Ivelisse Velez, who signed a developmental contract with WWE last month after competing on Tough Enough, has been added to the Divas roster on Florida Championship Wrestling’s official website.
Cortez is a 23 year old blonde beauty from Ponce, Puerto Rico and will be wrestling at FCW under the ring name “Sofia Cortez.”
[nggallery id=39]
WWE’s Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view is this Sunday night – and we want to know who you think will win each match. Vote here – and hit up the comments below with your additional thoughts.
[poll id=”31″]
[poll id=”32″]
[poll id=”33″]
[poll id=”34″]
[poll id=”35″]
[poll id=”36″]
Check out the latest episode of the Z! True Long Island Story, featuring guest appearances by Mr. Belding and Snooki:
Donny Marlow, Son of WWE Legend Haku
Florida Championship Wrestling talent Donny Marlow, son of the legendary Haku/Meng, made his WWE debut on Thursday’s episode of Superstars.
During the show, Hunico came out on the back of a lowrider bicycle, which was driven by Donny Marlow.
In the main event of this week’s show, the team of Primo and Epico (accompanied by Rosa Mendes) defeated WWE Tag Team Champions Air Boom in a non-title match.
Neither Hunico or Donny Marlow were ringside for the main event, so at this point it’s still unclear as to whether they will be aligning themselves with the Primo-Epico-Rosa trio.
You can watch Donny Marlow’s WWE debut on this week’s episode of Superstars:
Zack Ryder was interviewed by CarrollCountyTimes.com this week to hype Sunday’s Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view. After months of campaigning, Ryder finally gets a shot at Dolph Ziggler’s United States championship – which will cap off one of hell of a year for the Long Island native.
Here are some highlights of what Mr. Long Island Iced Z said about:
Taking Control of His WWE Career: “Earlier this year, probably January or so, I looked myself in the mirror and said this career is not where I want it to be. I had nothing to lose; I was on a path to get released. What were they going to do? Fire me? Not put me on TV? I wasn’t on TV anyway. My life was going to change one way or the other. I knew I was either going to get fired or get noticed. I got noticed.”
His Broski character: “Ninety-nine percent of that character is me. It is me — I’m a big kid living the dream, listening to boy band music, fist pumpin’ in the club, spiking my hair.”
Facing Dolph Ziggler at TLC: “If I won the United States Championship Sunday, it would be a perfect end to a storybook, roller coaster year. Starting from nothing and working my way up to being United States Champion, I don’t think it gets better than that.”
Click Here for More Recent Pictures of BATISTA
During an interview with the UK’s Daily Star to promote his new Scorpion King 3 DVD, former WWE superstar Batista had some harsh things to say about today’s WWE product.
Batista, who rose to superstardom right before WWE shifted to the current “PG Era” of programming, says today’s superstars are at a serious disadvantage compared to the previous generation of stars like Steve Austin, The Rock and Triple H.
Here are some highlights of what Batista said about:
The current WWE product: “It’s brutal. I can’t watch it. I can’t connect with it. I no longer know this business. I don’t do PG wrestling.”
The Miz and today’s Superstars: “Love me or hate me, when I was there everyone took one look at me and knew I could beat someone up. I don’t think they look at Miz that way. It’s sad. It’s not their fault. These days the guys have their hands tied, they are so limited in what they can do.”
“The difference is that guys like Rock, Austin, Triple H, excuse me, but they had to have the living sh*t beat out of them to get where they are. They went through war and the audience knows it and the audience appreciates it. The guys today will never get to that level. It’s sad, but that’s the reason for it.”
Strong words from the former WWE superstar. Hit up the comments below and tell us what you think about his views on today’s WWE product:
WWE SmackDown on Syfy
Credit to SEScoops.com reader Johnny for the following WWE SmackDown spoilers from Tuesday’s tapings in Raleigh, North Carolina:
* Booker T opened the show interviewed by Josh Matthews. Booker T talked about winning the Intercontinental Title at TLC but was interrupted by Cody Rhodes. If Booker interferes in Cody’s match tonight, their TLC match is canceled and Booker may be suspended.
