– CM Punk retrained the WWE Championship at Sunday’s Over The Limit pay-per-view in a match with Daniel Bryan that was far and away the best on the show. Punk’s title reign continues – but WWE officials almost decided to put the title on Daniel Bryan.

The topic of Bryan winning the WWE Title was being discussed a lot over the past few weeks. Apparently the talks got “pretty serious” but the decision was made in the past week to have Punk retain.

With the rave reviews that Punk vs. Bryan received, expect to see more matches between these two in the coming months. In his latest blog, Jim Ross called their match one of the best bouts he’s seen in years and floated the idea of them competing in a 30 or 60 minute Iron Man Match.

Jim Ross Blogs About CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan

– Speaking of Daniel Bryan, he turns 31 years old today. YES! Today’s other wrestling birthdays include Husky Harris (25), former TNA Knockout Traci Brooks (37) & former WCW star Scott Putski (46).

– There was a lot of talk backstage at WWE’s Over the Limit pay-per-view about the quality of the Divas Title match with Layla and Beth Phoenix. The feeling was that Layla’s performance was a sign that her knee isn’t 100%.

Former WWE and WCW star Ernest Miller recently spoke with Inside The Ropes Radio and says he’s pissed off over WWE’s Funkasaurus character.

“The Cat” says he knows Brodus Clay is just doing what WWE tells him to do – but thinks it’s a bunch of crap that the Funkasaurus is using his old theme music and “call my momma” catchphrase.

Here’s what Miller said about the situation:

“I haven’t watched it. I’ve nothing against him, he’s working for a company. I feel like someone told him to do it. He’s trying to make it work.

Many fans have said he’s not as good as me and it made me popular without being on the TV show. It’s a little more than dancing.

I was an athlete, I could wrestle. WWE had so many people afraid of their jobs, they never let me develop into what it could be. People like this guy out there dancing and saying call my momma, but he’s not the original.

I could’ve made it work so in other words, I’m a little pissed off about it.”

According to various online reports, former TNA Tag Team Champion and X Division Champion Alex Shelley has finished his run with TNA. F4Wonline.com suggests that he made the decision to leave the company when his contract expires soon.

Shelley is a former TNA X-Division champion and held the TNA tag team championships with his Motor City Machine Guns partner Chris Sabin.

With the news that WWE has been reaching out to Cruiserweight talent for an all-cruiserweights show on the WWE Network this fall, the timing of Shelley asking for his release would make him eligible to participate in the project.

Chris Jericho has been stating for months that he plans to leave WWE to tour with his metal band Fozzy – and we’ve got an update on his upcoming schedule.

Jericho is currently advertised for RAW live events through the RAW Supershow on June 4th. He will then hit the road with Fozzy in the UK from June 6-10th and will host the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards in London on June 11th.

Jericho is then advertised for WWE live events again starting June 15th and through SummerSlam on August 19th – including No Way Out on June 17th and Money in the Bank on July 15th.

Jericho and Fozzy will participate in the Rockstar Uproar Tour from August 15th through September 30th. WWE is not advertising Jericho for any events after SummerSlam until October. He is also advertised for WWE’s overseas tour in late October.

Of course – cards are always subject to change and Chris Jericho is known to be elusive with his true schedule. However, it appears there’s a good chance that Jericho will be wresting for WWE for the next several months.

WWE made a huge error on Monday’s RAW and set of a firestorm of criticism from fans on Twitter. During RAW’s opening segment, John Laurinaitis announced that he had re-hired Big Show on Saturday, a day before he interfered at Over the Limit and helped Laurinaitis defeat John Cena. Of course, this directly conflicts with the stipulation of the Laurinaitis vs. Cena match – where anybody who interfered in the match would be fired.

According to f4wonline.com, the script for RAW included the error that Big Show had signed a new contract on Saturday.

WWE didn’t realize the error until fans went crazy on Twitter and pointed out the glaring storyline logic gap.

Later in the show, Michael Cole clarified that Big Show had “agreed in principle” to help Laurinaitis at Over The Limit, but didn’t actually sign his contract until Monday morning.

WWE posted the following “damage control” tweet, clarifying that Big Show was NOT under contract (and thus, could not be fired) by interfering at Over The Limit:

“It’s official! @WWETheBigShow had a verbal agreement with @WWERawGM, but didn’t sign a contract until AFTER #OverTheLimit! #OtungaLaw #WWE”

– The dark main event after last night’s WWE RAW Supershow in Richmond, Virginia saw CM Punk defeat Daniel Bryan.

– John Cena vs. Big Show was announced last night on RAW for next month’s No Way Out pay-per-view.

– WWE has released the following video for hyping RAW expanding to 3 hours every week starting July 23rd:

[vsw id=”rBDsB6KWMtE” source=”youtube” width=”635″ height=”430″ autoplay=”no”]

WWE has released a list ranking the Top 50 WCW Superstars of all time. The list only covers WCW’s Ted Turner era (1988-2001), only takes into account WCW accomplishments and is based on “everything from longevity to cultural impact.”

WWE Hall of Famer and longtime WCW announcer Jim Ross noted on Twitter that he had some input on the feature, but had nothing to do with the actual rankings:

“I only wrote 2 bios…Terry Funk and Brian Pillman…I had zero to do w/the rankings…Interesting list.”

Here is WWE’s list of the Top 50 WCW Superstars of all time. 

