Former WWE creative team member Seth Mates says if history is any indication – we shouldn’t expect a long title reign from new World Heavyweight champion Daniel Bryan. Mates tweeted on Monday afternoon @SethMates:
“To borrow a holiday metaphor, this is the time of year (between Survivor Series and the Royal Rumble) when Vince (McMahon) ‘tries on’ his new clothes or new main eventers.”
“Foley (99), Jericho (01), Evolution (03), Edge (06), Sheamus (09), Miz (10), Bryan (11) among those elevated during this stretch of (the year). And to continue with the bad holiday metaphor, Vince has (until) Royal Rumble undercard to return them if they don’t fit just right. Also, Jeff Hardy in ’08 – almost forgot him.”
“So don’t be surprised if Bryan loses the title at (Royal Rumble). Not a dealbreaker…just Vince’s history with change.”
As previously reported, WWE had planned to keep the title on Mark Henry much longer. However, Henry suffered a groin injury during his match with John Cena on RAW last week and the call was made for Henry to drop the title to Big Show and for Bryan to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase. Since Daniel Bryan’s title win was a decision that was made only days ago, it remains to be seen what WWE has planned for the World Heavyweight title in the early months of 2012.
– The New York Times has an article up today featuring NBC Universal executive Bonnie Hammer. The report features several quotes from WWE CEO Vince McMahon. When Vince was asked about working alongside Hammer, he said:
“She just came in and rolled up her sleeves. She taught us a lot about network quality writing, story arcs, character development. She really helped the overall brand.”
Hammer told The Times that she thought WWE should be a male soap opera and decided that a heavy sports emphasis of WWE’s programming limited its audience.
– After Sunday’s WWE TLC pay-per-view went off the air, CM Punk continued to celebrate by thrusting his arm into the air from atop the ladder to keep the crowd going. He then took a leisurely lap around ringside to interact with fans. When
Punk passed Lillian Garcia, he applied the open end of his handcuff to her arm (much to her surprise it seemed) and with a huge smile on his face led her into the back. She seemed slightly embarrassed, but amused.
– Divas champion Beth Phoenix mentioned Kharma in a tweet last night after TLC. Phoenix wrote:
“I’m not afraid of anyone or anything. I don’t believe in Kharma. I believe in me, myself, and I.”
Natalya has since chimed in with the following:
“@TheBethPhoenix … Not even @kharma can break us. Pinup strong forever.”
– The WWE website has a storyline update on Kevin Nash’s character following his Sledgehammer Ladder match with Triple H at Sunday’s TLC pay-per-view. As per the angle, Nash was “rushed to a near medical facility” with a nasal fracture and “multiple contusions.” WWE physician Chris Amann is quoted in the article and states that Nash will be out for up to 6 weeks.
— WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts has launched a new business at HandsToGo.com. The website is a site that sells portable massage devices. The $98 package includes the massager, 2 wires, 4 pads and free shipping.
Former WWE superstar Batista tweeted the following about Daniel Bryan’s World Heavyweight title win on Sunday night:
“excuse me! did i hear that right? Daniel Bryan World Heavyweight Champ. ummmmmmm…..ok.”
After Batista’s tweet set off a firestorm of responses from people calling him a hater for apparently not sounding pleased with WWE’s decision to put the World title on Bryan, he replied:
“man did that comment bring the tough guy haters out. well i’m at Gracie Fighter Tampa daily. 6333 s. dale mabry hwy Tampa FL. stop on by”
Shortly thereafter, Batista followed up with the following statement, explaining his relationship with Daniel Bryan and why tweets from haters mean nothing to him:
“so to clear up any misunderstanding about me hating on Daniel Bryan…actually i’ve been a supporter of his for years,unlike most of you Johnny come lately smart mark supporters. we actually had a hell of a match together that was originally supposed to be a squash match until this old broken down ex bodybuilder who never deserved to be champion and only had it handed to me because HHH was my boy…refused to job the kid out because i knew how good he was and wanted to have a f*cking match with him before i left the company. and a hell of a match we had considering where our respective places in the company were at the time. so yes im aware of all of his accomplishments and hard work through out the years and i’m thrilled to death for him….but still…World Heavyweight champ???ummmmmmm…ok. opinions are like *ssholes. my Twitter account,my opinion. and to all the bitch ass haters who just dogged me out and bitched about how horrible i was…..i’ve worked with HHH, the Undertaker,Rey Mysterio,Randy Orton Stone Cold,Edge,John Cena,Chris Benoit,Ric Fucking Flair!!etc.etc.. and they all respected me and my work. Eddie Guerrero respected my work. so don’t expect your little bullsh*t remarks to actually carry any weight. in your b*tch ass faces!! “
– John Cena was backstage at WWE’s TLC pay-per-view, but did not appear on television. It was decided by WWE’s creative team that it would be best to give Cena the night off and put the focus on Punk, Daniel Bryan and others.