* Cody Rhodes beat Daniel Bryan.
* Alicia Fox beat Natalya.
* Epico and Primo beat The Usos after interference from Rosa Mendes.
* Backstage segment with Mark Henry and Jack Swagger. Henry promises Swagger a title shot if he hurts Big Show.
* Big Show beat Jack Swagger while Mark Henry watched from ringside. Henry hit Swagger and a cameraman with a chair after the match and walked off.
* Backstage segment with Zack Ryder and Randy Orton. Ryder tries to get Orton to fist pump and WWWYKI but he won’t. They will be teaming later tonight.
* Ted DiBiase beat Heath Slater. After the match, Jinder Mahal attacked DiBiase. Teddy Long came out and announced Sheamus vs. Mahal.
* Sheamus beat Jinder Mahal with the Brogue Kick.
* Randy Orton and Zack Ryder beat Dolph Ziggler and Wade Barrett in the main event. Orton got the win on Ziggler with the RKO. Orton and Barrett had a staredown to end the show.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with his latest blog entry, which you can read in its entirety over at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Kane’s Return On RAW: “I thought it was an excellent surprise and it made an impact. Where it goes from here is anyone’s guess but getting back a star with Kane’s name identity is viable for WWE. He also looked to be leaner and in great physical condition. I’m still amazed that many fans thought that it really wasn’t Kane but an imposter or a ‘new’ Kane. Some even thought it was the Undertaker dressed in Kane attire.”
Which FCW Stars Should Get called Up: “Who should be called up next to WWE from FCW? That’s hard to say but the cupboards aren’t bare in FCW. Lots of good prospects. It’s perhaps more important for WWE to be ready for the called up young performers as any matter in the equation. Analogy…think NFL Draft but the team selecting the player doesn’t know what position to play the draft pick. What one does from the get go with a new talent is imperative.”
His Announcing Philosphy: “What is my announcing philosophy? Short answer is that embellishing the skills of the in ring talents comes first, why said talents are in a given bout follows, and always avoid using negative/negative analogies to describe the stars. Every performer has to have their redeeming qualities re-enforced no matter their TV persona. It’s a delicate, balancing act for broadcasters. Even villains, once clearly identified as villains, have positive attributes that need underscoring. Plus, the various titles have to be made to be special because they are intended to be and that will never change. Society understands championships. ”
Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem: “Lesnar vs. Overeem prediction for December 30? I can’t pick against Brock so I won’t. I’m a Lesnar fan but I will say that if Lesnar doesn’t destroy Overeem’s vertical base quickly and aggressively, Overeem can and will knock Brock out. The former WWE Champion’s standup/striking defense has to improve. Lesnar needs to dance with what ‘brung him’ and that is wrestling. Take Overeem down and then pound. Overeem’s hand strikes and knees are toxic. Don’t see this fight making it out of round two. Another question mark is if Brock is returning to the Octagon too soon after battling illness? That question will largely be answered on December 30. I am predicting a Lesnar win via stoppage.”
As always – head on over to JRsBarBQ.com to check out Jim Ross’ amazing line of BBQ products. JR’s Chipolte Ketchup, BBQ sauce and Main Event Mustard are a regular fixture of the fridge at SEScoops world headquarters. #Sauceit!
TNA Impact Wrestling
TNA taped the December 29th, 2011 Impact Wrestling on Tuesday and Wednesday night. Thanks to Eric for the following spoilers:
Taped Tuesday:
* Gail Kim and Madison Rayne call out Tara and Miss Tessmacher. Madison fires them both but Sting comes out and says Madison has no power. Sting makes Gail vs. Mickie James for the Knockouts Title tonight.
* Gunner with Ric Flair wrestled Douglas Williams to a no contest. Gunner hit the referee. Gunner DDT’d Williams on the concrete and he was stretchered out.
* Magnus and Samoa Joe beat ODB and Eric Young in the Wild Card Tournament.
* Rob Van Dam beat Kurt Angle by DQ when James Storm interfered.
