, #HustleBootyTempTats, and shameless @HeymanHustle website links!”

– WWE Champion CM Punk thinks he might be cursed, because the last three men he wrestled at WrestleMania are currently suspended. Punk tweeted:

“My last three Wrestlemania opponents are currently suspended. I’m a curse!”

– WWE Studios and Lionsgate are moving forward with the reboot of 1993 horror movie The Leprechaun. Veteran writer Harris Wilkinson has been tapped to write the script, according to movie site Deadline.com.

– The final FCW television tapings on June 7th from the FCW Arena in Tampa will feature a highly anticipated rematch between Dean Ambrose and William Regal. Since their first encounter on November 6th, both men have been teasing a rematch, with Ambrose  using Regal’s moves (the Knee Trembler and Regal Stretch) in his matches.

– As previously reported, former WWE superstar performer Cliff Compton (a/k/a Domino) was at Thursday’s live Impact.

We can confirm that former WWE Tough Enough contestant Martin Casaus was also backstage at the show. He wrote on Twitter:

“Ill be at @IMPACTWRESTLING tonight for thier first live impact show,” he wrote. “I’ve been hearing a lot about #gutcheck #toughenoughgutcheck @TNADixie… At universal studios for @IMPACTWRESTLING. Theres some big time wrestling fans here! Were a special bunch of people. Love it!”

– The following is TNA’s IMPACT WRESTLING post show.

“Directly following the live broadcast of IMPACT WRESTLING on Spike TV, Jeremy Borash hosted the Live Post Show. During the post show we found out how Christy Hemme managed to avoid wardrobe malfunctions… We also hear from Eric Young about how he is the greatest lumberjack to ever live, that and he is no longer cut off… We get words from Christopher Daniels and Kazarian about exposing AJ Styles and Dixie Carter who seem to have a close relationship with President Dixie Carter”

* BIG Shakeup In TNA: Talent Leaving & Former WWE Stars In Talks To Debut

*SPOILERS* for Tonight’s WWE SmackDown

The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s WWE SmackDown on Syfy:

– WWE champion CM Punk vs. Kane

– World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler

– The return of Sin Cara

– Damien Sandow vs. Ezekiel Jackson

– Ryback will be in action

– Santino and Zack Ryder vs. Darren Young and Titus O’Neil

– Cody Rhodes vs. Tyson Kidd

Also scheduled to appear are Big Show, John Laurinaitis, David Otunga, Daniel Bryan and AJ.

Following Thursday’s live edition of Impact Wrestling, the following is the updated card for TNA Slammiversary on Sunday, June 10th from Arlington, Texas:

TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
Bobby Roode (c) vs. Sting

TNA World Tag Team Title Match
Kazarian & Daniels (c) vs. Kurt Angle & AJ Styles

Joseph Park vs. Bully Ray

Samoa Joe vs. Austin Aries

Robbie E and Robbie T vs. Garett Bischoff & Devon

It was also announced on Impact that TNA is creating a Hall of Fame will induct the first member at Slammiversary.

This week’s live TNA Impact Wrestling opens up with the roster surrounding the ring as Mike Tenay and Taz welcome us to the Impact Zone in Orlando, Florida.

Lumberjack Match: Sting vs. Bobby Roode

We go to the ring and out first comes the TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode. Sting is out next to a big pop. The bell rings and they go right at it.

Sting takes control early on. Roode turns it around with chops in the corner but Sting wants more. Sting unloads again on Roode and goes for the Scorpion. Roode makes it to the ropes and breaks. Sting attacks him on the apron and sends him out to the Lumberjacks. They throw Roode back in and Sting misses a Stinger splash in the corner. Roode throws Sting out now and the heel Lumberjacks beat on him before throwing him back in. Sting fights his way back in.

Back and forth action until Roode takes control and keeps Sting grounded on the mat. Sting makes a comeback but misses another splash in the corner and hits a big boot. Roode throws Sting back to the heels and they work him over. Sting fights them off as we go to commercial.