– Everybody was very happy with the Triple Threat main event. Despite each men taking huge bumps during the match, CM Punk, The Miz, Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez were all ok after the match, but were understandably banged up.
– According to a source close to Kevin Nash, his match with Triple H at TLC will most likely be his farewell retirement match.
While it’s always possible he could lace up his boots again in the future, he was giving people the impression backstage that TLC was his last match. Nash tweeted after TLC:
Over the weekend, pictures were posted online of new anti-John Cena merchandise, including t-shirts that read “CENA SUCKS” and “We Can’t See You” with a picture of Cena’s face crossed out.
Cena has been responding to tweets about the new merchandise and revealed that WWE has wanted to capitalize on Cena haters for many years now:
“They have wanted too since 2008. I told them no. Finally I just said I dont care. Im fine with the way things are. Some like me. Some don’t.”
A fan asked Cena if WWE was disrespecting him by profiting off people taunting him. Cena said:
“Agreed. But WTF. Ignore it no longer. Its out there so those that wanna be like that should be able to voice their opinion. Like I said doesn’t change me one bit. Stay true..always have.. always will”
Another fan asked Cena when WWE was going to release anti-Rock shirts. Cena says there’s a double standard and we’ll never see merchandise disrespecting his WrestleMania 28 opponent:
CM Punk issued a statement on Twitter last night after TLC congratulating WWE’s young superstars on a historic night. Punk, who has been saying for months that he wanted to bring about change in WWE and pave the way for new talent to break through – and he’s proud that change has finally begun:
“Very proud right now. Proud of @WWEDanielBryan proud of @ZackRyder proud of my crew of young, talented hard workers. @findevan @TrueKofi …and a ton of others. Tonight was a great step toward the future of the wrestling business. That change I’ve been talking about? Started.”
Punk says he’s got his sights set on WrestleMania 28 – and he’s not waiting for the Royal Rumble to begin his “march to WrestleMania” –
“My march to Wrestlemania doesn’t begin after the rumble. It’s starts today. You’re in or you’re out. If you’re out, you’ll be left behind.”
Punk also tweeted a picture of himself and Daniel Bryan backstage at TLC, both holding their championship belts. The caption of the picture read:
Skip Sheffield, who has been on the sideline for almost a year and is expected to return to WWE soon, tweeted several cryptic messages over the weekend.
Sheffield hinted that he could be the man behind the recent “It Begins” videos and could be returning as his “Ryback” Terminator character.
“Sitting in a chair at a table in Sin City wondering why this ladder is in front of me? Laughing at the gossip, the Secret Power, it begins..
Who am I? Only time will tell, but rest assured narkboys Im not a Terminator sent to save John Connor. I also hate College Station #Fake
I refuse to type it yyywid is fake, accept n forget. My life my rules. Born n raised in Sin City, soon a psycho will be unleashed. #Patience”
It’s worth noting that back in October, it was reported that WWE applied to register a new trademarks for the name “Ryback.”
– Tonight’s WWE RAW Supershow takes place from Philadelphia, PA at the Wells Fargo Center. WWE is hyping fallout from TLC as well as an appearance from Kane, who returned last week.
The advertised dark main event will see John Cena vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk.
– Among the WWE-related topics that were trending worldwide on Twitter during TLC were:
CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, The Miz, Alberto Del Rio, MITB, Ricardo Rodriguez, WWE Network, Big Show, Figure 4, Kevin Nash, Triple H, Johnny Ace, Beth Phoenix, Kelly Kelly, Sheamus, RKO, The Bella Twins, Lilian Garcia, Zack Ryder, Wade Barrett, Teddy Long, Hornswoggle, Hunico and Rosa Mendes.
– BG James spoke to WWE.com last week and confirmed he is working with the WWE’s younger talent behind the scenes and helping groom the next generation of superstars. Road Dogg said that he still has something to offer the business and is excited for this new chapter in his career.