* Kaz and AJ Styles beat Abyss and Scott Steiner in the Wild Card Tournament. Abyss turned on Steiner and laid him out in the match. Bully Ray came out to talk with Abyss. They will wrestle in Monster’s Ball at Genesis and if Abyss loses, he will re-join Immortal.
* Gail Kim defeated Mickie James to retain the Knockouts Title in a solid, long Knockouts match. While Gail was down on the outside and the referee was checking on her, a masked woman ran in and hit Madison Rayne’s finisher, laying Mickie out. Gail took advantage and got the pin on Mickie. There was lots of chatter in the crowd that Melina was the one who appeared.
Taped Wednesday:
* Bobby Roode did a segment where he attacked an old friend from outside of TNA. Jeff Hardy made the save.
* Zema Ion beat Tony Nese in the third match of the Best of 3 Series. A contract was on a pole and Ion will face Austin Aries for the X Division Title at Genesis.
– WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Snuka is reportedly in need of ankle replacement surgery, which will cost over $20,000. ECW original Dawn Marie is organizing a series of fundraisers to help pay for Snuka’s medical bills.
– To update the status of Chris Hero, there was reportedly an issue that came up when he was undergoing a series of physicals prior to WWE signing him to a developmental deal. He is still expected to join his former tag team partner Claudio Castagnoli at FCW early next year.
As we reported a few days ago, Chris Hero appeared at a Pro Wrestling Guerrilla show over the weekend and told fans it might be the last time they see him in a PWG ring, as he’s got a big announcement he’ll be making shortly.
– Steve Austin continues to keep the possibility open that he’ll wrestle another match. When asked by a fan if he’ll wrestle again, Austin said there’s one major condition that would need to occur in order for him to wrestle again:
“I wouldn’t even consider stepping back in the ring for one more match unless @JRsBBQ was calling it. #bestannouncer.”
(Partial source: f4wonline.com)
– Essence Magazine just released their Sexiest Men of the Year list. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was listed at #7.
– Following his recent release from WWE last month, it’s come out that John Morrison had been planning to leave the company for several months before his contract expired, going as far back as July. Morrison’s body has been banged up for a long time and still plans to break into acting.
– Road Dogg Jesse James has changed his Twitter handle to @WWERoadDogg. As a WWE producer, he’ll be backstage at all television and pay-per-view shows.
– SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia mentioned on Twitter that she will be filming a new music video next week.
(Partial source: f4wonline.com)
While we don’t get to see the lovely Maryse Ouellet on WWE television anymore, her modeling career is still in full effect.
Maryse and her boyfriend The Miz were in Los Angeles at a “NOH8” event earlier this week. Maryse participated on-stage in a photoshoot for the “NOH8” campaign, which aims to bring about equal marriage rights for same-sex couples.
Check out these recent pictures of the gorgeous French Canadian at the NOH8 event – as well as some behind-the-scenes, candid pictures of Maryse.
Once again … damn you, Miz.
Florida’s NaplesNews.com has an article up looking at the career of SmackDown superstar Wade Barrett.
Barrett, who reveals that his ring name is a nod to rock band Pink Floyd’s founder, Syd Barrett, talked about how becoming a pro wrestler has allowed him to achieve a lifelong dream.
“I realized, statistically, the chances of me getting to the WWE and being very successful were very slim. I always hoped it would happen for me. I was very lucky to get the opportunity and I was going to make sure I was going to make the most of it.
“Wrestling was my first passion and something I wanted to do from a very young age.”
He was studying Marine Biology at the University of Liverpool when he decided to start training to become a professional wrestler. He worked for several independent promotions in the UK and hoped to one day make it to the big stage of WWE.
After making a huge splash in the Summer of 2010 as the leader of the Nexus faction, Barrett admits that he very quickly fell from the main events and got lost the the shuffle. Now, with his Barrett Barrage angle, he’s looking to make it back to the top:
“Wrestling is quite cyclical in its nature. If you have the same guys at the top of the card all the time, people get bored of it. They don’t want to see the same guys wrestling over and over again.