Commet Below and tell us what you think of the list.

1) Sting
2) Ric Flair
3) “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan
4) Goldberg
5) Kevin Nash
6) Diamond Dallas Page
7) Lex Luger
8 ) Booker T
9) “Macho Man” Randy Savage
10) Scott Steiner
11) Big Van Vader
12) Scott Hall
13) Dean Malenko
14) “Psycho” Sid Vicious
15) “Stunning” Steve Austin
16) Ron Simmons
17) Arn Anderson
18) Eddie Guerrero
19) The Giant (Big Show)
20) Brian Pillman
21) Rick Steiner
22) Rey Mysterio
23) Barry Windham
24) Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat
25) Eric Bischoff
26) Rick Rude
27) Chris Jericho
28) Buff Bagwell
29) Billy Kidman
30) Raven
31) The Great Muta
32) Lance Storm
33) Terry Funk
34) Konnan
35) Lord Steven Regal (William Regal)
36) Ultimo Dragon
37) Cactus Jack (Mick Foley)
38) Michael “P.S.” Hayes
39) Curt Hennig
40) “Taskmaster” Kevin Sullivan
41) Bret Hart
42) Dustin Rhodes (Goldust in WWE)
43) Saturn
44) Bobby Eaton
45) Kanyon
46) Larry Zbyszko
47) Meng
48) Dennis Rodman
49) Juventud Guerrera
50) Jeff Jarrett

Ric Flair’s days in TNA could be coming to an end. According to a report at PWInsider.com, Flair’s recent conduct outside of the ring has been such a burden for TNA, the situation has reached a point where it’s not worth keeping him around anymore.

Ric Flair’s partying lifestyle, which has been his calling card for decades, is catching up with him once again. Flair has rung up several very expensive bar tabs and then stuck TNA with the bill. Flair was recently banned from the Hard Rock Cafe in Orlando and was recently pulled from TNA live events and TV tapings after another incident at an Orlando hotel that TNA previously had a strong working relationship with.

Several people in TNA were against bringing Flair in from the beginning due to his high price tag. The fact that he has failed to be a ratings or money draw for TNA has added even more tension to Flair’s relationship with the company.

Flair is also on the radar of Spike TV, with executives from the network reportedly instructing TNA to prohibit Flair from appearing “near nude” (in his wrestling gear) and bleeding on television.

As of this weekend, some believe Flair might have made his last appearance for TNA.

It’s worth noting that Ric Flair’s daughter Ashley just signed a developmental contract with WWE.

– As noted before, Sin Cara returned to action for WWE over the weekend. He is booked for tonight’s RAW tapings and tomorrow’s SmackDown tapings.

– WWE has applied to trademark the phrase “RAW ACTIVE,” a phrase coined to describe the new interactive elements that will be added to Monday Night RAW when it expands to 3 hours on July 23rd.

WWE has also filed to trademark the phrase “RIP ‘EM” to be used for merchandise related to the upcoming DVD release of the 1980’s WWF movie “No Holds Barred” due out in July.

– WWE has posted a number of backstage videos from Sunday’s Over The Limit pay-per-view. One of the videos featured Big Show refusing to comment on why he turned on John Cena. Another video showed John Laurinaitis receiving a standing ovation when he returned backstage after his match against John Cena.

– The Miz will be starring on the new season of the Disney XD show Pair of Kings.

Speaking of the Miz, he likely won’t be on tonight’s RAW. He is scheduled to appear at tonight’s 2012 Cable Show Convention in Boston, Massachusetts as a representative of WWE & the USA Network.

WWE has been airing videos part of a new viral marketing campaign that states – “The Revolution Is Coming.”

This afternoon, a new promos for the campaign launched on the WWE website that stats the Revolution is coming next week – Monday, May 28th.

Shortly after the latest promo premiered, it was removed.

A WWE fan uploaded them to YouTube and that video has also been removed by YouTube, at the request of WWE.

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some of JR’s thoughts on Sunday’s WWE Over The Limit pay-per-view:

CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan: “The WWE Title bout was the overwhelming show stealer in Raleigh. @CMPunk vs. @WWEDanielBryan had one of the best bouts that I can recall seeing in years … They were virtually seamless, had animalistic intensity, dehabilitating strikes, crippling and painful submissions and told an overwhelmingly compelling story …  It would appear that WWE has found lightning in a bottle with the two, former independent grapplers who paid their dues time and time again for little money to earn the opportunity to play at the highest level in the business, the WWE. Was it better than WM28 Undertaker vs. HHH? Not in my view but it was damn close and considering the atmosphere at OTL compared to Miami that’s a viable compliment.”

“This rivalry has unlimited potential including the opportunity for an Ironman Match, 30 or 60 minutes, among many other show stealers.”

Sheamus vs. Jericho vs. Orton vs. Del Rio: “The Fatal Fourway at OTL was another outstanding outing where all four performers had their ‘moments’ and the match had many momentum swings. Sheamus is a big, tough lad who is getting more popular by the week and because of his tireless work ethic the Irishman deserves all the success that’s coming his way. I enjoy Sheamus a great deal because he comes to work with a lunch pail mentality and appears to truly enjoy physicality.”