Back from the break and Roode is still in control of Sting, getting another 2 count. Sting makes another comeback and nails a Stinger splash in the corner. Roode rolls out of the ring and the Lumberjacks protect him as he regroups. Sting leaps over the top rope and takes everyone out. They come back in and Sting goes for the Scorpion. Roode blocks it and applies the crossface submission.

Roode breaks the hold but goes back to work on Sting. Sting blocks a suplex and drops Roode with the Death Drop. Sting goes for the Scorpion again and locks it in. Roode taps out for the win.

Winner: Sting

– After the match, Sting celebrates in the ring when Hulk Hogan’s music hits. Hogan comes out to the stage and gives props to Sting. Hogan announces Sting vs. Roode for the World Heavyweight Title as the main event of Slammiversary.

– Tenay and Taz hype Hogan’s announcement and tonight’s show. Daniels vs. AJ Styles is still to come plus Devon defending the TV Title against an opponent that the fans chose. Also still to come – Brooke Hogan’s official debut. We go to commercial.

– Back from the break and Madison Rayne is talking about how she and Brooke Hogan will get along just fine.

– We go to the ring where Bully Ray is. He’s here looking for Joseph Park, the brother of Abyss. We see Park in the crowd again. Ray runs down Park and wants to fight. He rips into his family and finally Abyss. This pisses Park off and he comes to the ring but security stops him. Ray tells them to let him come on. Park enters the ring and Ray wants to fight. Ray confesses he left Abyss for dead. Park grabs Ray by his neck and brings him to his knees. Ray says he will sue if he hits him. Park backs off and says he won’t stoop to Ray’s level. Ray calls him and Abyss a coward before leaving the ring. Park takes the mic and says let’s fight right now. Ray walks to the ring but doesn’t get in. He says they will fight at Slammiversary.

– Up next, Austin Aries vs. Chris Sabin. Back to commercial.

– Back from the break and we get a Crimson promo video.

TNA X Division Title Match: Chris Sabin vs. Austin Aries

They come to the ring and go at it as soon as the bell hits, trading holds. Aries takes control and nails a big elbow for a pin attempt. Sabin comes back with a 2 count of his own. Aries dumps Sabin to the floor and dives through the ropes on him. They end up on the floor and go at it. Sabin with a suplex off the top rope for a close 2 count.

More back and forth action. Sabin slams Aries from a fireman’s carry but Aries counters and rolls him up for the win.

Winner: Austin Aries

– We see backstage video from earlier of Hulk Hogan and Taz talking about Gutcheck. Taz is now a judge. Back to commercial.

– Back from the break and we see footage from yesterday of Taz, Al Snow and Bruce Prichard looking at Joey Ryan’s Gutcheck tape. They talk about Ryan’s character and last week’s match against Austin Aries.

– Up next, Brooke Hogan. Back to commercial.

– Back from the break and Jeremy Borash is backstage with Mr. Anderson, Rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy and Robbie E. JB encourages us to keep voting online for Devon’s opponent.

– We go to the ring and out comes TNA President Dixie Carter.

Dixie talks about TNA turning 10 years old in a few days. Dixie is proud of the wrestlers and thanks the fans, saying TNA wouldn’t be here without them. Dixie says at Slammiversary, TNA will be announcing the very first inductee in the TNA Hall of Fame. Dixie then talks about the Knockouts division. She puts over Brooke Hogan and out she comes to a mixed reaction from the crowd.

Dixie welcomes Brooke and says she is excited about all the things she will do for TNA. Brooke thanks her for the opportunity. She thanks the fans for welcoming her with open arms. Brooke says she grew up in wrestling and loves it as much as Dixie. Brooke says she has some big yellow boots to fill but she’s taking this serious. Brooke thanks everyone again and hugs Dixie. That’s it.