“I had a bit of a lull, but it allowed other guys to move up to the spot I had. The feud with Orton propelled me to the top of the card again. Things have been going very well for me. I didn’t take it personally when I moved down the card. People have to move up and down to keep things fresh. That’s the nature of the business.”
He also spoke about the toll professional wrestling can take on your body and life on the road, calling it a “lonely existence.” To read the full interview, head over to NaplesNews.com.
TNA Impact Wrestling
Credit to TNAInsider.com for the following live report from Wednesday’s Impact Wrestling results.
– Zema Ion defeated Anthony Nese in their Best of 3 Series. Ion faces Austin Aries at Genesis for the X Division championship.
January 5th IMPACT Wrestling
– Sting and Jeff Hardy are in the ring. Sting goes on to talk about his past mistakes and his own personal demons. He compares them to what Jeff Hardy recently went through. Bobby Roode, Kurt Angle and Bully Ray interupt. Roode says that sting is showing favoritism to a screw up like Jeff Hardy and that he does not deserve a title shot after what happened. James Storm and Abyss interupt Roode and begin to talk about their respective matches at Genesis. Sting announces a six man tag match between them all.
– Gail Kim and Madison Rayne defeated Mickie James and Traci Brooks
– Gunner and Rob Van Dam wrestled to a No Contest. Gunner and RVD continued to fight. Gunner gets the better of RVD and was about to Piledrive RVD onto the concrete. TNA agents manage to hold back Gunner just in time.
– Zema Ion and Jesse Sorensen defeated Austin Aries and Kid Kash when Sorensen pinned Aries with his Whiplash maneuver.
– Wildcard TagTeam Tournament final: Magnus and Samoa Joe defeated AJ Styles and Kazarian. Magnus pinn styles after Christopher Daniels distracts Kazarian and he misses AJ asking for a tag.
– Jeff Hardy, James Storm and Abyss wrestled Bobby Roode, Bully Ray and Kurt Angle to a no contest. After the match, Roode and Angle held Hardy and Storm in submission moves. Bully Ray choked Abyss with a chain.
WWE’s developmental system is on the verge of undergoing some major changes in the coming months – and it all has to do with how WWE calls up their talent to the main roster.
Recruiting talent is not an issue at this point – as Florida Championship Wrestling currently features on of its best rosters ever. Wrestlers such as Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Husky Harris and Percy Watson all have potential to be breakout stars – but WWE has learned the hard way how absolutely crucial first impressions are and what happens when you introduce talent before they’re ready.
Triple H’s latest inititive is not to bring developmental talent to the main roster until the WWE creative team has a character in mind for them and a long-term idea of how to use them.
On many occasions, WWE has called up wrestlers without properly introducing them or having an angle for them. The wrestlers are seen as “filler” and their careers are badly damaged.
It’s been acknowledged that several FCW stars have more potential than guys on the main roster, but WWE does not want to bring the FCW guys up until their characters are more polished.
Because many of FCW’s most promising stars spent years working the independent scene (Rollins, Ambrose), that path is no longer looked down upon the way it was just a few years ago. Maybe that Punk guy had something to do with that.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
– Rey Mysterio was telling people backstage at Monday’s Slammy Awards that he’s in no rush to return. After his latest knee surgery, he wants to make sure he’s 100% before wrestling again.
While he was hoping to be back in action in time for WrestleMania on April 1st, he’s now shooting for May.
– As for Sin Cara, he’s got about four months before he’s ready to return following his recent knee surgery. He’ planning to compete at WrestleMania and does not want to miss the big payday.
– As we reported last week, Kaityn’s recent heel turn and attack on AJ Lee was edited off the 12/6 episode of SmackDown. The segment was cut due to time constraints. WWE did not follow up on the angle at this week’s tapings, so the heel turn may have been dropped all together.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Nessletter)
– Some people within WWE are predicting the lowest buyrate of the year for Sunday’s WWE Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view.