Kofi Kingston & R-Truth vs. Jack Swgagger & Dolph Ziggler: “The tag title bout, without a great amount of fanfare going in, delivered, as well. Kofi and Truth are evolving and can hopefully continue to breath more life into the tag titles while Swagger and Ziggler are simply two of the most naturally gifted, athletic performers currently in WWE. Kofi in particular had some amazing moments during the latter stages of the tag title bout as his physical skills are significant. The talented Ziggler is Curt Hennig-like in some ways.”

– After Big Show’s surprise turn against John Cena at Sunday’s Over The Limit pay-per-view, expect to see a singles match between Cena and Big Show at No Way Out next month. Expect to see John Cena vs. Big Show in a steel cage match.

– WWE Diva Kelly Kelly has WWE Diva has made Maxim Magazine’s Hot 100 list. She ranked #38 this year, way up from #82 last year. She tweeted on Monday:

“I couldnt be happier to be #38 on maxims hot 100 list!!!! Such an honor!!!!! I want to thank all the fans for the support love you guys xoxo”

– WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler “downloads” and dissects dance fail videos in Episode 17 of WWE Download:

Chris Jericho recently spoke to The Sun about his current WWE run, touring with Fozzy this summer and more. Here are some highlights of what Jericho said about:

His Feud With WWE Champion CM Punk:

“It was a blast. It was the reason I came back. I went to meet with Vince in August to discuss working Wrestlemania with Punk. I knew we could do something with the ‘best in the world’ thing, and it amped up really well with the alcohol thing.

“It’s all about the storyline to get you to the match and I thought both matches were great.

“All that I care about is that I walked out of both of them feeling very vindicated and very happy with both. They were both excellent matches to add to my résumé.”

The Little Girl In His “End Of The World” Promo Videos:

“[Fans] were looking too deep into it — WAY too deep. It was just supposed to be a creepy thing. My idea was that it was the Mayan calendar in 2012 saying it’s the end of the world and I was going back and it’s the ‘end of the world as you know it’. It’s the end of the way that you used to live and it’s a new world.”

“The girl we just put in because she was creepy looking. There was never supposed to be a girl coming in with me — there wasn’t a change of plan. It was exactly what it was intended to be — a cryptic little cool thing that led to me coming back and doing what I did.”

Not Saying A Word When He Returned To WWE In January:

“That part was Vince’s idea. He was the one that suggested that and I thought it was great. I like to do something different that people don’t expect. That’s what I’ve always been about, in everything I do.”

– Today would have been the 45th birthday of Chris Benoit and the 48th birthday of Nancy “Woman” Benoit.

– WWE Divas Champion Layla got so many write-in votes for Maxim’s annual Hot 100 list that she might make the list. Maxim wrote about Layla:

“This British-born dancer, model and WWE Diva could easily knock any of us off of our feet. We feel a little light-headed just thinking about it.”

– After failing to capture the World Heavyweight championship in the fatal fourway match at WWE Over The Limit, Chris Jericho has now lost 5 consecutive PPV matches since returning in January.

The WWE website had an article up last week speculating whether Jericho would stick around if he did not win the title last night. Jericho is expected to finish up with WWE soon to begin touring with his metal band, Fozzy.

Tonight’s WWE RAW Supershow takes place from the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Virginia with the fallout from Sunday’s Over the Limit pay-per-view.

After turning on John Cena and helping John Laurinaitis save his job at Over The Limit, “former WWE Superstar” the Big Show will explain his actions tonight.

Neither Triple H or Paul Heyman are advertised for RAW, but it’s possible Heyman will appear to keep Brock Lesnar on the WWE radar.

Michael Cole informed fans during Over The Limit that we’ll hear more details about RAW is expanding to 3-hours on a permanent basis starting July 23rd.

Smackdown stars scheduled to appear include Sheamus, Randy Orton, Alberto Del Rio, and Daniel Bryan. Chris Jericho is also advertised for tonight the night after coming up short last night and losing his 5th straight pay-per-view match since returning back in January.

Matches that are advertised locally include John Cena vs. Lord Tensai and John Laurinaitis in a Handicap Match and WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan in an Over The Limit rematch.

Stephanie McMahon was interviewed by Eric Goldman of IGN at last week’s USA Upfronts event and spoke about Monday Night RAW expanding to 3-hours permanently starting July 23rd. Here are some highlights of what Stephanie said about:

The Challenges Of Producing An Extra Hour Of TV Every Week:

“It’s going to be the first-ever regularly scheduled three-hour program on television and I think we’ve got a pretty good handle on it thus far! You know, we do a three hour show called a Pay-Per-View almost every month and Monday Night RAW, we’ve done three hours before, so we feel great about it.”

The New Interactive Aspects Of The Show:

Fans at home will be able to pick “matches, stipulations, anything and everything. Different things every week.”

“This is going to be the most interactive show in television history,” she said. “Our audience is going to have the chance to effect something in the show every week.”

Whether She Will Ever Return To WWE Television:

“Who knows? Maybe you’ve got to tune into the 1000th RAW on July 23rd! It’s so much fun when we have an event episode, because you really get to plan around it and the creative flows and its just a lot of fresh faces and old faces. It’s great.”

Check out these recent pictures of the McMahon family together:

[nggallery id=13]

– After Sunday’s Over the Limit PPV went off the air, John Cena continued to sell the effects of Big Show’s WMD knockout punch.

Cena eventually came to and made it to his feet before staggering out of the ring and walking back to the state to end the show.