– We see Kazarian and Daniels watching backstage. They can’t believe Dixie didn’t talk about the AJ Styles situation. They’ve got something planned for later. Still to come, Daniels vs. Styles.

– Up next, the TV Title match. Back to commercial.

TNA Television Title Match: Jeff Hardy vs. Devon

Back from the break and we get more Slammiversary hype. TNA Television Champion Devon comes out first as we wait to find out who his opponent is. Jeff Hardy was picked by fans and out he comes.

Lots of back and forth action with pin attempts to start. Devon takes control mid match until Hardy hits Twist of Fate. Hardy goes up top but Robbie E runs down and interferes with Robbie T. The Robbies attack both men and the match is thrown out due to interference. Devon fights back and takes both men out. Hardy joins in and they clear the ring.

– We get a video promo for James Storm.

– Up next, more from Gutcheck. Back to commercial.

– We get a video for the feud between AJ Styles, Kazarian and Daniels.

– JB is in the ring with Bruce Prichard, Al Snow and Taz – our Gutcheck judges. JB brings out Joey Ryan to the ring. Ryan says he is kind of a big deal and right now, he is trending worldwide on Twitter. JB goes to Prichard first. He talks about Ryan’s look and calls him a hell of a talent. Prichard says Ryan has been in the business for 12 years and his vote is no. Al Snow is up next. He says he doesn’t like Ryan or his attitude but he says he has potential and votes yes. Taz must vote yes for Ryan to get the contract. JB gives Ryan the chance to cut a promo and save himself. Ryan speaks and Taz is up next. Taz says if that was the promo to save his life and get a job, then he’s out of his mind. Ryan gets in Taz’s face and has words now. Taz gets angry and votes no. Taz tells Ryan to prove him wrong. Hit the road and come back when he’s ready. Ryan continues running his mouth but didn’t get the job.

– Back from the break and we see footage of Bobby Roode speaking to fans in London last week.

AJ Styles vs. Daniels

We go to the ring for tonight’s main event. Out first comes one-half of the TNA Tag Team Champions Daniels. AJ Styles is out next to a nice reaction from the crowd.

Back and forth action to start until AJ takes control. Daniels turns it around with a big right to the face. AJ ends up on the apron and Daniels knocks him off into the fan barrier. We go to commercial.

Back from the break and Daniels is in control of AJ. Daniels with a moonsault off the ropes for a 2 count. AJ finally takes Daniels down with a heel kick to the head. AJ unloads on Daniels and powerbombs him for a 2 count. AJ springboards in with a big forearm. Daniels blocks an inverted DDT. AJ connects with the pele kick. He goes for the Styles Clash but Kazarian gets on the apron. AJ hits him but Daniels rolls him up for 2. AJ hits the inverted DDT this time for the win.

Winner: AJ Styles

– After the match, Kazarian hits the ring and the tag team champions beat AJ down. Kurt Angle runs down and makes the save. Angle applies the ankle lock on Kazarian. Daniels runs back in and hits Angle with a low blow from behind. They double team Angle now. They use ties and cuff Angle to the bottom rope. AJ tries to make the save but they lay him out with a title belt. They hit Angle with the title belt also and lay him out. Daniels takes the mic. He has proof positive of the affair between Dixie Carter and AJ Styles. He plays a phone call of AJ calling Dixie and them making plans to get together and keep it from her husband. Dixie runs out and yells for the production people to turn it off. It sounds like she drops a F-bomb and they bleep it. Dixie yells that they are finished as Impact goes off the air.

Another new era for TNA Wrestling begins tonight – as Impact Wrestling goes live and moves to a new start time – 8pm (Eastern). The following has been announced for tonight’s show:

– TNA champion Bobby Roode vs. Sting in a Lumberjack match

– The debut of Brooke Hogan as the new head of TNA’s Knockouts division

– TNA Television Champion Devon vs. an opponent chosen by the fans (either Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam, Mr. Anderson or Robbie E)

– TNA President Dixie Carter will make a “Major Announcement”

Here’s a video preview for tonight’s show:

– WWE officials have been so impressed with CM Punk and Daniel Bryan’s recent series of matches that there are plans to have Daniel Bryan travel with the RAW brand and continue wrestling Punk at live events. There is talk of Bryan and Punk wrestling submission matches.