– As we reported recently, Kelly Kelly has reportedly been trying to get her real name (Barbara Blank) out there, in the event that she does leave WWE down the road. When she recently launched her official website, she had originally bought the domain BarbaraBlank.com, but was told by WWE to use her WWE name and thus, she opened WWEDiveKellyKelly.com.
– Most of Jim Ross and Michael Cole’s interactions on RAW in recent months has been unscripted. JR is from an era where performers had to improvise on the mic, so he and Cole are trusted to work off bullet points instead of a full script.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
– Beth Phoenix and Natalya are seen as the only two Divas in the company who can actually work.
– Del Rio’s stock has fallen behind in WWE. While he was pushed as WWE champion just a few months ago, he’s now viewed as upper mid-card at best and not somebody who can be the top heel on RAW.
– The latest word on WWE’s Legends House program on the new WWE Network is that the show will tape from Tampa.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
CM Punk appeared on Baltimore’s 98 Rock this morning and spoke about a wide range of topics. You can listen to audio of Punk’s appearance below:
Here are some highlights of what Punk said about:
Recent Changes in WWE: “I recognize I still have a lot of stuff left to do. People need to get comfortable at the idea that stuff doesn’t happen overnight. I’m in this for the long haul, and I’m such a student of the game. I actually care so much, I’m not looking at tomorrow for everything to be different and better, I’m looking 10 years from now.”
Why The Locker Room Should Be Pissed At The Rock: “I don’t know Dwayne personally. I’m glad he’s back. He came back for Survivor Series, some more people watched the show, and they watched me become the man and watched me steal the show. So, it’s a business thing, but whatever industry you’re in, if that happens…I’m pissed off that I’m on the only one pissed off. It’s like, ‘Come on guys, don’t you have any pride in what you do? You’re just gonna let this guy come in [and steal the show]?”
Defending John Cena: “Here’s the thing. I think John Cena is tremendous. I think Cena doesn’t gets the credit for how hard he works. I said it in the promo I cut in Vegas, ‘I don’t dislike you, John, I dislike this idea that you’re the best and you’re afforded all of these opportunities.’…I don’t hate John at all. He’s actually one of my favorites guys to get in the ring with.”
His Relationship Status: Punk is currently single.
The Anonymous RAW GM: Punk said there was a plan for the RAW General Manager to be revealed but wouldn’t say who.
Del Rio Mishandled: Punk said Alberto Del Rio was a victim of the system and should have won the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania. Punk added that WWE is notorious for “cutting the throat” of some of their younger talents.
His Health: Punk admitted he is beat up but not in “crippling pain.”
You can listen to the full interview here:
SFC Joe Jones of the Golden Knights takes C M Punk for a ride from 13,500 feet. It was all part of the WWE Tribute to the troops week. Watch as SFC Jones puts CM Punk in a head lock while in freefall.
– Tuesday night’s Tribute to the Troops special on USA drew a 1.93 rating with 2.77 million viewers. Unlike RAW’s recent trend of losing viewership throughout the show, Tribute to the Troops started off with 2.75 million viewers in the first hour and rose to 2.78 million in hour two.
By comparison, last year’s Troops special – which aired on a Wednesday night, did a 2.0 rating with 3.01 million viewers.
– WWE announced a new executive hire on Wednesday. Andrew Judelson will be WWE’s new Executive Vice President of Sales & Partnership Marketing, effective January 2, 2012. Judelson, previously a senior executive from Sports Illustrated Group, the NHL and most recently U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), will be “a key member of WWE’s senior management team and responsible for all sales and key marketing partnerships for the company including talent endorsement deals.”
To read the full press release, head over to MarketWatch.com.
– John Morrison is reportedly asking $5,000 to make appearances at indy shows and autograph signings. Morrison has been approached by several top indy promoters and turned down solid offers that were less than $5k.
– The Newman Times-Herald is reporting that former WWE star Finlay’s son David is planning to get into pro wrestling once he graduates from high school. David is currently a standout high school wrestler and plans to train in Japan.