– The WWE website has a storyline article up looking at the ‘injuries’ John Laurinaitis sustained at the hands of John Cena. The following is an excerpt:

“Mr. Laurinaitis was rushed to the emergency room from Raleigh, N.C.’s PNC Arena, showing signs of a possible concussion, possible ACL damage to his knee and a possible spinal injury. To add to this litany of serious injuries, the executive also suffered contusions over his entire body and was said to have difficulty raising his left arm and left leg, which can indicate possible nerve damage. The General Manager may have also suffered a broken clavicle.

The article states that none of the injuries are fully confirmed and John Laurinaitis’ status for tonight’s RAW is still up in the air.

The following are tweets from wrestlers, divas, legends and more regarding WWE Over The Limit:

CM Punk: “A winner is me! Everything hurts. Headed to the pay window!”

Jim Ross: “Give em more time! Most decisions in 30 or 60 minutes! @CMPunk retains by eyelash. @wwedanielbryan freakish..Punk best in the world.”

“Helluva Fatal 4 Way at OTL. Great effort…aggression..execution. I loved the pace. Congrats to all. THAT’s maximizing one’s minutes.”

“What do I want from Swagger & Ziggler? Badass aggression! Physicality! Excellent tag title bout. Maximizing minutes.”

Christian: “Felt great to get back.. I dedicate my win tonight to my all time favorite IC champ #MachoMan #OohYeah #OverTheLimit”

Chris Jericho: “Amazing Fatal FourWay match and crowd tonight in Raleigh! That’s what this biz is all about kids… #overthelimit”

Layla: “Yaaayy!! Still Divas Champ!! #overthelimit Muaaahhzzzzz”

Joey Styles: “OH MY GOD! @CMPunk & @WWEDanielBryan had one of the greatest WRESTLING matches I have ever had the pleasure of watching. #WeGotWrestling”

Kofi Kingston: “They might be crappy people but Swagger and ziggler are damn good competitors. Hats off. @RonKillings and @TrueKofi still tag champs! #BOOM!”

Roddy Piper: “@CMPunk..Hey kid! Heard you stoled the show tonight. I expect nothing less. Good job. Next time, do better! Coach Hot Rod”

David Otunga: “I couldn’t be more proud of John Laurinaitis defeating @JohnCena at @WWE #OverTheLimit People Power is real and I never doubted it.”

Goldust: “My lil brother will be world heavyweight champion one day soon….proud of @CodyRhodesWWE”

Seth Rollins: “Not an hour, but still an awesome title match. And now Hunico. Cool. #OverTheLimit”

Curt Hawkins: “So proud of my boss @GMSmackDown …What an inspirational, hard fought victory tonight. #PeoplePower”

– Christian returned to action at Sunday’s WWE Over The Limit pay-per-view, winning the People Power Battle Royal to earn a shot at either Santino’s United States title or Cody Rhodes’ Intercontinental title.

After first picking Santino’s belt, he later changed his mind and challenged Cody title and defeating him to capture the Intercontinental championship. This is Christian’s fourth reign as IC champion.

– WWE had approximately 50,000 people watching the Over the Limit pre-show on simultaneously YouTube.com, which saw Kane defeat Zack Ryder.

– The WWE website had a storyline article up during Over The Limit where the Board of Directors denied a last minute appeal from John Laurinaitis to lift the stipulation that any Superstar who interfered in his match against John Cena would be fired.

Welcome to our Live Coverage of WWE Over The Limit 2012 from the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Over The Limit YouTube pre-show is first, featuring Kane vs. Zack Ryder.

Zack Ryder vs. Kane

The pre-show kicks off with Ryder vs. Kane. Solid back and forth match action from both men, with Zack Ryder getting a surprising amount of offense. In the end, Ryder went for the Ruff Ryder, but walked into a chokeslam for the pinfall.

Winner: Kane

Josh Matthews and Matt Striker are ringside and run down the card for tonight. Video package looking at John Laurinaitis’ rise to power and feud with John Cena.

Eve is backstage when Cody Rhodes and Santino walk in with their title belts. The champions argue over which title has a more prestigious legacy. The winner of the People Power Battle Royal tonight will get to challenge for either the Intercontinental or the United States championships tonight. Reks and Hawkins eliminate Zeke together. Jey Uso is eliminated. Drew McIntyre eliminated. Hawkins and Reks eliminated at the same time. Great Khali eliminates Jinder Mahal. Young and Titus throw out Great Khali.

The Over The Limit commentary team of Michael Cole, Booker T and Jerry “The King” Lawler are introduced and come to the ring.

The Battle Royal will be the first match when the pay-per-view goes live at the top of the hour. Cody Rhodes’ music hits and he comes down to the ring to watch the battle royal. Santino is out next to watch as well.

The participants of the Battle Royal come down to the ring: The Great Khali, The Miz, JTG, Ezekiel Jackson, Curt Hawkins & Tyler Reks, Michael McGillicutty, Yoshi Tatsu, Tyson Kidd, Jimmy & Jey Uso, Jinder Mahal, Drew McIntyre, Heath Slater, Titus O’Neal & Darren Young, Alex Riley, David Otunga, William Regal and Christian!  The pre-show is over and we’re live on pay-per-view.