– WWE has released new t-shirts for WWE Champion CM Punk (“I Dig Crazy Chicks”) and Sin Cara (“Follow the Faceless”). Punk’s crazy chicks shirt is from his recent backstage interaction with AJ, who recently tweeted that she digs guys who dig crazy chicks.

– Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler will be appearing together at the 2012 SportsRadio 610 Fan Fest on June 10th from 12-5pm at the University of Houston Athletics Alumni Center.

– WWE recently signed UK bodybuilder Steve Evans to a developmental deal. The 6-foot-6, 260 pound beast recently underwent WWE’s medical physicals and is expected to report to FCW soon.

– Mark Henry recently announced on Twitter that he was undergoing surgery and would retire if he could not return to action at 100%. There was a lot of speculation that Henry’s surgery was for his nagging groin injury, but it was actually his shoulder that was operated on. If his physical therapy and recovery go as planned, Henry is expected to be back in action this summer.

– Justin Gabriel returned from injury on last night’s episode of WWE NXT. He teamed with Derrick Bateman and Percy Watson to defeat JTG, Michael McGillicutty and Johnny Curtis. Gabriel used a leaping tornado DDT as his finisher and looked to be in great shape in his return match.

– WWE employee Joey Styles is now taking independent bookings for personal appearances through WrestlingMarx.com.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Alex Shelley is gone from TNA after allowing his contract to expire without signing a new deal with the company. According to sources close to Shelley, he has heard from WWE officials – but reports of him signing a contract or even agreeing to terms are premature.

When he made the decision to become a free agent, WWE was not even on his radar. Shelley has been talking with New Japan Pro Wrestling for weeks and was close to signing with the promotion before he heard from WWE.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

The following superstars and divas are confirmed for the upcoming WWE ’13 video game, in stores October 30th, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Several wrestlers are duplicated in both eras and will appear in the game as separate characters:

Modern Era: John Cena, Randy Orton, CM Punk, Undertaker, The Rock, Brock Lesnar, Triple H, Chris Jericho, Dainel Bryan, Cody Rhodes, Sheamus, Wade Barrett, Rey Mysterio, Zack Ryder, Dolph Ziggler, Alberto Del Rio, R-Truth, Kofi Kingston, The Miz, Jack Swagger, Santino, David Otunga, Kane, Kevin Nash, Christian, Mark Henry, Sin Cara, Epico, Primo, Hunico, Ted DiBiase, Great Khali, Heath Slater, Jinder Mahal, Justin Gabriel, Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Bella Twins, Kharma, Beth Phoenix, Alicia Fox.

Attitude Era: Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Eddie Guerrero, Edge & Christian, New Age Outlaws, Road Warriors, , X-Pac, Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Mankind, Dude Love, Cactus Jack, Trish Stratus, Lita, Big Show, Kane, Davey Boy Smith, Vader, Mark Henry, Ken Shamrock, Godfather and Big Bossman.

WWE ’13 will also feature a special celebrity character – WWE Hall of Famer Mike Tyson. Tyson signing with THQ to appear in the video game appears to be a factor in Tyson’s induction into the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame. Tyson also recently did a rare interview for Paul Heyman’s Heyman Hustle site talking about UFC star Jon Jones’ DUI arrest and it’s believed that interview was set up by THQ.

WWE ’13 Screenshots:

[nggallery id=16]

– With The Rock’s movie G.I. Joe: Retaliation now being released in March 2013 just 9 days before WrestleMania 29, it’s going to be extremely difficult for him to appear episodes of RAW leading up to the big show. The Rock is known for going all out promoting his movies, something that means a lot to Hollywood executives and the success of a movie’s opening box office numbers. Especially if the movie opens internationally around the same time, he’s going to be flying all over the world doing premiere events and media appearances.