– New Jersey independent wrestler Dante Dash has been added to the WWE developmental roster on FCW’s website. You can check out his bio here.
– 80’s musician Stan Bush, who performs the song “The Touch” that was featured in CM Punk’s John Laurinaitis video tribute, tweeted the following about his song being used on RAW:
“@CMPunk Thanks for spinning The Touch on Raw! It’s the tune that never dies! #YouveGotThePower”
“The pro-wrestling world has been pretty kind to me in 2011! First it was @CHIKARApro now it’s @WWE – “The Touch” and wrestling work pretty well together!”
“Thanks for the kind words! I’m glad they played it – even for Johnny Ace!”
(Partial Source: pwinsider.com)
– After Tuesday night’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Raleigh concluded, Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes and Heath Slater beat down Randy Orton until Big Show made the save. Orton put Slater through a table to end the show.
– Chris Jericho was asked on Twitter about online reports that he’s returning to WWE to feud with CM Punk. Jericho, who is rumored to be returning to WWE in several weeks, called the reports “bogus, weak journalism.”
– WWE Games noted on Twitter that data from the new WWE ’12 video shows that CM Punk is the most-played superstar in the game.
– WWE officials Trish Stratus to appear at Monday’s Slammy RAW to present the Divalicious Slammy along with Lita. Trish turned down the offer because she would have to spend two full days traveling from/to Canada for a 5-minute television appearance. WWE was understanding about the situation and there’s no heat on Trish for declining the offer.
– Monday’s special 3-hour Slammy RAW drew a 2.84 rating. The final 2 hours (RAW’s usual timeslot) did a 2.98 – virtually even with last week’s 2.97. Continuing the trend of losing viewership in the final hour of the show, hour 3 did a lower rating than hour 2 this week.
– As we’ve seen in recent weeks, Monday’s RAW was re-written several times throughout the day. Triple H, who returned to RAW, won a Slammy and cut a promo on The Undertaker setting up a possible WrestleMania 28 rematch, wasn’t even booked to appear on RAW just a few hours before the show went on the air.
– Evan Bourne beat Tyson Kidd in the dark match prior to Tuesday’s NXT, Superstars and SmackDown tapings.
– John Cena is being advertised for Sunday’s Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view, but nothing has been announced for him as of Wednesday morning. There has been talk backstage this week that Cena could be added to as a special referee for the United States Title Match between Dolph Ziggler and Zack Ryder.
There’s also the longshot chance that Cena gets added to the triple threat main event between Punk, Miz and Del Rio.
(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)
TNA Impact Wrestling
TNA taped the December 22nd episode of Impact Wrestling on Monday and Tuesday night from Orlando. Here are full spoilers, thanks to Eric:
(Taped Monday)
* Special referee Madison Rayne comes out and brings Tara and Miss Tessmacher to the ring. Madison sets up Tara vs. Tessmacher for tonight.
* Miss Tessmacher and Tara wrestle a long, drawn out match with Madison as the referee. They turn on her, lay her out and do the Tim Tebow pose in the ring.
* Eric Young and ODB beat Shannon Moore and Anarquia in the Wild Card Tag Team Tournament. Young and ODB got the win after Moore walked out on his partner.
(Taped Tuesday)
* Kaz and AJ Styles beat Daniels and Rob Van Dam in the Wild Card Tournament.
* Tony Nese beat Zema Ion in match #2 of their Best of 3 Series.
* James Storm comes out to run down Kurt Angle. Angle appears on video dressed like a cowboy and is looking for Storm in his hometown.
* Bobby Roode comes out with Bully Ray. Roode cuts a promo on Sting when Jeff Hardy interrupts. Hardy says he’s taking the World Title at Genesis and that’s that. Roode and Ray vs. Hardy and a partner of his choice is announced for tonight. Sting comes out with his paint on and he’s Hardy’s partner.
* We see Kurt Angle the cowboy again and he’s beating up people in a bar, wanting his rematch with Storm.
* Sting and Jeff Hardy won a Street Fight over Bobby Roode and Bully Ray.