People Power Battle Royal: Winner Choses To Challenge Either Santino Or Cody Rhodes For Their Title Tonight:

Heath Slater is eliminated first, followed by Michael McGuillicutty. The Usos give JTG a double superkick and he’s eliminated. Drew McIntyre tosses Yoshi Tatsu out. Jimmy Uso throws out Titus O’Neal. Darren Young eliminates Jimmy Uso. Christian throws out William Regal to a huge round of boo’s. The Miz eliminates Darren Young. We’ve got Miz, A-Ry, Otunga, Kidd and Christian left. The Miz eliminates his former protege, Alex Riley. Tyson Kidd tries to skin the cat but The Miz eliminates him. Otunga and Miz agree to work together and eliminate Christian. The heels work him over but Christian gets the upper hand. Christian throws out Otunga and Miz tries to eliminate Christian. Each man tries to hit their finisher but neither can pull it off. Miz on the apron and Miz is trying for the win. Christian gets the upper hand, throws Miz onto the apron as well and eliminates him.

Winner: Christian

Christian looks at Santino and decides he will challenge him for the United States championship later tonight.

The commentators run down what’s at stake between John Cena and John Laurinaitis later tonight. A promo airs for People Power and John Laurinaitis.

The opening video then aired welcoming us to Over The Limit.

Vickie Guerrero comes out and introduces her boys, Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger.

WWE Tag Title Match: Kofi Kingston & R-Truth vs. Dolph Ziggler & Swagger

The champions come out and we’re ready to kick this one off. Kofi a nd Swagger start off, with Swagger getting the upper hand using mat wrestling. Kofi tags in R-Truth, who unloads on Swagger and hits some high impact offense on Swgger. Ziggler and Kofi Kingston now in. Ziggler gets the upper hand and Swagger tags in. They challengers have Kingston isolated and are doing a number on him. Swagger wearing Kofi’s arm down with mat holds. Kofi tries to get the upper hand but Swagger takes him out with a belly to belly suplex and showboats for the crowd. Swagger misses a legdrop and Kofi tags in R-Truth. R-Truth unloads again on Swagger with his signature flashy offense. Ziggler interferes and allows Swagger to get control. 2nd rope springboard splash on Truth and Ziggler is tagged in. Big elbow drop on R-Truth and a 2-count. Vickie is screaming at ringside. The heels continue to make quick tags. The crowd is chanting “Truth” while Ziggler gets several 2-counts on Truth. Swagger tagged in and the champions look to be in trouble. Kofi goes for Trouble in Paridise but no go. He goes for SOS and nails it, gets a 2-count until Swagger breaks it up. Ziggler nails Kofi with a Zig Zag and gets a 2-count before R-Truth breaks up the pin. R-Truth dives to the outside onto Swagger and Kingston nails Ziggler in the face with Thunder in Paradise for the win.

Winners and Still Champions: Kofi Kingston & R-Truth

Backstage, Eve is with Reks and Hawkins, who are wearing People Power t-shirts. Eve tells them their job is to go into the audience and confiscate any signs that are perceived as offensive to John Laurinaitis. Eve checks with Otunga to make sure that’s legal – and he assures her it is.

Divas Championship Match: Layla vs. Beth Phoenix

Phoenix is out first, followed by Layla. Back and forth action for the first few minutes with Phoenix in control most of the time. Phoenix works on the injured knee that kept Layla out for a year. Beth wraps Layla’s knee around the ring post and slams the knee into the post. Layla on the outside grabbing her knee in pain. Layla back int he ring and Beth continues to work on the knee. Cole and Booker T talk about the seriousness of knee injuries, with Jerry Lawler talking about how Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin battled knee injuries for years. Half crab on Layla and Beth Phoenix is firmly in control so far. Beth presses Layla over her head, but Layla reverses it and nails her with a DDT. Layla gets a 2-count. Several quick back and forth 2-counts. Vicious neck breaker out of nowhere by Layla and she gets the pin.

Winner & Still Champion: Layla

Randy Orton is backstage with Matt Striker. They show footage from SmackDown with Sheamus defeating Orton, them shaking hands and Orton giving Sheamus an RKO. Orton hypes their match and in walks Chris Jericho. Jericho’s hair is brown and the darkest we’ve ever seen it in WWE. Jericho says he’s beaten Sheamus and Orton in the past month and he’s going to become the World Heavyweight champion once again. Orton says if he gets in his way tonight – he’s going to be the Best in the World – at getting RKO’d.

World Heavyweight Championship Match: Sheamus (c) vs. Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho vs. Alberto Del Rio

Del Rio is out first followed by Chris Jericho, Randy Orton and finally the World Heavyweight champion, Sheamus. Lilian Garcia does the introductions for the participants of this fatal fourway match. The bell rings and the faces attack the heels and send them outside. Randy Orton and Sheamus are in the ring. All four men battle on the outside and once again, it’s Orton and Sheamus in the ring. Sheamus in control of Orton when he runs against the ropes but Chris Jericho pulls the rope down and sends him to the outside. Del Rio stomps down Orton as the crowd chants “Si!”. Jericho joins in and the heels take turns attacking Orton. The heels work together to suplex Orton.