New Pictures of The Rock Filming GI JOE: Retaliation

– WWE shipped 199,000 DVDs in April, down 11.6% from April 2011. The company’s top 5 selling DVDs, in order, are DVD sets from Steve Austin, The Rock and Randy Orton, Top 50 Oh My God Moments and the Bret Hart-Shawn Michaels Greatest Rivalries sit-down interview.

– The WWE website had 16.5 million unique viewers in April, up significantly from most months (due to WrestleMania 28), but down 1.2% from April 2011. WWE shop averaged 800 orders/day, up 9.1% from April 201.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– When RAW goes to 3-hours every week starting July 23rd, the show will not air live in Canada on The Score. The time slot will be 9pm-midnight, which is late for viewers on a weeknight. The show will replay on Tuesdays from 4-7pm.

– Randy Orton’s recent Tweet about WWE banning his punt to the skull due to concussion awareness is believed to be legit, with the company looking to prevent injuries as well as potential legal liability from concussions.

– As previously reported, John Cena will be appearing at most SmackDown tapings through July. Even at SmackDown shows when Cena is not used on television and only wrestles in a dark match main event, the feeling is that Cena helps the shows draw more fans. SmackDown attendance has been struggling for a long time, with the recent Baton Rouge tapings only drawing 2,500 fans.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newslteter)

United States Senate candidate Linda McMahon has been under attack in recent weeks due to her ties to WWE, with two newspapers comparing the wrestling product to pornography. Democrat Susan Bysiewicz, a prospective candidate for the same office Linda is running for, gave a speech last Thursday saying, “I’ll be damned if I let someone who sells sex and violence and pornography for a living be our next United States Senator. We have to send the right woman to Washington.”

The McMahon campaign quickly responded with a great deal of evidence showing Bysiewicz not only strongly endorsed McMahon in the past, but also worked directly with WWE and its superstars. When Bysiewicz was Secretary of State, she worked with Linda on the Smackdown Your Vote campaign and even spoke at high schools with along with WWE superstars. Bysiewicz had previously endorsed McMahon when she was running for the Connecticut Board of Education.

Moving forward, McMahon’s campaign strategy is to reach out to female voters, holding daily women-only meetings across the state.

Check out these recent pictures of the McMahon family at a recent campaign event for Linda:

[nggallery id=13]

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– Ratings are in for Monday’s RAW – and they’re not pretty. RAW drew a 2.7 rating with 3,915,000 viewers. The show did hours of 2.73 and 2.71.

– Dr. Tom Prichard was let go from WWE developmental today after working as a top trainer at Florida Championship Wrestling since it launched it 2007.

Back in ’07, Prichard took over the job of Bill DeMott, who was in charge of WWE’s previous developmental territory, Deep South Wrestling. Demott will be taking over Prichard’s duties at FCW.

The news of Prichard’s departure comes while WWE is in the process of revamping its developmental system, streamling it with NXT and relocating to Full Sail University.

(Source: PWInsider.com)

It was recently announced that the G.I. Joe: Retaliation, which had been scheduled to be released on June 29th, has been pushed back to March 29, 2013. The original reason given was that Paramount wanted to convert the movie to 3D in post-production to maximize the film’s potential revenues. Box office competition from the new Avengers, Batman and Spiderman movies was also cited as a reason for the delay.

Deadline.com is now reporting that there is another reason why Paramount bumped the release date to March 2013 (after spending millions of dollars promoting the June 2012 released ate – including a Super Bowl commercial) – the movie tested poorly among ‘test audiences.’

Movies are typically shown to small test audiences so movie studios can get feedback from the public before a film’s official premiere date. Test audiences felt the best part of the movie was The Rock’s on-screen chemistry with actor Channing Tatum, who only appeared at the beginning of the movie in the version that was originally due out 6/29.