Shawn Michaels and William Regal, who both trained Daniel Bryan early in his wrestling career, commented on Bryan’s World Heavyweight title win at TLC last night.
HBK: “Obviously a big congratulations is due to Daniel Bryan. I couldn’t be happier for him. Awesome young man whose bright future has started!!”
Regal: “I’m very happy for Daniel Bryan.Well deserved.A truly world class Pro Wrestler and now World Champion.”
Bryan’s former home, Ring of Honor, also congratulated their former champion:
“We at Ring of Honor Wrestling congratulate Bryan Danielson on winning the World Heavyweight title. #watchroh RT”
Just minutes after Big Show defeated Mark Henry to capture the World Heavyweight championship, Daniel Bryan cashes in Money in the Bank and pins the Big Show to win the title.
The reason why WWE decided to take the World Heavyweight title off Mark Henry at Sunday’s TLC PPV is because Mark Henry is legitimately hurt.
Henry suffered what’s being described as a pulled groin, which he reportedly suffered during his match against John Cena on Raw last week.
After having the injury evaluated, it turned out to be more serious than originally thought.
The majority of WWE’s creative team wanted Henry to work a lighter schedule until the injury healed up, however Vince McMahon made the call to end Mark Henry’s title run months earlier than originally planned.
WWE began selling their first anti-John Cena merchandise at this weekend’s live events. Late Saturday night, we posted a picture of a “CENA SUCKS” shirt. On Sunday, we received the following picture from SEScoops.com reader Chris Lock of the back of the Cena t-shirt that reads, “We Can’t See You” with a picture of John Cena’s face X’d out.
Check out these pictures of WWE’s new anti-Cena t-shirt:
Developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose (formerly Jon Moxley) wrestled his first series of WWE matches this weekend. Ambrose wrestled Daniel Bryan on Friday and Saturday night – and we’re hearing that the matches received rave reviews.
Video has surfaced of Ambrose’s match with Daniel Bryan from Friday night – check it out here:
– Speaking of the 12/27 MSG show, that is the next scheduled appearance from R-Truth, who is currently on suspension due to a Wellness Policy violation. Truth’s suspension ends next weekend and he’ll be cleared to appear on the 12/26 episode of RAW from Chicago.
– A fan asked Chris Jericho on Twitter his thoughts on the masked Kane returning to WWE. Jericho, who has been very outspoken about the WWE product in recent months, said:
“Dont have any cos i dont care. @sameoldshit”
– WWE is hoping that Andrew Judelson, the company’s new Executive Vice President of Sales & Partnership Marketing, will help the company land some major endorsement deals for WWE superstars.
After months of being called a Fruity Pebble by his WrestleMania 28 opponent, John Cena can no longer deny The Rock’s claims.
In a cross-promotion between WWE and the Post Cereal company, John Cena is now featured on the box of Fruity Pebbles cereal. Fans who buy the Fruity Pebbles box featuring John Cena will get a chance to win tickets to a live WWE event, exclusive John Cena merchandise and a chance to meet John Cena himself.
A fan asked Cena on Twitter this weekend if it was ironic that he was featured on the Fruity Pebbles box and he replied:
“Ironic? No. Turning a negative into a positive ..yes. rise above hate. By the way…I love fruity pebbles.”
Check out these pictures of John Cena’s Fruity Pebble box:
Developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose (formerly Jon Moxley) wrestled his first series of WWE matches this weekend. Ambrose wrestled Daniel Bryan on Friday and Saturday night – and we’re hearing that the matches received rave reviews.
Ambrose is viewed as the wrestler with the most breakout potential at FCW and will be called up to the main roster sooner than later.
Ambrose along with former ROH Champion Seth Rollins (formerly Tyler Black) are said to be far and away the most talented wrestlers at developmental.
Many within WWE (as well as fans familiar with their work) have very high hopes that Ambrose and Rollins are the next crop of superstars and a sign of where WWE is headed with their style of wrestling.
John Cena tweeted on Friday that he will be watching Sunday’s TLC pay-per-view “as a fan” – a strong indication that he won’t be at the show. Cena, who wrestled at Friday’s WWE live event from Fort Myers, FL, followed up on Saturday that he will be at tonight’s RAW live event in Long Island and RAW on Monday night.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety JRsBarBQ.com. In this entry, Jim Ross runs down the card for tonight’s Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view and shares his predictions for each match.