The heels then go to the outside and double team Sheamus, who tries fighting back but is overwhelmed by their attack. Sheamus thrown head first into the announcer’s table as the heels dominate. Back in the ring, Randy Orton gets the upper hand on Jericho and Del Rio. Orton mounts an attack against Jericho, but Del Rio gets involved. Del Rio now attacks Orton, gets a 2-count but is interrupted by Chris Jericho. Del Rio and Chris Jericho are now going at it, with Del Rio winning the exchange with a suplex. Orton and Jericho now going at it, with Sheamus still on the outside for most of the match so far. Sheamus finally gets back into the match and delivers some brutal offense to Del Rio.  Ricardo Rodriguez distracts Sheamus and Del Rio hits a brutal inseguri on Sheamus. Del Rio in control of Sheamus with Jericho and Orton outside of the ring. Sheamus goes for the Celtic Cross but Del Rio gets free and chops him down with kicks. Randy Orton and Christian now in the ring with Orton hitting his signature moves. Powerslam on Sheamus and the Viper is in that “special place.” Orton goes for the 2nd rope DDT on Sheamus and Orton is gearing up for an RKO. Del Rio comes from out of nowhere and gives Orton his cross arm breaking. Orton tries to make it to the ropes until Chris Jericho breaks it up with an elbow smash on Del Rio. Jericho now working on Del Rio. Lots of fast paced action with all 4 men hitting big moves. When the dust settles, Orton is the only man standing. Orton gives a double 2nd rope DDT to Del Rio and Ricardo 2-count on Del Rio. Orton tries going for an RKO on Jericho but gets hit with a Codebreaker. Del Rio does the cross armbreaker to Jericho and we could have a new champion. Jericho breaks free and goes for the Walls of Jericho! Del Rio is about to tape when Sheamus goes for the Brogue kick. Jericho moves out of the way and nails Sheamus with a codebreaker! 1-2-no! Jericho screaming at Sheamus and kicking him while he’s down. Jericho goes for the Walls on Sheamus and locks it in. Sheamus refuses to tap, but Jericho moves in to the center of the ring and it’s not looking good. Rnady Orton nails Jericho with an RKO but only gets a 2-count. Sheamus nails Orton with a nasty Brogue kick, but only gets a 2-count. Sheamus hits Jericho with White Noise and gets the pinfall to win the match.

Winner & Still World Heavyweight Champion: Sheamus

Backstage, Cody Rhodes is shown with Eve and they talk about Christian and says he made the right decision by picking Santino as his opponent tonight. He turns around and Christian is right behind him. Christian says Cody Rhodes is completely full of crap – and he changed his mind – he wants to challenge Cody tonight for the Intercontinental title. Cody looks pissed as Christian walks off.

Back at ringside, the announcers talk about Christian’s decision to switch his opponent for tonight. The Miz’s music hits and out he comes.

The Miz vs. Bodus Clay

The Miz says he’s pinpointed what’s wrong with WWE – it’s Brodus Clay. He says he’s a better dancer than Brodus Clay and busts out his best Michael Jackson Thriller dance moves. Out comes Brodus Clay and his dancers. Brodus Clay is in control of this one, using his size advantage to throw Miz around the ring. Miz gets in some offense but it doesn’t last long. Clay hits a knee lift, then holds The Miz’s arms behind his back and delivers a series of headbutts to his back. Another minute or two of offense from Brodus Clay before he hits The Miz with a big splash and gets the pinfall.

The Winner: Brodus Clay

After that match, they take several kids into the ring to dance with Brodus Clay. At ringside, Hawkins and Reks are confiscating and tearing up signs from fans that are anti-People Power.

Intercontinental Title Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Christian:

Cody cuts a heel promo as he walks to the ring, running down North Carolina. Out next is Christian to a big pop. Decent 10 minute match with an even split of back and forth action. With Christian down, Cody Rhodes began screaming at him and the crowd. While Cody  is freaking out, Christian nails him with the kill switch for the 3-count.

Winner and NEW Intercontinental Champion: Christian

Promo airs for WWE No Way Out on June 17th.

Josh Matthews interviews WWE Champion CM Punk backstage. Footage is shown from SmackDown when Punk wrestled Kane. Daniel Bryan was on commentary and tried hitting Punk with a chair. Bryan hit Kane with the chair, got Punk disqualified and caused Kane to destroy Punk, thinking it was him who hit him with the chair. Punk says he’s feeling like crap – but he has reason to smile – because John Laurinaitis is getting fired tonight. But first – he has to deal with Daniel Bryan. Punk says it’s a triumph that he and Daniel Bryan have known each other for 10 years and have a ton of history. AJ walks in and says she can’t wait to watch the match tonight and gives Punk sexy/creepy eyes.

WWE Championship Match: CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan

Bryan is out first followed by CM Punk. Justin Roberts handles the formal ring introductions. The bell rings and the crowd is firmly behind CM Punk. Yes! chants have broken out.  Great technical wrestling and the crowd is split between both men. Bryan nails Punk with some brutal elbows to the head Brock Lesnar style. Several European uppercuts and CM Punk gets the upperhand. Punk goes for a surfboard submission. Missile dropkick from the top rope by Daniel Bryan and the challenger is in control so far. Daniel Bryan locks in a surfboard submission again and turns it into a modified dragon sleeper hold. CM Punk hits a fisherman’s suplex for a 2 count.

Back and forth “Daniel Bryan – CM Punk” crowd with the crowd very split. Daniel Bryan off the top rope with a diving head butt. Daniel Bryan nails his Yes! kicks on Punk, before Punk catches a kick and goes for a figure 4 leglock. The crowd chants Wooooo  as Punk and Bryan go back and forth slapping each other in the face while the leglock is still on. Bryan makes it to the ropes. Fast paced action – with Daniel Bryan delivering a swift kick to the back of Punk’s head. 2-count on Punk. The crowd is chanting “This is awesome.” Daniel Bryan pulls down his knee brace to expose his knee. He delivers a few knees to Punk’s gut in the corner as the crowd chants “Yes!”. Punk sets up Daniel Bryan on the rope and delivers a clothes line from the top rope.