There was a great deal of concern that the movie was not ready for prime time, so the studio decided to delay it and now have the conversion to 3D as an excuse.

Check out these pictures of The Rock in GI Joe: Retaliation –

[nggallery id=18]

– According to WWE sources, the company’s new top priority are its various television products – namely, RAW and SmackDown. The change in direction has been in the works for some time now and comes straight from Vince McMahon.

WWE’s top priority for decades has been maximizing revenue from pay-per-view events. While PPV is still one of the company’s core profit centers, buyrates have been declining for years and WWE is now relying more than ever on its television rights fees from NBC Universal.

At a time when WWE’s pay-per-view buys are declining, the company is relying on television more than ever, as evidenced by the recent announcement that RAW is expanding to 3 hours. WWE will make several extra million dollars per year from RAW’s third hour on USA, which will offset losses from PPVs not selling as well.

– In an #AftermathRadio retro interview, WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin talks in depth with Arda Ocal and Jimmy Korderas about his infamous “double turn” match at WrestleMania 13 vs Bret Hart — where the Hitman became a villain and Austin became a hero in the same match. Austin also shares a laugh about ribbing referees in dark matches.

(Source: PWInsider.com)

Independent wrestler Ricky Reyes received a WWE tryout last week at the SmackDown tapings from Wilkes-Barre, PA. Reyes had a long match with Tyson Kidd that got rave reviews from the locker room and lost a squash match against Ryback on SmackDown.

A lot of people backstage talking about Reyes and how good he was, especially William Regal.  Don’t be surprised to see Reyes offered a developmental contract in the coming weeks.

In case you’re not familiar with Ricky Reyes, check out these pictures:

[nggallery id=17]

At WWE No Way Out on 6/17, CM Punk will defend the WWE Championship in a 3-way match against Kane and Daniel Bryan. The announcement was made at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings.

*SPOILERS* SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

With that match set, here’s the updated card:

Steel Cage Match
John Cena vs. Big Show

WWE Championship Match:
CM Punk (c) vs. Kane vs. Daniel Bryan

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Alberto Del Rio vs. Sheamus

– Alex Shelley’s superstar profile has been removed from the roster page of the TNA website, another indication that he’s on his way out of the company. Shelly recently turned down a contract renewal offer from TNA and is rumored to be jumping to WWE in the coming months.

– Last week’s episode of Impact Wrestling (5/24) drew a 1.01 cable rating with 1,434,000 viewers.

– The latest reality show produced by Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey, called The Catalina premiered last night the CW network. The show focuses on the staff of The Catalina hotel in Miami, Florida. Jason Hervey made several radio appearances earlier in the day to hype the premiere. For more ont he show, visit CWTV.com.

– John Laurinaitis (“People Power” ring gear from Over The Limit) is rumored to be a playable character in the new WWE 13 video game, in stores October 30th.

WWE 13: First Screenshots & Official Trailer Video

– Former WWE Diva Lita will be a celebrity judge for “SugarSlam III: Batter Royal – The Most Delicious Championship in Sports Entertainment.” For more information on the wrestling-themed bake off, visit bakeanddestroy.net.

– Hornswoggle celebrated a birthday this week and it sounds like they had a celebration for him after Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings. He tweeted on Tuesday night:

“Thanks to @johncena for what you did after the cameras stopped rolling tonight! Never thought in a million years that I wouldve gotten that!”

– Shane McMahon’s China-based YOU On Demand company will begin publicly trading today on the NASDAQ stock market. The company, which McMahon founded shortly after departing WWE several years ago, has secured a 20-year contract with the Chinese government to run Video-on-Demand services in the country, a strong indication that the company’s revenue will remain steady for a long time. For more on the company going public, visit PaidContent.org.

– WWE Legend Jake “The Snake” Roberts turns 57 years old today.

– Evan Bourne wrote the following injury update on Tuesday:

“Took another xray today. Things are progressing as planned. Another step in the right direction! Might even be off these crutches soon!”