TLC for WWE Title: “I look for CM Punk to retain. Punk is the hottest WWE Superstar on the roster at this time and seems to be building much needed momentum for a marquis, PPV selling bout at WM28. The question here is how well will the Miz and ADR distinguish themselves Sunday night? An off the chart performance by each would be superb.”
Cody Rhodes vs. Booker T: “IC Title at stake and the opportunity for the younger Rhodes to take another step up the ladder. I’ll be disappointed if this isn’t one of the best bouts of the night. Rhodes gets a quality win over a top veteran.”
Dolph Ziggler vs. Zack Ryder: “The United States Title is on the line in a contest that has the challenger finally getting a one on one, PPV opportunity. Contender Ryder has been campaigning vigorously for his chance and it’s here. Zigger is one of WWE’s most outstanding, young stars but Ryder’s time seems to be upon us. Ryder in somewhat of an upset.”
Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett: “Barrett truly NEEDS a major win here in this Tables match. This one is hard to predict but the slight nod goes to the Englishman.“
To find out Jim Ross’ predictions for Triple H vs. Kevin Nash and Mark Henry vs. Big Show, head over to JRsBarBQ.com.
Posted December 18th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: TLC.
– The Miz will be guest-starring on the USA Network show Psych. No word yet on when the episode will air, but the new season premiers on February 29th.
– Paul “Pee Wee Herman” Reubens was visiting at this week’s FCW tapings from Tampa.
– The WWE website has posted a storyline video interview with doctor Chris Amann. He says the WWE cameraman that Mark Henry attacked on SmackDown suffered three broken ribs and will be out for upto 3 months.
– Former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis is set to debut for Ring of Honor next Friday night, December 23rd. She’ll be accompanying her boyfriend Mike Bennett to the ring for his match against Jay Lethal.
– WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart is the latest person to speak out publicly about what’s wrong with WWE today. During an interview with Vezzy Parmesan, the Hitman talks about the “cookie cutter” look of today’s WWE superstars and how the WWE office doesn’t know what they’re doing. Bret echoes a sentiment felt by many WWE fans, which is that he’s sick of the company pushing the same superstars and not effectively developing new talent. Here’s a video of the interview:
– In a sign of just how popular WWE Champion CM Punk was this summer, Business Insider has released their list of this year’s “20 Most Valuable Players in Sports” and named Punk as #16. They wrote:
“16. C.M. Punk — There was a brief stretch this summer where pro wrestling was relevant, and that’s all because of Punk. His feud with WWE felt so real that he put the entire sport back in the spotlight”
– There’s been talk this weekend of a tag team title match being added to Sunday’s TLC pay-per-view, with Epico and Primo possibly getting a shot at Air Boom.
– Hardcore legend Mick Foley is now being advertised for WWE’s RAW live events after the holidays in New York City, Washington, DC and Hartford, CT.
Booker T spoke with The Baltimore Sun this week to promote Sunday’s WWE Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view, where he be coming out of retirement to challenge Intercontinental champion Cody Rhodes.
Here are some highlights of what Booker T said about:
His Relationship With Cody Rhodes: “Dusty Rhodes [Cody’s father] and I came up in the WCW era. Dusty said something to me a long time ago and I felt this about Cody actually. I did a Saturday show once and I was the first match out. I was a green kid and I went out and I wrestled and Dusty told me, ‘They won’t put you out first no more.’ That right there told me a whole lot about how Dusty Rhodes felt about me and we became really close at that point. I was really close with [Cody’s half-brother] Goldust, too. … And now you see the third generation, Cody Rhodes, the next kid. I really like what Cody has done in the past few years in the WWE. He has grown so much. But to actually go out there with Cody, it’s going to be an honor and it’s going to be great kicking his butt.”
TLC Being His Retirement Match: “This is my last hurrah. I really understand that this is about the young guys like Cody Rhodes. It’s about those guys taking it to the next level. But if I can help them make that transition to becoming superstars, future Hall of Famers, that’s what I’m here for. But as for me wrestling full time, I can’t see that happening. I’ve got twin babies and I’m content with this stage of life.”
The Current State of the Wrestling Indusry: “We’re in a down stage. We’re in a slow season. The sport of wrestling has always been like that. But I’ll tell you what, it’s [on the rise] again. Our young guys are really picking it up and really seeing what entertainment is all about: giving the crowd exactly what they want to see.”
During a WWE live event from Ft. Myers, Florida on Friday night, Kane appeared and had a physical altercation with John Cena. Kane unleashed hell on Cena, delivering a choke slam and tombstone pile driver.