Punk goes for the Go To Sleep but gets a 2-count. The action is very fast paced. Bryan thrown over the top rope but holds on and skins the cat. He gets back into the ring and gets kicked in the face by Punk. 2-count and both men are down and hurting. Punk goes to the top rope and nails the Savage elbow drop. Punk is hurting and selling injured ribs from Daniel Bryan’s offense earlier in the match. Daniel Bryan is delivering knees to Punk’s ribs as the crowd chants Yes! CM Punk goes for a bulldog but Bryan avoids it and locks in the Yes! Lock. Bryan is screaming YES! as they roll back together and the referee counts the 3. Punk taps as soon as the ref counts 3. Bryan’s shoulders were down and the referee counted the 3 before Punk tapped – so Punk is our winner. Very good match.

Winner & STILL WWE Champion: CM Punk

Backstage, Eve and David Otunga are walking around and bump into Teddy Long. They ask Teddy why he looks so happy – and they know what he’s thinking. If John Laurinaitis loses tonight and gets fired – he thinks he’ll be re-hired as General Manager. Teddy says if Laurinaitis gets fired, the Board of Directors might actually put Eve and Otunga in charge. However, the Board of Directors might also fire them too.

Camacho vs. Ryback

The crowd chants Goldberg as Camacho gets ready to be destroyed. Camacho goes for a suplex but it’s blocked. Ryback suplexes him and demands he get up for more. Ryback takes him down with a sloppy kick. More Goldberg chants. Ryback dominates him with power moves and even lands a few shots on Hunico whenever he gets on the apron. Spinebuster on Camacho and Ryback lifts him up for a powerbomb. Ryback hits his finisher for the win.

Winner: Ryback

WCW Clash of the Champions DVD promo. At ringside, the announcers hype the main event up next.

John Cena vs. John Laurinaitis (No DQ, No Countouts)

John Laurinaitis is out first in a red People Power track suit followed by John Cena. Laurinaitis takes off his track jacket to reveal his ring gear – black People Power body armor. As soon as the bell rings, Laurinaitis runs away. Cena chases him down outside the ring and brings him back into the ring. Cena throws him into the corner, pulls his shirt over his head and delivers several slaps to Laurinaitis’ bare chest and back. Cena gets Laurinaitis on his back and does an airplan spin. Total joke match so far with Michael Cole and the announcers laughing hysterically. It’s really not that funny. John Cena grabs the ring bell and rings it right next to Laurinaitis’ ear several times. Laurinaitis is selling that it really hurt his ears. Cena slams Laurinaitis into the announcers table several times. Cole asks if he’s ok as Cena does it again. Cena is destroying Laurinaitis. Cena puts a headset on Laurinaitis and puts one on himself and starts doing commentary. Cena pretends to be Booker T and then Michael Cole.

Laurinaitis is hurt bad an extends a handshake to Cena, hoping to declare a truce. Cena asks the crowd if he should do it and slaps Laurinaitis in he face instead. Body slam. Elbow off the ropes. Cena grabs a microphone and says he’s about to lock in the STF. He reminds him that if he taps out, he’s fired. Cena says he’ll let go if he can last 10 seconds. Cena asks the crowd to count along. He lasts 10 seconds and lets go of the hold. Cena says the good news is that he made it. The bad news is that he’s going to do it again. Laurinaitis holds on for 10 seconds once again – and Cena says this is pretty exhausting. Cena says he needs a drink – and Michael Cole says he could use one too after watching this match. Amen. Cena says Lauriniatis looks parched and brings several bottles of water into the ring. He dumps them over Laurinaitis’ head and then dumps one down the front of his pants.

Cena grabs a fire extinguisher and teases that he’s going to spray it into Laurinaitis’ face. Cena then sprays him down. Cena grabs a garbage pail from ringside and dumps it over Laurinaitis’ head. Laurinaitis escapes through the crowd but Cena catches him. Laurinaitis hurts Cena by attacking the arm that Brock Lesnar injured at Extreme Rules last month. Laurinaitis getting in some offense as they return to the ring. Laurinaitis gets a steel chair and nails Cena with it in the gut and then over the back several times. Laurinaitis gets a 2-count and grabs the chair again. Cena blocks a chairshot and hits Laurinaitis with it. Cena does You Can’t See me then hits Laurianitis with the chair again. Laurinaitis hits Cena with a low blow and rolls outside of the ring. Laurinaitis leaves through the crowd and exits the arena. Cena looks confused – when the Big Show comes out with Laurinaitis by the throat.

Big Show brings John Laurinaitis to the ring and throws him into the ring by his neck. John Laurinaitis is on the mat in between John Cena and the Big Show. Laurinaitis tried crawling away but Big Show steps on his hand to stop him.  Big Show grabs Laurinaitis by the throat and Laurinaitis pleads with him. Big Show throws Laurinaitis into Cena, who hoists him up for the Attitude Adjustment. Big Show then lands a knockout punch on John Cena and knocks him out cold. Laurinaitis wakes up and pins John Cena 1-2-3.

Winner: John Laurinaitis

After the match, Big Show holds up John Laurinaitis’ hand as the announcers speculate why the Big Show had a change of heart and sided with John Laurinaitis.

Laurinaitis walks to the back as the PPV goes off the air.

COMMENT BELOW and tell us what you thought of WWE Over The Limit.

As seen on Monday’s RAW, Big Show has been ‘fired’ by John Laurinaitis for making fun of his voice last week. During commercial break that aired right after Big Show was fired, he stopped on the ramp on his way backstage, bowed to the fans and waved goodbye.

John Laurinaitis tweeted the following after RAW:

“Tonight, @WWETheBigShow forced me to make an example out of him. Let that be a lesson to the entire locker room. #Raw”

To sell the storyline, Big Show’s profile to their Alumni roster and the WWE website has posted an article speculating who else might get fired for disobeying the General Manager of RAW and SmackDown:

“Under Laurinaitis’ tumultuous reign, Big Show and The Bella Twins have both been handed their walking papers. If Laurinaitis defeats John Cena at WWE Over the Limit and continues to serve as the GM of Raw and SmackDown, one can only wonder who might be next to face his wrath.”

We can confirm that one scenario that’s been discussed for Sunday’s Over The Limit pay-per-view is for Big Show to interfere in John Laurinaitis’ match with John Cena – and cost Cena the match. A stipulation was set on RAW that John Laurinaitis will lose his job if he loses to John Cena – and any WWE superstars who interfere will be fired. Since Big Show is already ‘fired’ – he can interfere, help John Laurinaitis win & keep his job – and then Laurinaitis would re-hire Big Show.

– John Cena vs. John Laurinaitis is scheduled to close tonight’s WWE Over the Limit pay-per-view from Raleigh, North Carolina.

– Former AWA Tag Team Champions and WWE stars The Rockers reunited on Saturday at a Frank & Sons Collectibles autograph event in California.

Picture: The Rockers Together Again – Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty

– Mick Foley recently told fans on Twitter that doctors advised him to drastically reduce the time he spends in front of his computer due to his history of concussions. Foley tweeted the following update over the weekend:

“trying to avoid going on the computer very much. Computer screens and camera flahes have been bothering my eyes lately.”

Chris Jericho and William Regal had a back-and-forth exchange on Twitter over the weekend. Jericho, who has accused CM Punk of ripping off his moves, is now being accused of the same offense by Regal.

Jericho tweeted on Saturday:

“Good news! Just signed a deal with Methuselah…I’m gonna wrestle until I’m 946 years old! Hurrah! Congrats fans, you got what u wanted!”

Regal replied:

“Perhaps I should invent some new stuff you can steal from me!”

Jericho responded:

“That would be great since you’ve done nothing new for years”

Regal got in the last word:

“While the likes of Chris Jerico and some of his worthless friends make a big production of passing the torch,I just do as I always do without fanfare and truly encourage,train and mentor the younger talent.How dare I call help without getting credit heaped on me.Shame,regal,Shame.”

WWE COO Triple H appeared on Saturday’s edition of magician Criss Angel’s online video show, CA Uncensored Triple H stayed in-character for most of the interview and was wearing his arm brace to sell the recent attack he suffered at the hands of Brock Lesnar.

Among the topics discussed – His ongoing feud with the former UFC Heavyweight champion,  whether he’d ever consider a career in MMA himself, who would win between Hulk Hogan vs. The Incredible Hulk, McMahon family cookouts, his training, WrestleMania 28, Jerry “The King” Lawler having an ‘accident’ in the ring and more.

Daniel Bryan will challenge CM Punk for the WWE Championship tonight at Over The Limit and spoke to IGN.com this week about that match, feuding with huge guys like Big Show and Mark Henry, his storyline with AJ and more. Here are some highlights:

IGN: Those of us who anticipated you becoming a World Champion in the WWE expected you to be having matches with guys like CM Punk. Guys similar to your stature. Did you ever think that your very first championship feuds would be against guys like Big Show and Mark Henry?

Bryan: No, I never thought that if I was going to be the champion in the WWE that those would be my first opponents. My first feuds. Especially because I also felt like I didn’t match up very well with those guys. But then it seems to me that both of those feuds went very well. And I was thrilled to wrestle those guys because it forces me to go outside my usual box. You know, I could go out there and wrestle CM Punk and have a fantastic match, but that’s along my normal line of thinking. Wrestling someone like Big Show requires a totally different style. And for me that was fun.

IGN: Are you yourself surprised, given your indie history and legacy, that you’re now a part of a major high-profile relationship storyline with AJ?

Bryan: [laughs] Definitely. And you know what’s funny is that I feel like – not since I started with WWE, but since I got fired and then brought back – they had this storyline with me and the Bellas. Then it was me and Gail Kim. And now it’s me and AJ. It seems like I’m always in these stories with these Divas. And I don’t know what the deal is. Maybe they just see me as someone who’d be funny to pair up with them. Like “Yeah, it would be funny to put him with the Divas.” But I really have no idea.

IGN: This Sunday, in your match with CM Punk, and given your history with him, will the WWE audience get to see some moves they might not have seen before?

Bryan: Oh yeah. I would expect that there will be moves that the WWE audience hasn’t seen before. And I hope that there is. I want it to be more than standard-fare. I think it’s going to be something that people aren’t used to seeing. And something that people will get excited about. Something that’s really fun to watch and engaging and hard-hitting. The kind of match that, when you buy a Pay-Per-View, that’s the kind of match you want to see.